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Niimi T, Tanaka T, Aoyagi C, Onda Y, Nagamitsu S, Kodama S. Co-culture of vascular endothelial cells enhances corticosterone production in steroid hormone-producing cells generated from adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:18804. [PMID: 39138321 PMCID: PMC11322653 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-69878-3] [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: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy for adrenocortical insufficiency can potentially provide steroid replacement in response to physiological stimuli. Previously, we reported that adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (ADSCs) are transformed into steroid-producing cells by overexpression of nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5A1). The steroidogenic cells are characterized by the production of both adrenal and gonadal steroids. Cytotherapy for adrenocortical insufficiency requires cells with more adrenocortical characteristics. Considering the highly developed vascular network within the adrenal cortex, all adrenocortical cells are adjacent to and interact with vascular endothelial cells (VECs). In this study, NR5A1-induced steroidogenic cells derived from mouse ADSCs (NR5A1-ADSCs) were co-cultured with mouse VECs. Testosterone secretion in NR5A1-ADSCs was not altered; however, corticosterone secretion significantly increased while levels of steroidogenic enzymes significantly increased in the corticosterone synthesis pathway. Co-culture with lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) or ADSCs, or transwell culture with NR5A1-ADSCs and VECs did not alter corticosterone production. VECs expressed higher levels of collagen and laminin than LECs. Culture in type-IV collagen and laminin-coated dishes increased corticosterone secretion in NR5A1-ADSCs. These results suggest that VECs may characterize ADSC-derived steroidogenic cells into a more corticosterone-producing phenotype, and VECs may be useful for generating adrenal steroidogenic cells from stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshikazu Niimi
- Department of Regenerative Therapy and Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-Ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-Ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Tomoko Tanaka
- Department of Regenerative Therapy and Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-Ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.
| | - Chikao Aoyagi
- Department of Regenerative Therapy and Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-Ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Onda
- Department of Regenerative Therapy and Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-Ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-Ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Nagamitsu
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-Ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan
| | - Shohta Kodama
- Department of Regenerative Therapy and Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, 7-45-1 Nanakuma, Jonan-Ku, Fukuoka, 814-0180, Japan.
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Ruiz-Babot G, Eceiza A, Abollo-Jiménez F, Malyukov M, Carlone DL, Borges K, Da Costa AR, Qarin S, Matsumoto T, Morizane R, Skarnes WC, Ludwig B, Chapple PJ, Guasti L, Storr HL, Bornstein SR, Breault DT. Generation of glucocorticoid-producing cells derived from human pluripotent stem cells. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100627. [PMID: 37924815 PMCID: PMC10694497 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2023.100627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Adrenal insufficiency is a life-threatening condition resulting from the inability to produce adrenal hormones in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Establishing a cell-based therapy would provide a physiologically responsive approach for the treatment of this condition. We report the generation of large numbers of human-induced steroidogenic cells (hiSCs) from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Directed differentiation of hPSCs into hiSCs recapitulates the initial stages of human adrenal development. Following expression of steroidogenic factor 1, activation of protein kinase A signaling drives a steroidogenic gene expression profile most comparable to human fetal adrenal cells, and leads to dynamic secretion of steroid hormones, in vitro. Moreover, expression of the adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) receptor/co-receptor (MC2R/MRAP) results in dose-dependent ACTH responsiveness. This protocol recapitulates adrenal insufficiency resulting from loss-of-function mutations in AAAS, which cause the enigmatic triple A syndrome. Our differentiation protocol generates sufficient numbers of hiSCs for cell-based therapy and offers a platform to study disorders causing adrenal insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Ruiz-Babot
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Ariane Eceiza
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Maria Malyukov
- Department of Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Diana L Carlone
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kleiton Borges
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alexandra Rodrigues Da Costa
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Shamma Qarin
- Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, University of Cambridge, Puddicombe Way, Cambridge, UK
| | - Takuya Matsumoto
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ryuji Morizane
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA; Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA; Nephrology Division, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - William C Skarnes
- Cellular Engineering, The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - Barbara Ludwig
- Department of Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Paul J Chapple
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Helen L Storr
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- Department of Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany; Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - David T Breault
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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3
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Aoyagi C, Tanaka T, Haga N, Yanase T, Kodama S. Differentiation of human adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells into steroidogenic cells by adenovirus-mediated overexpression of NR5A1 and implantation into adrenal insufficient mice. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:866-876. [PMID: 37149799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2023.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Cell therapy for adrenal insufficiency is a potential method for physiological glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement. We have previously shown that mouse mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) differentiated into steroidogenic cells by the viral vector-mediated overexpression of nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5A1), an essential regulator of steroidogenesis, and their implantation extended the survival of bilateral adrenalectomized (bADX) mice. METHODS In this study, we examined the capability of NR5A1-induced steroidogenic cells prepared from human adipose tissue-derived MSCs (MSC [AT]) and the therapeutic effect of the implantation of human NR5A1-induced steroidogenic cells into immunodeficient bADX mice. RESULTS Human NR5A1-induced steroidogenic cells secreted adrenal and gonadal steroids and exhibited responsiveness to adrenocorticotropic hormone and angiotensin II in vitro. In vivo, the survival time of bADX mice implanted with NR5A1-induced steroidogenic cells was significantly prolonged compared with that of bADX mice implanted with control MSC (AT). Serum cortisol levels, which indicate hormone secretion from the graft, were detected in bADX mice implanted with steroidogenic cells. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report to demonstrate steroid replacement by the implantation of steroid-producing cells derived from human MSC (AT). These results indicate the potential of human MSC (AT) to be a source of steroid hormone-producing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chikao Aoyagi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan; Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomoko Tanaka
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan.
| | - Nobuhiro Haga
- Department of Urology, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | | | - Shohta Kodama
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan.
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4
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Models of Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia for Gene Therapies Testing. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065365. [PMID: 36982440 PMCID: PMC10049562 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The adrenal glands are important endocrine organs that play a major role in the stress response. Some adrenal glands abnormalities are treated with hormone replacement therapy, which does not address physiological requirements. Modern technologies make it possible to develop gene therapy drugs that can completely cure diseases caused by mutations in specific genes. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is an example of such a potentially treatable monogenic disease. CAH is an autosomal recessive inherited disease with an overall incidence of 1:9500–1:20,000 newborns. To date, there are several promising drugs for CAH gene therapy. At the same time, it remains unclear how new approaches can be tested, as there are no models for this disease. The present review focuses on modern models for inherited adrenal gland insufficiency and their detailed characterization. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of various pathological models are discussed, and ways of further development are suggested.
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Steroidogenic Factor 1, a Goldilocks Transcription Factor from Adrenocortical Organogenesis to Malignancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043585. [PMID: 36835002 PMCID: PMC9959402 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1, also termed Ad4BP; NR5A1 in the official nomenclature) is a nuclear receptor transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the regulation of adrenal and gonadal development, function and maintenance. In addition to its classical role in regulating the expression of P450 steroid hydroxylases and other steroidogenic genes, involvement in other key processes such as cell survival/proliferation and cytoskeleton dynamics have also been highlighted for SF-1. SF-1 has a restricted pattern of expression, being expressed along the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and in steroidogenic organs since the time of their establishment. Reduced SF-1 expression affects proper gonadal and adrenal organogenesis and function. On the other hand, SF-1 overexpression is found in adrenocortical carcinoma and represents a prognostic marker for patients' survival. This review is focused on the current knowledge about SF-1 and the crucial importance of its dosage for adrenal gland development and function, from its involvement in adrenal cortex formation to tumorigenesis. Overall, data converge towards SF-1 being a key player in the complex network of transcriptional regulation within the adrenal gland in a dosage-dependent manner.
