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Niu H, Li C, Zhang H, Liu H, Shang C, Jia Y, Wuenjiya, Li Z, Wang A, Jin Y, Lin P. Androgen synthesis cell-specific CREBZF deficiency alters adrenal cortex steroid secretion and develops behavioral abnormalities in adult male mice. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23650. [PMID: 38696238 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202400130r] [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: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024]
Abstract
The global challenge of male infertility is escalating, notably due to the decreased testosterone (T) synthesis in testicular Leydig cells under stress, underscoring the critical need for a more profound understanding of its regulatory mechanisms. CREBZF, a novel basic region-leucine zipper transcription factor, regulates testosterone synthesis in mouse Leydig cells in vitro; however, further validation through in vivo experiments is essential. Our study utilized Cyp17a1-Cre to knock out CREBZF in androgen-synthesis cells and explored the physiological roles of CREBZF in fertility, steroid hormone synthesis, and behaviors in adult male mice. Conditional knockout (cKO) CREBZF did not affect fertility and serum testosterone level in male mice. Primary Leydig cells isolated from CREBZF-cKO mice showed impaired testosterone secretion and decreased mRNA levels of Star, Cyp17a1, and Hsd3b1. Loss of CREBZF resulted in thickening of the adrenal cortex, especially X-zone, with elevated serum corticosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone levels and decreased serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels. Immunohistochemical staining revealed increased expression of StAR, Cyp11a1, and 17β-Hsd3 in the adrenal cortex of CREBZF-cKO mice, while the expression of AR was significantly reduced. Along with the histological changes and abnormal steroid levels in the adrenal gland, CREBZF-cKO mice showed higher anxiety-like behavior and impaired memory in the elevated plus maze and Barnes maze, respectively. In summary, CREBZF is dispensable for fertility, and CREBZF deficiency in Leydig cells promotes adrenal function in adult male mice. These results shed light on the requirement of CREBZF for fertility, adrenal steroid synthesis, and stress response in adult male mice, and contribute to understanding the crosstalk between testes and adrenal glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyu Niu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chao Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hexin Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haokun Liu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunmei Shang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yanni Jia
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wuenjiya
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zuhui Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Aihua Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yaping Jin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
| | - Pengfei Lin
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China
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Chen F, Sarver DC, Saqib M, Zhou M, Aja S, Seldin MM, Wong GW. CTRP13 ablation improves systemic glucose and lipid metabolism. Mol Metab 2023; 78:101824. [PMID: 37844630 PMCID: PMC10598410 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tissue crosstalk mediated by secreted hormones underlies the integrative control of metabolism. We previously showed that CTRP13/C1QL3, a secreted protein of the C1q family, can improve glucose metabolism and insulin action in vitro and reduce food intake and body weight in mice when centrally delivered. A role for CTRP13 in regulating insulin secretion in isolated islets has also been demonstrated. It remains unclear, however, whether the effects of CTRP13 on cultured cells and in mice reflect the physiological function of the protein. Here, we use a loss-of-function mouse model to address whether CTRP13 is required for metabolic homeostasis. METHODS WT and Ctrp13 knockout (KO) mice fed a standard chow or a high-fat diet were subjected to comprehensive metabolic phenotyping. Transcriptomic analyses were carried out on visceral and subcutaneous fat, liver, and skeletal muscle to identify pathways altered by CTRP13 deficiency. RNA-seq data was further integrated with the Metabolic Syndrome in Man (METSIM) cohort data. Adjusted regression analysis was used to demonstrate that genetic variation of CTRP13 expression accounts for a significant proportion of variance between differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in adipose tissue and metabolic traits in humans. RESULTS Contrary to expectation, chow-fed Ctrp13-KO male mice had elevated physical activity, lower body weight, and improved lipid handling. On a high-fat diet (HFD), Ctrp13-KO mice of either sex were consistently more active and leaner. Loss of CTRP13 reduced hepatic glucose output and improved glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and triglyceride clearance, though with notable sex differences. Consistent with the lean phenotype, transcriptomic analyses revealed a lower inflammatory profile in visceral fat and liver. Reduced hepatic steatosis was correlated with the suppression of lipid synthesis and enhanced lipid catabolism gene expression. Visceral fat had the largest number of DEGs and mediation analyses on the human orthologs of the DEGs suggested the potential causal contribution of CTRP13 to human metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that CTRP13 is a negative metabolic regulator, and its deficiency improves systemic metabolic profiles. Our data also suggest the reduction in circulating human CTRP13 levels seen in obesity and diabetes may reflect a compensatory physiologic response to counteract insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangluo Chen
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Dylan C Sarver
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Muzna Saqib
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Mingqi Zhou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - Susan Aja
- Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marcus M Seldin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, USA; Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, USA
| | - G William Wong
