1
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Eiers AK, Vettorazzi S, Tuckermann JP. Journey through discovery of 75 years glucocorticoids: evolution of our knowledge of glucocorticoid receptor mechanisms in rheumatic diseases. Ann Rheum Dis 2024:ard-2023-225371. [PMID: 39107081 DOI: 10.1136/ard-2023-225371] [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: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/09/2024]
Abstract
For three-quarters of a century, glucocorticoids (GCs) have been used to treat rheumatic and autoimmune diseases. Over these 75 years, our understanding of GCs binding to nuclear receptors, mainly the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and their molecular mechanisms has changed dramatically. Initially, in the late 1950s, GCs were considered important regulators of energy metabolism. By the 1970s/1980s, they were characterised as ligands for hormone-inducible transcription factors that regulate many aspects of cell biology and physiology. More recently, their impact on cellular metabolism has been rediscovered. Our understanding of cell-type-specific GC actions and the crosstalk between various immune and stromal cells in arthritis models has evolved by investigating conditional GR mutant mice using the Cre/LoxP system. A major achievement in studying the complex, cell-type-specific interplay is the recent advent of omics technologies at single-cell resolution, which will provide further unprecedented insights into the cell types and factors mediating GC responses. Alongside gene-encoded factors, anti-inflammatory metabolites that participate in resolving inflammation by GCs during arthritis are just being uncovered. The translation of this knowledge into therapeutic concepts will help tackle inflammatory diseases and reduce side effects. In this review, we describe major milestones in preclinical research that led to our current understanding of GC and GR action 75 years after the first use of GCs in arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kathrin Eiers
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, Ulm University, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Sabine Vettorazzi
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, Ulm University, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
| | - Jan P Tuckermann
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, Ulm University, Ulm, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
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2
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Wu CJ, Livak F, Ashwell JD. The histone methyltransferase KMT2D maintains cellular glucocorticoid responsiveness by shielding the glucocorticoid receptor from degradation. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107581. [PMID: 39025450 PMCID: PMC11350265 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107581] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 07/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/09/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Because of their ability to induce lymphocyte apoptosis, glucocorticoids (GC) are widely used to treat hematological malignancies such as lymphomas and multiple myeloma. Their effectiveness is often limited, however, due to the development of glucocorticoid resistance by a variety of molecular mechanisms. Here we performed an unbiased genome-wide CRISPR screen with the human T-cell leukemia cell line Jurkat to find previously unidentified genes required for GC-induced apoptosis. One such gene was KMT2D (also known as MLL2 or MLL4), which encodes a histone lysine methyltransferase whose mutations are associated with a variety of cancers, blood malignancies in particular, and are considered markers of poor prognosis. Knockout of KMT2D by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in Jurkat and several multiple myeloma cell lines downregulated GR protein expression. Surprisingly, this was not due to a reduction in GR transcripts, but rather to a decrease in the protein's half-life, primarily due to proteasomal degradation. Reconstitution of KMT2D expression restored GR levels. In contrast to the known ability of KMT2D to control gene transcription through covalent histone methylation, KMT2D-mediated upregulation of GR levels did not require its methyltransferase activity. Co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays found constitutive binding of KMT2D to the GR, which was enhanced in the presence of GC. These observations reveal KMT2D to be essential for the stabilization of cellular GR levels, and suggest a possible mechanism by which KMT2D mutations may lead to GC resistance in some malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan-Jin Wu
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ferenc Livak
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity Flow Cytometry Core, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan D Ashwell
- Laboratory of Immune Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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3
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Hiltunen J, Helminen L, Paakinaho V. Glucocorticoid receptor action in prostate cancer: the role of transcription factor crosstalk. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1437179. [PMID: 39027480 PMCID: PMC11254642 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1437179] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies and is primarily driven by aberrant androgen receptor (AR) signaling. While AR-targeted therapies form the cornerstone of prostate cancer treatment, they often inadvertently activate compensatory pathways, leading to therapy resistance. This resistance is frequently mediated through changes in transcription factor (TF) crosstalk, reshaping gene regulatory programs and ultimately weakening treatment efficacy. Consequently, investigating TF interactions has become crucial for understanding the mechanisms driving therapy-resistant cancers. Recent evidence has highlighted the crosstalk between the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and AR, demonstrating that GR can induce prostate cancer therapy resistance by replacing the inactivated AR, thereby becoming a driver of the disease. In addition to this oncogenic role, GR has also been shown to act as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer. Owing to this dual role and the widespread use of glucocorticoids as adjuvant therapy, it is essential to understand GR's actions across different stages of prostate cancer development. In this review, we explore the current knowledge of GR in prostate cancer, with a specific focus on its crosstalk with other TFs. GR can directly and indirectly interact with a variety of TFs, and these interactions vary significantly depending on the type of prostate cancer cells. By highlighting these crosstalk interactions, we aim to provide insights that can guide the research and development of new GR-targeted therapies to mitigate its harmful effects in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ville Paakinaho
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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4
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Huang J, Sun C, Huang Z, Zhu Y, Chen SX. Upregulation of coagulation factor V by glucocorticoid in the preovulatory follicles of zebrafish. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 241:106521. [PMID: 38631601 PMCID: PMC11140551 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Increased cortisol levels in the preovulatory follicular fluid suggests a role of glucocorticoid in human ovulation. However, the mechanisms through which cortisol regulates the ovulatory process remain poorly understood. In this study, we examined the upregulation of f5 mRNA by glucocorticoid and its receptor (Gr) in the preovulatory follicles of zebrafish. Our findings demonstrate a significant increase in 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (hsd11b2), a cortisol response gene, in preovulatory follicles. Additionally, hydrocortisone exerts a dose- and time-dependent upregulation of f5 mRNA in these follicles. Importantly, this stimulatory effect is Gr-dependent, as it was completely abolished in gr-/- mutants. Furthermore, site-directed mutagenesis identified a glucocorticoid response element (GRE) in the promoter of zebrafish f5. Interestingly, successive incubation of hydrocortisone and the native ovulation-inducing steroid, progestin (17α,20β-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one, DHP), further enhanced f5 expression in preovulatory follicles. Overall, our results indicate that the dramatic increase of f5 expression in preovulatory follicles is partially attributable to the regulation of glucocorticoid and Gr.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Chao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Zhuo Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yong Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; Department of Biology, East Carolina University, 101 E. 10th Street, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Shi Xi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Marine Environmental Science, College of Ocean and Earth Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China; State-Province Joint Engineering Laboratory of Marine Bioproducts and Technology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.
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5
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Min CK, Nwachukwu JC, Hou Y, Russo RJ, Papa A, Min J, Peng R, Kim SH, Ziegler Y, Rangarajan ES, Izard T, Katzenellenbogen BS, Katzenellenbogen JA, Nettles KW. Asymmetric allostery in estrogen receptor-α homodimers drives responses to the ensemble of estrogens in the hormonal milieu. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2321344121. [PMID: 38830107 PMCID: PMC11181081 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2321344121] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The estrogen receptor-α (ER) is thought to function only as a homodimer but responds to a variety of environmental, metazoan, and therapeutic estrogens at subsaturating doses, supporting binding mixtures of ligands as well as dimers that are only partially occupied. Here, we present a series of flexible ER ligands that bind to receptor dimers with individual ligand poses favoring distinct receptor conformations-receptor conformational heterodimers-mimicking the binding of two different ligands. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the pairs of different ligand poses changed the correlated motion across the dimer interface to generate asymmetric communication between the dimer interface, the ligands, and the surface binding sites for epigenetic regulatory proteins. By examining the binding of the same ligand in crystal structures of ER in the agonist vs. antagonist conformers, we also showed that these allosteric signals are bidirectional. The receptor conformer can drive different ligand binding modes to support agonist vs. antagonist activity profiles, a revision of ligand binding theory that has focused on unidirectional signaling from the ligand to the coregulator binding site. We also observed differences in the allosteric signals between ligand and coregulator binding sites in the monomeric vs. dimeric receptor, and when bound by two different ligands, states that are physiologically relevant. Thus, ER conformational heterodimers integrate two different ligand-regulated activity profiles, representing different modes for ligand-dependent regulation of ER activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles K. Min
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Herbert Wertheim University of Florida Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL33458
- The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
| | - Jerome C. Nwachukwu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Herbert Wertheim University of Florida Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL33458
| | - Yingwei Hou
- Department of Chemistry and Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Robin J. Russo
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Herbert Wertheim University of Florida Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL33458
- The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
| | - Alexandra Papa
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Herbert Wertheim University of Florida Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL33458
- Florida Atlantic University, Jupiter, FL33458
| | - Jian Min
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan430062, China
| | - Rouming Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, National & Local Joint Engineering Research Center of High-throughput Drug Screening Technology, School of Life Sciences, Hubei University, Wuhan430062, China
| | - Sung Hoon Kim
- Department of Chemistry and Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Yvonne Ziegler
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Cancer Center at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Erumbi S. Rangarajan
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Herbert Wertheim University of Florida Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL33458
| | - Tina Izard
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Herbert Wertheim University of Florida Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL33458
- The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
| | - Benita S. Katzenellenbogen
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Cancer Center at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - John A. Katzenellenbogen
- Department of Chemistry and Cancer Center, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL61801
| | - Kendall W. Nettles
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Herbert Wertheim University of Florida Scripps Institute for Biomedical Innovation and Technology, Jupiter, FL33458
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6
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Clarisse D, Van Moortel L, Van Leene C, Gevaert K, De Bosscher K. Glucocorticoid receptor signaling: intricacies and therapeutic opportunities. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:431-444. [PMID: 38429217 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.01.012] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a major nuclear receptor (NR) drug target for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and several cancers. Despite the effectiveness of GR ligands, their systemic action triggers a plethora of side effects, limiting long-term use. Here, we discuss new concepts of and insights into GR mechanisms of action to assist in the identification of routes toward enhanced therapeutic benefits. We zoom in on the communication between different GR domains and how this is influenced by different ligands. We detail findings on the interaction between GR and chromatin, and highlight how condensate formation and coregulator confinement can perturb GR transcriptional responses. Last, we discuss the potential of novel ligands and the therapeutic exploitation of crosstalk with other NRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Clarisse
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Van Moortel
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Chloé Van Leene
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Gevaert
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
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7
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Min CK, Nwachukwu JC, Hou Y, Russo RJ, Papa A, Min J, Peng R, Kim SH, Ziegler Y, Rangarajan ES, Izard T, Katzenellenbogen BS, Katzenellenbogen JA, Nettles KW. Asymmetric Allostery in Estrogen Receptor-α Homodimers Drives Responses to the Ensemble of Estrogens in the Hormonal Milieu. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.10.588871. [PMID: 38645081 PMCID: PMC11030373 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.10.588871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The estrogen receptor-α (ER) is thought to function only as a homodimer, but responds to a variety of environmental, metazoan, and therapeutic estrogens at sub-saturating doses, supporting binding mixtures of ligands as well as dimers that are only partially occupied. Here, we present a series of flexible ER ligands that bind to receptor dimers with individual ligand poses favoring distinct receptor conformations -receptor conformational heterodimers-mimicking the binding of two different ligands. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that the pairs of different ligand poses changed the correlated motion across the dimer interface to generate asymmetric communication between the dimer interface, the ligands, and the surface binding sites for epigenetic regulatory proteins. By examining binding of the same ligand in crystal structures of ER in the agonist versus antagonist conformers, we also showed that these allosteric signals are bidirectional. The receptor conformer can drive different ligand binding modes to support agonist versus antagonist activity profiles, a revision of ligand binding theory that has focused on unidirectional signaling from ligand to the coregulator binding site. We also observed differences in the allosteric signals between ligand and coregulator binding sites in the monomeric versus dimeric receptor, and when bound by two different ligands, states that are physiologically relevant. Thus, ER conformational heterodimers integrate two different ligand-regulated activity profiles, representing new modes for ligand-dependent regulation of ER activity. Significance The estrogen receptor-α (ER) regulates transcription in response to a hormonal milieu that includes low levels of estradiol, a variety of environmental estrogens, as well as ER antagonists such as breast cancer anti-hormonal therapies. While ER has been studied as a homodimer, the variety of ligand and receptor concentrations in different tissues means that the receptor can be occupied with two different ligands, with only one ligand in the dimer, or as a monomer. Here, we use X-ray crystallography and molecular dynamics simulations to reveal a new mode for ligand regulation of ER activity whereby sequence-identical homodimers can act as functional or conformational heterodimers having unique signaling characteristics, with ligand-selective allostery operating across the dimer interface integrating two different signaling outcomes.
