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Procknow SS, Kozel BA. Emerging mechanisms of elastin transcriptional regulation. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2022; 323:C666-C677. [PMID: 35816641 PMCID: PMC9448287 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00228.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Elastin provides recoil to tissues that stretch such as the lung, blood vessels, and skin. It is deposited in a brief window starting in the prenatal period and extending to adolescence in vertebrates, and then slowly turns over. Elastin insufficiency is seen in conditions such as Williams-Beuren syndrome and elastin-related supravalvar aortic stenosis, which are associated with a range of vascular and connective tissue manifestations. Regulation of the elastin (ELN) gene occurs at multiple levels including promoter activation/inhibition, mRNA stability, interaction with microRNAs, and alternative splicing. However, these mechanisms are incompletely understood. Better understanding of the processes controlling ELN gene expression may improve medicine's ability to intervene in these rare conditions, as well as to replace age-associated losses by re-initiating elastin production. This review describes what is known about the ELN gene promoter structure, transcriptional regulation by cytokines and transcription factors, and posttranscriptional regulation via mRNA stability and micro-RNA and highlights new approaches that may influence regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S Procknow
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Beth A Kozel
- Translational Vascular Medicine Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Tissue distribution and transcriptional regulation of CCN5 in the heart after myocardial infarction. J Cell Commun Signal 2021; 16:377-395. [PMID: 34854055 PMCID: PMC9411331 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-021-00659-7] [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: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
CCN5 is a divergent member of the cellular communication network factor (CCN) family in that it lacks the carboxyl terminal cystine knot domain common to the other CCN family members. CCN5 has been reported to antagonize the profibrotic actions of CCN2 and to inhibit myocardial collagen deposition and fibrosis in chronic pressure overload of the heart. However, what mechanisms that regulate CCN5 activity in the heart remain unknown. Recombinant, replication defective adenovirus encoding firefly luciferase under control of the human CCN5 promoter was prepared and used to investigate what mechanisms regulate CCN5 transcription in relevant cells. Tissue distribution of CCN5 in hearts from healthy mice and from mice subjected to myocardial infarction was investigated. Contrary to the profibrotic immediate early gene CCN2, we find that CCN5 is induced in the late proliferation and maturation phases of scar healing. CCN5 was identified principally in endothelial cells, fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, and macrophages. Our data show that CCN5 gene transcription and protein levels are induced by catecholamines via β2-adrenergic receptors. Myocardial induction of CCN5 was further confirmed in isoproterenol-infused mice. We also find that CCN5 transcription is repressed by TNF-α, an inflammatory mediator highly elevated in early phases of wound healing following myocardial infarction. In conclusion, CCN5 predominates in endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and macrophages of the differentiating scar tissue and its transcription is conversely regulated by β2-adrenergic agonists and TNF-α.
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Yoshioka Y, Samukawa Y, Yamashita Y, Ashida H. 4-Hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol isolated from Angelica keiskei prevent dexamethasone-induced muscle loss. Food Funct 2020; 11:5498-5512. [PMID: 32510085 DOI: 10.1039/d0fo00720j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Since a decrease in muscle mass leads to an increased risk of mortality, the prevention of muscle wasting contributes to maintaining the quality of life. Recently, we reported that glabridin, a prenylated flavonoid in licorice, prevents dexamethasone-induced muscle loss. In this study, we focused on the other prenylated chalcones 4-hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol in Ashitaba (Angelica keiskei) and investigated their prevention effect on dexamethasone-induced muscle loss. It was found that 4-hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol significantly prevented dexamethasone-induced protein degradation in C2C12 myotubes by suppressing the expression of ubiquitin ligases, Cbl-b and MuRF-1. These prenylated chalcones acted as the antagonists of the glucocorticoid receptor and inhibited the binding of dexamethasone to this receptor and its subsequent nuclear translocation. In addition, the chalcones suppressed the phosphorylation of p38 and FoxO3a as the upstream factors for ubiquitin ligases. Dexamethasone-induced protein degradation and upregulation of Cbl-b were attenuated by the knockdown of the glucocorticoid receptor but not by the knockdown of p38. In male C57BL/6J mice, the Ashitaba extract, containing 4-hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol, suppressed dexamethasone-induced muscle mass wasting accompanied by a decrease in the expression of ubiquitin ligases by inhibiting the nuclear translocation of the glucocorticoid receptor and phosphorylation of FoxO3a. In conclusion, 4-hydroxyderricin and xanthoangelol are effective compounds to inhibit steroid-induced muscle loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasukiyo Yoshioka
- Faculty of Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics, Konan Women's University, Kobe, Hyogo 658-0001, Japan
| | - Yumi Samukawa
- Graduate school of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan.
| | - Yoko Yamashita
- Graduate school of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan.
| | - Hitoshi Ashida
- Graduate school of Agricultural Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Hyogo 657-8501, Japan.
