1
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Obst JK, Tien AH, Setiawan JC, Deneault LF, Sadar MD. Inhibitors of the transactivation domain of androgen receptor as a therapy for prostate cancer. Steroids 2024; 210:109482. [PMID: 39053630 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2024.109482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2024] [Revised: 07/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a modular transcription factor which functions as a master regulator of gene expression. AR protein is composed of three functional domains; the ligand-binding domain (LBD); DNA-binding domain (DBD); and the intrinsically disordered N-terminal transactivation domain (TAD). AR is transactivated upon binding to the male sex hormone testosterone and other androgens. While the AR may tolerate loss of its LBD, the TAD contains activation function-1 (AF-1) that is essential for all AR transcriptional activity. AR is frequently over-expressed in most prostate cancer. Currently, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in the form of surgical or chemical castration remains the standard of care for patients with high risk localized disease, advanced and metastatic disease, and those patients that experience biochemical relapse following definitive primary treatment. Patients with recurrent disease that receive ADT will ultimately progress to lethal metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. In addition to ADT not providing a cure, it is associated with numerous adverse effects including cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis and sexual dysfunction. Recently there has been a renewed interest in investigating the possibility of using antiandrogens which competitively bind the AR-LBD without ADT for patients with hormone sensitive, non-metastatic prostate cancer. Here we describe a class of compounds termed AR transactivation domain inhibitors (ARTADI) and their mechanism of action. These compounds bind to the AR-TAD to inhibit AR transcriptional activity in the absence and presence of androgens. Thus these inhibitors may have utility in preventing prostate cancer growth in the non-castrate setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon K Obst
- Department of Genome Sciences, BC Cancer Research Institute, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Amy H Tien
- Department of Genome Sciences, BC Cancer Research Institute, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Josie C Setiawan
- Department of Genome Sciences, BC Cancer Research Institute, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Lauren F Deneault
- Department of Genome Sciences, BC Cancer Research Institute, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Marianne D Sadar
- Department of Genome Sciences, BC Cancer Research Institute, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, V5Z 1L3, Canada.
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2
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Gao F, Wu Y, Wang R, Yao Y, Liu Y, Fan L, Xu J, Zhang J, Han X, Guan X. Precise nano-system-based drug delivery and synergistic therapy against androgen receptor-positive triple-negative breast cancer. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:2685-2697. [PMID: 38828153 PMCID: PMC11143519 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.03.012] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Targeting androgen receptor (AR) has shown great therapeutic potential in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), yet its efficacy remains unsatisfactory. Here, we aimed to identify promising targeted agents that synergize with enzalutamide, a second-generation AR inhibitor, in TNBC. By using a strategy for screening drug combinations based on the Sensitivity Index (SI), we found that MK-8776, a selective checkpoint kinase1 (CHK1) inhibitor, showed favorable synergism with enzalutamide in AR-positive TNBC. The combination of enzalutamide and MK-8776 was found to exert more significant anti-tumor effects in TNBC than the single application of enzalutamide or MK-8776, respectively. Furthermore, a nanoparticle-based on hyaluronic acid (HA)-modified hollow-manganese dioxide (HMnO2), named HMnE&M@H, was established to encapsulate and deliver enzalutamide and MK-8776. This HA-modified nanosystem managed targeted activation via pH/glutathione responsiveness. HMnE&M@H repressed tumor growth more obviously than the simple addition of enzalutamide and MK-8776 without a carrier. Collectively, our study elucidated the synergy of enzalutamide and MK-8776 in TNBC and developed a novel tumor-targeted nano drug delivery system HMnE&M@H, providing a potential therapeutic approach for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyan Gao
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yueyao Wu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Runtian Wang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Yuhui Yao
- Department of Oncology, the Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yiqiu Liu
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Lingling Fan
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jingtong Xu
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xin Han
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Guan
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
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3
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Rodriguez-Lara V, Soca-Chafre G, Avila-Costa MR, Whaley JJJV, Rodriguez-Cid JR, Ordoñez-Librado JL, Rodriguez-Maldonado E, Heredia-Jara NA. Role of sex and sex hormones in PD-L1 expression in NSCLC: clinical and therapeutic implications. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1210297. [PMID: 37941543 PMCID: PMC10628781 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1210297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, immunotherapy based on PD-1/PD-L1 pathway blockade has improved survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. However, differential responses have been observed by sex, where men appear to respond better than women. Additionally, adverse effects of immunotherapy are mainly observed in women. Studies in some types of hormone-dependent cancer have revealed a role of sex hormones in anti-tumor response, tumor microenvironment and immune evasion. Estrogens mainly promote immune tolerance regulating T-cell function and modifying tumor microenvironment, while androgens attenuate anti-tumor immune responses. The precise mechanism by which sex and sex hormones may modulate immune response to tumor, modify PD-L1 expression in cancer cells and promote immune escape in NSCLC is still unclear, but current data show how sexual differences affect immune therapy response and prognosis. This review provides update information regarding anti-PD-1/PD-L immunotherapeutic efficacy in NSCLC by sex, analyzing potential roles for sex hormones on PD-L1 expression, and discussing a plausible of sex and sex hormones as predictive response factors to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vianey Rodriguez-Lara
- Department of Cell and Tissue Biology, Faculty of Medicine, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Giovanny Soca-Chafre
- Oncological Diseases Research Unit (UIEO), Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maria Rosa Avila-Costa
- Neuromorphology Laboratory, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, UNAM, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Emma Rodriguez-Maldonado
- Traslational Medicine Laboratory, Research Unit UNAM-INC, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Mexico City, Mexico
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4
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Quintero JC, Díaz NF, Rodríguez-Dorantes M, Camacho-Arroyo I. Cancer Stem Cells and Androgen Receptor Signaling: Partners in Disease Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15085. [PMID: 37894767 PMCID: PMC10606328 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015085] [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: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells exhibit self-renewal, tumorigenesis, and a high differentiation potential. These cells have been detected in every type of cancer, and different signaling pathways can regulate their maintenance and proliferation. Androgen receptor signaling plays a relevant role in the pathophysiology of prostate cancer, promoting cell growth and differentiation processes. However, in the case of prostate cancer stem cells, the androgen receptor negatively regulates their maintenance and self-renewal. On the other hand, there is evidence that androgen receptor activity positively regulates the generation of cancer stem cells in other types of neoplasia, such as breast cancer or glioblastoma. Thus, the androgen receptor role in cancer stem cells depends on the cellular context. We aimed to analyze androgen receptor signaling in the maintenance and self-renewal of different types of cancer stem cells and its action on the expression of transcription factors and surface markers associated with stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Quintero
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 11000, Mexico;
| | - Néstor Fabián Díaz
- Departamento de Fisiología y Desarrollo Celular, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City 11000, Mexico;
| | | | - Ignacio Camacho-Arroyo
- Unidad de Investigación en Reproducción Humana, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología-Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 11000, Mexico;
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5
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Morelli C, Chiodo C, Nocito MC, Cormace A, Catalano S, Sisci D, Sirianni R, Casaburi I, Andò S, Lanzino M. Androgens Modulate Bcl-2 Agonist of Cell Death (BAD) Expression and Function in Breast Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13464. [PMID: 37686282 PMCID: PMC10487823 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) expression in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer (BC) correlates with lower tumor grade and a better clinical outcome. Additionally, in normal mammary epithelium or ER+ BC preclinical models, androgens counteract basal/ER-dependent proliferation. Here, we report an additional mechanism, underlining the protective role exerted by AR. Specifically, the activation of intracellular AR upregulates the Bcl-2-family protein BAD, and TCGA database analyses show that in ER+ BC, BAD expression is associated with better disease-free survival. Ligand-activated AR influences its own and BAD cellular compartmentalization by enhancing levels in the nucleus, as well as in mitochondrial fractions. In both compartments, BAD exerts unconventional functions. In the nucleus, BAD and AR physically interact and, upon androgen stimulation, are recruited at the AP-1 and ARE sites within the cyclin D1 promoter region, contributing to explaining the anti-proliferative effect of androgens in BC cells. Androgens cause an enrichment in BAD and AR content in the mitochondria, correlated with a decrease in mitochondrial function. Thus, we have defined a novel mechanism by which androgens modulate BAD expression, its mitochondria localization, and nuclear content to force its ability to act as a cell cycle inhibitor, strengthening the protective role of androgen signaling in estrogen-responsive BCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catia Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (C.M.); (M.C.N.); (S.C.); (D.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata Di Rende, CS, Italy; (C.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Chiara Chiodo
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata Di Rende, CS, Italy; (C.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Marta Claudia Nocito
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (C.M.); (M.C.N.); (S.C.); (D.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Alessandro Cormace
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata Di Rende, CS, Italy; (C.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Stefania Catalano
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (C.M.); (M.C.N.); (S.C.); (D.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata Di Rende, CS, Italy; (C.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Diego Sisci
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (C.M.); (M.C.N.); (S.C.); (D.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata Di Rende, CS, Italy; (C.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Rosa Sirianni
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (C.M.); (M.C.N.); (S.C.); (D.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Ivan Casaburi
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (C.M.); (M.C.N.); (S.C.); (D.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
| | - Sebastiano Andò
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (C.M.); (M.C.N.); (S.C.); (D.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata Di Rende, CS, Italy; (C.C.); (A.C.)
| | - Marilena Lanzino
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Arcavacata di Rende, CS, Italy; (C.M.); (M.C.N.); (S.C.); (D.S.); (R.S.); (S.A.)
- Centro Sanitario, University of Calabria, Via P. Bucci, 87036 Arcavacata Di Rende, CS, Italy; (C.C.); (A.C.)
