1
|
Lai W, Huang S, Liu J, Zhou B, Yu Z, Brown J, Hong G. Toll-like receptor 4-dependent innate immune responses are mediated by intracrine corticosteroids and activation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β in astrocytes. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23781. [PMID: 38941212 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301923rr] [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: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/30/2024]
Abstract
Reactive astrocytes are important pathophysiologically and synthesize neurosteroids. We observed that LPS increased immunoreactive TLR4 and key steroidogenic enzymes in cortical astrocytes of rats and investigated whether corticosteroids are produced and mediate astrocytic TLR4-dependent innate immune responses. We found that LPS increased steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and StAR-dependent aldosterone production in purified astrocytes. Both increases were blocked by the TLR4 antagonist TAK242. LPS also increased 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) and corticosterone production, and both were prevented by TAK242 and by siRNAs against 11β-HSD1, StAR, or aldosterone synthase (CYP11B2). Knockdown of 11β-HSD1, StAR, or CYP11B2 or blocking either mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) or glucocorticoid receptors (GR) prevented dephosphorylation of p-Ser9GSK-3β, activation of NF-κB, and the GSK-3β-dependent increases of C3, IL-1β, and TNF-α caused by LPS. Exogenous aldosterone mimicked the MR- and GSK-3β-dependent pro-inflammatory effects of LPS in astrocytes, but corticosterone did not. Supernatants from astrocytes treated with LPS reduced MAP2 and viability of cultured neurons except when astrocytic StAR or MR was inhibited. In adrenalectomized rats, intracerebroventricular injection of LPS increased astrocytic TLR4, StAR, CYP11B2, and 11β-HSD1, NF-κB, C3 and IL-1β, decreased astrocytic p-Ser9GSK-3β in the cortex and was neurotoxic, except when spironolactone was co-injected, consistent with the in vitro results. LPS also activated NF-κB in some NeuN+ and CD11b+ cells in the cortex, and these effects were prevented by spironolactone. We conclude that intracrine aldosterone may be involved in the TLR4-dependent innate immune responses of astrocytes and can trigger paracrine effects by activating astrocytic MR/GSK-3β/NF-κB signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenfang Lai
- College of Pharmacology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Minhou Shangjie, Fuzhou, China
| | - Siying Huang
- College of Pharmacology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Minhou Shangjie, Fuzhou, China
| | - Junjie Liu
- College of Pharmacology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Minhou Shangjie, Fuzhou, China
| | - Binbin Zhou
- College of Pharmacology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Minhou Shangjie, Fuzhou, China
| | - Zhengshuang Yu
- College of Pharmacology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Minhou Shangjie, Fuzhou, China
| | - John Brown
- College of Pharmacology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Minhou Shangjie, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guizhu Hong
- College of Pharmacology, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Minhou Shangjie, Fuzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lin YC, Papadopoulos V. Neurosteroidogenic enzymes: CYP11A1 in the central nervous system. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 62:100925. [PMID: 34015388 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2021.100925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Neurosteroids, steroid hormones synthesized locally in the nervous system, have important neuromodulatory and neuroprotective effects in the central nervous system. Progress in neurosteroid research has led to the successful translation of allopregnanolone into an approved therapy for postpartum depression. However, there is insufficient evidence to support the assumption that steroidogenesis is exactly the same between the nervous system and the periphery. This review focuses on CYP11A1, the only enzyme currently known to catalyze the first reaction in steroidogenesis to produce pregnenolone, the precursor to all other steroids. Although CYP11A1 mRNA has been found in brain of many mammals, the presence of CYP11A1 protein has been difficult to detect, particularly in humans. Here, we highlight the discrepancies in the current evidence for CYP11A1 in the central nervous system and propose new directions for understanding neurosteroidogenesis, which will be crucial for developing neurosteroid-based therapies for the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yiqi Christina Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Dattilo MA, Benzo Y, Herrera LM, Prada JG, Lopez PF, Caruso CM, Lasaga M, García CI, Paz C, Maloberti PM. Regulation and role of Acyl-CoA synthetase 4 in glial cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 208:105792. [PMID: 33246155 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Acyl-CoA synthetase 4 (Acsl4), an enzyme involved in arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism, participates in physiological and pathological processes such as steroidogenesis and cancer. The role of Acsl4 in neurons and in nervous system development has also been documented but little is known regarding its functionality in glial cells. In turn, several processes in glial cells, including neurosteroidogenesis, stellation and AA uptake, are regulated by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signal. In