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Zununi Vahed S, Moghaddas Sani H, Haghi M, Mohajel Shoja M, Ardalan M. TRPC6 and NPHS2 gene variants in adult patients with steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome in North-West of Iran. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:6339-6344. [PMID: 31529341 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-05074-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Podocyte gene mutations and their role in the development of nephrotic syndrome (NS) have been reported in some ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of possible variants in TRCP6 and NPHS2 (podocin) genes and their association with clinical manifestations in a group of adult patients with steroid resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). All participants including 36 patients with SRNS and 71 healthy volunteers were genotyped using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct sequencing. Whole exons of NPHS2 gene and -254 C > G, -218 C > T, and -361 A > T polymorphisms in the promoter of TRPC6 gene were studied. There were no significant differences in the allele and genotype frequencies of aforementioned TRCP6 polymorphisms between cases and controls (P > 0.05). However, four novel polymorphisms including - 257 T > C, - 266 G > A, - 293 G > C, and - 21 G > A found in the promoter region of TRPC6 gene that may be involved in SRNS in our cohort. In NPHS2 gene, three different polymorphisms in the NPHS2 gene were found in 7 patients with FSGS and none of the previously reported risk polymorphisms was detected in our patients. Podocin related mutations are not too much associated with SRNS in adults, but we should consider the possibility of TRPC6 gene mutation in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Hakimeh Moghaddas Sani
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Mehdi Haghi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
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Souren NY, Gerdes LA, Lutsik P, Gasparoni G, Beltrán E, Salhab A, Kümpfel T, Weichenhan D, Plass C, Hohlfeld R, Walter J. DNA methylation signatures of monozygotic twins clinically discordant for multiple sclerosis. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2094. [PMID: 31064978 PMCID: PMC6504952 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09984-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory, demyelinating disease of the central nervous system with a modest concordance rate in monozygotic twins, which strongly argues for involvement of epigenetic factors. We observe highly similar peripheral blood mononuclear cell-based methylomes in 45 MS-discordant monozygotic twins. Nevertheless, we identify seven MS-associated differentially methylated positions (DMPs) of which we validate two, including a region in the TMEM232 promoter and ZBTB16 enhancer. In CD4 + T cells we find an MS-associated differentially methylated region in FIRRE. Additionally, 45 regions show large methylation differences in individual pairs, but they do not clearly associate with MS. Furthermore, we present epigenetic biomarkers for current interferon-beta treatment, and extensive validation shows that the ZBTB16 DMP is a signature for prior glucocorticoid treatment. Taken together, this study represents an important reference for epigenomic MS studies, identifies new candidate epigenetic markers, and highlights treatment effects and genetic background as major confounders. Monozygotic (MZ) twins are ideal to study the influence of non-genetic factors on complex phenotypes. Here, Souren et al. perform an EWAS in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 45 MZ twins discordant for multiple sclerosis and identify disease and treatment-associated epigenetic markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Y Souren
- Department of Genetics/Epigenetics, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.
| | - Lisa A Gerdes
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital and Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Pavlo Lutsik
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Gilles Gasparoni
- Department of Genetics/Epigenetics, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Eduardo Beltrán
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital and Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Abdulrahman Salhab
- Department of Genetics/Epigenetics, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Tania Kümpfel
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital and Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter Weichenhan
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Plass
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Hohlfeld
- Institute of Clinical Neuroimmunology, University Hospital and Biomedical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Jörn Walter
- Department of Genetics/Epigenetics, Saarland University, 66123, Saarbrücken, Germany.
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Ellis MW, Luo J, Qyang Y. Modeling elastin-associated vasculopathy with patient induced pluripotent stem cells and tissue engineering. Cell Mol Life Sci 2019; 76:893-901. [PMID: 30460472 PMCID: PMC6433159 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2969-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Elastin-associated vasculopathies are life-threatening conditions of blood vessel dysfunction. The extracellular matrix protein elastin endows the recoil and compliance required for physiologic arterial function, while disruption of function can lead to aberrant vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation manifesting through stenosis, aneurysm, or vessel dissection. Although research efforts have been informative, they remain incomplete as no viable therapies exist outside of a heart transplant. Induced pluripotent stem cell technology may be uniquely suited to address current obstacles as these present a replenishable supply of patient-specific material with which to study disease. The following review will cover the cutting edge in vascular smooth muscle cell modeling of elastin-associated vasculopathy, and aid in the development of human disease modeling and drug screening approaches to identify potential treatments. Vascular proliferative disease can affect up to 50% of the population throughout the world, making this a relevant and critical area of research for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew W Ellis
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine Yale School of Medicine, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06519, USA
| | - Jiesi Luo
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine Yale School of Medicine, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
- Yale Stem Cell Center, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Yibing Qyang
- Section of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine Yale School of Medicine, Yale Cardiovascular Research Center, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.
- Yale Stem Cell Center, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Vascular Biology and Therapeutics Program, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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Duque Lasio ML, Kozel BA. Elastin-driven genetic diseases. Matrix Biol 2018; 71-72:144-160. [PMID: 29501665 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2018.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Revised: 02/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Elastic fibers provide recoil to tissues that undergo repeated deformation, such as blood vessels, lungs and skin. Composed of elastin and its accessory proteins, the fibers are produced within a restricted developmental window and are stable for decades. Their eventual breakdown is associated with a loss of tissue resiliency and aging. Rare alteration of the elastin (ELN) gene produces disease by impacting protein dosage (supravalvar aortic stenosis, Williams Beuren syndrome and Williams Beuren region duplication syndrome) and protein function (autosomal dominant cutis laxa). This review highlights aspects of the elastin molecule and its assembly process that contribute to human disease and also discusses potential therapies aimed at treating diseases of elastin insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Beth A Kozel
