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Yan X, Hou L, Zhang C. FOXG1 is involved in mouse ovarian functions and embryogenesis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 233:106372. [PMID: 37536505 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
TGF-β superfamily has long been demonstrated to be essential for folliculogenesis and luteinization. Forkhead box G1 (FOXG1, also known as BF1), a member of the FOX family and an inhibitor of TGF-β signaling pathway, is a nucleocytoplasmic transcription factor that is essential for forebrain development. FOXG1 is involved in neurodevelopment and cancer pathology, however, little is known about the role of FOXG1 in reproduction. In this study, the spatiotemporal expression pattern of FOXG1 was examined during early mouse oocyte and embryonic development and its role during corpora luteum (CL) formation was further elucidated. The results showed that FOXG1 is localized in oocytes, theca cells (TCs) and CLs. After fertilization, FOXG1 is expressed at all stages during early embryogenesis, from zygotes to blastocysts. Following gonadotropin administration in immature mice, the expression of Foxg1 significantly increased along with steroidogenic genes, including Star, Hsd3β, Cyp11a1, as well as Cyp17a1 and Cyp19a1. The latter two first increased after pregnant mare serum gonadotropin stimulation, then decreased in response to hCG treatment. In addition, silencing of Foxg1 significantly reduced the concentration of testosterone and estrogen in cultured primary granulosa cells (GCs) and TCs (P < 0.05). Mechanistic studies demonstrated that the expression level of genes that are critical in estrogen synthesis were significantly reduced after Foxg1 silencing, including Cyp17a1 and Cyp19a1. In conclusion, FOXG1 is expressed in a stage-specific manner during folliculogenesis and embryogenesis and exerts a regulatory influence on testosterone and estrogen synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Yan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health Research, Medical College of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Linlin Hou
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200135, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory for Assisted Reproduction and Reproductive Genetics, Shanghai, China; Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Resistance Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Normal University, Jinan, Shandong 250014, China.
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2
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He Z, Chen Q, Xiong J, Chen M, Gao K, Lai B, Ding W, Huang J, Zheng L, Pu Y, Tang Z, Zhang M, Yang D, Yan T. FoxH1 Represses the Promoter Activity of cyp19a1a in the Ricefield Eel ( Monopterus albus). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13712. [PMID: 37762014 PMCID: PMC10531137 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813712] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box H1 (FoxH1) is a sexually dimorphic gene in Oreochromis niloticus, Oplegnathus fasciatus, and Acanthopagrus latus, indicating that it is essential for gonadal development. In the present study, the molecular characteristics and potential function of FoxH1 and the activation of the cyp19a1a promoter in vitro were evaluated in Monopterus albus. The levels of foxh1 in the ovaries were three times higher than those in the testes and were regulated by gonadotropins (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Human Chorionic Gonadotropin). FoxH1 colocalized with Cyp19a1a in the oocytes and granulosa cells of middle and late vitellogenic follicles. In addition, three FoxH1 binding sites were identified in the proximal promoter of cyp19a1a, namely, FH1 (-871/-860), FH2 (-535/-524), and FH3 (-218/-207). FoxH1 overexpression significantly attenuated the activity of the cyp19a1a promoter in CHO cells, and FH1/2 mutation increased promoter activity. Taken together, these results suggest that FoxH1 may act as an important regulator in the ovarian development of M. albus by repressing cyp19a1a promoter activity, which provides a foundation for the study of FoxH1 function in bony fish reproductive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Deying Yang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Z.H.); (Q.C.)
| | - Taiming Yan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu 611130, China; (Z.H.); (Q.C.)
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3
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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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4
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Parra-Medina R, López-Kleine L, Ramírez-Clavijo S, Payán-Gómez C. Coexpression network analysis identified lncRNAs-mRNAs with potential relevance in African ancestry prostate cancer. Future Sci OA 2021; 7:FSO749. [PMID: 34737889 PMCID: PMC8558852 DOI: 10.2144/fsoa-2021-0076] [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: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM This study aims to investigate similarities and differences using lncRNA and mRNA coexpression network analysis in African ancestry (AA) and European ancestry (EA) among prostate cancer (PCa) patients. METHODS We performed weighted gene coexpression network analysis of the expression from 49 of AA and 49 of EA to identify lncRNAs-mRNAs. RESULTS 27 lncRNAs and 36 mRNAs were highly expressed in patients of AA. Two mRNAs and their antisense lncRNAs were expressed. Additionally, seven mRNAs were DE or coexpressed and had an impact on survival. CONCLUSION We present a list of lncRNAs and mRNAs that were DE and coexpressed when comparing patients of AA and EA, and these data are a resource for future studies to understand the role of lncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Parra-Medina
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
- Department of Pathology, Research Institute, Fundación Univeristaria de Ciencias de la Salud, Bogotá, Colombia
- Deparment of Pathology, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Liliana López-Kleine
- Department of Statistics, Faculty of Science, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - César Payán-Gómez
- Faculty of Natural Sciences, Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia
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5
