1
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Beevors LI, Sundar S, Foster PA. Steroid metabolism and hormonal dynamics in normal and malignant ovaries. Essays Biochem 2024:EBC20240028. [PMID: 38994724 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20240028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
The ovaries are key steroid hormone production sites in post-pubertal females. However, current research on steroidogenic enzymes, endogenous hormone concentrations and their effects on healthy ovarian function and malignant development is limited. Here, we discuss the importance of steroid enzymes in normal and malignant ovaries, alongside hormone concentrations, receptor expression and action. Key enzymes include STS, 3β-HSD2, HSD17B1, ARK1C3, and aromatase, which influence ovarian steroidal action. Both androgen and oestrogen action, via their facilitating enzyme, drives ovarian follicle activation, development and maturation in healthy ovarian tissue. In ovarian cancer, some data suggest STS and oestrogen receptor α may be linked to aggressive forms, while various oestrogen-responsive factors may be involved in ovarian cancer metastasis. In contrast, androgen receptor expression and action vary across ovarian cancer subtypes. For future studies investigating steroidogenesis and steroidal activity in ovarian cancer, it is necessary to differentiate between disease subtypes for a comprehensive understanding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy I Beevors
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, U.K
| | - Sudha Sundar
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, U.K
| | - Paul A Foster
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, U.K
- Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, U.K
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2
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Wang J, Feng Y, Liu B, Xie W. Estrogen sulfotransferase and sulfatase in steroid homeostasis, metabolic disease, and cancer. Steroids 2024; 201:109335. [PMID: 37951289 PMCID: PMC10842091 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2023.109335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Sulfation and desulfation of steroids are opposing processes that regulate the activation, metabolism, excretion, and storage of steroids, which account for steroid homeostasis. Steroid sulfation and desulfation are catalyzed by cytosolic sulfotransferase and steroid sulfatase, respectively. By modifying and regulating steroids, cytosolic sulfotransferase (SULT) and steroid sulfatase (STS) are also involved in the pathophysiology of steroid-related diseases, such as hormonal dysregulation, metabolic disease, and cancer. The estrogen sulfotransferase (EST, or SULT1E1) is a typical member of the steroid SULTs. This review is aimed to summarize the roles of SULT1E1 and STS in steroid homeostasis and steroid-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Wang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Ye Feng
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Brian Liu
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| | - Wen Xie
- Center for Pharmacogenetics and Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Chemical Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
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3
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Steroid Sulphatase and Its Inhibitors: Past, Present, and Future. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26102852. [PMID: 34064842 PMCID: PMC8151039 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26102852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid sulphatase (STS), involved in the hydrolysis of steroid sulphates, plays an important role in the formation of both active oestrogens and androgens. Since these steroids significantly impact the proliferation of both oestrogen- and androgen-dependent cancers, many research groups over the past 30 years have designed and developed STS inhibitors. One of the main contributors to this field has been Prof. Barry Potter, previously at the University of Bath and now at the University of Oxford. Upon Prof. Potter’s imminent retirement, this review takes a look back at the work on STS inhibitors and their contribution to our understanding of sulphate biology and as potential therapeutic agents in hormone-dependent disease. A number of potent STS inhibitors have now been developed, one of which, Irosustat (STX64, 667Coumate, BN83495), remains the only one to have completed phase I/II clinical trials against numerous indications (breast, prostate, endometrial). These studies have provided new insights into the origins of androgens and oestrogens in women and men. In addition to the therapeutic role of STS inhibition in breast and prostate cancer, there is now good evidence to suggest they may also provide benefits in patients with colorectal and ovarian cancer, and in treating endometriosis. To explore the potential of STS inhibitors further, a number of second- and third-generation inhibitors have been developed, together with single molecules that possess aromatase–STS inhibitory properties. The further development of potent STS inhibitors will allow their potential therapeutic value to be explored in a variety of hormone-dependent cancers and possibly other non-oncological conditions.
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Upmanyu N, Bulldan A, Failing K, Scheiner-Bobis G. DHEAS prevents pro-metastatic and proliferative effects of 17ß-estradiol on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2019; 1867:118600. [PMID: 31760088 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2019.118600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
It is generally assumed that circulating dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) can be desulfated and further metabolized to estrogen, which is of concern for all patients with estrogen-responsive breast cancer. We addressed this issue by comparing the effects of DHEAS, its desulfated form DHEA, and 17ß-estradiol on human metastatic, estrogen-responsive MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Physiological concentrations of DHEAS promoted phosphorylation of Erk1/2, whereas DHEA and 17ß-estradiol failed to stimulate Erk1/2 phosphorylation, indicating that the sulfated steroid acts as an autonomous hormone. Exposure of MCF-7 cells to 17ß-estradiol stimulated cell proliferation and the expression of pro-metastatic and pro-invasive elements such as claudin-1, matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and the CC chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). In contrast, treatment with DHEAS did not stimulate these responses but prevented all of the actions of 17ß-estradiol, and as a consequence cell migration and invasion were completely inhibited. The results of this study not only challenge the assumption that DHEAS poses a danger as an endogenous source of estrogen, they rather favor the idea that keeping DHEAS levels within a physiological range might be supportive in treating estrogen-responsive breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Upmanyu