this context, the aim of this work was to analyze the expression and functional role of Acsl4 in primary rat astrocyte cultures and in the C6 glioma cell line by chemical inhibition and stable silencing, respectively. Results show that Acsl4 expression was regulated by cAMP in both models and that cAMP stimulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein mRNA levels was reduced by Acsl4 inhibition or silencing. Also, Acsl4 inhibition reduced progesterone synthesis stimulated by cAMP and also affected cAMP-induced astrocyte stellation, decreasing process elongation and increasing branching complexity. Similar effects were observed for Acsl4 silencing on cAMP-induced C6 cell morphological shift. Moreover, Acsl4 inhibition and silencing reduced proliferation and migration of both cell types. Acsl4 silencing in C6 cells reduced the capacity for colony proliferation and neurosphere formation, the latter ability also being abolished by Acsl4 inhibition. In sum, this work presents novel evidence of Acsl4 involvement in neurosteroidogenesis and the morphological changes of glial cells promoted by cAMP. Furthermore, Acsl4 participates in migration and proliferation, also affecting cell self-renewal. Altogether, these findings provide insights into Acsl4 functions in glial cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melina A Dattilo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Yanina Benzo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucia M Herrera
- Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jesica G Prada
- Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula F Lopez
- Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla M Caruso
- Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Lasaga
- Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Corina I García
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Fundación Instituto Leloir and Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Cristina Paz
- Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula M Maloberti
- Universidad de Buenos Aires-CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chowen JA, Garcia-Segura LM. Role of glial cells in the generation of sex differences in neurodegenerative diseases and brain aging. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 196:111473. [PMID: 33766745 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Diseases and aging-associated alterations of the nervous system often show sex-specific characteristics. Glial cells play a major role in the endogenous homeostatic response of neural tissue, and sex differences in the glial transcriptome and function have been described. Therefore, the possible role of these cells in the generation of sex differences in pathological alterations of the nervous system is reviewed here. Studies have shown that glia react to pathological insults with sex-specific neuroprotective and regenerative effects. At least three factors determine this sex-specific response of glia: sex chromosome genes, gonadal hormones and neuroactive steroid hormone metabolites. The sex chromosome complement determines differences in the transcriptional responses in glia after brain injury, while gonadal hormones and their metabolites activate sex-specific neuroprotective mechanisms in these cells. Since the sex-specific neuroprotective and regenerative activity of glial cells causes sex differences in the pathological alterations of the nervous system, glia may represent a relevant target for sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Chowen
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación la Princesa, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutriciόn (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, and IMDEA Food Institute, CEIUAM+CSIC, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
De novo Neurosteroidogenesis in Human Microglia: Involvement of the 18 kDa Translocator Protein. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063115. [PMID: 33803741 PMCID: PMC8003294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroactive steroids are potent modulators of microglial functions and are capable of counteracting their excessive reactivity. This action has mainly been ascribed to neuroactive steroids released from other sources, as microglia have been defined unable to produce neurosteroids de novo. Unexpectedly, immortalized murine microglia recently exhibited this de novo biosynthesis; herein, de novo neurosteroidogenesis was characterized in immortalized human microglia. The results demonstrated that C20 and HMC3 microglial cells constitutively express members of the neurosteroidogenesis multiprotein machinery-in particular, the transduceosome members StAR and TSPO, and the enzyme CYP11A1. Moreover, both cell lines produce pregnenolone and transcriptionally express the enzymes involved in neurosteroidogenesis. The high TSPO expression levels observed in microglia prompted us to assess its role in de novo neurosteroidogenesis. TSPO siRNA and TSPO synthetic ligand treatments were used to reduce and prompt TSPO function, respectively. The TSPO expression downregulation compromised the de novo neurosteroidogenesis and led to an increase in StAR expression, probably as a compensatory mechanism. The pharmacological TSPO stimulation the de novo neurosteroidogenesis improved in turn the neurosteroid-mediated release of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor. In conclusion, these results demonstrated that de novo neurosteroidogenesis occurs in human microglia, unravelling a new mechanism potentially useful for future therapeutic purposes.