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6
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Graves LE, Torpy DJ, Coates PT, Alexander IE, Bornstein SR, Clarke B. Future directions for adrenal insufficiency: cellular transplantation and genetic therapies. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2023; 108:1273-1289. [PMID: 36611246 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgac751] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Primary adrenal insufficiency occurs in 1 in 5-7000 adults. Leading aetiologies are autoimmune adrenalitis in adults and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) in children. Oral replacement of cortisol is lifesaving, but poor quality of life, repeated adrenal crises and dosing uncertainty related to lack of a validated biomarker for glucocorticoid sufficiency, persists. Adrenocortical cell therapy and gene therapy may obviate many of the shortcomings of adrenal hormone replacement. Physiological cortisol secretion regulated by pituitary adrenocorticotropin, could be achieved through allogeneic adrenocortical cell transplantation, production of adrenal-like steroidogenic cells from either stem cells or lineage conversion of differentiated cells, or for CAH, gene therapy to replace or repair a defective gene. The adrenal cortex is a high turnover organ and thus failure to incorporate progenitor cells within a transplant will ultimately result in graft exhaustion. Identification of adrenocortical progenitor cells is equally important in gene therapy where new genetic material must be specifically integrated into the genome of progenitors to ensure a durable effect. Delivery of gene editing machinery and a donor template, allowing targeted correction of the 21-hydroxylase gene, has the potential to achieve this. This review describes advances in adrenal cell transplants and gene therapy that may allow physiological cortisol production for children and adults with primary adrenal insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara E Graves
- Institute of Endocrinology and Diabetes, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - David J Torpy
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - P Toby Coates
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Central Northern Adelaide Renal and Transplantation Service, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Ian E Alexander
- Gene Therapy Research Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Westmead, NSW, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Brigette Clarke
- Endocrine and Metabolic Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Глазова ОВ, Воронцова МВ, Шевкова ЛВ, Сакр Н, Онянов НА, Казиахмедова СА, Волчков ПЮ. [Gene and cell therapy of adrenal pathology: achievements and prospects]. PROBLEMY ENDOKRINOLOGII 2021; 67:80-89. [PMID: 35018764 PMCID: PMC9753849 DOI: 10.14341/probl12818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Our current understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms in tissues and organs during normal and pathological conditions opens up substantial prospects for the development of novel approaches to treatment of various diseases. For instance, lifelong replacement therapy is no longer mandatory for the management of some monogenic hereditary diseases. Genome editing techniques that have emerged in the last decade are being actively investigated as tools for correcting mutations in affected organs. Furthermore, new protocols for obtaining various types of human and animal cells and cellular systems are evolving, increasingly reflecting the real structures in vivo. These methods, together with the accompanying gene and cell therapy, are being actively developed and several approaches are already undergoing clinical trials. Adrenal insufficiency caused by a variety of factors can potentially be the target of such therapeutic strategies. The adrenal gland is a highly organized organ, with multiple structural components interacting with each other via a complex network of endocrine and paracrine signals. This review summarizes the findings of studies in the field of structural organization and functioning of the adrenal gland at the molecular level, as well as the modern approaches to the treatment of adrenal pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- О. В. Глазова
- Национальный медицинский исследовательский центр эндокринологии;
Московский физико-технический институт (национальный исследовательский университет)
| | - М. В. Воронцова
- Национальный медицинский исследовательский центр эндокринологии;
Московский физико-технический институт (национальный исследовательский университет)
| | - Л. В. Шевкова
- Национальный медицинский исследовательский центр эндокринологии;
Московский физико-технический институт (национальный исследовательский университет)
| | - Н. Сакр
- Московский физико-технический институт (национальный исследовательский университет)
| | - Н. А. Онянов
- Московский физико-технический институт (национальный исследовательский университет), Долгопрудный, Россия
| | - С. А. Казиахмедова
- Московский физико-технический институт (национальный исследовательский университет)
| | - П. Ю. Волчков
- Национальный медицинский исследовательский центр эндокринологии;
Московский физико-технический институт (национальный исследовательский университет)
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8
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Oikonomakos I, Weerasinghe Arachchige LC, Schedl A. Developmental mechanisms of adrenal cortex formation and their links with adult progenitor populations. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 524:111172. [PMID: 33484742 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The adrenal cortex is the main steroid producing organ of the human body. Studies on adrenal tissue renewal have been neglected for many years, but recent intensified research has seen tremendous progress in our understanding of the formation and homeostasis of this organ. However, cell turnover of the adrenal cortex appears to be complex and several cell populations have been identified that can differentiate into steroidogenic cells and contribute to adrenal cortex renewal. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of how the adrenal cortex develops and how stem cell populations relate to its developmental progenitors. Finally, we will summarize present and future approaches to harvest the potential of progenitor/stem cells for future cell replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Oikonomakos
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose, 06108, Nice, France.
| | | | - Andreas Schedl
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose, 06108, Nice, France.
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9
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Mariniello K, Guasti L. Towards novel treatments for adrenal diseases: Cell- and gene therapy-based approaches. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 524:111160. [PMID: 33453297 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Adrenal insufficiency, the inability to produce adequate levels of corticosteroids, is a multi-causal disease that requires lifelong daily hormone replacement. Nevertheless, this cannot replace the physiological demand for steroids which are secreted following a circadian rhythm and vary in periods of stress; the consequences of under- or over-replacement include adrenal crisis and metabolic disturbances, respectively. Although clinical research has focused on enhancing the effectiveness/reducing side effects of current treatment modalities, only small improvements are deemed possible; thus, alternative solutions are urgently needed. Gene and cell therapy strategies have opened new possibilities for the cure of many diseases in a way that has never been possible before and could offer a viable option for the cure of adrenal diseases. The current state of cell- and gene-based approaches to restore adrenocortical function is discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Mariniello
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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10
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Morohashi KI, Inoue M, Baba T. Coordination of Multiple Cellular Processes by NR5A1/Nr5a1. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2020; 35:756-764. [PMID: 33397036 PMCID: PMC7803590 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2020.402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The agenesis of the gonads and adrenal gland in revealed by knockout mouse studies strongly suggested a crucial role for Nr5a1 (SF-1 or Ad4BP) in organ development. In relation to these striking phenotypes, NR5A1/Nr5a1 has the potential to reprogram cells to steroidogenic cells, endow pluripotency, and regulate cell proliferation. However, due to limited knowledge regarding NR5A1 target genes, the mechanism by which NR5A1/Nr5a1 regulates these fundamental processes has remained unknown. Recently, newlyestablished technologies have enabled the identification of NR5A1 target genes related to multiple metabolic processes, as well as the aforementioned biological processes. Considering that active cellular processes are expected to be accompanied by active metabolism, NR5A1 may act as a key factor for processes such as cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival by coordinating these processes with cellular metabolism. A complete and definite picture of the cellular processes coordinated by NR5A1/Nr5a1 could be depicted by accumulating evidence of the potential target genes through whole genome studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken-Ichirou Morohashi
- Division of Biology of Sex Differences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Miki Inoue
- Division of Biology of Sex Differences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Takashi Baba
- Division of Biology of Sex Differences, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, and Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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11
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Kim JH, Choi MH. Embryonic Development and Adult Regeneration of the Adrenal Gland. Endocrinol Metab (Seoul) 2020; 35:765-773. [PMID: 33397037 PMCID: PMC7803617 DOI: 10.3803/enm.2020.403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The adrenal gland plays a pivotal role in an organism's health span by controlling the endocrine system. Decades of research on the adrenal gland have provided multiscale insights into the development and maintenance of this essential organ. A particularly interesting finding is that founder stem/progenitor cells participate in adrenocortical development and enable the adult adrenal cortex to regenerate itself in response to hormonal stress and injury. Since major advances have been made in understanding the dynamics of the developmental process and the remarkable regenerative capacity of the adrenal gland, understanding the mechanisms underlying adrenal development, maintenance, and regeneration will be of interest to basic and clinical researchers. Here, we introduce the developmental processes of the adrenal gland and discuss current knowledge regarding stem/progenitor cells that regulate adrenal cortex remodeling and regeneration. This review will provide insights into the fascinating ongoing research on the development and regeneration of the adrenal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Hoon Kim
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul,
Korea
| | - Man Ho Choi
- Molecular Recognition Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul,
Korea
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12
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Tanaka T, Aoyagi C, Mukai K, Nishimoto K, Kodama S, Yanase T. Extension of Survival in Bilaterally Adrenalectomized Mice by Implantation of SF-1/Ad4BP-Induced Steroidogenic Cells. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5707571. [PMID: 31950150 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stroma/stem cells (MSCs) exist in adult tissues, such as adipose tissue and bone marrow, and differentiate into cells of multiple lineages. In previous studies, we found that MSCs differentiate into steroidogenic cells by forced expression of steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1)/adrenal 4 binding protein (Ad4BP), the master regulator of steroidogenesis and differentiation of pituitary gonadotrophs, adrenal glands, and gonads. In this study, SF-1/Ad4BP-induced steroidogenic cells derived from mouse adipose tissue-derived MSCs (ADSCs) were implanted under the kidney capsule of bilateral adrenalectomized (bAdx) mice. bAdx mice did not survive after 7 days. However, 4 of 9 bAdx mice implanted with SF-1/Ad4BP-induced steroidogenic cells, 1 of 10 bAdx mice transplanted with control ADSCs, and bAdx mice transplanted with an adrenal gland survived for 30 days. Plasma corticosterone levels in bAdx mice implanted with SF-1/Ad4BP-induced steroidogenic cells and control ADSCs were 5.41 ± 2.26 ng/mL (mean ± SEM) and undetectable at 7 days after implantation, respectively. After removal of the kidney bearing the graft from the surviving mice at 30 days after implantation, plasma corticosterone was not detected in any of the samples. Immunohistochemical staining revealed SF-1/Ad4BP-positive cells under the capsule of the kidney. Although we performed an adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) loading test on bAdx mice implanted with SF-1/Ad4BP-induced steroidogenic cells, ACTH responsiveness was not observed. Implantation of steroidogenic cells derived from ADSCs into bAdx mice increased the basal plasma corticosterone level and extended the survival of bAdx mice, suggesting the capability of restoring steroidogenic cells by cell transplantation therapy for adrenal insufficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoko Tanaka
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
- The Department of Bioregulatory Science of Life-related Diseases of Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Transplantation, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Chikao Aoyagi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Transplantation, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Kuniaki Mukai
- Medical Education Center and Department of Biochemistry, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koshiro Nishimoto
- Department of UroOncology, International Medical Center, Saitama Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shohta Kodama
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Transplantation, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Yanase
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetes Mellitus, Fukuoka University, Fukuoka, Japan
- Seiwa-kai, Muta Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan
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13
