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Moon N, Morgan CP, Marx-Rattner R, Jeng A, Johnson RL, Chikezie I, Mannella C, Sammel MD, Epperson CN, Bale TL. Stress increases sperm respiration and motility in mice and men. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7900. [PMID: 39261485 PMCID: PMC11391062 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52319-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Semen quality and fertility has declined over the last 50 years, corresponding to ever-increasing environmental stressors. However, the cellular mechanisms involved and their impact on sperm functions remain unknown. In a repeated sampling human cohort study, we identify a significant effect of prior perceived stress to increase sperm motility 2-3 months following stress, timing that expands upon our previous studies revealing significant stress-associated changes in sperm RNA important for fertility. We mechanistically examine this post-stress timing in mice using an in vitro stress model in the epididymal epithelial cells responsible for sperm maturation and find 7282 differentially H3K27me3 bound DNA regions involving genes critical for mitochondrial and metabolic pathways. Further, prior stress exposure significantly changes the composition and size of epithelial cell-secreted extracellular vesicles that when incubated with mouse sperm, increase mitochondrial respiration and sperm motility, adding to our prior work showing impacts on embryo development. Together, these studies identify a time-dependent, translational signaling pathway that communicates stress experience to sperm, ultimately affecting reproductive functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nickole Moon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Christopher P Morgan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Ruth Marx-Rattner
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Alyssa Jeng
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Rachel L Johnson
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Ijeoma Chikezie
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Carmen Mannella
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Mary D Sammel
- Department of Biostatistics and Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Tracy L Bale
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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2
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Cummins CL, Goldstein I. New anti-inflammatory mechanism of glucocorticoids uncovered. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2024:S1043-2760(24)00222-4. [PMID: 39181729 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2024.08.003] [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: 08/02/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are potent anti-inflammatory drugs. A new study by Auger et al. found that GCs increase itaconate, an anti-inflammatory tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediate, by promoting movement of cytosolic pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) to mitochondria. Itaconate was sufficient for mediating the anti-inflammatory effects of GCs in mice, overriding the notion that nuclear glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is necessary for inflammation inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn L Cummins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3M2, Canada.
| | - Ido Goldstein
- Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, 7610001, Israel
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3
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Sevilla LM, Pons-Alonso O, Gallego A, Azkargorta M, Elortza F, Pérez P. Glucocorticoid receptor controls atopic dermatitis inflammation via functional interactions with P63 and autocrine signaling in epidermal keratinocytes. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:535. [PMID: 39069531 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06926-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD), a prevalent chronic inflammatory disease with multifactorial etiology, features epidermal barrier defects and immune overactivation. Synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely prescribed for treating AD due to their anti-inflammatory actions; however, mechanisms are incompletely understood. Defective local GC signaling due to decreased production of endogenous ligand and/or GC receptor (GR) levels was reported in prevalent inflammatory skin disorders; whether this is a consequence or contributing factor to AD pathology is unclear. To identify the chromatin-bound cell-type-specific GR protein interactome in keratinocytes, we used rapid immunoprecipitation of endogenous proteins and mass spectrometry identifying 145 interactors that increased upon dexamethasone treatment. GR-interacting proteins were enriched in p53/p63 signaling, including epidermal transcription factors with critical roles in AD pathology. Previous analyses indicating mirrored AD-like phenotypes between P63 overexpression and GR loss in epidermis, and our data show an intricate relationship between these transcription factors in human keratinocytes, identifying TP63 as a direct GR target. Dexamethasone treatment counteracted transcriptional up-regulation of inflammatory markers by IL4/IL13, known to mimic AD, causing opposite shifts in GR and P63 genomic binding. Indeed, IL4/IL13 decreased GR and increased P63 levels in cultured keratinocytes and human epidermal equivalents (HEE), consistent with GR down-regulation and increased P63 expression in AD lesions vs normal skin. Moreover, GR knockdown (GRKD) resulted in constitutive increases in P63, phospho-P38 and S100A9, IL6, and IL33. Also, GRKD culture supernatants showed increased autocrine production of TH2-/TH1-/TH17-TH22-associated factors including IL4, CXCL10, CXCL11, and CXCL8. GRKD HEEs showed AD-like features including hyperplasia and abnormal differentiation, resembling phenotypes observed with GR antagonist or IL4/IL13 treatment. The simultaneous GR/P63 knockdown partially reversed constitutive up-regulation of inflammatory genes in GRKD. In summary, our data support a causative role for GR loss in AD pathogenesis via functional interactions with P63 and autocrine signaling in epidermal keratinocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Sevilla
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV-CSIC), Department of Pathology and Molecular and Cell Therapy, Valencia, Spain
| | - Omar Pons-Alonso
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV-CSIC), Department of Pathology and Molecular and Cell Therapy, Valencia, Spain
| | - Andrea Gallego
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV-CSIC), Department of Pathology and Molecular and Cell Therapy, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mikel Azkargorta
- Proteomics Platform, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), CIBERehd, Science and Technology Park of Bizkaia, Derio, Spain
| | - Félix Elortza
- Proteomics Platform, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), CIBERehd, Science and Technology Park of Bizkaia, Derio, Spain
| | - Paloma Pérez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Valencia (IBV-CSIC), Department of Pathology and Molecular and Cell Therapy, Valencia, Spain.