Collapse
|
6
|
Choi SR, Beitz AJ, Lee JH. Inhibition of Cytochrome P450 Side-Chain Cleavage Attenuates the Development of Mechanical Allodynia by Reducing Spinal D-Serine Production in a Murine Model of Neuropathic Pain. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1439. [PMID: 31866864 PMCID: PMC6908476 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Research indicates that neurosteroids are locally synthesized in the central nervous system and play an important modulatory role in nociception. While the neurosteroidogenic enzyme, cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc), is the initiating enzyme of steroidogenesis, P450scc has not been examined under the pathophysiological conditions associated with peripheral neuropathy. Thus, we investigated whether chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve increases the expression of P450scc in the spinal cord and whether this increase modulates serine racemase (Srr) expression and D-serine production contributing to the development of neuropathic pain. CCI increased the immunoreactivity of P450scc in astrocytes of the ipsilateral lumbar spinal cord dorsal horn. Intrathecal administration of the P450scc inhibitor, aminoglutethimide, during the induction phase of neuropathic pain (days 0 to 3 post-surgery) significantly suppressed the CCI-induced development of mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, the increased expression of astrocyte Srr in both the total and cytosol levels, and the increases in D-serine immunoreactivity at day 3 post-surgery. By contrast, intrathecal administration of aminoglutethimide during the maintenance phase of pain (days 14 to 17 post-surgery) had no effect on the developed neuropathic pain nor the expression of spinal Srr and D-serine immunoreactivity at day 17 post-surgery. Intrathecal administration of exogenous D-serine during the induction phase of neuropathic pain (days 0 to 3 post-surgery) restored the development of mechanical allodynia, but not the thermal hyperalgesia, that were suppressed by aminoglutethimide administration. Collectively, these results demonstrate that spinal P450scc increases the expression of astrocyte Srr and D-serine production, ultimately contributing to the development of mechanical allodynia induced by peripheral nerve injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sheu-Ran Choi
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Alvin J Beitz
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St Paul, MN, United States
| | - Jang-Hern Lee
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute for Veterinary Science, BK21 PLUS Program for Creative Veterinary Science Research, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Powrie YSL, Smith C. Central intracrine DHEA synthesis in ageing-related neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration: therapeutic potential? J Neuroinflammation 2018; 15:289. [PMID: 30326923 PMCID: PMC6192186 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1324-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
It is a well-known fact that DHEA declines on ageing and that it is linked to ageing-related neurodegeneration, which is characterised by gradual cognitive decline. Although DHEA is also associated with inflammation in the periphery, the link between DHEA and neuroinflammation in this context is less clear. This review drew from different bodies of literature to provide a more comprehensive picture of peripheral vs central endocrine shifts with advanced age—specifically in terms of DHEA. From this, we have formulated the hypothesis that DHEA decline is also linked to neuroinflammation and that increased localised availability of DHEA may have both therapeutic and preventative benefit to limit neurodegeneration. We provide a comprehensive discussion of literature on the potential for extragonadal DHEA synthesis by neuroglial cells and reflect on the feasibility of therapeutic manipulation of localised, central DHEA synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y S L Powrie
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
| | - C Smith
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Private Bag X1, Matieland, Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Up-regulation of steroid biosynthesis by retinoid signaling: Implications for aging. Mech Ageing Dev 2015; 150:74-82. [PMID: 26303142 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2015.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2015] [Revised: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 08/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Retinoids (vitamin A and its derivatives) are critical for a spectrum of developmental and physiological processes, in which steroid hormones also play indispensable roles. The StAR protein predominantly regulates steroid biosynthesis in steroidogenic tissues. We have reported that regulation of retinoid, especially atRA and 9-cis RA, responsive StAR transcription is largely mediated by an LXR-RXR/RAR heterodimeric motif in the mouse StAR promoter. Herein we demonstrate that retinoids are capable of enhancing StAR protein, P-StAR, and steroid production in granulosa, adrenocortical, glial, and epidermal cells. Whereas transient expression of RARα and RXRα enhanced 9-cis RA induced StAR gene transcription, silencing of RXRα with siRNA, decreased StAR and steroid levels. An oligonucleotide probe encompassing an LXR-RXR/RAR motif bound to adrenocortical and epidermal keratinocyte nuclear proteins in EMSAs. ChIP studies revealed association of RARα and RXRα with the StAR proximal promoter. Further studies demonstrated that StAR mRNA levels decreased in diseased and elderly men and women skin tissues and that atRA could restore steroidogenesis in epidermal keratinocytes of aged individuals. These findings provide novel insights into the relevance of retinoid signaling in the up-regulation of steroid biosynthesis in various target tissues, and indicate that retinoid therapy may have important implications in age-related complications and diseases.