- Institute for Veterinary-Physiology and -Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ahmed Bulldan
- Institute for Veterinary-Physiology and -Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Klaus Failing
- Biomathematics and Data Processing, School of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Georgios Scheiner-Bobis
- Institute for Veterinary-Physiology and -Biochemistry, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
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5
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Shin S, Kwon YJ, Ye DJ, Baek HS, Kwon TU, Kim D, Chun YJ. Human steroid sulfatase enhances aerobic glycolysis through induction of HIF1α and glycolytic enzymes. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1865:2464-2474. [PMID: 31195119 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Human steroid sulfatase (STS) has been linked with poor prognosis in steroid-associated tumors and represents an important clinical target in cancers, yet the mechanism of STS-induced carcinogenesis remains unclear. To correlate STS with cancer metabolism, we determined the effects of STS on aerobic glycolysis. STS overexpression increased cellular levels of lactic acid, the final product of aerobic glycolysis. Moreover, STS suppressed the oxygen consumption rate (OCR), which represents mitochondrial respiration. Inhibition of STS by the specific inhibitor STX064 recovered STS-induced OCR repression and lactic acid over-production. DHEA, but not DHEA-S, suppressed the OCR level and enhanced lactic acid production. To understand the molecular mechanism of STS-induced cancer metabolism, we measured the expression of glycolytic enzymes hexokinase 2 (HK2) and pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), which was highly upregulated by STS and DHEA at both protein and mRNA levels. HIF1α is a key mediator of aerobic glycolysis, and STS enhanced HIF1α promoter activity, mRNA expression, and protein expression. Down-regulation of HIF1α by siRNA suppressed the HK2 and PKM2 expression induced by both STS and DHEA. HIF1α siRNA also recovered the OCR repression and lactic acid over-production induced by both STS and DHEA. To explore the mechanism in vivo, we produced transgenic mice overexpressing STS and found that STS expression was particularly enhanced in the lung. Consistent with our in vitro results, the expression of HIF1α, HK2, and PKM2 was also increased in mouse lung tissues. In conclusion, we suggest that STS may induce aerobic glycolysis through enhancing HIF1α expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sangyun Shin
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeo-Jung Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Jin Ye
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoung-Seok Baek
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Uk Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Donghak Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Jin Chun
- College of Pharmacy, Chung-Ang University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Wu Y, Tang L, Azabdaftari G, Pop E, Smith GJ. Adrenal androgens rescue prostatic dihydrotestosterone production and growth of prostate cancer cells after castration. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2019; 486:79-88. [PMID: 30807787 PMCID: PMC6438375 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2019.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Adrenal androgens dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA-sulfate (DHEAS) are potential substrates for intracrine production of testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), or directly to DHT, by prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Production of DHT from DHEAS and DHEA, and the role of steroid sulfatase (STS), were evaluated ex vivo using fresh human prostate tissue and in vitro using human PCa cell lines. STS was expressed in benign prostate tissue and PCa tissue. DHEAS at a physiological concentration was converted to DHT in prostate tissue and PCa cell lines, which was STS-dependent. DHEAS activation of androgen receptor (AR) and stimulation of PCa cell growth were STS-dependent. DHEA at a physiological concentration was not converted to DHT ex vivo and in vitro, but stimulated in vivo tumor growth of the human PCa cell line, VCaP, in castrated mice. The findings suggest that targeting metabolism of DHEAS and DHEA may enhance androgen deprivation therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wu
- Department of Urology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Cancer Prevention and Control, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Gissou Azabdaftari
- Department of Pathology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Elena Pop
- Department of Urology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Gary J Smith
- Department of Urology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
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7
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Storbeck KH, Mostaghel EA. Canonical and Noncanonical Androgen Metabolism and Activity. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1210:239-277. [PMID: 31900912 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-32656-2_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Androgens are critical drivers of prostate cancer. In this chapter we first discuss the canonical pathways of androgen metabolism and their alterations in prostate cancer progression, including the classical, backdoor and 5α-dione pathways, the role of pre-receptor DHT metabolism, and recent findings on oncogenic splicing of steroidogenic enzymes. Next, we discuss the activity and metabolism of non-canonical 11-oxygenated androgens that can activate wild-type AR and are less susceptible to glucuronidation and inactivation than the canonical androgens, thereby serving as an under-recognized reservoir of active ligands. We then discuss an emerging literature on the potential non-canonical role of androgen metabolizing enzymes in driving prostate cancer. We conclude by discussing the potential implications of these findings for prostate cancer progression, particularly in context of new agents such as abiraterone and enzalutamide, which target the AR-axis for prostate cancer therapy, including mechanisms of response and resistance and implications of these findings for future therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl-Heinz Storbeck
- Department of Biochemistry, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Elahe A Mostaghel
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center S-182, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA.