- National Institutes of Health, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Beier EE, Sheu TJ, Resseguie EA, Takahata M, Awad HA, Cory-Slechta DA, Puzas JE. Sclerostin activity plays a key role in the negative effect of glucocorticoid signaling on osteoblast function in mice. Bone Res 2017; 5:17013. [PMID: 28529816 PMCID: PMC5422922 DOI: 10.1038/boneres.2017.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Revised: 12/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress during prenatal development is correlated with detrimental cognitive and behavioral outcomes in offspring. However, the long-term impact of prenatal stress (PS) and disrupted glucocorticoid signaling on bone mass and strength is not understood. In contrast, the detrimental effect of lead (Pb) on skeletal health is well documented. As stress and Pb act on common biological targets via glucocorticoid signaling pathways and co-occur in the environment, this study first sought to assess the combined effect of stress and Pb on bone quality in association with alterations in glucocorticoid signaling. Bone parameters were evaluated using microCT, histomorphometry, and strength determination in 8-month-old male mouse offspring subjected to PS on gestational days 16 and 17, lifetime Pb exposure (100 p.p.m. Pb in drinking water), or to both. Pb reduced trabecular bone mass and, when combined with PS, Pb unmasked an exaggerated decrement in bone mass and tensile strength. Next, to characterize a mechanism of glucocorticoid effect on bone, prednisolone was implanted subcutaneously (controlled-release pellet, 5 mg·kg-1 per day) in 5-month-old mice that decreased osteoblastic activity and increased sclerostin and leptin levels. Furthermore, the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone alters the anabolic Wnt signaling pathway. The Wnt pathway inhibitor sclerostin has several glucocorticoid response elements, and dexamethasone administration to osteoblastic cells induces sclerostin expression. Dexamethasone treatment of isolated bone marrow cells decreased bone nodule formation, whereas removal of sclerostin protected against this decrement in mineralization. Collectively, these findings suggest that bone loss associated with steroid-induced osteoporosis is a consequence of sclerostin-mediated restriction of Wnt signaling, which may mechanistically facilitate glucocorticoid toxicity in bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric E Beier
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Tzong-Jen Sheu
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Emily A Resseguie
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Masahiko Takahata
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Hani A Awad
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Deborah A Cory-Slechta
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - J Edward Puzas
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
- Center for Musculoskeletal Research, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, NY, USA
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Murgia A, Veronesi E, Candini O, Caselli A, D’souza N, Rasini V, Giorgini A, Catani F, Iughetti L, Dominici M, Burns JS. Potency Biomarker Signature Genes from Multiparametric Osteogenesis Assays: Will cGMP Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Make Bone? PLoS One 2016; 11:e0163629. [PMID: 27711115 PMCID: PMC5053614 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0163629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
In skeletal regeneration approaches using human bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (hBM-MSC), functional evaluation before implantation has traditionally used biomarkers identified using fetal bovine serum-based osteogenic induction media and time courses of at least two weeks. However, emerging pre-clinical evidence indicates donor-dependent discrepancies between these ex vivo measurements and the ability to form bone, calling for improved tests. Therefore, we adopted a multiparametric approach aiming to generate an osteogenic potency assay with improved correlation. hBM-MSC populations from six donors, each expanded under clinical-grade (cGMP) conditions, showed heterogeneity for ex vivo growth response, mineralization and bone-forming ability in a murine xenograft assay. A subset of literature-based biomarker genes was reproducibly upregulated to a significant extent across all populations as cells responded to two different osteogenic induction media. These 12 biomarkers were also measurable in a one-week assay, befitting clinical cell expansion time frames and cGMP growth conditions. They were selected for further challenge using a combinatorial approach aimed at determining ex vivo and in vivo consistency. We identified five globally relevant osteogenic signature genes, notably TGF-ß1 pathway interactors; ALPL, COL1A2, DCN, ELN and RUNX2. Used in agglomerative cluster analysis, they correctly grouped the bone-forming cell populations as distinct. Although donor #6 cells were correlation slope outliers, they contrastingly formed bone without showing ex vivo mineralization. Mathematical expression level normalization of the most discrepantly upregulated signature gene COL1A2, sufficed to cluster donor #6 with the bone-forming classification. Moreover, attenuating factors causing genuine COL1A2 gene down-regulation, restored ex vivo mineralization. This suggested that the signature gene had an osteogenically influential role; nonetheless no single biomarker was fully deterministic whereas all five signature genes together led to accurate cluster analysis. We show proof of principle for an osteogenic potency assay providing early characterization of primary cGMP-hBM-MSC cultures according to their donor-specific bone-forming potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alba Murgia
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italia
| | - Elena Veronesi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italia
- TPM, Science & Technology Park for Medicine, Mirandola, Modena, Italia
| | - Olivia Candini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italia
| | - Anna Caselli
- CVBF - Consorzio per le Valutazioni Biologiche e Farmacologiche, Ospedale Pediatrico Giovanni XXIII, Bari, Italia
| | - Naomi D’souza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italia
| | - Valeria Rasini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italia
| | - Andrea Giorgini
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italia
| | - Fabio Catani
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italia
| | - Lorenzo Iughetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italia
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italia
- TPM, Science & Technology Park for Medicine, Mirandola, Modena, Italia
- * E-mail: (MD); (JSB)
| | - Jorge S. Burns
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University Hospital of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italia
- TPM, Science & Technology Park for Medicine, Mirandola, Modena, Italia
- * E-mail: (MD); (JSB)
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Long-term effects of maternal undernutrition on offspring carotid artery remodeling: role of miR-29c. J Dev Orig Health Dis 2015; 6:342-9. [PMID: 26008599 DOI: 10.1017/s2040174415001208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the hypothesis that excess maternal glucocorticoids in response to maternal undernutrition programs the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components potentially by miR-29c. We measured the expression of mRNA (qRT-PCR) and protein (Western blot) for collagen 3A1, collagen 4A5 and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in offspring carotid arteries from three groups of dams: 50% food-restricted in latter half of gestation [maternal undernutrition (MUN)], MUN dams who received metyrapone (MET) (500 mg/ml ) in drinking water from day 10 of gestation to term, and control dams fed an ad libitum diet. The expression of miR-29c was significantly decreased at 3 weeks, 3 months and 9 months in MUN carotid arteries, and these decreases in expression were partially blocked by treatment of dams with MET. The expression pattern of ECM genes that are targets of miR-29c correlated with miR-29c expression. Expression of mRNA was increased for elastin (ELN) and MMP2 mRNA in 3-week MUN carotids; in 9-month carotids there were also significant increases in expression of Col3A1 and Col4A5. These changes in mRNA expression of ECM genes at 3 weeks and 9 months were blocked by MET treatment. Similarly, the expression of ELN and MMP2 proteins at 3 weeks were increased in MUN carotids, and by 9 months there were also increases in expression of Col3A1 and Col4A5, which were blocked by MET in MUN carotids. Overall, the results demonstrate a close correlation between expression of miR-29c and the ECM proteins that are its targets thus supporting our central hypothesis.