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4
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Auger JP, Zimmermann M, Faas M, Stifel U, Chambers D, Krishnacoumar B, Taudte RV, Grund C, Erdmann G, Scholtysek C, Uderhardt S, Ben Brahim O, Pascual Maté M, Stoll C, Böttcher M, Palumbo-Zerr K, Mangan MSJ, Dzamukova M, Kieler M, Hofmann M, Blüml S, Schabbauer G, Mougiakakos D, Sonnewald U, Hartmann F, Simon D, Kleyer A, Grüneboom A, Finotto S, Latz E, Hofmann J, Schett G, Tuckermann J, Krönke G. Metabolic rewiring promotes anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids. Nature 2024; 629:184-192. [PMID: 38600378 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07282-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids represent the mainstay of therapy for a broad spectrum of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying their anti-inflammatory mode of action have remained incompletely understood1. Here we show that the anti-inflammatory properties of glucocorticoids involve reprogramming of the mitochondrial metabolism of macrophages, resulting in increased and sustained production of the anti-inflammatory metabolite itaconate and consequent inhibition of the inflammatory response. The glucocorticoid receptor interacts with parts of the pyruvate dehydrogenase complex whereby glucocorticoids provoke an increase in activity and enable an accelerated and paradoxical flux of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in otherwise pro-inflammatory macrophages. This glucocorticoid-mediated rewiring of mitochondrial metabolism potentiates TCA-cycle-dependent production of itaconate throughout the inflammatory response, thereby interfering with the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. By contrast, artificial blocking of the TCA cycle or genetic deficiency in aconitate decarboxylase 1, the rate-limiting enzyme of itaconate synthesis, interferes with the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids and, accordingly, abrogates their beneficial effects during a diverse range of preclinical models of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases. Our findings provide important insights into the anti-inflammatory properties of glucocorticoids and have substantial implications for the design of new classes of anti-inflammatory drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Philippe Auger
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Max Zimmermann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Maria Faas
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ulrich Stifel
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - David Chambers
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Brenda Krishnacoumar
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften, ISAS, e.V, Dortmund, Germany
- Institute of Physiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - R Verena Taudte
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
- Institute of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Molecular Diagnostics, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Charlotte Grund
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Gitta Erdmann
- Division of the Molecular Biology of the Cell I, German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Carina Scholtysek
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Stefan Uderhardt
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Optical Imaging Competence Centre (FAU OICE), Exploratory Research Unit, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Oumaima Ben Brahim
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Optical Imaging Competence Centre (FAU OICE), Exploratory Research Unit, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mónica Pascual Maté
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Cornelia Stoll
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martin Böttcher
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Katrin Palumbo-Zerr
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Matthew S J Mangan
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Maria Dzamukova
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Kieler
- Institute for Vascular Biology, Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Arginine Metabolism in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis, Vienna, Austria
| | - Melanie Hofmann
- Institute for Vascular Biology, Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Arginine Metabolism in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis, Vienna, Austria
| | - Stephan Blüml
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gernot Schabbauer
- Institute for Vascular Biology, Centre for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Arginine Metabolism in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Multiple Sclerosis, Vienna, Austria
| | - Dimitrios Mougiakakos
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Uwe Sonnewald
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fabian Hartmann
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - David Simon
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Arnd Kleyer
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anika Grüneboom
- Leibniz-Institut für Analytische Wissenschaften, ISAS, e.V, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Susetta Finotto
- Department of Molecular Pneumology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eicke Latz
- Institute of Innate Immunity, Medical Faculty, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Hofmann
- Division of Biochemistry, Department of Biology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Georg Schett
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jan Tuckermann
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Gerhard Krönke
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
- Deutsches Zentrum für Immuntherapie (DZI), University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
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5
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Alvarez Quintero GS, Lima A, Roig P, Meyer M, de Kloet ER, De Nicola AF, Garay LI. Effects of the mineralocorticoid receptor antagonist eplerenone in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 238:106461. [PMID: 38219844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
There is growing evidence indicating that mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) expression influences a wide variety of functions in metabolic and immune response. The present study explored if antagonism of the MR reduces neuroinflammation in the spinal cord of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Eplerenone (EPLE) (100 mg/kg dissolved in 30% 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin) was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) daily from EAE induction (day 0) until sacrificed on day 17 post-induction. The MR blocker (a) significantly decreased the inflammatory parameters TLR4, MYD88, IL-1β, and iNOS mRNAs; (b) attenuated HMGB1, NLRP3, TGF-β mRNAs, microglia, and aquaporin4 immunoreaction without modifying GFAP. Serum IL-1β was also decreased in the EAE+EPLE group. Moreover, EPLE treatment prevented demyelination and improved clinical signs of EAE mice. Interestingly, MR was decreased and GR remained unchanged in EAE mice while EPLE treatment restored MR expression, suggesting that a dysbalanced MR/GR was associated with the development of neuroinflammation. Our results indicated that MR blockage with EPLE attenuated inflammation-related spinal cord pathology in the EAE mouse model of Multiple Sclerosis, supporting a novel therapeutic approach for immune-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guido S Alvarez Quintero
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analia Lima
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paulina Roig
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Maria Meyer
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - E R de Kloet
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Alejandro F De Nicola
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Human Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Laura I Garay
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrine Biochemistry, Instituto de Biologia y Medicina Experimental-CONICET, Obligado 2490, 1428 Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Human Biochemistry, University of Buenos Aires, Paraguay 2155, 1121 Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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6
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Thakur D, Sengupta D, Mahapatra E, Das S, Sarkar R, Mukherjee S. Glucocorticoid receptor: a harmonizer of cellular plasticity in breast cancer-directs the road towards therapy resistance, metastatic progression and recurrence. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:481-499. [PMID: 38170347 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10163-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Recent therapeutic advances have significantly uplifted the quality of life in breast cancer patients, yet several impediments block the road to disease-free survival. This involves unresponsiveness towards administered therapy, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and metastatic progression with the eventual appearance of recurrent disease. Attainment of such characteristics is a huge adaptive challenge to which tumour cells respond by acquiring diverse phenotypically plastic states. Several signalling networks and mediators are involved in such a process. Glucocorticoid receptor being a mediator of stress response imparts prognostic significance in the context of breast carcinoma. Involvement of the glucocorticoid receptor in the signalling cascade of breast cancer phenotypic plasticity needs further elucidation. This review attempted to shed light on the inter-regulatory interactions of the glucocorticoid receptor with the mediators of the plasticity program in breast cancer; which may provide a hint for strategizing therapeutics against the glucocorticoid/glucocorticoid receptor axis so as to modulate phenotypic plasticity in breast carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Thakur
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Debomita Sengupta
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Elizabeth Mahapatra
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Salini Das
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Ruma Sarkar
- B. D. Patel Institute of Paramedical Sciences, Charotar University of Science and Technology, CHARUSAT Campus, Changa, Gujarat, 388421, India
| | - Sutapa Mukherjee
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India.
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7
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Mata-Greenwood E, Chow WL, Anti NAO, Sands LD, Adeoye O, Ford SP, Nathanielsz PW. Dysregulation of Glucocorticoid Receptor Homeostasis and Glucocorticoid-Associated Genes in Umbilical Cord Endothelial Cells of Diet-Induced Obese Pregnant Sheep. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2311. [PMID: 38396987 PMCID: PMC10888705 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042311] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Maternal obesity (MO) is associated with offspring cardiometabolic diseases that are hypothesized to be partly mediated by glucocorticoids. Therefore, we aimed to study fetal endothelial glucocorticoid sensitivity in an ovine model of MO. Rambouillet/Columbia ewes were fed either 100% (control) or 150% (MO) National Research Council recommendations from 60 d before mating until near-term (135 days gestation). Sheep umbilical vein and artery endothelial cells (ShUVECs and ShUAECs) were used to study glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression and function in vitro. Dexamethasone dose-response studies of gene expression, activation of a glucocorticoid response element (GRE)-dependent luciferase reporter vector, and cytosolic/nuclear GR translocation were used to assess GR homeostasis. MO significantly increased basal GR protein levels in both ShUVECs and ShUAECs. Increased GR protein levels did not result in increased dexamethasone sensitivity in the regulation of key endothelial gene expression such as endothelial nitric oxide synthase, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, vascular endothelial growth factor, or intercellular adhesion molecule 1. In ShUVECs, MO increased GRE-dependent transactivation and FKBP prolyl isomerase 5 (FKBP5) expression. ShUAECs showed generalized glucocorticoid resistance in both dietary groups. Finally, we found that ShUVECs were less sensitive to dexamethasone-induced activation of GR than human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). These findings suggest that MO-mediated effects in the offspring endothelium could be further mediated by dysregulation of GR homeostasis in humans as compared with sheep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugenia Mata-Greenwood
- Lawrence D. Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (W.L.C.); (N.A.O.A.); (L.D.S.)