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8
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Upmanyu N, Bulldan A, Papadopoulos D, Dietze R, Malviya VN, Scheiner-Bobis G. Impairment of the Gnα11-controlled expression of claudin-1 and MMP-9 and collective migration of human breast cancer MCF-7 cells by DHEAS. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 182:50-61. [PMID: 29684479 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2018.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Although dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) constitutes the most abundant steroid in humans, in-depth investigations of its effects are rather scarce. We address here DHEAS effects on the estrogen receptor-positive metastatic human breast cancer cell line MCF-7. We focus on DHEAS-mediated signaling that might influence expression of claudin-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), both known to be critical factors for migration and invasiveness of various cancers, including breast cancer cells. Physiological concentrations of DHEAS trigger persistent phosphorylation of Erk1/2 in MCF-7 cells. Exposure of these cells for 24 h to 1 μM DHEAS also leads to a significant reduction of claudin-1 expression that cannot be prevented by high concentrations of the steroid sulfatase inhibitor STX64, indicating that desulfation and further conversion of DHEAS to some other steroid hormone is not required for this action. In addition, exposure of MCF-7 cells to the same concentration of DHEAS completely abolishes MMP-9 expression and considerably impairs cell migratory behavior. Abrogation of Gnα11 expression by siRNA prevents the stimulatory effect of DHEAS on Erk1/2 phosphorylation, consistent with a G-protein-coupled receptor being involved in the DHEAS-induced signaling. Nevertheless, Gnα11 also has direct effects that do not depend on DHEAS; thus, when Gnα11 expression is suppressed, expression of claudin-1 and MMP-9 as well as cell migration are significantly reduced. This is the first report demonstrating direct involvement of DHEAS and Gnα11 in the regulation of claudin-1 and MMP-9 expression and migration of MCF-7 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neha Upmanyu
- Institute for Veterinary-Physiology and -Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Ahmed Bulldan
- Institute for Veterinary-Physiology and -Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Papadopoulos
- Institute for Veterinary-Physiology and -Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Raimund Dietze
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany
| | | | - Georgios Scheiner-Bobis
- Institute for Veterinary-Physiology and -Biochemistry, School of Veterinary Medicine, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
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9
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Gibson DA, Foster PA, Simitsidellis I, Critchley HOD, Kelepouri O, Collins F, Saunders PTK. SULFATION PATHWAYS: A role for steroid sulphatase in intracrine regulation of endometrial decidualisation. J Mol Endocrinol 2018; 61:M57-M65. [PMID: 29720512 PMCID: PMC6055542 DOI: 10.1530/jme-18-0037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
In women, establishment of pregnancy is dependent upon 'fine-tuning' of the endometrial microenvironment, which is mediated by terminal differentiation (decidualisation) of endometrial stromal fibroblasts (ESFs). We have demonstrated that intracrine steroid metabolism plays a key role in regulating decidualisation and is essential for time-dependent expression of key factors required for endometrial receptivity. The primary aim of the current study was to determine whether sulphated steroids can act as precursors to bioactive sex steroids during decidualisation. We used primary human ESF and a robust in vitro model of decidualisation to assess the expression of genes associated with sulphation, desulphation and transport of sulphated steroids in human ESF as well as the impact of the steroid sulphatase (STS) inhibitor STX64 (Irosustat). We found evidence for an increase in both expression and activity of STS in response to a decidualisation stimulus with abrogation of oestrone biosynthesis and decreased secretion of the decidualisation marker IGFBP1 in the presence of STX64. These results provide novel insight into the contribution of STS to the intracrine regulation of decidualisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas A Gibson
- MRC Centre for Inflammation ResearchThe University of Edinburgh, QMRI, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Paul A Foster
- Institute of Metabolism & Systems ResearchUniversity of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Ioannis Simitsidellis
- MRC Centre for Inflammation ResearchThe University of Edinburgh, QMRI, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hilary O D Critchley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive HealthThe University of Edinburgh, QMRI, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Olympia Kelepouri
- MRC Centre for Inflammation ResearchThe University of Edinburgh, QMRI, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Frances Collins
- MRC Centre for Inflammation ResearchThe University of Edinburgh, QMRI, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Philippa T K Saunders
- MRC Centre for Inflammation ResearchThe University of Edinburgh, QMRI, Edinburgh, UK
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Potter BVL. SULFATION PATHWAYS: Steroid sulphatase inhibition via aryl sulphamates: clinical progress, mechanism and future prospects. J Mol Endocrinol 2018; 61:T233-T252. [PMID: 29618488 DOI: 10.1530/jme-18-0045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Steroid sulphatase is an emerging drug target for the endocrine therapy of hormone-dependent diseases, catalysing oestrogen sulphate hydrolysis to oestrogen. Drug discovery, developing the core aryl O-sulphamate pharmacophore, has led to steroidal and non-steroidal drugs entering numerous clinical trials, with promising results in oncology and women's health. Steroidal oestrogen sulphamate derivatives were the first irreversible active-site-directed inhibitors and one was developed clinically as an oral oestradiol pro-drug and for endometriosis applications. This review summarizes work leading to the therapeutic concept of sulphatase inhibition, clinical trials executed to date and new insights into the mechanism of inhibition of steroid sulphatase. To date, the non-steroidal sulphatase inhibitor Irosustat has been evaluated clinically in breast cancer, alone and in combination, in endometrial cancer and in prostate cancer. The versatile core pharmacophore both imbues attractive pharmaceutical properties and functions via three distinct mechanisms of action, as a pro-drug, an enzyme active-site-modifying motif, likely through direct sulphamoyl group transfer, and as a structural component augmenting activity, for example by enhancing interactions at the colchicine binding site of tubulin. Preliminary new structural data on the Pseudomonas aeruginosa arylsulphatase enzyme suggest two possible sulphamate-based adducts with the active site formylglycine as candidates for the inhibition end product via sulphamoyl or sulphonylamine transfer, and a speculative choice is suggested. The clinical status of sulphatase inhibition is surveyed and how it might develop in the future. Also discussed are dual-targeting approaches, development of 2-substituted steroidal sulphamates and non-steroidal derivatives as multi-targeting agents for hormone-independent tumours, with other emerging directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barry V L Potter
- Medicinal Chemistry & Drug DiscoveryDepartment of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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11