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6
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Choupani E, Madjd Z, Saraygord-Afshari N, Kiani J, Hosseini A. Combination of androgen receptor inhibitor enzalutamide with the CDK4/6 inhibitor ribociclib in triple negative breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0279522. [PMID: 36548336 PMCID: PMC9779032 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0279522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer (BC) that currently lacks specific therapy options. Thus, chemotherapy continues to be the primary treatment, and developing novel targets is a top clinical focus. The androgen receptor (AR) has emerged as a therapeutic target in a subtype of TNBC, with substantial clinical benefits shown in various clinical studies. Numerous studies have shown that cancer is associated with changes in components of the cell cycle machinery. Although cell cycle cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 4/6 inhibitors are successful in the treatment of ER-positive BC, they are not helpful in the treatment of patients with TNBC. We investigated the possibility of combining CDK4/6 inhibitor(ribociclib) with AR inhibitor(enzalutamide) in the AR-positive TNBC cell line. Ribociclib showed an inhibitory effect in TNBC cells. Additionally, we found that enzalutamide reduced cell migration/invasion, clonogenic capacity, cell cycle progression, and cell growth in AR-positive cells. Enzalutamide therapy could increase the cytostatic impact of ribociclib in AR+ TNBC cells. Furthermore, dual inhibition of AR and CDK4/6 demonstrated synergy in an AR+ TNBC model compared to each treatment alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edris Choupani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Saraygord-Afshari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Kiani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arshad Hosseini
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- * E-mail:
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7
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DiNatale A, Worrede A, Iqbal W, Marchioli M, Toth A, Sjöström M, Zhu X, Corey E, Feng FY, Zhou W, Fatatis A. IL-1β expression driven by androgen receptor absence or inactivation promotes prostate cancer bone metastasis. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:1545-1557. [PMID: 36561929 PMCID: PMC9770512 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
We report the inverse association between the expression of androgen receptor (AR) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) in a cohort of patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). We also discovered that AR represses the IL-1β gene by binding an androgen response element (ARE) half-site located within the promoter, which explains the IL-1β expression in AR-negative (ARNEG) cancer cells. Consistently, androgen-depletion or AR-pathway inhibitors (ARIs) de-repressed IL-1β in ARPOS cancer cells, both in vitro and in vivo. The AR transcriptional repression is sustained by histone de-acetylation at the H3K27 mark in the IL-1β promoter. Notably, patients' data suggest that DNA methylation prevents IL-1β expression, even if the AR-signaling axis is inactive. Our previous studies show that secreted IL-1β supports metastatic progression in mice by altering the transcriptome of tumor-associated bone stroma. Thus, in prostate cancer patients harboring ARNEG tumor cells or treated with ADT/ARIs, and with the IL-1β gene unmethylated, IL-1β could condition the metastatic microenvironment to sustain disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony DiNatale
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Janssen Oncology, Spring House, Pennsylvania
| | - Asurayya Worrede
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- AstraZeneca, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Waleed Iqbal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Michael Marchioli
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Allison Toth
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Martin Sjöström
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UCSF, San Francisco, California
| | - Xiaolin Zhu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UCSF, San Francisco, California
| | - Eva Corey
- Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Felix Y. Feng
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UCSF, San Francisco, California
| | - Wanding Zhou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Alessandro Fatatis
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Program in Translational and Cellular Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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8
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Anderson AP, Jones AG. The relationship between sexual dimorphism and androgen response element proliferation in primate genomes. Evolution 2022; 76:1331-1346. [PMID: 35420699 PMCID: PMC9321733 DOI: 10.1111/evo.14483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In the males of many vertebrate species, sexual selection has led to the evolution of sexually dimorphic traits, which often are developmentally controlled by androgen signaling involving androgen response elements (AREs). Evolutionary changes in the number and genomic locations of AREs can modify patterns of receptor regulation and potentially alter gene expression. Here, we use recently sequenced primate genomes to evaluate the hypothesis that the strength of sexual selection is related to the genome-wide number of AREs in a diversifying lineage. In humans, we find a higher incidence of AREs near male-biased genes and androgen-responsive genes when compared to randomly selected genes from the genome. In a set of primates, we find that gains or losses of AREs proximal to genes are correlated with changes in male expression levels and the degree of sex-biased expression of those genes. In a larger set of primates, we find that increases in indicators of sexual selection are correlated with genome-wide ARE counts. Our results suggest that the responsiveness of the genome to androgens in humans and their close relatives has been shaped by sexual selection that arises from competition among males for mating access to females.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adam G. Jones
- Department of BiologyUniversity of IdahoMoscowIdaho83844
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9
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Ma L, Tian Y, Qian T, Li W, Liu C, Chu B, Kong Q, Cai R, Bai P, Ma L, Deng Y, Tian R, Wu C, Sun Y. Kindlin-2 promotes Src-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of androgen receptor and contributes to breast cancer progression. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:482. [PMID: 35595729 PMCID: PMC9122951 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04945-z] [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: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) signaling plays important roles in breast cancer progression. We show here that Kindlin-2, a focal adhesion protein, is critically involved in the promotion of AR signaling and breast cancer progression. Kindlin-2 physically associates with AR and Src through its two neighboring domains, namely F1 and F0 domains, resulting in formation of a Kindlin-2-AR-Src supramolecular complex and consequently facilitating Src-mediated AR Tyr-534 phosphorylation and signaling. Depletion of Kindlin-2 was sufficient to suppress Src-mediated AR Tyr-534 phosphorylation and signaling, resulting in diminished breast cancer cell proliferation and migration. Re-expression of wild-type Kindlin-2, but not AR-binding-defective or Src-binding-defective mutant forms of Kindlin-2, in Kindlin-2-deficient cells restored AR Tyr-534 phosphorylation, signaling, breast cancer cell proliferation and migration. Furthermore, re-introduction of phosphor-mimic mutant AR-Y534D, but not wild-type AR reversed Kindlin-2 deficiency-induced inhibition of AR signaling and breast cancer progression. Finally, using a genetic knockout strategy, we show that ablation of Kindlin-2 from mammary tumors in mouse significantly reduced AR Tyr-534 phosphorylation, breast tumor progression and metastasis in vivo. Our results suggest a critical role of Kindlin-2 in promoting breast cancer progression and shed light on the molecular mechanism through which it functions in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luyao Ma
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Yeteng Tian
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Tao Qian
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Wenjun Li
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Chengmin Liu
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Bizhu Chu
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Qian Kong
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Renwei Cai
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Panzhu Bai
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Lisha Ma
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Yi Deng
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Ruijun Tian
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Chemistry, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China
| | - Chuanyue Wu
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Pathology, School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260 USA
| | - Ying Sun
- grid.263817.90000 0004 1773 1790Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518055 China
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10
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McDermott A, Kim K, Kasper S, Ho SM, Leung YK. The androgen receptor inhibits transcription of GPER1 by preventing Sp1 and Sp3 from binding to the promoters in prostate cancer cells. Oncotarget 2022; 13:46-60. [PMID: 35018219 PMCID: PMC8741193 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
G-1, a GPER1 agonist, was shown to inhibit the growth of castration-resistant mouse xenografts but not their parental androgen-dependent tumors. It is currently unknown how the androgen receptor (AR) represses GPER1 expression. Here, we found that two GPER1 mRNA variants (GPER1v2 and GPER1v4) were transcriptionally repressed, not via transcript destabilization, by the androgen-activated AR. Although no AR binding was found in all active promoters near GPER1, data from promoter assays suggested that both variants' promoters were inhibited by androgen treatment. Site-directed mutagenesis on Sp1/Sp3 binding sites revealed their role in supporting the basal expression of GPER1. Knockdown of Sp1 and Sp3 together but not separately repressed GPER1 expression whereas overexpression of both Sp1 and Sp3 together was required to alleviate AR repression of GPER1. Based on the chromatin immunoprecipitation data, Sp3 was found to bind to the promoters prior to the binding of Sp1 and RNA polymerase II. However, the binding of all three transcription factors was inhibited by DHT treatment. Concordantly, DHT treatment induced nuclear interactions between AR and Sp1 or Sp3. Taken together, these results indicate that AR represses transcription of GPER1 by binding to Sp1 and Sp3 independently to prevent their transactivation of the GPER1 promoters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin McDermott
- Department of Environmental Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - KyoungHyun Kim
- Department of Environmental Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Susan Kasper
- Department of Environmental Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Shuk-Mei Ho
- Department of Environmental Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Yuet-Kin Leung
- Department of Environmental Public Health Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
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11
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The Other Side of the Coin: May Androgens Have a Role in Breast Cancer Risk? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010424. [PMID: 35008851 PMCID: PMC8745651 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer prevention is a major challenge worldwide. During the last few years, efforts have been made to identify molecular breast tissue factors that could be linked to an increased risk of developing the disease in healthy women. In this concern, steroid hormones and their receptors are key players since they are deeply involved in the growth, development and lifetime changes of the mammary gland and play a crucial role in breast cancer development and progression. In particular, androgens, by binding their own receptor, seem to exert a dichotomous effect, as they reduce cell proliferation in estrogen receptor α positive (ERα+) breast cancers while promoting tumour growth in the ERα negative ones. Despite this intricate role in cancer, very little is known about the impact of androgen receptor (AR)-mediated signalling on normal breast tissue and its correlation to breast cancer risk factors. Through an accurate collection of experimental and epidemiological studies, this review aims to elucidate whether androgens might influence the susceptibility for breast cancer. Moreover, the possibility to exploit the AR as a useful marker to predict the disease will be also evaluated.
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Abstract
Lung cancer represents the world's leading cause of cancer deaths. Sex differences in the incidence and mortality rates for various types of lung cancers have been identified, but the biological and endocrine mechanisms implicated in these disparities have not yet been determined. While some cancers such as lung adenocarcinoma are more commonly found among women than men, others like squamous cell carcinoma display the opposite pattern or show no sex differences. Associations of tobacco product use rates, susceptibility to carcinogens, occupational exposures, and indoor and outdoor air pollution have also been linked to differential rates of lung cancer occurrence and mortality between sexes. While roles for sex hormones in other types of cancers affecting women or men have been identified and described, little is known about the influence of sex hormones in lung cancer. One potential mechanism identified to date is the synergism between estrogen and some tobacco compounds, and oncogene mutations, in inducing the expression of metabolic enzymes, leading to enhanced formation of reactive oxygen species and DNA adducts, and subsequent lung carcinogenesis. In this review, we present the literature available regarding sex differences in cancer rates, associations of male and female sex hormones with lung cancer, the influence of exogenous hormone therapy in women, and potential mechanisms mediated by male and female sex hormone receptors in lung carcinogenesis. The influence of biological sex on lung disease has recently been established, thus new research incorporating this variable will shed light on the mechanisms behind the observed disparities in lung cancer rates, and potentially lead to the development of new therapeutics to treat this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalie Fuentes
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, MD 20852, USA
| | - Miguel Silva Rodriguez
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University, School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
| | - Patricia Silveyra
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Indiana University, School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
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13
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Zhou HC, Liu CX, Pan WD, Shang LR, Zheng JL, Huang BY, Chen JY, Zheng L, Fang JH, Zhuang SM. Dual and opposing roles of the androgen receptor in VETC-dependent and invasion-dependent metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2021; 75:900-911. [PMID: 34004215 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.04.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Contradictory roles of the androgen receptor (AR) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) metastasis have been reported. We have shown that VETC (vessels encapsulating tumor clusters) mediates invasion-independent metastasis, whereas VETC- HCCs metastasize in an invasion-dependent manner. Herein, we aimed to reveal the roles of AR in HCC metastasis. METHODS Mouse xenograft models, clinical samples, and cell models were used. RESULTS AR expression was significantly lower in HCCs with a VETC pattern, portal vein tumor thrombus, endothelium-coated microemboli or high recurrence rates. Overexpressing AR in VETC+ hepatoma cells suppressed VETC formation and intrahepatic metastasis but promoted pulmonary metastasis of mouse xenografts. AR decreased the transcription of Angiopoietin-2 (Angpt2), a factor essential for VETC formation, by binding to the Angpt2 promoter. The roles of AR in inhibiting VETC formation and intrahepatic metastasis were attenuated by restoring Angpt2 expression, suggesting that AR may repress VETC-dependent intrahepatic metastasis by inhibiting Angpt2 expression and VETC formation. On the other hand, AR upregulated Rac1 expression, promoted lamellipodia formation and increased cell migration/invasion. A Rac1 inhibitor abrogated the AR-mediated promotion of migration/invasion and pulmonary metastasis of VETC+ hepatoma cells, but did not affect the AR-mediated inhibition of intrahepatic metastasis. Furthermore, an AR inhibitor decreased Rac1 expression and attenuated both intrahepatic and pulmonary metastasis of VETC- xenografts, an effect which was abrogated by restoring Rac1 expression. These data indicate that AR may facilitate the lung metastasis of VETC+ HCCs and both the liver/lung metastases of VETC- HCCs by upregulating Rac1 expression and then promoting migration/invasion. CONCLUSION AR plays dual and opposing roles in VETC-dependent and invasion-dependent metastasis, which highlights the complex functions of AR and the importance of individualized cancer therapy. LAY SUMMARY In this study, we uncovered the dual and opposing roles of the androgen receptor in VETC (vessels encapsulating tumor clusters)-dependent and invasion-dependent metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We elucidated the underlying mechanisms of these processes, which provided novel insights into the complex regulatory network of the androgen receptor in HCC metastasis and may have important implications for precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Chao Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Liver Disease of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Chu-Xing Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Wei-Dong Pan
- Key Laboratory of Liver Disease of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Li-Ru Shang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jia-Lin Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Bi-Yu Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jie-Ying Chen
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Limin Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jian-Hong Fang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Shi-Mei Zhuang
- Key Laboratory of Liver Disease of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China; MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, PR China.
