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Wang M, Schedel M, Gelfand EW. Gene editing in allergic diseases: Identification of novel pathways and impact of deleting allergen genes. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2024:S0091-6749(24)00328-2. [PMID: 38555980 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2024.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Gene editing technology has emerged as a powerful tool in all aspects of health research and continues to advance our understanding of critical and essential elements in disease pathophysiology. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) gene editing technology has been used with precision to generate gene knockouts, alter genes, and identify genes that cause disease. The full spectrum of allergic/atopic diseases, in part because of shared pathophysiology, is ripe for studies with this technology. In this way, novel culprit genes are being identified and allow for manipulation of triggering allergens to reduce allergenicity and disease. Notwithstanding current limitations on precision and potential off-target effects, newer approaches are rapidly being introduced to more fully understand specific gene functions as well as the consequences of genetic manipulation. In this review, we examine the impact of editing technologies of novel genes relevant to peanut allergy and asthma as well as how gene modification of common allergens may lead to the deletion of allergenic proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiqin Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cell Biology, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo
| | - Michaela Schedel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cell Biology, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo; Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital Essen-Ruhrlandklinik, Essen, Germany; Department of Pulmonary Medicine, University Hospital, Essen, Germany
| | - Erwin W Gelfand
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Cell Biology, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colo.
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2
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El Hajj Y, Shahin T, Dieng MM, Alshaikh M, Khair M, Manikandan V, Idaghdour Y. Pregnenolone sulfate induces transcriptional and immunoregulatory effects on T cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6782. [PMID: 38514798 PMCID: PMC10958000 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57327-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnenolone sulfate is a steroid metabolite of the steroidogenesis precursor, pregnenolone, with similar functional properties, including immunosuppression. We recently reported an elevation in serum levels of pregnenolone sulfate in children with malaria, contributing to an immunosuppressed state. Yet, the molecular mechanisms in which this steroid exerts its immunoregulatory functions are lacking. In this study, we examined the effects of pregnenolone sulfate on T cell viability, proliferation and transcriptome. We observed a pregnenolone sulfate dose-dependent induction of T cell death and reduction in proliferation. RNA sequencing analysis of pregnenolone sulfate-treated T cells for 2 and 24 h revealed the downregulation of pro-inflammatory genes and the upregulation of the steroid nuclear receptor superfamily, NR4A, as early-response genes. We also report a strong activation of the integrated stress response mediated by the upregulation of EIF2AK3. These results contribute to the knowledge on transcriptional regulation driving the immunoregulatory effects of pregnenolone sulfate on T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine El Hajj
- Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tala Shahin
- Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mame Massar Dieng
- Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Manar Alshaikh
- Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mostafa Khair
- Core Technology Platforms, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vinu Manikandan
- Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Youssef Idaghdour
- Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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3
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Hu Y, Wang L, Yang G, Wang S, Guo M, Lu H, Zhang T. VDR promotes testosterone synthesis in mouse Leydig cells via regulation of cholesterol side chain cleavage cytochrome P450 (Cyp11a1) expression. Genes Genomics 2023; 45:1377-1387. [PMID: 37747642 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-023-01444-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vitamin D receptor (VDR) mediates the pleiotropic biological actions that include osteoporosis, immune responses and androgen synthesis.VDR is widely expressed in testis cells such as Leydig cells, Sertoli cells, and sperm. The levels of steroids are critical for sexual development. In the early stage of steroidogenesis, cholesterol is converted to pregnenolone (precursor of most steroid hormones) by cholesterol side-chain lyase (CYP11A1), which eventually synthesizes the male hormone testosterone. OBJECTIVE This study aims to reveal how VDR regulates CYP11A1 expression and affects testosterone synthesis in murine Leydig cells. METHODS The levels of VDR, CYP11A1 were determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) or western blot. Targeted relationship between VDR and Cyp11a1 was evaluated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The levels of testosterone concentrations in cell culture media serum by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS Phylogenetic and motif analysis showed that the Cyp11a1 family had sequence loss, which may have special biological functions during evolution. The results of promoter prediction showed that vitamin D response element (VDRE) existed in the upstream promoter region of murine Cyp11a1. Dual-luciferase assay confirmed that VDR could bind candidate VDREs in upstream region of Cyp11a1, and enhance gene expression. Tissue distribution and localizatio analysis showed that Cyp11a1 was mainly expressed in testis, and dominantly existed in murine Leydig cells. Furthermore, over-expression VDR and CYP11A1 significantly increased testosterone synthesis in mice Leydig cells. CONCLUSIONS Active vitamin D3 (VD3) and Vdr interference treatment showed that VD3/VDR had a positive regulatory effect on Cyp11a1 expression and testosterone secretion. VDR promotes testosterone synthesis in male mice by up-regulating Cyp11a1 expression, which played an important role for male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Hu
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
- Shaanxi Province Key Laboratory of Bio-Resources, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
| | - Ge Yang
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
| | - Miaomiao Guo
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
| | - Hongzhao Lu
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
- Qinba State Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecological Environment, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- School of Biological Science and Engineering, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China.
- QinLing-Bashan Mountains Bioresources Comprehensive Development C. I. C., Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China.
- Qinba State Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Ecological Environment, Shaanxi University of Technology, Hanzhong, 723001, China.
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4
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Koh CH, Lee S, Kwak M, Kim BS, Chung Y. CD8 T-cell subsets: heterogeneity, functions, and therapeutic potential. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:2287-2299. [PMID: 37907738 PMCID: PMC10689838 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-01105-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
CD8 T cells play crucial roles in immune surveillance and defense against infections and cancer. After encountering antigenic stimulation, naïve CD8 T cells differentiate and acquire effector functions, enabling them to eliminate infected or malignant cells. Traditionally, cytotoxic T cells, characterized by their ability to produce effector cytokines and release cytotoxic granules to directly kill target cells, have been recognized as the constituents of the predominant effector T-cell subset. However, emerging evidence suggests distinct subsets of effector CD8 T cells that each exhibit unique effector functions and therapeutic potential. This review highlights recent advancements in our understanding of CD8 T-cell subsets and the contributions of these cells to various disease pathologies. Understanding the diverse roles and functions of effector CD8 T-cell subsets is crucial to discern the complex dynamics of immune responses in different disease settings. Furthermore, the development of immunotherapeutic approaches that specifically target and regulate the function of distinct CD8 T-cell subsets holds great promise for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choong-Hyun Koh
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Suyoung Lee
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Plus Program, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Minkyeong Kwak
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- BK21 Plus Program, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Seok Kim
- Division of Life Sciences, College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Incheon National University, Incheon, 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonseok Chung
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- BK21 Plus Program, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
- Wide River Institute of Immunology, Seoul National University, Hongcheon, Gangwon, 25159, Republic of Korea.