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Chen P, Zirkin BR, Chen H. Stem Leydig Cells in the Adult Testis: Characterization, Regulation and Potential Applications. Endocr Rev 2020; 41:5610863. [PMID: 31673697 PMCID: PMC7753054 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnz013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Androgen deficiency (hypogonadism) affects males of all ages. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is effective in restoring serum testosterone and relieving symptoms. TRT, however, is reported to have possible adverse effects in part because administered testosterone is not produced in response to the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Progress in stem cell biology offers potential alternatives for treating hypogonadism. Adult Leydig cells (ALCs) are generated by stem Leydig cells (SLCs) during puberty. SLCs persist in the adult testis. Considerable progress has been made in the identification, isolation, expansion and differentiation of SLCs in vitro. In addition to forming ALCs, SLCs are multipotent, with the ability to give rise to all 3 major cell lineages of typical mesenchymal stem cells, including osteoblasts, adipocytes, and chondrocytes. Several regulatory factors, including Desert hedgehog and platelet-derived growth factor, have been reported to play key roles in the proliferation and differentiation of SLCs into the Leydig lineage. In addition, stem cells from several nonsteroidogenic sources, including embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, mature fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells from bone marrow, adipose tissue, and umbilical cord have been transdifferentiated into Leydig-like cells under a variety of induction protocols. ALCs generated from SLCs in vitro, as well as Leydig-like cells, have been successfully transplanted into ALC-depleted animals, restoring serum testosterone levels under HPG control. However, important questions remain, including: How long will the transplanted cells continue to function? Which induction protocol is safest and most effective? For translational purposes, more work is needed with primate cells, especially human.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panpan Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Barry R Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Haolin Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative Medicine, Zhejiang Province Key Lab of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
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14
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O'Shaughnessy PJ, Mitchell RT, Monteiro A, O'Hara L, Cruickshanks L, der Grinten HCV, Brown P, Abel M, Smith LB. Androgen receptor expression is required to ensure development of adult Leydig cells and to prevent development of steroidogenic cells with adrenal characteristics in the mouse testis. BMC DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2019; 19:8. [PMID: 30995907 PMCID: PMC6472051 DOI: 10.1186/s12861-019-0189-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Background The interstitium of the mouse testis contains Leydig cells and a small number of steroidogenic cells with adrenal characteristics which may be derived from the fetal adrenal during development or may be a normal subset of the developing fetal Leydig cells. Currently it is not known what regulates development and/or proliferation of this sub-population of steroidogenic cells in the mouse testis. Androgen receptors (AR) are essential for normal testicular function and in this study we have examined the role of the AR in regulating interstitial cell development. Results Using a mouse model which lacks gonadotropins and AR (hpg.ARKO), stimulation of luteinising hormone receptors in vivo with human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) caused a marked increase in adrenal cell transcripts/protein in a group of testicular interstitial cells. hCG also induced testicular transcripts associated with basic steroidogenic function in these mice but had no effect on adult Leydig cell-specific transcript levels. In hpg mice with functional AR, treatment with hCG induced Leydig cell-specific function and had no effect on adrenal transcript levels. Examination of mice with cell-specific AR deletion and knockdown of AR in a mouse Leydig cell line suggests that AR in the Leydig cells are likely to regulate these effects. Conclusions This study shows that in the mouse the androgen receptor is required both to prevent development of testicular cells with adrenal characteristics and to ensure development of an adult Leydig cell phenotype. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12861-019-0189-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J O'Shaughnessy
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G61 1QH, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Ana Monteiro
- College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, University of Glasgow, G61 1QH, Glasgow, UK
| | - Laura O'Hara
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.,Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - Lyndsey Cruickshanks
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Hedi Claahsen-van der Grinten
- Department of Paediatrics, Radboud Amalia Children's Hospital, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Pamela Brown
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Margaret Abel
- Department of Human Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, South Parks Rd, Oxford, OX1 3QX, UK
| | - Lee B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.,School of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, 2308, Australia
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15
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Transcriptional Regulation of Ovarian Steroidogenic Genes: Recent Findings Obtained from Stem Cell-Derived Steroidogenic Cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2019; 2019:8973076. [PMID: 31058195 PMCID: PMC6463655 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8973076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 02/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ovaries represent one of the primary steroidogenic organs, producing estrogen and progesterone under the regulation of gonadotropins during the estrous cycle. Gonadotropins fluctuate the expression of various steroidogenesis-related genes, such as those encoding steroidogenic enzymes, cholesterol deliverer, and electronic transporter. Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1)/adrenal 4-binding protein (Ad4BP)/NR5A1 and liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1) play important roles in these phenomena via transcriptional regulation. With the aid of cAMP, SF-1/Ad4BP and LRH-1 can induce the differentiation of stem cells into steroidogenic cells. This model is a useful tool for studying the molecular mechanisms of steroidogenesis. In this article, we will provide insight into the transcriptional regulation of steroidogenesis-related genes in ovaries that are revealed from stem cell-derived steroidogenic cells. Using the cells derived from the model, novel SF-1/Ad4BP- and LRH-1-regulated genes were identified by combined DNA microarray and promoter tiling array analyses. The interaction of SF-1/Ad4BP and LRH-1 with transcriptional regulators in the regulation of ovarian steroidogenesis was also revealed.
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16
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Expansion of transplanted islets in mice by co-transplantation with adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells. Heliyon 2018; 4:e00632. [PMID: 29872765 PMCID: PMC5986537 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2018.e00632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The shortage of donor islets is a significant obstacle for widespread clinical application of pancreatic islet transplantation. To investigate whether adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) induce expansion of transplanted islets, we performed co-transplantation experiments in a mouse model. Streptozotosin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice transplanted with 50 syngeneic islets remained hyperglycemic. However, hyperglycemia was ameliorated gradually when 50 islets were co-transplanted with ADSCs but not separately grafted into the contralateral kidney. Insulin and proinsulin contents of 120-day grafts containing 50 islets co-transplanted with ADSCs were significantly increased compared with those of 50 isolated islets. The Ki67-positive ratios in islets of the naïve pancreas, at 30 and 120 days grafts were 0.23%, 2.12%, and 1.52%, respectively. Ki67-positive cells were predominantly Pdx1+ and insulin+ cells. These results demonstrate that co-transplantation with ADSCs induces proliferation of transplanted islets in mice, suggesting a potential solution for the low efficiency of islet transplantation.
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17
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Gan EH, Robson W, Murphy P, Pickard R, Pearce S, Oldershaw R. Isolation of a multipotent mesenchymal stem cell-like population from human adrenal cortex. Endocr Connect 2018; 7:617-629. [PMID: 29622661 PMCID: PMC5919938 DOI: 10.1530/ec-18-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The highly plastic nature of adrenal cortex suggests the presence of adrenocortical stem cells (ACSC), but the exact in vivo identity of ACSC remains elusive. A few studies have demonstrated the differentiation of adipose or bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) into steroid-producing cells. We therefore investigated the isolation of multipotent MSC from human adrenal cortex. METHODS Human adrenals were obtained as discarded surgical material. Single-cell suspensions from human adrenal cortex (n = 3) were cultured onto either complete growth medium (CM) or MSC growth promotion medium (MGPM) in hypoxic condition. Following ex vivo expansion, their multilineage differentiation capacity was evaluated. Phenotype markers were analysed by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry for cell-surface antigens associated with bone marrow MSCs and adrenocortical-specific phenotype. Expression of mRNAs for pluripotency markers was assessed by q-PCR. RESULTS The formation of colony-forming unit fibroblasts comprising adherent cells with fibroblast-like morphology were observed from the monolayer cell culture, in both CM and MGPM. Cells derived from MGPM revealed differentiation towards osteogenic and adipogenic cell lineages. These cells expressed cell-surface MSC markers (CD44, CD90, CD105 and CD166) but did not express the haematopoietic, lymphocytic or HLA-DR markers. Flow cytometry demonstrated significantly higher expression of GLI1 in cell population harvested from MGPM, which were highly proliferative. They also exhibited increased expression of the pluripotency markers. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that human adrenal cortex harbours a mesenchymal stem cell-like population. Understanding the cell biology of adrenal cortex- derived MSCs will inform regenerative medicine approaches in autoimmune Addison's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Earn H Gan
- Institute of Genetic MedicineNewcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Endocrine UnitRoyal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Wendy Robson
- Urology UnitFreeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Peter Murphy
- Urology UnitFreeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Robert Pickard
- Urology UnitFreeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Institute of Cellular MedicineNewcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Simon Pearce
- Institute of Genetic MedicineNewcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Endocrine UnitRoyal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Rachel Oldershaw
- Department of Musculoskeletal BiologyInstitute of Ageing and Chronic disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
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18
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Ruiz-Babot G, Balyura M, Hadjidemetriou I, Ajodha SJ, Taylor DR, Ghataore L, Taylor NF, Schubert U, Ziegler CG, Storr HL, Druce MR, Gevers EF, Drake WM, Srirangalingam U, Conway GS, King PJ, Metherell LA, Bornstein SR, Guasti L. Modeling Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia and Testing Interventions for Adrenal Insufficiency Using Donor-Specific Reprogrammed Cells. Cell Rep 2018; 22:1236-1249. [PMID: 29386111 PMCID: PMC5809617 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Adrenal insufficiency is managed by hormone replacement therapy, which is far from optimal; the ability to generate functional steroidogenic cells would offer a unique opportunity for a curative approach to restoring the complex feedback regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Here, we generated human induced steroidogenic cells (hiSCs) from fibroblasts, blood-, and urine-derived cells through forced expression of steroidogenic factor-1 and activation of the PKA and LHRH pathways. hiSCs had ultrastructural features resembling steroid-secreting cells, expressed steroidogenic enzymes, and secreted steroid hormones in response to stimuli. hiSCs were viable when transplanted into the mouse kidney capsule and intra-adrenal. Importantly, the hypocortisolism of hiSCs derived from patients with adrenal insufficiency due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia was rescued by expressing the wild-type version of the defective disease-causing enzymes. Our study provides an effective tool with many potential applications for studying adrenal pathobiology in a personalized manner and opens venues for the development of precision therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Ruiz-Babot
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ London, UK
| | - Mariya Balyura
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Irene Hadjidemetriou
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ London, UK
| | - Sharon J Ajodha
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ London, UK
| | - David R Taylor
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, SE5 9RS London, UK
| | - Lea Ghataore
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, SE5 9RS London, UK
| | - Norman F Taylor
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Denmark Hill, SE5 9RS London, UK
| | - Undine Schubert
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian G Ziegler
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Helen L Storr
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ London, UK
| | - Maralyn R Druce
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ London, UK
| | - Evelien F Gevers
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ London, UK
| | - William M Drake
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ London, UK
| | | | - Gerard S Conway
- Department of Endocrinology, University College London Hospitals, NW1 2PG London, UK
| | - Peter J King
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ London, UK
| | - Louise A Metherell
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ London, UK
| | - Stefan R Bornstein
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Department of Medicine III, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; Paul Langerhans Institute Dresden of Helmholtz Centre Munich at University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus of TU Dresden Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, DZD-German Centre for Diabetes Research, 01307 Dresden, Germany; Center for Regenerative Therapies, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; Diabetes and Nutritional Sciences Division, King's College London, WC2R 2LS London, UK
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, EC1M 6BQ London, UK.