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Tao W, Shi H, Yang J, Diakite H, Kocher TD, Wang D. Homozygous mutation of foxh1 arrests oogenesis causing infertility in female Nile tilapia†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:758-769. [PMID: 31837141 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 10/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Foxh1, a member of fox gene family, was first characterized as a transcriptional partner in the formation of the Smad protein complex. Recent studies have shown foxh1 is highly expressed in the cytoplasm of oocytes in both tilapia and mouse. However, its function in oogenesis remains unexplored. In the present study, foxh1-/- tilapia was created by CRISPR/Cas9. At 180 dah (days after hatching), the foxh1-/- XX fish showed oogenesis arrest and a significantly lower GSI. The transition of oocytes from phase II to phase III and follicle cells from one to two layers was blocked, resulting in infertility of the mutant. Transcriptomic analysis revealed that expression of genes involved in estrogen synthesis and oocyte growth were altered in the foxh1-/- ovaries. Loss of foxh1 resulted in significantly decreased Cyp19a1a and increased Cyp11b2 expression, consistent with significantly lower concentrations of serum estradiol-17β (E2) and higher concentrations of 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT). Moreover, administration of E2 rescued the phenotypes of foxh1-/- XX fish, as indicated by the appearance of phase III and IV oocytes and absence of Cyp11b2 expression. Taken together, these results suggest that foxh1 functions in the oocytes to regulate oogenesis by promoting cyp19a1a expression, and therefore estrogen production. Disruption of foxh1 may block the estrogen synthesis and oocyte growth, leading to the arrest of oogenesis and thus infertility in tilapia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Tao
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongjuan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.,Guangdong Research Center on Reproductive Control and Breeding Technology of Indigenous Valuable Fish Species, Key Laboratory of Marine Ecology and Aquaculture Environment of Zhanjiang, Key Laboratory of Aquaculture in South China Sea for Aquatic Economic Animal of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Fisheries College, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang 524088, China and
| | - Jing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hamidou Diakite
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Thomas D Kocher
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Deshou Wang
- Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development (Ministry of Education), Key Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
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6
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The molecular characterization, expression pattern and alternative initiation of Megalobrama amblycephala Hif prolyl hydroxylase Phd1. Gene 2018; 678:219-225. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2018.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 07/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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7
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Ren H, Ren B, Zhang J, Zhang X, Li L, Meng L, Li Z, Li J, Gao Y, Ma X. Androgen enhances the activity of ETS-1 and promotes the proliferation of HCC cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:109271-109288. [PMID: 29312607 PMCID: PMC5752520 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The expression of androgen receptor (AR) has been detected in hepatocellular cancer (HCC). However, there is no universal model detailing AR’s function and mechanism in HCC. This study’s results show that treatment with dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an endogenous androgen, promoted HCC cells’ proliferation and up-regulated the transcription factor activity of ETS-1 (E26 transformation specific sequence 1), which mediates the migration and invasion of cancer cells via protein-protein interaction between AR and ETS-1. Results from luciferase assays showed that ETS-1’s activity was significantly up-regulated following androgen treatment. AR mediated ETS-1’s DHT-induced transcription factor activity. A potential protein-protein interaction between ETS-1 and AR was identified via glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays. The mechanisms’ data indicated that enhancing AR activity increases ETS-1’s activity by modulating its cytoplasmic/nuclear translocation and recruiting ETS-1 to its target genes’ promoter. Moreover, while overexpression of AR significantly increased the proliferation or in vitro migration or invasion of HepG2 cells in the presence of androgen, inhibiting AR’s activity reduced these abilities. Thus, AR’s function as a novel ETS-1 co-activator or potentially therapeutic target of HCC has been demonstrated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ren
- Liver Transplantation and Research Center, 302 Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Bo Ren
- Liver Transplantation and Research Center, 302 Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Jiabin Zhang
- Liver Transplantation and Research Center, 302 Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Liver Transplantation and Research Center, 302 Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Lixin Li
- Liver Transplantation and Research Center, 302 Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Lingzhan Meng
- Liver Transplantation and Research Center, 302 Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Zhijie Li
- Liver Transplantation and Research Center, 302 Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Jia Li
- Liver Transplantation and Research Center, 302 Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Yinjie Gao
- Liver Transplantation and Research Center, 302 Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Xuemei Ma
- Liver Transplantation and Research Center, 302 Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
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8
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FOXM1 promotes the progression of prostate cancer by regulating PSA gene transcription. Oncotarget 2017; 8:17027-17037. [PMID: 28199985 PMCID: PMC5370019 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen/AR is the primary contributor to prostate cancer (PCa) progression by regulating Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) gene transcription. The disease inevitably evolves to androgen-independent (AI) status. Other mechanisms by which PSA is regulated and develops to AI have not yet been fully determined. FOXM1 is a cell proliferation-specific transcription factor highly expressed in PCa cells compared to non-malignant prostate epithelial cells, suggesting that the aberrant overexpression of FOXM1 contributes to PCa development. In addition to regulating AR gene transcription and cell cycle-regulatory genes, FOXM1 selectively regulates the gene transcription of KLK2 and PSA, typical androgen responsive genes. Screening the potential FOXM1-binding sites by ChIP-PCR, we found that FOXM1 directly binds to the FHK binding motifs in the PSA promoter/enhancer regions. AI C4-2 cells have more FOXM1 binding sites than androgen dependent LNCaP cells. The depletion of FOXM1 by small molecular inhibitors significantly improves the suppression of PSA gene transcription by the anti-AR agent Cadosax. This is the first report showing that FOXM1 promotes PCa progression by regulating PSA gene transcription, particularly in AI PCa cells. The combination of anti-AR agents and FOXM1 inhibitors has the potential to greatly improve therapy for late-stage PCa patients by suppressing PSA levels.