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14
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Obesity and Androgen Receptor Signaling: Associations and Potential Crosstalk in Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092218. [PMID: 34066328 PMCID: PMC8125357 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 04/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is an increasing health challenge and is recognized as a breast cancer risk factor. Although obesity-related breast cancer mechanisms are not fully understood, this association has been linked to impaired hormone secretion by the dysfunctional obese adipose tissue (hyperplasic and hypertrophic adipocytes). Among these hormones, altered production of androgens and adipokines is observed, and both, are independently associated with breast cancer development. In this review, we describe and comment on the relationships reported between these factors and breast cancer, focusing on the biological associations that have helped to unveil the mechanisms by which signaling from androgens and adipokines modifies the behavior of mammary epithelial cells. Furthermore, we discuss the potential crosstalk between the two most abundant adipokines produced by the adipose tissue (adiponectin and leptin) and the androgen receptor, an emerging marker in breast cancer. The identification and understanding of interactions among adipokines and the androgen receptor in cancer cells are necessary to guide the development of new therapeutic approaches in order to prevent and cure obesity and breast cancer.
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15
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Abu Shahin N, Aladily T, Abu Alhaj N, Al-Khader A, Alqaqa S, Aljaberi R, Amer L, Elshebli S. Differential Expression of Androgen Receptor in Type I and Type II Endometrial Carcinomas: A Clinicopathological Analysis and Correlation with Outcome. Oman Med J 2021; 36:e245. [PMID: 33833869 PMCID: PMC8015675 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2021.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Endometrial carcinomas (EC) are the most common gynecological malignancies and are conventionally divided into type I and type II due to diagnostic and prognostic considerations. Female hormone expression in EC is extensively studied; however, data about androgen receptor (AR) expression in EC are sparse. We aimed to study AR expression in different types of EC at our institute and whether it had an impact on patient outcomes. Methods A retrospective analysis of EC cases diagnosed and treated from 2010–2019. AR immunohistochemical expression was tested in 52 EC cases (type I = 40; type II = 12). Histological typing was verified according to conventional diagnostic criteria. Only primary EC were included without neoadjuvant therapy. Histologic score was calculated as: stain intensity (graded 0–3) × positive cells percentage (graded 0–4). Level of expression was scored from 0 to 12. Results The mean age of the selected patients was 60.3 years (range = 31–88 ± 12.6). Recurrence was detected in 11 (21.2%) patients. The outcome was 40 patients were alive without disease, eight alive with disease, three dead of disease, and one dead of other causes. About 62.5% of type I-EC and 25.0% of type II-EC were AR positive. AR expression was analyzed against different clinicopathological parameters including: type (p = 0.005), histotype (p = 0.044); grade (p = 0.035); age group (p = 0.207); menopause (p = 0.086); estrogen receptor (ER) expression (p = 0.284); atypical complex hyperplasia (p = 0.594); tumor stage (p = 0.994); tumor recurrence (p = 0.530); node status (p = 0.110); and outcome (p = 0.202). Conclusion AR expression was higher in type I EC, endometrial endometrioid carcinoma histotype, and with a lower grade. AR expression was not significantly correlated with age, stage, ER, atypical hyperplasia, recurrence, node status, or outcome. Results agree with recent literature that AR expression is associated with better-differentiated EC and may be a potential hormonal therapeutic tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisreen Abu Shahin
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Tariq Aladily
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Nezeen Abu Alhaj
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Ali Al-Khader
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt, Jordan
| | - Shefa Alqaqa
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Balqa Applied University, Salt, Jordan
| | | | - Lama Amer
- Faculty of Medicine,University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
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16
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Kalinina TS, Kononchuk VV, Gulyaeva LF. Expression of estrogen-, progesterone-, and androgen-responsive genes in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells treated with o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDT, or endosulfan. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2021; 35:1-8. [PMID: 33728745 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine disruptors are a major concern due to their possible association with hormone-dependent carcinogenesis. Some examples of compounds with such properties are organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). OCPs are persistent pollutants with high lipophilicity, long half-life, and bioaccumulation potential. In the past, some of the most commonly used OCPs were dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and endosulfan. Here, we investigated the effects of o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDT, and endosulfan and of hormones estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone on the expression of estrogen, progesterone, and androgen receptors (ER, PR, and AR) and of their target genes (KLF4, VEGFA, CCND1, PRLR, CDKN1A, and BCL6) in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells. The results confirmed that under the action of the insecticides, there are dose- and time-dependent changes in the expression of these receptors and target genes. As corroborated by an experiment with ER, PR, and AR negative MDA-MB-231 cells, the change in the expression of KLF4, VEGFA, CCND1, and PRLR in MCF-7 cells treated with o,p'-DDT and the change in CDKN1A and PRLR expression in MCF-7 cells treated with p,p'-DDT are likely mediated by ER, PR, and AR pathways. In conclusion, we have identified some targets of DDT and endosulfan and confirmed that the effects of insecticides on the expression of these target genes differ for breast cancer cell lines with different receptor statuses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana S Kalinina
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Vladislav V Kononchuk
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Lyudmila F Gulyaeva
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Novosibirsk, Russia
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Saha S, Dey S, Nath S. Steroid Hormone Receptors: Links With Cell Cycle Machinery and Breast Cancer Progression. Front Oncol 2021; 11:620214. [PMID: 33777765 PMCID: PMC7994514 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.620214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Progression of cells through cell cycle consists of a series of events orchestrated in a regulated fashion. Such processes are influenced by cell cycle regulated expression of various proteins where multiple families of transcription factors take integral parts. Among these, the steroid hormone receptors (SHRs) represent a connection between the external hormone milieu and genes that control cellular proliferation. Therefore, understanding the molecular connection between the transcriptional role of steroid hormone receptors and cell cycle deserves importance in dissecting cellular proliferation in normal as well as malignant conditions. Deregulation of cell cycle promotes malignancies of various origins, including breast cancer. Indeed, SHR members play crucial role in breast cancer progression as well as management. This review focuses on SHR-driven cell cycle regulation and moving forward, attempts to discuss the role of SHR-driven crosstalk between cell cycle anomalies and breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suryendu Saha
- Department of Basic and Translational Research, Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Samya Dey
- Department of Basic and Translational Research, Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Somsubhra Nath
- Department of Basic and Translational Research, Saroj Gupta Cancer Centre and Research Institute, Kolkata, India
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Montalto FI, De Amicis F. Cyclin D1 in Cancer: A Molecular Connection for Cell Cycle Control, Adhesion and Invasion in Tumor and Stroma. Cells 2020; 9:cells9122648. [PMID: 33317149 PMCID: PMC7763888 DOI: 10.3390/cells9122648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclin D1, an important regulator of cell cycle, carries out a central role in the pathogenesis of cancer determining uncontrolled cellular proliferation. In normal cells, Cyclin D1 expression levels are strictly regulated, conversely, in cancer, its activity is intensified in various manners. Different studies demonstrate that CCDN1 gene is amplified in several tumor types considering it as a negative prognostic marker of this pathology. Cyclin D1 is known for its role in the nucleus, but recent clinical studies associate the amount located in the cytoplasmic membrane with tumor invasion and metastasis. Cyclin D1 has also other functions: it governs the expression of specific miRNAs and it plays a crucial role in the tumor-stroma interactions potentiating most of the cancer hallmarks. In the present review, we will summarize the current scientific evidences that highlight the involvement of Cyclin D1 in the pathogenesis of different types of cancer, best of all in breast cancer. We will also focus on recent insights regarding the Cyclin D1 as molecular bridge between cell cycle control, adhesion, invasion, and tumor/stroma/immune-system interplay in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Ida Montalto
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
- Health Center, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
| | - Francesca De Amicis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy;
- Health Center, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-984-496204
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Michmerhuizen AR, Spratt DE, Pierce LJ, Speers CW. ARe we there yet? Understanding androgen receptor signaling in breast cancer. NPJ Breast Cancer 2020; 6:47. [PMID: 33062889 PMCID: PMC7519666 DOI: 10.1038/s41523-020-00190-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of androgen receptor (AR) activation and expression is well understood in prostate cancer. In breast cancer, expression and activation of AR is increasingly recognized for its role in cancer development and its importance in promoting cell growth in the presence or absence of estrogen. As both prostate and breast cancers often share a reliance on nuclear hormone signaling, there is increasing appreciation of the overlap between activated cellular pathways in these cancers in response to androgen signaling. Targeting of the androgen receptor as a monotherapy or in combination with other conventional therapies has proven to be an effective clinical strategy for the treatment of patients with prostate cancer, and these therapeutic strategies are increasingly being investigated in breast cancer. This overlap suggests that targeting androgens and AR signaling in other cancer types may also be effective. This manuscript will review the role of AR in various cellular processes that promote tumorigenesis and metastasis, first in prostate cancer and then in breast cancer, as well as discuss ongoing efforts to target AR for the more effective treatment and prevention of cancer, especially breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R Michmerhuizen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Daniel E Spratt
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Lori J Pierce
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Corey W Speers
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
- Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
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De Amicis F, Chiodo C, Morelli C, Casaburi I, Marsico S, Bruno R, Sisci D, Andò S, Lanzino M. AIB1 sequestration by androgen receptor inhibits estrogen-dependent cyclin D1 expression in breast cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:1038. [PMID: 31684907 PMCID: PMC6829973 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-6262-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Androgens, through their own receptor, play a protective role on breast tumor development and progression and counterbalance estrogen-dependent growth stimuli which are intimately linked to breast carcinogenesis. Methods Cell counting by trypan blu exclusion was used to study androgen effect on estrogen-dependent breast tumor growth. Quantitative Real Time RT–PCR, western blotting, transient transfection, protein immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were carried out to investigate how androgen treatment and/or androgen receptor overexpression influences the functional interaction between the steroid receptor coactivator AIB1 and the estrogen- or androgen receptor which, in turn affects the estrogen-induced cyclin D1 gene expression in MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Data were analyzed by ANOVA. Results Here we demonstrated, in estrogen receptor α (ERα)-positive breast cancer cells, an androgen-dependent mechanism through which ligand-activated androgen receptor (AR) decreases estradiol-induced cyclin D1 protein, mRNA and gene promoter activity. These effects involve the competition between AR and ERα for the interaction with the steroid receptor coactivator AIB1, a limiting factor in the functional coupling of the ERα with the cyclin D1 promoter. Indeed, AIB1 overexpression is able to reverse the down-regulatory effects exerted by AR on ERα-mediated induction of cyclin D1 promoter activity. Co-immunoprecipitation studies indicated that the preferential interaction of AIB1 with ERα or AR depends on the intracellular expression levels of the two steroid receptors. In addition, ChIP analysis evidenced that androgen administration decreased E2-induced recruitment of AIB1 on the AP-1 site containing region of the cyclin D1 gene promoter. Conclusions Taken together all these data support the hypothesis that AIB1 sequestration by AR may be an effective mechanism to explain the reduction of estrogen-induced cyclin D1 gene activity. In estrogen-dependent breast cancer cell proliferation, these findings reinforce the possibility that targeting AR signalling may potentiate the effectiveness of anti-estrogen adjuvant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Amicis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, CS, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Chiara Chiodo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, CS, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Catia Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, CS, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Ivan Casaburi
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, CS, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Stefania Marsico
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, CS, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Rosalinda Bruno
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, CS, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Diego Sisci
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, CS, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy.