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19
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Significance of dopamine D 1 receptor signalling for steroidogenic differentiation of human induced pluripotent stem cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:15120. [PMID: 29123220 PMCID: PMC5680317 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15485-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are expected to be both a revolutionary cell source for regenerative medicine and a powerful tool to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying human cell development in vitro. In the present study, we tried to elucidate the steroidogenic differentiation processes using hiPSC-derived intermediate mesoderm (IM) that is known to be the origin of the human adrenal cortex and gonads. We first performed chemical screening to identify small molecules that induce steroidogenic differentiation of IM cells expressing Odd-skipped related 1 (OSR1), an early IM marker. We identified cabergoline as an inducer of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, an essential enzyme for adrenogonadal steroidogenesis. Although cabergoline is a potent dopamine D2 receptor agonist, additional experiments showed that cabergoline exerted effects as a low-affinity agonist of D1 receptors by increasing intracellular cyclic AMP. Further analysis of OSR1+ cells transfected with steroidogenic factor-1/adrenal 4 binding protein revealed that D1 receptor agonist upregulated expression of various steroidogenic enzymes and increased secretion of steroid hormones synergistically with adrenocorticotropic hormone. These results suggest the importance of dopamine D1 receptor signalling in steroidogenic differentiation, which contributes to effective induction of steroidogenic cells from hiPSCs.
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20
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Gan EH, Pearce SH. MANAGEMENT OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Regenerative therapies in autoimmune Addison's disease. Eur J Endocrinol 2017; 176:R123-R135. [PMID: 27810905 DOI: 10.1530/eje-16-0581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The treatment for autoimmune Addison's disease (AAD) has remained virtually unchanged in the last 60 years. Most patients have symptoms that are relatively well controlled with exogenous steroid replacement, but there may be persistent symptoms, recurrent adrenal crisis and poor quality of life, despite good compliance with optimal current treatments. Treatment with conventional exogenous steroid therapy is also associated with premature mortality, increased cardiovascular risk and complications related to excessive steroid replacement. Hence, novel therapeutic approaches have emerged in the last decade attempting to improve the long-term outcome and quality of life of patients with AAD. This review discusses the recent developments in treatment innovations for AAD, including the novel exogenous steroid formulations with the intention of mimicking the physiological biorhythm of cortisol secretion. Our group has also carried out a few studies attempting to restore endogenous glucocorticoid production via immunomodulatory and regenerative medicine approaches. The recent advances in the understanding of adrenocortical stem cell biology, and adrenal plasticity will also be discussed to help comprehend the science behind the therapeutic approaches adopted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Earn H Gan
- Institute of Genetic MedicineInternational Centre for Life, Centre Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Simon H Pearce
- Institute of Genetic MedicineInternational Centre for Life, Centre Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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21
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Yazawa T, Imamichi Y, Miyamoto K, Khan MRI, Uwada J, Umezawa A, Taniguchi T. Induction of steroidogenic cells from adult stem cells and pluripotent stem cells [Review]. Endocr J 2016; 63:943-951. [PMID: 27681884 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej16-0373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones are mainly produced in adrenal glands and gonads. Because steroid hormones play vital roles in various physiological processes, replacement of deficient steroid hormones by hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is necessary for patients with adrenal and gonadal failure. In addition to HRT, tissue regeneration using stem cells is predicted to provide novel therapy. Among various stem cell types, mesenchymal stem cells can be differentiated into steroidogenic cells following ectopic expression of nuclear receptor (NR) 5A subfamily proteins, steroidogenic factor-1 (also known as adrenal 4 binding protein) and liver receptor homolog-1, with the aid of cAMP signaling. Conversely, these approaches cannot be applied to pluripotent stem cells, such as embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, because of poor survival following cytotoxic expression of NR5A subfamily proteins. However, if pluripotent stem cells are first differentiated through mesenchymal lineage, they can also be differentiated into steroidogenic cells via NR5A subfamily protein expression. This approach offers a potential suitable cells for future regenerative medicine and gene therapy for diseases caused by steroidogenesis deficiencies. It represents a powerful tool to investigate the molecular mechanisms involved in steroidogenesis. This article highlights our own and current research on the induction of steroidogenic cells from various stem cells. We also discuss the future direction of their clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yazawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa 078-8510, Japan
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22
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Mizutani T, Kawabe S, Ishikane S, Imamichi Y, Umezawa A, Miyamoto K. Identification of novel steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1)-target genes and components of the SF-1 nuclear complex. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 408:133-7. [PMID: 25463758 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2014] [Revised: 11/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) is a master regulator of adrenal and reproductive development and function. Although SF-1 was identified as a transcriptional regulator for steroid metabolic enzymes, it has been shown that SF-1 also regulates other genes that are involved in various cellular processes. Previously, we showed that introduction of SF-1 into mesenchymal stem cells resulted in the differentiation of these cells to the steroidogenic lineage. By using this method of differentiation, we performed comprehensive analyses to identify the novel SF-1-target genes and components of the SF-1 nuclear complex. Genome-wide analyses with promoter tiling array and DNA microarray identified 10 genes as novel SF-1-target genes including glutathione S-transferase A family, 5-aminolevulinic acid synthase 1 and ferredoxin reductase. Using SF-1 immuno-affinity chromatography of nuclear proteins followed by MS/MS analysis, we identified 24 proteins including CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein β as components of SF-1 nuclear complex. In this review, we will describe novel roles of the newly identified genes for steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Mizutani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Translational Research Center, Organization for Life Science Advancement Programs, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan.
