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Amano N, Narumi S, Aizu K, Miyazawa M, Okamura K, Ohashi H, Katsumata N, Ishii T, Hasegawa T. Single-Exon Deletions of ZNRF3 Exon 2 Cause Congenital Adrenal Hypoplasia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:641-648. [PMID: 37878959 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad627] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is a life-threatening condition characterized by the inability of the adrenal cortex to produce sufficient steroid hormones. E3 ubiquitin protein ligase zinc and ring finger 3 (ZNRF3) is a negative regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. R-spondin 1 (RSPO1) enhances Wnt/β-catenin signaling via binding and removal of ZNRF3 from the cell surface. OBJECTIVE This work aimed to explore a novel genetic form of PAI. METHODS We analyzed 9 patients with childhood-onset PAI of biochemically and genetically unknown etiology using array comparative genomic hybridization. To examine the functionality of the identified single-exon deletions of ZNRF3 exon 2, we performed three-dimensional (3D) structure modeling and in vitro functional studies. RESULTS We identified various-sized single-exon deletions encompassing ZNRF3 exon 2 in 3 patients who showed neonatal-onset adrenal hypoplasia with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiencies. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that the 3 distinct single-exon deletions were commonly transcribed into a 126-nucleotide deleted mRNA and translated into 42-amino acid deleted protein (ΔEx2-ZNRF3). Based on 3D structure modeling, we predicted that interaction between ZNRF3 and RSPO1 would be disturbed in ΔEx2-ZNRF3, suggesting loss of RSPO1-dependent activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Cell-based functional assays with the TCF-LEF reporter showed that RSPO1-dependent activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling was attenuated in cells expressing ΔEx2-ZNRF3 as compared with those expressing wild-type ZNRF3. CONCLUSION We provided genetic evidence linking deletions encompassing ZNRF3 exon 2 and congenital adrenal hypoplasia, which might be related to constitutive inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by ΔEx2-ZNRF3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Amano
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Saitama City Hospital, Saitama, 336-8522, Japan
| | - Satoshi Narumi
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Katsuya Aizu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, 330-8777, Japan
| | - Mari Miyazawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Kochi Health Sciences Center, Kochi, 781-8555, Japan
| | - Kohji Okamura
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Ohashi
- Division of Medical Genetics, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, 330-8777, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Katsumata
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ishii
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tomonobu Hasegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
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Song Y, Hu R, Li F, Huang Y, Liu Z, Geng Y, Ding J, Ma W, Song K, Dong H, Zhang M. In view of ovarian steroidogenesis and luteal construction to explore the effects of Bushen Huoxue recipe in mice of ovarian hyperstimulation. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:116913. [PMID: 37479069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Bushen Huoxue recipe (BSHXR) is a widely used prescription medicine for treating gynecological diseases. We have previously found that BSHXR can improve the pregnancy outcome of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation (COH) mice by modulating the abnormal high level of progesterone. While the pharmacological mechanism of such therapeutic effect is not clear. AIM OF THE STUDY We aimed to investigate the effects of BSHXR on the ovarian steroidogenesis and luteal function in mice undergoing COH. MATERIALS AND METHODS A COH mouse model was established via an intraperitoneal injection of 0.4 IU/g pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG) and 1 IU/g human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). The histological features of ovaries were observed using hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expression levels of FSHR, LHCGR, and key molecules in ovarian steroidogenesis, including CYP11A1, CYP17A1, CYP19A1, HSD3B1, and StAR, were examined via immunohistochemical staining, western blotting, and RT-qPCR. CD31, VEGFA, and FGF2 levels were assessed to evaluate ovarian vascularization. The protein and mRNA levels of ovarian ERK1/2, p-ERK1/2, MEK1/2, and p-MEK1/2 were also detected using western blotting, RT-qPCR, or immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS COH mice had a significantly increased volume and weight of the ovary and number of corpora lutea. In particular, COH exhibited a long-term influence on ovarian FSHR and LHCGR expression, disrupting the levels of CYP11A1, HSD3B1, and CYP17A1, causing poorer luteal angiogenesis. Compared with normal mice, the expression levels of ovarian VEGFA and FGF2 in COH mice were considerably lower on Day 1 after PMSG. On concomitant HCG treatment, both VEGFA and FGF2 expression surged dramatically on ED1 and then declined on ED4 and ED8. Moreover, the expression pattern of MEK1/2-ERK1/2 was almost consistent with that of VEGFA and FGF2. After treatment, BSHXR increased ovarian LHCGR, FSHR, CYP11A1, HSD3B1, and CYP17A1 levels, boosted luteal vascularization, and restored MEK1/2-ERK1/2 signaling in COH mice. CONCLUSION BSHXR restored the abnormally high progesterone level by regulating the CYP11A1 and HSD3B1 expression as well as promoted luteal angiogenesis, which was related with LHCGR-MEK1/2-ERK1/2-VEGFA/FGF2 signaling pathway in the ovary. This effect prevented the fluctuation of sex hormones in COH mice and benefited the outcome of pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufan Song
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
| | - Runan Hu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
| | - Fan Li
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
| | - Yanjing Huang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
| | - Zhuo Liu
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
| | - Yuli Geng
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
| | - Jiahui Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Wenwen Ma
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
| | - Kunkun Song
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
| | - Haoxu Dong
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
| | - Mingmin Zhang
- Institute of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China.