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8
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Fettweis G, Johnson TA, Almeida‐Prieto B, Weller‐Pérez J, Presman DM, Hager GL, Alvarez de la Rosa D. The mineralocorticoid receptor forms higher order oligomers upon DNA binding. Protein Sci 2024; 33:e4890. [PMID: 38160317 PMCID: PMC10868434 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4890] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The prevailing model of steroid hormone nuclear receptor function assumes ligand-induced homodimer formation followed by binding to DNA hormone response elements (HREs). This model has been challenged by evidence showing that the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) forms tetramers upon ligand and DNA binding, which then drive receptor-mediated gene transactivation and transrepression. GR and the closely-related mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) interact to transduce corticosteroid hormone signaling, but whether they share the same quaternary arrangement is unknown. Here, we used a fluorescence imaging technique, Number & Brightness, to study oligomerization in a cell system allowing real-time analysis of receptor-DNA interactions. Agonist-bound MR forms tetramers in the nucleoplasm and higher order oligomers upon binding to HREs. Antagonists form intermediate-size quaternary arrangements, suggesting that large oligomers are essential for function. Divergence between MR and GR quaternary structure is driven by different functionality of known and new multimerization interfaces, which does not preclude formation of heteromers. Thus, influencing oligomerization may be important to selectively modulate corticosteroid signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Fettweis
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene ExpressionNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
- Present address:
Laboratory of Gene Expression and Cancer, GIGA‐Molecular Biology of DiseaseUniversity of LiègeLiègeBelgium
| | - Thomas A. Johnson
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene ExpressionNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Brian Almeida‐Prieto
- Departmento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas and Instituto de Tecnologías BiomédicasUniversidad de La LagunaLa LagunaSpain
| | - Julián Weller‐Pérez
- Departmento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas and Instituto de Tecnologías BiomédicasUniversidad de La LagunaLa LagunaSpain
| | - Diego M. Presman
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET‐Universidad de Buenos AiresFacultad de Ciencias Exactas y NaturalesBuenos AiresArgentina
| | - Gordon L. Hager
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene ExpressionNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Diego Alvarez de la Rosa
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene ExpressionNational Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
- Departmento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas and Instituto de Tecnologías BiomédicasUniversidad de La LagunaLa LagunaSpain
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9
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Iyer-Bierhoff A, Wieczorek M, Peter SM, Ward D, Bens M, Vettorazzi S, Guehrs KH, Tuckermann JP, Heinzel T. Acetylation-induced proteasomal degradation of the activated glucocorticoid receptor limits hormonal signaling. iScience 2024; 27:108943. [PMID: 38333702 PMCID: PMC10850750 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoid (GC) signaling is essential for mounting a stress response, however, chronic stress or prolonged GC therapy downregulates the GC receptor (GR), leading to GC resistance. Regulatory mechanisms that refine this equilibrium are not well understood. Here, we identify seven lysine acetylation sites in the amino terminal domain of GR, with lysine 154 (Lys154) in the AF-1 region being the dominant acetyl-acceptor. GR-Lys154 acetylation is mediated by p300/CBP in the nucleus in an agonist-dependent manner and correlates with transcriptional activity. Deacetylation by NAD+-dependent SIRT1 facilitates dynamic regulation of this mark. Notably, agonist-binding to both wild-type GR and an acetylation-deficient mutant elicits similar short-term target gene expression. In contrast, upon extended treatment, the polyubiquitination of the acetylation-deficient GR mutant is impaired resulting in higher protein stability, increased chromatin association and prolonged transactivation. Taken together, reversible acetylation fine-tunes duration of the GC response by regulating proteasomal degradation of activated GR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Iyer-Bierhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Centre for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Friedrich Schiller University, Hans-Knoell-Strasse 2, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Wieczorek
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Centre for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Friedrich Schiller University, Hans-Knoell-Strasse 2, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Sina Marielle Peter
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Centre for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Friedrich Schiller University, Hans-Knoell-Strasse 2, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Dima Ward
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Centre for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Friedrich Schiller University, Hans-Knoell-Strasse 2, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Martin Bens
- Core Facility Next Generation Sequencing, Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Beutenbergstrasse 11, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Sabine Vettorazzi
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Karl-Heinz Guehrs
- Core Facility Proteomics, Leibniz Institute on Aging – Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Beutenbergstrasse 11, 07745 Jena, Germany
| | - Jan P. Tuckermann
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, Helmholtzstrasse 8/1, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Thorsten Heinzel
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Centre for Molecular Biomedicine (CMB), Friedrich Schiller University, Hans-Knoell-Strasse 2, 07745 Jena, Germany
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10
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Liu M, Fan Y, Ni N, Yu T, Mao Z, Huang H, Zhang J, Tang Y, He H, Meng F, You Y, Zhou Q. TERT mediates the U-shape of glucocorticoids effects in modulation of hippocampal neural stem cells and associated brain function. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14577. [PMID: 38421107 PMCID: PMC10850922 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14577] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroidal hormones produced by the adrenal cortex. A physiological-level GCs have a crucial function in maintaining many cognitive processes, like cognition, memory, and mood, however, both insufficient and excessive GCs impair these functions. Although this phenomenon could be explained by the U-shape of GC effects, the underlying mechanisms are still not clear. Therefore, understanding the underlying mechanisms of GCs may provide insight into the treatments for cognitive and mood-related disorders. METHODS Consecutive administration of corticosterone (CORT, 10 mg/kg, i.g.) proceeded for 28 days to mimic excessive GCs condition. Adrenalectomy (ADX) surgery was performed to ablate endogenous GCs in mice. Microinjection of 1 μL of Ad-mTERT-GFP virus into mouse hippocampus dentate gyrus (DG) and behavioral alterations in mice were observed 4 weeks later. RESULTS Different concentrations of GCs were shown to affect the cell growth and development of neural stem cells (NSCs) in a U-shaped manner. The physiological level of GCs (0.01 μM) promoted NSC proliferation in vitro, while the stress level of GCs (10 μM) inhibited it. The glucocorticoid synthesis blocker metyrapone (100 mg/kg, i.p.) and ADX surgery both decreased the quantity and morphological development of doublecortin (DCX)-positive immature cells in the DG. The physiological level of GCs activated mineralocorticoid receptor and then promoted the production of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT); in contrast, the stress level of GCs activated glucocorticoid receptor and then reduced the expression of TERT. Overexpression of TERT by AD-mTERT-GFP reversed both chronic stresses- and ADX-induced deficiency of TERT and the proliferation and development of NSCs, chronic stresses-associated depressive symptoms, and ADX-associated learning and memory impairment. CONCLUSION The bidirectional regulation of TERT by different GCs concentrations is a key mechanism mediating the U-shape of GC effects in modulation of hippocampal NSCs and associated brain function. Replenishment of TERT could be a common treatment strategy for GC dysfunction-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng‐Ying Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Drum Tower HospitalAffiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yixin Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Department of Pharmacy, Sir Run Run HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Ningjie Ni
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Tao Yu
- School of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Zhiyuan Mao
- Key Laboratory for Aging & Disease, The State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Human Anatomy, Research Centre for Bone and Stem CellsNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Hanyu Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yulin Tang
- Department of Pharmacy, Sir Run Run HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Hongliang He
- Department of Pharmacy, Sir Run Run HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Fan Meng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yongping You
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qi‐Gang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Department of Pharmacy, Sir Run Run HospitalNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, School of PharmacyNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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11
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Pofi R, Caratti G, Ray DW, Tomlinson JW. Treating the Side Effects of Exogenous Glucocorticoids; Can We Separate the Good From the Bad? Endocr Rev 2023; 44:975-1011. [PMID: 37253115 PMCID: PMC10638606 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnad016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that 2% to 3% of the population are currently prescribed systemic or topical glucocorticoid treatment. The potent anti-inflammatory action of glucocorticoids to deliver therapeutic benefit is not in doubt. However, the side effects associated with their use, including central weight gain, hypertension, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and osteoporosis, often collectively termed iatrogenic Cushing's syndrome, are associated with a significant health and economic burden. The precise cellular mechanisms underpinning the differential action of glucocorticoids to drive the desirable and undesirable effects are still not completely understood. Faced with the unmet clinical need to limit glucocorticoid-induced adverse effects alongside ensuring the preservation of anti-inflammatory actions, several strategies have been pursued. The coprescription of existing licensed drugs to treat incident adverse effects can be effective, but data examining the prevention of adverse effects are limited. Novel selective glucocorticoid receptor agonists and selective glucocorticoid receptor modulators have been designed that aim to specifically and selectively activate anti-inflammatory responses based upon their interaction with the glucocorticoid receptor. Several of these compounds are currently in clinical trials to evaluate their efficacy. More recently, strategies exploiting tissue-specific glucocorticoid metabolism through the isoforms of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase has shown early potential, although data from clinical trials are limited. The aim of any treatment is to maximize benefit while minimizing risk, and within this review we define the adverse effect profile associated with glucocorticoid use and evaluate current and developing strategies that aim to limit side effects but preserve desirable therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Pofi
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Giorgio Caratti
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - David W Ray
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
- NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
- Oxford Kavli Centre for Nanoscience Discovery, University of Oxford, Oxford OX37LE, UK
| | - Jeremy W Tomlinson
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, NIHR Oxford Biomedical Research Centre, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
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12
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Nikolić S, Oasa S, Krmpot AJ, Terenius L, Belić MR, Rigler R, Vukojević V. Mapping the Direction of Nucleocytoplasmic Transport of Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) in Live Cells Using Two-Foci Cross-Correlation in Massively Parallel Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy (mpFCS). Anal Chem 2023; 95:15171-15179. [PMID: 37782779 PMCID: PMC10585663 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.3c01427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Nucleocytoplasmic transport of transcription factors is vital for normal cellular function, and its breakdown is a major contributing factor in many diseases. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is an evolutionarily conserved, ligand-dependent transcription factor that regulates homeostasis and response to stress and is an important target for therapeutics in inflammation and cancer. In unstimulated cells, the GR resides in the cytoplasm bound to other molecules in a large multiprotein complex. Upon stimulation with endogenous or synthetic ligands, GR translocation to the cell nucleus occurs, where the GR regulates the transcription of numerous genes by direct binding to glucocorticoid response elements or by physically associating with other transcription factors. While much is known about molecular mechanisms underlying GR function, the spatial organization of directionality of GR nucleocytoplasmic transport remains less well characterized, and it is not well understood how the bidirectional nucleocytoplasmic flow of GR is coordinated in stimulated cells. Here, we use two-foci cross-correlation in a massively parallel fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (mpFCS) system to map in live cells the directionality of GR translocation at different positions along the nuclear envelope. We show theoretically and experimentally that cross-correlation of signals from two nearby observation volume elements (OVEs) in an mpFCS setup presents a sharp peak when the OVEs are positioned along the trajectory of molecular motion and that the time position of the peak corresponds to the average time of flight of the molecule between the two OVEs. Hence, the direction and velocity of nucleocytoplasmic transport can be determined simultaneously at several locations along the nuclear envelope. We reveal that under ligand-induced GR translocation, nucleocytoplasmic import/export of GR proceeds simultaneously but at different locations in the cell nucleus. Our data show that mpFCS can characterize in detail the heterogeneity of directional nucleocytoplasmic transport in a live cell and may be invaluable for studies aiming to understand how the bidirectional flow of macromolecules through the nuclear pore complex (NPC) is coordinated to avoid intranuclear transcription factor accretion/abatement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanko