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9
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Machado MP, Matos I, Grosso AR, Schartl M, Coelho MM. Non-canonical expression patterns and evolutionary rates of sex-biased genes in a seasonal fish. Mol Reprod Dev 2016; 83:1102-1115. [PMID: 27770608 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.22752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Sex determination is a highly variable process that utilizes many different mechanisms to initiate the cascade of differentiation processes. The molecular pathways controlling sexual development are less conserved than previously assumed, and appear to require active maintenance in some species; indeed, the developmental decision of gonad phenotype in gonochoristic species is not fixed at an early developmental stage. Much of the knowledge about sex determination mechanisms was derived from research on gonochoristic, non-seasonal breeders. In this study, the transcriptome of resting adult gonads of a seasonal breeder, the endangered Iberian cyprinid fish Squalius pyrenaicus, was analyzed to assess the expression patterns and evolutionary rates of sex-biased genes that could be involved in maintenance of gonad identity as well as in sex determination. Remarkably, some crucial female genes-such as aromatase cyp19a1a, estrogen receptor esr1a, and foxl2-were expressed more abundantly in S. pyrenaicus testis than in ovaries. Moreover, contrary to the higher evolutionary rate changes observed in male-biased genes, higher dN /dS ratios were observed for female-biased genes than for male-biased genes in S. pyrenaicus. These results help unravel the impact of seasonality in sex determination mechanisms and the evolution of genes, and highlight the need to study fish at different gonadal maturation states to understand the function of sex-biased genes. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 83: 1102-1115, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel P Machado
- Centre for Ecology Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Edifício C2, Lisboa, Portugal.,Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Edifício Egas Moniz, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Isa Matos
- Centre for Ecology Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Edifício C2, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Ana R Grosso
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Edifício Egas Moniz, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Manfred Schartl
- Department of Physiological Chemistry, University of Würzburg, Biozentrum, Würzburg, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center, University Clinic Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Biology, Texas Institute for Advanced Study, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Maria M Coelho
- Centre for Ecology Evolution and Environmental Changes, Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Edifício C2, Lisboa, Portugal
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10
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Wang G, Liu L, Guo S, Zhang C. Expression and distribution of forkhead activin signal transducer 2 (FAST2) during follicle development in mouse ovaries and pre-implantation embryos. Acta Histochem 2016; 118:632-639. [PMID: 27432806 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2016.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Revised: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 07/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Xenopus forkhead activin signal transducer 1 (xFAST 1) was first characterized in Xenopus as the transcriptional partner for Smad proteins. FAST2, which is the xFAST 1 homologues in mouse, is expressed during early developmental stages of the organism. However, the function of FAST2 in mouse ovaries and pre-implantation embryos is unclear. Therefore, we investigated its expression during these processes. In postnatal mice, FAST2 was expressed in oocytes and thecal cells from postnatal day (PD) 1 to PD 21. In gonadotropin-induced immature mice, FAST2 was expressed in oocytes, thecal cells and newly formed corpora lutea (CLs), but was expressed at a lower level in degenerated CLs. Similar results were observed upon western blot analyses. In meloxicam-treated immature mice, ovulation was inhibited and FAST2 was expressed in thecal cells, luteinized granulosa cells and entrapped oocytes. Immunofluorescence results showed that FAST2 was expressed in the cytoplasm and nucleus but not the nucleolus from the zygote to 8-cell embryo stage, after which it was localized to the cytoplasm of the morulae and inner cell mass of the blastocysts. Taken together, these observations suggest that FAST2 is expressed in a cell-specific manner during ovarian follicle development, ovulation, luteinization and early embryonic development, and that FAST2 might play important roles in these physiological processes.
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11
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Integrated network model provides new insights into castration-resistant prostate cancer. Sci Rep 2015; 5:17280. [PMID: 26603105 PMCID: PMC4658549 DOI: 10.1038/srep17280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is the main challenge for prostate cancer treatment. Recent studies have indicated that extending the treatments to simultaneously targeting different pathways could provide better approaches. To better understand the regulatory functions of different pathways, a system-wide study of CRPC regulation is necessary. For this purpose, we constructed a comprehensive CRPC regulatory network by integrating multiple pathways such as the MEK/ERK and the PI3K/AKT pathways. We studied the feedback loops of this network and found that AKT was involved in all detected negative feedback loops. We translated the network into a predictive Boolean model and analyzed the stable states and the control effects of genes using novel methods. We found that the stable states naturally divide into two obvious groups characterizing PC3 and DU145 cells respectively. Stable state analysis further revealed that several critical genes, such as PTEN, AKT, RAF, and CDKN2A, had distinct expression behaviors in different clusters. Our model predicted the control effects of many genes. We used several public datasets as well as FHL2 overexpression to verify our finding. The results of this study can help in identifying potential therapeutic targets, especially simultaneous targets of multiple pathways, for CRPC.
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12
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Liu Y, Xu Y, Li X, Chen Z. Smad4 suppresses the progression of renal cell carcinoma via the activation of forkhead box protein H1. Mol Med Rep 2014; 11:2717-22. [PMID: 25482028 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2014.3061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Smad4 has recently been identified as a tumor suppressor gene in a variety of cancers, yet the role of Smad4 in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remained to be elusive. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore the function of Smad4 in RCC. The expression of Smad4 reduced the growth rate of RCC. The levels of Smad4 and forkhead box protein H1 (FOXH1) mRNA were reduced, while the levels of estrogen receptor were increased in RCC cells compared with those in human renal epithelial cells (P<0.01). Western blot analysis showed an identical trend among the three molecules. Glutathione S‑transferase pull‑down and immunoprecipitation assays proved the interaction between Smad4 and FOXH1. An immunofluorescence assay revealed that Smad4 and FOXH1 were colocalized in the nuclei of RCC cells. Smad4 interacts with Smad2 and migrates into the nucleus, where it interacts with FOXH1 to repress the protein expression of estrogen receptor. These results indicate that Smad4 acts as a tumor suppressor by activating FOXH1, and then suppressing the expression of estrogen receptor, in addition to tumor migration and invasion. Hence, Smad4 should be investigated as a potential target for the treatment for RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunli Liu
- Department of Urological Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Yangyang Xu
- Department of Urological Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Xuedong Li
- Department of Urological Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoyan Chen
- Department of Urological Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150001, P.R. China
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Lu Y, Feng F, Yang Y, Gao X, Cui J, Zhang C, Zhang F, Xu Z, Qv J, Wang C, Zeng Z, Zhu Y, Yang Y. LINE-1 ORF-1p functions as a novel androgen receptor co-activator and promotes the growth of human prostatic carcinoma cells. Cell Signal 2013; 25:479-89. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2012.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Revised: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 11/05/2012] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Abstract
Although androgen-deprivation therapy is the standard therapy for advanced and metastatic prostate cancer, this treatment is only palliative. Prostate cancer recurs then grows despite low circulating testicular androgens, using several mechanisms that remain dependent on androgen-receptor signaling in most cases. This article reviews the diversity of mechanisms used for growth by castration-recurrent prostate cancer.