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Duan Y, Zheng W, Xia Y, Zhang H, Liang L, Wang R, Yang Y, Zhang K, Lu D, Sun Y, Han L, Yu Y, Gu X, Sun Y, Xiao B, Qiu W. Genetic and phenotypic spectrum of non-21-hydroxylase-deficiency primary adrenal insufficiency in childhood: data from 111 Chinese patients. J Med Genet 2023; 61:27-35. [PMID: 37586839 DOI: 10.1136/jmg-2022-108952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is a rare but life-threatening condition. Differential diagnosis of numerous causes of PAI requires a thorough understanding of the condition. METHODS To describe the genetic composition and presentations of PAI. The following data were collected retrospectively from 111 patients with non-21OHD with defined genetic diagnoses: demographic information, onset age, clinical manifestations, laboratory findings and genetic results. Patients were divided into four groups based on the underlying pathogenesis: (1) impaired steroidogenesis, (2) adrenal hypoplasia, (3) resistance to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and (4) adrenal destruction. The age of onset was compared within the groups. RESULTS Mutations in the following genes were identified: NR0B1 (n=39), STAR (n=33), CYP11B1 (n=12), ABCD1 (n=8), CYP17A1 (n=5), HSD3B2 (n=4), POR (n=4), MRAP (n=2), MC2R (n=1), CYP11A1 (n=1), LIPA (n=1) and SAMD9 (n=1). Frequent clinical manifestations included hyperpigmentation (73.0%), dehydration (49.5%), vomiting (37.8%) and abnormal external genitalia (23.4%). Patients with adrenal hypoplasia typically presented manifestations earlier than those with adrenal destruction but later than those with impaired steroidogenesis (both p<0.01). The elevated ACTH (92.6%) and decreased cortisol (73.5%) were the most common laboratory findings. We generated a differential diagnosis flowchart for PAI using the following clinical features: 17-hydroxyprogesterone, very-long-chain fatty acid, external genitalia, hypertension and skeletal malformation. This flowchart identified 84.8% of patients with PAI before next-generation DNA sequencing. CONCLUSIONS STAR and NR0B1 were the most frequently mutated genes in patients with non-21OHD PAI. Age of onset and clinical characteristics were dependent on aetiology. Combining clinical features and molecular tests facilitates accurate diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Duan
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Yangpu, Shanghai, China
| | - Wanqi Zheng
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Yangpu, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Yangpu, Shanghai, China
| | - Huiwen Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Yangpu, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Liang
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Yangpu, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruifang Wang
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Yangpu, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Yangpu, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaichuang Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Yangpu, Shanghai, China
| | - Deyun Lu
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Yangpu, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuning Sun
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Yangpu, Shanghai, China
| | - Lianshu Han
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Yangpu, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongguo Yu
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Clinical Genetics Center, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Yangpu, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuefan Gu
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Yangpu, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Clinical Genetics Center, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Yangpu, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Xiao
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Clinical Genetics Center, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Yangpu, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjuan Qiu
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology and Genetic Metabolism, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Yangpu, Shanghai, China
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Rawan AF, Langar H, Munetomo M, Yamamoto Y, Kawano K, Kimura K. Effects of insulin-like growth factor-1 on the mRNA expression of estradiol receptors, steroidogenic enzymes, and steroid production in bovine follicles. J Reprod Dev 2023; 69:337-346. [PMID: 37940556 PMCID: PMC10721850 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.2023-047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) plays a crucial role in follicular growth and stimulates steroid hormone production in bovine follicles. Steroid hormones are synthesized through the actions of steroidogenic enzymes, specifically STAR, CYP11A1, HSD3B, and CYP19A1 in both theca cells (TCs) and granulosa cells (GCs), under the influence of gonadotropins. Particularly, estradiol 17β (E2) assumes a central role in follicular development and selection by activating estrogen receptors β (ESR2) in GCs. We assessed ESR2 mRNA expression in GCs of developing follicles and investigated the impact of IGF-1 on the mRNA expression of ESR2, CYP19A1, FSHR, and LHCGR, STAR, CYP11A1, and HSD17B in cultured GCs and TCs, respectively. Additionally, we assessed the influence of IGF-1 on androstenedione (A4), progesterone (P4), and testosterone (T) production in TCs. Small-sized follicles (< 6 mm) exhibited the highest levels of ESR2 mRNA expression, whereas medium-sized follicles (7-8 mm) displayed higher levels than large-sized follicles (≥ 9 mm) (P < 0.05). IGF-1 increased the mRNA expression of ESR2, CYP19A1, and FSHR in GCs of follicles of both sizes, except for FSHR mRNA in medium-sized follicles (P < 0.05). IGF-1 significantly elevated mRNA expression of LHCGR, STAR, CYP11A1, and CYP17B in TCs of small- and medium-sized follicles (P < 0.05). Moreover, IGF-1 augmented the production of A4 and P4 but had no impact on T production in TCs of small- and medium-sized follicles. Taken together, our findings indicate that IGF-1 upregulates steroidogenic enzymes and steroid hormone production, underscoring the crucial role of IGF-1 in follicle development and selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Farid Rawan
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
- Pre-Clinic Department, Veterinary Science Faculty, Nangarhar University, 2603, Afghanistan
| | - Hikmatullah Langar
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Maho Munetomo
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Yuki Yamamoto
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
- Laboratory of Veterinary Physiology, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, Tokyo 183-0054, Japan
| | - Kohei Kawano
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
| | - Koji Kimura
- Laboratory of Reproductive Physiology, Faculty of Environmental, Life, Natural Science and Technology, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8530, Japan
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Peixoto PM, Bromfield JJ, Ribeiro ES, Santos JEP, Thatcher WW, Bisinotto RS. Transcriptome changes associated with elongation of bovine conceptuses I: Differentially expressed transcripts in the conceptus on day 17 after insemination. J Dairy Sci 2023; 106:9745-9762. [PMID: 37641295 DOI: 10.3168/jds.2023-23398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The objective was to characterize transcriptome changes associated with elongation in bovine conceptuses during preimplantation stages. Nonlactating Holstein cows were euthanized 17 d after artificial insemination (AI) and the uterine horn ipsilateral to the CL was flushed with saline solution. Recovered conceptuses were classified as small (1.2 to 6.9 cm; n = 9), medium (10.5 to 16.0 cm; n = 9), or large (18.0 to 26.4 cm; n = 10). Total mRNA was extracted and subjected to transcriptome analyses using the Affymetrix Gene Chip Bovine array. Data were normalized using the GCRMA method and analyzed by robust regression using the Linear Models for Microarray library within Bioconductor in R. Transcripts with P ≤ 0.05 after adjustment for false discovery rate and fold change ≥1.5 were considered differentially expressed. Functional analyses were conducted using the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis platform. Comparisons between large versus small (LvsS), large versus medium (LvsM), and medium versus small (MvsS) conceptuses yielded a total of 634, 240, and 63 differentially expressed transcripts, respectively. Top canonical pathways of known involvement with embryo growth that were upregulated in large conceptuses included actin cytoskeleton (LvsS), integrin signaling (LvsS and LvsM), ephrin receptor (LvsS), mesenchymal transition by growth factor (LvsM), and regulation of calpain protease (LvsS). Transcripts involved with lipid metabolism pathways (LXR/RXR, FXR/RXR, hepatic fibrosis) were associated with the LvsS and LvsM, and some transcripts such as APOC2, APOH, APOM, RARA, RBP4, and PPARGC1A, were involved in these pathways. An overall network summary associated biological downstream effects of invasion of cells, proliferation of embryonic cells, and inhibition of organismal death in the LvsS. In conclusion, differently expressed transcripts in the LvsS comparison were associated with the cell growth, adhesion, and organismal development, although part of these findings could be attributed to differences in circulatory concentrations of progesterone of the cows that bore large and small conceptuses. The large and medium conceptuses developed under similar concentrations of progesterone and presented 240 differently expressed transcripts, associated with cell differentiation, metabolite regulation, and other biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Peixoto
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - J J Bromfield
- Department of Animal Sciences, D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608
| | - E S Ribeiro
- Department of Animal Biosciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - J E P Santos
- Department of Animal Sciences, D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608
| | - W W Thatcher
- Department of Animal Sciences, D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608
| | - R S Bisinotto
- Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences, D. H. Barron Reproductive and Perinatal Biology Research Program, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610.