N. Nikolić
- Department
of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS), Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska Institute, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute
of Physics Belgrade, University of Belgrade, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
- Division
of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M University
at Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sho Oasa
- Department
of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS), Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska Institute, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aleksandar J. Krmpot
- Department
of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS), Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska Institute, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute
of Physics Belgrade, University of Belgrade, 11080 Belgrade, Serbia
- Division
of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M University
at Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Lars Terenius
- Department
of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS), Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska Institute, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Milivoj R. Belić
- Division
of Arts and Sciences, Texas A&M University
at Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Rudolf Rigler
- Department
of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS), Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska Institute, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vladana Vukojević
- Department
of Clinical Neuroscience (CNS), Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), Karolinska Institute, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
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13
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Yoshimura M, Flynn BP, Kershaw YM, Zhao Z, Ueta Y, Lightman SL, Conway-Campbell BL. Phase-shifting the circadian glucocorticoid profile induces disordered feeding behaviour by dysregulating hypothalamic neuropeptide gene expression. Commun Biol 2023; 6:998. [PMID: 37775688 PMCID: PMC10541449 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05347-3] [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: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Here we demonstrate, in rodents, how the timing of feeding behaviour becomes disordered when circulating glucocorticoid rhythms are dissociated from lighting cues; a phenomenon most commonly associated with shift-work and transmeridian travel 'jetlag'. Adrenalectomized rats are infused with physiological patterns of corticosterone modelled on the endogenous adrenal secretory profile, either in-phase or out-of-phase with lighting cues. For the in-phase group, food intake is significantly greater during the rats' active period compared to their inactive period; a feeding pattern similar to adrenal-intact control rats. In contrast, the feeding pattern of the out-of-phase group is significantly dysregulated. Consistent with a direct hypothalamic modulation of feeding behaviour, this altered timing is accompanied by dysregulated timing of anorexigenic and orexigenic neuropeptide gene expression. For Neuropeptide Y (Npy), we report a glucocorticoid-dependent direct transcriptional regulation mechanism mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). Taken together, our data highlight the adverse behavioural outcomes that can arise when two circadian systems have anti-phasic cues, in this case impacting on the glucocorticoid-regulation of a process as fundamental to health as feeding behaviour. Our findings further highlight the need for development of rational approaches in the prevention of metabolic dysfunction in circadian-disrupting activities such as transmeridian travel and shift-work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitsuhiro Yoshimura
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK
- Department of Physiology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Benjamin P Flynn
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK
| | - Yvonne M Kershaw
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK
| | - Zidong Zhao
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK
| | - Yoichi Ueta
- Department of Physiology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan 1-1 Iseigaoka, Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu, 807-8555, Japan
| | - Stafford L Lightman
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK
| | - Becky L Conway-Campbell
- Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol, BS1 3NY, UK.
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14
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Borin C, Pieters T, Serafin V, Ntziachristos P. Emerging Epigenetic and Posttranslational Mechanisms Controlling Resistance to Glucocorticoids in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e916. [PMID: 37359189 PMCID: PMC10289758 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are extensively used for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia as they pressure cancer cells to undergo apoptosis. Nevertheless, glucocorticoid partners, modifications, and mechanisms of action are hitherto poorly characterized. This hampers our understanding of therapy resistance, frequently occurring in leukemia despite the current therapeutic combinations using glucocorticoids in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In this review, we initially cover the traditional view of glucocorticoid resistance and ways of targeting this resistance. We discuss recent progress in our understanding of chromatin and posttranslational properties of the glucocorticoid receptor that might be proven beneficial in our efforts to understand and target therapy resistance. We discuss emerging roles of pathways and proteins such as the lymphocyte-specific kinase that antagonizes glucocorticoid receptor activation and nuclear translocation. In addition, we provide an overview of ongoing therapeutic approaches that sensitize cells to glucocorticoids including small molecule inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimeras.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Borin
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
| | - Tim Pieters
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
| | - Valentina Serafin
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology, Oncology and Immunology Section, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Panagiotis Ntziachristos
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
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15
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Wagh K, Stavreva DA, Jensen RAM, Paakinaho V, Fettweis G, Schiltz RL, Wüstner D, Mandrup S, Presman DM, Upadhyaya A, Hager GL. Dynamic switching of transcriptional regulators between two distinct low-mobility chromatin states. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eade1122. [PMID: 37315128 PMCID: PMC10954219 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ade1122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
How chromatin dynamics relate to transcriptional activity remains poorly understood. Using single-molecule tracking, coupled with machine learning, we show that histone H2B and multiple chromatin-bound transcriptional regulators display two distinct low-mobility states. Ligand activation results in a marked increase in the propensity of steroid receptors to bind in the lowest-mobility state. Mutational analysis revealed that interactions with chromatin in the lowest-mobility state require an intact DNA binding domain and oligomerization domains. These states are not spatially separated as previously believed, but individual H2B and bound-TF molecules can dynamically switch between them on time scales of seconds. Single bound-TF molecules with different mobilities exhibit different dwell time distributions, suggesting that the mobility of TFs is intimately coupled with their binding dynamics. Together, our results identify two unique and distinct low-mobility states that appear to represent common pathways for transcription activation in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaustubh Wagh
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Diana A. Stavreva
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Rikke A. M. Jensen
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Ville Paakinaho
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Gregory Fettweis
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - R. Louis Schiltz
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Daniel Wüstner
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Susanne Mandrup
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Diego M. Presman
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Arpita Upadhyaya
- Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Gordon L. Hager
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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16
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Deploey N, Van Moortel L, Rogatsky I, Peelman F, De Bosscher K. The Biologist's Guide to the Glucocorticoid Receptor's Structure. Cells 2023; 12:1636. [PMID: 37371105 PMCID: PMC10297449 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121636] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and functions as a glucocorticoid (GC)-responsive transcription factor. GR can halt inflammation and kill off cancer cells, thus explaining the widespread use of glucocorticoids in the clinic. However, side effects and therapy resistance limit GR's therapeutic potential, emphasizing the importance of resolving all of GR's context-specific action mechanisms. Fortunately, the understanding of GR structure, conformation, and stoichiometry in the different GR-controlled biological pathways is now gradually increasing. This information will be crucial to close knowledge gaps on GR function. In this review, we focus on the various domains and mechanisms of action of GR, all from a structural perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Deploey
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (L.V.M.); (F.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research (TNRR) Laboratory, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Van Moortel
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (L.V.M.); (F.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research (TNRR) Laboratory, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Inez Rogatsky
- Hospital for Special Surgery Research Institute, The David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Center, New York, NY 10021, USA;
- Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Frank Peelman
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (L.V.M.); (F.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (L.V.M.); (F.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research (TNRR) Laboratory, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
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17
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Fettweis G, Johnson TA, Almeida-Prieto B, Presman DM, Hager GL, Alvarez de la Rosa D. The mineralocorticoid receptor forms higher order oligomers upon DNA binding. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.26.525752. [PMID: 36789424 PMCID: PMC9928021 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.26.525752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The prevailing model of steroid hormone nuclear receptor function assumes ligand-induced homodimer formation followed by binding to DNA hormone response elements (HREs). This model has been challenged by evidence showing that the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) forms tetramers upon ligand and DNA binding, which then drive receptor-mediated gene transactivation and transrepression. GR and the closely-related mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) interact to transduce corticosteroid hormone signaling, but whether they share the same quaternary arrangement is unknown. Here, we used a fluorescence imaging technique, Number & Brightness, to study oligomerization in a cell system allowing real-time analysis of receptor-DNA interactions. Agonist-bound MR forms tetramers in the nucleoplasm and higher order oligomers upon binding to HREs. Antagonists form intermediate quaternary arrangements, suggesting that large oligomers are essential for function. Divergence between MR and GR quaternary structure is driven by different functionality of known and new multimerization interfaces, which does not preclude formation of heteromers. Thus, influencing oligomerization may be important to selectively modulate corticosteroid signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory Fettweis
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-5055, USA
| | - Thomas A. Johnson
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-5055, USA
| | - Brian Almeida-Prieto
- Departmento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas and Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna 38200, Spain
| | - Diego M. Presman
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Gordon L. Hager
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-5055, USA
| | - Diego Alvarez de la Rosa
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-5055, USA
- Departmento de Ciencias Médicas Básicas and Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas, Universidad de La Laguna, La Laguna 38200, Spain
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18
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Lammer NC, Ashraf HM, Ugay DA, Spencer SL, Allen MA, Batey RT, Wuttke DS. RNA binding by the glucocorticoid receptor attenuates dexamethasone-induced gene activation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9385. [PMID: 37296231 PMCID: PMC10251336 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35549-y] [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: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that regulates a suite of genes through direct binding of GR to specific DNA promoter elements. GR also interacts with RNA, but the function of this RNA-binding activity remains elusive. Current models speculate that RNA could repress the transcriptional activity of GR. To investigate the function of the GR-RNA interaction on GR's transcriptional activity, we generated cells that stably express a mutant of GR with reduced RNA binding affinity and treated the cells with the GR agonist dexamethasone. Changes in the dexamethasone-driven transcriptome were quantified using 4-thiouridine labeling of RNAs followed by high-throughput sequencing. We find that while many genes are unaffected, GR-RNA binding is repressive for specific subsets of genes in both dexamethasone-dependent and independent contexts. Genes that are dexamethasone-dependent are activated directly by chromatin-bound GR, suggesting a competition-based repression mechanism in which increasing local concentrations of RNA may compete with DNA for binding to GR at sites of transcription. Unexpectedly, genes that are dexamethasone-independent instead display a localization to specific chromosomal regions, which points to changes in chromatin accessibility or architecture. These results show that RNA binding plays a fundamental role in regulating GR function and highlights potential functions for transcription factor-RNA interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nickolaus C Lammer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Humza M Ashraf
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Daniella A Ugay
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Sabrina L Spencer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Mary A Allen
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA
| | - Robert T Batey
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
| | - Deborah S Wuttke
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80309, USA.