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Grosser G, Bennien J, Sánchez-Guijo A, Bakhaus K, Döring B, Hartmann M, Wudy SA, Geyer J. Transport of steroid 3-sulfates and steroid 17-sulfates by the sodium-dependent organic anion transporter SOAT (SLC10A6). J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 179:20-25. [PMID: 28951227 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED The sodium-dependent organic anion transporter SOAT/Soat shows highly specific transport activity for sulfated steroids. SOAT substrates identified so far include dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, 16α-hydroxydehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, estrone-3-sulfate, pregnenolone sulfate, 17β-estradiol-3-sulfate, and androstenediol sulfate. Apart from these compounds, many other sulfated steroids occur in mammals. Therefore, we aimed to expand the substrate spectrum of SOAT and analyzed the SOAT-mediated transport of eight different sulfated steroids by combining in vitro transport experiments in SOAT-transfected HEK293 cells with LC-MS/MS analytics of cell lysates. In addition, we aimed to better understand the structural requirements for SOAT substrates and so selected structural pairs varying only at specific positions: 3α/3β-sulfate, 17α/17β-sulfate, mono-sulfate/di-sulfate, and 17α-hydroxylation. We found significant and sodium-dependent SOAT-mediated transport of 17α-hydroxypregnenolone sulfate, 17β-estradiol-17-sulfate, androsterone sulfate, epiandrosterone sulfate, testosterone sulfate, epitestosterone sulfate, and 5α-dihydrotestosterone sulfate. However, 17β-estradiol-3,17-disulfate was not transported by SOAT. IN CONCLUSION SOAT substrates from the group of sulfated steroids are characterized by a planar and lipophilic steroid backbone in trans-trans-trans conformation of the rings and a negatively charged mono-sulfate group at positions 3' or 17' with flexibility for α- or β- orientation. Furthermore, 5α-reduction, 16α-hydroxylation, and 17α-hydroxylation are acceptable for SOAT substrate recognition, whereas addition of a second negatively charged sulfate group seems to abolish substrate binding to SOAT, and so 17β-estradiol-3,17-disulfate is not transported by SOAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Grosser
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Josefine Bennien
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Alberto Sánchez-Guijo
- Steroid Research and Mass Spectrometry Unit, Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Katharina Bakhaus
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Barbara Döring
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Michaela Hartmann
- Steroid Research and Mass Spectrometry Unit, Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Stefan A Wudy
- Steroid Research and Mass Spectrometry Unit, Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Center of Child and Adolescent Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany
| | - Joachim Geyer
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Germany.
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12
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Mungenast F, Aust S, Vergote I, Vanderstichele A, Sehouli J, Braicu E, Mahner S, Castillo-Tong DC, Zeillinger R, Thalhammer T. Clinical significance of the estrogen-modifying enzymes steroid sulfatase and estrogen sulfotransferase in epithelial ovarian cancer. Oncol Lett 2017; 13:4047-4054. [PMID: 28588698 PMCID: PMC5452883 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.5969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
17β-estradiol (E2) can contribute to the progression of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Although the majority of patients with EOC are postmenopausal woman, when de novo estrogen production in the ovary has ceased, ovarian cancer cells remain exposed to estrogens synthesized locally in the cancer cells from inactive sulfonated steroid hormone precursors-such as estrone sulfate taken up from the circulation via the sulfatase pathway. An abundance of the estrogen-modifying enzymes, including estrogen-activating steroid sulfatase (STS) and estrogen-inactivating estrogen-sulfotransferase (SULT1E1), is important for providing active estrogen to EOC cells. Therefore, the present study determined the levels of SULT1E1, STS and estrogen receptor α (ERα) protein in paraffin-embedded specimens from 206 patients with Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics stage II–IV EOC treated with debulking surgery and standard platinum-based adjuvant chemotherapy. The levels of STS, SULT1E1 and ERα were assessed by automated quantitative microscopy-based image analysis subsequent to immunohistochemical staining. Significantly higher SULT1E1 levels were observed in better differentiated EOC tumors compared to grade 3 EOC tumors (P=0.001). STS and SULT1E1 levels were positively associated with ERα abundance (P<0.001 and P=0.001, respectively). In advanced stage high-grade serous EOC (HGSOC; n=132), the most frequent and lethal type of ovarian cancer, SULT1E1 expression was significantly associated with a better overall survival rate (hazard ratio 0.66, 95% confidence interval, 0.45–0.94; P=0.005). These results highlight the importance of SULT1E1-mediated estrogen inactivation in EOC, particularly HGSOC. Therefore, targeting the sulfatase pathway is a potential endocrine therapeutic intervention for certain patients with estrogen-responsive EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicitas Mungenast
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Stefanie Aust
- Department of Gynaecology and Gynaecological Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Ignace Vergote
- Division of Gynaecological Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Catholic University of Leuven, University Hospital, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adriaan Vanderstichele
- Division of Gynaecological Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Catholic University of Leuven, University Hospital, B-3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jalid Sehouli
- Department of Gynaecology, European Competence Center for Ovarian Cancer, Virchow Clinic Campus, Medical University of Berlin, D-13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Elena Braicu
- Department of Gynaecology, European Competence Center for Ovarian Cancer, Virchow Clinic Campus, Medical University of Berlin, D-13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sven Mahner
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, University of Munich, D-80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Dan Cacsire Castillo-Tong
- Translational Gynaecology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Robert Zeillinger
- Molecular Oncology Group, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Theresia Thalhammer
- Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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Rižner TL. The Important Roles of Steroid Sulfatase and Sulfotransferases in Gynecological Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:30. [PMID: 26924986 PMCID: PMC4757672 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Gynecological diseases such as endometriosis, adenomyosis and uterine fibroids, and gynecological cancers including endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer, affect a large proportion of women. These diseases are estrogen dependent, and their progression often depends on local estrogen formation. In peripheral tissues, estrogens can be formed from the inactive precursors dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and estrone sulfate. Sulfatase and sulfotransferases have pivotal roles in these processes, where sulfatase hydrolyzes estrone sulfate to estrone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate to dehydroepiandrosterone, and sulfotransferases catalyze the reverse reactions. Further activation of estrone to the most potent estrogen, estradiol, is catalyzed by 17-ketosteroid reductases, while estradiol can also be formed from dehydroepiandrosterone by the sequential actions of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-Δ4-isomerase, aromatase, and 17-ketosteroid reductase. This review introduces the sulfatase and sulfotransferase enzymes, in terms of their structures and reaction mechanisms, and the regulation and different transcripts of their genes, together with the importance of their currently known single nucleotide polymorphisms. Data on expression of sulfatase and sulfotransferases in gynecological diseases are also reviewed. There are often unchanged mRNA and protein levels in diseased tissue, with higher sulfatase activities in cancerous endometrium, ovarian cancer cell lines, and adenomyosis. This can be indicative of a disturbed balance between the sulfatase and sulfotransferases enzymes, defining the potential for sulfatase as a drug target for treatment of gynecological diseases. Finally, clinical trials with sulfatase inhibitors are discussed, where two inhibitors have already concluded phase II trials, although so far with no convincing clinical outcomes for patients with endometrial cancer and endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Lanišnik Rižner