| | - Wendy L. Chow
- Lawrence D. Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (W.L.C.); (N.A.O.A.); (L.D.S.)
| | - Nana A. O. Anti
- Lawrence D. Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (W.L.C.); (N.A.O.A.); (L.D.S.)
| | - LeeAnna D. Sands
- Lawrence D. Longo Center for Perinatal Biology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA; (W.L.C.); (N.A.O.A.); (L.D.S.)
| | - Olayemi Adeoye
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA;
| | - Stephen P. Ford
- Center for the Study of Fetal Programming, Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA (P.W.N.)
| | - Peter W. Nathanielsz
- Center for the Study of Fetal Programming, Department of Animal Science, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA (P.W.N.)
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8
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Schrezenmeier E, Dörner T, Halleck F, Budde K. Cellular Immunobiology and Molecular Mechanisms in Alloimmunity-Pathways of Immunosuppression. Transplantation 2024; 108:148-160. [PMID: 37309030 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Current maintenance immunosuppression commonly comprises a synergistic combination of tacrolimus as calcineurin inhibitor (CNI), mycophenolic acid, and glucocorticoids. Therapy is often individualized by steroid withdrawal or addition of belatacept or inhibitors of the mechanistic target of rapamycin. This review provides a comprehensive overview of their mode of action, focusing on the cellular immune system. The main pharmacological action of CNIs is suppression of the interleukin-2 pathway that leads to inhibition of T cell activation. Mycophenolic acid inhibits the purine pathway and subsequently diminishes T and B cell proliferation but also exerts a variety of effects on almost all immune cells, including inhibition of plasma cell activity. Glucocorticoids exert complex regulation via genomic and nongenomic mechanisms, acting mainly by downregulating proinflammatory cytokine signatures and cell signaling. Belatacept is potent in inhibiting B/T cell interaction, preventing formation of antibodies; however, it lacks the potency of CNIs in preventing T cell-mediated rejections. Mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors have strong antiproliferative activity on all cell types interfering with multiple metabolic pathways, partly explaining poor tolerability, whereas their superior effector T cell function might explain their benefits in the case of viral infections. Over the past decades, clinical and experimental studies provided a good overview on the underlying mechanisms of immunosuppressants. However, more data are needed to delineate the interaction between innate and adaptive immunity to better achieve tolerance and control of rejection. A better and more comprehensive understanding of the mechanistic reasons for failure of immunosuppressants, including individual risk/benefit assessments, may permit improved patient stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Schrezenmeier
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BIH Academy, Clinician Scientist Program Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thomas Dörner
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Deutsches Rheumaforschungszentrum (DRFZ), Berlin, Germany
| | - Fabian Halleck
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Klemens Budde
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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9
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Faught E, Schaaf MJM. Molecular mechanisms of the stress-induced regulation of the inflammatory response in fish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 345:114387. [PMID: 37788784 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Stressors in the environment of aquatic organisms can profoundly affect their immune system. The stress response in fish involves the activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis, leading to the release of several stress hormones, among them glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, which bind and activate corticosteroid receptors, namely the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). These receptors are highly expressed on immune cells, thereby allowing stress to have a potent effect that is classically considered to suppress immune function. In this review, we highlight the conserved structure and function of GR and MR among vertebrates and describe their role in modulating inflammation by regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes. In particular, the involvement of MR during inflammation is reviewed, which in many studies has been shown to be immune-enhancing. In recent years, the use of zebrafish as a model organism has opened up new possibilities to study the effects of stress on inflammation, making it possible to investigate knockout lines for MR and/or GR, in combination with transgenic models with fluorescently labeled leukocyte subpopulations that enable the visualization and manipulation of these immune cells. The potential roles of other hormones of the HPI axis, such as corticotrophin-releasing hormone (Crh) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (Acth), in immune modulation are also discussed. Overall, this review highlights the need for further research to elucidate the specific roles of GR, MR and other stress hormones in regulating immune function in fish. Understanding these mechanisms will contribute to improving fish health and advancing our knowledge of stress signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Faught
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, The Netherlands
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10
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Martinez GJ, Appleton M, Kipp ZA, Loria AS, Min B, Hinds TD. Glucocorticoids, their uses, sexual dimorphisms, and diseases: new concepts, mechanisms, and discoveries. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:473-532. [PMID: 37732829 PMCID: PMC11281820 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00021.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The normal stress response in humans is governed by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis through heightened mechanisms during stress, raising blood levels of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol. Glucocorticoids are quintessential compounds that balance the proper functioning of numerous systems in the mammalian body. They are also generated synthetically and are the preeminent therapy for inflammatory diseases. They act by binding to the nuclear receptor transcription factor glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which has two main isoforms (GRα and GRβ). Our classical understanding of glucocorticoid signaling is from the GRα isoform, which binds the hormone, whereas GRβ has no known ligands. With glucocorticoids being involved in many physiological and cellular processes, even small disruptions in their release via the HPA axis, or changes in GR isoform expression, can have dire ramifications on health. Long-term chronic glucocorticoid therapy can lead to a glucocorticoid-resistant state, and we deliberate how this impacts disease treatment. Chronic glucocorticoid treatment can lead to noticeable side effects such as weight gain, adiposity, diabetes, and others that we discuss in detail. There are sexually dimorphic responses to glucocorticoids, and women tend to have a more hyperresponsive HPA axis than men. This review summarizes our understanding of glucocorticoids and critically analyzes the GR isoforms and their beneficial and deleterious mechanisms and the sexual differences that cause a dichotomy in responses. We also discuss the future of glucocorticoid therapy and propose a new concept of dual GR isoform agonist and postulate why activating both isoforms may prevent glucocorticoid resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genesee J Martinez
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Malik Appleton
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Zachary A Kipp
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Analia S Loria
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
| | - Booki Min
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, United States
| | - Terry D Hinds
- Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Barnstable Brown Diabetes Center, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States
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11
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Nalbantoglu D, Preuss JM, Vettorazzi S. Glucocorticoid Receptor-Dependent Binding Analysis Using Chromatin Immunoprecipitation and Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2846:17-34. [PMID: 39141227 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-4071-5_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2024]
Abstract
ChIP-qPCR offers the opportunity to identify interactions of DNA-binding proteins such as transcription factors and their respective DNA binding sites. Thereby, transcription factors can interfere with gene expression, resulting in up- or downregulation of their target genes. Utilizing ChIP, it is possible to identify specific DNA binding sites that are bound by the DNA-binding proteins in dependence on treatment or prevailing conditions. During ChIP, DNA-binding proteins are reversibly cross-linked to their DNA binding sites and the DNA itself is fragmented. Using bead-captured antibodies, the target proteins are isolated while still binding their respective DNA response element. Using quantitative PCR, these DNA fragments are amplified and quantified. In this protocol, DNA binding sites of the glucocorticoid receptor are identified by treatment with the synthetic glucocorticoid Dexamethasone in murine bone marrow-derived macrophages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Nalbantoglu
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
| | - Jonathan M Preuss
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sabine Vettorazzi
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany.