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Li A, Hardy R, Stoner S, Tuckermann J, Seibel M, Zhou H. Deletion of mesenchymal glucocorticoid receptor attenuates embryonic lung development and abdominal wall closure. PLoS One 2013; 8:e63578. [PMID: 23696835 PMCID: PMC3656055 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0063578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
As a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is essential for normal embryonic development. To date, the role of mesenchymal glucocorticoid signaling during development has not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the role of the GR during embryogenesis specifically in mesenchymal tissues. To this aim, we crossed GRflox mice with Dermo1-Cre mice to generate GR(Dermo1) mice, where the GR gene was deleted within mesenchymal cells. Compared to their wild type littermates, GR(Dermo1) mice displayed severe pulmonary atelectasis, defects in abdominal wall formation resulting in intestinal herniation, abnormal extracellular matrix synthesis in connective tissues and high postnatal lethality. Lungs of GR(Dermo1) mice failed to progress from the canalicular to saccular stage, as evidenced by the presence of immature air sacs, thickened interstitial mesenchyme and an underdeveloped vascular network between E17.5 and E18.5. Furthermore, myofibroblasts and vascular smooth muscle cells, although present in normal numbers in GR(Dermo1) animals, were characterized by significantly reduced elastin synthesis, whilst epithelial lining cells of the immature saccules were poorly differentiated. A marked reduction in normal elastin and collagen deposits were also observed in connective tissues adjacent to the umbilical hernia. This study demonstrates that eliminating the GR in cells of the mesenchymal lineage results in marked effects on interstitial fibroblast function, including a significant decrease in elastin synthesis. This results in lung atelectasis and postnatal lethality, as well as additional and hitherto unrecognized developmental defects in abdominal wall formation. In addition, altered glucocorticoid signaling in the mesenchyme attenuates normal lung epithelial differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aiqing Li
- Bone Research Program, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rowan Hardy
- Bone Research Program, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Institute of Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Shihani Stoner
- Bone Research Program, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jan Tuckermann
- Institute of General Zoology and Endocrinology University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Seibel
- Bone Research Program, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Dept of Endocrinology & Metabolism, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hong Zhou
- Bone Research Program, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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Insulin induces production of new elastin in cultures of human aortic smooth muscle cells. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2012; 180:715-26. [PMID: 22236491 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2011] [Revised: 09/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/23/2011] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus accelerates atherosclerotic progression, peripheral angiopathy development, and arterial hypertension, all of which are associated with elastic fiber disease. However, the potential mechanistic links between insulin deficiency and impaired elastogenesis in diabetes have not been explored. Results of the present study reveal that insulin administered in therapeutically relevant concentrations (0.5 to 10 nmol/L) selectively stimulates formation of new elastic fibers in cultures of human aortic smooth muscle cells. These concentrations of insulin neither up-regulate collagen type I and fibronectin deposition nor stimulate cellular proliferation. Further, the elastogenic effect of insulin occurs after insulin receptor activation, which triggers the PI3K downstream signaling pathway and activates elastin gene transcription. In addition, the promoter region of the human elastin gene contains the CAAATAA sequence, consistent with the FoxO-recognized element, and the genomic effects of insulin occur after removal of the FoxO1 transcriptional inhibitor from the FoxO-recognized element in the elastin gene promoter. In addition, insulin signaling facilitates the association of tropoelastin with its specific 67-kDa elastin-binding protein/spliced form of β-galactosidase chaperone, enhancing secretion. These results are crucial to understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of diabetes-associated vascular disease, and, in particular, endorse use of insulin therapy for treatment of atherosclerotic lesions in patients with type 1 diabetes, in which induction of new elastic fibers would mechanically stabilize the developing plaques and prevent arterial occlusions.
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13
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Järveläinen H, Sainio A, Koulu M, Wight TN, Penttinen R. Extracellular matrix molecules: potential targets in pharmacotherapy. Pharmacol Rev 2010; 61:198-223. [PMID: 19549927 DOI: 10.1124/pr.109.001289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 346] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of numerous macromolecules classified traditionally into collagens, elastin, and microfibrillar proteins, proteoglycans including hyaluronan, and noncollagenous glycoproteins. In addition to being necessary structural components, ECM molecules exhibit important functional roles in the control of key cellular events such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Any structural inherited or acquired defect and/or metabolic disturbance in the ECM may cause cellular and tissue alterations that can lead to the development or progression of disease. Consequently, ECM molecules are important targets for pharmacotherapy. Specific agents that prevent the excess accumulation of ECM molecules in the vascular system, liver, kidney, skin, and lung; alternatively, agents that inhibit the degradation of the ECM in degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis would be clinically beneficial. Unfortunately, until recently, the ECM in drug discovery has been largely ignored. However, several of today's drugs that act on various primary targets affect the ECM as a byproduct of the drugs' actions, and this activity may in part be beneficial to the drugs' disease-modifying properties. In the future, agents and compounds targeting directly the ECM will significantly advance the treatment of various human diseases, even those for which efficient therapies are not yet available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannu Järveläinen
- Department of Medicine, Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, FI-20520 Turku, Finland.