| | - Sebastiano Andò
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, CS, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
| | - Marilena Lanzino
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, CS, 87036, Arcavacata di Rende, Italy
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Edelsztein NY, Racine C, di Clemente N, Schteingart HF, Rey RA. Androgens downregulate anti-Müllerian hormone promoter activity in the Sertoli cell through the androgen receptor and intact steroidogenic factor 1 sites. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:1303-1312. [PMID: 29985989 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) production is inhibited by androgens around pubertal onset, as observed under normal physiological conditions and in patients with precocious puberty. In agreement, AMH downregulation is absent in patients with androgen insensitivity. The molecular mechanisms underlying the negative regulation of AMH by androgens remain unknown. Our aim was to elucidate the mechanisms through which androgens downregulate AMH expression in the testis. A direct negative effect of androgens on the transcriptional activity of the AMH promoter was found using luciferase reporter assays in the mouse prepubertal Sertoli cell line SMAT1. A strong inhibition of AMH promoter activity was seen in the presence of both testosterone and DHT and of the androgen receptor. By site-directed mutagenesis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we showed that androgen-mediated inhibition involved the binding sites for steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) present in the proximal promoter of the AMH gene. In this study, we describe for the first time the mechanism behind AMH inhibition by androgens, as seen in physiological and pathological conditions in males. Inhibition of AMH promoter activity by androgens could be due to protein-protein interactions between the ligand-bound androgen receptor and SF1 or by blockage of SF1 binding to its sites on the AMH promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Y Edelsztein
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Chrystèle Racine
- Sorbonne Universitté, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine (CRSA), IHU ICAN, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Nathalie di Clemente
- Sorbonne Universitté, INSERM, Centre de Recherche Saint Antoine (CRSA), IHU ICAN, 75012 Paris, France
| | - Helena F Schteingart
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Rodolfo A Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, C1425EFD Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Histología, Biología Celular, Embriología y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, C1121ABG Buenos Aires, Argentina
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22
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Edelsztein NY, Rey RA. Importance of the Androgen Receptor Signaling in Gene Transactivation and Transrepression for Pubertal Maturation of the Testis. Cells 2019; 8:E861. [PMID: 31404977 PMCID: PMC6721648 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens are key for pubertal development of the mammalian testis, a phenomenon that is tightly linked to Sertoli cell maturation. In this review, we discuss how androgen signaling affects Sertoli cell function and morphology by concomitantly inhibiting some processes and promoting others that contribute jointly to the completion of spermatogenesis. We focus on the molecular mechanisms that underlie anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) inhibition by androgens at puberty, as well as on the role androgens have on Sertoli cell tight junction formation and maintenance and, consequently, on its effect on proper germ cell differentiation and meiotic onset during spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Y Edelsztein
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE) - CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires C1425EFD, Argentina.
| | - Rodolfo A Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE) - CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires C1425EFD, Argentina.
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Histología, Embriología y Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires C1121ABG, Argentina.
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23
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The beneficial androgenic action of steroidal aromatase inactivators in estrogen-dependent breast cancer after failure of nonsteroidal drugs. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:494. [PMID: 31235695 PMCID: PMC6591174 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1724-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Direct treatment of ER (+) breast cancer with Formestane diminishes the tumor within weeks. This is unlikely due to lack of estrogens alone. We proposed that it is the negative influence of androgens on the growth of ER(+) breast cancer. We investigated the influence of Formestane and Exemestane and of their major androgenic metabolites 4-hydroxytestosterone and 17-hydroexemestane on the proliferation of MCF-7 cells and ZR-75-1 cells. Inhibitory effects could be prevented by antiandrogens and siRNA. Activation of the AR in MCF-7 and U2-OS cells was tested by reporter gene assays. In vivo androgenicity was evaluated using the Hershberger assay. Influence on the cell cycle was demonstrated by flow-cytometry. Influence of androgens on the activity of CCND1 was demonstrated by Chip-qPCR. Antitumor activity was determined by topical treatment of DMBA tumors. We found that breast cancer cells can metabolize Formestane and Exemestane to androgenic compounds which inhibit proliferation. This can be explained by hindering the accessibility of CCND1 by histone modification. Androgenic metabolites can abolish the growth of DMBA-tumors and prevent the appearance of new tumors. The lack of cross-resistance between steroidal and nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitors is due to inhibitory effects of androgenic steroidal metabolites on the production of cyclin D1. These sterols not only inhibit proliferation of cancer cells but can also stop the growth of DMBA cancers upon direct absorption into the tumor. The quick and considerable effect on ER(+) tumors may open a new avenue for neodjuvant treatment.
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24
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Gritsina G, Gao WQ, Yu J. Transcriptional repression by androgen receptor: roles in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Asian J Androl 2019; 21:215-223. [PMID: 30950412 PMCID: PMC6498738 DOI: 10.4103/aja.aja_19_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR), a hormonal transcription factor, plays important roles during prostate cancer progression and is a key target for therapeutic interventions. While androgen-deprivation therapies are initially successful in regressing prostate tumors, the disease ultimately comes back as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) or at the late stage as neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). CRPC remains largely dependent on hyperactive AR signaling in the milieu of low androgen, while NEPC is negative of AR expression but positive of many AR-repressed genes. Recent technological advances in genome-wide analysis of transcription factor binding sites have revealed an unprecedented set of AR target genes. In addition to its well-known function in activating gene expression, AR is increasingly known to also act as a transcriptional repressor. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms by which AR represses gene expression. We also summarize AR-repressed genes that are aberrantly upregulated in CRPC and NEPC and represent promising targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galina Gritsina
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Wei-Qiang Gao
- Med-X Research Institute and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Jindan Yu
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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25
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Bandini E, Fanini F. MicroRNAs and Androgen Receptor: Emerging Players in Breast Cancer. Front Genet 2019; 10:203. [PMID: 30941159 PMCID: PMC6433747 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer among women, with a high incidence rate occurrence every year worldwide despite advances in its management. BC is characterized by a spectrum of subtypes which respond differently to treatments due to their biological features, representing the main issue in the control of this type of malignancy. Androgen receptor (AR) is emerging as a target to investigate among hormone receptors, since it seems to play a role at various stages of development of specific BC subsets. For this reason, in recent years AR has become very important in the clinical practice, although its role remains controversial. A number of studies have proposed a correlation between microRNAs (miRNAs), a class of gene expression modulators, and AR in prostate cancer (PC), but there are still few evidences about the relationship between miRNAs and AR in BC. The purpose of this review is to present a state of the art scenario with consideration to the most recent discoveries about miRNAs involved in the AR associated pathogenesis of BC, in order to provide new insights into the role of miRNAs as key drivers in the modulation of AR, and possible actors in the development and progression of BC. Moreover, we consider findings about involvement of AR signaling in all stages of BC, highlighting its association with different subsets of breast carcinomas and with pre- and postmenopausal state of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca Fanini
- Biosciences Laboratory, Department of Clinical and Experimental Oncology and Hematology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (I.R.S.T.) S.r.l. IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
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26
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Thériault JF, Lin SX. The dual sex hormone specificity for human reductive 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 7: Synergistic function in estrogen and androgen control. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 186:61-65. [PMID: 30227243 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Human 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) type 1 and 7 catalyze the final step of estrogen activation and the first step in androgen inactivation. It has been shown in breast cancer cells that DHT has a suppression effect on cell proliferation, counteracting the estrogen growth effect. However, the exact kinetic function of 17β-HSD7 in steroidogenesis was not determined. Here we report the steady-state kinetics and binding study for 17β-HSD7 with estrone or DHT as substrates and NADPH as cofactor. 17β-HSD7 has been overexpressed in E. coli and purified. For both substrates, kinetics of 17β-HSD7 demonstrates positive cooperativity. The K0.5 value is 5.2 ± 0.4 μM and 14.4 ± 0.8 μM and the kcat is 0.0063 ± 0.0003 s-1 and 0.0153 ± 0.0007 s-1 for the reduction of E1 and DHT, respectively. The binding study shows a similar affinity with a dissociation constant of 5.2 ± 0.5 μM and 11 ± 1 μM for E1 and DHT, respectively. Our kinetic and binding results reveal a positive cooperativity for 17β-HSD7 to both the E1 and DHT with a similar affinity, while 17β-HSD1 demonstrated a significantly higher affinity toward E1 than DHT, but with a strong E1 substrate inhibition. These results strongly support that the inhibition of 17β-HSD7 constitutes the basis of breast cancer cell proliferation decreasing that led to the shrinkage of xenograft ER + breast tumor mice model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-François Thériault
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec Research Center (CHUL) and Laval University, Québec City, Québec G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Sheng-Xiang Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) de Quebec Research Center (CHUL) and Laval University, Québec City, Québec G1V4G2, Canada.
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27
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Giannattasio S, Megiorni F, Di Nisio V, Del Fattore A, Fontanella R, Camero S, Antinozzi C, Festuccia C, Gravina GL, Cecconi S, Dominici C, Di Luigi L, Ciccarelli C, De Cesaris P, Riccioli A, Zani BM, Lenzi A, Pestell RG, Filippini A, Crescioli C, Tombolini V, Marampon F. Testosterone-mediated activation of androgenic signalling sustains in vitro the transformed and radioresistant phenotype of rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines. J Endocrinol Invest 2019; 42:183-197. [PMID: 29790086 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-018-0900-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in childhood, rarely affects adults, preferring male. RMS expresses the receptor for androgen (AR) and responds to androgen; however, the molecular action of androgens on RMS is unknown. METHODS Herein, testosterone (T) effects were tested in embryonal (ERMS) and alveolar (ARMS) RMS cell lines, by performing luciferase reporter assay, RT-PCR, and western blotting experiments. RNA interference experiments or bicalutamide treatment was performed to assess the specific role of AR. Radiation treatment was delivered to characterise the effects of T treatment on RMS intrinsic radioresistance. RESULTS Our study showed that RMS cells respond to sub-physiological levels of T stimulation, finally promoting AR-dependent genomic and non-genomic effects, such as the transcriptional regulation of several oncogenes, the phosphorylation-mediated post-transductional modifications of AR and the activation of ERK, p38 and AKT signal transduction pathway mediators that, by physically complexing or not with AR, participate in regulating its transcriptional activity and the expression of T-targeted genes. T chronic daily treatment, performed as for the hormone circadian rhythm, did not significantly affect RMS cell growth, but improved RMS clonogenic and radioresistant potential and increased AR mRNA both in ERMS and ARMS. AR protein accumulation was evident in ERMS, this further developing an intrinsic T-independent AR activity. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that androgens sustain and improve RMS transformed and radioresistant phenotype, and therefore, their therapeutic application should be avoided in RMS post puberal patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Giannattasio
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - F Megiorni
- Department of Paediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - V Di Nisio
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - A Del Fattore
- Multi-Factorial Disease and Complex Phenotype Research Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - R Fontanella
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - S Camero
- Department of Paediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Antinozzi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - C Festuccia
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - G L Gravina
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - S Cecconi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - C Dominici
- Department of Paediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - L Di Luigi
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - C Ciccarelli
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - P De Cesaris
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - A Riccioli
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - B M Zani
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy
| | - A Lenzi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - R G Pestell
- Pennsylvania Center for Cancer and Regenerative Medicine, Wynnewood, PA, 19096, USA
| | - A Filippini
- Department of Anatomy, Histology, Forensic Medicine and Orthopedics, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - C Crescioli
- Department of Movement, Human and Health Sciences, University of Rome "Foro Italico", Rome, Italy
| | - V Tombolini
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - F Marampon
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Via Vetoio 1, 67100, L'Aquila, Coppito, Italy.