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry, University of Ljubljana Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Thomas MP, Potter BVL. Discovery and Development of the Aryl O-Sulfamate Pharmacophore for Oncology and Women's Health. J Med Chem 2015; 58:7634-58. [PMID: 25992880 PMCID: PMC5159624 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
In 1994, following work from this laboratory, it was reported that estrone-3-O-sulfamate irreversibly inhibits a new potential hormone-dependent cancer target steroid sulfatase (STS). Subsequent drug discovery projects were initiated to develop the core aryl O-sulfamate pharmacophore that, over some 20 years, have led to steroidal and nonsteroidal drugs in numerous preclinical and clinical trials, with promising results in oncology and women's health, including endometriosis. Drugs have been designed to inhibit STS, e.g., Irosustat, as innovative dual-targeting aromatase-steroid sulfatase inhibitors (DASIs) and as multitargeting agents for hormone-independent tumors, such as the steroidal STX140 and nonsteroidal counterparts, acting inter alia through microtubule disruption. The aryl sulfamate pharmacophore is highly versatile, operating via three distinct mechanisms of action, and imbues attractive pharmaceutical properties. This Perspective gives a personal view of the work leading both to the therapeutic concepts and these drugs, their current status, and how they might develop in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P. Thomas
- Wolfson Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7AY, United Kingdom
| | - Barry V. L. Potter
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford, OX1 3QT, United Kingdom
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Mueller JW, Gilligan LC, Idkowiak J, Arlt W, Foster PA. The Regulation of Steroid Action by Sulfation and Desulfation. Endocr Rev 2015; 36:526-63. [PMID: 26213785 PMCID: PMC4591525 DOI: 10.1210/er.2015-1036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Steroid sulfation and desulfation are fundamental pathways vital for a functional vertebrate endocrine system. After biosynthesis, hydrophobic steroids are sulfated to expedite circulatory transit. Target cells express transmembrane organic anion-transporting polypeptides that facilitate cellular uptake of sulfated steroids. Once intracellular, sulfatases hydrolyze these steroid sulfate esters to their unconjugated, and usually active, forms. Because most steroids can be sulfated, including cholesterol, pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and estrone, understanding the function, tissue distribution, and regulation of sulfation and desulfation processes provides significant insights into normal endocrine function. Not surprisingly, dysregulation of these pathways is associated with numerous pathologies, including steroid-dependent cancers, polycystic ovary syndrome, and X-linked ichthyosis. Here we provide a comprehensive examination of our current knowledge of endocrine-related sulfation and desulfation pathways. We describe the interplay between sulfatases and sulfotransferases, showing how their expression and regulation influences steroid action. Furthermore, we address the role that organic anion-transporting polypeptides play in regulating intracellular steroid concentrations and how their expression patterns influence many pathologies, especially cancer. Finally, the recent advances in pharmacologically targeting steroidogenic pathways will be examined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W Mueller
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Lorna C Gilligan
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Jan Idkowiak
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A Foster
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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Ren X, Wu X, Hillier SG, Fegan KS, Critchley HOD, Mason JI, Sarvi S, Harlow CR. Local estrogen metabolism in epithelial ovarian cancer suggests novel targets for therapy. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2015; 150:54-63. [PMID: 25817828 PMCID: PMC4429663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Revised: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 03/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) accounts for about 90% of malignant ovarian tumors, and estrogen is often implicated in disease progression. We therefore compared the potential for gating of estrogen action via pre-receptor metabolism in normal human ovarian surface epithelium (OSE), EOC and selected EOC cell lines (SKOV3 and PEO1). Steroid sulphatase (STS), estrogen sulfotransferase (EST), 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases 2 (17BHSD2) and 5 (17BHSD5) mRNAs, proteins and enzymatic activities were all detectable in primary cell cultures of OSE and EOC, whereas aromatase and 17BHSD1 expression was negligible. qRT-PCR assay on total mRNA revealed significantly higher EST mRNA expression in OSE compared to EOC (P<0.05). Radioenzymatic measurements confirmed reduced sulfoconjugation (neutralization) of free estrogen in EOC relative to OSE. OSE cells were more effective at converting free [(3)H]-E1 to [(3)H]-E1S or [(3)H]-E2S, while EOC cell lines mainly converted [(3)H]-E1 to [(3)H]-E2 with minimal formation of [(3)H]-E1S or [(3)H]-E2S. IL1α treatment suppressed EST (P<0.01) and 17BHSD2 (P<0.001) mRNA levels in OSE and stimulated STS mRNA levels (P<0.001) in cancer (SKOV3) cells. These results show that estrogen is differentially metabolized in OSE and EOC cells, with E2 'activation' from conjugated estrogen predominating in EOC. Inflammatory cytokines may further augment the local production of E2 by stimulating STS and suppressing EST. We conclude that local estrogen metabolism may be a target for EOC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Ren
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, Scotland EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Xuan Wu
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, Scotland EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen G Hillier
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, Scotland EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - K Scott Fegan
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, Scotland EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Hilary O D Critchley
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, Scotland EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - J Ian Mason
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, Scotland EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Sana Sarvi
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, Scotland EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher R Harlow
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, Scotland EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom.