- Department of Physiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA; Center for Metabolism and Obesity Research, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Guo S, Mao X, Liu J. Multi-faceted roles of C1q/TNF-related proteins family in atherosclerosis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1253433. [PMID: 37901246 PMCID: PMC10611500 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1253433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose of review C1q/TNF-related proteins (CTRPs) are involved in the modulation of the development and prognosis of atherosclerosis (AS). Here, we summarizes the pathophysiological roles of individual members of the CTRP superfamily in the development of AS. Currently, there is no specific efficacious treatment for AS-related diseases, therefore it is urgent to develop novel therapeutic strategies aiming to target key molecules involved in AS. Recent findings Recently, mounting studies verified the critical roles of the CTRP family, including CTRP1-7, CTRP9 and CTRP11-15, in the development and progression of AS by influencing inflammatory response, modulating glucose and lipid metabolism, regulating endothelial functions and the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Conclusions CTRP family regulate different pathophysiology stages of AS. CTRP3, CTRP9, CTRP12, CTRP13 and CTRP15 play a clear protective role in AS, while CTRP5 and CTRP7 play a pro-atherosclerotic role in AS. The remarkable progress in our understanding of CTRPs' role in AS will provide an attractive therapeutic target for AS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuren Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Key Clinical Laboratory of Henan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xiaohuan Mao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Jun Liu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Xinjiang, China
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Peña Palomino PA, Black KC, Ressl S. Pleiotropy of C1QL proteins across physiological systems and their emerging role in synapse homeostasis. Biochem Soc Trans 2023:233015. [PMID: 37140354 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
The C1q/TNF superfamily of proteins engages in a pleiotropy of physiological functions associated with various diseases. C1QL proteins demonstrate important protective and regulatory roles in the endocrine, immune, cardiovascular, and nervous systems in both human and rodent studies. Studies in the central nervous system (CNS), adipose, and muscle tissue reveal several C1QL protein and receptor pathways altering multiple cellular responses, including cell fusion, morphology, and adhesion. This review examines C1QL proteins across these systems, summarizing functional and disease associations and highlighting cellular responses based on in vitro and in vivo data, receptor interaction partners, and C1QL-associated protein signaling pathways. We highlight the functions of C1QL proteins in organizing CNS synapses, regulating synapse homeostasis, maintaining excitatory synapses, and mediating signaling and trans-synaptic connections. Yet, while these associations are known, present studies provide insufficient insight into the underlying molecular mechanism of their pleiotropy, including specific protein interactions and functional pathways. Thus, we suggest several areas for more in-depth and interdisciplinary hypothesis testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Perla A Peña Palomino
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 208047, U.S.A
| | - Kylie C Black
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 208047, U.S.A
| | - Susanne Ressl
- Department of Neuroscience, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 208047, U.S.A
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Wei C, Liu Y, Xing E, Ding Z, Tian Y, Zhao Z, Fan W, Sun L. Association Between Novel Pro- and Anti- Inflammatory Adipocytokines in Patients with Acute Coronary Syndrome. Clin Appl Thromb Hemost 2022; 28:10760296221128021. [PMID: 36128744 PMCID: PMC9500265 DOI: 10.1177/10760296221128021] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Novel pro- and anti-inflammatory adipocytokines affect inflammation, energy metabolism, and insulin signaling. However, their role in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) development is unclear. We evaluated the diagnostic and risk predictive value of such adipocytokines for ACS. Methods We enrolled 168 consecutive inpatients with suspected ACS and detected serum PLIN1, PLIN2, PLIN5, CTRP6, CTRP7, CTRP11, WISP1, FAM19A5, TNF-α, and adiponectin levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and Spearman's test were used to assess risk factors for ACS and correlations between serum adipocytokines and continuous variables, respectively. Results Serum levels of the adipocytokines differed between ACS and Non-ACS groups (p < 0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, serum PLIN1, PLIN2, PLIN5, CTRP6, CTRP7, CTRP11, WISP1, and FAM19A5 levels were independently associated with ACS (p < 0.05). Increasing tertiles of serum PLIN1, PLIN2, CTRP7, CTRP11, and WISP1 levels increased the ACS risk, which decreased gradually with increasing PLIN5 and CTRP6 tertiles (p for trend <0.05). Serum PLIN1, PLIN5, CTRP6, CTRP7, CTRP11, WISP1, and FAM19A5 levels correlated with ACS severity. Conclusions PLIN1, PLIN2, CTRP7, CTRP11, and WISP1 were identified as independent ACS risk factors, whereas PLIN5, CTRP6, and FAM19A5 were independent protective factors for ACS. These serum adipocytokines are novel potential clinical biomarkers of ACS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Wei
- Department of Cardiology, 117914Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Yixiang Liu
- Department of Cardiology, 117914Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Enhong Xing
- Central Laboratory of Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Zhenjiang Ding
- Department of Cardiology, 117914Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Yanan Tian
- Department of Cardiology, 117914Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Zhuoyan Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, 117914Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Wenjun Fan
- Department of Cardiology, 117914Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Lixian Sun
- Department of Cardiology, 117914Chengde Medical University Affiliated Hospital, Chengde, Hebei, China
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