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5
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Roy S, Roy S, Mahata B, Pramanik J, Hennrich ML, Gavin AC, Teichmann SA. CLICK-chemoproteomics and molecular dynamics simulation reveals pregnenolone targets and their binding conformations in Th2 cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1229703. [PMID: 38022565 PMCID: PMC10644475 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1229703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnenolone (P5) is synthesized as the first bioactive steroid in the mitochondria from cholesterol. Clusters of differentiation 4 (CD4+) and Clusters of differentiation 8 (CD8+) immune cells synthesize P5 de novo; P5, in turn, play important role in immune homeostasis and regulation. However, P5's biochemical mode of action in immune cells is still emerging. We envisage that revealing the complete spectrum of P5 target proteins in immune cells would have multifold applications, not only in basic understanding of steroids biochemistry in immune cells but also in developing new therapeutic applications. We employed a CLICK-enabled probe to capture P5-binding proteins in live T helper cell type 2 (Th2) cells. Subsequently, using high-throughput quantitative proteomics, we identified the P5 interactome in CD4+ Th2 cells. Our study revealed P5's mode of action in CD4+ immune cells. We identified novel proteins from mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum membranes to be the primary mediators of P5's biochemistry in CD4+ and to concur with our earlier finding in CD8+ immune cells. Applying advanced computational algorithms and molecular simulations, we were able to generate near-native maps of P5-protein key molecular interactions. We showed bonds and interactions between key amino acids and P5, which revealed the importance of ionic bond, hydrophobic interactions, and water channels. We point out that our results can lead to designing of novel molecular therapeutics strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sougata Roy
- Department of Biology, Ashoka University, Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana, India
| | - Sudeep Roy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czechia
| | - Bidesh Mahata
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jhuma Pramanik
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marco L. Hennrich
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
- Cellzome, a GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) company, Genomic Sciences, Pharma R&D, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne-Claude Gavin
- Department for Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Centre Medical Universitaire, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Diabetes Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sarah A. Teichmann
- Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Theory of Condensed Matter, Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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6
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Li X, Li D, Li J, Chen Y, Cai Z, Tan F. A Prognostic Model of Head and Neck Cancer Based on Amino Acid Metabolism-Related Signature and Its Implication for Immunosuppressive Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11753. [PMID: 37511510 PMCID: PMC10380987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Amino acid metabolism has been implicated in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Alterations in intracellular and extracellular metabolites associated with metabolic reprogramming in cancer have profound effects on gene expression, cell differentiation, and tumor immune microenvironment. However, the prognostic significance of amino acid metabolism in head and neck cancer remains to be further investigated. In this study, we identified 98 differentially expressed genes related to amino acid metabolism in head and neck cancer in The Cancer Genome Atlas. Using batch univariate Cox regression and Lasso regression, we extracted nine amino acid metabolism-related genes. Based on that, we developed the amino acid metabolism index. The prognostic value of this index was validated in two Gene Expression Omnibus cohorts. The results show that this model can help predict tumor recurrence and prognosis. The infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment was analyzed, and it was discovered that the high index is associated with an immunosuppressive microenvironment. In addition, this study demonstrated the impact of the amino acid metabolism index on clinical indicators, survival of patients with head and neck cancer, and the prediction of treatment response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. We conducted several cell experiments and demonstrated that epigenetic drugs could affect the index and enhance tumor immunity. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that the index not only has important prognostic value in head and neck cancer patients but also facilitates patient stratification for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuran Li
- Department of ORL-HNS, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Danni Li
- Department of ORL-HNS, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Jiaojiao Li
- Department of ORL-HNS, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Yiliang Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Zhenyu Cai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
| | - Fei Tan
- Department of ORL-HNS, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 201804, China
- The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland
- The Royal College of Surgeons of England, London WC2A 3PE, UK
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7
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Vagnerová K, Jágr M, Mekadim C, Ergang P, Sechovcová H, Vodička M, Olša Fliegerová K, Dvořáček V, Mrázek J, Pácha J. Profiling of adrenal corticosteroids in blood and local tissues of mice during chronic stress. Sci Rep 2023; 13:7278. [PMID: 37142643 PMCID: PMC10160118 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34395-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress increases plasma concentrations of corticosteroids, however, their tissue levels are unclear. Using a repeated social defeat paradigm, we examined the impact of chronic stress on tissue levels of corticosterone (CORT), progesterone (PROG), 11-deoxycorticosterone (11DOC) and 11-dehydrocorticosterone (11DHC) and on gut microbiota, which may reshape the stress response. Male BALB/c mice, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and 16S RNA gene sequencing were used to screen steroid levels and fecal microbiome, respectively. Stress induced greater increase of CORT in the brain, liver, and kidney than in the colon and lymphoid organs, whereas 11DHC was the highest in the colon, liver and kidney and much lower in the brain and lymphoid organs. The CORT/11DHC ratio in plasma was similar to the brain but much lower in other organs. Stress also altered tissue levels of PROG and 11DOC and the PROG/11DOC ratio was much higher in lymphoid organs that in plasma and other organs. Stress impacted the β- but not the α-diversity of the gut microbiota and LEfSe analysis revealed several biomarkers associated with stress treatment. Our data indicate that social defeat stress modulates gut microbiota diversity and induces tissue-dependent changes in local levels of corticosteroids, which often do not reflect their systemic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Vagnerová
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 00, Prague 4-Krč, Czech Republic.
| | - Michal Jágr
- Quality and Plant Products, Crop Research Institute, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Chahrazed Mekadim
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Peter Ergang
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 00, Prague 4-Krč, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Sechovcová
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Department of Microbiology, Nutrition and Dietetics, Czech University of Life Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Vodička
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 00, Prague 4-Krč, Czech Republic
| | | | - Václav Dvořáček
- Quality and Plant Products, Crop Research Institute, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jakub Mrázek
- Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Pácha
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, 142 00, Prague 4-Krč, Czech Republic
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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8
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Mangani D, Yang D, Anderson AC. Learning from the nexus of autoimmunity and cancer. Immunity 2023; 56:256-271. [PMID: 36792572 PMCID: PMC9986833 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.01.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The immune system plays critical roles in both autoimmunity and cancer, diseases at opposite ends of the immune spectrum. Autoimmunity arises from loss of T cell tolerance against self, while in cancer, poor immunity against transformed self fails to control tumor growth. Blockade of pathways that preserve self-tolerance is being leveraged to unleash immunity against many tumors; however, widespread success is hindered by the autoimmune-like toxicities that arise in treated patients. Knowledge gained from the treatment of autoimmunity can be leveraged to treat these toxicities in patients. Further, the understanding of how T cell dysfunction arises in cancer can be leveraged to induce a similar state in autoreactive T cells. Here, we review what is known about the T cell response in autoimmunity and cancer and highlight ways in which we can learn from the nexus of these two diseases to improve the application, efficacy, and management of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Mangani
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Institute for Research in Biomedicine, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Universita della Svizzera Italiana, Bellinzona 6500, Switzerland.