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Morozkina SN, Gluzdikov IA, Drozdov AS, Selivanov SI, Kovalev RA, Filatov MV, Shavva AG. Synthesis and some biological properties of sulfamates derived from 8α-analogs of steroidal estrogens. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s1070428015030215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Yang B, Sun Z, Liu C, Cui Y, Guo Z, Ren Y, Lu Z, Knapp S. O-(Aminosulfonylation) of phenols and an example of slow hydrolytic release. Tetrahedron Lett 2014. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tetlet.2014.10.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
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19
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Qiu M, Bao W, Wang J, Yang T, He X, Liao Y, Wan X. FOXA1 promotes tumor cell proliferation through AR involving the Notch pathway in endometrial cancer. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:78. [PMID: 24512546 PMCID: PMC3926330 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Increasing evidence suggests that forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) is frequently dysregulated in many types of human cancers. However, the exact function and mechanism of FOXA1 in human endometrial cancer (EC) remains unclear. Methods FOXA1 expression, androgen receptor (AR) expression, and the relationships of these two markers with clinicopathological factors were determined by immunohistochemistry analysis. FOXA1 and AR were up-regulated by transient transfection with plasmids, and were down-regulated by transfection with siRNA or short hairpin RNA (shRNA). The effects of FOXA1 depletion and FOXA1 overexpression on AR-mediated transcription as well as Notch pathway and their impact on EC cell proliferation were examined by qRT-PCR, western blotting, co-immunoprecipitation, ChIP-PCR, MTT, colony-formation, and xenograft tumor–formation assays. Results We found that the expression of FOXA1 and AR in ECs was significantly higher than that in a typical hyperplasia and normal tissues. FOXA1 expression was significantly correlated with AR expression in clinical tissues. High FOXA1 levels positively correlated with pathological grade and depth of myometrial invasion in EC. High AR levels also positively correlated with pathological grade in EC. Moreover, the expression of XBP1, MYC, ZBTB16, and UHRF1, which are downstream targets of AR, was promoted by FOXA1 up-regulation or inhibited by FOXA1 down-regulation. Co-immunoprecipitation showed that FOXA1 interacted with AR in EC cells. ChIP-PCR assays showed that FOXA1 and AR could directly bind to the promoter and enhancer regions upstream of MYC. Mechanistic investigation revealed that over-expression of Notch1 and Hes1 proteins by FOXA1 could be reversed by AR depletion. In addition, we showed that down-regulation of AR attenuated FOXA1-up-regulated cell proliferation. However, AR didn’t influence the promotion effect of FOXA1 on cell migration and invasion. In vivo xenograft model, FOXA1 knockdown reduced the rate of tumor growth. Conclusions These results suggest that FOXA1 promotes cell proliferation by AR and activates Notch pathway. It indicated that FOXA1 and AR may serve as potential gene therapy in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiaoping Wan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Xinsongjiang Road, Shanghai, China.
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20
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Kumagai J, Hofland J, Erkens-Schulze S, Dits NFJ, Steenbergen J, Jenster G, Homma Y, de Jong FH, van Weerden WM. Intratumoral conversion of adrenal androgen precursors drives androgen receptor-activated cell growth in prostate cancer more potently than de novo steroidogenesis. Prostate 2013; 73:1636-50. [PMID: 23996639 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite an initial response to hormonal therapy, patients with advanced prostate cancer (PC) almost always progress to castration-resistant disease (CRPC). Although serum testosterone (T) is reduced by androgen deprivation therapy, intratumoral T levels in CRPC are comparable to those in prostate tissue of eugonadal men. These levels could originate from intratumoral conversion of adrenal androgens and/or from de novo steroid synthesis. However, the relative contribution of de novo steroidogenesis to AR-driven cell growth is unknown. METHODS The relative contribution of androgen biosynthetic pathways to activate androgen receptor (AR)-regulated cell growth and expression of PSA, FKBP5, and TMPRSS2 was studied at physiologically relevant levels of adrenal androgen precursors and intermediates of de novo androgen biosynthesis in human prostate cancer cell lines, PC346C, VCaP, and LNCaP. RESULTS In PC346C and VCaP, responses to pregnenolone and progesterone were absent or minimal, while large effects of adrenal androgen precursors were found. VCaP CRPC clones overexpressing CYP17A1 did not acquire an increased ability to use pregnenolone or progesterone to activate AR. In contrast, all precursors stimulated growth and gene expression in LNCaP cells, presumably resulting from the mutated AR in these cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that at physiological levels of T precursors PC cells can generally convert adrenal androgens, while de novo steroidogenesis is not generally possible in PC cells and is not able to support AR transactivation and PC growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinpei Kumagai
- Department of Urology, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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21
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Gupta A, Kumar BS, Negi AS. Current status on development of steroids as anticancer agents. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2013; 137:242-70. [PMID: 23727548 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2013.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2012] [Revised: 04/25/2013] [Accepted: 05/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Steroids are important biodynamic agents. Their affinities for various nuclear receptors have been an interesting feature to utilize them for drug development particularly for receptor mediated diseases. Steroid biochemistry and its crucial role in human physiology, has attained importance among the researchers. Recent years have seen an extensive focus on modification of steroids. The rational modifications of perhydrocyclopentanophenanthrene nucleus of steroids have yielded several important anticancer lead molecules. Exemestane, SR16157, fulvestrant and 2-methoxyestradiol are some of the successful leads emerged on steroidal pharmacophores. The present review is an update on some of the steroidal leads obtained during past 25 years. Various steroid based enzyme inhibitors, antiestrogens, cytotoxic conjugates and steroidal cytotoxic molecules of natural as well as synthetic origin have been highlighted. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Synthesis and biological testing of steroid derivatives as inhibitors".