- Department of Radiotherapy, Policlinico Umberto I, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
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28
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Ji W, Shi Y, Wang X, He W, Tang L, Tian S, Jiang H, Shu Y, Guan X. Combined Androgen receptor blockade overcomes the resistance of breast cancer cells to palbociclib. Int J Biol Sci 2019; 15:522-532. [PMID: 30745839 PMCID: PMC6367574 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.30572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of cyclin D -Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6)-Rb axis has been implicated in breast cancer progression and the selective CDK4/6 inhibitors have shown effective activity in advanced breast cancer, especially in tumors driven by the estrogen receptor (ER). However, resistance to these small molecular inhibitors has become an inevitable clinical issue after their initial use. Here, we investigated the potential mechanism of resistance by establishing a CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib-resistant breast cancer cell line (MCF-7pR). After prolonged exposure to palbociclib, we detected the loss of the ER signaling and an increase in androgen receptor (AR). Moreover, we demonstrated more localization of AR in the cell nucleus of MCF-7pR compared to the parental cell (MCF-7). We also reported that AR could promote the progression of the cell cycle. Blockade of AR signaling could reduce the level of the relative G1-S cyclins, abolish Rb phosphorylation and inhibit the activation of transcriptional programs in S phase. Furthermore, dual inhibition of AR and CDK4/6 could reverse the resistance of palbociclib both in vitro and in vivo. In sum, our studies provide evidence that AR activation promotes cell cycle progression and cell proliferation in CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance, and identify AR inhibition as a putative novel therapeutic strategy to treat CDK4/6 inhibitor resistance in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfei Ji
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Yaqin Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Weiwei He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Lin Tang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Shengwang Tian
- Department of Oncology, JinTan People's Hospital, Jintan 213200, China
| | - Hua Jiang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Changzhou No.2 People's Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou 213003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongqian Shu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Guan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210002, China.,Department of Medical Oncology, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China.,Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
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29
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Shi Y, Yang F, Huang D, Guan X. Androgen blockade based clinical trials landscape in triple negative breast cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2018; 1870:283-290. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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30
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Bleach R, McIlroy M. The Divergent Function of Androgen Receptor in Breast Cancer; Analysis of Steroid Mediators and Tumor Intracrinology. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:594. [PMID: 30416486 PMCID: PMC6213369 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) is the most widely expressed steroid receptor protein in normal breast tissue and is detectable in approximately 90% of primary breast cancers and 75% of metastatic lesions. However, the role of AR in breast cancer development and progression is mired in controversy with evidence suggesting it can either inhibit or promote breast tumorigenesis. Studies have shown it to antagonize estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) DNA binding, thereby preventing pro-proliferative gene transcription; whilst others have demonstrated AR to take on the mantle of a pseudo ERα particularly in the setting of triple negative breast cancer. Evidence for a potentiating role of AR in the development of endocrine resistant breast cancer has also been mounting with reports associating high AR expression with poor response to endocrine treatment. The resurgence of interest into the function of AR in breast cancer has resulted in various emergent clinical trials evaluating anti-AR therapy and selective androgen receptor modulators in the treatment of advanced breast cancer. Trials have reported varied response rates dependent upon subtype with overall clinical benefit rates of ~19-29% for anti-androgen monotherapy, suggesting that with enhanced patient stratification AR could prove efficacious as a breast cancer therapy. Androgens and AR have been reported to facilitate tumor stemness in some cancers; a process which may be mediated through genomic or non-genomic actions of the AR, with the latter mechanism being relatively unexplored in breast cancer. Steroidogenic ligands of the AR are produced in females by the gonads and as sex-steroid precursors secreted from the adrenal glands. These androgens provide an abundant reservoir from which all estrogens are subsequently synthesized and their levels are undiminished in the event of standard hormonal therapeutic intervention in breast cancer. Steroid levels are known to be altered by lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise; understanding their potential role in dictating the function of AR in breast cancer development could therefore have wide-ranging effects in prevention and treatment of this disease. This review will outline the endogenous biochemical drivers of both genomic and non-genomic AR activation and how these may be modulated by current hormonal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marie McIlroy
- Endocrine Oncology Research Group, Department of Surgery, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
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31
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Sang X, Han H, Poirier D, Lin SX. Steroid sulfatase inhibition success and limitation in breast cancer clinical assays: An underlying mechanism. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 183:80-93. [PMID: 29803725 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Steroid sulfatase is detectable in most hormone-dependent breast cancers. STX64, an STS inhibitor, induced tumor reduction in animal assay. Despite success in phase І clinical trial, the results of phase II trial were not that significant. Breast Cancer epithelial cells (MCF-7 and T47D) were treated with two STS inhibitors (STX64 and EM1913). Cell proliferation, cell cycle, and the concentrations of estradiol and 5α-dihydrotestosterone were measured to determine the endocrinological mechanism of sulfatase inhibition. Comparisons were made with inhibitions of reductive 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17β-HSDs). Proliferation studies showed that DNA synthesis in cancer cells was modestly decreased (approximately 20%), accompanied by an up to 6.5% in cells in the G0/G1 phase and cyclin D1 expression reduction. The concentrations of estradiol and 5α-dihydrotestosterone were decreased by 26% and 3% respectively. However, supplementation of 5α-dihydrotestosterone produced a significant increase (approximately 35.6%) in the anti-proliferative effect of sulfatase inhibition. This study has clarified sex-hormone control by sulfatase in BC, suggesting that the different roles of estradiol and 5α-dihydrotestosterone can lead to a reduction in the effect of sulfatase inhibition when compared with 17β-HSD7 inhibition. This suggests that combined treatment of sulfatase inhibitors with 17β-HSD inhibitors such as the type7 inhibitor could hold promise for hormone-dependent breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoye Sang
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology, CHU de Quebec-Research Center (CHUL) and Laval University, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Québec City, Québec, G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Hui Han
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology, CHU de Quebec-Research Center (CHUL) and Laval University, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Québec City, Québec, G1V4G2, Canada; Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, 130021, China
| | - Donald Poirier
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology, CHU de Quebec-Research Center (CHUL) and Laval University, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Québec City, Québec, G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Sheng-Xiang Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology, CHU de Quebec-Research Center (CHUL) and Laval University, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, Québec City, Québec, G1V4G2, Canada.
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32
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Sales TJ, Clarance PP, Lalitha LJ, Nehru S, Agastian P. Biosynthesis of AgNPs in Plumbagin (5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone) (P-AgNPs) Using the Endophytic Fungus Fusarium solani Isolated from an Endangered Medicinal Plant Plumbago rosea and Their Anti Bacterial and Anticancer Activity on Human Breast Cancer Cells (MCF-7). Biophysics (Nagoya-shi) 2018. [DOI: 10.1134/s000635091805007x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
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33
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Braga DL, Mota STS, Zóia MAP, Lima PMAP, Orsolin PC, Vecchi L, Nepomuceno JC, Fürstenau CR, Maia YCP, Goulart LR, Araújo TG. Ethanolic Extracts from Azadirachta indica Leaves Modulate Transcriptional Levels of Hormone Receptor Variant in Breast Cancer Cell Lines. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19071879. [PMID: 29949923 PMCID: PMC6073126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19071879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Revised: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast Cancer (BC) encompasses numerous entities with different biological and behavioral characteristics, favored by tumor molecular complexity. Azadirachta indica (neem) presents phenolic compounds, indicating its potential as an antineoplastic compound. The present study aimed to evaluate the cellular response of MCF10, MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 breast cell lines to ethanolic extracts of neem leaves (EENL) obtained by dichloromethane (DCM) and ethyl acetate (EA) solvent. Extracts’ antiproliferative activities were evaluated against MCF 10A, MCF7, and MDA-MB-231 for 24 and 48 h using MTT assay. ESR1, ESR2, AR, AR-V1, AR-V4, and AR-V7 transcripts were quantified through qPCR for 0.03125 μg/mL of DCM and 1.0 μg/mL for EA for 48 h. The EENL was tested on Drosophila melanogaster as a sole treatment and then also together with doxorubicin. Antiproliferative effect on tumor cell lines without affecting MCF 10A were 1.0 µg/mL (P < 0.001) for EA, and 0.03125 µg/mL (P < 0.0001) for DCM, both after 48 h. Transcriptional levels of AR-V7 increased after treatment. In vivo assays demonstrated that EENL induced fewer tumors at a higher concentration with doxorubicin (DXR). The behavior of AR-V7 in the MDA-MB-231 tumor lineage indicates new pathways involved in tumor biology and this may have therapeutic value for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deisi L Braga
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38700-128, Brazil.
| | - Sara T S Mota
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38700-128, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38400-902, Brazil.
| | - Mariana A P Zóia
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38400-902, Brazil.
| | - Paula M A P Lima
- Laboratory of Cytogenetic and Mutagenesis, University Center of Patos de Minas, Patos de Minas-MG 38700-207, Brazil.
| | - Priscila C Orsolin
- Laboratory of Cytogenetic and Mutagenesis, University Center of Patos de Minas, Patos de Minas-MG 38700-207, Brazil.
| | - Lara Vecchi
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38400-902, Brazil.
| | - Júlio C Nepomuceno
- Laboratory of Cytogenetic and Mutagenesis, University Center of Patos de Minas, Patos de Minas-MG 38700-207, Brazil.
| | - Cristina R Fürstenau
- Laboratory of Animal Cell Culture, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38700-128, Brazil.
| | - Yara C P Maia
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38400-902, Brazil.
| | - Luiz Ricardo Goulart
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38400-902, Brazil.
- University of California Davis, Dept. of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
| | - Thaise G Araújo
- Laboratory of Genetics and Biotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38700-128, Brazil.
- Laboratory of Nanobiotechnology, Institute of Biotechnology, Federal University of Uberlandia, Uberlandia-MG 38400-902, Brazil.