Collapse
|
9
|
Mosa A, Neunzig J, Gerber A, Zapp J, Hannemann F, Pilak P, Bernhardt R. 2β- and 16β-hydroxylase activity of CYP11A1 and direct stimulatory effect of estrogens on pregnenolone formation. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 150:1-10. [PMID: 25746800 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The biosynthesis of steroid hormones in vertebrates is initiated by the cytochrome P450 CYP11A1, which performs the side-chain cleavage of cholesterol thereby producing pregnenolone. In this study, we report a direct stimulatory effect of the estrogens estradiol and estrone onto the pregnenolone formation in a reconstituted in vitro system consisting of purified CYP11A1 and its natural redox partners. We demonstrated the formation of new products from 11-deoxycorticosterone (DOC), androstenedione, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) during the in vitro reaction catalyzed by CYP11A1. In addition, we also established an Escherichia coli-based whole-cell biocatalytic system consisting of CYP11A1 and its redox partners to obtain sufficient yields of products for NMR-characterization. Our results indicate that CYP11A1, in addition to the previously described 6β-hydroxylase activity, possesses a 2β-hydroxylase activity towards DOC and androstenedione as well as a 16β-hydroxylase activity towards DHEA. We also showed that CYP11A1 is able to perform the 6β-hydroxylation of testosterone, a reaction that has been predominantly attributed to CYP3A4. Our results are the first evidence that sex hormones positively regulate the overall production of steroid hormones suggesting the need to reassess the role of CYP11A1 in steroid hormone biosynthesis and its substrate-dependent mechanistic properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Mosa
- Institute of Biochemistry, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - J Neunzig
- Institute of Biochemistry, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - A Gerber
- Institute of Biochemistry, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - J Zapp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Biology, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - F Hannemann
- Institute of Biochemistry, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - P Pilak
- Institute of Biochemistry, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - R Bernhardt
- Institute of Biochemistry, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
El Hajj Chehadeh S, Dreumont N, Willekens J, Canabady-Rochelle L, Jeannesson E, Alberto JM, Daval JL, Guéant JL, Leininger-Muller B. Early methyl donor deficiency alters cAMP signaling pathway and neurosteroidogenesis in the cerebellum of female rat pups. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2014; 307:E1009-19. [PMID: 25294213 PMCID: PMC4254983 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00364.2014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Early deficiency of the methyl donors folate and vitamin B12 produces hyperhomocysteinemia and cognitive and motor disorders in 21-day-old rat pups from dams fed a diet deficient in methyl donors during gestation and lactation. These disorders are associated with impaired neurogenesis and altered synaptic plasticity in cerebellum. We aimed to investigate whether these disorders could be related to impaired expression of neurosteroidogenesis-associated proteins, key regulator receptors, and some steroid content in the cerebellum. The methyl donor deficiency produced a decreased concentration of folate and vitamin B12, along with accumulation of homocysteine in Purkinje cells in both sexes, whereas the S-adenosylmethionine/S-adenosylhomocysteine ratio was reduced only in females. The transcription level and protein expression of StAR, aromatase, ERα, ERβ, and LH receptors were decreased only in females, with a marked effect in Purkinje cells, as shown by immunohistochemistry. Consistently, reduced levels of estradiol and pregnenolone were measured in cerebellar extracts of females only. The decreased expression levels of the transcriptional factors CREB, phospho-CREB, and SF-1, the lesser increase of cAMP concentration, and the lower level of phospho-PKC in the cerebellum of deficient females suggest that the activation of neurosteroidogenesis via cAMP-mediated signaling pathways associated with LHR activation would be altered. In conclusion, a gestational methyl donor deficiency impairs neurosteroidogenesis in cerebellum in a sex-dependent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah El Hajj Chehadeh