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Abstract
Many transcription factors have important roles in the function and differentiation of the human pituitary adenomas. Forkhead box gene transcription factor L2, Foxl2, is expressed during mouse pituitary development and co-localizes with the expression of α-glycoprotein hormone subunit (αGSU). In addition, Foxl2 regulates expression of the αGSU gene (Cga) in cell culture. To elucidate the functional role of FOXL2 in the human pituitary, we examined the expression and localization of FOXL2 in normal human pituitaries and various types of pituitary adenomas. Human pituitary adenomas were obtained by trans-sphenoidal surgery from 67 patients. Three normal adult pituitaries were obtained from autopsies of non-endocrine cases. The localization of FOXL2 and pituitary hormones in these pituitary patients was examined by immunohistochemical staining and RT-PCR. Quantitative analysis of FOXL2 protein was performed by immunoblotting. FOXL2 was localized in the nuclei of ∼20% of normal pituitary cells that also co-expressed gonadotropins including follicule-stimulating hormone β (FSHβ), luteinizing hormone β (LHβ), and αGSU, whereas it was observed in minor proportion of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)-producing cells, prolactin (PRL)-producing cells, and precursor of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)-producing cells. FOXL2 immunoreactivity was not detected in growth hormone (GH)-producing cells or S100-positive folliculo-stellate cells. In human pituitary adenomas, FOXL2 was expressed in the nuclei of the adenoma cells. FOXL2 was detected in 13 of 15 gonadotropin-subunit-producing adenoma (Gn-oma) cases and 8 of 11 null cell adenoma cases, but its incidence was reduced or not detected in the other types of adenomas. The results of this study suggest that FOXL2 contributes to the human-specific functional expression and the differentiation of gonadotroph cells and adenomas.
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Cui J, Yang Y, Zhang C, Hu P, Kan W, Bai X, Liu X, Song H. FBI-1 functions as a novel AR co-repressor in prostate cancer cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2011; 68:1091-103. [PMID: 20812024 PMCID: PMC11114496 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-010-0511-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2010] [Revised: 08/12/2010] [Accepted: 08/16/2010] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The pro-oncogene FBI-1, encoded by Zbtb7a, is a transcriptional repressor that belongs to the POK (POZ/BTB and Krüppel) protein family. In this study, we investigated a potential interaction between androgen receptor (AR) signaling and FBI-1 and demonstrated that overexpression of FBI-1 inhibited ligand-dependent AR activation. A protein-protein interaction was identified between FBI-1 and AR in a ligand-dependent manner. Furthermore, FBI-1, AR and SMRT formed a ternary complex and FBI-1 enhanced the recruitment of NCoR and SMRT to endogenous PSA upstream sequences. Our data also indicated that the FBI-1-mediated inhibition of AR transcriptional activity is partially dependent on HDAC. Interestingly, FBI-1 plays distinct roles in regulating LNCaP (androgen-dependent) and PC-3 cell (androgen-independent) proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajun Cui
- Institute of Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 100071 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- Biotech Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, 100176 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yutao Yang
- Beijing Institute for Neuroscience, Capital Medical University, 100069 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chuanfu Zhang
- Institute of Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 100071 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Pinliang Hu
- Biotech Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, 100176 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Kan
- Biotech Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, 100176 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xianhong Bai
- Biotech Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, 100176 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuelin Liu
- Institute of Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 100071 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongbin Song
- Institute of Disease Control and Prevention, Chinese Academy of Military Medical Sciences, 100071 Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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17
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Chen G, Goto Y, Sakamoto R, Tanaka K, Matsubara E, Nakamura M, Zheng H, Lu J, Takayanagi R, Nomura M. GLI1, a crucial mediator of sonic hedgehog signaling in prostate cancer, functions as a negative modulator for androgen receptor. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2010; 404:809-15. [PMID: 21172305 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2010.12.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2010] [Accepted: 12/14/2010] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling, acting in a combinatorial manner with androgen signaling, is essential for prostate patterning and development. Recently, elevated activation of SHH signaling has been shown to play important roles in proliferation, progression and metastasis of prostate cancer. In this report, we demonstrate for the first time, that GLI1, which has been shown to play a central role in SHH signaling in prostate cancer, can act as a co-repressor to substantially block androgen receptor (AR)-mediated transactivation, at least in part, by directly interacting with AR. Our observations suggest that the SHH-GLI pathway might be one of determinants governing the transition of prostate cancer from anandrogen-dependent to an androgen-independent state by compensating, or even superseding androgen signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangchun Chen
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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18