| | - Dandan Yang
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ana C Anderson
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Mass General Brigham, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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9
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HSD3B1 Expression Is Upregulated by Interleukin 4 in HT-29 Colon Cancer Cells via Multiple Signaling Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113572. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase is essential for the synthesis of active steroid hormones. Interleukin 4 (IL4) induces the expression of HSD3B1 in various human cancer cell lines. Here, we demonstrated that administration of IL4 to an HT-29 colon cancer cell line induced high expression of HSD3B1 at the mRNA and protein levels. In the HT-29 cells, IL4 stimulated the activity of signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6) and promoted its binding to the STAT6-binding site in the HSD3B1 promoter. The STAT6 inhibitor significantly suppressed HSD3B1 induction by IL4 in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, inhibition of the PI3-kinase/AKT pathway strongly suppressed the IL4-induced HSD3B1 expression. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), a downstream target of AKT, had a stimulatory effect on the IL4-induced HSD3B1 expression. However, IL4 stimulated the phosphorylation of AKT, which inhibited the GSK3 activity at the early stage. Hence, GSK3 potentiated the HSD3B1 levels at the late stage of the IL4 stimulation. Additionally, inhibitors of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), ERK1/2 and p38, but not of JNK, partly reduced the HSD3B1 expression following the IL4 stimulation. We further demonstrated that IL4 potently promoted steroid synthesis. Our results indicate that IL4 induces HSD3B1 expression via multiple signaling pathways in HT-29 cells and may play a role in the regulation of steroid synthesis.
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10
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Steroid hormone regulation of immune responses in cancer. IMMUNOMETABOLISM (COBHAM (SURREY, ENGLAND)) 2022; 4:e00012. [PMID: 36337733 PMCID: PMC9622373 DOI: 10.1097/in9.0000000000000012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Steroid hormones are derived from cholesterol and can be classified into sex hormones (estrogens, androgens, progesterone) that are primarily synthesized in the gonads and adrenal hormones (glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids) that are primarily synthesized in the adrenal gland. Although, it has long been known that steroid hormones have potent effects on the immune system, recent studies have led to renewed interest in their role in regulating anti-tumor immunity. Extra-glandular cells, such as epithelial cells and immune cells, have been shown to synthesize glucocorticoids and thereby modulate immune responses in the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, new insight into the role of androgens on immune cell responses have shed light on mechanisms underpinning the observed sex bias in cancer survival outcomes. Here, we review the role of steroid hormones, specifically glucocorticoids and androgens, in regulating anti-tumor immunity and discuss how their modulation could pave the way for designing novel therapeutic strategies to improve anti-tumor immune responses.
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11
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Gu X, Li SY, Matsuyama S, DeFalco T. Immune Cells as Critical Regulators of Steroidogenesis in the Testis and Beyond. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:894437. [PMID: 35573990 PMCID: PMC9096076 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.894437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroidogenesis is an essential biological process for embryonic development, reproduction, and adult health. While specific glandular cells, such as Leydig cells in the testis, are traditionally known to be the principal players in steroid hormone production, there are other cell types that contribute to the process of steroidogenesis. In particular, immune cells are often an important component of the cellular niche that is required for the production of steroid hormones. For several decades, studies have reported that testicular macrophages and Leydig cells are intimately associated and exhibit a dependency on the other cell type for their proper development; however, the mechanisms that underlie the functional relationship between macrophages and Leydig cells are unclear. Beyond the testis, in certain instances immune cells themselves, such as certain types of lymphocytes, are capable of steroid hormone production, thus highlighting the complexity and diversity that underlie steroidogenesis. In this review we will describe how immune cells are critical regulators of steroidogenesis in the testis and in extra-glandular locations, as well as discuss how this area of research offers opportunities to uncover new insights into steroid hormone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Gu
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Shu-Yun Li
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Satoko Matsuyama
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Tony DeFalco
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Tony DeFalco,
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12
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van Duijn J, de Jong MJM, Benne N, Leboux RJT, van Ooijen ME, Kruit N, Foks AC, Jiskoot W, Bot I, Kuiper J, Slütter B. Tc17 CD8+ T cells accumulate in murine atherosclerotic lesions, but do not contribute to early atherosclerosis development. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:2755-2766. [PMID: 33063097 PMCID: PMC8683708 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvaa286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS CD8+ T cells can differentiate into subpopulations that are characterized by a specific cytokine profile, such as the Tc17 population that produces interleukin-17. The role of this CD8+ T-cell subset in atherosclerosis remains elusive. In this study, we therefore investigated the contribution of Tc17 cells to the development of atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Flow cytometry analysis of atherosclerotic lesions from apolipoprotein E-deficient mice revealed a pronounced increase in RORγt+CD8+ T cells compared to the spleen, indicating a lesion-specific increase in Tc17 cells. To study whether and how the Tc17 subset affects atherosclerosis, we performed an adoptive transfer of Tc17 cells or undifferentiated Tc0 cells into CD8-/- low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient mice fed a Western-type diet. Using flow cytometry, we showed that Tc17 cells retained a high level of interleukin-17A production in vivo. Moreover, Tc17 cells produced lower levels of interferon-γ than their Tc0 counterparts. Analysis of the aortic root revealed that the transfer of Tc17 cells did not increase atherosclerotic lesion size, in contrast to Tc0-treated mice. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate a lesion-localized increase in Tc17 cells in an atherosclerotic mouse model. Tc17 cells appeared to be non-atherogenic, in contrast to their Tc0 counterpart.