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Azhar S, Shen WJ, Hu Z, Kraemer FB. MicroRNA regulation of adrenal glucocorticoid and androgen biosynthesis. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 124:1-37. [PMID: 38408797 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Steroid hormones are derived from a common precursor molecule, cholesterol, and regulate a wide range of physiologic function including reproduction, salt balance, maintenance of secondary sexual characteristics, response to stress, neuronal function, and various metabolic processes. Among the steroids synthesized by the adrenal and gonadal tissues, adrenal mineralocorticoids, and glucocorticoids are essential for life. The process of steroidogenesis is regulated at multiple levels largely by transcriptional, posttranscriptional, translational, and posttranslational regulation of the steroidogenic enzymes (i.e., cytochrome P450s and hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases), cellular compartmentalization of the steroidogenic enzymes, and cholesterol processing and transport proteins. In recent years, small noncoding RNAs, termed microRNAs (miRNAs) have been recognized as major post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression with essential roles in numerous biological processes and disease pathologies. Although their role in the regulation of steroidogenesis is still emerging, several recent studies have contributed significantly to our understanding of the role miRNAs play in the regulation of the steroidogenic process. This chapter focuses on the recent developments in miRNA regulation of adrenal glucocorticoid and androgen production in humans and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salman Azhar
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States; Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology and Metabolism, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford, CA, United States.
| | - Wen-Jun Shen
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States; Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology and Metabolism, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Zhigang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Molecular and Medical Biotechnology and College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, P.R. China
| | - Fredric B Kraemer
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, CA, United States; Division of Endocrinology, Gerontology and Metabolism, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States; Stanford Diabetes Research Center, Stanford, CA, United States
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Rashid R, Tripathi R, Singh A, Sarkar S, Kawale A, Bader GN, Gupta S, Gupta RK, Jha RK. Naringenin improves ovarian health by reducing the serum androgen and eliminating follicular cysts in letrozole-induced polycystic ovary syndrome in the Sprague Dawley rats. Phytother Res 2023; 37:4018-4041. [PMID: 37165686 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is most common in women of reproductive age, giving rise to androgen excess and anovulation, leading to infertility and non-reproductive complications. We explored the ameliorating effect of naringenin in PCOS using the Sprague Dawley (SD) rat model and human granulosa cells. Letrozole-induced PCOS rats were given either naringenin (50 mg/kg/day) alone or in combination with metformin (300 mg/kg/day), followed by the estrous cycle, hormonal analysis, and glucose sensitivity test. To evaluate the effect of naringenin on granulosa cell (hGC) steroidogenesis, we treated cells with naringenin (2.5 μM) alone or in combination with metformin (1 mM) in the presence of forskolin (10 μM). To determine the steroidogenesis of CYP-17A1, -19A1, and 3βHSD2, the protein expression levels were examined. Treatment with naringenin in the PCOS animal groups increased ovulation potential and decreased cystic follicles and levels of androgens. The expression levels of CYP-17A1, -19A1, and 3βHSD2, were seen restored in the ovary of PCOS SD rats' model and in the human ovarian cells in response to the naringenin. We found an increased expression level of phosphorylated-AKT in the ovary and hGCs by naringenin. Naringenin improves ovulation and suppress androgens and cystic follicles, involving AKT activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rumaisa Rashid
- Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Rupal Tripathi
- Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Akanksha Singh
- Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Sudarsan Sarkar
- Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Ajaykumar Kawale
- Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - G N Bader
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Satish Gupta
- Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar Gupta
- Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar Jha
- Endocrinology Division, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
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Holterhus PM, Kulle A, Busch H, Spielmann M. Classic genetic and hormonal switches during fetal sex development and beyond. MED GENET-BERLIN 2023; 35:163-171. [PMID: 38840820 PMCID: PMC10842585 DOI: 10.1515/medgen-2023-2036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
Critical genetic and hormonal switches characterize fetal sex development in humans. They are decisive for gonadal sex determination and subsequent differentiation of the genital and somatic sex phenotype. Only at the first glace these switches seem to behave like the dual 0 and 1 system in computer sciences and lead invariably to either typically male or female phenotypes. More recent data indicate that this model is insufficient. In addition, in case of distinct mutations, many of these switches may act variably, causing a functional continuum of alterations of gene functions and -dosages, enzymatic activities, sex hormone levels, and sex hormone sensitivity, giving rise to a broad clinical spectrum of biological differences of sex development (DSD) and potentially diversity of genital and somatic sex phenotypes. The gonadal anlage is initially a bipotential organ that can develop either into a testis or an ovary. Sex-determining region Y (SRY) is the most important upstream switch of gonadal sex determination inducing SOX9 further downstream, leading to testicular Sertoli cell differentiation and the repression of ovarian pathways. If SRY is absent (virtually "switched off"), e. g., in 46,XX females, RSPO1, WNT4, FOXL2, and other factors repress the male pathway and promote ovarian development. Testosterone and its more potent derivative, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as well as AMH, are the most important upstream hormonal switches in phenotypic sex differentiation. Masculinization of the genitalia, i. e., external genital midline fusion forming the scrotum, growth of the genital tubercle, and Wolffian duct development, occurs in response to testosterone synthesized by steroidogenic cells in the testis. Müllerian ducts will not develop into a uterus and fallopian tubes in males due to Anti-Müllerian-Hormone (AMH) produced by the Sertoli cells. The functionality of these two hormone-dependent switches is ensured by their corresponding receptors, the intracellular androgen receptor (AR) and the transmembrane AMH type II receptor. The absence of high testosterone and high AMH is crucial for anatomically female genital development during fetal life. Recent technological advances, including single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, will likely shed more light on the nature of these molecular switches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul-Martin Holterhus
- Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel (CAU)Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics IKielGermany
| | - Alexandra Kulle
- Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel (CAU)Pediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Pediatrics IKielGermany
| | - Hauke Busch
- University of LübeckMedical Systems Biology Group, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology (LIED)Ratzeburger Allee 16023562LübeckGermany
| | - Malte Spielmann
- University of LübeckInstitute of Human GeneticsLübeckGermany
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9
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Bakkar AA, Alsaedi A, Kamal NM, Althobaiti E, Aboulkhair LA, Almalki AM, Alsalmi SA, Alharthi Q, Abosabie SA, Abosabie SAS. Lipoid Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia With a Novel StAR Gene Mutation. Clin Med Insights Endocrinol Diabetes 2023; 16:11795514231167059. [PMID: 37255966 PMCID: PMC10226314 DOI: 10.1177/11795514231167059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LCAH) is characterized by disturbance of adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis (OMIM:201710). It is caused by mutation in the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR). We report a classic case of LCAH in a neonate (46, XY) with phenotypic female genitalia who presented with significant salt loss with a novel homozygous variant mutation c.745-1G>C p. in StAR gene.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Naglaa M Kamal
- Kasr Alainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo
University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sara A Abosabie
- Faculty of Medicine, Charité –
Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Salma AS Abosabie
- Faculty of Medicine,
Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg, Bavaria, Germany
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10