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Nedelsky NB, Pennuto M, Smith RB, Palazzolo I, Moore J, Nie Z, Neale G, Taylor JP. Native functions of the androgen receptor are essential to pathogenesis in a Drosophila model of spinobulbar muscular atrophy. Neuron 2010; 67:936-52. [PMID: 20869592 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2010.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/20/2010] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Spinobulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by expansion of a polyglutamine tract in the androgen receptor (AR). This mutation confers toxic function to AR through unknown mechanisms. Mutant AR toxicity requires binding of its hormone ligand, suggesting that pathogenesis involves ligand-induced changes in AR. However, whether toxicity is mediated by native AR function or a novel AR function is unknown. We systematically investigated events downstream of ligand-dependent AR activation in a Drosophila model of SBMA. We show that nuclear translocation of AR is necessary, but not sufficient, for toxicity and that DNA binding by AR is necessary for toxicity. Mutagenesis studies demonstrated that a functional AF-2 domain is essential for toxicity, a finding corroborated by a genetic screen that identified AF-2 interactors as dominant modifiers of degeneration. These findings indicate that SBMA pathogenesis is mediated by misappropriation of native protein function, a mechanism that may apply broadly to polyglutamine diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia B Nedelsky
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA
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19
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Abstract
The biological action of androgenic male sex steroid hormones in prostate tissue is mediated by the androgen receptor, a nuclear transcription factor. The transcriptional program of androgenic signaling in the prostate consists of thousands of gene targets whose products play a role in almost all cellular functions, including cellular proliferation, survival, lipid metabolism, and differentiation. This review will provide a summary of the most recent data regarding androgen-regulated target genes and modulation of androgen receptor activity, especially with regard to androgen-dependent and castration-recurrent prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin R Lamont
- Department of Urology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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20
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Yum J, Jeong HM, Kim S, Seo JW, Han Y, Lee KY, Yeo CY. PKA-mediated stabilization of FoxH1 negatively regulates ERalpha activity. Mol Cells 2009; 28:67-71. [PMID: 19711044 DOI: 10.1007/s10059-009-0099-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2009] [Revised: 05/27/2009] [Accepted: 05/28/2009] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) mediates the mitogenic effects of estrogen. ERalpha signaling regulates the normal growth and differentiation of mammary tissue, but uncontrolled ERalpha activation increases the risk to breast cancer. Estrogen binding induces ligand-dependent ERalpha activation, thereby facilitating ERalpha dimerization, promoter binding and coactivator recruitment. ERalpha can also be activated in a ligand-independent manner by many signaling pathways, including protein kinase A (PKA) signaling. However, in several ERalpha-positive breast cancer cells, PKA inhibits estrogen-dependent cell growth. FoxH1 represses the transcriptional activities of estrogen receptors and androgen receptors (AR). Interestingly, FoxH1 has been found to inhibit the PKA-induced and ligand-induced activation of AR. In the present study, we examined the effects of PKA activation on the ability of FoxH1 to represses ERalpha transcriptional activity. We found that PKA increases the protein stability of FoxH1, and that FoxH1 inhibits PKA-induced and estradiol-induced activation of an estrogen response element (ERE). Furthermore, in MCF7 cells, FoxH1 knockdown increased the PKA-induced and estradiol-induced activation of the ERE. These results suggest that PKA can negatively regulate ERalpha, at least in part, through FoxH1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinah Yum
- Department of Life Science and Division of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 120-750, Korea
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21
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Modification of androgen receptor function by IGF-1 signaling implications in the mechanism of refractory prostate carcinoma. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2009; 80:649-66. [PMID: 19251054 DOI: 10.1016/s0083-6729(08)00623-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The androgen-androgen receptor (AR) system plays important roles in a variety of biological processes, including prostate cancer (PC) development and progression. Insulin and Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling negatively regulate a member of the forkhead box-containing protein O subfamily (FoxO), Foxo-1, and associated biological functions. IGF-1 can potentiate androgen signaling through AR activation. Foxo-1, phosphorylated and inactivated by phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt kinase induced by IGF-1 or insulin, suppresses ligand-mediated AR transactivation. Foxo-1 reduces expression of androgen-induced AR target genes and suppresses in vitro growth of PC cells. These inhibitory effects of Foxo-1 are attenuated by IGF-1, but enhanced when it was rendered Akt-non-phosphorylatable. Foxo-1 directly interacts with the C-terminus of AR in a ligand-dependent manner, and disrupts ligand-induced AR subnuclear compartmentalization. Foxo-1 is recruited by liganded AR to the chromatin of the AR target gene promoter, while IGF-1 or insulin abolishes the Foxo-1 occupancy on the promoter. Liganded AR stimulates IGF-1 receptor expression, suggesting the presence of local positive feedback between IGF-1 and AR signaling in PC cells, presumably resulting in higher IGF-1 signaling tension and further enhancing the functions of the receptor itself. Thus, Foxo-1 is a novel corepressor for AR and IGF-1/insulin signaling may confer stimulatory effects on AR by attenuating Foxo-1 inhibition. Positive feedback between the growth factor and androgen in the local cellular environment may play important roles in AR transactivation regulation in several clinical situations including refractory PC.