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12
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Stojceski F, Buetti-Dinh A, Stoddart MJ, Danani A, Della Bella E, Grasso G. Influence of dexamethasone on the interaction between glucocorticoid receptor and SOX9: A molecular dynamics study. J Mol Graph Model 2023; 125:108587. [PMID: 37579519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2023.108587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a nuclear receptor that controls critical biological processes by regulating the transcription of specific genes. GR transcriptional activity is modulated by a series of ligands and coenzymes, where a ligand can act as an agonist or antagonist. GR agonists, such as the glucocorticoids dexamethasone (DEX) and prednisolone, are widely prescribed to patients with inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. DEX is also used to induce osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Recently, it has been highlighted that DEX induces changes in the osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells by downregulating the transcription factor SRY-box transcription factor 9 (SOX9) and upregulating the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARG). SOX9 is fundamental in the control of chondrogenesis, but also in osteogenesis by acting as a dominant-negative of RUNX2. Many processes remain to be clarified during cell fate determination, such as the interplay between the key transcription factors. The main objective pursued by this work is to shed light on the interaction between GR and SOX9 in the presence and absence of DEX at an atomic level of resolution using molecular dynamics simulations. The outcome of this research could help the understanding of possible molecular interactions between GR and SOX9 and their role in the determination of cell fate. The results highlight the key residues at the interface between GR and SOX9 involved in the complexation process and shed light on the mechanism through which DEX modulates GR-SOX9 binding and exerts its biological activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Stojceski
- Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence USI-SUPSI Polo universitario Lugano - Campus Est, Via la Santa 1, 6962, Lugano-Viganello, Switzerland
| | - Antoine Buetti-Dinh
- Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence USI-SUPSI Polo universitario Lugano - Campus Est, Via la Santa 1, 6962, Lugano-Viganello, Switzerland
| | - Martin J Stoddart
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270, Davos Platz, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Danani
- Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence USI-SUPSI Polo universitario Lugano - Campus Est, Via la Santa 1, 6962, Lugano-Viganello, Switzerland
| | - Elena Della Bella
- AO Research Institute Davos, Clavadelerstrasse 8, 7270, Davos Platz, Switzerland.
| | - Gianvito Grasso
- Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence USI-SUPSI Polo universitario Lugano - Campus Est, Via la Santa 1, 6962, Lugano-Viganello, Switzerland.
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13
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Fadel L, Dacic M, Fonda V, Sokolsky BA, Quagliarini F, Rogatsky I, Uhlenhaut NH. Modulating glucocorticoid receptor actions in physiology and pathology: Insights from coregulators. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 251:108531. [PMID: 37717739 PMCID: PMC10841922 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are a class of steroid hormones that regulate key physiological processes such as metabolism, immune function, and stress responses. The effects of GCs are mediated by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor that activates or represses the expression of hundreds to thousands of genes in a tissue- and physiological state-specific manner. The activity of GR is modulated by numerous coregulator proteins that interact with GR in response to different stimuli assembling into a multitude of DNA-protein complexes and facilitate the integration of these signals, helping GR to communicate with basal transcriptional machinery and chromatin. Here, we provide a brief overview of the physiological and molecular functions of GR, and discuss the roles of GR coregulators in the immune system, key metabolic tissues and the central nervous system. We also present an analysis of the GR interactome in different cells and tissues, which suggests tissue-specific utilization of GR coregulators, despite widespread functions shared by some of them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina Fadel
- Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology IDE, Helmholtz Munich, Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 857649 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Marija Dacic
- Hospital for Special Surgery Research Institute, The David Rosenzweig Genomics Center, New York, NY, USA; Graduate Program in Physiology, Biophysics and Systems Biology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | - Vlera Fonda
- Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology IDE, Helmholtz Munich, Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 857649 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Baila A Sokolsky
- Hospital for Special Surgery Research Institute, The David Rosenzweig Genomics Center, New York, NY, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, USA
| | - Fabiana Quagliarini
- Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology IDE, Helmholtz Munich, Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 857649 Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Inez Rogatsky
- Hospital for Special Surgery Research Institute, The David Rosenzweig Genomics Center, New York, NY, USA; Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY, USA.
| | - N Henriette Uhlenhaut
- Institute for Diabetes and Endocrinology IDE, Helmholtz Munich, Ingolstaedter Landstr. 1, 857649 Neuherberg, Germany; Metabolic Programming, TUM School of Life Sciences & ZIEL Institute for Food and Health, Gregor11 Mendel-Str. 2, 85354 Freising, Germany.