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Natacha Dreumont
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Jérèmy Willekens
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Laetitia Canabady-Rochelle
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Elise Jeannesson
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Marc Alberto
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Luc Daval
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Jean-Louis Guéant
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| | - Brigitte Leininger-Muller
- Institut National de la Sante et de la Recherche Medicale, U-954, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition Aux Risques Environnementaux, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre les Nancy, France
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chen C, Kuo J, Wong A, Micevych P. Estradiol modulates translocator protein (TSPO) and steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR) via protein kinase A (PKA) signaling in hypothalamic astrocytes. Endocrinology 2014; 155:2976-85. [PMID: 24877623 PMCID: PMC4097996 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The ability of the central nervous system to synthesize steroid hormones has wide-ranging implications for physiology and pathology. Among the proposed roles of neurosteroids is the regulation of the LH surge. This involvement in the estrogen-positive feedback demonstrates the integration of peripheral steroids with neurosteroids. Within the female hypothalamus, estradiol from developing follicles stimulates progesterone synthesis in astrocytes, which activate neural circuits regulating gonadotropin (GnRH) neurons. Estradiol acts at membrane estrogen receptor-α to activate cellular signaling that results in the release of inositol trisphosphate-sensitive calcium stores that are sufficient to induce neuroprogesterone synthesis. The purpose of the present studies was to characterize the estradiol-induced signaling leading to activation of steroid acute regulatory protein (StAR) and transporter protein (TSPO), which mediate the rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis, ie, the transport of cholesterol into the mitochondrion. Treatment of primary cultures of adult female rat hypothalamic astrocytes with estradiol induced a cascade of phosphorylation that resulted in the activation of a calcium-dependent adenylyl cyclase, AC1, elevation of cAMP, and activation of both StAR and TSPO. Blocking protein kinase A activation with H-89 abrogated the estradiol-induced neuroprogesterone synthesis. Thus, together with previous results, these experiments completed the characterization of how estradiol action at the membrane leads to the augmentation of neuroprogesterone synthesis through increasing cAMP, activation of protein kinase A, and the phosphorylation of TSPO and StAR in hypothalamic astrocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claire Chen
- Departments of Obstetrics/Gynecology (C.C., J.K.) and Neurobiology (A.W., P.M.), David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute (A.W., P.M.), University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
|
13
|
Raso GM, Esposito E, Vitiello S, Iacono A, Santoro A, D'Agostino G, Sasso O, Russo R, Piazza PV, Calignano A, Meli R. Palmitoylethanolamide stimulation induces allopregnanolone synthesis in C6 Cells and primary astrocytes: involvement of peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor-α. J Neuroendocrinol 2011; 23:591-600. [PMID: 21554431 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2826.2011.02152.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) regulates many pathophysiological processes in the central nervous system, including pain perception, convulsions and neurotoxicity, and increasing evidence points to its neuroprotective action. In the present study, we report that PEA, acting as a ligand of peroxisome-proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-α, might regulate neurosteroidogenesis in astrocytes, which, similar to other glial cells and neurones, have the enzymatic machinery for neurosteroid de novo synthesis. Accordingly, we used the C6 glioma cell line and primary murine astrocytes. In the mitochondrial fraction from cells stimulated with PEA, we