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22
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Takayama K, Horie-Inoue K, Ikeda K, Urano T, Murakami K, Hayashizaki Y, Ouchi Y, Inoue S. FOXP1 is an androgen-responsive transcription factor that negatively regulates androgen receptor signaling in prostate cancer cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2008; 374:388-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.07.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2008] [Accepted: 07/10/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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23
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Pathophysiologie und Therapie der benignen Prostata-Hyperplasie. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2008; 120:390-401. [DOI: 10.1007/s00508-008-0986-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2008] [Accepted: 05/21/2008] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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24
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Androgen receptor coactivators and prostate cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2008; 617:245-55. [PMID: 18497048 DOI: 10.1007/978-0-387-69080-3_23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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25
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Heemers HV, Tindall DJ. Androgen receptor (AR) coregulators: a diversity of functions converging on and regulating the AR transcriptional complex. Endocr Rev 2007; 28:778-808. [PMID: 17940184 DOI: 10.1210/er.2007-0019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 494] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Androgens, acting through the androgen receptor (AR), are responsible for the development of the male phenotype during embryogenesis, the achievement of sexual maturation at puberty, and the maintenance of male reproductive function and behavior in adulthood. In addition, androgens affect a wide variety of nonreproductive tissues. Moreover, aberrant androgen action plays a critical role in multiple pathologies, including prostate cancer and androgen insensitivity syndromes. The formation of a productive AR transcriptional complex requires the functional and structural interaction of the AR with its coregulators. In the last decade, an overwhelming and ever increasing number of proteins have been proposed to possess AR coactivating or corepressing characteristics. Intriguingly, a vast diversity of functions has been ascribed to these proteins, indicating that a multitude of cellular functions and signals converge on the AR to regulate its function. The current review aims to provide an overview of the AR coregulator proteins identified to date and to propose a classification of these AR coregulator proteins according to the function(s) ascribed to them. Taken together, this approach will increase our understanding of the cellular pathways that converge on the AR to ensure an appropriate transcriptional response to androgens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannelore V Heemers
- Department of Urology Research, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
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26
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Abstract
Forkhead box (Fox) proteins are a superfamily of evolutionarily conserved transcriptional regulators, which control a wide spectrum of biological processes. As a consequence, a loss or gain of Fox function can alter cell fate and promote tumorigenesis as well as cancer progression. Here we discuss the evidence that the deregulation of Fox family transcription factors has a crucial role in the development and progression of cancer, and evaluate the emerging role of Fox proteins as direct and indirect targets for therapeutic intervention, as well as biomarkers for predicting and monitoring treatment responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen S Myatt
- Cancer Research UK laboratories, Department of Oncology, MRC Cyclotron Building, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital Campus, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
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27
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Pei W, Noushmehr H, Costa J, Ouspenskaia MV, Elkahloun AG, Feldman B. An early requirement for maternal FoxH1 during zebrafish gastrulation. Dev Biol 2007; 310:10-22. [PMID: 17719025 PMCID: PMC2121100 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2006] [Revised: 06/26/2007] [Accepted: 07/11/2007] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The Forkhead Box H1 (FoxH1) protein is a co-transcription factor recruited by phosphorylated Smad2 downstream of several TGFbetas, including Nodal-related proteins. We have reassessed the function of zebrafish FoxH1 using antisense morpholino oligonucleotides (MOs). MOs targeting translation of foxH1 disrupt embryonic epiboly movements during gastrulation and cause death on the first day of development. The FoxH1 morphant phenotype is much more severe than that of zebrafish carrying foxh1/schmalspur (sur) DNA-binding domain mutations, FoxH1 splice-blocking morphants or other Nodal pathway mutants, and it cannot be altered by concomitant perturbations in Nodal signaling. Apart from disrupting epiboly, FoxH1 MO treatment disrupts convergence and internalization movements. Late gastrula-stage FoxH1 morphants exhibit delayed mesoderm and endoderm marker gene expression and failed patterning of the central nervous system. Probing FoxH1 morphant RNA by microarray, we identified a cohort of five keratin genes--cyt1, cyt2, krt4, krt8 and krt18--that are normally transcribed in the embryo's enveloping layer (EVL) and which have significantly reduced expression in FoxH1-depleted embryos. Simultaneously disrupting these keratins with a mixture of MOs reproduces the FoxH1 morphant phenotype. Our studies thus point to an essential role for maternal FoxH1 and downstream keratins during gastrulation that is epistatic to Nodal signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Benjamin Feldman
- Corresponding Author: Benjamin Feldman, Ph.D., Medical Genetics Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Building 35, Room 1B 205, Bethesda, MD 20892, Tel: (301) 402-6690, Fax: (301) 496-7184, E-mail:
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28
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Santos EM, Workman VL, Paull GC, Filby AL, Van Look KJW, Kille P, Tyler CR. Molecular basis of sex and reproductive status in breeding zebrafish. Physiol Genomics 2007; 30:111-22. [PMID: 17374843 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00284.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish ( Danio rerio) is used extensively as a model species for studies on vertebrate development and for assessing chemical effects on reproduction. Despite this, the molecular mechanisms controlling zebrafish reproduction are poorly understood. We analyzed the transcriptomic profiles of the gonads of individual zebrafish, using a 17k oligonucleotide microarray, to define the molecular basis of sex and reproductive status in sexually mature fish. The gonadal transcriptome differed substantially between sexes. Among the genes overexpressed in females, 11 biological processes were overrepresented including mitochondrion organization and biogenesis, and cell growth and/or maintenance. Among the genes overexpressed in males, six biological processes were overrepresented including protein biosynthesis and protein metabolism. Analysis of the expression of gene families known to be involved in reproduction identified a number of genes differentially expressed between ovaries and testes including a number of sox genes and genes belonging to the insulin-like growth factor and the activin-inhibin pathways. Real-time quantitative PCR confirmed the expression profiles for nine of the most differentially expressed genes and indicated that many transcripts are likely to be switched off in one of the sexes in the gonads of adult fish. Significant differences were seen between the gonad transcriptomes of individual reproductively active females reflecting their stage of maturation, whereas the testis transcriptomes were remarkably similar between individuals. In summary, we have identified molecular processes associated with (gonadal) sex specificity in breeding zebrafish and established a strong relationship between individual ovarian transcriptomes and reproductive status in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- E M Santos
- School of Biosciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK.