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MESH Headings
- Adoptive Transfer
- Animals
- Aorta/immunology
- Aorta/metabolism
- Aorta/pathology
- Aortic Diseases/genetics
- Aortic Diseases/immunology
- Aortic Diseases/metabolism
- Aortic Diseases/pathology
- Atherosclerosis/genetics
- Atherosclerosis/immunology
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/pathology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/transplantation
- Cell Differentiation
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Interferon-gamma/metabolism
- Interleukin-17/immunology
- Interleukin-17/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout, ApoE
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/immunology
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 1, Group F, Member 3/metabolism
- Phenotype
- Plaque, Atherosclerotic
- Signal Transduction
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine van Duijn
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maaike J M de Jong
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Naomi Benne
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Romain J T Leboux
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke E van Ooijen
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Nicky Kruit
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Amanda C Foks
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wim Jiskoot
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ilze Bot
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Johan Kuiper
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Bram Slütter
- Division of BioTherapeutics, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research, Leiden University, Einsteinweg 55, Room EE1.17, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
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13
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Chakraborty S, Pramanik J, Mahata B. Revisiting steroidogenesis and its role in immune regulation with the advanced tools and technologies. Genes Immun 2021; 22:125-140. [PMID: 34127827 PMCID: PMC8277576 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-021-00139-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Historically tools and technologies facilitated scientific discoveries. Steroid hormone research is not an exception. Unfortunately, the dramatic advancement of the field faded this research area and flagged it as a solved topic. However, it should have been the opposite. The area should glitter with its strong foundation and attract next-generation scientists. Over the past century, a myriad of new facts on biochemistry, molecular biology, cell biology, physiology and pathology of the steroid hormones was discovered. Several innovations were made and translated into life-saving treatment strategies such as synthetic steroids, and inhibitors of steroidogenesis and steroid signaling. Steroid molecules exhibit their diverse effects on cell metabolism, salt and water balance, development and function of the reproductive system, pregnancy, and immune-cell function. Despite vigorous research, the molecular basis of the immunomodulatory effect of steroids is still mysterious. The recent excitement on local extra-glandular steroidogenesis in regulating inflammation and immunity is revitalizing the topic with a new perspective. Therefore, here we review the role of steroidogenesis in regulating inflammation and immunity, discuss the unresolved questions, and how this area can bring another golden age of steroid hormone research with the development of new tools and technologies and advancement of the scientific methods.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jhuma Pramanik
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bidesh Mahata
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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14
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Roy S, Sipthorp J, Mahata B, Pramanik J, Hennrich ML, Gavin AC, Ley SV, Teichmann SA. CLICK-enabled analogues reveal pregnenolone interactomes in cancer and immune cells. iScience 2021; 24:102485. [PMID: 34036248 PMCID: PMC8138728 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnenolone (P5) promotes prostate cancer cell growth, and de novo synthesis of intratumoural P5 is a potential cause of development of castration resistance. Immune cells can also synthesize P5 de novo. Despite its biological importance, little is known about P5's mode of actions, which appears to be context dependent and pleiotropic. A comprehensive proteome-wide spectrum of P5-binding proteins that are involved in its trafficking and functionality remains unknown. Here, we describe an approach that integrates chemical biology for probe synthesis with chemoproteomics to map P5-protein interactions in live prostate cancer cells and murine CD8+ T cells. We subsequently identified P5-binding proteins potentially involved in P5-trafficking and in P5's non-genomic action that may drive the promotion of castrate-resistance prostate cancer and regulate CD8+ T cell function. We envisage that this methodology could be employed for other steroids to map their interactomes directly in a broad range of living cells, tissues, and organisms. Developed four functional click-enabled analogues of pregnenolone (P5) Chemoproteomics prioritizes 62 P5 target proteins in live cancer and immune cells These include shared and distinct biochemical role of P5 in cancer and immune cells P5 activity in cancer and immune cells is mediated through non-genomic pathways
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Affiliation(s)
- Sougata Roy
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.,EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK.,Ashoka University, Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana 131029, India
| | - James Sipthorp
- The Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Bidesh Mahata
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.,EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK.,Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Jhuma Pramanik
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.,Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 1QP, UK
| | - Marco L Hennrich
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne-Claude Gavin
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany.,Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany.,University of Geneva, Department for Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Centre Medical Universitaire, Rue Michel-Servet 1, CH-1211 Geneva 4, Switzerland
| | - Steven V Ley
- The Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Sarah A Teichmann
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.,Theory of Condensed Matter, Cavendish Laboratory, 19 JJ Thomson Avenue, Cambridge CB3 0HE, UK
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15
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Ergang P, Vagnerová K, Hermanová P, Vodička M, Jágr M, Šrůtková D, Dvořáček V, Hudcovic T, Pácha J. The Gut Microbiota Affects Corticosterone Production in the Murine Small Intestine. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084229. [PMID: 33921780 PMCID: PMC8073041 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are hormones that are released in response to stressors and exhibit many activities, including immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory activities. They are primarily synthesized in the adrenal gland but are also produced in peripheral tissues via regeneration of adrenal 11-oxo metabolites or by de novo synthesis from cholesterol. The present study investigated the influence of the microbiota on de novo steroidogenesis and regeneration of corticosterone in the intestine of germ-free (GF) and specific pathogen-free mice challenged with a physical stressor (anti-CD3 antibody i.p. injection). In the small intestine, acute immune stress resulted in increased mRNA levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL1β, IL6 and Tnfα and genes involved in de novo steroidogenesis (Stard3 and Cyp11a1), as well as in regeneration of active GCs from their 11-oxo metabolites (Hsd11b1). GF mice showed a generally reduced transcriptional response to immune stress, which was accompanied by decreased intestinal corticosterone production and reduced expression of the GC-sensitive marker Fkbp5. In contrast, the interaction between stress and the microbiota was not detected at the level of plasma corticosterone or the transcriptional response of adrenal steroidogenic enzymes. The results indicate a differential immune stress-induced intestinal response to proinflammatory stimuli and local corticosterone production driven by the gut microbiota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Ergang
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (P.E.); (K.V.); (M.V.)
| | - Karla Vagnerová
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (P.E.); (K.V.); (M.V.)
| | - Petra Hermanová
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-549 22 Nový Hrádek, Czech Republic; (P.H.); (D.Š.); (T.H.)
| | - Martin Vodička
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (P.E.); (K.V.); (M.V.)
| | - Michal Jágr
- Crop Research Institute, CZ-161 06 Prague, Czech Republic; (M.J.); (V.D.)
| | - Dagmar Šrůtková
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-549 22 Nový Hrádek, Czech Republic; (P.H.); (D.Š.); (T.H.)
| | - Václav Dvořáček
- Crop Research Institute, CZ-161 06 Prague, Czech Republic; (M.J.); (V.D.)
| | - Tomáš Hudcovic
- Institute of Microbiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-549 22 Nový Hrádek, Czech Republic; (P.H.); (D.Š.); (T.H.)
| | - Jiří Pácha
- Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, CZ-142 20 Prague, Czech Republic; (P.E.); (K.V.); (M.V.)
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, CZ-128 00 Prague, Czech Republic
- Correspondence:
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16
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Common and personal target genes of the micronutrient vitamin D in primary immune cells from human peripheral blood. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21051. [PMID: 33273683 PMCID: PMC7713372 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78288-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is essential for the function of the immune system. In this study, we treated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy adults with the biologically active form of vitamin D3, 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25(OH)2D3) using two different approaches: single repeats with PBMCs obtained from a cohort of 12 individuals and personalized analysis based on triplicates of five study participants. This identified 877 (cohort approach) and 3951 (personalized approach) genes that significantly (p < 0.05) changed their expression 24 h after 1,25(OH)2D3 stimulation. From these, 333 and 1232 were classified as supertargets, a third of which were identified as novel. Individuals differed largely in their vitamin D response not only by the magnitude of expression change but also by their personal selection of (super)target genes. Functional analysis of the target genes suggested the overarching role of vitamin D in the regulation of metabolism, proliferation and differentiation, but in particular in the control of functions mediated by the innate and adaptive immune system, such as responses to infectious diseases and chronic inflammatory disorders. In conclusion, immune cells are an important target of vitamin D and common genes may serve as biomarkers for personal responses to the micronutrient.