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul Gupta
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CSIR-CIMAP), Kukrail Picnic Spot Road, Lucknow 226015, U.P., India
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Roy J, Lefebvre J, Maltais R, Poirier D. Inhibition of dehydroepiandosterone sulfate action in androgen-sensitive tissues by EM-1913, an inhibitor of steroid sulfatase. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 376:148-55. [PMID: 23806558 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Revised: 05/09/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Steroid sulfatase (STS) plays an important role in the formation of estrogens and androgens by allowing the conversion of inactive circulating sulfated steroids into active hormones. These steroids support the development and growth of a number of hormone-dependent cancers, including prostate cancer. Here, we tested a non-estrogenic and non-androgenic inhibitor of steroid STS, namely EM-1913, with special attention to its potential use in the treatment of prostate cancer. After determining the required dosage of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) needed to stimulate the ventral prostate and seminal vesicles in castrated rats, we measured that EM-1913 partially (26%) and almost entirely blocked (81%) the stimulating effect of DHEAS on ventral prostates and seminal vesicles, respectively. In addition, the homogenization of these two tissues allowed us to confirm that they were completely deprived of STS activity following a treatment with EM-1913. This effect is also reflected in blood, since the plasma level of DHEAS was increased in animals treated with EM-1913, whereas the levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), two DHEAS metabolites, meanwhile decreased. From these results, we concluded that STS inhibitor EM-1913 is a good candidate for additional preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Roy
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, CHU de Québec - Research Center Endocrinology and Nephrology Unit and Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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Brasseur K, Leblanc V, Fabi F, Parent S, Descôteaux C, Bérubé G, Asselin E. ERα-targeted therapy in ovarian cancer cells by a novel estradiol-platinum(II) hybrid. Endocrinology 2013; 154:2281-95. [PMID: 23677930 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-1083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
As we previously showed, we have synthesized a new family of 17β-estradiol-platinum(II) hybrids. Earlier studies revealed the VP-128 hybrid to show high efficiency compared with cisplatin toward hormone-dependent breast cancer cells. In the present research, we have studied the antitumor activity of VP-128 in vitro and in vivo against ovarian cancer. In nude mice with ovarian xenografts, VP-128 displayed selective activity toward hormone-dependent tumors and showed higher efficiency than cisplatin to inhibit tumor growth. Similarly, in vitro, transient transfection of estrogen receptor (ER)-α in ERα-negative A2780 cells increased their sensitivity to VP-128-induced apoptosis, confirming the selectivity of VP-128 toward hormone-dependent tumor cells. In agreement, Western blot analysis revealed that VP-128 induced higher caspase-9, caspase-3, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage compared with cisplatin. The activation of caspase-independent apoptosis was also observed in ERα-negative A2780 cells, in which VP-128 rapidly induced the translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor to the nucleus. Conversely, subcellular localization of apoptosis-inducing factor was not modified in ERα-positive Ovcar-3 cells. We also discovered that VP-128 induces autophagy in ovarian cancer cells because of the formation of acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs) and increase of Light Chain 3B-II protein responsible for the formation of autophagosomes; pathways related to autophagy (AKT and mammalian target of rapamycin) were also down-regulated, supporting this mechanism. Finally, the inhibition of autophagy using chloroquine increased VP-128 efficiency, indicating a possible combination therapy. Altogether these results highlight the beneficial value of VP-128 for the treatment of hormone-dependent ovarian cancers and provide preliminary proof of concept for the efficient targeting of ERα- by 17β-estradiol-Pt(II)-linked chemotherapeutic hybrids in these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Brasseur
- Research Group in Molecular Oncology and Endocrinology, Department of Medical Biology, Canada Research Chair in Molecular Gyneco-Oncology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada G9A 5H7
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Morozkina SN, Nikol’skaya SK, Chentsova AS, Drozdov AS, Starova GL, Selivanov SI, Shavva AG. Ionic hydrogenation of estra-1,3,5(10),8,14-pentaenes. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2012. [DOI: 10.1134/s1070428012090175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Edwards DR, Wolfenden R. Proton-in-flight mechanism for the spontaneous hydrolysis of N-methyl O-phenyl sulfamate: implications for the design of steroid sulfatase inhibitors. J Org Chem 2012; 77:4450-3. [PMID: 22486328 DOI: 10.1021/jo300386u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The hydrolysis of N-methyl O-phenyl sulfamate (1) has been studied as a model for steroid sulfatase inhibitors such as Coumate, 667 Coumate, and EMATE. At neutral pH, simulating physiological conditions, hydrolysis of 1 involves an intramolecular proton transfer from nitrogen to the bridging oxygen atom of the leaving group. Remarkably, this proton transfer is estimated to accelerate the decomposition of 1 by a factor of 10(11). Examination of existing kinetic data reveals that the sulfatase PaAstA catalyzes the hydrolysis of sulfamate esters with catalytic rate accelerations of ~10(4), whereas the catalytic rate acceleration generated by the enzyme for its cognate substrate is on the order of ~10(15). Rate constants for hydrolysis of a wide range of sulfuryl esters, ArOSO(2)X(-), are shown to be correlated by a two-parameter equation based on pK(a)(ArOH) and pK(a)(ArOSO2XH).