| | - Shinya Kawabe
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Translational Research Center, Organization for Life Science Advancement Programs, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Shin Ishikane
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Imamichi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Translational Research Center, Organization for Life Science Advancement Programs, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Akihiro Umezawa
- National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Kaoru Miyamoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan; Translational Research Center, Organization for Life Science Advancement Programs, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
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23
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Ruiz-Babot G, Hadjidemetriou I, King PJ, Guasti L. New directions for the treatment of adrenal insufficiency. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:70. [PMID: 25999916 PMCID: PMC4422080 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenal disease, whether primary, caused by defects in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, or secondary, caused by defects outside the HPA axis, usually results in adrenal insufficiency, which requires lifelong daily replacement of corticosteroids. However, this kind of therapy is far from ideal as physiological demand for steroids varies considerably throughout the day and increases during periods of stress. The development of alternative curative strategies is therefore needed. In this review, we describe the latest technologies aimed at either isolating or generating de novo cells that could be used for novel, regenerative medicine application in the adrenocortical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Ruiz-Babot
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Irene Hadjidemetriou
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Peter James King
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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Abstract
Stem cells are endowed with the potential for self-renewal and multipotency. Pluripotent embryonic stem cells have an early role in the formation of the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm), whereas adult tissue stem cells and progenitor cells are critical mediators of organ homeostasis. The adrenal cortex is an exceptionally dynamic endocrine organ that is homeostatically maintained by paracrine and endocrine signals throughout postnatal life. In the past decade, much has been learned about the stem and progenitor cells of the adrenal cortex and the multiple roles that these cell populations have in normal development and homeostasis of the adrenal gland and in adrenal diseases. In this Review, we discuss the evidence for the presence of adrenocortical stem cells, as well as the various signalling molecules and transcriptional networks that are critical for the embryological establishment and postnatal maintenance of this vital population of cells. The implications of these pathways and cells in the pathophysiology of disease are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth M Walczak
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Gary D Hammer
- Center for Organogenesis, Alfred Taubman Biomedical Sciences Research Building, Room 1528, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
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Mizutani T, Ishikane S, Kawabe S, Umezawa A, Miyamoto K. Transcriptional regulation of genes related to progesterone production. Endocr J 2015; 62:757-63. [PMID: 26135521 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej15-0260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol in various tissues, mainly in the adrenal glands and gonads. Because these lipid-soluble steroid hormones immediately diffuse through the cells in which they are produced, their secretion directly reflects the activity of the genes related to their production. Progesterone is important not only for luteinization and maintenance of pregnancy, but also as a substrate for most other steroids. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), cytochrome P450 cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ(5)-Δ(4) isomerase (3β-HSD) are well-known proteins essential for progesterone production. In addition to them, glutathione S-transferase A1-1 and A3-3 are shown to exert Δ(5)-Δ(4) isomerization activity to produce progesterone in a cooperative fashion with 3β-HSD. 5-Aminolevulinic acid synthase 1, ferredoxin 1, and ferredoxin reductase also play a role in steroidogenesis as accessory factors. Members of the nuclear receptor 5A (NR5A) family (steroidogenic factor 1 and liver receptor homolog 1) play a crucial role in the transcriptional regulation of these genes. The NR5A family activates these genes by binding to NR5A responsive elements present within their promoter regions, as well as to the elements far from their promoters. In addition, various NR5A-interacting proteins including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear receptor subfamily 0, group B, member 1 (DAX-1), and CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins (C/EBP) are involved in the transcription of NR5A target genes and regulate the transcription either positively or negatively under both basal and tropic hormone-stimulated conditions. In this review, we describe the transcriptional regulation of genes related to progesterone production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Mizutani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
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Yang Y, Su Z, Xu W, Luo J, Liang R, Xiang Q, Zhang Q, Ge RS, Huang Y. Directed mouse embryonic stem cells into leydig-like cells rescue testosterone-deficient male rats in vivo. Stem Cells Dev 2014; 24:459-70. [PMID: 25340537 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2014.0370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The primary function of Leydig cells is to secrete testosterone, which is critical in the regulation of male reproduction and development. Low levels of testosterone will lead to male hypogonadism. Stem cell-derived Leydig cell transplantation may be a promising alternative therapy for male hypogonadism. Thus far, others have reported that Leydig-like cells can be derived from mesenchymal stem cells, embryonic stem cells (ESCs), and induced pluripotent stem cells. However, the efficiency of the differentiating Leydig cells remains low, and progress toward generating functional adult Leydig cells (ALCs) is limited. Herein, we describe a robust method of directing differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) into Leydig-like cells in vitro by overexpression of the transcription factor steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) and treatment with a combination of 8-Bromoadenosine-3',5'-cyclic monophosphate and forskolin. These differentiated cells express mRNA encoding the steroidogenic enzymes and produce progesterone and testosterone. Importantly, when transplanted into male rats that had their original Leydig cells selectively eliminated by ethylene dimethanesulfonate, these in vitro-derived Leydig-like cells further developed into functional ALCs that rescued serum testosterone levels. These data provide evidence that mESCs can be induced to differentiate into Leydig-like cells in vitro, which can develop in the in vivo microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yang
- 1 Department of Cell Biology, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University , Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Beukel JC, Grefhorst A, Quarta C, Steenbergen J, Mastroberardino PG, Lombès M, Delhanty PJ, Mazza R, Pagotto U, Lely AJ, Themmen APN. Direct activating effects of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) on brown adipose tissue are attenuated by corticosterone. FASEB J 2014; 28:4857-67. [DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-254839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Johanna C. Beukel
- Department of Internal MedicineSection of EndocrinologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Aldo Grefhorst
- Department of Internal MedicineSection of EndocrinologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Carmelo Quarta
- Endocrinology UnitDepartment of Medical and Surgical SciencesS.Orsola‐Malpighi HospitalUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
- Centro di Ricerca Biomedica ApplicataDepartment of Medical and Surgical SciencesS.Orsola‐Malpighi HospitalUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Jacobie Steenbergen
- Department of Internal MedicineSection of EndocrinologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Marc Lombès
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM)Université Paris‐SudFaculté de Médecine Paris‐SudUnité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S693Le Kremlin BicêtreFrance
| | - Patric J. Delhanty
- Department of Internal MedicineSection of EndocrinologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Roberta Mazza
- Endocrinology UnitDepartment of Medical and Surgical SciencesS.Orsola‐Malpighi HospitalUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
- Centro di Ricerca Biomedica ApplicataDepartment of Medical and Surgical SciencesS.Orsola‐Malpighi HospitalUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Uberto Pagotto
- Endocrinology UnitDepartment of Medical and Surgical SciencesS.Orsola‐Malpighi HospitalUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
- Centro di Ricerca Biomedica ApplicataDepartment of Medical and Surgical SciencesS.Orsola‐Malpighi HospitalUniversity of BolognaBolognaItaly
| | - Aart Jan Lely
- Department of Internal MedicineSection of EndocrinologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Axel P. N. Themmen
- Department of Internal MedicineSection of EndocrinologyErasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamThe Netherlands
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Hu Y, Dong C, Chen M, Lu J, Han X, Qiu L, Chen Y, Qin J, Li X, Gu A, Xia Y, Sun H, Li Z, Wang Y. Low-dose monobutyl phthalate stimulates steroidogenesis through steroidogenic acute regulatory protein regulated by SF-1, GATA-4 and C/EBP-beta in mouse Leydig tumor cells. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2013; 11:72. [PMID: 23889939 PMCID: PMC3734203 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-11-72] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ubiquitous use of dibutyl phthalate (DBP), one of the most widely used plasticizers, results in extensive exposure to humans and the environment. DBP and its major metabolite, monobutyl phthalate (MBP), may alter steroid biosynthesis and their exposure may lead to damage to male reproductive function. Low-doses of DBP/MBP may result in increased steroidogenesis in vitro and in vivo. However, the mechanisms of possible effects of low-dose MBP on steroidogenesis remain unclear. The aim of present study was to elaborate the role of transcription factors and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein in low-dose MBP-induced distruption of steroidogenesis in mouse Leydig tumor cells (MLTC-1 cells). METHODS In the present study, MLTC-1 cells were cultured in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 2 g/L sodium bicarbonate. Progesterone level was examined by I125-pregesterone Coat-A-Count radioimmunoassay (RIA) kits. mRNA and protein levels were assessed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot, respectively. DNA-binding of several transcription factors was examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). RESULTS In this study, various doses of MBP (0, 10(-9), 10(-8), 10(-7), or 10(-6) M) were added to the medium followed by stimulation of MLTC-1 cells with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG). The results showed that MBP increased progesterone production and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) mRNA and protein levels. However, the protein levels of cytochrome P450scc and 3 beta-hydroxy-steroid dehydrogenase (3 beta-HSD) were unchanged after MBP treatment. EMSA assay showed that DNA-binding of steroidogenic factors 1(SF-1), GATA-4 and CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-beta (C/EBP-beta) was increased in a dose-dependent manner after MBP exposure. Western blot tests were next employed and confirmed that the protein levels of SF-1, GATA-4 and C/EBP-beta were also increased. Additionally, western blot tests confirmed the expression of DAX-1, negative factor of SF-1, was dose-dependently down regulated after MBP exposure, which further confirmed the role of SF-1 in MBP-stimulated steroid biosynthesis. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, we firstly delineated the regulation of StAR by transcription factors including SF-1, GATA-4 and C/EBP-beta maybe critical mechanism involved in low-dose MBP-stimulated steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Congcong Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Minjian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Jing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiumei Han
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Lianglin Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yansu Chen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Toxicology, Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention & Treatment, Cancer Center, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Jingjing Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Xiaocheng Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Aihua Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Hong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Zhong Li
- Department of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yubang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Institute of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
- Safety Assessment and Research Center for Drug, Pesticide and Veterinary Drug of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
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Landreh L, Stukenborg JB, Söder O, Svechnikov K. Phenotype and steroidogenic potential of PDGFRα-positive rat neonatal peritubular cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 372:96-104. [PMID: 23545158 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Revised: 03/21/2013] [Accepted: 03/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (PDGFRα)-positive peritubular cells (PTCs) are suggested to be putative stem Leydig cells. At present little is known about their phenotype and steroidogenic potential. We isolated highly purified PDGFRα-positive neonatal PTCs by magnetic cell sorting (MACS) from 8dpp rat testes and characterized them in vitro. We have demonstrated that PDGFRα-positive PTCs have a mixed phenotype. They expressed PTC-specific genes (αSma, Myh11), pluripotency markers (Pou5f1, nestin, Lifr) and genes encoding steroidogenic enzymes. Treatment with the cAMP-analog (Bu)2cAMP for 7 days upregulated steroidogenic enzyme gene expression and significantly increased their steroidogenic potential. The main end-point steroid was progesterone due to rapid inactivation of CYP17 and 17βHSD. Long-term culturing of PDGFRα-positive PTCs increased the expression of Myh11, and treatment with (Bu)2cAMP attenuated this process. All together, our findings support the hypothesis that neonatal PDGFRα-positive PTCs are steroidogenic competent progeny of stem Leydig cells (SLCs) which give rise to the adult Leydig cell lineage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luise Landreh
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit, Karolinska Institutet and University Hospital, Solna, Sweden
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30
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Yates R, Katugampola H, Cavlan D, Cogger K, Meimaridou E, Hughes C, Metherell L, Guasti L, King P. Adrenocortical Development, Maintenance, and Disease. Curr Top Dev Biol 2013; 106:239-312. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416021-7.00007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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31
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Estradiol synthesis and release in cultured female rat bone marrow stem cells. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2012; 2013:301540. [PMID: 23484106 PMCID: PMC3591230 DOI: 10.1155/2013/301540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Bone marrow stem cells (BMSCs) have the capacity to differentiate into mature cell types of multiple tissues. Thus, they represent an alternative source for organ-specific cell replacement therapy in degenerative diseases. In this study, we demonstrated that female rat BMSCs could differentiate into steroidogenic cells with the capacity for de novo synthesis of Estradiol-17β (E2) under high glucose culture conditions with or without retinoic acid (RA). The cultured BMSCs could express the mRNA and protein for P450arom, the enzyme responsible for estrogen biosynthesis. Moreover, radioimmunoassay revealed that BMSCs cultured in the present culture system produced and secreted significant amounts of testosterone, androstenedione, and E2. In addition, RA promoted E2 secretion but did not affect the levels of androgen. These results indicate that BMSCs can synthesize and release E2 and may contribute to autologous transplantation therapy for estrogen deficiency.