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17
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Gaydou L, Rossetti MF, Tschopp MV, Stoker C, Bosquiazzo VL, Ramos JG. Epigenetic regulation of steroidogenic enzymes expressed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals and from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2020; 204:105767. [PMID: 33011313 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Sex hormone synthesis occurs in various organs and tissues besides the gonads, such as adrenal glands, brain, intestines, skin, fat, bone, and cells of the immune system. Regarding the latter, it is still not clear which pathways are active, and if they are modified in case of illness of the immune system. Our goal in this study was to determine mRNA expression of different steroidogenic enzymes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy individuals of both sexes and of different ages, and then to compare their expression between healthy individuals and patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). Furthermore, to elucidate possible mechanisms that regulate enzyme expression, we analyzed epigenetic events like promoter methylation. We determined that normal cells of the immune system, regardless of sex and age, expressed P450 side chain cleavage (P450scc), cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/c17,20-lyase (P45017α), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ5-Δ4-isomerase (3β-HSD), steroid 5 α reductase (5α-R) types 1, 2 and 3, 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD) type 3, and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) types 1, 3 and 5. We also established that 5α-R 1, 5α-R 3, 3α-HSD 3, 17β-HSD 1 and 17β-HSD 5 expression was altered in CLL patients, and that promoter regions of 5α-R 1, 17β-HSD 1 and 17β-HSD 5 were diferentially methylated. These results suggest that steroidogenic pathways may be affected in CLL cells, and this could be related to disease pathogenesis.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/genetics
- Epigenesis, Genetic
- Estradiol/blood
- Female
- Healthy Volunteers
- Humans
- Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenases/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/enzymology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukocytes, Mononuclear/enzymology
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Progesterone/blood
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Testosterone/blood
- Young Adult
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Gaydou
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Ma Florencia Rossetti
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Ma Virginia Tschopp
- Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina; Cátedra de Fisiología Humana, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Cora Stoker
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Verónica L Bosquiazzo
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
| | - Jorge G Ramos
- Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica y Cuantitativa, Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina; Instituto de Salud y Ambiente del Litoral(ISAL), Facultad de Bioquímica y Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional del Litoral-CONICET, Santa Fe, Argentina.
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18
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Expression and activation of the steroidogenic enzyme CYP11A1 is associated with IL-13 production in T cells from peanut allergic children. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0233563. [PMID: 32497050 PMCID: PMC7272076 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0233563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of the steroidogenic enzyme CYP11A1 was shown to be necessary for the development of peanut-induced intestinal anaphylaxis and IL-13 production in allergic mice. We determined if levels of CYP11A1 in peripheral blood T cells from peanut-allergic (PA) children compared to non-allergic controls were increased and if levels correlated to IL-13 production and oral challenge outcomes to peanut. CYP11A1 mRNA and protein levels were significantly increased in activated CD4+ T cells from PA patients. In parallel, IL-13 production was significantly increased; IFNγ levels were not different between groups. There were significant correlations between expression levels of CYP11A1 mRNA and levels of IL13 mRNA and protein, levels of serum IgE anti-Ara h 2 and to outcomes of peanut challenge. The importance of CYP11A1 on cytokine production was tested using a CYP11A1 CRISPR/Cas9 KO plasmid or an inhibitor of enzymatic CYP11A1 activity. Inhibition of CYP11A1 activation in patient cells treated with the inhibitor, aminoglutethimide, or CD4+ T cell line transfected with the CYP11A1 KO plasmid resulted in reduced IL-13 production. These data suggest that the CYP11A1-CD4+Tcell-IL-13 axis in activated CD4+ T cells from PA children is associated with development of PA reactions. CYP11A1 may represent a novel target for therapeutic intervention in PA children.
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19
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Extra-adrenal glucocorticoid biosynthesis: implications for autoimmune and inflammatory disorders. Genes Immun 2020; 21:150-168. [PMID: 32203088 PMCID: PMC7276297 DOI: 10.1038/s41435-020-0096-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid synthesis is a complex, multistep process that starts with cholesterol being delivered to the inner membrane of mitochondria by StAR and StAR-related proteins. Here its side chain is cleaved by CYP11A1 producing pregnenolone. Pregnenolone is converted to cortisol by the enzymes 3-βHSD, CYP17A1, CYP21A2 and CYP11B1. Glucocorticoids play a critical role in the regulation of the immune system and exert their action through the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Although corticosteroids are primarily produced in the adrenal gland, they can also be produced in a number of extra-adrenal tissue including the immune system, skin, brain, and intestine. Glucocorticoid production is regulated by ACTH, CRH, and cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6 and TNFα. The bioavailability of cortisol is also dependent on its interconversion to cortisone which is inactive, by 11βHSD1/2. Local and systemic glucocorticoid biosynthesis can be stimulated by ultraviolet B, explaining its immunosuppressive activity. In this review, we want to emphasize that dysregulation of extra-adrenal glucocorticoid production can play a key role in a variety of autoimmune diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), lupus erythematosus (LE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and skin inflammatory disorders such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (AD). Further research on local glucocorticoid production and its bioavailability may open doors into new therapies for autoimmune diseases.
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20
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Ahmed A, Schmidt C, Brunner T. Extra-Adrenal Glucocorticoid Synthesis in the Intestinal Mucosa: Between Immune Homeostasis and Immune Escape. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1438. [PMID: 31316505 PMCID: PMC6611402 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroid hormones predominantly produced in the adrenal glands in response to physiological cues and stress. Adrenal GCs mediate potent anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive functions. Accumulating evidence in the past two decades has demonstrated other extra-adrenal organs and tissues capable of synthesizing GCs. This review discusses the role and regulation of GC synthesis in the intestinal epithelium in the regulation of normal immune homeostasis, inflammatory diseases of the intestinal mucosa, and the development of intestinal tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asma Ahmed
- Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan
| | - Christian Schmidt
- Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Thomas Brunner
- Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
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21
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Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Deafferentation caused by cochlear pathology (which can be hidden from the audiogram) activates forms of neural plasticity in auditory pathways, generating tinnitus and its associated conditions including hyperacusis. This article discusses tinnitus mechanisms and suggests how these mechanisms may relate to those involved in normal auditory information processing. MATERIALS AND METHODS Research findings from animal models of tinnitus and from electromagnetic imaging of tinnitus patients are reviewed which pertain to the role of deafferentation and neural plasticity in tinnitus and hyperacusis. RESULTS Auditory neurons compensate for deafferentation by increasing their input/output functions (gain) at multiple levels of the auditory system. Forms of homeostatic plasticity are believed to be responsible for this neural change, which increases the spontaneous and driven activity of neurons in central auditory structures in animals expressing behavioral evidence of tinnitus. Another tinnitus correlate, increased neural synchrony among the affected neurons, is forged by spike-timing-dependent neural plasticity in auditory pathways. Slow oscillations generated by bursting thalamic neurons verified in tinnitus animals appear to modulate neural plasticity in the cortex, integrating tinnitus neural activity with information in brain regions supporting memory, emotion, and consciousness which exhibit increased metabolic activity in tinnitus patients. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION The latter process may be induced by transient auditory events in normal processing but it persists in tinnitus, driven by phantom signals from the auditory pathway. Several tinnitus therapies attempt to suppress tinnitus through plasticity, but repeated sessions will likely be needed to prevent tinnitus activity from returning owing to deafferentation as its initiating condition.