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14
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Borin C, Pieters T, Serafin V, Ntziachristos P. Emerging Epigenetic and Posttranslational Mechanisms Controlling Resistance to Glucocorticoids in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e916. [PMID: 37359189 PMCID: PMC10289758 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are extensively used for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia as they pressure cancer cells to undergo apoptosis. Nevertheless, glucocorticoid partners, modifications, and mechanisms of action are hitherto poorly characterized. This hampers our understanding of therapy resistance, frequently occurring in leukemia despite the current therapeutic combinations using glucocorticoids in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In this review, we initially cover the traditional view of glucocorticoid resistance and ways of targeting this resistance. We discuss recent progress in our understanding of chromatin and posttranslational properties of the glucocorticoid receptor that might be proven beneficial in our efforts to understand and target therapy resistance. We discuss emerging roles of pathways and proteins such as the lymphocyte-specific kinase that antagonizes glucocorticoid receptor activation and nuclear translocation. In addition, we provide an overview of ongoing therapeutic approaches that sensitize cells to glucocorticoids including small molecule inhibitors and proteolysis-targeting chimeras.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Borin
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
| | - Tim Pieters
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
| | - Valentina Serafin
- Department of Surgery Oncology and Gastroenterology, Oncology and Immunology Section, University of Padova, Italy
| | - Panagiotis Ntziachristos
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Belgium
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University and University Hospital, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Belgium
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15
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Langgartner D, Koenen M, Kupfer S, Glogger L, Kurz L, Perez-Rivas LG, Theodoropoulou M, Noll-Hussong M, Vettorazzi S, Tuckermann J, Reber SO. Intact GR dimerization is critical for restraining plasma ACTH levels during chronic psychosocial stress. Neurobiol Stress 2023; 24:100541. [PMID: 37215522 PMCID: PMC10196852 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100541] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Male C57BL/6N mice exposed to the chronic subordinate colony housing (CSC; 19 days) paradigm, a preclinically validated model of chronic psychosocial stress, are characterized by unaffected basal morning plasma corticosterone (CORT) concentrations despite adrenal and pituitary hyperplasia and increased adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) plasma concentrations, compared with single-housed control (SHC) mice. However, as CSC mice are still able to show an increased CORT secretion towards novel heterotypic stressors, these effects might reflect an adaptation rather than a functional breakdown of general hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis functionality. In the present study we used male mice of a genetically modified mouse line, to investigate whether genetically-driven ACTH overexpression compromises adaptational processes occurring at the level of the adrenals during CSC exposure. Experimental mice carried a point mutation in the DNA binding domain of the glucocorticoid (GC) receptor (GR), attenuating dimerization of GR (GRdim), resulting in a congenially compromised negative feedback inhibition at the level of the pituitary. In line with previous studies, CSC mice in both the wild type (WT; GR+/+) and GRdim group developed adrenal enlargement. Moreover, compared with respective SHC and WT mice, CSC GRdim mice show increased basal morning plasma ACTH and CORT concentrations. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis revealed neither a genotype effect, nor a CSC effect on pituitary mRNA expression of the ACTH precursor proopiomelanocortin (POMC). Finally, CSC increased anxiety-related behavior, active coping and splenocyte in vitro (re)activity in both WT and GRdim mice, while a CSC-induced increase in adrenal lipid vesicles and splenic GC resistance was detectable only in WT mice. Of note, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated splenocytes of GRdim mice were resistant to the inhibitory effects of CORT. Together our findings support the hypothesis that pituitary ACTH protein concentration is negatively controlled by GR dimerization under conditions of chronic psychosocial stress, while POMC gene transcription is not dependent on intact GR dimerization under both basal and chronic stress conditions. Finally, our data suggest that adrenal adaptations during chronic psychosocial stress (i.e., ACTH desensitization), aiming at the prevention of prolonged hypercorticism, are protective only to a certain threshold of plasma ACTH levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Langgartner
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychosomatics, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mascha Koenen
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, University Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sandra Kupfer
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychosomatics, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lisa Glogger
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychosomatics, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Lisa Kurz
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychosomatics, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
| | - Luis Gustavo Perez-Rivas
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic IV, LMU Clinic, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marily Theodoropoulou
- Medical Clinic and Polyclinic IV, LMU Clinic, Ludwig-Maximilian-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Noll-Hussong
- Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Saarland University Medical Centre, Homburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Vettorazzi
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, University Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan Tuckermann
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, University Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefan O. Reber
- Laboratory for Molecular Psychosomatics, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
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16
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Tan A, Younis AZ, Evans A, Creighton JV, Coveny C, Boocock DJ, Sale C, Lavery GG, Coutts AS, Doig CL. PARP1 mediated PARylation contributes to myogenic progression and glucocorticoid transcriptional response. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:133. [PMID: 37087471 PMCID: PMC10121420 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01420-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The ADP-ribosyltransferase, PARP1 enzymatically generates and applies the post-translational modification, ADP-Ribose (ADPR). PARP1 roles in genome maintenance are well described, but recent work highlights roles in many fundamental processes including cellular identity and energy homeostasis. Herein, we show in both mouse and human skeletal muscle cells that PARP1-mediated PARylation is a regulator of the myogenic program and the muscle transcriptional response to steroid hormones. Chemical PARP1 modulation impacts the expression of major myocellular proteins, including troponins, key in dictating muscle contractile force. Whilst PARP1 in absence of DNA damage is often assumed to be basally inactive, we show PARylation to be acutely sensitive to extracellular glucose concentrations and the steroid hormone class, glucocorticoids which exert considerable authority over muscle tissue mass. Specifically, we find during myogenesis, a transient and significant rise in PAR. This early-stage differentiation event, if blocked with PARP1 inhibition, reduced the abundance of important muscle proteins in the fully differentiated myotubes. This suggests that PAR targets during early-stage differentiation are central to the proper development of the muscle contractile unit. We also show that reduced PARP1 in myoblasts impacts a variety of metabolic pathways in line with the recorded actions of glucocorticoids. Currently, as both regulators of myogenesis and muscle mass loss, glucocorticoids represent a clinical conundrum. Our work goes on to identify that PARP1 influences transcriptional activation by glucocorticoids of a subset of genes critical to human skeletal muscle pathology. These genes may therefore signify a regulatory battery of targets through which selective glucocorticoid modulation could be achieved. Collectively, our data provide clear links between PARP1-mediated PARylation and skeletal muscle homeostatic mechanisms crucial to tissue mass maintenance and endocrine response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnold Tan
- School of Science and Technology, Department of Biosciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Awais Z Younis
- School of Science and Technology, Department of Biosciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Alexander Evans
- School of Science and Technology, Department of Biosciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Jade V Creighton
- School of Science and Technology, Department of Biosciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Clare Coveny
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - David J Boocock
- John van Geest Cancer Research Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Craig Sale
- Institute of Sport, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M1 7EL, UK
| | - Gareth G Lavery
- School of Science and Technology, Department of Biosciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Amanda S Coutts
- School of Science and Technology, Department of Biosciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK
| | - Craig L Doig
- School of Science and Technology, Department of Biosciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, NG11 8NS, UK.
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17
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Pinheiro EDS, Preato AM, Petrucci TVB, dos Santos LS, Glezer I. Phase-separation: a possible new layer for transcriptional regulation by glucocorticoid receptor. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1160238. [PMID: 37124728 PMCID: PMC10145926 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1160238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are hormones involved in circadian adaptation and stress response, and it is also noteworthy that these steroidal molecules present potent anti-inflammatory action through GC receptors (GR). Upon ligand-mediated activation, GR translocates to the nucleus, and regulates gene expression related to metabolism, acute-phase response and innate immune response. GR field of research has evolved considerably in the last decades, providing varied mechanisms that contributed to the understanding of transcriptional regulation and also impacted drug design for treating inflammatory diseases. Liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) in cellular processes represents a recent topic in biology that conceptualizes membraneless organelles and microenvironments that promote, or inhibit, chemical reactions and interactions of protein or nucleic acids. The formation of these molecular condensates has been implicated in gene expression control, and recent evidence shows that GR and other steroid receptors can nucleate phase separation (PS). Here we briefly review the varied mechanisms of transcriptional control by GR, which are largely studied in the context of inflammation, and further present how PS can be involved in the control of gene expression. Lastly, we consider how the reported advances on LLPS during transcription control, specially for steroid hormone receptors, could impact the different modalities of GR action on gene expression, adding a new plausible molecular event in glucocorticoid signal transduction.