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Kim SH, Son GH, Seok JY, Chun SK, Yun H, Jang J, Suh YG, Kim K, Jung JW, Chung S. Identification of a novel class of cortisol biosynthesis inhibitors and its implications in a therapeutic strategy for hypercortisolism. Life Sci 2023; 325:121744. [PMID: 37127185 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Dysregulation of adrenocortical steroid (corticosteroids) biosynthesis leads to pathological conditions such as Cushing's syndrome. Although several classes of steroid biosynthesis inhibitors have been developed to treat cortisol overproduction, limitations such as insufficient efficacy, adverse effects, and/or tolerability still remain. The present study aimed to develop a new class of small molecules that inhibit cortisol production, and investigated their putative modes of action. MAIN METHODS We screened an in-house chemical library with drug-like chemical scaffolds using human adrenocortical NCI-H295R cells. We then evaluated and validated the effects of the selected compounds at multiple regulatory steps of the adrenal steroidogenic pathway. Finally, genome-wide RNA expression analysis coupled with gene enrichment analysis was conducted to infer possible action mechanisms. KEY FINDINGS A subset of benzimidazolylurea derivatives, including a representative compound (designated as CJ28), inhibited both basal and stimulated production of cortisol and related intermediate steroids. CJ28 attenuated the mRNA expression of multiple genes involved in steroidogenesis and cholesterol biosynthesis. Furthermore, CJ28 significantly attenuated de novo cholesterol biosynthesis, which contributed to its suppression of cortisol production. SIGNIFICANCE We identified a novel chemical scaffold that exerts inhibitory effects on cortisol and cholesterol biosynthesis via coordinated transcriptional silencing of gene expression networks. Our findings also reveal an additional adrenal-directed pharmacological strategy for hypercortisolism involving a combination of inhibitors targeting steroidogenesis and de novo cholesterol biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Hyun Kim
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Scranton College, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Hoon Son
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Legal Medicine, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Young Seok
- College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Kook Chun
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Hwayoung Yun
- College of Pharmacy, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaebong Jang
- College of Pharmacy, Korea University, Sejong 30019, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ger Suh
- College of Pharmacy, CHA University, Pocheon 11160, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungjin Kim
- Department of Brain Sciences, Daegu-Gyeongbuk Institute of Science & Technology (DGIST), Daegu 42988, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Wha Jung
- College of Pharmacy, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41566, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sooyoung Chung
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Scranton College, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Republic of Korea.
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11
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Mohammed HA, Kamoona HR, Mahmood Khudhur A. Histological study and immunohistochemical expression of StAR protein in the suprarenal cortex of adult male rats associated with sleep disturbance. BIONATURA 2023. [DOI: 10.21931/rb/2023.08.01.60] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study was designed to investigate the effects of sleep disturbance on histological features and evaluates the expression of StAR protein in the cortex of the adrenal gland of adult male rats. The suprarenal glands are endocrine organs that are directly affected by sleep deprivation. Sleep disturbance is a stress factor affecting steroidogenesis since it is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA). Its hormones are cholesterol-derived, and they use the Acut regulating protein of steroidogenesis StAR protein that plays an essential critical role in mediating cholesterol transfer to the inner mitochondrial membrane and the cholesterol side chain cleavage enzyme system. This research aims to investigate the effects of sleep disturbance (sleep disruption and deprivation) on the histological features and changes in StAR expression in the cortex of the adrenal glands of rats. Comparing experimental groups to controls, histological alterations such as cellular hypertrophy and vascular dilatation in the cortical zones of the adrenal cortex were found mainly in the Zona fasculata Zf. Immunohistochemistry was used to identify significant changes in the level of StAR, which showed a higher value in the sleep interruption group compared to the control and sleep deprivation groups at p-value ≤ 0.001. This indicates that sleep interruption has a more significant impact on steroidogenesis than sleep deprivation, which increases the level of StAR in the suprarenal gland.
Keywords: suprarenal gland; sleep disturbance; StAR protein; steroidogenesis; circadian rhythms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ahmed Mahmood Khudhur
- Computer Engineering Department, Bilad Alrafidain University College, 32001, Diyala, Iraq
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12
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Basque A, Touaibia M, Martin LJ. Sinapic and ferulic acid phenethyl esters increase the expression of steroidogenic genes in MA-10 tumor Leydig cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2023; 86:105505. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2022.105505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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13
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Miller WL, White PC. History of Adrenal Research: From Ancient Anatomy to Contemporary Molecular Biology. Endocr Rev 2023; 44:70-116. [PMID: 35947694 PMCID: PMC9835964 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnac019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The adrenal is a small, anatomically unimposing structure that escaped scientific notice until 1564 and whose existence was doubted by many until the 18th century. Adrenal functions were inferred from the adrenal insufficiency syndrome described by Addison and from the obesity and virilization that accompanied many adrenal malignancies, but early physiologists sometimes confused the roles of the cortex and medulla. Medullary epinephrine was the first hormone to be isolated (in 1901), and numerous cortical steroids were isolated between 1930 and 1949. The treatment of arthritis, Addison's disease, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) with cortisone in the 1950s revolutionized clinical endocrinology and steroid research. Cases of CAH had been reported in the 19th century, but a defect in 21-hydroxylation in CAH was not identified until 1957. Other forms of CAH, including deficiencies of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 11β-hydroxylase, and 17α-hydroxylase were defined hormonally in the 1960s. Cytochrome P450 enzymes were described in 1962-1964, and steroid 21-hydroxylation was the first biosynthetic activity associated with a P450. Understanding of the genetic and biochemical bases of these disorders advanced rapidly from 1984 to 2004. The cloning of genes for steroidogenic enzymes and related factors revealed many mutations causing known diseases and facilitated the discovery of new disorders. Genetics and cell biology have replaced steroid chemistry as the key disciplines for understanding and teaching steroidogenesis and its disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walter L Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Reproductive Sciences, and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Perrin C White
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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14
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Carrageta DF, Guerra-Carvalho B, Spadella MA, Yeste M, Oliveira PF, Alves MG. Animal models of male reproductive ageing to study testosterone production and spermatogenesis. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2022; 23:1341-1360. [PMID: 35604584 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-022-09726-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Ageing is the time-dependent gradual decline of the functional characteristics in an organism. It has been shown that it results in the loss of reproductive health and fertility. The age-dependent decline of fertility is a potential issue as the parenthood age is increasing in Western countries, mostly due to socioeconomic factors. In comparison to women, for whom the consequences of ageing are well documented and general awareness of the population is extensively raised, the effects of ageing for male fertility and the consequences of advanced paternal age for the offspring have not been widely studied. Studies with humans are welcome but it is hard to implement relevant experimental approaches to unveil the molecular mechanisms by which ageing affects male reproductive potential. Animal models have thus been extensively used. These models are advantageous due to their reduced costs, general easy maintenance in laboratory facilities, rigorous manipulation tools, short lifespan, known genetic backgrounds, and reduced ethical constraints. Herein, we discuss animal models for the study of male reproductive ageing. The most well-known and studied reproductive ageing models are rodents and non-human primates. The data collected from these models, particularly studies on testicular ageing, steroidogenesis, and genetic and epigenetic changes in spermatogenesis are detailed. Notably, some species challenge the currently accepted ageing theories and the concept of senescence itself, which renders them interesting animal models for the study of male reproductive ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- David F Carrageta
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Guerra-Carvalho
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Department of Chemistry, QOPNA & LAQV, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Calçada Martim de Freitas, 3000-456, Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Marc Yeste
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain
| | - Pedro F Oliveira
- Department of Chemistry, QOPNA & LAQV, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Marco G Alves
- Clinical and Experimental Endocrinology, UMIB - Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine, ICBAS - School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313, Porto, Portugal.