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Takagi K, Miki Y, Ishida T, Sasano H, Suzuki T. The interplay of endocrine therapy, steroid pathways and therapeutic resistance: Importance of androgen in breast carcinoma. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 466:31-37. [PMID: 28918115 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
A great majority of breast carcinomas expresses estrogen receptor (ER) and estrogens have crucial roles in the progress of breast carcinomas. Endocrine therapy targeting ER and/or intratumoral estrogen production significantly improved clinical outcomes of the patients with ER-positive breast carcinomas. However, resistance to endocrine therapy is often observed and significant number of patients will recur after the treatment. In addition, treatment for the patients with triple-negative breast carcinomas (negative for all ER, progesterone receptor (PR) and HER2) are limited to cytotoxic chemotherapy and novel therapeutic targets need to be identified. In breast carcinoma tissues, not only ER but androgen receptor (AR) is frequently expressed, suggesting pivotal roles of androgens in the progress of breast carcinomas. Growing interest on androgen action as possible therapeutic target has been taken, but androgen action seems quite complicated in breast carcinomas and inconsistent findings has been also proposed. In this review, we will summarize recent studies regarding intratumoral androgen production and its regulation as well as distinct subset of breast carcinomas characterized by activated AR signaling and recent clinical trial targeting AR in the patients with either ER-positive and ER-negative breast carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Takagi
- Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Yasuhiro Miki
- Department of Disaster Obstetrics and Gynecology, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takanori Ishida
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgical Oncology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
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Giovannelli P, Di Donato M, Galasso G, Di Zazzo E, Bilancio A, Migliaccio A. The Androgen Receptor in Breast Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2018; 9:492. [PMID: 30210453 PMCID: PMC6122126 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2018.00492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a hormone-related tumor. Despite the progress in BC therapy, this disease still remains the most common cancer amongst women around the world. This is likely due to the amazing BC heterogeneity. Accumulating evidence suggests a role for androgen signaling in BC. Nevertheless, a precise understanding of the mechanism of androgen action in this disease remains a challenging puzzle. Androgen receptor (AR) is often expressed in BC and several studies suggest that its role depends on the tumor microenvironment as well as the relative levels of circulating estrogens and androgens. However, the AR function in BC is still conflicting. Although AR expression is often associated with a favorable prognosis in EREstradiol Receptorα-positive (ERα +) BC, many findings suggest that, in some instances, high levels of AR can contribute to the therapy-resistance. Again, in ERα negative BC (ERα -), AR is mainly expressed in tumors with apocrine differentiation and a lower Nottingham grade. Moreover, AR stimulates cellular proliferation in triple negative breast cancer (ERα -, PgR -, and HER-2-Neu -). This finding is substantiated by the observation that high levels of circulating androgens are associated with an increased risk of developing BC in post-menopausal woman. Treatment of ERα- BC with AR antagonists, such as bicalutamide or enzalutamide, reduces, indeed, the tumor growth. In this review, we will analyze the putative role of AR in BC. Emerging therapies based on the use of new agonists or antagonists or inhibitors will be here discussed.
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Casaburi I, Cesario MG, Donà A, Rizza P, Aquila S, Avena P, Lanzino M, Pellegrino M, Vivacqua A, Tucci P, Morelli C, Andò S, Sisci D. Androgens downregulate miR-21 expression in breast cancer cells underlining the protective role of androgen receptor. Oncotarget 2017; 7:12651-61. [PMID: 26862856 PMCID: PMC4914311 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the protective role of androgen receptor (AR) in breast cancer (BC) is well established, the mechanisms involved remains largely unexplored. MicroRNAs play fundamental roles in many biological processes, including tumor cell development and metastasis. Herein, we report that androgens reduce BC cells proliferation acting as a negative modulator of the onco-miRNA-21. The synthetic androgen miboleron (Mib) decreases BC cell proliferation induced by miR-21 over-expression and AR knockdown evidenced the requirement of AR in the down-regulation of miR-21 expression. These effects seem to be a general mechanism occurring in BC tissues. Chromatin immune-precipitation (ChIP) analysis disclosed the binding of AR to a specific ARE sequence in miR-21 proximal promoter and recognizes the recruitment of HDAC3 as component for AR-mediated transcriptional repression. Such event is associated to a significantly reduced PolII binding in Mib treated extracts confirming that activated AR is a transcriptional repressor of miR-21 expression, providing further insight into the protective role of androgens in breast cancer cells. Collectively, our data and the widespread AR expression in primary and metastatic breast tumours, suggest a careful examination of the therapeutic potential of androgens also in potentiating the effectiveness of anti-oestrogen adjuvant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Casaburi
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Cesario
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Ada Donà
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Pietro Rizza
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Saveria Aquila
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Paola Avena
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Marilena Lanzino
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Michele Pellegrino
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Adele Vivacqua
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Paola Tucci
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Catia Morelli
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Sebastiano Andò
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
| | - Diego Sisci
- Department of Pharmacy and Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, Arcavacata di Rende (CS), Italy
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Myung JK, Wang G, Chiu HHL, Wang J, Mawji NR, Sadar MD. Inhibition of androgen receptor by decoy molecules delays progression to castration-recurrent prostate cancer. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0174134. [PMID: 28306720 PMCID: PMC5357013 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0174134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgen receptor (AR) is a member of the steroid receptor family and a therapeutic target for all stages of prostate cancer. AR is activated by ligand binding within its C-terminus ligand-binding domain (LBD). Here we show that overexpression of the AR NTD to generate decoy molecules inhibited both the growth and progression of prostate cancer in castrated hosts. Specifically, it was shown that lentivirus delivery of decoys delayed hormonal progression in castrated hosts as indicated by increased doubling time of tumor volume, prolonged time to achieve pre-castrate levels of serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and PSA nadir. These clinical parameters are indicative of delayed hormonal progression and improved therapeutic response and prognosis. Decoys reduced the expression of androgen-regulated genes that correlated with reduced in situ interaction of the AR with androgen response elements. Decoys did not reduce levels of AR protein or prevent nuclear localization of the AR. Nor did decoys interact directly with the AR. Thus decoys did not inhibit AR transactivation by a dominant negative mechanism. This work provides evidence that the AR NTD plays an important role in the hormonal progression of prostate cancer and supports the development of AR antagonists that target the AR NTD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Kyung Myung
- Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gang Wang
- Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Helen H. L. Chiu
- Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jun Wang
- Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nasrin R. Mawji
- Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marianne D. Sadar
- Genome Sciences Centre, British Columbia Cancer Agency, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Pietri E, Conteduca V, Andreis D, Massa I, Melegari E, Sarti S, Cecconetto L, Schirone A, Bravaccini S, Serra P, Fedeli A, Maltoni R, Amadori D, De Giorgi U, Rocca A. Androgen receptor signaling pathways as a target for breast cancer treatment. Endocr Relat Cancer 2016; 23:R485-98. [PMID: 27528625 DOI: 10.1530/erc-16-0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a ligand-dependent transcription factor, and its effects on breast range from physiological pubertal development and age-related modifications to cancer onset and proliferation. The prevalence of AR in early breast cancer is around 60%, and AR is more frequently expressed in ER-positive than in ER-negative tumors. We offer an overview of AR signaling pathways in different breast cancer subtypes, providing evidence that its oncogenic role is likely to be different in distinct biological and clinical scenarios. In particular, in ER-positive breast cancer, AR signaling often antagonizes the growth stimulatory effect of ER signaling; in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), AR seems to drive tumor progression (at least in luminal AR subtype of TNBC with a gene expression profile mimicking luminal subtypes despite being negative to ER and enriched in AR expression); in HER2-positive breast cancer, in the absence of ER expression, AR signaling has a proliferative role. These data represent the rationale for AR-targeting treatment as a potentially new target therapy in breast cancer subset using androgen agonists in some AR-positive/ER-positive tumors, AR antagonists in triple-negative/AR-positive tumors and in combination with anti-HER2 agents or with other signaling pathways inhibitors (including PI3K/MYC/ERK) in HER2-positive/AR-positive tumors. Only the ongoing and future prospective clinical trials will allow us to establish which agents are the best option in every specific condition, keeping in mind that there is evidence of opposite androgens and AR agonist/antagonist drug effects on cell proliferation particularly in AR-positive/ER-positive tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Pietri
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Vincenza Conteduca
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Daniele Andreis
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical TrialsIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Ilaria Massa
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical TrialsIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Melegari
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Samanta Sarti
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cecconetto
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Alessio Schirone
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Sara Bravaccini
- Biosciences LaboratoryIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Patrizia Serra
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical TrialsIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Anna Fedeli
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Roberta Maltoni
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Dino Amadori
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Ugo De Giorgi
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
| | - Andrea Rocca
- Department of Medical OncologyIstituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Forlì-Cesena, Italy
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Human 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3: structural clues of 5α-DHT reverse binding and enzyme down-regulation decreasing MCF7 cell growth. Biochem J 2016; 473:1037-46. [PMID: 26929402 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Human 3α-HSD3 (3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3) plays an essential role in the inactivation of the most potent androgen 5α-DHT (5α-dihydrotestosterone). The present study attempts to obtain the important structure of 3α-HSD3 in complex with 5α-DHT and to investigate the role of 3α-HSD3 in breast cancer cells. We report the crystal structure of human 3α-HSD3·NADP(+)·A-dione (5α-androstane-3,17-dione)/epi-ADT (epiandrosterone) complex, which was obtained by co-crystallization with 5α-DHT in the presence of NADP(+) Although 5α-DHT was introduced during the crystallization, oxidoreduction of 5α-DHT occurred. The locations of A-dione and epi-ADT were identified in the steroid-binding sites of two 3α-HSD3 molecules per crystal asymmetric unit. An overlay showed that A-dione and epi-ADT were oriented upside-down and flipped relative to each other, providing structural clues for 5α-DHT reverse binding in the enzyme with the generation of different products. Moreover, we report the crystal structure of the 3α-HSD3·NADP(+)·4-dione (4-androstene-3,17-dione) complex. When a specific siRNA (100 nM) was used to suppress 3α-HSD3 expression without interfering with 3α-HSD4, which shares a highly homologous active site, the 5α-DHT concentration increased, whereas MCF7 cell growth was suppressed. The present study provides structural clues for 5α-DHT reverse binding within 3α-HSD3, and demonstrates for the first time that down-regulation of 3α-HSD3 decreases MCF7 breast cancer cell growth.
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Grogg A, Trippel M, Pfaltz K, Lädrach C, Droeser RA, Cihoric N, Salhia B, Zweifel M, Tapia C. Androgen receptor status is highly conserved during tumor progression of breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:872. [PMID: 26552477 PMCID: PMC4640208 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1897-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/03/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background With the advent of new and more efficient anti-androgen drugs targeting androgen receptor (AR) in breast cancer (BC) is becoming an increasingly important area of investigation. This would potentially be most useful in triple negative BC (TNBC), where better therapies are still needed. The assessment of AR status is generally performed on the primary tumor even if the tumor has already metastasized. Very little is known regarding discrepancies of AR status during tumor progression. To determine the prevalence of AR positivity, with emphasis on TNBCs, and to investigate AR status during tumor progression, we evaluated a large series of primary BCs and matching metastases and recurrences. Methods AR status was performed on 356 primary BCs, 135 matching metastases, and 12 recurrences using a next-generation Tissue Microarray (ngTMA). A commercially available AR antibody was used to determine AR-status by immunohistochemistry. AR positivity was defined as any nuclear staining in tumor cells ≥1 %. AR expression was correlated with pathological tumor features of the primary tumor. Additionally, the concordance rate of AR expression between the different tumor sites was determined. Results AR status was positive in: 87 % (307/353) of primary tumors, 86.1 % (105/122) of metastases, and in 66.7 % (8/12) of recurrences. TNBC tested positive in 11.4 %, (4/35) of BCs. A discrepant result was seen in 4.3 % (5/117) of primary BC and matching lymph node (LN) metastases. Three AR negative primary BCs were positive in the matching LN metastasis, representing 17.6 % of all negative BCs with lymph node metastases (3/17). Two AR positive primary BCs were negative in the matching LN metastasis, representing 2.0 % of all AR positive BCs with LN metastases (2/100). No discrepancies were seen between primary BC and distant metastases or recurrence (n = 17). Conclusions Most primary (87 %) and metastasized (86.1 %) BCs are AR positive including a significant fraction of TNBCs (11.4 %). Further, AR status is highly conserved during tumor progression and a change only occurs in a small fraction (4.1 %). Our study supports the notion that targeting AR could be effective for many BC patients and that re-testing of AR status in formerly negative or mixed type BC’s is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Grogg
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Mafalda Trippel
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Katrin Pfaltz
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Claudia Lädrach
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Raoul A Droeser
- Department of Surgery, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - Nikola Cihoric
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Bern University Hospital, and University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse, 3010, Bern, Switzerland. .,Department of Medical Oncology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Bodour Salhia
- Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, USA.