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Sonoyama T, Sone M, Honda K, Taura D, Kojima K, Inuzuka M, Kanamoto N, Tamura N, Nakao K. Differentiation of human embryonic stem cells and human induced pluripotent stem cells into steroid-producing cells. Endocrinology 2012; 153:4336-45. [PMID: 22778223 DOI: 10.1210/en.2012-1060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Although there have been reports of the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells and mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells into steroid-producing cells, the differentiation of human ES/induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells into steroid-producing cells has not been reported. The purpose of our present study was to establish a method for inducing differentiation of human ES/iPS cells into steroid-producing cells. The first approach we tried was embryoid body formation and further culture on adherent plates. The resultant differentiated cells expressed mRNA encoding the steroidogenic enzymes steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, cytochrome P450-containing enzyme (CYP)-11A1, CYP17A1, and CYP19, and secreted progesterone was detected in the cell medium. However, expression of human chorionic gonadotropin was also detected, suggesting the differentiated cells were trophoblast like. We next tried a multistep approach. As a first step, human ES/iPS cells were induced to differentiate into the mesodermal lineage. After 7 d of differentiation induced by 6-bromoindirubin-3'-oxime (a glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibitor), the human ES/iPS cells had differentiated into fetal liver kinase-1- and platelet derived growth factor receptor-α-expressing mesodermal lineage cells. As a second step, plasmid DNA encoding steroidogenic factor-1, a master regulator of steroidogenesis, was introduced into these mesodermal cells. The forced expression of steroidogenic factor-1 and subsequent addition of 8-bromoadenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate induced the mesodermal cells to differentiate into the steroidogenic cell lineage, and expression of CYP21A2 and CYP11B1, in addition to steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, CYP11A1, and CYP17A1, was detected. Moreover, secreted cortisol was detected in the medium, but human chorionic gonadotropin was not. These findings indicate that the steroid-producing cells obtained through the described multistep method are not trophoblast like; instead, they exhibit characteristics of adrenal cortical cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuhiro Sonoyama
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8507 Japan
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Jadhav U, Jameson JL. Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1)-driven differentiation of murine embryonic stem (ES) cells into a gonadal lineage. Endocrinology 2011; 152:2870-82. [PMID: 21610156 PMCID: PMC3192422 DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-0219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) is essential for the development and function of steroidogenic tissues. Stable incorporation of SF-1 into embryonic stem cells (SF-1-ES cells) has been shown to prime the cells for steroidogenesis. When provided with exogenous cholesterol substrate, and after treatment with retinoic acid and cAMP, SF-1-ES cells produce progesterone but do not produce other steroids such as cortisol, estradiol, or testosterone. In this study, we explored culture conditions that optimize SF-1-mediated differentiation of ES cells into defined steroidogenic lineages. When embryoid body formation was used to facilitate cell lineage differentiation, SF-1-ES cells were found to be restricted in their differentiation, with fewer cells entering neuronal pathways and a larger fraction entering the steroidogenic lineage. Among the differentiation protocols tested, leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) removal, followed by prolonged cAMP treatment was most efficacious for inducing steroidogenesis in SF-1-ES cells. In this protocol, a subset of SF-1-ES cells survives after LIF withdrawal, undergoes morphologic differentiation, and recovers proliferative capacity. These cells are characterized by induction of steroidogenic enzyme genes, use of de novo cholesterol, and production of multiple steroids including estradiol and testosterone. Microarray studies identified additional pathways associated with SF-1 mediated differentiation. Using biotinylated SF-1 in chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, SF-1 was shown to bind directly to multiple target genes, with induction of binding to some targets after steroidogenic treatment. These studies indicate that SF-1 expression, followed by LIF removal and treatment with cAMP drives ES cells into a steroidogenic pathway characteristic of gonadal steroid-producing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Unmesh Jadhav
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Arthur J. Rubloff Building, 420 East Superior Street, 12th Floor, Chicago, Illinois 60611, USA
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Hoivik EA, Bjanesoy TE, Mai O, Okamoto S, Minokoshi Y, Shima Y, Morohashi KI, Boehm U, Bakke M. DNA methylation of intronic enhancers directs tissue-specific expression of steroidogenic factor 1/adrenal 4 binding protein (SF-1/Ad4BP). Endocrinology 2011; 152:2100-12. [PMID: 21343250 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-1305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor 1/adrenal 4 binding protein (SF-1/Ad4BP) is an essential regulator of endocrine development and function, and the expression of the corresponding gene (sf-1/ad4bp) is precisely regulated in a time- and tissue-dependent manner. We previously demonstrated that the basal promoter of sf-1/ad4bp is controlled by DNA methylation and that its methylation status reflects the expression pattern of SF-1/Ad4BP. Recently, three intronic enhancers were identified in the sf-1/ad4bp gene that target SF-1/Ad4BP expression to the fetal adrenal (FAdE; fetal adrenal-specific enhancer), to pituitary gonadotropes (PGE; pituitary gonadotrope-specific enhancer), and to the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMHE; ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus-specific enhancer). Here, we demonstrate that the activity of these enhancers is correlated with their DNA methylation status. We show that they are hypomethylated in tissues where they are active and generally hypermethylated in tissues where they are not active. Furthermore, we demonstrate in transient transfection experiments that forced DNA methylation represses reporter gene activity driven by these enhancers. These data directly demonstrate a functional significance for the enhancers' methylation status. Intriguingly, further analyses of the basal promoter in gonadotropes revealed that it is methylated in these cells, in contrast to other SF-1/Ad4BP-expressing tissues. Consistent with this, sf-1/ad4bp is transcribed from an alternative promoter in gonadotropes. Taken together, our experiments show that the tissue-specific expression of SF-1/Ad4BP is epigenetically regulated and identify tissue-specific differentially methylated regions within the sf-1/ad4bp locus that are essential for its transcriptional control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erling A Hoivik
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Alternative strategies for the treatment of classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia: pitfalls and promises. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY 2010; 2010:670960. [PMID: 20652035 PMCID: PMC2905899 DOI: 10.1155/2010/670960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2010] [Accepted: 05/11/2010] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Despite decades of different treatment algorithms, the management of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) remains clinically challenging. This is due to the inherent difficulty of suppressing adrenal androgen production using near physiological dosing of glucocorticoids (GC). As a result, alternating cycles of androgen versus GC excess can occur and may lead to short stature, obesity, virilization, and alterations in puberty. Novel therapeutic alternatives, including new and more physiological means of GC delivery, inhibitors at the level of CRH or ACTH secretion and/or action, as well as “rescue strategies”, such as GnRH analogs, anti-androgens, aromatase inhibitors, and estrogen receptor blockers, are available; many of these agents, however, still require active investigation in CAH. Bilateral adrenalectomy is effective but it is also still an experimental approach. Gene therapy and stem cells, to provide functional adrenal cortical tissue, are at preclinical stage but provide exciting avenues for a potential cure for CAH.