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19
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Lee ZY, Tran T. Genomic and non-genomic effects of glucocorticoids in respiratory diseases. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2023; 98:1-30. [PMID: 37524484 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Cortisol is an endogenous steroid hormone essential for the natural resolution of inflammation. Synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) were developed and are currently amongst the most widely prescribed anti-inflammatory drugs in our modern clinical landscape owing to their potent anti-inflammatory activity. However, the extent of GC's effects has yet to be fully elucidated. Indeed, GCs modulate a broad spectrum of cellular activity, from their classical regulation of gene expression to acute non-genomic mechanisms of action. Furthermore, tissue specific effects, disease specific conditions, and dose-dependent responses complicate their use, with side-effects potentially plaguing their use. It is thus vital to outline and consolidate the effects of GCs, to demystify and maximize their therapeutic potential while avoiding pitfalls that would otherwise render them obsolete.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao-Yong Lee
- Infectious Disease Translational Research Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Thai Tran
- Infectious Disease Translational Research Program, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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20
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Bablok M, Gellisch M, Scharf M, Brand-Saberi B, Morosan-Puopolo G. Spatiotemporal expression pattern of the chicken glucocorticoid receptor during early embryonic development. Ann Anat 2023; 247:152056. [PMID: 36696929 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2023.152056] [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: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids - commonly known as stress hormones - belong to the family of steroid hormones and regulate numerous life essential physiological processes. As lipophilic molecules, glucocorticoids are known to cross the placental barrier in mammals, which - applied for therapeutic reasons or arising from environmental influences - illustrates the role of prenatal stress during embryonic developmental processes. The hormones employ their functions by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and thus are involved in regulating the transcription of thousands of genes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the spatiotemporal expression pattern of the GR during early embryonic vertebrate development, using the chicken embryo as a model organism. The results should contribute to enhance and expand the current understanding of glucocorticoid signaling. By performing in-situ hybridization on whole mount chicken embryos from stage HH10 to HH29 and analyzing vibratome sections of hybridized embryos, we described the spatiotemporal expression pattern of the GR during early embryogenesis. Moreover, we compared the expression pattern of the GR with other developmental markers such as Pax7, Desmin, MyoD and HNK-1 using double in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. We were able to determine the first emergence of GR expression in stage HH13 of chicken development in the cranial area, especially in the muscle anlagen of the branchial arches and of non-somitic neck muscles. Furthermore, we monitored the extension of GR expression pattern throughout later stages and found transcripts of GR during somitogenesis, limb development, myogenesis, neurulation and neural differentiation and moreover during organogenesis of the gastrointestinal organs, the heart, the kidneys and the lungs. Toward later stages, GR expression transitioned from more distinct areas of expression to an increasingly ubiquitous expression pattern. Our results support the notion of an enormous relevance of glucocorticoid signaling during vertebrate embryonic development and contribute to a better understanding of the consequences of prenatal stress and the clinical administration of prenatal glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Bablok
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Morris Gellisch
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marion Scharf
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Beate Brand-Saberi
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Gabriela Morosan-Puopolo
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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21
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Postel S, Wissler L, Johansson CA, Gunnarsson A, Gordon E, Collins B, Castaldo M, Köhler C, Öling D, Johansson P, Fröderberg Roth L, Beinsteiner B, Dainty I, Delaney S, Klaholz BP, Billas IML, Edman K. Quaternary glucocorticoid receptor structure highlights allosteric interdomain communication. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2023; 30:286-295. [PMID: 36747092 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-022-00914-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that binds DNA and assembles co-regulator complexes to regulate gene transcription. GR agonists are widely prescribed to people with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Here we present high-resolution, multidomain structures of GR in complex with ligand, DNA and co-regulator peptide. The structures reveal how the receptor forms an asymmetric dimer on the DNA and provide a detailed view of the domain interactions within and across the two monomers. Hydrogen-deuterium exchange and DNA-binding experiments demonstrate that ligand-dependent structural changes are communicated across the different domains in the full-length receptor. This study demonstrates how GR forms a distinct architecture on DNA and how signal transmission can be modulated by the ligand pharmacophore, provides a platform to build a new level of understanding of how receptor modifications can drive disease progression and offers key insight for future drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Postel
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Lisa Wissler
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carina A Johansson
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Gunnarsson
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Euan Gordon
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Barry Collins
- Bioscience COPD/IPF, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marie Castaldo
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Christian Köhler
- Bioscience COPD/IPF, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - David Öling
- Discovery Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Patrik Johansson
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | | | - Brice Beinsteiner
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI), Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
| | - Ian Dainty
- Bioscience COPD/IPF, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Stephen Delaney
- Bioscience COPD/IPF, Research and Early Development, Respiratory and Immunology (R&I), BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bruno P Klaholz
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI), Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
| | - Isabelle M L Billas
- Centre for Integrative Biology (CBI), Department of Integrated Structural Biology, Institute of Genetics and of Molecular and Cellular Biology (IGBMC), Illkirch, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7104, Illkirch, France
| | - Karl Edman
- Mechanistic & Structural Biology, Discovery Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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22
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Haghizadeh A, Iftikhar M, Dandpat SS, Simpson T. Looking at Biomolecular Interactions through the Lens of Correlated Fluorescence Microscopy and Optical Tweezers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2668. [PMID: 36768987 PMCID: PMC9916863 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Understanding complex biological events at the molecular level paves the path to determine mechanistic processes across the timescale necessary for breakthrough discoveries. While various conventional biophysical methods provide some information for understanding biological systems, they often lack a complete picture of the molecular-level details of such dynamic processes. Studies at the single-molecule level have emerged to provide crucial missing links to understanding complex and dynamic pathways in biological systems, which are often superseded by bulk biophysical and biochemical studies. Latest developments in techniques combining single-molecule manipulation tools such as optical tweezers and visualization tools such as fluorescence or label-free microscopy have enabled the investigation of complex and dynamic biomolecular interactions at the single-molecule level. In this review, we present recent advances using correlated single-molecule manipulation and visualization-based approaches to obtain a more advanced understanding of the pathways for fundamental biological processes, and how this combination technique is facilitating research in the dynamic single-molecule (DSM), cell biology, and nanomaterials fields.
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23
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Pinheiro EDS, Preato AM, Petrucci TVB, dos Santos LS, Glezer I. Phase-separation: a possible new layer for transcriptional regulation by glucocorticoid receptor. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1160238. [PMID: 37124728 PMCID: PMC10145926 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1160238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are hormones involved in circadian adaptation and stress response, and it is also noteworthy that these steroidal molecules present potent anti-inflammatory action through GC receptors (GR). Upon ligand-mediated activation, GR translocates to the nucleus, and regulates gene expression related to metabolism, acute-phase response and innate immune response. GR field of research has evolved considerably in the last decades, providing varied mechanisms that contributed to the understanding of transcriptional regulation and also impacted drug design for treating inflammatory diseases. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in cellular processes represents a recent topic in biology that conceptualizes membraneless organelles and microenvironments that promote, or inhibit, chemical reactions and interactions of protein or nucleic acids. The formation of these molecular condensates has been implicated in gene expression control, and recent evidence shows that GR and other steroid receptors can nucleate phase separation (PS). Here we briefly review the varied mechanisms of transcriptional control by GR, which are largely studied in the context of inflammation, and further present how PS can be involved in the control of gene expression. Lastly, we consider how the reported advances on LLPS during transcription control, specially for steroid hormone receptors, could impact the different modalities of GR action on gene expression, adding a new plausible molecular event in glucocorticoid signal transduction.