| | - Martin Zweifel
- Department of Medical Oncology, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland. .,University Cancer Center, Breast Center, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
| | - Coya Tapia
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland. .,University Cancer Center, Breast Center, Inselspital Bern, Bern, Switzerland. .,Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Life Science Plaza, 2130 W. Holcombe, Blvd. Unit 2951, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Azmahani A, Nakamura Y, Ozawa Y, McNamara KM, Fujimura T, Haga T, Hashimoto A, Aiba S, Sasano H. Androgen receptor, androgen-producing enzymes and their transcription factors in extramammary Paget disease. Hum Pathol 2015; 46:1662-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2015.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Revised: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/10/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Pi M, Kapoor K, Wu Y, Ye R, Senogles SE, Nishimoto SK, Hwang DJ, Miller DD, Narayanan R, Smith JC, Baudry J, Quarles LD. Structural and Functional Evidence for Testosterone Activation of GPRC6A in Peripheral Tissues. Mol Endocrinol 2015; 29:1759-73. [PMID: 26440882 DOI: 10.1210/me.2015-1161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family C group 6 member A (GPRC6A) is a multiligand GPCR that is activated by cations, L-amino acids, and osteocalcin. GPRC6A plays an important role in the regulation of testosterone (T) production and energy metabolism in mice. T has rapid, transcription-independent (nongenomic) effects that are mediated by a putative GPCR. We previously found that T can activate GPRC6A in vitro, but the possibility that T is a ligand for GPRC6A remains controversial. Here, we demonstrate direct T binding to GPRC6A and construct computational structural models of GPRC6A that are used to identify potential binding poses of T. Mutations of the predicted binding site residues were experimentally found to block T activation of GPRC6A, in agreement with the modeling. Using Gpr6ca(-/-) mice, we confirmed that loss of GPRC6A resulted in loss of T rapid signaling responses and elucidated several biological functions regulated by GPRC6A-dependent T rapid signaling, including T stimulation of insulin secretion in pancreatic islets and enzyme expression involved in the biosynthesis of T in Leydig cells. Finally, we identified a stereo-specific effect of an R-isomer of a selective androgen receptor modulator that is predicted to bind to and shown to activate GPRC6A but not androgen receptor. Together, our data show that GPRC6A directly mediates the rapid signaling response to T and uncovers previously unrecognized endocrine networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pi
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., Y.W., R.Y., R.N., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.E.S., S.K.N.), and Pharmaceutical Sciences (D.-J.H., D.D.M.), College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S., J.B.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Karan Kapoor
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., Y.W., R.Y., R.N., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.E.S., S.K.N.), and Pharmaceutical Sciences (D.-J.H., D.D.M.), College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S., J.B.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Yunpeng Wu
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., Y.W., R.Y., R.N., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.E.S., S.K.N.), and Pharmaceutical Sciences (D.-J.H., D.D.M.), College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S., J.B.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Ruisong Ye
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., Y.W., R.Y., R.N., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.E.S., S.K.N.), and Pharmaceutical Sciences (D.-J.H., D.D.M.), College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S., J.B.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Susan E Senogles
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., Y.W., R.Y., R.N., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.E.S., S.K.N.), and Pharmaceutical Sciences (D.-J.H., D.D.M.), College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S., J.B.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Satoru K Nishimoto
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., Y.W., R.Y., R.N., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.E.S., S.K.N.), and Pharmaceutical Sciences (D.-J.H., D.D.M.), College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S., J.B.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Dong-Jin Hwang
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., Y.W., R.Y., R.N., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.E.S., S.K.N.), and Pharmaceutical Sciences (D.-J.H., D.D.M.), College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S., J.B.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Duane D Miller
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., Y.W., R.Y., R.N., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.E.S., S.K.N.), and Pharmaceutical Sciences (D.-J.H., D.D.M.), College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S., J.B.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Ramesh Narayanan
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., Y.W., R.Y., R.N., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.E.S., S.K.N.), and Pharmaceutical Sciences (D.-J.H., D.D.M.), College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S., J.B.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Jeremy C Smith
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., Y.W., R.Y., R.N., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.E.S., S.K.N.), and Pharmaceutical Sciences (D.-J.H., D.D.M.), College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S., J.B.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - Jerome Baudry
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., Y.W., R.Y., R.N., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.E.S., S.K.N.), and Pharmaceutical Sciences (D.-J.H., D.D.M.), College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S., J.B.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
| | - L Darryl Quarles
- Departments of Medicine (M.P., Y.W., R.Y., R.N., L.D.Q.) and Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry (S.E.S., S.K.N.), and Pharmaceutical Sciences (D.-J.H., D.D.M.), College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163; University of Tennessee/Oak Ridge National Laboratory Center for Molecular Biophysics (K.K., J.C.S., J.B.), Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830; and Department of Biochemistry and Cellular and Molecular Biology (J.C.S., J.B.), University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996
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Kim YC, Chen C, Bolton EC. Androgen Receptor-Mediated Growth Suppression of HPr-1AR and PC3-Lenti-AR Prostate Epithelial Cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138286. [PMID: 26372468 PMCID: PMC4570807 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) mediates the developmental, physiologic, and pathologic effects of androgens including 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). However, the mechanisms whereby AR regulates growth suppression and differentiation of luminal epithelial cells in the prostate gland and proliferation of malignant versions of these cells are not well understood, though they are central to prostate development, homeostasis, and neoplasia. Here, we identify androgen-responsive genes that restrain cell cycle progression and proliferation of human prostate epithelial cell lines (HPr-1AR and PC3-Lenti-AR), and we investigate the mechanisms through which AR regulates their expression. DHT inhibited proliferation of HPr-1AR and PC3-Lenti-AR, and cell cycle analysis revealed a prolonged G1 interval. In the cell cycle, the G1/S-phase transition is initiated by the activity of cyclin D and cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) complexes, which relieve growth suppression. In HPr-1AR, cyclin D1/2 and CDK4/6 mRNAs were androgen-repressed, whereas CDK inhibitor, CDKN1A, mRNA was androgen-induced. The regulation of these transcripts was AR-dependent, and involved multiple mechanisms. Similar AR-mediated down-regulation of CDK4/6 mRNAs and up-regulation of CDKN1A mRNA occurred in PC3-Lenti-AR. Further, CDK4/6 overexpression suppressed DHT-inhibited cell cycle progression and proliferation of HPr-1AR and PC3-Lenti-AR, whereas CDKN1A overexpression induced cell cycle arrest. We therefore propose that AR-mediated growth suppression of HPr-1AR involves cyclin D1 mRNA decay, transcriptional repression of cyclin D2 and CDK4/6, and transcriptional activation of CDKN1A, which serve to decrease CDK4/6 activity. AR-mediated inhibition of PC3-Lenti-AR proliferation occurs through a similar mechanism, albeit without down-regulation of cyclin D. Our findings provide insight into AR-mediated regulation of prostate epithelial cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Chae Kim
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Congcong Chen
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Eric C. Bolton
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Wang X, Sang X, Diorio C, Lin SX, Doillon CJ. In vitro interactions between mammary fibroblasts (Hs 578Bst) and cancer epithelial cells (MCF-7) modulate aromatase, steroid sulfatase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 412:339-48. [PMID: 26044867 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.05.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 05/16/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Our objectives were to investigate the interactions between mammary cancer epithelial cells (MCF-7) and stromal cells (Hs-578Bst) at the level of the expression and inhibition of steroidogenesis enzymes by using monolayer and three dimensional co-culture models. Expressions of steroidogenesis enzymes and E2/DHT conversions in co-cultured MCF-7 and Hs-578Bst cells as well as the effects of aromatase inhibitor combined to steroid sulfatase (STS) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17βHSDs) inhibitors were evaluated. 17β-HSD type 7 was mostly modulated in MCF-7 cells whereas aromatase was mostly regulated in Hs578Bst cells thereby increasing E2 conversion and MCF-7 cell growth. A combination of inhibitors toward aromatase, STS and 17β-HSD7, was found to be the most significant treatment in decreasing E2 and elevating DHT thus inhibiting MCF-7 cell proliferation and spheroid-like cancer cell aggregation in collagen gel. The interactions between those cells modulated E2 formation in paracrine/intracrine manners by synergistically regulating aromatase, 17β-HSD7 and STS. Among tumor-associated cells, stromal fibroblasts may participate in intratumoral E2 deposition; therefore promoting breast cancer cell growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Wang
- Research Center of the CHU de Québec, CHUL, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Quebec City, G1V 4G2, Canada; Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 1050, Avenue de la Médecine, Quebec City, G1V OA6, Canada
| | - Xiaoye Sang
- Research Center of the CHU de Québec, CHUL, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Quebec City, G1V 4G2, Canada; Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 1050, Avenue de la Médecine, Quebec City, G1V OA6, Canada
| | - Caroline Diorio
- Centre des Maladie du Sein Deschênes-Fabia, Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, 1050, Chemin Sainte-Foy, Quebec City, G1S 4L8, Canada; Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 1050, Avenue de la Médecine, Quebec City, G1V OA6, Canada
| | - Sheng-Xiang Lin
- Research Center of the CHU de Québec, CHUL, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Quebec City, G1V 4G2, Canada; Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 1050, Avenue de la Médecine, Quebec City, G1V OA6, Canada
| | - Charles J Doillon
- Research Center of the CHU de Québec, CHUL, 2705, Boulevard Laurier, Quebec City, G1V 4G2, Canada; Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, 1050, Avenue de la Médecine, Quebec City, G1V OA6, Canada.