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Schimmer BP, White PC. Minireview: steroidogenic factor 1: its roles in differentiation, development, and disease. Mol Endocrinol 2010; 24:1322-37. [PMID: 20203099 DOI: 10.1210/me.2009-0519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 180] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1, also called Ad4BP, encoded by the NR5A1 gene) is an essential regulator of endocrine development and function. Initially identified as a tissue-specific transcriptional regulator of cytochrome P450 steroid hydroxylases, studies of both global and tissue-specific knockout mice have demonstrated that SF-1 is required for the development of the adrenal glands, gonads, and ventromedial hypothalamus and for the proper functioning of pituitary gonadotropes. Many genes are transcriptionally regulated by SF-1, and many proteins, in turn, interact with SF-1 and modulate its activity. Whereas mice with heterozygous mutations that disrupt SF-1 function have only subtle abnormalities, humans with heterozygous SF-1 mutations can present with XY sex reversal (i.e. testicular failure), ovarian failure, and occasionally adrenal insufficiency; dysregulation of SF-1 has been linked to diseases such as endometriosis and adrenocortical carcinoma. The current state of knowledge of this important transcription factor will be reviewed with a particular emphasis on the pioneering work on SF-1 by the late Keith Parker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernard P Schimmer
- Banting and Best Department of Medical Research, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G1L6, Canada
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Yazawa T, Inaoka Y, Okada R, Mizutani T, Yamazaki Y, Usami Y, Kuribayashi M, Orisaka M, Umezawa A, Miyamoto K. PPAR-gamma coactivator-1alpha regulates progesterone production in ovarian granulosa cells with SF-1 and LRH-1. Mol Endocrinol 2010; 24:485-96. [PMID: 20133449 PMCID: PMC5419099 DOI: 10.1210/me.2009-0352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2009] [Accepted: 12/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we demonstrated that bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into steroidogenic cells such as Leydig and adrenocortical cells by the introduction of steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) and treatment with cAMP. In this study, we employed the same approach to differentiate umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived MSCs. Despite UCB-MSCs differentiating into steroidogenic cells, they exhibited characteristics of granulosa-luteal-like cells. We found that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1alpha) was expressed and further induced by cAMP stimulation in UCB-MSCs. Consistent with these results, tissue-specific expression of Pgc-1alpha was observed in rat ovarian granulosa cells. PGC-1alpha binds to the NR5A family [SF-1 and liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1)] of proteins and markedly enhances their transcriptional activities. Reporter assays revealed that PGC-1alpha activated the promoter activities of SF-1 and LRH-1 target genes. Infection of KGN cells (a human cell line derived from granulosa cells) with adenoviruses expressing PGC-1alpha resulted in the induction of steroidogenesis-related genes and stimulation of progesterone production. PGC-1alpha also induced SF-1 and LRH-1, with the latter induced to a greater extent. Knockdown of Pgc-1alpha in cultured rat granulosa cells resulted in attenuation of gene expression as well as progesterone production. Transactivation of the NR5A family by PGC-1alpha was repressed by Dax-1. PGC-1alpha binds to the activation function 2 domain of NR5A proteins via its consensus LXXLL motif. These results indicate that PGC-1alpha is involved in progesterone production in ovarian granulosa cells by potentiating transcriptional activities of the NR5A family proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yazawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Shimoaizuki 23-3, Matsuoka, Eiheiji-cho, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
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Yazawa T, Inanoka Y, Mizutani T, Kuribayashi M, Umezawa A, Miyamoto K. Liver receptor homolog-1 regulates the transcription of steroidogenic enzymes and induces the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into steroidogenic cells. Endocrinology 2009; 150:3885-93. [PMID: 19359379 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-1310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1, also known as Ad4BP) has been demonstrated to be a primary transcriptional regulator of steroidogenic-related genes. However, mRNA for liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1), which together with SF-1, belongs to the NR5A nuclear receptor family, is expressed at much higher levels than SF-1 mRNA in the human gonad. In our previous studies, we demonstrated that SF-1 induced the differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into steroidogenic cells such as Leydig or adrenocortical cells. The introduction of LRH-1 into human MSCs (hMSCs) with the aid of cAMP also induced the expression of steroidogenic enzymes, including CYP17, and their differentiation into steroid hormone-producing cells. Promoter analysis, EMSA, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay using LRH-1-transduced hMSCs indicated that three LRH-1 binding sites were responsible for CYP17 transactivation. Immunohistochemical studies showed that LRH-1 protein was expressed in human Leydig cells. The CYP17 promoter region was highly methylated in hMSCs, whereas it was demethylated by the introduction of LRH-1 and cAMP treatment. These results indicate that LRH-1 could represent another key regulator of the steroidogenic lineage in MSCs and play a vital role in steroid hormone production in human Leydig cells.
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MESH Headings
- Adrenal Glands/metabolism
- Animals
- Cell Differentiation/genetics
- Cell Line
- Chromatin Immunoprecipitation
- Cyclic AMP/pharmacology
- DAX-1 Orphan Nuclear Receptor
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/physiology
- Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay
- Female
- Gonads/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Male
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells/cytology
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Mutant Strains
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/genetics
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/physiology
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid/genetics
- Receptors, Retinoic Acid/physiology
- Receptors, Steroid/genetics
- Receptors, Steroid/physiology
- Repressor Proteins/genetics
- Repressor Proteins/physiology
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Steroid 17-alpha-Hydroxylase/genetics
- Steroidogenic Factor 1/genetics
- Steroidogenic Factor 1/physiology
- Steroids/biosynthesis
- Transduction, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yazawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Eiheiji-cho, Fukui 910-1193 Japan
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Zubair M, Oka S, Parker KL, Morohashi KI. Transgenic expression of Ad4BP/SF-1 in fetal adrenal progenitor cells leads to ectopic adrenal formation. Mol Endocrinol 2009; 23:1657-67. [PMID: 19628584 DOI: 10.1210/me.2009-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Deficiency of adrenal 4 binding protein/steroidogenic factor 1 (Ad4BP/SF-1; NR5A1) impairs adrenal development in a dose-dependent manner, whereas overexpression of Ad4BP/SF-1 is associated with adrenocortical tumorigenesis. Despite its essential roles in adrenal development, the mechanism(s) by which Ad4BP/SF-1 regulates this process remain incompletely understood. We previously identified a fetal adrenal enhancer (FAdE) that stimulates Ad4BP/SF-1 expression in the fetal adrenal gland by a two-step mechanism in which homeobox proteins initiate Ad4BP/SF-1 expression, which then maintains FAdE activity in an autoregulatory loop. In the present study, we examined the effect of transgenic expression of Ad4BP/SF-1 controlled by FAdE on adrenal development. When Ad4BP/SF-1 was overexpressed using a FAdE-Ad4BP/SF-1 transgene, FAdE activity expanded outside of its normal field, resulting in increased adrenal size and the formation of ectopic adrenal tissue in the thorax. The increased size of the adrenal gland did not result from a corresponding increase in cell proliferation, suggesting rather that the increased levels of Ad4BP/SF-1 may divert uncommitted precursors to the steroidogenic lineage. The effects of FAdE-controlled Ad4BP/SF-1 overexpression in mice provide a novel model of ectopic adrenal formation that further supports the critical role of Ad4BP/SF-1 in the determination of steroidogenic cell fate in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Zubair
- National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
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Inaoka Y, Yazawa T, Mizutani T, Kokame K, Kangawa K, Uesaka M, Umezawa A, Miyamoto K. Regulation of P450 oxidoreductase by gonadotropins in rat ovary and its effect on estrogen production. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2008; 6:62. [PMID: 19077323 PMCID: PMC2647926 DOI: 10.1186/1477-7827-6-62] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2008] [Accepted: 12/16/2008] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND P450 oxidoreductase (POR) catalyzes electron transfer to microsomal P450 enzymes. Its deficiency causes Antley-Bixler syndrome (ABS), and about half the patients with ABS have ambiguous genitalia and/or impaired steroidogenesis. POR mRNA expression is up-regulated when mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) differentiate into steroidogenic cells, suggesting that the regulation of POR gene expression is important for steroidogenesis. In this context we examined the regulation of POR expression in ovarian granulosa cells by gonadotropins, and its possible role in steroidogenesis. METHODS Changes in gene expression in MSCs during differentiation into steroidogenic cells were examined by DNA microarray analysis. Changes in mRNA and protein expression of POR in the rat ovary or in granulosa cells induced by gonadotropin treatment were examined by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Effects of transient expression of wild-type or mutant (R457H or V492E) POR proteins on the production of estrone in COS-7 cells were examined in vitro. Effects of POR knockdown were also examined in estrogen producing cell-line, KGN cells. RESULTS POR mRNA was induced in MSCs following transduction with the SF-1 retrovirus, and was further increased by cAMP treatment. Expression of POR mRNA, as well as Cyp19 mRNA, in the rat ovary were induced by equine chorionic gonadotropin and human chorionic gonadotropin. POR mRNA and protein were also induced by follicle stimulating hormone in primary cultured rat granulosa cells, and the induction pattern was similar to that for aromatase. Transient expression of POR in COS-7 cells, which expressed a constant amount of aromatase protein, greatly increased the rate of conversion of androstenedione to estrone, in a dose-dependent manner. The expression of mutant POR proteins (R457H or V492E), such as those found in ABS patients, had much less effect on aromatase activity than expression of wild-type POR proteins. Knockdown of endogenous POR protein in KGN human granulosa cells led to reduced estrone production, indicating that endogenous POR affected aromatase activity. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that the expression of POR, together with that of aromatase, was regulated by gonadotropins, and that its induction could up-regulate aromatase activity in the ovary, resulting in a coordinated increase in estrogen production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshihiko Inaoka
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Takashi Yazawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Mizutani
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Koichi Kokame
- National Cardiovascular Research Center, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
| | - Kenji Kangawa
- National Cardiovascular Research Center, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
| | - Miki Uesaka
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Akihiro Umezawa
- National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Kaoru Miyamoto
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