- Laboratory for Integrative and Translational Research in Population Health (ITR), University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
- Biotechnology of Animal and Human Reproduction (TechnoSperm), Institute of Food and Agricultural Technology, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.
- Unit of Cell Biology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Girona, ES-17003, Girona, Spain.
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15
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Mukherjee T, Subedi B, Khosla A, Begler EM, Stephens PM, Warner AL, Lerma-Reyes R, Thompson KA, Gunewardena S, Schrick K. The START domain mediates Arabidopsis GLABRA2 dimerization and turnover independently of homeodomain DNA binding. PLANT PHYSIOLOGY 2022; 190:2315-2334. [PMID: 35984304 PMCID: PMC9706451 DOI: 10.1093/plphys/kiac383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Class IV homeodomain leucine-zipper transcription factors (HD-Zip IV TFs) are key regulators of epidermal differentiation that are characterized by a DNA-binding HD in conjunction with a lipid-binding domain termed steroidogenic acute regulatory-related lipid transfer (START). Previous work established that the START domain of GLABRA2 (GL2), a HD-Zip IV member from Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), is required for TF activity. Here, we addressed the functions and possible interactions of START and the HD in DNA binding, dimerization, and protein turnover. Deletion analysis of the HD and missense mutations of a conserved lysine (K146) resulted in phenotypic defects in leaf trichomes, root hairs, and seed mucilage, similar to those observed for START domain mutants, despite nuclear localization of the respective proteins. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that while HD mutations impair binding to target DNA, the START domain is dispensable for DNA binding. Vice versa, protein interaction assays revealed impaired GL2 dimerization for multiple alleles of START mutants, but not HD mutants. Using in vivo cycloheximide chase experiments, we provided evidence for the role of START, but not HD, in maintaining protein stability. This work advances our mechanistic understanding of HD-Zip TFs as multidomain regulators of epidermal development in plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thiya Mukherjee
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
- Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, Olivette, Missouri 63132, USA
| | - Bibek Subedi
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Aashima Khosla
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
- Department of Botany and Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside, California 92521, USA
| | - Erika M Begler
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Preston M Stephens
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Adara L Warner
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Ruben Lerma-Reyes
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
- Interdepartmental Genetics, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Kyle A Thompson
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
| | - Sumedha Gunewardena
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
| | - Kathrin Schrick
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, Kansas State University, Manhattan, Kansas 66506, USA
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16
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Role of STAR and SCP2/SCPx in the Transport of Cholesterol and Other Lipids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012115. [PMID: 36292972 PMCID: PMC9602805 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol is a lipid molecule essential for several key cellular processes including steroidogenesis. As such, the trafficking and distribution of cholesterol is tightly regulated by various pathways that include vesicular and non-vesicular mechanisms. One non-vesicular mechanism is the binding of cholesterol to cholesterol transport proteins, which facilitate the movement of cholesterol between cellular membranes. Classic examples of cholesterol transport proteins are the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR; STARD1), which facilitates cholesterol transport for acute steroidogenesis in mitochondria, and sterol carrier protein 2/sterol carrier protein-x (SCP2/SCPx), which are non-specific lipid transfer proteins involved in the transport and metabolism of many lipids including cholesterol between several cellular compartments. This review discusses the roles of STAR and SCP2/SCPx in cholesterol transport as model cholesterol transport proteins, as well as more recent findings that support the role of these proteins in the transport and/or metabolism of other lipids.
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17
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A Short Promoter Region Containing Conserved Regulatory Motifs Is Required for Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein ( Star) Gene Expression in the Mouse Testis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231912009. [PMID: 36233310 PMCID: PMC9569709 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231912009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the testis, Leydig cells produce steroid hormones that are needed to masculinize typical genetic males during fetal development and to initiate and maintain spermatogenesis at puberty and adulthood, respectively. Steroidogenesis is initiated by the transfer of cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane through the action of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR). Given its importance for the steroidogenic process, the regulation of STAR gene expression has been the subject of numerous studies. These studies have involved the characterization of key promoter sequences through the identification of relevant transcription factors and the nucleotide motifs (regulatory elements) that they bind. This work has traditionally relied on in vitro studies carried out in cell cultures along with reconstructed promoter sequences. While this approach has been useful for developing models of how a gene might be transcriptionally regulated, one must ultimately validate that these modes of regulation occur in an endogenous context. We have used CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing to modify a short region of the mouse Star promoter (containing a subset of regulatory elements, including conserved CRE, C/EBP, AP1, and GATA motifs) that has been proposed to be critical for Star transcription. Analysis of the resultant mutant mice showed that this short promoter region is indeed required for maximal STAR mRNA and protein levels in the testis. Analysis also showed that both basal and hormone-activated testosterone production in mature mice was unaffected despite significant changes in Star expression. Our results therefore provide the first in vivo validation of regulatory sequences required for Star gene expression.