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Wang X, Gérard C, Thériault JF, Poirier D, Doillon CJ, Lin SX. Synergistic control of sex hormones by 17β-HSD type 7: a novel target for estrogen-dependent breast cancer. J Mol Cell Biol 2015; 7:568-79. [PMID: 25966904 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjv028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Accepted: 02/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD) type 1 is known as a critical target to block the final step of estrogen production in estrogen-dependent breast cancer. Recent confirmation of the role of dyhydroxytestosterone (DHT) in counteracting estrogen-induced cell growth prompted us to study the reductive 17β-HSD type 7 (17β-HSD7), which activates estrone while markedly inactivating DHT. The role of DHT in breast cancer cell proliferation is demonstrated by its independent suppression of cell growth in the presence of a physiological concentration of estradiol (E2). Moreover, an integral analysis of a large number of clinical samples in Oncomine datasets demonstrated the overexpression of 17β-HSD7 in breast carcinoma. Inhibition of 17β-HSD7 in breast cancer cells resulted in a lower level of E2 and a higher level of DHT, successively induced regulation of cyclinD1, p21, Bcl-2, and Bik, consequently arrested cell cycle in the G(0)/G(1) phase, and triggered apoptosis and auto-downregulation feedback of the enzyme. Such inhibition led to significant shrinkage of xenograft tumors with decreased cancer cell density and reduced 17β-HSD7 expression. Decreased plasma E2 and elevated plasma DHT levels were also found. Thus, the dual functional 17β-HSD7 is proposed as a novel target for estrogen-dependent breast cancer by regulating the balance of E2 and DHT. This demonstrates a conceptual advance on the general belief that the major role of this enzyme is in cholesterol metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center (CHUL, CHU) and Laval University, Québec City, Québec, G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Catherine Gérard
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center (CHUL, CHU) and Laval University, Québec City, Québec, G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Jean-François Thériault
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center (CHUL, CHU) and Laval University, Québec City, Québec, G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Donald Poirier
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center (CHUL, CHU) and Laval University, Québec City, Québec, G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Charles J Doillon
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center (CHUL, CHU) and Laval University, Québec City, Québec, G1V4G2, Canada
| | - Sheng-Xiang Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec Research Center (CHUL, CHU) and Laval University, Québec City, Québec, G1V4G2, Canada
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Abstract
While it has been known for decades that androgen hormones influence normal breast development and breast carcinogenesis, the underlying mechanisms have only been recently elucidated. To date, most studies have focused on androgen action in breast cancer cell lines, yet these studies represent artificial systems that often do not faithfully replicate/recapitulate the cellular, molecular and hormonal environments of breast tumours in vivo. It is critical to have a better understanding of how androgens act in the normal mammary gland as well as in in vivo systems that maintain a relevant tumour microenvironment to gain insights into the role of androgens in the modulation of breast cancer development. This in turn will facilitate application of androgen-modulation therapy in breast cancer. This is particularly relevant as current clinical trials focus on inhibiting androgen action as breast cancer therapy but, depending on the steroid receptor profile of the tumour, certain individuals may be better served by selectively stimulating androgen action. Androgen receptor (AR) protein is primarily expressed by the hormone-sensing compartment of normal breast epithelium, commonly referred to as oestrogen receptor alpha (ERa (ESR1))-positive breast epithelial cells, which also express progesterone receptors (PRs) and prolactin receptors and exert powerful developmental influences on adjacent breast epithelial cells. Recent lineage-tracing studies, particularly those focussed on NOTCH signalling, and genetic analysis of cancer risk in the normal breast highlight how signalling via the hormone-sensing compartment can influence normal breast development and breast cancer susceptibility. This provides an impetus to focus on the relationship between androgens, AR and NOTCH signalling and the crosstalk between ERa and PR signalling in the hormone-sensing component of breast epithelium in order to unravel the mechanisms behind the ability of androgens to modulate breast cancer initiation and growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard A Tarulli
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories (DRMCRL)Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Lisa M Butler
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories (DRMCRL)Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Wayne D Tilley
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories (DRMCRL)Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Theresa E Hickey
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories (DRMCRL)Faculty of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
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Gibson DA, Simitsidellis I, Collins F, Saunders PTK. Evidence of androgen action in endometrial and ovarian cancers. Endocr Relat Cancer 2014; 21:T203-18. [PMID: 24623742 DOI: 10.1530/erc-13-0551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) and ovarian cancer are common gynaecological malignancies. The impact of androgen action in these cancers is poorly understood; however, there is emerging evidence to suggest that targeting androgen signalling may be of therapeutic benefit. Epidemiological evidence suggests that there is an increased risk of EC associated with exposure to elevated levels of androgens, and genetic variants in genes related to both androgen biosynthesis and action are associated with an increased risk of both EC and ovarian cancer. Androgen receptors (ARs) may be a potential therapeutic target in EC due to reported anti-proliferative activities of androgens. By contrast, androgens may promote growth of some ovarian cancers and anti-androgen therapy has been proposed. Introduction of new therapies targeting ARs expressed in EC or ovarian cancer will require a much greater understanding of the impacts of cell context-specific AR-dependent signalling and how ARs can crosstalk with other steroid receptors during progression of disease. This review considers the evidence that androgens may be important in the aetiology of EC and ovarian cancer with discussion of evidence for androgen action in normal and malignant endometrial and ovarian tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas A Gibson
- MRC Centre for Reproductive HealthThe University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Ioannis Simitsidellis
- MRC Centre for Reproductive HealthThe University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Frances Collins
- MRC Centre for Reproductive HealthThe University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- MRC Centre for Reproductive HealthThe University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh EH16 4TJ, UK
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48
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McNamara KM, Moore NL, Hickey TE, Sasano H, Tilley WD. Complexities of androgen receptor signalling in breast cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2014; 21:T161-81. [PMID: 24951107 DOI: 10.1530/erc-14-0243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
While the clinical benefit of androgen-based therapeutics in breast cancer has been known since the 1940s, we have only recently begun to fully understand the mechanisms of androgen action in breast cancer. Androgen signalling pathways can have either beneficial or deleterious effects in breast cancer depending on the breast cancer subtype and intracellular context. This review discusses our current knowledge of androgen signalling in breast cancer, including the relationship between serum androgens and breast cancer risk, the prognostic significance of androgen receptor (AR) expression in different breast cancer subtypes and the downstream molecular pathways mediating androgen action in breast cancer cells. Intracrine androgen metabolism has also been discussed and proposed as a potential mechanism that may explain some of the reported differences regarding dichotomous androgen actions in breast cancers. A better understanding of AR signalling in this disease is critical given the current resurgence in interest in utilising contemporary AR-directed therapies for breast cancer and the need for biomarkers that will accurately predict clinical response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keely M McNamara
- Department of PathologyTohoku University School of Medicine, Miyagi, Sendai, JapanDame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research LaboratoriesDiscipline of Medicine, The University of Adelaide and Hanson Institute, DX 650801, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Nicole L Moore
- Department of PathologyTohoku University School of Medicine, Miyagi, Sendai, JapanDame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research LaboratoriesDiscipline of Medicine, The University of Adelaide and Hanson Institute, DX 650801, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Theresa E Hickey
- Department of PathologyTohoku University School of Medicine, Miyagi, Sendai, JapanDame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research LaboratoriesDiscipline of Medicine, The University of Adelaide and Hanson Institute, DX 650801, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of PathologyTohoku University School of Medicine, Miyagi, Sendai, JapanDame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research LaboratoriesDiscipline of Medicine, The University of Adelaide and Hanson Institute, DX 650801, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
| | - Wayne D Tilley
- Department of PathologyTohoku University School of Medicine, Miyagi, Sendai, JapanDame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research LaboratoriesDiscipline of Medicine, The University of Adelaide and Hanson Institute, DX 650801, Adelaide, South Australia 5005, Australia
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49
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Aquila S, De Amicis F. Steroid receptors and their ligands: effects on male gamete functions. Exp Cell Res 2014; 328:303-13. [PMID: 25062984 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2014.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/14/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In recent years a new picture of human sperm biology is emerging. It is now widely recognized that sperm contain nuclear encoded mRNA, mitochondrial encoded RNA and different transcription factors including steroid receptors, while in the past sperm were considered incapable of transcription and translation. One of the main targets of steroid hormones and their receptors is reproductive function. Expression studies on Progesterone Receptor, estrogen receptor, androgen receptor and their specific ligands, demonstrate the presence of these systems in mature spermatozoa as surface but also as nuclear conventional receptors, suggesting that both systemic and local steroid hormones, through sperm receptors, may influence male reproduction. However, the relationship between the signaling events modulated by steroid hormones and sperm fertilization potential as well as the possible involvement of the specific receptors are still controversial issues. The main line of this review highlights the current research in human sperm biology examining new molecular systems of response to the hormones as well as specific regulatory pathways controlling sperm cell fate and biological functions. Most significant studies regarding the identification of steroid receptors are reported and the mechanistic insights relative to signaling pathways, together with the change in sperm metabolism energy influenced by steroid hormones are discussed.The reviewed evidences suggest important effects of Progesterone, Estrogen and Testosterone and their receptors on spermatozoa and implicate the involvement of both systemic and local steroid action in the regulation of male fertility potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saveria Aquila
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Via P Bucci cubo 34 B, Rende 87036, CS, Italy
| | - Francesca De Amicis
- Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Via P Bucci cubo 34 B, Rende 87036, CS, Italy.
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50
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Köhler A, Demir Ü, Kickstein E, Krauss S, Aigner J, Aranda-Orgillés B, Karagiannidis AI, Achmüller C, Bu H, Wunderlich A, Schweiger MR, Schaefer G, Schweiger S, Klocker H, Schneider R. A hormone-dependent feedback-loop controls androgen receptor levels by limiting MID1, a novel translation enhancer and promoter of oncogenic signaling. Mol Cancer 2014; 13:146. [PMID: 24913494 PMCID: PMC4074869 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-13-146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/30/2014] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND High androgen receptor (AR) level in primary tumour predicts increased prostate cancer (PCa)-specific mortality. Furthermore, activations of the AR, PI3K, mTOR, NFκB and Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathways are involved in the fatal development of castration-resistant prostate cancer during androgen ablation therapy. MID1, a negative regulator of the tumor-suppressor PP2A, is known to promote PI3K, mTOR, NFκB and Hh signaling. Here we investigate the interaction of MID1 and AR. METHODS AR and MID1 mRNA and protein levels were measured by qPCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Co-immunoprecipitation followed by PCR and RNA-pull-down followed by Western blot was used to investigate protein-mRNA interaction, chromatin-immunoprecipitation followed by next-generation sequencing for identification of AR chromatin binding sites. AR transcriptional activity and activity of promoter binding sites for AR were analyzed by reporter gene assays. For knockdown or overexpression of proteins of interest prostate cancer cells were transfected with siRNA or expression plasmids, respectively. RESULTS The microtubule-associated MID1 protein complex associates with AR mRNA via purine-rich trinucleotide repeats, expansions of which are known to correlate with ataxia and cancer. The level of MID1 directly correlates with the AR protein level in PCa cells. Overexpression of MID1 results in a several fold increase in AR protein and activity without major changes in mRNA-levels, whereas siRNA-triggered knockdown of MID1 mRNA reduces AR-protein levels significantly. Upregulation of AR protein by MID1 occurs via increased translation as no major changes in AR protein stability could be observed. AR on the other hand, regulates MID1 via several functional AR binding sites in the MID1 gene, and, in the presence of androgens, exerts a negative feedback loop on MID1 transcription. Thus, androgen withdrawal increases MID1 and concomitantly AR-protein levels. In line with this, MID1 is significantly over-expressed in PCa in a stage-dependent manner. CONCLUSION Promotion of AR, in addition to enhancement of the Akt-, NFκB-, and Hh-pathways by sustained MID1-upregulation during androgen deprivation therapy provides a powerful proliferative scenario for PCa progression into castration resistance. Thus MID1 represents a novel, multi-faceted player in PCa and a promising target to treat castration resistant prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Köhler
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ümmühan Demir
- Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Eva Kickstein
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sybille Krauss
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
- Present address: German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Biomedical Center (BMZ1), Building 344, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Johanna Aigner
- Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Antonios I Karagiannidis
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Clemens Achmüller
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Huajie Bu
- Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andrea Wunderlich
- Institute of Vertebrate Genetics, Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michal-Ruth Schweiger
- Institute of Vertebrate Genetics, Max-Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, 14195 Berlin, Germany
| | - Georg Schaefer
- Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Pathology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Susann Schweiger
- Universitätsmedizin Mainz, Institute for Human Genetics, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Division of Medical Sciences, Medical School, DD1 9SY Dundee, UK
| | - Helmut Klocker
- Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Rainer Schneider
- Institute of Biochemistry, Center of Molecular Biosciences Innsbruck (CMBI), University of Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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