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Gondo S, Okabe T, Tanaka T, Morinaga H, Nomura M, Takayanagi R, Nawata H, Yanase T. Adipose tissue-derived and bone marrow-derived mesenchymal cells develop into different lineage of steroidogenic cells by forced expression of steroidogenic factor 1. Endocrinology 2008; 149:4717-25. [PMID: 18566117 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-1808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1)/adrenal 4 binding protein is an essential nuclear receptor for steroidogenesis, as well as for adrenal and gonadal gland development. We have previously clarified that adenovirus-mediated forced expression of SF-1 can transform long-term cultured mouse bone marrow mesenchymal cells (BMCs) into ACTH-responsive steroidogenic cells. In the present study, we extended this work to adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal cells (AMCs) and compared its steroidogenic capacity with those of BMCs prepared from the identical mouse. Several cell surface markers, including potential mesenchymal cell markers, were identical in both cell types, and, as expected, forced expression of SF-1 caused AMCs to be transformed into ACTH-responsive steroidogenic cells. However, more elaborate studies revealed that the steroidogenic property of AMCs was rather different from that of BMCs, especially in steroidogenic lineage. In response to increased SF-1 expression and/or treatment with retinoic acid, AMCs were much more prone to produce adrenal steroid, corticosterone rather than gonadal steroid, testosterone, whereas the contrary was evident in BMCs. Such marked differences in steroidogenic profiles between AMCs and BMCs were also evident by the changes of steroidogenic enzymes. These novel results suggest a promising utility of AMCs for autologous cell regeneration therapy for patients with steroid insufficiency and also a necessity for appropriate tissue selection in preparing mesenchymal stem cells according to the aim. The different steroidogenic potency of AMCs or BMCs might provide a good model for the clarification of the mechanism of tissue- or cell-specific adrenal and gonadal steroidogenic cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shigeki Gondo
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Fukuoka-city, Fukuoka-pref 812-8582, Japan
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Yazawa T, Uesaka M, Inaoka Y, Mizutani T, Sekiguchi T, Kajitani T, Kitano T, Umezawa A, Miyamoto K. Cyp11b1 is induced in the murine gonad by luteinizing hormone/human chorionic gonadotropin and involved in the production of 11-ketotestosterone, a major fish androgen: conservation and evolution of the androgen metabolic pathway. Endocrinology 2008; 149:1786-92. [PMID: 18162527 DOI: 10.1210/en.2007-1015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We have shown previously that Cyp11b1, an 11beta-hydroxylase responsible for glucocorticoid biosynthesis in the adrenal gland, was induced by cAMP in androgen-producing Leydig-like cells derived from mesenchymal stem cells. We found that Cyp11b1 was induced in male Leydig cells, or female theca cells, when human chorionic gonadotropin was administered in immature mice. Expression of Cyp11b1 in rodent gonads caused the production of 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), a major fish androgen, which induces male differentiation or spermatogenesis in fish. As in teleosts, plasma concentrations of 11-KT were elevated in human chorionic gonadotropin-treated mice. In contrast to teleosts, however, plasma concentrations of 11-KT were similar in both sexes, despite levels of testosterone, a precursor substrate, being about 20 times higher in male mice. Because expression of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2, was much higher in the mouse ovary than in the testis, conversion of testosterone into 11-KT may occur more efficiently in the ovary. In a luciferase reporter system that was responsive to and activated by androgens, 11-KT efficiently activated mammalian androgen receptor-mediated transactivation. Our results suggest that the androgen metabolic pathway is conserved between teleosts and mammals, despite sexual dominance and reproductive functions of 11-KT being altered during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yazawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Shimoaizuki, Matsuoka, Eiheiji-cho, Fukui, Japan
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Shirohzu H, Okabe T, Gondo S, Tanaka T, Ohe K, Morinaga H, Kawate H, Nomura M, Takayanagi R, Nawata H, Yanase T. Methylation of a conserved intronic CpG island of mouse SF-1 is associated with cell-specific expression of SF-1 in a culture system but not with tissue-specific expression. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2008; 369:862-7. [PMID: 18325326 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.02.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2008] [Accepted: 02/24/2008] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The mechanism for the steroidogenic tissue or cell-specific expression of SF-1 has not been well clarified. We examined whether the methylation status of a large CpG island in the first intron of mouse SF-1 gene is associated with the expression level of SF-1 in cultured cells and in tissues. The island consists of three small islands (ICI-1, ICI-2, and ICI-3). In cultured adrenocortical Y-1 cells and in Leydig tumor cells, I-10, that both express high levels of SF-1, the upstream region of ICI-2, ICI-2-1, was clearly hypomethylated compared to cultured mouse bone marrow cells that do not express SF-1. However, this methylation status was not clearly associated with the tissue-specific expression of SF-1, in either adult or during development. These results suggest that methylation of ICI-2-1of SF-1 may partly determine the level of SF-1 expression at the cellular level, but may not be essential at the tissue level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisao Shirohzu
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
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Fan W, Yanase T, Morinaga H, Gondo S, Okabe T, Nomura M, Komatsu T, Morohashi KI, Hayes TB, Takayanagi R, Nawata H. Atrazine-induced aromatase expression is SF-1 dependent: implications for endocrine disruption in wildlife and reproductive cancers in humans. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2007; 115:720-7. [PMID: 17520059 PMCID: PMC1867956 DOI: 10.1289/ehp.9758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2006] [Accepted: 02/05/2007] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atrazine is a potent endocrine disruptor that increases aromatase expression in some human cancer cell lines. The mechanism involves the inhibition of phosphodiesterase and subsequent elevation of cAMP. METHODS We compared steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) expression in atrazine responsive and non-responsive cell lines and transfected SF-1 into nonresponsive cell lines to assess SF-1's role in atrazine-induced aromatase. We used a luciferase reporter driven by the SF-1-dependent aromatase promoter (ArPII) to examine activation of this promoter by atrazine and the related simazine. We mutated the SF-1 binding site to confirm the role of SF-1. We also examined effects of 55 other chemicals. Finally, we examined the ability of atrazine and simazine to bind to SF-1 and enhance SF-1 binding to ArPII. RESULTS Atrazine-responsive adrenal carcinoma cells (H295R) expressed 54 times more SF-1 than nonresponsive ovarian granulosa KGN cells. Exogenous SF-1 conveyed atrazine-responsiveness to otherwise nonresponsive KGN and NIH/3T3 cells. Atrazine induced binding of SF-1 to chromatin and mutation of the SF-1 binding site in ArPII eliminated SF-1 binding and atrazine-responsiveness in H295R cells. Out of 55 chemicals examined, only atrazine, simazine, and benzopyrene induced luciferase via ArPII. Atrazine bound directly to SF-1, showing that atrazine is a ligand for this "orphan" receptor. CONCLUSION The current findings are consistent with atrazine's endocrine-disrupting effects in fish, amphibians, and reptiles; the induction of mammary and prostate cancer in laboratory rodents; and correlations between atrazine and similar reproductive cancers in humans. This study highlights the importance of atrazine as a risk factor in endocrine disruption in wildlife and reproductive cancers in laboratory rodents and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- WuQiang Fan
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Toshihiko Yanase
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hidetaka Morinaga
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Shigeki Gondo
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Taijiro Okabe
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masatoshi Nomura
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomoko Komatsu
- Department of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichirou Morohashi
- Department of Developmental Biology, National Institute for Basic Biology, Okazaki, Japan
| | - Tyrone B. Hayes
- Laboratory for Integrative Studies in Amphibian Biology, Group in Endocrinology, Museum of Vertebrate Zoology, Energy and Resources Group, and Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Ryoichi Takayanagi
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science, Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Hajime Nawata
- Graduate School of Medical Science, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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Yazawa T, Mizutani T, Yamada K, Kawata H, Sekiguchi T, Yoshino M, Kajitani T, Shou Z, Umezawa A, Miyamoto K. Differentiation of adult stem cells derived from bone marrow stroma into Leydig or adrenocortical cells. Endocrinology 2006; 147:4104-11. [PMID: 16728492 DOI: 10.1210/en.2006-0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adult stem cells from bone marrow, referred to as mesenchymal stem cells or marrow stromal cells (MSCs), are defined as pluripotent cells and have the ability to differentiate into multiple mesodermal cells. In this study, we investigated whether MSCs from rat, mouse, and human are able to differentiate into steroidogenic cells. When transplanted into immature rat testes, adherent marrow-derived cells (including MSCs) were found to be engrafted and differentiate into steroidogenic cells that were indistinguishable from Leydig cells. Isolated murine MSCs transfected with green fluorescence protein driven by the promoter of P450 side-chain cleaving enzyme gene (CYP11A), a steroidogenic cell-specific gene, were used to detect steroidogenic cell production in vitro. During in vitro differentiation, green fluorescence protein-positive cells, which had characteristics similar to those of Leydig cells, were found. Stable transfection of murine MSCs with a transcription factor, steroidogenic factor-1, followed by treatment with cAMP almost recapitulated the properties of Leydig cells, including the production of testosterone. Transfection of human MSCs with steroidogenic factor-1 also led to their conversion to steroidogenic cells, but they appeared to be glucocorticoid- rather than testosterone-producing cells. These results indicate that MSCs represent a useful source of stem cells for producing steroidogenic cells that may provide basis for their use in cell and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yazawa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Matsuoka-cho, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
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Yanase T. [Cell differentiation and regeneration of the adrenal glands]. NIHON NAIKA GAKKAI ZASSHI. THE JOURNAL OF THE JAPANESE SOCIETY OF INTERNAL MEDICINE 2006; 95:1557-63. [PMID: 16955944 DOI: 10.2169/naika.95.1557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Yanase T, Gondo S, Okabe T, Tanaka T, Shirohzu H, Fan W, Oba K, Morinaga H, Nomura M, Ohe K, Nawata H. Differentiation and regeneration of adrenal tissues: An initial step toward regeneration therapy for steroid insufficiency. Endocr J 2006; 53:449-59. [PMID: 16807499 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.kr-74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In animal experiments, adrenal cortical tissue has been successfully regenerated through xenotransplantation of cloned adrenocortical cells, suggesting that the intraadrenal stem cells required for such tissue formation may be present in the adrenal cortex. Stable expression of Ad4BP/SF-1, a key factor for adrenal and gonadal development and steroidogenesis, has been shown to direct embryonic stem cells toward the steroidogenic lineage. However, this steroidogenic capacity was very limited since progesterone was only produced in the presence of an exogenous substrate. Bone marrow mesenchymal cells are thought to contain pluripotent progenitor cells, which differentiate into multiple lineages. We have demonstrated that adenovirus-mediated forced expression of SF-1 in long-term cultured bone marrow cells can produce steroidogenic cells with the capacity for de novo synthesis of various steroid hormones in response to ACTH. This discovery may represent the first step in autologous cell transplantation therapy for patients with steroid hormone deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Yanase
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Science (Third Department of Internal Medicine), Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
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