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18
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Khadka S, Druffner SR, Duncan BC, Busada JT. Glucocorticoid regulation of cancer development and progression. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1161768. [PMID: 37143725 PMCID: PMC10151568 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1161768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones that regulate a host of cellular and physiological functions. However, they are arguably best known for their potent anti-inflammatory properties. Chronic inflammation is well-known to promote the development and progression of numerous types of cancer, and emerging evidence suggests that glucocorticoid regulation of inflammation affects cancer development. However, the timing, intensity, and duration of glucocorticoid signaling have important but often contradictory effects on cancer development. Moreover, glucocorticoids are widely used in parallel with radiation and chemotherapy to control pain, dyspnea, and swelling, but their use may compromise anti-tumor immunity. This review will explore the effects of glucocorticoids on cancer development and progression with particular focus on pro and anti-tumor immunity.
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19
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Saettele AL, Wong HTC, Kindt KS, Warchol ME, Sheets L. Prolonged Dexamethasone Exposure Enhances Zebrafish Lateral-Line Regeneration But Disrupts Mitochondrial Homeostasis and Hair Cell Function. J Assoc Res Otolaryngol 2022; 23:683-700. [PMID: 36261670 PMCID: PMC9789251 DOI: 10.1007/s10162-022-00875-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone is commonly used to treat inner ear disorders. Previous work in larval zebrafish has shown that dexamethasone treatment enhances hair cell regeneration, yet dexamethasone has also been shown to inhibit regeneration of peripheral nerves after lesion. We therefore used the zebrafish model to determine the impact of dexamethasone treatment on lateral-line hair cells and primary afferents. To explore dexamethasone in the context of regeneration, we used copper sulfate (CuSO4) to induce hair cell loss and retraction of nerve terminals, and then allowed animals to recover in dexamethasone for 48 h. Consistent with previous work, we observed significantly more regenerated hair cells in dexamethasone-treated larvae. Importantly, we found that the afferent processes beneath neuromasts also regenerated in the presence of dexamethasone and formed an appropriate number of synapses, indicating that innervation of hair cells was not inhibited by dexamethasone. In addition to regeneration, we also explored the effects of prolonged dexamethasone exposure on lateral-line homeostasis and function. Following dexamethasone treatment, we observed hyperpolarized mitochondrial membrane potentials (ΔΨm) in neuromast hair cells and supporting cells. Hair cells exposed to dexamethasone were also more vulnerable to neomycin-induced cell death. In response to a fluid-jet delivered saturating stimulus, calcium influx through hair cell mechanotransduction channels was significantly reduced, yet presynaptic calcium influx was unchanged. Cumulatively, these observations indicate that dexamethasone enhances hair cell regeneration in lateral-line neuromasts, yet also disrupts mitochondrial homeostasis, making hair cells more vulnerable to ototoxic insults and possibly impacting hair cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison L Saettele
- Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Hiu-Tung C Wong
- Section On Sensory Cell Development and Function, National Institutes On Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Katie S Kindt
- Section On Sensory Cell Development and Function, National Institutes On Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, USA
| | - Mark E Warchol
- Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Lavinia Sheets
- Department of Otolaryngology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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Cirstea IC, Moll HP, Tuckermann J. Glucocorticoid receptor and RAS: an unexpected couple in cancer. Trends Cell Biol 2022:S0962-8924(22)00253-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Wepler M, Preuss JM, Tilp C, Keck M, Blender J, Wachter U, Merz T, Vogt J, Kress S, Gröger M, Hoffmann A, Fink M, Calzia E, Burret U, Radermacher P, Tuckermann JP, Vettorazzi S. Cigarette smoke exposure reduces hemorrhagic shock induced circulatory dysfunction in mice with attenuated glucocorticoid receptor function. Front Immunol 2022; 13:980707. [PMID: 36172380 PMCID: PMC9510589 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.980707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IntroductionWe previously showed that attenuated glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function in mice (GRdim/dim) aggravates systemic hypotension and impairs organ function during endotoxic shock. Hemorrhagic shock (HS) causes impaired organ perfusion, which leads to tissue hypoxia and inflammation with risk of organ failure. Lung co-morbidities like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can aggravate tissue hypoxia via alveolar hypoxia. The most common cause for COPD is cigarette smoke (CS) exposure. Therefore, we hypothesized that affecting GR function in mice (GRdim/dim) and pre-traumatic CS exposure would further impair hemodynamic stability and organ function after HS.MethodsAfter 3 weeks of CS exposure, anesthetized and mechanically ventilated GRdim/dim and GR+/+ mice underwent pressure-controlled HS for 1h via blood withdrawal (mean arterial pressure (MAP) 35mmHg), followed by 4h of resuscitation with re-transfusion of shed blood, colloid fluid infusion and, if necessary, continuous intravenous norepinephrine. Acid–base status and organ function were assessed together with metabolic pathways. Blood and organs were collected at the end of the experiment for analysis of cytokines, corticosterone level, and mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Data is presented as median and interquartile range.ResultsNor CS exposure neither attenuated GR function affected survival. Non-CS GRdim/dim mice had a higher need of norepinephrine to keep target hemodynamics compared to GR+/+ mice. In contrast, after CS exposure norepinephrine need did not differ significantly between GRdim/dim and GR+/+ mice. Non-CS GRdim/dim mice presented with a lower pH and increased blood lactate levels compared to GR+/+ mice, but not CS exposed mice. Also, higher plasma concentrations of some pro-inflammatory cytokines were observed in non-CS GRdim/dim compared to GR+/+ mice, but not in the CS group. With regards to metabolic measurements, CS exposure led to an increased lipolysis in GRdim/dim compared to GR+/+ mice, but not in non-CS exposed animals.ConclusionWhether less metabolic acidosis or increased lipolysis is the reason or the consequence for the trend towards lower catecholamine need in CS exposed GRdim/dim mice warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Wepler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
- Institute for Anesthesiologic Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- *Correspondence: Martin Wepler, ; Sabine Vettorazzi,
| | - Jonathan M. Preuss
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Cornelia Tilp
- Immunology and Respiratory, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Martina Keck
- Immunology and Respiratory, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Jochen Blender
- Immunology and Respiratory, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co KG, Biberach, Germany
| | - Ulrich Wachter
- Institute for Anesthesiologic Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Tamara Merz
- Institute for Anesthesiologic Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Josef Vogt
- Institute for Anesthesiologic Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sandra Kress
- Institute for Anesthesiologic Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Gröger
- Institute for Anesthesiologic Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Andrea Hoffmann
- Institute for Anesthesiologic Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marina Fink
- Institute for Anesthesiologic Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Enrico Calzia
- Institute for Anesthesiologic Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Ute Burret
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Peter Radermacher