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Järveläinen H, Sainio A, Koulu M, Wight TN, Penttinen R. Extracellular Matrix Molecules: Potential Targets in Pharmacotherapy. Pharmacol Rev 2009. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.109.001289 doi:dx.doi.org] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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Rani CSS, Elango N, Wang SS, Kobayashi K, Strong R. Identification of an activator protein-1-like sequence as the glucocorticoid response element in the rat tyrosine hydroxylase gene. Mol Pharmacol 2008; 75:589-98. [PMID: 19060113 DOI: 10.1124/mol.108.051219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) generally stimulate gene transcription via consensus glucocorticoid response elements (GREs) located in the promoter region. To identify the GRE in the rat tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) gene promoter, we transiently transfected PC12 cells with a 9-kilobase (kb) TH promoter-luciferase (Luc) construct. Dexamethasone (Dex) stimulated Luc activity, which was abolished by mifepristone (RU486). Serial deletion mutations revealed a Dex-responsive 7-base pair (bp) sequence, TGACTAA, located at -5734 to -5728. Deletion of just these seven nucleotides from the 9-kb promoter completely abolished the Dex response and partially reduced the response to phorbol ester but not to forskolin. The Dex response was fully retained in a construct in which most of the 9-kb promoter was deleted, except for 100 bp around the -5.7-kb region, clearly identifying this 7-bp sequence as solely responsible for GC responsiveness. Conversely, deletion of the proximal cAMP-response element (-45/-38) or activator protein-1 (AP-1) (-207/-201) sites in the 9-kb promoter did not affect Dex and phorbol ester responses. A radiolabeled 25-bp promoter fragment bearing the 7-bp TH-GRE/AP-1 showed specific binding to PC12 nuclear proteins. Using antibodies against the glucocorticoid receptors and AP-1 family of proteins and primers for the TH-GRE/AP-1 region, we detected a specific DNA amplicon in a chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. This 7-bp TH-GRE/AP-1 sequence (TGACTAA) does not bear similarity to any known GRE but closely resembles the consensus AP-1 binding site, TGACTCA. Our studies describe for the first time a novel GRE/AP-1 site present in the TH gene promoter that is critical for glucocorticoid regulation of the TH gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- C S Sheela Rani
- Department of Pharmacology,Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas 78229, USA
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The role of steroids in outflow resistance. Exp Eye Res 2008; 88:752-9. [PMID: 18977348 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2008.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2008] [Revised: 10/02/2008] [Accepted: 10/06/2008] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid (GC)-induced ocular hypertension and secondary iatrogenic open-angle glaucoma are serious side effects of GC therapy. Its clinical presentation is similar in many ways to primary open-angle glaucoma, including increased aqueous outflow resistance and morphological and biochemical changes to the trabecular meshwork (TM). Therefore, a large number of studies have examined the effects of GCs on TM cells and tissues. GCs have diverse effects on the TM, altering TM cell functions, gene expression, extracellular matrix metabolism, and cytoskeletal structure. Some or all of these effects may be responsible for the increased outflow resistance associated with GC therapy. In contrast to GCs, several different classes of steroids appear to lower IOP. Additional research will help better define the molecular mechanisms responsible for GC-induced ocular hypertension and steroid-induced IOP lowering activity.
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Barr CS, Dvoskin RL, Yuan Q, Lipsky RH, Gupte M, Hu X, Zhou Z, Schwandt ML, Lindell SG, McKee M, Becker ML, Kling MA, Gold PW, Higley D, Heilig M, Suomi SJ, Goldman D. CRH haplotype as a factor influencing cerebrospinal fluid levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity, temperament, and alcohol consumption in rhesus macaques. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 65:934-44. [PMID: 18678798 DOI: 10.1001/archpsyc.65.8.934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Both highly stress-reactive and novelty-seeking individuals are susceptible to alcohol use disorders. Variation in stress reactivity, exploration, and response to novelty have been attributed to differences in corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) system function. As such, CRH gene variation may influence risk for alcohol use and dependence. OBJECTIVE To determine whether CRH variation influences relevant intermediate phenotypes, behavior, and alcohol consumption in rhesus macaques. DESIGN We sequenced the rhesus macaque CRH locus (rhCRH) and performed cladistic clustering of haplotypes. In silico analysis, gel shift, and in vitro reporter assays were performed to identify functional variants. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood samples were obtained, and levels of CRH and corticotropin (ACTH) were measured by radioimmunoassay. Behavioral data were collected from macaques during infancy. Among adolescent/adult animals, we recorded responses to an unfamiliar conspecific and measured levels of ethanol consumption. SETTING National Institutes of Health Animal Center. PARTICIPANTS Rhesus macaques. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Animals were genotyped for a single-nucleotide polymorphism disrupting a glucocorticoid response element, rhCRH -2232 C>G, and the effects of this allele on CSF levels of CRH, plasma levels of ACTH, behavior, and ethanol consumption were assessed by analysis of variance. RESULTS We show that -2232C>G alters DNA x protein interactions and confers decreased sensitivity of the CRH promoter to glucocorticoids in vitro. Consistent with the known effects of glucocorticoids on CRH expression in the brain, carriers of the G allele had lower CSF levels of CRH but higher levels of ACTH. Infants carrying the G allele were more exploratory and bold, and among adolescent and adult male macaques, the G allele was associated with exploratory/bold responding to an unfamiliar male. Adults with the C/G genotype also exhibited increased alcohol consumption in the social group, a model for high-risk alcohol-seeking behavior. CONCLUSION Haplotypes that differ in terms of corticosteroid sensitivity have been identified in humans. Our data may suggest that functionally similar CRH variants could influence risk for externalizing disorders in human subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina S Barr
- Laboratory of Clinical Studies, Primate Section, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse Alcoholism, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, TR 112, PO Box 529, Poolesville, MD 20837, USA.