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18
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Koganti PP, Zhao AH, Selvaraj V. Exogenous cholesterol acquisition signaling in LH-responsive MA-10 Leydig cells and in adult mice. J Endocrinol 2022; 254:187-199. [PMID: 35900012 PMCID: PMC9840751 DOI: 10.1530/joe-22-0043] [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: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
MA-10 cells, established 4 decades ago from a murine Leydig cell tumor, has served as a key model system for studying steroidogenesis. Despite a precipitous loss in their innate ability to respond to luteinizing hormone (LH), the use of a cell-permeable cAMP analog for induction ensured their continued use. In parallel, a paradigm that serum-free conditions are essential for trophic steroidogenic stimulation was rationalized. Through the selection of LH-responsive single-cell MA-10Slip clones, we uncovered that Leydig cells remain responsive in the presence of serum in vitro and that exogenous cholesterol delivery by lipoproteins provided a significantly elevated steroid biosynthetic response (>2-fold). In scrutinizing the underlying regulation, systems biology of the MA-10 cell proteome identified multiple Rho-GTPase signaling pathways as highly enriched. Testing Rho function in steroidogenesis revealed that its modulation can negate the specific elevation in steroid biosynthesis observed in the presence of lipoproteins/serum. This signaling modality primarily linked to the regulation of endocytic traffic is evident only in the presence of exogenous cholesterol. Inhibiting Rho function in vivo also decreased hCG-induced testosterone production in mice. Collectively, our findings dispel a long-held view that the use of serum could confound or interfere with trophic stimulation and underscore the need for exogenous lipoproteins when dissecting physiological signaling and cholesterol trafficking for steroid biosynthesis in vitro. The LH-responsive MA-10Slip clones derived in this study present a reformed platform enabling biomimicry to study the cellular and molecular basis of mammalian steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasanthi P. Koganti
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Amy H. Zhao
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
| | - Vimal Selvaraj
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA
- Correspondence should be addressed to: Vimal Selvaraj, Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853; ; Tel. 607-255-6138; Fax. 607-255-9829
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19
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Galano M, Papadopoulos V. Role of Constitutive STAR in Mitochondrial Structure and Function in MA-10 Leydig Cells. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6608928. [PMID: 35704520 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR; STARD1) is critical for the transport of cholesterol into the mitochondria for hormone-induced steroidogenesis. Steroidogenic cells express STAR under control conditions (constitutive STAR). On hormonal stimulation, STAR localizes to the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) where it facilitates cholesterol transport and where it is processed to its mature form. Here, we show that knockout of Star in MA-10 mouse tumor Leydig cells (STARKO1) causes defects in mitochondrial structure and function under basal conditions. We also show that overexpression of Star in STARKO1 cells exacerbates, rather than recovers, mitochondrial structure and function, which further disrupts the processing of STAR at the OMM. Our findings suggest that constitutive STAR is necessary for proper mitochondrial structure and function and that mitochondrial dysfunction leads to defective STAR processing at the OMM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Galano
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089, USA
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20
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The impact of perceived stress on the hair follicle: Towards solving a psychoneuroendocrine and neuroimmunological puzzle. Front Neuroendocrinol 2022; 66:101008. [PMID: 35660551 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2022.101008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
While popular belief harbors little doubt that perceived stress can cause hair loss and premature graying, the scientific evidence for this is arguably much thinner. Here, we investigate whether these phenomena are real, and show that the cyclic growth and pigmentation of the hair follicle (HF) provides a tractable model system for dissecting how perceived stress modulates aspects of human physiology. Local production of stress-associated neurohormones and neurotrophins coalesces with neurotransmitters and neuropeptides released from HF-associated sensory and autonomic nerve endings, forming a complex local stress-response system that regulates perifollicular neurogenic inflammation, interacts with the HF microbiome and controls mitochondrial function. This local system integrates into the central stress response systems, allowing the study of systemic stress responses affecting organ function by quantifying stress mediator content of hair. Focusing on selected mediators in this "brain-HF axis" under stress conditions, we distill general principles of HF dysfunction induced by perceived stress.
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21
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Clinicians recognize 21-hydroxylase deficiency as the most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), and many papers have been published on this condition. In contrast, much less awareness has been addressed to the other, rare forms of CAH. RECENT FINDINGS The second most common form of CAH varies with country and ethnic background. In Brazil, 17-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase deficiency is the second most common, whereas 11-hydroxylase deficiency is most common in the Middle East. In Japan and Korea, both congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia and P450-oxidoreductase deficiency are more common than in the rest of the world. Finally, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase deficiency is rare worldwide, but pockets of affected populations, such as the Amish in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania are found. The treatment of each form varies by both the nature of steroids produced in excess above the enzymatic block and the deficiencies of steroids other than cortisol past these blocks. SUMMARY This article summarizes the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of rare forms of CAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Auchus
- Departments of Pharmacology and Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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22
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Da Costa KDA, Malvezzi H, Dobo C, Neme RM, Filippi RZ, Aloia TPA, Prado ER, Meola J, Piccinato CDA. Site-Specific Regulation of Sulfatase and Aromatase Pathways for Estrogen Production in Endometriosis. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:854991. [PMID: 35591944 PMCID: PMC9110888 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.854991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a highly prevalent gynecological disease characterized by lesions in different sites. Regulation of specific estrogen pathways may favor the formation of distinct microenvironments and the progression of endometriosis. However, no study has simultaneously evaluated the gene and protein regulation of the main estrogen-synthesizing enzymes in endometriosis. Thus, our goals were to study the relationship between gene and protein expression of aromatase (CYP19A1 or ARO), steroid sulfatase (STS), and hydroxysteroid 17-beta dehydrogenase (HSD17B1) in superficial (SUP), ovarian (OMA), and deep infiltrating (DIE) endometriotic lesion sites as well as in the eutopic endometrium of patients with (EE) and without (control) endometriosis in the same and large cohort of patients. The site-specific expression of these enzymes within different cells (glandular and stromal components) was also explored. The study included 108 patients surgically diagnosed with endometriosis who provided biopsies of EE and endometriotic lesions and 16 disease-free patients who collected normal endometrium tissue. Our results showed that CYP19A1 was detected in all endometriosis tissues and was in higher levels than in control. Unique patterns of the STS and HSD17B1 levels showed that they were most closely regulated in all tissues, with manifestation at greater levels in DIE compared to the other endometriotic lesion sites, OMA and SUP. Gene and protein expression of ARO, STS, and HSD17B1 occurred at different rates in endometriotic sites or EE. The distinctive levels of these estrogen-synthesizing enzymes in each endometriotic site support the hypothesis of a tissue microenvironment that can both influence and be influenced by the expression of different estrogenic pathways, locally affecting the availability of estrogen needed for maintenance and progression of endometriotic lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Cristine Dobo
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rosa Maria Neme
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
- Centro de Endometriose São Paulo, Av. República Do Líbano, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renée Zon Filippi
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Juliana Meola
- Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Carla de Azevedo Piccinato
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Gynaecology & Obstetrics, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Carla de Azevedo Piccinato,
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Carr SN, Crites BR, Pate JL, Hughes CHK, Matthews JC, Bridges PJ. Form of Supplemental Selenium Affects the Expression of mRNA Transcripts Encoding Selenoproteins, and Proteins Regulating Cholesterol Uptake, in the Corpus Luteum of Grazing Beef Cows. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:313. [PMID: 35158637 PMCID: PMC8833813 DOI: 10.3390/ani12030313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Selenium (Se)-deficient soils necessitate supplementation of this mineral to the diet of forage-grazing cattle. Functionally, Se is incorporated into selenoproteins, some of which function as important antioxidants. We have previously shown that the source of supplemental Se; inorganic (sodium selenite or sodium selenate; ISe), organic (selenomethionine or selenocysteine; OSe) or 1:1 mix of ISe and OSe (MIX), provided to Angus-cross cows affects concentrations of progesterone (P4) during the early luteal phase of the estrous cycle. In this study, we sought to investigate (1) the effect of form of Se on the expression of mRNA encoding selenoproteins in the corpus luteum (CL), and (2) whether this previously reported MIX-induced increase in P4 is the result of increased luteal expression of key steroidogenic transcripts. Following a Se depletion and repletion regimen, 3-year-old, non-lactating, Angus- cross cows were supplemented with either ISe as the industry standard, or MIX for at least 90 days, with the CL then retrieved on Day 7 post-estrus. Half of each CL was used for analysis of targeted mRNA transcripts and the remainder was dissociated for culture with select agonists. The expression of three selenoprotein transcripts and one selenoprotein P receptor was increased (p < 0.05), with an additional five transcripts tending to be increased (p < 0.10), in cows supplemented with MIX versus ISe. In cultures of luteal cells, hCG-induced increases in P4 (p < 0.05) were observed in CL obtained from ISe-supplemented cows. The abundance of steroidogenic transcripts in the CL was not affected by the form of Se, however, the abundance of mRNA encoding 2 key transcripts regulating cholesterol availability (Ldlr and Hsl) was increased (p < 0.05) in MIX-supplemented cows. Overall, the form of Se provided to cows is reported to affect the expression of mRNA encoding several selenoproteins in the CL, and that the form of Se-induced effects on luteal production of P4 appears to be the result of changes in cholesterol availability rather than a direct effect on the expression of steroidogenic enzymes within the CL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah N. Carr
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (S.N.C.); (B.R.C.); (J.C.M.)