- Institute for Anesthesiologic Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jan P. Tuckermann
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Sabine Vettorazzi
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
- *Correspondence: Martin Wepler, ; Sabine Vettorazzi,
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22
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A glucocorticoid-receptor agonist ameliorates bleomycin-induced alveolar simplification in newborn rats. Pediatr Res 2022; 93:1551-1558. [PMID: 36068343 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-022-02257-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucocorticoids (GCs) are highly effective yet problematic agents against bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The dimeric trans-activation of GCs induces unfavorable effects, while monomeric trans-repression suppresses inflammation-related genes. Recently, non-steroidal-selective glucocorticoid-receptor agonists and modulators (SEGRAMs) with only the trans-repressive action have been designed. METHODS Using a bleomycin (Bleo)-induced alveolar simplification newborn rat model (recapitulating arrested alveolarization during BPD), we evaluated the therapeutic effects of compound-A (CpdA), a SEGRAM. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered Bleo from postnatal day (PD) 0 to 10 and treated with dexamethasone (Dex) or CpdA from PD 0 to 13. The morphological changes and mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators, including interleukin (IL)-1β, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CXCL1), and C-C motif chemokine 2 (CCL2) were investigated. RESULTS Similar to the effects of Dex, CpdA exerted protective effects on morphological derangements and inhibited macrophage infiltration and production of pro-inflammatory mediators in Bleo-treated animals. The effects of CpdA were probably mediated by GC receptor (GR)-dependent trans-repression, because unlike the Dex-treated group, anti-inflammatory genes specifically induced by GR-dependent trans-activation (such as "glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper, GILZ") were not upregulated. CONCLUSIONS CpdA improved lung inflammation, inhibited the arrest of alveolar maturation, and restored histological and biochemical changes in a Bleo-induced alveolar simplification model. IMPACT SEGRAMs have attracted widespread attention because they are expected to not exhibit unfavorable effects of GCs. Compound A, one of the SEGRAMs, improved lung morphometric changes and decreased lung inflammation in a bleomycin-induced arrested alveolarization, a newborn rat model representing one of the main features of BPD pathology. Compound A did not elicit bleomycin-induced poor weight gain, in contrast to dexamethasone treatment. SEGRAMs, including compound A, may be promising candidates for the therapy of BPD with less adverse effects compared with GCs.
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Kośmider K, Karska K, Kozakiewicz A, Lejman M, Zawitkowska J. Overcoming Steroid Resistance in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia-The State-of-the-Art Knowledge and Future Prospects. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073795. [PMID: 35409154 PMCID: PMC8999045 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy among children. Despite the enormous progress in ALL therapy, resulting in achieving a 5-year survival rate of up to 90%, the ambitious goal of reaching a 100% survival rate is still being pursued. A typical ALL treatment includes three phases: remission induction and consolidation and maintenance, preceded by a prednisone prephase. Poor prednisone response (PPR) is defined as the presence of ≥1.0 × 109 blasts/L in the peripheral blood on day eight of therapy and results in significantly frequent relapses and worse outcomes. Hence, identifying risk factors of steroid resistance and finding methods of overcoming that resistance may significantly improve patients' outcomes. A mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK-ERK) pathway seems to be a particularly attractive target, as its activation leads to steroid resistance via a phosphorylating Bcl-2-interacting mediator of cell death (BIM), which is crucial in the steroid-induced cell death. Several mutations causing activation of MAPK-ERK were discovered, notably the interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) pathway mutations in T-cell ALL and rat sarcoma virus (Ras) pathway mutations in precursor B-cell ALL. MAPK-ERK pathway inhibitors were demonstrated to enhance the results of dexamethasone therapy in preclinical ALL studies. This report summarizes steroids' mechanism of action, resistance to treatment, and prospects of steroids therapy in pediatric ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamil Kośmider
- Student Scientific Society, Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, Gębali 6, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (K.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Katarzyna Karska
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Gębali 6, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Agata Kozakiewicz
- Student Scientific Society, Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, Gębali 6, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (K.K.); (A.K.)
| | - Monika Lejman
- Laboratory of Genetic Diagnostics, Medical University of Lublin, Gębali 6, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Joanna Zawitkowska
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantology, Medical University of Lublin, Gębali 6, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
- Correspondence:
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24
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Dinarello A, Tesoriere A, Martini P, Fontana CM, Volpato D, Badenetti L, Terrin F, Facchinello N, Romualdi C, Carnevali O, Dalla Valle L, Argenton F. Zebrafish Mutant Lines Reveal the Interplay between nr3c1 and nr3c2 in the GC-Dependent Regulation of Gene Transcription. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2678. [PMID: 35269817 PMCID: PMC8910431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids mainly exert their biological functions through their cognate receptor, encoded by the nr3c1 gene. Here, we analysed the glucocorticoids mechanism of action taking advantage of the availability of different zebrafish mutant lines for their receptor. The differences in gene expression patterns between the zebrafish gr knock-out and the grs357 mutant line, in which a point mutation prevents binding of the receptor to the hormone-responsive elements, reveal an intricate network of GC-dependent transcription. Particularly, we show that Stat3 transcriptional activity mainly relies on glucocorticoid receptor GR tethering activity: several Stat3 target genes are induced upon glucocorticoid GC exposure both in wild type and in grs357/s357 larvae, but not in gr knock-out zebrafish. To understand the interplay between GC, their receptor, and the mineralocorticoid receptor, which is evolutionarily and structurally related to the GR, we generated an mr knock-out line and observed that several GC-target genes also need a functional mineralocorticoid receptor MR to be correctly transcribed. All in all, zebrafish mutants and transgenic models allow in vivo analysis of GR transcriptional activities and interactions with other transcription factors such as MR and Stat3 in an in-depth and rapid way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Dinarello
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Annachiara Tesoriere
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Paolo Martini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Camilla Maria Fontana
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Davide Volpato
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Lorenzo Badenetti
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Francesca Terrin
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Nicola Facchinello
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Chiara Romualdi
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Oliana Carnevali
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60131 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Luisa Dalla Valle
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
| | - Francesco Argenton
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, 35121 Padova, Italy; (A.D.); (A.T.); (C.M.F.); (D.V.); (L.B.); (F.T.); (N.F.); (C.R.); (F.A.)