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Akkus A, Aydinuraz K, Daphan C, Saygun O, Caglayan O, Edremitlioglu M, Agalar F. Effect of carnitine on cutaneous wound healing in immunosuppressed rats. J Surg Res 2008; 155:301-5. [PMID: 19505698 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2008.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2008] [Revised: 05/16/2008] [Accepted: 06/03/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The wound is ischemic in nature. Chronic steroid administration impairs wound healing by changing enzymes in the glycolytic pathway. Carnitine supplementation may help to restore the energy deficiency caused by chronic steroid administration in the wound. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of carnitine on impaired wound healing. METHODS The study was conducted in three groups. Surgical intervention was a 4 cm long midline skin incision at the back. In Group A, eight rats received methylprednisolone for 7 d prior to surgical intervention, and it was continued until the end of the experiment. In Group B, 12 rats received methylprednisolone for 7 d prior to surgical intervention. After surgery, methylprednisolone injection was continued and carnitine was supplemented until the end of the experiment. In Group C, eight rats received no medication. The wound of half of the animals in each group was harvested on the seventh day after surgical intervention and the remaining on the 14th d. Tensile strength and hydroxyproline content were measured in all groups. RESULTS There was no significant difference in parameters in any of the groups on day seven. On day 14, all parameters were statistically different between methylprednisolone and control groups (P < 0.05). Values for tensile strength were higher in the methylprednisolone/carnitine group compared with methylprednisolone group (P < 0.05). Carnitine administration had also increased hydroxyproline levels in the methylprednisolone/carnitine group compared with the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Carnitine is shown to increase tensile strength of the wound when supplemented to immunosuppressed rats in which wound healing is impaired by methylprednisolone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Akkus
- Department of General Surgery, Kirikkale University Medical School, Suleyman Demirel Research and Training Hospital, Kirikkale, Turkey
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Alikhani-Koupaei R, Fouladkou F, Fustier P, Cenni B, Sharma AM, Deter HC, Frey BM, Frey FJ. Identification of polymorphisms in the human 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 gene promoter: functional characterization and relevance for salt sensitivity. FASEB J 2007; 21:3618-28. [PMID: 17551100 DOI: 10.1096/fj.07-8140com] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Reduced activity of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11beta-HSD2) plays a role in essential hypertension and the sensitivity of blood pressure to dietary salt. Nonconservative mutations in the coding region are extremely rare and do not explain the variable 11beta-HSD2 activity. We focused therefore on the 5'-regulatory region and identified and characterized the first promoter polymorphisms. Transfections of variants G-209A and G-126A into SW620 cells reduced promoter activity and affinity for activators nuclear factor 1 (NF1) and Sp1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed Sp1, NF1, and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) binding to the HSD11B2 promoter. Dexamethasone induced expression of mRNA and activity of HSD11B2. GR and/or NF1 overexpression increased endogenous HSD11B2 mRNA and activity. GR complexes cooperated with NF1 to activate HSD11B2, an effect diminished in the presence of the G-209A variant. When compared to salt-resistant subjects (96), salt-sensitive volunteers (54) more frequently had the G-209A variant, higher occurrence of alleles A4/A7 of polymorphic microsatellite marker, and higher urinary ratios of cortisol to cortisone metabolites. First, we conclude that the mechanism of glucocorticoid-induced HSD11B2 expression is mainly mediated by cooperation between GR and NF1 on the HSD11B2 promoter and, second, that the newly identified promoter variants reduce activity and cooperation of cognate transcription factors, resulting in diminished HSD11B2 transcription, an effect favoring salt sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasoul Alikhani-Koupaei
- Nephrology and Hypertension and Clinical Research, University Hospital of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
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Mertz JA, Kobayashi R, Dudley JP. ALY is a common coactivator of RUNX1 and c-Myb on the type B leukemogenic virus enhancer. J Virol 2007; 81:3503-13. [PMID: 17229714 PMCID: PMC1866045 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02253-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Type B leukemogenic virus (TBLV), a mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) variant, often induces T-cell leukemias and lymphomas by c-myc activation following viral DNA integration. Transfection assays using a c-myc reporter plasmid indicated that the TBLV long terminal repeat (LTR) enhancer is necessary for T-cell-specific increases in basal reporter activity. The sequence requirements for this effect were studied using mutations of the 62-bp enhancer region in an MMTV LTR reporter vector. Deletion of a nuclear factor A-binding site dramatically reduced reporter activity in Jurkat T cells. However, a 41-bp enhancer missing the RUNX1 site still retained minimal enhancer function. DNA affinity purification using a TBLV enhancer oligomer containing the RUNX1 binding site followed by mass spectrometry resulted in the identification of ALY. Subsequent experiments focused on the reconstitution of enhancer activity in epithelial cells. ALY overexpression synergized with RUNX1B on TBLV enhancer activity, and synergism required the RUNX1B-binding site. A predicted c-Myb binding site in the enhancer was confirmed after c-myb overexpression elevated TBLV LTR reporter activity, and overexpression of c-Myb and RUNX1B together showed additive effects on reporter gene levels. ALY also synergized with c-Myb, and coimmunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated an interaction between ALY and c-Myb. These experiments suggest a central role for ALY in T-cell enhancer function and oncogene activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Mertz
- Section of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, University of Texas at Austin, One University Station, A5000 24th Street and Speedway, ESB 226, Austin, TX 78712-0162, USA
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Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are highly effective for the topical treatment of inflammatory skin diseases. Their long-term use, however, is often accompanied by severe and partially irreversible adverse effects, with atrophy being the most prominent limitation. Progress in the understanding of GC-mediated molecular action as well as some advances in technologies to determine the atrophogenic potential of compounds has been made recently. It is likely that the detailed mechanisms of GC-induced skin atrophy will be discovered and in vitro models for the reliable prediction of atrophy will be established in the foreseeable future. This knowledge will not only facilitate safety profiling of established drugs but will also foster further drug discovery by improving compound characterization processes. New insights into GC modes of action will guide optimization strategies aiming at novel GC receptor ligands with improved effect/side effect profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Schoepe