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29
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Valentini A, Biancolella M, Amati F, Gravina P, Miano R, Chillemi G, Farcomeni A, Bueno S, Vespasiani G, Desideri A, Federici G, Novelli G, Bernardini S. Valproic acid induces neuroendocrine differentiation and UGT2B7 up-regulation in human prostate carcinoma cell line. Drug Metab Dispos 2007; 35:968-72. [PMID: 17371798 DOI: 10.1124/dmd.107.014662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer originates as an androgen-dependent hyperproliferation of the epithelial cells of the gland and it evolves in an androgen-independent, highly aggressive cancer for which no successful therapy is available to date. Neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation plays an important role in the progression of prostate cancer to an androgen-independent state with profound impact on prostate cancer (CaP) therapies. Actually, new approaches on treating advanced prostate cancer are focused on modulators of epigenetic transcriptional regulation. A new class of antitumoral agents is emerging: histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are interesting for their ability to arrest cell growth, to induce cell differentiation, and in some cases, to induce apoptosis of cancer cells. We studied the effect of valproic acid (VPA), an inhibitor of HDAC, in the human prostate androgen-dependent cancer cell line LNCaP. We observed that VPA promotes neuroendocrine-like differentiation associated with an increase in the expression of neuron-specific enolase, a decrease in prostate-specific antigen, and a down-regulation of androgen receptor protein, suggesting a modulation in the responsiveness to androgen therapy. Furthermore, selective gene expression profiling using a low-density microarray showed that VPA was able to modulate the expression of different androgen metabolism genes. We observed a down-regulation of androgen receptor coregulator (ARA24) and prostate-specific antigen, and an up-regulation of some of the UDP-glucuronosyltransferases (UGT2B11 and UGT2B7) implicated in catabolism of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) was detected. Even though UGT2B7 has only about one-tenth to one-hundredth the activity of UGT2B15 and 2B17 toward active androgens and we did not found any modulation in gene expression of these enzymes, it can be hypothesized that VPA might enhance DHT catabolism in this in vitro model and induces NE differentiation. Our data seem to raise concern about CaP treatment with VPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Valentini
- Department of Internal Medicine-PTV, Consorzio interuniversitario per le Applicazioni di Supercalcolo Per Universitàe Ricerca (CASPUR), Rome, Italy.
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30
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Choi J, Dong L, Ahn J, Dao D, Hammerschmidt M, Chen JN. FoxH1 negatively modulates flk1 gene expression and vascular formation in zebrafish. Dev Biol 2007; 304:735-44. [PMID: 17306248 PMCID: PMC1876740 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2006] [Revised: 12/22/2006] [Accepted: 01/16/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Flk1 is the major receptor for VEGF on endothelial cells. During embryogenesis, flk1 is required for both vasculogenesis and angiogenesis and abnormally elevated flk1 expression is often associated with pathological conditions in adults. While the biological function of flk1 has been studied extensively, very little is known about how the flk1 gene is regulated at the transcriptional level. Our transgenic study led to the identification of a flk1 endothelial enhancer positioned approximately 5 kb upstream of the flk1 translation initiation site. Binding sites for FoxH1, scl, ets and gata factors are found in the zebrafish flk1 endothelial enhancer, as well as in upstream sequences of mouse flk1 and human kdr genes, suggesting that the regulatory machinery for flk1/kdr is conserved from fish to mammals. The roles of scl, ets and gata factors in hemangioblasts have been well defined, but the significance of FoxH1 in vessel formation has not been explored previously. Here we show that FoxH1 binds to the flk1 endothelial enhancer in vitro and functions as a repressor for flk1 transcription in cultured cells. Consistent with these findings, the expression level of flk1 is elevated in embryos lacking both maternal and zygotic FoxH1. We further show that overexpression of FoxH1 has a negative effect on vascular formation that can be counteracted by the down-regulation of smad2 activity in zebrafish embryos. Taken together, our data provide the first evidence that flk1 is a direct target of FoxH1 and that FoxH1 is involved in vessel formation in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayoung Choi
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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31
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Fan W, Yanase T, Morinaga H, Okabe T, Nomura M, Daitoku H, Fukamizu A, Kato S, Takayanagi R, Nawata H. Insulin-like growth factor 1/insulin signaling activates androgen signaling through direct interactions of Foxo1 with androgen receptor. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:7329-38. [PMID: 17202144 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m610447200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The androgen-androgen receptor (AR) system plays vital roles in a wide array of biological processes, including prostate cancer development and progression. Several growth factors, such as insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), can induce AR activation, whereas insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia are correlated with an elevated incidence of prostate cancer. Here we report that Foxo1, a downstream molecule that becomes phosphorylated and inactivated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt kinase in response to IGF1 or insulin, suppresses ligand-mediated AR transactivation. Foxo1 reduces androgen-induced AR target gene expressions and suppresses the in vitro growth of prostate cancer cells. These inhibitory effects of Foxo1 are attenuated by IGF1 but are enhanced when it is rendered Akt-nonphosphorylatable. Foxo1 interacts directly with the C terminus of AR in a ligand-dependent manner and disrupts ligand-induced AR subnuclear compartmentalization. Foxo1 is recruited by liganded AR to the chromatin of AR target gene promoters, where it interferes with AR-DNA interactions. IGF1 or insulin abolish the Foxo1 occupancy of these promoters. Of interest, a positive feedback circuit working locally in an autocrine/intracrine manner may exist, because liganded AR up-regulates IGF1 receptor expression in prostate cancer cells, presumably resulting in higher IGF1 signaling tension and further enhancing the functions of the receptor itself. Thus, Foxo1 is a novel corepressor for AR, and IGF1/insulin signaling may confer stimulatory effects on AR by attenuating Foxo1 inhibition. These results highlight the potential involvement of metabolic syndrome and hyperinsulinemia in prostate diseases and further suggest that intervention of IGF1/insulin-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt signaling may be of clinical value for prostate diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- WuQiang Fan