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24
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Carceller-Zazo E, Sevilla LM, Pons-Alonso O, Chiner-Oms Á, Amazit L, An Vu T, Vitellius G, Viengchareun S, Comas I, Jaszczyszyn Y, Abella M, Alegre-Martí A, Estébanez-Perpiñá E, Lombès M, Pérez P. The mineralocorticoid receptor modulates timing and location of genomic binding by glucocorticoid receptor in response to synthetic glucocorticoids in keratinocytes. FASEB J 2023; 37:e22709. [PMID: 36527388 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202201199rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) exert potent antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties, explaining their therapeutic efficacy for skin diseases. GCs act by binding to the GC receptor (GR) and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), co-expressed in classical and non-classical targets including keratinocytes. Using knockout mice, we previously demonstrated that GR and MR exert essential nonoverlapping functions in skin homeostasis. These closely related receptors may homo- or heterodimerize to regulate transcription, and theoretically bind identical GC-response elements (GRE). We assessed the contribution of MR to GR genomic binding and the transcriptional response to the synthetic GC dexamethasone (Dex) using control (CO) and MR knockout (MREKO ) keratinocytes. GR chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq identified peaks common and unique to both genotypes upon Dex treatment (1 h). GREs, AP-1, TEAD, and p53 motifs were enriched in CO and MREKO peaks. However, GR genomic binding was 35% reduced in MREKO , with significantly decreased GRE enrichment, and reduced nuclear GR. Surface plasmon resonance determined steady state affinity constants, suggesting preferred dimer formation as MR-MR > GR-MR ~ GR-GR; however, kinetic studies demonstrated that GR-containing dimers had the longest lifetimes. Despite GR-binding differences, RNA-seq identified largely similar subsets of differentially expressed genes in both genotypes upon Dex treatment (3 h). However, time-course experiments showed gene-dependent differences in the magnitude of expression, which correlated with earlier and more pronounced GR binding to GRE sites unique to CO including near Nr3c1. Our data show that endogenous MR has an impact on the kinetics and differential genomic binding of GR, affecting the time-course, specificity, and magnitude of GC transcriptional responses in keratinocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Carceller-Zazo
- Inserm, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Lisa M Sevilla
- Department of Pathology and Molecular and Cell Therapy, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV-CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Omar Pons-Alonso
- Department of Pathology and Molecular and Cell Therapy, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV-CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Álvaro Chiner-Oms
- Department of Genomics and Proteomics, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV-CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Larbi Amazit
- Inserm, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.,Unité Mixte de Service UMS-44, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Thi An Vu
- Inserm, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Géraldine Vitellius
- Inserm, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Say Viengchareun
- Inserm, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Iñaki Comas
- Department of Genomics and Proteomics, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV-CSIC), Valencia, Spain
| | - Yan Jaszczyszyn
- CEA, CNRS, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell, Université Paris-Saclay, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Montserrat Abella
- Structural Biology of Nuclear Receptors, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Alegre-Martí
- Structural Biology of Nuclear Receptors, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Estébanez-Perpiñá
- Structural Biology of Nuclear Receptors, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marc Lombès
- Inserm, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Paloma Pérez
- Department of Pathology and Molecular and Cell Therapy, Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV-CSIC), Valencia, Spain
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25
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SOX2 Modulates the Nuclear Organization and Transcriptional Activity of the Glucocorticoid Receptor. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167869. [PMID: 36309135 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167869] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Steroid receptors (SRs) are ligand-dependent transcription factors (TFs) relevant to key cellular processes in both physiology and pathology, including some types of cancer. SOX2 is a master TF of pluripotency and self-renewal of embryonic stem cells, and its dysregulation is also associated with various types of human cancers. A potential crosstalk between these TFs could be relevant in malignant cells yet, to the best of our knowledge, no formal study has been performed thus far. Here we show, by quantitative live-cell imaging microscopy, that ectopic expression of SOX2 disrupts the formation of hormone-dependent intranuclear condensates of many steroid receptors (SRs), including those formed by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). SOX2 also reduces GR's binding to specific DNA targets and modulates its transcriptional activity. SOX2-driven effects on GR condensates do not require the intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain of the receptor and, surprisingly, neither relies on GR/SOX2 interactions. SOX2 also alters the intranuclear dynamics and compartmentalization of the SR coactivator NCoA-2 and impairs GR/NCoA-2 interactions. These results suggest an indirect mechanism underlying SOX2-driven effects on SRs involving this coactivator. Together, these results highlight that the transcriptional program elicited by GR relies on its nuclear organization and is intimately linked to the distribution of other GR partners, such as the NCoA-2 coactivator. Abnormal expression of SOX2, commonly observed in many tumors, may alter the biological action of GR and, probably, other SRs as well. Understanding this crosstalk may help to improve steroid hormone-based therapies in cancers with elevated SOX2 expression.
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26
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Jiménez-Panizo A, Alegre-Martí A, Tettey T, Fettweis G, Abella M, Antón R, Johnson T, Kim S, Schiltz R, Núñez-Barrios I, Font-Díaz J, Caelles C, Valledor A, Pérez P, Rojas A, Fernández-Recio J, Presman D, Hager G, Fuentes-Prior P, Estébanez-Perpiñá E. The multivalency of the glucocorticoid receptor ligand-binding domain explains its manifold physiological activities. Nucleic Acids Res 2022; 50:13063-13082. [PMID: 36464162 PMCID: PMC9825158 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkac1119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a ubiquitously expressed transcription factor that controls metabolic and homeostatic processes essential for life. Although numerous crystal structures of the GR ligand-binding domain (GR-LBD) have been reported, the functional oligomeric state of the full-length receptor, which is essential for its transcriptional activity, remains disputed. Here we present five new crystal structures of agonist-bound GR-LBD, along with a thorough analysis of previous structural work. We identify four distinct homodimerization interfaces on the GR-LBD surface, which can associate into 20 topologically different homodimers. Biologically relevant homodimers were identified by studying a battery of GR point mutants including crosslinking assays in solution, quantitative fluorescence microscopy in living cells, and transcriptomic analyses. Our results highlight the relevance of non-canonical dimerization modes for GR, especially of contacts made by loop L1-3 residues such as Tyr545. Our work illustrates the unique flexibility of GR's LBD and suggests different dimeric conformations within cells. In addition, we unveil pathophysiologically relevant quaternary assemblies of the receptor with important implications for glucocorticoid action and drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gregory Fettweis
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-5055, USA
| | - Montserrat Abella
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain,Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Antón
- Biomedical Research Institute Sant Pau (IIB Sant Pau), 08041 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thomas A Johnson
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-5055, USA
| | - Sohyoung Kim
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-5055, USA
| | - R Louis Schiltz
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-5055, USA
| | - Israel Núñez-Barrios
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC). Campus Universitario Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Joan Font-Díaz
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Caelles
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain,Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona 08028, Spain
| | - Annabel F Valledor
- Institute of Biomedicine of the University of Barcelona (IBUB), University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain,Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona, 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paloma Pérez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV)-CSIC, 46010, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana M Rojas
- Andalusian Center for Developmental Biology (CABD-CSIC). Campus Universitario Pablo de Olavide, 41013 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Juan Fernández-Recio
- Instituto de Ciencias de la Vid y del Vino (ICVV), CSIC - Universidad de La Rioja - Gobierno de La Rioja, 26007 Logroño, Spain
| | - Diego M Presman
- IFIBYNE, UBA-CONICET, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Buenos Aires C1428EGA, Argentina
| | - Gordon L Hager
- Correspondence may also be addressed to Gordon L. Hager. Tel: +1 240 760 6618;
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27
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Cirstea IC, Moll HP, Tuckermann J. Glucocorticoid receptor and RAS: an unexpected couple in cancer. Trends Cell Biol 2022:S0962-8924(22)00253-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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28
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Ansari SA, Dantoft W, Ruiz-Orera J, Syed AP, Blachut S, van Heesch S, Hübner N, Uhlenhaut NH. Integrative analysis of macrophage ribo-Seq and RNA-Seq data define glucocorticoid receptor regulated inflammatory response genes into distinct regulatory classes. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:5622-5638. [PMID: 36284713 PMCID: PMC9582734 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.09.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids such as dexamethasone (Dex) are widely used to treat both acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. They regulate immune responses by dampening cell-mediated immunity in a glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-dependent manner, by suppressing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and by stimulating the expression of anti-inflammatory mediators. Despite its evident clinical benefit, the mechanistic underpinnings of the gene regulatory networks transcriptionally controlled by GR in a context-specific manner remain mysterious. Next generation sequencing methods such mRNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and Ribosome profiling (ribo-seq) provide tools to investigate the transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms that govern gene expression. Here, we integrate matched RNA-seq data with ribo-seq data from human acute monocytic leukemia (THP-1) cells treated with the TLR4 ligand lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and with Dex, to investigate the global transcriptional and translational regulation (translational efficiency, ΔTE) of Dex-responsive genes. We find that the expression of most of the Dex-responsive genes are regulated at both the transcriptional and the post-transcriptional level, with the transcriptional changes intensified on the translational level. Overrepresentation pathway analysis combined with STRING protein network analysis and manual functional exploration, identified these genes to encode immune effectors and immunomodulators that contribute to macrophage-mediated immunity and to the maintenance of macrophage-mediated immune homeostasis. Further research into the translational regulatory network underlying the GR anti-inflammatory response could pave the way for the development of novel immunomodulatory therapeutic regimens with fewer undesirable side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suhail A. Ansari
- Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology (IDE), Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Widad Dantoft
- Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology (IDE), Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jorge Ruiz-Orera
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Afzal P. Syed
- Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology (IDE), Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Blachut
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastiaan van Heesch
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Norbert Hübner
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Sciences, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany,Charite-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina Henriette Uhlenhaut
- Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology (IDE), Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany,Metabolic Programming, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, ZIEL – Institute for Food and Health, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Freising, Germany,Corresponding author.