demonstrated an increase in steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and cytochrome P450 enzyme (P450scc) expression, both comprising proteins considered to be involved in crucial steps of neurosteroid formation. The effects of PEA were completely blunted by GW6471, a selective PPAR-α antagonist, or by PPAR-α silencing by RNA interference. Accordingly, allopregnanolone (ALLO) levels were increased in supernatant of PEA-treated astrocytes, as revealed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, and this effect was inhibited by GW6471. Moreover, PEA showed a protective effect, reducing malondialdehyde formation in cells treated with l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine, a glutathione depletor and, interestingly, the effect of PEA was partially inhibited by finasteride, a 5α-reductase inhibitor. A similar profile of activity was demonstrated by ALLO and the lack of an additive effect with PEA suggests that the reduction of oxidative stress by PEA is mediated through ALLO synthesis. The present study provides evidence indicating the involvement of the saturated acylethanolamide PEA in ALLO synthesis through PPAR-α in astrocytes and explores the antioxidative activity of this molecule, confirming its homeostatic and protective role both under physiological and pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Mattace Raso
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
King SR, Stocco DM. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein expression in the central nervous system. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2011; 2:72. [PMID: 22649383 PMCID: PMC3355896 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2011.00072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2011] [Accepted: 10/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Locally produced neurosteroids are proposed to have many functions in the central nervous system. The identification of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein in steroid-producing neural cells provides a new tool to understand the sites, regulation, and importance of their synthesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven R. King
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock, TX, USA
| | - Douglas M. Stocco
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences CenterLubbock, TX, USA
- *Correspondence: Douglas M. Stocco, Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA. e-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Karri S, G V. Effect of methotrexate and leucovorin on female reproductive tract of albino rats. Cell Biochem Funct 2010; 29:1-21. [DOI: 10.1002/cbf.1711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
|
16
|
Paden NE, Carr JA, Kendall RJ, Wages M, Smith EE. Expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in male American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana) and preliminary evaluation of the response to TNT. CHEMOSPHERE 2010; 80:41-45. [PMID: 20416921 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.03.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2010] [Revised: 03/12/2010] [Accepted: 03/28/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
We examined the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein mRNA in the American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana). Primers and probes were designed to obtain a partial sequence of bullfrog StAR cDNA consisting of 349 base pairs. Quantitative PCR analysis of StAR mRNA equivalents was performed in tissues of juvenile and adult bullfrogs. In this study 18S mRNA was used as an internal standard. There were no differences in the expression of 18S RNA among tissues or between age groups. In juvenile males, the rank order for the constitutive levels of StAR was testes>skin>brain>kidneys. In adult males, StAR mRNA equivalent was greatest in testes, followed by kidneys, brain, and skin. In addition, stimulation and induction of testicular StAR by human chorionic gonadotropin significantly increased expression of StAR at 2, 4, and 6h after injection. Preliminary evaluation of 2, 4, 6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) revealed that acute exposure is associated with reduction of StAR mRNA expression. The information provided in this study will be useful for future research on StAR gene expression in amphibian reproductive biology and the development of reproductive biomarkers.