| | - Benjamin R. Crites
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (S.N.C.); (B.R.C.); (J.C.M.)
| | - Joy L. Pate
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (J.L.P.); (C.H.K.H.)
| | - Camilla H. K. Hughes
- Department of Animal Sciences, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA; (J.L.P.); (C.H.K.H.)
| | - James C. Matthews
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (S.N.C.); (B.R.C.); (J.C.M.)
| | - Phillip J. Bridges
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40546, USA; (S.N.C.); (B.R.C.); (J.C.M.)
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24
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Claahsen - van der Grinten HL, Speiser PW, Ahmed SF, Arlt W, Auchus RJ, Falhammar H, Flück CE, Guasti L, Huebner A, Kortmann BBM, Krone N, Merke DP, Miller WL, Nordenström A, Reisch N, Sandberg DE, Stikkelbroeck NMML, Touraine P, Utari A, Wudy SA, White PC. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia-Current Insights in Pathophysiology, Diagnostics, and Management. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:91-159. [PMID: 33961029 PMCID: PMC8755999 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a group of autosomal recessive disorders affecting cortisol biosynthesis. Reduced activity of an enzyme required for cortisol production leads to chronic overstimulation of the adrenal cortex and accumulation of precursors proximal to the blocked enzymatic step. The most common form of CAH is caused by steroid 21-hydroxylase deficiency due to mutations in CYP21A2. Since the last publication summarizing CAH in Endocrine Reviews in 2000, there have been numerous new developments. These include more detailed understanding of steroidogenic pathways, refinements in neonatal screening, improved diagnostic measurements utilizing chromatography and mass spectrometry coupled with steroid profiling, and improved genotyping methods. Clinical trials of alternative medications and modes of delivery have been recently completed or are under way. Genetic and cell-based treatments are being explored. A large body of data concerning long-term outcomes in patients affected by CAH, including psychosexual well-being, has been enhanced by the establishment of disease registries. This review provides the reader with current insights in CAH with special attention to these new developments.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Phyllis W Speiser
- Cohen Children’s Medical Center of NY, Feinstein Institute, Northwell Health, Zucker School of Medicine, New Hyde Park, NY 11040, USA
| | - S Faisal Ahmed
- Developmental Endocrinology Research Group, School of Medicine Dentistry & Nursing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Wiebke Arlt
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research (IMSR), College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Department of Endocrinology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, UK
| | - Richard J Auchus
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Departments of Internal Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Henrik Falhammar
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Intitutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Christa E Flück
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart’s and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Angela Huebner
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetology, Department of Paediatrics, Universitätsklinikum Dresden, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Barbara B M Kortmann
- Radboud University Medical Centre, Amalia Childrens Hospital, Department of Pediatric Urology, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nils Krone
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Deborah P Merke
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Walter L Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Reproductive Sciences, and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicole Reisch
- Medizinische Klinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - David E Sandberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Susan B. Meister Child Health Evaluation and Research Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Philippe Touraine
- Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Center for Rare Endocrine Diseases of Growth and Development, Center for Rare Gynecological Diseases, Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière, Sorbonne University Medicine, Paris, France
| | - Agustini Utari
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia
| | - Stefan A Wudy
- Steroid Research & Mass Spectrometry Unit, Laboratory of Translational Hormone Analytics, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology & Diabetology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - Perrin C White
- Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas TX 75390, USA
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25
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Jiang Y, Li S, Xu W, Ying J, Qu Y, Jiang X, Zhang A, Yue Y, Zhou R, Ruan T, Li J, Mu D. Critical Roles of the Circadian Transcription Factor BMAL1 in Reproductive Endocrinology and Fertility. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:818272. [PMID: 35311235 PMCID: PMC8924658 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.818272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain and muscle aryl-hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator like protein1 (BMAL1), a core component of circadian oscillation, is involved in many physiological activities. Increasing evidence has demonstrated the essential role of BMAL1 in reproductive physiology. For instance, BMAL1-knockout (KO) mice were infertile, with impaired reproductive organs and gametes. Additionally, in BMAL1-KO mice, hormone secretion and signaling of hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (H-P-G) hormones were also disrupted, indicating that H-P-G axis was impaired in BMAL1-KO mice. Moreover, both BMAL1-KO mice and BMAL1-knockdown by small interfering RNA (siRNA) in vitro cultured steroidogenic cells showed that BMAL1 was associated with gonadal steroidogenesis and expression of related genes. Importantly, BMAL1 also participates in pathogenesis of human reproductive diseases. In this review, we elaborate on the impaired reproduction of BMAL1-KO mice including the reproductive organs, reproductive endocrine hormones, and reproductive processes, highlighting the vital role of BMAL1 in fertility and reproductive endocrinology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Jiang
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiping Li
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wenming Xu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Regulation Laboratory, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Junjie Ying
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Qu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohui Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Andrology/Sichuan Human Sperm Bank, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ayuan Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Yue
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruixi Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tiechao Ruan
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhui Li
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Jinhui Li, ; Dezhi Mu,
| | - Dezhi Mu
- Department of Pediatrics, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Jinhui Li, ; Dezhi Mu,
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26
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Lanfranchi B, Rubia RF, Gassmann M, Schuler G, Kowalewski MP. Transcriptional regulation of HIF1α-mediated STAR expression in murine KK1 granulosa cell line involves cJUN, CREB and CBP-dependent pathways. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2022; 315:113923. [PMID: 34606743 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2021.113923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [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: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Gonadal function is connected to hypoxia, with hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) 1α, as a component of HIF1-complexes, regulating cellular adaptation to hypoxic conditions. In the ovary, it regulates follicular maturation, ovulation and luteal development. At the cellular level, HIF1-complexes coordinate the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), and thereby ovarian steroidogenesis. The functionality of STAR is associated with the cAMP/PKA-dependent pathways. In vitro, HIF1α is required for basal and cAMP-induced STAR expression, under ambient and reduced oxygen (O2) tension. Lowering O2 increases the responsiveness of the Star promoter towards cAMP and PKA mediates activation/phosphorylation (P) of several transcriptional factors, including cJUN and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), whose functionality is linked to HIF1 through utilization of CREB-binding protein (CBP). Since the mechanisms underlying HIF1α-dependent expression of STAR remain unknown, we investigated the involvement of HIF1α in CREB-, cJUN- and CBP-mediated expression of STAR using a well-characterized steroidogenic model, murine KK1 granulosa cells; ambient and lowered (10%) O2 were applied. Our main findings were that while functional suppression of the α-subunit of HIF1 lowered STAR/P-STAR and steroidogenic output from granulosa cells, surprisingly the levels of P-CREB and its transcriptional activity were strongly induced. However, its association with the Star promoter was decreased, indicating dissociation of P-CREB from the promoter. Further, suppression of HIF1 activity ultimately diminished the expression of cJUN/P-cJUN and CBP. Finally, the study suggests that HIF1-complex: (1) regulates cJUN expression in granulosa cells, (2) is involved in regulating the recruitment of P-CREB to the Star promoter in (3) a mechanism which possibly involves the HIF1-dependent regulation of CBP expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bettina Lanfranchi
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ricardo Fernandez Rubia
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Max Gassmann
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty and Zurich Center for Integrative Human Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Gerhard Schuler
- Clinic for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Andrology of Large and Small Animals, Justus-Liebig-University, Giessen, Germany.