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29
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Henning P, Conaway HH, Lerner UH. Stimulation of osteoclast formation and bone resorption by glucocorticoids: Synergistic interactions with the calcium regulating hormones parathyroid hormone and 1,25(OH) 2-vitamin D3. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2022; 120:231-270. [PMID: 35953112 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Osteoporosis is a significant health problem, with skeletal fractures increasing morbidity and mortality. Excess glucocorticoids (GC) represents the leading cause of secondary osteoporosis. The first phase of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis is increased bone resorption. In this Chapter, in vitro studies of the direct glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mediated cellular effects of GC on osteoclasts to affect bone resorption and indirect effects on osteoblast lineage cells to increase the RANKL/OPG ratio and stimulate osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption are reviewed in detail, together with detailed descriptions of in vivo effects of GC in different portions of the skeleton in research animals and humans. Brief sections are devoted to contrasting functions of GC in osteonecrosis, vitamin D formation, in vitro and in vivo bone resorptive actions dependent on vitamin D receptor and vitamin D toxicity, as well as the molecular basis of GR action. Included are also more detailed assessments of the interactions of GC with the major calcium regulating hormones, 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 and parathyroid hormone, describing the in vitro increases in RANKL/OPG ratios, osteoclastogenesis and synergistic bone resorption that occurs when GC is combined with either 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 or parathyroid hormone. Additionally, a molecular basic for the synergistic interaction of GC with 1,25(OH)2-vitamin D3 is provided along with a suggested molecular basic for the interaction between GC and parathyroid hormone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Henning
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Centre and Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - H Herschel Conaway
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, United States
| | - Ulf H Lerner
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Osteoporosis Centre and Centre for Bone and Arthritis Research at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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30
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Solano A, Lou J, Scipioni L, Gratton E, Hinde E. Radial pair correlation of molecular brightness fluctuations maps protein diffusion as a function of oligomeric state within live-cell nuclear architecture. Biophys J 2022; 121:2152-2167. [PMID: 35490296 PMCID: PMC9247470 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2022.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear proteins can modulate their DNA binding activity and the exploration volume available during DNA target search by self-associating into higher-order oligomers. Directly tracking this process in the nucleoplasm of a living cell is, however, a complex task. Thus, here we present a microscopy method based on radial pair correlation of molecular brightness fluctuations (radial pCOMB) that can extract the mobility of a fluorescently tagged nuclear protein as a function of its oligomeric state and spatiotemporally map the anisotropy of this parameter with respect to nuclear architecture. By simply performing a rapid frame scan acquisition, radial pCOMB has the capacity to detect, within each pixel, protein oligomer formation and the size-dependent obstruction nuclear architecture imparts on this complex's transport across sub-micrometer distances. From application of radial pCOMB to an oligomeric transcription factor and DNA repair protein, we demonstrate that homo-oligomer formation differentially regulates chromatin accessibility and interaction with the DNA template.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashleigh Solano
- School of Physics, University of Melbourne; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne
| | - Jieqiong Lou
- School of Physics, University of Melbourne; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne
| | - Lorenzo Scipioni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine
| | - Enrico Gratton
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California, Irvine.
| | - Elizabeth Hinde
- School of Physics, University of Melbourne; Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, University of Melbourne.
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31
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Strickland BA, Ansari SA, Dantoft W, Uhlenhaut NH. How to tame your genes: mechanisms of inflammatory gene repression by glucocorticoids. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:2596-2616. [PMID: 35612756 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used therapeutic agents to treat a broad range of inflammatory conditions. Their functional effects are elicited by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which regulates transcription of distinct gene networks in response to ligand. However, the mechanisms governing various aspects of undesired side effects versus beneficial immunomodulation upon GR activation remain complex and incompletely understood. In this review, we discuss emerging models of inflammatory gene regulation by GR, highlighting GR's regulatory specificity conferred by context-dependent changes in chromatin architecture and transcription factor or co-regulator dynamics. GR controls both gene activation and repression, with the repression mechanism being central to favorable clinical outcomes. We describe current knowledge about 3D genome organization and its role in spatiotemporal transcriptional control by GR. Looking beyond, we summarize the evidence for dynamics in gene regulation by GR through cooperative convergence of epigenetic modifications, transcription factor crosstalk, molecular condensate formation and chromatin looping. Further characterizing these genomic events will reframe our understanding of mechanisms of transcriptional repression by GR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A Strickland
- Metabolic Programming, Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM), School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, ZIEL - Institute for Food and Health, Gregor-Mendel-Str. 2, 85354, Freising, Germany
| | - Suhail A Ansari
- Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology (IDE), Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Widad Dantoft
- Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology (IDE), Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - N Henriette Uhlenhaut
- Metabolic Programming, Technische Universitaet Muenchen (TUM), School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, ZIEL - Institute for Food and Health, Gregor-Mendel-Str. 2, 85354, Freising, Germany.,Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology (IDE), Helmholtz Center Munich (HMGU) and German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 85764, Neuherberg, Germany
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Scholtes C, Giguère V. Transcriptional control of energy metabolism by nuclear receptors. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2022; 23:750-770. [DOI: 10.1038/s41580-022-00486-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Buurstede JC, Paul SN, De Bosscher K, Meijer OC, Kroon J. Hepatic glucocorticoid-induced transcriptional regulation is androgen-dependent after chronic but not acute glucocorticoid exposure. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22251. [PMID: 35262955 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101313r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids exert their pleiotropic effects by activating the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which is expressed throughout the body. GR-mediated transcription is regulated by a multitude of tissue- and cell type-specific mechanisms, including interactions with other transcription factors such as the androgen receptor (AR). We previously showed that the transcription of canonical glucocorticoid-responsive genes is dependent on active androgen signaling, but the extent of this glucocorticoid-androgen crosstalk warrants further investigation. In this study, we investigated the overall glucocorticoid-androgen crosstalk in the hepatic transcriptome. Male mice were exposed to GR agonist corticosterone and AR antagonist enzalutamide in order to determine the extent of androgen-dependency after acute and chronic exposure. We found that a substantial proportion of the hepatic transcriptome is androgen-dependent after chronic exposure, while after acute exposure the transcriptomic effects of glucocorticoids are largely androgen-independent. We propose that prolonged glucocorticoid exposure triggers a gradual upregulation of AR expression, instating a situation of androgen dependence which is likely not driven by direct AR-GR interactions. This indirect mode of glucocorticoid-androgen interaction is in accordance with the absence of enriched AR DNA-binding near AR-dependent corticosterone-regulated genes after chronic exposure. In conclusion, we demonstrate that glucocorticoid effects and their interaction with androgen signaling are dependent on the duration of exposure and believe that our findings contribute to a better understanding of hepatic glucocorticoid biology in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacobus C Buurstede
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Susana N Paul
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research, VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, UGent Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Gent, Belgium
| | - Onno C Meijer
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Kroon
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Dinarello A, Tesoriere A, Martini P, Fontana CM, Volpato D, Badenetti L, Terrin F, Facchinello N, Romualdi C, Carnevali O, Dalla Valle L, Argenton F. Zebrafish Mutant Lines Reveal the Interplay between nr3c1 and nr3c2 in the GC-Dependent Regulation of Gene Transcription. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2678. [PMID: 35269817 PMCID: PMC8910431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids mainly exert their biological functions through their cognate receptor, encoded by the nr3c1 gene. Here, we analysed the glucocorticoids mechanism of action taking advantage of the availability of different zebrafish mutant lines for their receptor. The differences in gene expression patterns between the zebrafish gr knock-out and the grs357 mutant line, in which a point mutation prevents binding of the receptor to the hormone-responsive elements, reveal an intricate network of GC-dependent transcription. Particularly, we show that Stat3 transcriptional activity mainly relies on glucocorticoid receptor GR tethering activity: several Stat3 target genes are induced upon glucocorticoid GC exposure both in wild type and in grs357/s357 larvae, but not in gr knock-out zebrafish. To understand the interplay between GC, their receptor, and the mineralocorticoid receptor, which is evolutionarily and structurally related to the GR, we generated an mr knock-out line and observed that several GC-target genes also need a functional mineralocorticoid receptor MR to be correctly transcribed. All in all, zebrafish mutants and transgenic models allow in vivo analysis of GR transcriptional activities and interactions with other transcription factors such as MR and Stat3 in an in-depth and rapid way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Dinarello
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Annachiara Tesoriere
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Paolo Martini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Camilla Maria Fontana
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Davide Volpato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Lorenzo Badenetti
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Francesca Terrin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Nicola Facchinello
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Chiara Romualdi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Luisa Dalla Valle
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Francesco Argenton
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
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Timmermans S, Vandewalle J, Libert C. Dimerization of the Glucocorticoid Receptor and Its Importance in (Patho)physiology: A Primer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040683. [PMID: 35203332 PMCID: PMC8870481 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a very versatile protein that comes in several forms, interacts with many proteins and has multiple functions. Numerous therapies are based on GRs’ actions but the occurrence of side effects and reduced responses to glucocorticoids have motivated scientists to study GRs in great detail. The notion that GRs can perform functions as a monomeric protein, but also as a homodimer has raised questions about the underlying mechanisms, structural aspects of dimerization, influencing factors and biological functions. In this review paper, we are providing an overview of the current knowledge and insights about this important aspect of GR biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Timmermans
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (S.T.); (J.V.)
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jolien Vandewalle
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (S.T.); (J.V.)
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Claude Libert
- Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (S.T.); (J.V.)