- Corporate Research Business Area Inflammation, Schering AG, Berlin, Germany
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Hannema SE, Print CG, Charnock-Jones DS, Coleman N, Hughes IA. Changes in Gene Expression during Wolffian Duct Development. Horm Res Paediatr 2006; 65:200-9. [PMID: 16567946 DOI: 10.1159/000092408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2005] [Accepted: 01/20/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Wolffian ducts (WDs) are the embryonic precursors of the male reproductive tract. Their development is induced by testosterone, which interacts with the androgen receptor (AR). The molecular pathways underlying androgen-dependent WD development are largely unknown. We aimed to identify AR target genes important in this process. METHODS RNA was isolated from rat WDs at E17.5 and E20.5. Affymetrix GeneChip expression arrays were used to identify transcripts up- or downregulated more than 2-fold. Regulation of seven transcripts was confirmed using quantitative PCR. RESULTS Transcripts from 76 known genes were regulated, including modulators of insulin-like growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta signalling. By controlling these modulators, androgens may indirectly affect growth factor signalling pathways important in epithelial-mesenchymal interactions and organ development. Caveolin-1, also upregulated, may play a role in modifying as well as mediating AR signalling. Differentiation of WD epithelium and smooth muscle, innervation and extracellular matrix synthesis were reflected in regulation of other transcripts. Several genes were previously suggested to be regulated by androgens or contained functional or putative androgen/glucocorticoid response elements, indicating they may be direct targets of androgen signalling. CONCLUSION Our results suggest novel cohorts of signals that may contribute to androgen-dependent WD development and provide hypotheses that can be tested by future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine E Hannema
- Department of Paediatrics, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
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Argenton F, Vianello S, Bernardini S, Lopreiato R, Colombo L, Bortolussi M. Trout GH promoter analysis reveals a modular pattern of regulation consistent with the diversification of GH gene control and function in vertebrates. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2002; 189:11-23. [PMID: 12039061 DOI: 10.1016/s0303-7207(01)00757-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In vertebrates, growth hormone (GH) gene expression requires the pituitary-specific transcription factor Pit-1/GHF1 but is differently regulated by a variety of factors in different vertebrate species. Here, we have studied the transcriptional activity of the trout GH (tGH) promoter, which is synergistically stimulated by cAMP and glucocorticoid. Gel shift assays indicated that Pit-1 binds as a dimer to three high affinity sites in the -226/+24 tGH region, and that recombinant cAMP response element (CRE)-binding protein (CREB) binds to a CRE situated between the two distal Pit-1 sites. Deletional and mutational transfection experiments, performed in pituitary Pit-1-expressing GC cells, showed that the different Pit-1 sites play distinct roles and are obligatory elements in the mechanisms mediating cAMP and glucocorticoid responses. Remarkably, the results suggest a hierarchical modular model of regulation of the tGH promoter, according to which a critical module, triggered by Pit-1 bound to the proximal Pit-1 site, is necessary and sufficient to turn on and drive basal levels of transcription. The latter may be stimulated synergistically by two Pit-1-dependent reciprocally non-cooperative auxiliary modules, activated by cAMP and glucocorticoid, respectively. Such modularity explains, in evolutionary terms, the crucial role played by Pit-1 in transcriptional activation and the emergence of the wide variety of mechanisms regulating transcriptional levels of GH, prolactin and other Pit-1-target genes in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Argenton
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, Università di Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padova, Italy
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Gras MP, Verrecchia F, Uitto J, Mauviel A. Downregulation of human type VII collagen (COL7A1) promoter activity by dexamethasone. Identification of a glucocorticoid receptor binding region. Exp Dermatol 2001; 10:28-34. [PMID: 11168577 DOI: 10.1034/j.1600-0625.2001.100104.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Type VII collagen is the major collagenous component of the anchoring fibrils, attachment structures that stabilize the association of the cutaneous basement membrane zone to the underlying dermis. It is expressed by both epidermal keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts. In this study, we have examined the pharmacological control of COL7A1 gene expression by the glucocorticorticoid dexamethasone. We demonstrate that dexamethasone is a potent transcriptional inhibitor of COL7A1 promoter activity in dermal fibroblasts, and we identify a potential glucocorticoid response element in the region -318/-212 of the promoter. In addition, we have determined that dexamethasone antagonizes transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) activation of the COL7A1 promoter. This effect occurred without dexamethasone interfering with TGF-beta-induced Smad-specific gene transcription. These results indicate potential deleterious effects of glucocorticosteroids on epidermal wound healing, as reduced COL7A1 expression likely leads to decreased anchoring fibril formation, which may translate into delayed or impaired reepithelialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P Gras
- INSERM U532, H pital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
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Massaad C, Paradon M, Jacques C, Salvat C, Bereziat G, Berenbaum F, Olivier JL. Induction of secreted type IIA phospholipase A2 gene transcription by interleukin-1beta. Role of C/EBP factors. J Biol Chem 2000; 275:22686-94. [PMID: 10791956 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m001250200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted type IIA phospholipase A(2), which is involved in arachidonic acid release, is abundantly produced by chondrocytes and secreted in the synovial fluids of patients affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Transfection experiments showed that interleukin-1beta stimulates the phospholipase A(2) [-1614; +20] promoter activity by 6-7-fold and that the [-210; -176] fragment is critical for this stimulation. CAAT enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) beta and C/EBPdelta transcription factors bind to this element as shown by bandshift experiments. Interleukin-1beta increased the levels of C/EBPdelta mRNA as soon as 2 h and up to 24 h without affecting those of C/EBPbeta. Higher amounts of C/EBPdelta proteins correlate with the stimulation of C/EBPdelta mRNA. Mutations or 5' deletions in the upstream [-247; -210] region reduced by 2-fold the basal and interleukin-1beta-stimulated transcription activities. Two types of factors bind to overlapping sequences on this fragment: NF1-like proteins and the glucocorticoid receptor. The glucocorticoid receptor is responsible for a moderate stimulation of the promoter activity by dexamethasone and may interact with C/EBP factors to achieve a full transcription activity in basal conditions and in the presence of interleukin-1beta. A [-114; -85] proximal regulatory element forms three complexes in bandshift experiments, the slowest mobility one involving the Sp1 zinc finger factor. Mutation of this sequence reduced to 2-fold the stimulation of the promoter activity by interleukin-1beta or the C/EBP factors. Induction of the transcription of secreted type IIA phospholipase A(2) gene by interleukin-1beta in chondrocytes absolutely requires C/EBPbeta and C/EBPdelta factors but does not involve NF-kappaB.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Massaad