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Edwards
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, USA
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Edwards DR, Lohman DC, Wolfenden R. Catalytic Proficiency: The Extreme Case of S–O Cleaving Sulfatases. J Am Chem Soc 2011; 134:525-31. [DOI: 10.1021/ja208827q] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David R. Edwards
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Danielle C. Lohman
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
| | - Richard Wolfenden
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599, United States
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Maltais R, Poirier D. Steroid sulfatase inhibitors: a review covering the promising 2000-2010 decade. Steroids 2011; 76:929-48. [PMID: 21458474 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2011.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2010] [Revised: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The steroid sulfatase (STS) plays a major role in the regulation of steroid hormone concentrations in several human tissues and target organs and therefore, represents an interesting target to regulate estrogen and androgen levels implicated in different diseases. In this review article, the emphasis is put on STS inhibitors reported in the fruitful 2000-2010 decade, which consolidated the first ones that were previously developed (1990-1999). The inhibitors reviewed are divided into four categories according to the fact that they are sulfamoylated or not or that they have a steroid nucleus or not. Other topics such as function, localization, structure and mechanism as well as applications of STS inhibitors are also briefly discussed to complement the information on this crucial steroidogenic enzyme and its inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- René Maltais
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, CHUQ (CHUL)-Research Center (Endocrinology and Genomic Unit) and Laval University (Faculty of Medicine), Québec, Canada
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28
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Suzuki T, Miki Y, Nakamura Y, Ito K, Sasano H. Steroid sulfatase and estrogen sulfotransferase in human carcinomas. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 340:148-53. [PMID: 21073915 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2009] [Revised: 10/06/2010] [Accepted: 11/01/2010] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Estrogens are closely involved in the development of hormone-dependent carcinomas. Estrone is locally produced from circulating inactive estrone sulfate by steroid sulfatase (STS), while estrone is inversely inactivated into estrone sulfate by estrogen sulfotransferase (EST). Recent studies suggested importance of this STS pathway in various human carcinomas. Therefore, in this review, we summarized recent results of STS and EST in several estrogen-dependent carcinomas. STS and EST expressions were detected in the breast and endometrial carcinomas, and activation of STS pathway due to increment in STS and/or decrement in EST expressions plays important role in their estrogen-dependent growth. STS expression was also reported in the ovarian and prostate carcinomas. STS/EST status was associated with intratumoral estrogen level in the colon carcinoma, and STS-negative/EST-positive colon carcinoma patients had longer survival. Therefore, STS pathway and estrogen actions may play an important role in the development of these carcinomas, and further investigations are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Pathology and Histotechnology, Tohoku University, Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai 980-8575, Japan.
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Endocrine disrupters—A threat to women's health? Maturitas 2011; 68:111-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.maturitas.2010.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2010] [Revised: 10/13/2010] [Accepted: 10/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Thomas JA, Bañez L, Freedland SJ. Editorial Comment. Urology 2010; 76:1040-1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.urology.2010.02.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2010] [Revised: 02/17/2010] [Accepted: 02/19/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Lin SX, Chen J, Mazumdar M, Poirier D, Wang C, Azzi A, Zhou M. Molecular therapy of breast cancer: progress and future directions. Nat Rev Endocrinol 2010; 6:485-93. [PMID: 20644568 DOI: 10.1038/nrendo.2010.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer is a major cause of death in Western women, with a 10% lifetime risk of the disease. Most breast cancers are estrogen-dependent. Molecular therapies for breast cancer have developed rapidly in the past few decades and future treatment strategies are being investigated. The selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulator tamoxifen, which until now has served as a standard therapy, functions not only as an estrogen antagonist but also as an estrogen agonist in terms of bone maintenance. Aromatase inhibitors have performed well in international trials and have become a new standard therapy for estrogen-dependent breast cancer. The systematic study of estrogen activation pathways suggests that the enzymes steroid sulfatase and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1, which both have pivotal roles in estrogen biosynthesis, are promising targets; the results of a phase I trial of steroid sulfatase inhibitors are encouraging. The activity of the human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) pathway correlates negatively with that of the ER. HER2 is overexpressed in 22% of all breast cancers. In the decade since HER2 began being targeted, the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab has been used as well as pertuzumab and HER2 vaccines. Among the estrogen-independent breast cancers, the basal-like subtype has low survival, and therapeutic improvement is a priority. Crosstalk between ER and HER2 signaling pathways means that combinatory therapies may hold the key to enhancement of treatment responses. Other molecular therapies involving functional genomics and RNA interference studies also hold promise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng-Xiang Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Oncology, CHUL (CHUQ) Research Center and Laval University, 2705 Boulevard Laurier, QC G1V 4G2, Canada.
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Haynes BP, Straume AH, Geisler J, A'Hern R, Helle H, Smith IE, Lønning PE, Dowsett M. Intratumoral Estrogen Disposition in Breast Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2010; 16:1790-801. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-2481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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New variant of the synthesis of D-homo-6-oxa-8α-analogs of steroid estrogens containing a β-methyl group at C-7. Chem Heterocycl Compd (N Y) 2009. [DOI: 10.1007/s10593-009-0394-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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