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22
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Murugan S, Jakka P, Namani S, Mujumdar V, Radhakrishnan G. The neurosteroid pregnenolone promotes degradation of key proteins in the innate immune signaling to suppress inflammation. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:4596-4607. [PMID: 30647133 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone precursor that is synthesized in various steroidogenic tissues, in the brain, and in lymphocytes. In addition to serving as the precursor for other steroid hormones, pregnenolone exerts its own effect as an anti-inflammatory molecule to maintain immune homeostasis in various inflammatory conditions. Pregnenolone and its metabolic derivatives have been shown to have beneficial effects in the brain, including enhancing memory and learning, reversing depressive disorders, and modulating cognitive functions. A decreased level of pregnenolone has been observed in neuroinflammatory diseases, which emphasizes its role in neuroprotection and neuroregeneration. Although the anti-inflammatory property of pregnenolone was recognized several decades ago, its mechanism of action remains unknown. Here we report that pregnenolone promotes ubiquitination and degradation of the TLR2/4 adaptor protein TIRAP and TLR2 in macrophages and microglial cells. Pregnenolone and its metabolites suppressed the secretion of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6 mediated through TLR2 and TLR4 signaling. Pregnenolone has been reported to induce activation of cytoplasmic linker protein 170, and this protein has recently been shown to promote targeted degradation of TIRAP. We observed enhanced degradation of TIRAP and TLR4 suppression by cytoplasmic linker protein 170 in the presence of pregnenolone. Our experimental data reveal novel nongenomic targets of pregnenolone and provide important leads to understand its role in restoring immune homeostasis in various inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Subathra Murugan
- From the Laboratory of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, India and
| | - Padmaja Jakka
- From the Laboratory of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, India and.,Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Swapna Namani
- From the Laboratory of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, India and.,Graduate Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Varadendra Mujumdar
- From the Laboratory of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, India and
| | - Girish Radhakrishnan
- From the Laboratory of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, National Institute of Animal Biotechnology, Hyderabad, Telangana 500032, India and
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23
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Gelfand EW, Schedel M. Molecular Endotypes Contribute to the Heterogeneity of Asthma. Immunol Allergy Clin North Am 2018; 38:655-665. [PMID: 30342586 DOI: 10.1016/j.iac.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Diagnosis and management of asthma is commonly implemented based on clinical assessment. Although these nonmolecular biomarkers have been useful, limited resolution of the heterogeneity among asthmatic patients and little information regarding the underlying pathobiology of disease in individuals have been provided. Molecular endotying using global transcriptome expression profiling associated with clinical features of asthma has improved our understanding of disease mechanisms, risk assessment of asthma exacerbations, and treatment responses, especially in patients with type 2 inflammation. Further advances in establishing pathobiological subgroups, bioactive pathways, and true disease endotypes hold potential for a more personalized medical approach in asthmatic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin W Gelfand
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA
| | - Michaela Schedel
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, CO 80206, USA.
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24
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Quinn KD, Schedel M, Nkrumah-Elie Y, Joetham A, Armstrong M, Cruickshank-Quinn C, Reisdorph R, Gelfand EW, Reisdorph N. Dysregulation of metabolic pathways in a mouse model of allergic asthma. Allergy 2017; 72:1327-1337. [PMID: 28213886 DOI: 10.1111/all.13144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Asthma is a complex lung disease resulting from the interplay of genetic and environmental factors. To understand the molecular changes that occur during the development of allergic asthma without genetic and environmental confounders, an experimental model of allergic asthma in mice was used. Our goals were to (1) identify changes at the small molecule level due to allergen exposure, (2) determine perturbed pathways due to disease, and (3) determine whether small molecule changes correlate with lung function. METHODS In this experimental model of allergic asthma, matched bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and plasma were collected from three groups of C57BL6 mice (control vs sensitized and/or challenged with ovalbumin, n=3-5/group) 6 hour, 24 hour, and 48 hour after the last challenge. Samples were analyzed using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics. Airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR) measurements and differential cell counts were performed. RESULTS In total, 398 and 368 dysregulated metabolites in the BAL fluid and plasma of sensitized and challenged mice were identified, respectively. These belonged to four, interconnected pathways relevant to asthma pathogenesis: sphingolipid metabolism (P=6.6×10-5 ), arginine and proline metabolism (P=1.12×10-7 ), glycerophospholipid metabolism (P=1.3×10-10 ), and the neurotrophin signaling pathway (P=7.0×10-6 ). Furthermore, within the arginine and proline metabolism pathway, a positive correlation between urea-1-carboxylate and AHR was observed in plasma metabolites, while ornithine revealed a reciprocal effect. In addition, agmatine positively correlated with lung eosinophilia. CONCLUSION These findings point to potential targets and pathways that may be central to asthma pathogenesis and can serve as novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. D. Quinn
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Colorado Denver; Aurora CO USA
- Immunology & Microbiology Department School of Medicine; University of Colorado Denver; Aurora CO USA
| | - M. Schedel
- Division of Cell Biology; Department of Pediatrics; National Jewish Health; Denver CO USA
| | - Y. Nkrumah-Elie
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Colorado Denver; Aurora CO USA
| | - A. Joetham
- Division of Cell Biology; Department of Pediatrics; National Jewish Health; Denver CO USA
| | - M. Armstrong
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Colorado Denver; Aurora CO USA
| | - C. Cruickshank-Quinn
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Colorado Denver; Aurora CO USA
| | - R. Reisdorph
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Colorado Denver; Aurora CO USA
| | - E. W. Gelfand
- Division of Cell Biology; Department of Pediatrics; National Jewish Health; Denver CO USA
| | - N. Reisdorph
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences; University of Colorado Denver; Aurora CO USA
- Immunology & Microbiology Department School of Medicine; University of Colorado Denver; Aurora CO USA
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25
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Rocamora-Reverte L, Reichardt HM, Villunger A, Wiegers GJ. T-cell autonomous death induced by regeneration of inert glucocorticoid metabolites. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2948. [PMID: 28726773 PMCID: PMC5550885 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 06/14/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GC) are essential regulators of T-cell development and function. Activation of the immune system increases systemic adrenal-derived GC levels which downregulate immune activity as part of a negative feedback control system. Increasing evidence shows, however, that GC can also be derived from extra-adrenal sources such as the thymus or intestine, thus providing local control of GC-mediated effects. The thymus reportedly produces GC, but whether thymic epithelial cells or thymocytes produce GC acting either in an autocrine or paracrine fashion is not clear. We studied the expression of two main enzymes involved in de novo GC synthesis, CYP11A1 and CYP11B1, as well as the expression and activity of HSD11B1, an enzyme catalyzing interconversion of inert GC metabolites with active GC. While we found no evidence of de novo GC synthesis in both thymocytes and peripheral T cells, abundant regeneration of GC from the inactive metabolite 11-dehydrocorticosterone was detectable. Irrespective of their maturation stage, T cells that produced GC in this manner undergo autonomous cell death as this was blocked when glucocorticoid receptor-deficient T cells were treated with GC metabolites. These results indicate that both immature and mature T cells possess the capacity to undergo apoptosis in response to intrinsically generated GC. Consequently, positive selection of thymocytes, as well as survival of peripheral T cells may depend on TCR-induced escape of otherwise HSD11B1-driven autonomous T-cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Holger M Reichardt