Collapse
|
17
|
Kuo J, Hariri OR, Bondar G, Ogi J, Micevych P. Membrane estrogen receptor-alpha interacts with metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1a to mobilize intracellular calcium in hypothalamic astrocytes. Endocrinology 2009; 150:1369-76. [PMID: 18948402 PMCID: PMC2654734 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-0994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol, acting on a membrane-associated estrogen receptor-alpha (mERalpha), induces an increase in free cytoplasmic calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) needed for progesterone synthesis in hypothalamic astrocytes. To determine whether rapid estradiol signaling involves an interaction of mERalpha with metabotropic glutamate receptor type 1a (mGluR1a), changes in [Ca(2+)](i) were monitored with the calcium indicator, Fluo-4 AM, in primary cultures of female postpubertal hypothalamic astrocytes. 17beta-Estradiol over a range of 1 nm to 100 nm induced a maximal increase in [Ca(2+)](i) flux measured as a change in relative fluorescence [DeltaF Ca(2+) = 615 +/- 36 to 641 +/- 47 relative fluorescent units (RFU)], whereas 0.1 nm of estradiol stimulated a moderate [Ca(2+)](i) increase (275 +/- 16 RFU). The rapid estradiol-induced [Ca(2+)](i) flux was blocked with 1 microm of the estrogen receptor antagonist ICI 182,780 (635 +/- 24 vs. 102 +/- 11 RFU, P < 0.001) and 20 nmof the mGluR1a antagonist LY 367385 (617 +/- 35 vs. 133 +/- 20 RFU, P < 0.001). Whereas the mGluR1a receptor agonist (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenyl-glycine (50 microm) also stimulated a robust [Ca(2+)](i) flux (626 +/- 23 RFU), combined treatment of estradiol (1 nm) plus (RS)-3,5-dihydroxyphenyl-glycine (50 microm) augmented the [Ca(2+)](i) response (762 +/- 17 RFU) compared with either compound alone (P < 0.001). Coimmunoprecipitation demonstrated a direct physical interaction between mERalpha and mGluR1a in the plasma membrane of hypothalamic astrocytes. These results indicate that mERalpha acts through mGluR1a, and mGluR1a activation facilitates the estradiol response, suggesting that neural activity can modify estradiol-induced membrane signaling in astrocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Kuo
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 LeConte Avenue, 73-078 CHS, Los Angeles, California 90095-1763.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Micevych P, Sinchak K. Estradiol regulation of progesterone synthesis in the brain. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2008; 290:44-50. [PMID: 18572304 PMCID: PMC2603025 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2008.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2008] [Revised: 04/26/2008] [Accepted: 04/26/2008] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Steroidogenesis is now recognized as a global phenomenon in the brain, but how it is regulated and its relationship to circulating steroids of peripheral origin have remained more elusive issues. Neurosteroids, steroids synthesized de novo in nervous tissue, have a large range of actions in the brain, but it is only recently that the role of neuroprogesterone in the regulation of arguably the quintessential steroid-dependent neural activity, regulation of the reproduction has been appreciated. Circuits involved in controlling the LH surge and sexual behaviors were thought to be influenced by estradiol and progesterone synthesized in the ovary and perhaps the adrenal. It is now apparent that estradiol of ovarian origin regulates the synthesis of neuroprogesterone, and it is the locally produced neuroprogesterone that is involved in the initiation of the LH surge and subsequent ovulation. In this model, estradiol induces the transcription of progesterone receptors while stimulating synthesis of neuroprogesterone. Although the complete signaling cascade has not been elucidated, many of the features have been characterized. The synthesis of neuroprogesterone occurs primarily in astrocytes and requires the interaction of membrane-associated estrogen receptor-alpha with metabotropic glutamate receptor-1a. This G protein-coupled receptor activates a phospholipase C that in turn increases inositol trisphosphate (IP3) levels mediating the release of intracellular stores of Ca2+ via an IP3 receptor gated Ca2+ channel. The large increase in free cytoplasmic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) stimulates the synthesis of progesterone, which can then diffuse out of the astrocyte and activate estradiol-induced progesterone receptors in local neurons to trigger the neural cascade to produce the LH surge. Thus, it is a cooperative action of astrocytes and neurons that is needed for estrogen positive feedback and stimulation of the LH surge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Micevych
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine at ULCA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Bibliography. Current world literature. Adrenal cortex. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2008; 15:284-299. [PMID: 18438178 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e3283040e80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|
20
|
Abstract
The physiology and regulation of steroid synthesis in the brain have emerged as important for understanding brain function. Neurosteroids, those steroids synthesized de novo in nervous tissue, have been associated with numerous central nervous system functions, including myelination, mental retardation, and epilepsy. Central regulation of reproduction was thought to depend on steroids of peripheral origin. Only recently has the role of neurosteroids in reproduction been appreciated. This minireview describes our work trying to understand how circulating estradiol modulates the synthesis of neuroprogesterone. The synthesis of neuroprogesterone occurs primarily in astrocytes, and requires the interaction of membrane-associated estrogen receptor with metabotropic glutamate receptor and the release of intracellular calcium stores. The newly synthesized neuroprogesterone acts on estradiol-induced progesterone receptors in nearby neurons to initiate the LH surge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Micevych
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, Brain Research Institute at University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California 90095-1763, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|