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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36
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Timmermans S, Verhoog NJD, Van Looveren K, Dewaele S, Hochepied T, Eggermont M, Gilbert B, Boerema-de Munck A, Vanderhaeghen T, Vanden Berghe J, Garcia Gonzalez N, Vandewalle J, Bloch Y, Provost M, Savvides SN, De Bosscher K, Declercq W, Rottier RJ, Louw A, Libert C. Point mutation I634A in the glucocorticoid receptor causes embryonic lethality by reduced ligand binding. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:101574. [PMID: 35007536 PMCID: PMC8808175 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.101574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The glucocorticoid (GC) receptor (GR) is essential for normal development and in the initiation of inflammation. Healthy GRdim/dim mice with reduced dimerization propensity due to a point mutation (A465T) at the dimer interface of the GR DNA-binding domain (DBD) (here GRD/D) have previously helped to define the functions of GR monomers and dimers. Since GRD/D retains residual dimerization capacity, here we generated the dimer-nullifying double mutant GRD+L/D+L mice, featuring an additional mutation (I634A) in the ligand-binding domain (LBD) of GR. These mice are perinatally lethal, as are GRL/L mice (these mice have the I634A mutation but not the A465T mutation), displaying improper lung and skin formation. Using embryonic fibroblasts, high and low doses of dexamethasone (Dex), nuclear translocation assays, RNAseq, dimerization assays, and ligand-binding assays (and Kd values), we found that the lethal phenotype in these mice is due to insufficient ligand binding. These data suggest there is some correlation between GR dimerization potential and ligand affinity. We conclude that even a mutation as subtle as I634A, at a position not directly involved in ligand interactions sensu stricto, can still influence ligand binding and have a lethal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Timmermans
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | - Kelly Van Looveren
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sylviane Dewaele
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tino Hochepied
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Melanie Eggermont
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Barbara Gilbert
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anne Boerema-de Munck
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tineke Vanderhaeghen
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Joke Vanden Berghe
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Natalia Garcia Gonzalez
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jolien Vandewalle
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yehudi Bloch
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mathias Provost
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Savvas N Savvides
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- Department of Biochemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Receptor Research Laboratories, Nuclear Receptor Lab, Medical Biotechnology Center, VIB, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Declercq
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Robbert J Rottier
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Cell Biology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ann Louw
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Claude Libert
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, VIB, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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Pecci A, Ogara MF, Sanz RT, Vicent GP. Choosing the right partner in hormone-dependent gene regulation: Glucocorticoid and progesterone receptors crosstalk in breast cancer cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1037177. [PMID: 36407312 PMCID: PMC9672667 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1037177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormone receptors (SHRs) belong to a large family of ligand-activated nuclear receptors that share certain characteristics and possess others that make them unique. It was thought for many years that the specificity of hormone response lay in the ligand. Although this may be true for pure agonists, the natural ligands as progesterone, corticosterone and cortisol present a broader effect by simultaneous activation of several SHRs. Moreover, SHRs share structural and functional characteristics that range from similarities between ligand-binding pockets to recognition of specific DNA sequences. These properties are clearly evident in progesterone (PR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR); however, the biological responses triggered by each receptor in the presence of its ligand are different, and in some cases, even opposite. Thus, what confers the specificity of response to a given receptor is a long-standing topic of discussion that has not yet been unveiled. The levels of expression of each receptor, the differential interaction with coregulators, the chromatin accessibility as well as the DNA sequence of the target regions in the genome, are reliable sources of variability in hormone action that could explain the results obtained so far. Yet, to add further complexity to this scenario, it has been described that receptors can form heterocomplexes which can either compromise or potentiate the respective hormone-activated pathways with its possible impact on the pathological condition. In the present review, we summarized the state of the art of the functional cross-talk between PR and GR in breast cancer cells and we also discussed new paradigms of specificity in hormone action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adali Pecci
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- *Correspondence: Adali Pecci, ; Guillermo Pablo Vicent,
| | - María Florencia Ogara
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Universitaria, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rosario T. Sanz
- Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillermo Pablo Vicent
- Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IBMB-CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
- *Correspondence: Adali Pecci, ; Guillermo Pablo Vicent,
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Abstract
To predict transcription, one needs a mechanistic understanding of how the numerous required transcription factors (TFs) explore the nuclear space to find their target genes, assemble, cooperate, and compete with one another. Advances in fluorescence microscopy have made it possible to visualize real-time TF dynamics in living cells, leading to two intriguing observations: first, most TFs contact chromatin only transiently; and second, TFs can assemble into clusters through their intrinsically disordered regions. These findings suggest that highly dynamic events and spatially structured nuclear microenvironments might play key roles in transcription regulation that are not yet fully understood. The emerging model is that while some promoters directly convert TF-binding events into on/off cycles of transcription, many others apply complex regulatory layers that ultimately lead to diverse phenotypic outputs. Cracking this kinetic code is an ongoing and challenging task that is made possible by combining innovative imaging approaches with biophysical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiyue Lu
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Cell Biology Department, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
| | - Timothée Lionnet
- Institute for Systems Genetics and Cell Biology Department, NYU School of Medicine, New York, New York 10016, USA
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39
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Structural insights into glucocorticoid receptor function. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:2333-2343. [PMID: 34709368 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a steroid hormone-activated transcription factor that binds to various glucocorticoid response elements to up- or down- regulate the transcription of thousands of genes involved in metabolism, development, stress and inflammatory responses. GR consists of two domains enabling interaction with glucocorticoids, DNA response elements and coregulators, as well as a large intrinsically disordered region that mediates condensate formation. A growing body of structural studies during the past decade have shed new light on GR interactions, providing a new understanding of the mechanisms driving context-specific GR activity. Here, we summarize the established and emerging mechanisms of action of GR, primarily from a structural perspective. This minireview also discusses how the current state of knowledge of GR function may guide future glucocorticoid design with an improved therapeutic index for different inflammatory disorders.
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Sevilla LM, Jiménez-Panizo A, Alegre-Martí A, Estébanez-Perpiñá E, Caelles C, Pérez P. Glucocorticoid Resistance: Interference between the Glucocorticoid Receptor and the MAPK Signalling Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:10049. [PMID: 34576214 PMCID: PMC8465023 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroid hormones that signal in virtually all cell types to modulate tissue homeostasis throughout life. Also, synthetic GC derivatives (pharmacological GCs) constitute the first-line treatment in many chronic inflammatory conditions with unquestionable therapeutic benefits despite the associated adverse effects. GC actions are principally mediated through the GC receptor (GR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor. Despite the ubiquitous expression of GR, imbalances in GC signalling affect tissues differently, and with variable degrees of severity through mechanisms that are not completely deciphered. Congenital or acquired GC hypersensitivity or resistance syndromes can impact responsiveness to endogenous or pharmacological GCs, causing disease or inadequate therapeutic outcomes, respectively. Acquired GC resistance is defined as loss of efficacy or desensitization over time, and arises as a consequence of chronic inflammation, affecting around 30% of GC-treated patients. It represents an important limitation in the management of chronic inflammatory diseases and cancer, and can be due to impairment of multiple mechanisms along the GC signalling pathway. Among them, activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and/or alterations in expression of their regulators, the dual-specific phosphatases (DUSPs), have been identified as common mechanisms of GC resistance. While many of the anti-inflammatory actions of GCs rely on GR-mediated inhibition of MAPKs and/or induction of DUSPs, the GC anti-inflammatory capacity is decreased or lost in conditions of excessive MAPK activation, contributing to disease susceptibility in tissue- and disease- specific manners. Here, we discuss potential strategies to modulate GC responsiveness, with the dual goal of overcoming GC resistance and minimizing the onset and severity of unwanted adverse effects while maintaining therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M. Sevilla
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV)-CSIC, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
| | - Alba Jiménez-Panizo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.J.-P.); (A.A.-M.); (E.E.-P.)
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona (IBUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Andrea Alegre-Martí
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.J.-P.); (A.A.-M.); (E.E.-P.)
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona (IBUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Eva Estébanez-Perpiñá
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Biology, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain; (A.J.-P.); (A.A.-M.); (E.E.-P.)
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona (IBUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Carme Caelles
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Barcelona (IBUB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain;
- Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), 08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paloma Pérez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV)-CSIC, 46010 Valencia, Spain;
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Frank F, Liu X, Ortlund EA. Glucocorticoid receptor condensates link DNA-dependent receptor dimerization and transcriptional transactivation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2024685118. [PMID: 34285072 PMCID: PMC8325269 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2024685118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a ligand-regulated transcription factor (TF) that controls the tissue- and gene-specific transactivation and transrepression of thousands of target genes. Distinct GR DNA-binding sequences with activating or repressive activities have been identified, but how they modulate transcription in opposite ways is not known. We show that GR forms phase-separated condensates that specifically concentrate known coregulators via their intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) in vitro. A combination of dynamic, multivalent (between IDRs) and specific, stable interactions (between LxxLL motifs and the GR ligand-binding domain) control the degree of recruitment. Importantly, GR DNA binding directs the selective partitioning of coregulators within GR condensates such that activating DNAs cause enhanced recruitment of coactivators. Our work shows that condensation controls GR function by modulating coregulator recruitment and provides a mechanism for the up- and down-regulation of GR target genes controlled by distinct DNA recognition elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipp Frank
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Xu Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Eric A Ortlund
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
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Paakinaho V, Palvimo JJ. Genome-wide crosstalk between steroid receptors in breast and prostate cancers. Endocr Relat Cancer 2021; 28:R231-R250. [PMID: 34137734 PMCID: PMC8345902 DOI: 10.1530/erc-21-0038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Steroid receptors (SRs) constitute an important class of signal-dependent transcription factors (TFs). They regulate a variety of key biological processes and are crucial drug targets in many disease states. In particular, estrogen (ER) and androgen receptors (AR) drive the development and progression of breast and prostate cancer, respectively. Thus, they represent the main specific drug targets in these diseases. Recent evidence has suggested that the crosstalk between signal-dependent TFs is an important step in the reprogramming of chromatin sites; a signal-activated TF can expand or restrict the chromatin binding of another TF. This crosstalk can rewire gene programs and thus alter biological processes and influence the progression of disease. Lately, it has been postulated that there may be an important crosstalk between the AR and the ER with other SRs. Especially, progesterone (PR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) can reprogram chromatin binding of ER and gene programs in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, GR can take the place of AR in antiandrogen-resistant prostate cancer cells. Here, we review the current knowledge of the crosstalk between SRs in breast and prostate cancers. We emphasize how the activity of ER and AR on chromatin can be modulated by other SRs on a genome-wide scale. We also highlight the knowledge gaps in the interplay of SRs and their complex interactions with other signaling pathways and suggest how to experimentally fill in these gaps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ville Paakinaho
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jorma J Palvimo
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Correspondence should be addressed to J J Palvimo:
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Vettorazzi S, Nalbantoglu D, Gebhardt JCM, Tuckermann J. A guide to changing paradigms of glucocorticoid receptor function-a model system for genome regulation and physiology. FEBS J 2021; 289:5718-5743. [PMID: 34213830 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a bona fide ligand-regulated transcription factor. Cloned in the 80s, the GR has become one of the best-studied and clinically most relevant members of the nuclear receptor superfamily. Cooperative activity of GR with other transcription factors and a plethora of coregulators contribute to the tissue- and context-specific response toward the endogenous and pharmacological glucocorticoids (GCs). Furthermore, nontranscriptional activities in the cytoplasm are emerging as an additional function of GR. Over the past 40 years, the concepts of GR mechanisms of action had been constantly changing. Different methodologies in the pregenomic and genomic era of molecular biological research and recent cutting-edge technology in single-cell and single-molecule analysis are steadily evolving the views, how the GR in particular and transcriptional regulation in general act in physiological and pathological processes. In addition to the development of technologies for GR analysis, the use of model organisms provides insights how the GR in vivo executes GC action in tissue homeostasis, inflammation, and energy metabolism. The model organisms, namely the mouse, but also rats, zebrafish, and recently fruit flies carrying mutations of the GR became a major driving force to analyze the molecular function of GR in disease models. This guide provides an overview of the exciting research and paradigm shifts in the GR field from past to present with a focus on GR transcription factor networks, GR DNA-binding and single-cell analysis, and model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Vettorazzi
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, Germany
| | - Denis Nalbantoglu
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, Germany
| | | | - Jan Tuckermann
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, Germany
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Genome-wide binding potential and regulatory activity of the glucocorticoid receptor's monomeric and dimeric forms. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1987. [PMID: 33790284 PMCID: PMC8012360 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22234-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
A widely regarded model for glucocorticoid receptor (GR) action postulates that dimeric binding to DNA regulates unfavorable metabolic pathways while monomeric receptor binding promotes repressive gene responses related to its anti-inflammatory effects. This model has been built upon the characterization of the GRdim mutant, reported to be incapable of DNA binding and dimerization. Although quantitative live-cell imaging data shows GRdim as mostly dimeric, genomic studies based on recovery of enriched half-site response elements suggest monomeric engagement on DNA. Here, we perform genome-wide studies on GRdim and a constitutively monomeric mutant. Our results show that impairing dimerization affects binding even to open chromatin. We also find that GRdim does not exclusively bind half-response elements. Our results do not support a physiological role for monomeric GR and are consistent with a common mode of receptor binding via higher order structures that drives both the activating and repressive actions of glucocorticoids.