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Andreas Villunger
- Biocenter, Division of Developmental Immunology, Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.,Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - GJan Wiegers
- Biocenter, Division of Developmental Immunology, Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
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26
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Gelfand EW, Joetham A, Wang M, Takeda K, Schedel M. Spectrum of T-lymphocyte activities regulating allergic lung inflammation. Immunol Rev 2017; 278:63-86. [PMID: 28658551 PMCID: PMC5501488 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Despite advances in the treatment of asthma, optimization of symptom control remains an unmet need in many patients. These patients, labeled severe asthma, are responsible for a substantial fraction of the disease burden. In these patients, research is needed to define the cellular and molecular pathways contributing to disease which in large part are refractory to corticosteroid treatment. The causes of steroid-resistant asthma are multifactorial and result from complex interactions of genetics, environmental factors, and innate and adaptive immunity. Adaptive immunity, addressed here, integrates the activities of distinct T-cell subsets and by definition is dynamic and responsive to an ever-changing environment and the influences of epigenetic modifications. These T-cell subsets exhibit different susceptibilities to the actions of corticosteroids and, in some, corticosteroids enhance their functional activation. Moreover, these subsets are not fixed in lineage differentiation but can undergo transcriptional reprogramming in a bidirectional manner between protective and pathogenic effector states. Together, these factors contribute to asthma heterogeneity between patients but also in the same patient at different stages of their disease. Only by carefully defining mechanistic pathways, delineating their sensitivity to corticosteroids, and determining the balance between regulatory and effector pathways will precision medicine become a reality with selective and effective application of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwin W Gelfand
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Anthony Joetham
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Meiqin Wang
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Katsuyuki Takeda
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
| | - Michaela Schedel
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, CO, USA
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27
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Weng JH, Chung BC. Nongenomic actions of neurosteroid pregnenolone and its metabolites. Steroids 2016; 111:54-59. [PMID: 26844377 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2016.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Steroids have been widely used in the clinical setting. They bind and activate nuclear receptors to regulate gene expression. In addition to activating genomic transcription, steroids also exert nongenomic actions. The current article focuses on the nongenomic actions of neurosteroids, including pregnenolone (P5), 7α-hydroxypregnenolone, pregnenolone sulfate and allopregnanolone. Pregnenolone and its derivatives promote neuronal activity by enhancing learning and memory, relieving depression, enhancing locomotor activity, and promoting neuronal cell survival. They exert these effects by activating various target proteins located in the cytoplasm or cell membrane. Pregnenolone and its metabolites bind to receptors such as microtubule-associated proteins and neurotransmitter receptors to elicit a series of reactions including stabilization of microtubules, increase of ion flux into cells, and dopamine release. The wide actions of neurosteroids indicate that pregnenolone derivatives have great potential in future treatment of neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jui-Hsia Weng
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan; Department of Systems Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Bon-Chu Chung
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan.
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28
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Schedel M, Jia Y, Michel S, Takeda K, Domenico J, Joetham A, Ning F, Strand M, Han J, Wang M, Lucas JJ, Vogelberg C, Kabesch M, O'Connor BP, Gelfand EW. 1,25D3 prevents CD8(+)Tc2 skewing and asthma development through VDR binding changes to the Cyp11a1 promoter. Nat Commun 2016; 7:10213. [PMID: 26750596 PMCID: PMC4712703 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms10213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Effector CD8+ T cells convert from IFN-γ+ (Tc1) to IL-13+ (Tc2) cells in the presence of IL-4. Underlying regulatory mechanisms are not fully defined. Here, we show that addition of 1,25D3, the active form of vitamin D3, during CD8+ T-cell differentiation prevents IL-4-induced conversion to IL-13-producers. Transfer of 1,25D3-treated CD8+ T cells into sensitized and challenged CD8+-deficient recipients fails to restore development of lung allergic responses. 1,25D3 alters vitamin D receptor (VDR) recruitment to the Cyp11a1 promoter in vitro and in vivo in the presence of IL-4. As a result, protein levels and enzymatic activity of CYP11A1, a steroidogenic enzyme regulating CD8+ T-cell conversion, are decreased. An epistatic effect between CYP11A1 and VDR polymorphisms may contribute to the predisposition to childhood asthma. These data identify a role for 1,25D3 in the molecular programming of CD8+ T-cell conversion to an IL-13-secreting phenotype through regulation of steroidogenesis, potentially governing asthma susceptibility. Type 2 CD8+ T cells (Tc2) play a role in the development of experimental asthma. Here the authors show that 1,25D3, the active form of vitamin D3, can prevent conversion of CD8+T cells to a Tc2 phenotype, reducing asthma susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Schedel
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA
| | - Yi Jia
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA
| | - Sven Michel
- University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, Steinmetzstrasse 1-3, 93049 Regensburg, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergy and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Katsuyuki Takeda
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA
| | - Joanne Domenico
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA
| | - Anthony Joetham
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA
| | - Fangkun Ning
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA
| | - Matthew Strand
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA
| | - Junyan Han
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA
| | - Meiqin Wang
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA
| | - Joseph J Lucas
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA
| | - Christian Vogelberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University Children's Hospital, Technical University, Fetscherstraße 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Kabesch
- University Children's Hospital Regensburg (KUNO), Department of Pediatric Pneumology and Allergy, Steinmetzstrasse 1-3, 93049 Regensburg, Germany.,Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergy and Neonatology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Brian P O'Connor
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA.,Center for Genes, Environment and Health, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA.,Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado AMC, 13001 E 17th Place, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Erwin W Gelfand
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, 1400 Jackson Street, Denver, Colorado 80206, USA
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29
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Talaber G, Jondal M, Okret S. Local glucocorticoid production in the thymus. Steroids 2015; 103:58-63. [PMID: 26102271 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2014] [Revised: 06/09/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Besides generating immunocompetent T lymphocytes, the thymus is an established site of de novo extra-adrenal glucocorticoid (GC) production. Among the compartments of the thymus, both stromal thymic epithelial cells (TECs) and thymocytes secrete biologically active GCs. Locally produced GCs secreted by the various thymic cellular compartments have been suggested to have different impact on thymic homeostasis. TEC-derived GCs may regulate thymocyte differentiation whereas thymocyte-derived GCs might regulate age-dependent involution. However the full biological significance of thymic-derived GCs is still not fully understood. In this review, we summarize and describe recent advances in the understanding of local GC production in the thymus and immunoregulatory steroid production by peripheral T cells and highlight the possible role of local GCs for thymus function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergely Talaber
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Huddinge, Sweden.