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Preuss JM, Burret U, Gröger M, Kress S, Scheuerle A, Möller P, Tuckermann JP, Wepler M, Vettorazzi S. Impaired Glucocorticoid Receptor Signaling Aggravates Lung Injury after Hemorrhagic Shock. Cells 2021; 11:cells11010112. [PMID: 35011674 PMCID: PMC8750862 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that attenuated lung injury after hemorrhagic shock (HS) coincided with enhanced levels of the glucocorticoid (GC) receptor (GR) in lung tissue of swine. Here, we investigated the effects of impaired GR signaling on the lung during resuscitated HS using a dysfunctional GR mouse model (GRdim/dim). In a mouse intensive care unit, HS led to impaired lung mechanics and aggravated lung inflammation in GRdim/dim mice compared to wildtype mice (GR+/+). After HS, high levels of the pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic transcription factor STAT1/pSTAT1 were found in lung samples from GRdim/dim mice. Lungs of GRdim/dim mice revealed apoptosis, most likely as consequence of reduced expression of the lung-protective Angpt1 compared to GR+/+ after HS. RNA-sequencing revealed increased expression of pro-apoptotic and cytokine-signaling associated genes in lung tissue of GRdim/dim mice. Furthermore, high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and iNOS were found in lungs of GRdim/dim mice. Our results indicate impaired repression of STAT1/pSTAT1 due to dysfunctional GR signaling in GRdim/dim mice, which leads to increased inflammation and apoptosis in the lungs. These data highlight the crucial role of functional GR signaling to attenuate HS-induced lung damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan M. Preuss
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (J.M.P.); (U.B.); (J.P.T.)
| | - Ute Burret
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (J.M.P.); (U.B.); (J.P.T.)
| | - Michael Gröger
- Institute for Anesthesiologic Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.G.); (S.K.); (M.W.)
| | - Sandra Kress
- Institute for Anesthesiologic Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.G.); (S.K.); (M.W.)
| | - Angelika Scheuerle
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.S.); (P.M.)
| | - Peter Möller
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.S.); (P.M.)
| | - Jan P. Tuckermann
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (J.M.P.); (U.B.); (J.P.T.)
| | - Martin Wepler
- Institute for Anesthesiologic Pathophysiology and Process Engineering, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (M.G.); (S.K.); (M.W.)
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, University Hospital, 89081 Ulm, Germany
| | - Sabine Vettorazzi
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology (CME), Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (J.M.P.); (U.B.); (J.P.T.)
- Correspondence:
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Reichardt SD, Amouret A, Muzzi C, Vettorazzi S, Tuckermann JP, Lühder F, Reichardt HM. The Role of Glucocorticoids in Inflammatory Diseases. Cells 2021; 10:cells10112921. [PMID: 34831143 PMCID: PMC8616489 DOI: 10.3390/cells10112921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For more than 70 years, glucocorticoids (GCs) have been a powerful and affordable treatment option for inflammatory diseases. However, their benefits do not come without a cost, since GCs also cause side effects. Therefore, strong efforts are being made to improve their therapeutic index. In this review, we illustrate the mechanisms and target cells of GCs in the pathogenesis and treatment of some of the most frequent inflammatory disorders affecting the central nervous system, the gastrointestinal tract, the lung, and the joints, as well as graft-versus-host disease, which often develops after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In addition, an overview is provided of novel approaches aimed at improving GC therapy based on chemical modifications or GC delivery using nanoformulations. GCs remain a topic of highly active scientific research despite being one of the oldest class of drugs in medical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sybille D. Reichardt
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; (S.D.R.); (A.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Agathe Amouret
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; (S.D.R.); (A.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Chiara Muzzi
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; (S.D.R.); (A.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Sabine Vettorazzi
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (S.V.); (J.P.T.)
| | - Jan P. Tuckermann
- Institute of Comparative Molecular Endocrinology, Ulm University, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (S.V.); (J.P.T.)
| | - Fred Lühder
- Institute for Neuroimmunology and Multiple Sclerosis Research, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Holger M. Reichardt
- Institute for Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany; (S.D.R.); (A.A.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-551-3963365
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Transcriptome and Methylome Analysis Reveal Complex Cross-Talks between Thyroid Hormone and Glucocorticoid Signaling at Xenopus Metamorphosis. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092375. [PMID: 34572025 PMCID: PMC8468809 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Most work in endocrinology focus on the action of a single hormone, and very little on the cross-talks between two hormones. Here we characterize the nature of interactions between thyroid hormone and glucocorticoid signaling during Xenopus tropicalis metamorphosis. Methods: We used functional genomics to derive genome wide profiles of methylated DNA and measured changes of gene expression after hormonal treatments of a highly responsive tissue, tailfin. Clustering classified the data into four types of biological responses, and biological networks were modeled by system biology. Results: We found that gene expression is mostly regulated by either T3 or CORT, or their additive effect when they both regulate the same genes. A small but non-negligible fraction of genes (12%) displayed non-trivial regulations indicative of complex interactions between the signaling pathways. Strikingly, DNA methylation changes display the opposite and are dominated by cross-talks. Conclusion: Cross-talks between thyroid hormones and glucocorticoids are more complex than initially envisioned and are not limited to the simple addition of their individual effects, a statement that can be summarized with the pseudo-equation: TH ∙ GC > TH + GC. DNA methylation changes are highly dynamic and buffered from genome expression.
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Glucocorticoid and PD-1 Cross-Talk: Does the Immune System Become Confused? Cells 2021; 10:cells10092333. [PMID: 34571982 PMCID: PMC8468592 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and its ligands, PD-L1/2, control T cell activation and tolerance. While PD-1 expression is induced upon T cell receptor (TCR) activation or cytokine signaling, PD-L1 is expressed on B cells, antigen presenting cells, and on non-immune tissues, including cancer cells. Importantly, PD-L1 binding inhibits T cell activation. Therefore, the modulation of PD-1/PD-L1 expression on immune cells, both circulating or in a tumor microenvironment and/or on the tumor cell surface, is one mechanism of cancer immune evasion. Therapies that target PD-1/PD-L1, blocking the T cell-cancer cell interaction, have been successful in patients with various types of cancer. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are often administered to manage the side effects of chemo- or immuno-therapy, exerting a wide range of immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects. However, GCs may also have tumor-promoting effects, interfering with therapy. In this review, we examine GC signaling and how it intersects with PD-1/PD-L1 pathways, including a discussion on the potential for GC- and PD-1/PD-L1-targeted therapies to "confuse" the immune system, leading to a cancer cell advantage that counteracts anti-cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, combination therapies should be utilized with an awareness of the potential for opposing effects on the immune system.
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