- UPRES-A CNRS 7079, UFR Saint Antoine, UPRES-A CNRS 7079, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 7 quai Saint Bernard 75252 Paris Cedex 05, France
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Wordinger RJ, Clark AF. Effects of glucocorticoids on the trabecular meshwork: towards a better understanding of glaucoma. Prog Retin Eye Res 1999; 18:629-67. [PMID: 10438153 DOI: 10.1016/s1350-9462(98)00035-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid effects on the human trabecular meshwork can be used as a model system in which to study glaucomatous damage to the trabecular meshwork. One of the most important risk factors for glaucoma is an elevated intraocular pressure. The administration of glucocorticoids also can cause elevated intraocular pressure in some individuals. In addition, there is suggestive evidence linking glucocorticoids with the development of glaucoma. Glucocorticoids cause multiple effects on the human trabecular meshwork including changes in extracellular matrix metabolism, organisation of the cytoskeleton, and changes in gene expression and cell function. New discoveries on the molecular mechanisms of glucocorticoid receptor action provide new opportunities to study the possible role of this receptor in the development of glaucoma. For example, alternate spliced forms of the glucocorticoid receptor, glucocorticoid receptor response element half-sites, numerous modulatory factors, and direct effects of nuclear transcription factors have been recently described. Other recent information has shown that the new glaucoma gene (GLC1A/myocilin) is induced in the human trabecular meshwork by glucocorticoids. Although the exact function of myocilin is currently unknown, it offers the opportunity to dissect the molecular pathways regulating aqueous humor outflow. Future challenges include determining (1) which glucocorticoid effects in the human trabecular meshwork are responsible for elevated intraocular pressure; and (2) the significance of these findings to the development of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Wordinger
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of North Texas, Health Science Center, Fort Worth 76107, USA.
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Contente S, Kenyon K, Sriraman P, Subramanyan S, Friedman RM. Epigenetic inhibition of lysyl oxidase transcription after transformation by ras oncogene. Mol Cell Biochem 1999; 194:79-91. [PMID: 10391127 DOI: 10.1023/a:1006913122261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Lysyl oxidase is an extracellular enzyme involved in connective tissue maturation that also acts as a phenotypic suppressor of the ras oncogene. To understand how this suppressor is controlled, gene transcription was studied and the promoter was characterized. Nuclear runoff transcription assays indicated that the markedly reduced amounts of lysyl oxidase message detected after ras transformation resulted from inhibition of lysyl oxidase transcription. Interferon-mediated phenotypic reversion of ras transformed cells, in which the ras oncogene continued to be expressed, was accompanied by the restoration of lysyl oxidase transcription. Reporter gene assay of a transfected mouse lysyl oxidase promoter indicated that it was active in the transformed background, despite the silencing of the endogenous lysyl oxidase promoter. The detection of comparable amounts of mRNA for transcription factors IRF-1 and IRF-2 in normal and ras-transformed cell lines suggests that the differential transcription of lysyl oxidase was not due to regulation of IRFs. Lysyl oxidase promoter activity was localized to a 126 bp region that includes two consensus TATA boxes with associated confirmed cap signals. Analysis of a human lysyl oxidase promoter sequence indicated similar promoter elements and extensive sequence identity with the mouse promoter. The binding of transcription factor AP2 to sites predicted in the control region was confirmed by DNase footprinting. Lysyl oxidase transcription was stimulated by dexamethasone treatment of cells, but this effect could not be assigned within the approximately 3 kb region tested in reporter gene constructs. The promoter activity of the lysyl oxidase reporter gene construct was completely abolished by in vitro DNA methylation, suggesting that the transcriptional suppression after transformation by the ras oncogene may involve DNA methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Contente
- Department of Pathology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland 20814-4799, USA
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Chandrasekhar S, Souba WW, Abcouwer SF. Identification of glucocorticoid-responsive elements that control transcription of rat glutamine synthetase. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY 1999; 276:L319-31. [PMID: 9950895 DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.1999.276.2.l319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Basal expression of glutamine synthetase (GS) is very low in rat lung and muscle and remarkably enhanced by glucocorticoid hormones during trauma and catabolic states. Although this response is believed to be transcriptionally regulated, the genetic elements responsible for tissue-specific glucocorticoid induction of GS expression have not been identified. A rat lung epithelial cell line (L2) and a glucocorticoid receptor-deficient human prostate cancer cell line (PC3), together with GS reporter gene constructs, were utilized in gene transfer experiments to identify two regions within the rat genomic clone gGS3 that imparted dexamethasone (Dex) responsiveness to both the homologous GS promoter and the heterologous herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase promoter in glucocorticoid receptor-dependent fashions. One region lies nearly 6 kb upstream of the GS transcription initiation site, and the other lies within the first intron of the GS gene. Dex responsiveness was localized to a 325-bp fragment of the intron region containing a canonical glucocorticoid response element and to a 225-bp fragment of the far-upstream region containing three separate glucocorticoid response element half-sites. The GS promoter exhibited relatively high basal activity that was repressed by inclusion of the far-upstream or the intron glucocorticoid-responsive region. Dex treatment negated this repression. A model is suggested in which the glucocorticoid-receptor unit causes derepression of lung and muscle GS transcription during trauma and catabolic states.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Chandrasekhar
- Surgical Oncology Research Laboratories, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114-2696, USA
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