| | - Mikael Jondal
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Insitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sam Okret
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, NOVUM, Huddinge, Sweden
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30
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Bouguen G, Dubuquoy L, Desreumaux P, Brunner T, Bertin B. Intestinal steroidogenesis. Steroids 2015; 103:64-71. [PMID: 25560486 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2014.12.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Steroids are fundamental hormones that control a wide variety of physiological processes such as metabolism, immune functions, and sexual characteristics. Historically, steroid synthesis was considered a function restricted to the adrenals and the gonads. In the past 20 years, a significant number of studies have demonstrated that steroids could also be synthesized or metabolized by other organs. According to these studies, the intestine appears to be a major source of de novo produced glucocorticoids as well as a tissue capable of producing and metabolizing sex steroids. This finding is based on the detection of steroidogenic enzyme expression as well as the presence of bioactive steroids in both the rodent and human gut. Within the intestinal mucosa, the intestinal epithelial cell layer is one of the main cellular sources of steroids. Glucocorticoid synthesis regulation in the intestinal epithelial cells is unique in that it does not involve the classical positive regulator steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) but a closely related homolog, namely the liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1). This local production of immunoregulatory glucocorticoids contributes to intestinal homeostasis and has been linked to pathophysiology of inflammatory bowel diseases. Intestinal epithelial cells also possess the ability to metabolize sex steroids, notably estrogen; this mechanism may impact colorectal cancer development. In this review, we contextualize and discuss what is known about intestinal steroidogenesis and regulation as well as the key role these functions play both in physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Bouguen
- Service des Maladies de l'Appareil digestif, CHU Pontchaillou, Rennes, France; UMR991, Liver Metabolism and Cancer, France; Université de Rennes 1, France
| | - Laurent Dubuquoy
- Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; Inserm U995, F-59045 Lille, France
| | - Pierre Desreumaux
- Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; Inserm U995, F-59045 Lille, France; CHU Lille, Service des Maladies de l'Appareil Digestif et de la Nutrition, Hôpital Claude Huriez, F-59037 Lille, France
| | - Thomas Brunner
- Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Germany
| | - Benjamin Bertin
- Université de Lille, F-59000 Lille, France; Inserm U995, F-59045 Lille, France; Faculté des Sciences Pharmaceutiques et Biologiques, F-59006 Lille, France.
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31
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Billerbeck E, Labitt RN, Vega K, Frias-Staheli N, Dorner M, Xiao JW, Rice CM, Ploss A. Insufficient interleukin-12 signalling favours differentiation of human CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells into GATA-3(+) and GATA-3(+) T-bet(+) subsets in humanized mice. Immunology 2014; 143:202-18. [PMID: 24766459 DOI: 10.1111/imm.12304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2014] [Revised: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Differentiation of CD4(+) T cells into type 1 or type 2 subsets is mediated by the expression of the opposing lineage defining transcription factors T-bet and GATA-3. However, the existence of GATA-3(+) T-bet(+) CD4(+) T cells in mice suggests functional plasticity of these subsets. Little is known about type 1 and type 2 plasticity of human T-cell subsets in vivo. Here, we show that in the xenogeneic environment of humanized mice, which lacks a functional immune-regulatory network, human CD4(+) and, notably, CD8(+) T cells preferentially differentiate into interleukin (IL)-4(+) GATA-3(+) and IL-4(+) interferon-γ(+) GATA-3(+) T-bet(+) subsets. Treatment with recombinant human IL-12 or expansion of IL-12-producing human dendritic cells in vivo reverted this phenotype and led to the down-regulation of GATA-3 expression. These changes also correlated with improved antiviral immune responses in humanized mice. In conclusion, our study shows the capacity of human CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells for stable co-expression of GATA-3 and T-bet in humanized mice and reveals a critical role for IL-12 in regulating this phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Billerbeck
- Laboratory of Virology and Infectious Disease, Center for the Study of Hepatitis C, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
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32
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Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GC) are steroid hormones with important implications in the treatment of various inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. At the same time GC are known to have numerous side-effects. Endogenous GC are predominantly produced by the adrenal glands, and adrenal-derived GC serve important functions in the regulation of development, metabolism, and immune regulation. The last two decades of research have led to the identification of numerous alternative sources of extra-adrenal GC synthesis. Among other tissues the intestine and lung are capable of locally producing considerable amounts of immunoregulatory GC. This local steroidogenesis in these mucosal tissues appears to be regulated by transcription factors and mediators different from those in the adrenals, likely reflecting an adaptation to the local requirements and conditions. Here we summarize the current knowledge about the extra-adrenal GC synthesis in the mucosal tissues, with special emphasis on the intestinal epithelium, and its implication on the regulation of immune homeostasis and inflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feodora Kostadinova
- Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz , Germany
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33
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Mahata B, Zhang X, Kolodziejczyk AA, Proserpio V, Haim-Vilmovsky L, Taylor AE, Hebenstreit D, Dingler FA, Moignard V, Göttgens B, Arlt W, McKenzie ANJ, Teichmann SA. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals T helper cells synthesizing steroids de novo to contribute to immune homeostasis. Cell Rep 2014; 7:1130-42. [PMID: 24813893 PMCID: PMC4039991 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2014.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Revised: 03/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
T helper 2 (Th2) cells regulate helminth infections, allergic disorders, tumor immunity, and pregnancy by secreting various cytokines. It is likely that there are undiscovered Th2 signaling molecules. Although steroids are known to be immunoregulators, de novo steroid production from immune cells has not been previously characterized. Here, we demonstrate production of the steroid pregnenolone by Th2 cells in vitro and in vivo in a helminth infection model. Single-cell RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR analysis suggest that pregnenolone synthesis in Th2 cells is related to immunosuppression. In support of this, we show that pregnenolone inhibits Th cell proliferation and B cell immunoglobulin class switching. We also show that steroidogenic Th2 cells inhibit Th cell proliferation in a Cyp11a1 enzyme-dependent manner. We propose pregnenolone as a “lymphosteroid,” a steroid produced by lymphocytes. We speculate that this de novo steroid production may be an intrinsic phenomenon of Th2-mediated immune responses to actively restore immune homeostasis. Differential upregulation of the steroid biosynthetic pathway during Th2 differentiation T helper cells produce the steroid pregnenolone in vitro and in vivo Steroidogenic Th2 cells suppress Th cell proliferation in a Cyp11a1-dependent manner Pregnenolone inhibits B cell immunoglobulin class switching in vitro
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidesh Mahata
- EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK; MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 OQH, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.
| | - Xiuwei Zhang
- EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK
| | | | - Valentina Proserpio
- EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK; MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 OQH, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Liora Haim-Vilmovsky
- EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK; MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 OQH, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK
| | - Angela E Taylor
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Daniel Hebenstreit
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 OQH, UK; School of Life Sciences, The University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Felix A Dingler
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 OQH, UK
| | - Victoria Moignard
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Wellcome Trust and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Berthold Göttgens
- Department of Haematology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research and Wellcome Trust and MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Andrew N J McKenzie
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge CB2 OQH, UK
| | - Sarah A Teichmann
- EMBL-European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SD, UK; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge CB10 1SA, UK.
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