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Glucocorticoid receptor dimerization in the cytoplasm might be essential for nuclear localization. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 553:154-159. [PMID: 33773137 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.03.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) plays an important role in steroid-dependent regulation of metabolism, development, and the immune response in humans. Although GR is known to be activated by the binding of glucocorticoid, the mechanism of action is poorly understood. We investigated dimerization of GR in the cytoplasm and nuclear trans-localization in response to treatment with the ligand dexamethasone. GFP-tagged GR and FLAG-tagged GR were co-expressed in COS-1 cells, and cell lysates were subjected to co-immunoprecipitation assay with anti-GFP antibody to determine their dimerization. FLAG-GR was co-precipitated with GFP-GR in the cytoplasmic fraction of COS-1 cells. Treatment with the GR agonist dexamethasone significantly decreased the cytoplasmic interaction between FLAG- and GFP-GR, and significantly increased interaction of the GRs in the nuclear fraction. The two amino acids, Pro625 and Ile628 known to be located in GR-GR dimer interface, were mutated to alanine and the influence of the mutation on dimerization, ligand-dependent nuclear localization, and transcriptional activities were determined. Mutant GR showed a dramatic decrease in interaction in the cytoplasmic fraction and no detectable nuclear translocation in the presence or absence of dexamethasone. Furthermore, luciferase assays showed that mutant GR showed no detectable transcriptional activation via the GR-responsive DNA element (GRE) compared to the wild-type. Our results suggest that GR exists as a dimer in the cytoplasm and this dimerization may be essential for GRE-mediated transcriptional activation following ligand binding.
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Bianchetti L, Sinar D, Depenveiller C, Dejaegere A. Insights into mineralocorticoid receptor homodimerization from a combined molecular modeling and bioinformatics study. Proteins 2021; 89:952-965. [PMID: 33713045 DOI: 10.1002/prot.26073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
In vertebrates, the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a steroid-activated nuclear receptor (NR) that plays essential roles in water-electrolyte balance and blood pressure homeostasis. It belongs to the group of oxo-steroidian NRs, together with the glucocorticoid (GR), progesterone (PR), and androgen (AR) receptors. Classically, these oxo-steroidian NRs homodimerize and bind to specific genomic sequences to activate gene expression. NRs are multi-domain proteins, and dimerization is mediated by both the DNA (DBD) and ligand binding domains (LBDs), with the latter thought to provide the largest dimerization interface. However, at the structural level, the dimerization of oxo-steroidian receptors LBDs has remained largely a matter of debate and, despite their sequence homology, there is currently no consensus on a common homodimer assembly across the four receptors, that is, GR, PR, AR, and MR. Here, we examined all available MR LBD crystals using different computational methods (protein common interface database, proteins, interfaces, structures and assemblies, protein-protein interaction prediction by structural matching, and evolutionary protein-protein interface classifier, and the molecular mechanics Poisson-Boltzmann surface area method). A consensus is reached by all methods and singles out an interface mediated by helices H9, H10 and the C-terminal F domain as having characteristics of a biologically relevant assembly. Interestingly, a similar assembly was previously identified for GRα, MR closest homolog. Alternative architectures that were proposed for GRα were not observed for MR. These data call for further experimental investigations of oxo-steroid dimer architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Bianchetti
- Laboratoire de Chimie Biophysique de la Signalisation de la Transcription, Département de Biologie Structurale Intégrative, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Deniz Sinar
- Laboratoire de Chimie Biophysique de la Signalisation de la Transcription, Département de Biologie Structurale Intégrative, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Camille Depenveiller
- Laboratoire de Chimie Biophysique de la Signalisation de la Transcription, Département de Biologie Structurale Intégrative, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Annick Dejaegere
- Laboratoire de Chimie Biophysique de la Signalisation de la Transcription, Département de Biologie Structurale Intégrative, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR7104, Illkirch, France
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Illkirch, France
- Ecole Supérieure de Biotechnologie de Strasbourg, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
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Garcia DA, Johnson TA, Presman DM, Fettweis G, Wagh K, Rinaldi L, Stavreva DA, Paakinaho V, Jensen RAM, Mandrup S, Upadhyaya A, Hager GL. An intrinsically disordered region-mediated confinement state contributes to the dynamics and function of transcription factors. Mol Cell 2021; 81:1484-1498.e6. [PMID: 33561389 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2021.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene expression by binding to specific consensus motifs within the local chromatin context. The mechanisms by which TFs navigate the nuclear environment as they search for binding sites remain unclear. Here, we used single-molecule tracking and machine-learning-based classification to directly measure the nuclear mobility of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in live cells. We revealed two distinct and dynamic low-mobility populations. One accounts for specific binding to chromatin, while the other represents a confinement state that requires an intrinsically disordered region (IDR), implicated in liquid-liquid condensate subdomains. Further analysis showed that the dwell times of both subpopulations follow a power-law distribution, consistent with a broad distribution of affinities on the GR cistrome and interactome. Together, our data link IDRs with a confinement state that is functionally distinct from specific chromatin binding and modulates the transcriptional output by increasing the local concentration of TFs at specific sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Garcia
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20893, USA; Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Thomas A Johnson
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20893, USA
| | - Diego M Presman
- Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, C1428EGA Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gregory Fettweis
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20893, USA
| | - Kaustubh Wagh
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20893, USA; Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Lorenzo Rinaldi
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20893, USA
| | - Diana A Stavreva
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20893, USA
| | - Ville Paakinaho
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, P.O. Box 1627, 70211 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Rikke A M Jensen
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20893, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Susanne Mandrup
- Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
| | - Arpita Upadhyaya
- Department of Physics, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA; Institute for Physical Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA.
| | - Gordon L Hager
- Laboratory of Receptor Biology and Gene Expression, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20893, USA.
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Phasing the intranuclear organization of steroid hormone receptors. Biochem J 2021; 478:443-461. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Steroid receptors (SRs) encompass a family of transcription factors that regulate the expression of thousands of genes upon binding to steroid hormones and include the glucocorticoid, androgen, progesterone, estrogen and mineralocorticoid receptors. SRs control key physiological and pathological processes, thus becoming relevant drug targets. As with many other nuclear proteins, hormone-activated SRs concentrate in multiple discrete foci within the cell nucleus. Even though these foci were first observed ∼25 years ago, their exact structure and function remained elusive. In the last years, new imaging methodologies and theoretical frameworks improved our understanding of the intranuclear organization. These studies led to a new paradigm stating that many membraneless nuclear compartments, including transcription-related foci, form through a liquid–liquid phase separation process. These exciting ideas impacted the SR field by raising the hypothesis of SR foci as liquid condensates involved in transcriptional regulation. In this work, we review the current knowledge about SR foci formation under the light of the condensate model, analyzing how these structures may impact SR function. These new ideas, combined with state-of-the-art techniques, may shed light on the biophysical mechanisms governing the formation of SR foci and the biological function of these structures in normal physiology and disease.
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Eighty Years of Targeting Androgen Receptor Activity in Prostate Cancer: The Fight Goes on. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030509. [PMID: 33572755 PMCID: PMC7865914 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/25/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men world-wide, with nearly 1.3 million new cases each year, and over the next twenty years the incidence and death rate are predicted to nearly double. For decades, this lethal disease has been more or less successfully treated using hormonal therapy, which has the ultimate aim of inhibiting androgen signalling. However, prostate tumours can evade such hormonal therapies in a number of different ways and therapy resistant disease, so-called castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is the major clinical problem. Somewhat counterintuitively, the androgen receptor remains a key therapy target in CRPC. Here, we explain why this is the case and summarise both new hormone therapy strategies and the recent advances in knowledge of androgen receptor structure and function that underpin them. Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most common cancer in men in the West, other than skin cancer, accounting for over a quarter of cancer diagnoses in US men. In a seminal paper from 1941, Huggins and Hodges demonstrated that prostate tumours and metastatic disease were sensitive to the presence or absence of androgenic hormones. The first hormonal therapy for PCa was thus castration. In the subsequent eighty years, targeting the androgen signalling axis, where possible using drugs rather than surgery, has been a mainstay in the treatment of advanced and metastatic disease. Androgens signal via the androgen receptor, a ligand-activated transcription factor, which is the direct target of many such drugs. In this review we discuss the role of the androgen receptor in PCa and how the combination of structural information and functional screenings is continuing to be used for the discovery of new drug to switch off the receptor or modify its function in cancer cells.
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50
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Quattrocelli M, Zelikovich AS, Salamone IM, Fischer JA, McNally EM. Mechanisms and Clinical Applications of Glucocorticoid Steroids in Muscular Dystrophy. J Neuromuscul Dis 2021; 8:39-52. [PMID: 33104035 PMCID: PMC7902991 DOI: 10.3233/jnd-200556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid steroids are widely used as immunomodulatory agents in acute and chronic conditions. Glucocorticoid steroids such as prednisone and deflazacort are recommended for treating Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy where their use prolongs ambulation and life expectancy. Despite this benefit, glucocorticoid use in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy is also associated with significant adverse consequences including adrenal suppression, growth impairment, poor bone health and metabolic syndrome. For other forms of muscular dystrophy like the limb girdle dystrophies, glucocorticoids are not typically used. Here we review the experimental evidence supporting multiple mechanisms of glucocorticoid action in dystrophic muscle including their role in dampening inflammation and myofiber injury. We also discuss alternative dosing strategies as well as novel steroid agents that are in development and testing, with the goal to reduce adverse consequences of prolonged glucocorticoid exposure while maximizing beneficial outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Quattrocelli
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Molecular Cardiovascular Biology Division, Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Aaron S Zelikovich
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Isabella M Salamone
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Julie A Fischer
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Elizabeth M McNally
- Center for Genetic Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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