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582
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32
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Wijchers PJEC, Burbach JPH, Smidt MP. In control of biology: of mice, men and Foxes. Biochem J 2006; 397:233-46. [PMID: 16792526 PMCID: PMC1513289 DOI: 10.1042/bj20060387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2006] [Revised: 05/04/2006] [Accepted: 05/05/2006] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Forkhead proteins comprise a highly conserved family of transcription factors, named after the original forkhead gene in Drosophila. To date, over 100 forkhead genes have been identified in a large variety of species, all sharing the evolutionary conserved 'forkhead' DNA-binding domain, and the cloning and characterization of forkhead genes have continued in recent years. Forkhead transcription factors regulate the expression of countless genes downstream of important signalling pathways in most, if not all, tissues and cell types. Recent work has provided novel insights into the mechanisms that contribute to their functional diversity, including functional protein domains and interactions of forkheads with other transcription factors. Studies using loss- and gain-of-function models have elucidated the role of forkhead factors in developmental biology and cellular functions such as metabolism, cell division and cell survival. The importance of forkhead transcription factors is underlined by the developmental defects observed in mutant model organisms, and multiple human disorders and cancers which can be attributed to mutations within members of the forkhead gene family. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on forkhead transcription factors, from structural organization and regulatory mechanisms to cellular and developmental functions in mice and humans. Finally, we will discuss how novel insights gained from involvement of 'Foxes' in the mechanisms underlying human pathology may create new opportunities for treatment strategies.
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Key Words
- cell cycle
- development
- forkhead
- fox
- immunoregulation
- transcription factor
- cbp, creb (camp-response-element-binding protein)-binding protein
- ccnb, cyclin b
- cdk, cyclin-dependent kinase
- cki, cdk inhibitor
- dyrk1a, dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphorylated and -regulated kinase 1a
- er, oestrogen receptor
- fha, forkhead-associated domain
- fm, foxh1 motif
- fox, forkhead box
- gadd45a, growth arrest and dna-damage-inducible protein 45α
- hdac, histone deacetylase
- iκb, inhibitory κb
- ikkβ, iκb kinase β
- mh domain, mothers against decapentaplegic homology domain
- nf-κb, nuclear factor κb
- nls, nuclear localization signal
- pkb, protein kinase b
- plk-1, polo-like kinase 1
- scf, skp2/cullin/f-box
- sgk, serum- and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase
- smad, similar to mothers against decapentaplegic
- sid, smad-interaction domain
- sim, smad-interaction motif
- tgfβ, transforming growth factor β
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick J E C Wijchers
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Anatomy, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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33
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Noda D, Itoh S, Watanabe Y, Inamitsu M, Dennler S, Itoh F, Koike S, Danielpour D, ten Dijke P, Kato M. ELAC2, a putative prostate cancer susceptibility gene product, potentiates TGF-beta/Smad-induced growth arrest of prostate cells. Oncogene 2006; 25:5591-600. [PMID: 16636667 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1209571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) elicits a potent growth inhibitory effect on many normal cells by binding to specific serine/threonine kinase receptors and activating specific Smad proteins, which regulate the expression of cell cycle genes, including the p21 cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor gene. Interestingly, cancer cells are often insensitive to the anti-mitogenic effects of TGF-beta for which the molecular mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we found that the candidate prostate cancer susceptibility gene ELAC2 potentiates TGF-beta/Smad-induced transcriptional responses. ELAC2 associates with activated Smad2; the C-terminal MH2 domain of Smad2 interacts with the N-terminal region of ELAC2. Small interfering siRNA-mediated knock-down of ELAC2 in prostate cells suppressed TGF-beta-induced growth arrest. Moreover, ELAC2 was shown to specifically associate with the nuclear Smad2 partner, FAST-1 and to potentiate the interaction of activated Smad2 with transcription factor Sp1. Furthermore, activation of the p21 CDK inhibitor promoter by TGF-beta is potentiated by ELAC2. Taken together our data indicate an important transcriptional scaffold function for ELAC2 in TGF-beta/Smad signaling mediated growth arrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Noda
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
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Tao RH, Kawate H, Ohnaka K, Ishizuka M, Hagiwara H, Takayanagi R. Opposite effects of alternative TZF spliced variants on androgen receptor. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2006; 341:515-21. [PMID: 16446156 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.12.213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2005] [Accepted: 12/29/2005] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We previously demonstrated that testicular zinc-finger protein (TZF) was a corepressor of the androgen receptor (AR). In the present study, we further showed that TZF-L, an alternative spliced variant of TZF, enhanced transactivation function of AR. Deletion analysis of TZF-L revealed that its N-terminus, which almost corresponded to that of TZF, but not its C-terminus was able to interact with AR. Additional analysis suggested that TZF and TZF-L were able to form both homodimers and heterodimers. TZF-L inhibited the homodimer formation of TZF and the intranuclear dot formation of TZF. We propose that in the unique regulation system of AR-mediated transactivation, two spliced isoforms of TZF act as coactivator and corepressor, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong-Hua Tao
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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