| | - Mariusz P Kowalewski
- Institute of Veterinary Anatomy, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland.
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Pitsava G, Stratakis CA. Adrenal hyperplasias in childhood: An update. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:937793. [PMID: 35992119 PMCID: PMC9382287 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.937793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric adrenocortical hyperplasias are rare; they usually present with Cushing syndrome (CS); of them, isolated micronodular adrenal disease and its variant, primary pigmented adrenocortical disease are the most commonly encountered. Most cases are due to defects in the cyclic AMP/protein kinase A (cAMP/PKA) pathway, although a few cases remain without an identified genetic defect. Another cause of adrenal hyperplasia in childhood is congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a group of autosomal recessive disorders that affect steroidogenic enzymes in the adrenal cortex. Clinical presentation varies and depends on the extent of the underlying enzymatic defect. The most common form is due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency; it accounts for more than 90% of the cases. In this article, we discuss the genetic etiology of adrenal hyperplasias in childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Pitsava
- Division of Intramural Research, Division of Population Health Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institutes of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Georgia Pitsava,
| | - Constantine A. Stratakis
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Human Genetics and Precision Medicine, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
- ELPEN Research Institute, ELPEN, Athens, Greece
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28
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Narumi S. Discovery of MIRAGE syndrome. Pediatr Int 2022; 64:e15283. [PMID: 35972063 DOI: 10.1111/ped.15283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Since the first report in 2009, whole exome sequencing has become the most effective and efficient research tool in human genetics. MIRAGE syndrome is a novel single-gene disorder discovered through whole-exome sequencing for pediatric patients with adrenal insufficiency of unknown etiology, and is caused by de novo heterozygous variants in SAMD9. MIRAGE syndrome was initially discovered as a systemic disease affecting multiple systems, including hematopoietic, immune, endocrine, and gastrointestinal systems but later studies revealed a subset of patients with myelodysplastic syndrome as the sole manifestation. In addition, pathogenic variants in SAMD9L, a paralog gene of SAMD9, were reported to cause an inherited disorder of the hematopoietic system and central nervous system, called ataxia-pancytopenia syndrome. This article reviews the history of MIRAGE syndrome from its discovery to the proposal of SAMD9/SAMD9L syndromes, and discusses directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoshi Narumi
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
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29
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Gigantol Improves Cholesterol Metabolism and Progesterone Biosynthesis in MA-10 Leydig Cells. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2021; 44:73-93. [PMID: 35723385 PMCID: PMC8929061 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
In aging males, androgen production by testicular Leydig cells decreases at a rate of approximately 1% per year. Phenolic compounds may enhance testosterone biosynthesis and delay the onset of male hypogonadism. Gigantol is a bibenzyl compound isolated from several types of orchids of the genus Dendrobium. This compound has various biological activities, including antioxidant activity. However, its capacity to regulate gene expression and steroid production in testicular Leydig cells has never been evaluated. We investigated the effect of gigantol on MA-10 Leydig cells’ gene expression using an RNA-Seq approach. To further investigate the structure-function relationship of the hydroxy-methoxyphenyl moiety of gigantol, experiments were also performed with ferulic acid and isoferulic acid. According to transcriptomic analysis, all genes coding for cholesterol biosynthesis-related enzymes are increased in response to gigantol treatment, resulting in increased lipid droplets accumulation. Moreover, treatments with 10 μM gigantol increased StAR protein levels and progesterone production from MA-10 Leydig cells. However, neither ferulic acid nor isoferulic acid influenced StAR protein synthesis and progesterone production in MA-10 Leydig cells. Thus, our findings indicate that gigantol improves cholesterol and steroid biosynthesis within testicular Leydig cells.
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Improvement of Astragalin on Spermatogenesis in Oligoasthenozoospermia Mouse Induced by Cyclophosphamide. Reprod Sci 2021; 29:1738-1748. [PMID: 34846706 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-021-00808-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
More than 40% of infertile men are diagnosed with oligoasthenozoospermia and the incidence is still rising, but the effective treatments are not been found until now. Astragalin, one of the main active ingredients in traditional Chinese medicine, may be effective in the treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia. This study investigated the pharmacological effects of astragalin for treatment of oligoasthenozoospermia in male mice, induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX). Male mice were intraperitoneally injected by CTX (50 mg/kg), and astragalin (30 mg/kg) was given via oral gavage once daily. RNA-seq analysis highlighted astragalin upregulated gene expression of anti-apoptosis (AKT1and BCL2-XL), cell proliferation (ETV1, MAPKAPK2, and RPS6KA5) and synthesis of testosterone (STAR, CYP11A1, and PRKACB), but downregulated gene expression of cell apoptosis (BAD, BCL-2, CASPASE9, and CASPASE3) in mouse testis. Astragalin also significantly reversed the reduction in body weight, reproductive organs index, and sperm parameters (sperm concentration, viability, and motility) induced by CTX, and restored testicular abnormal histopathologic morphology induced by CTX. Furthermore, astragalin dramatically rescued the gene expression related to spermatogenesis (AKT1, BCL-2, CASPASE9, CASPASE3, MAPKAPK2, RPS6KA5, STAR, and PRKACB), and increased the level of testosterone by improving related proteins (STAR, CYP11A1, PRKACB) for oligoasthenozoospermia induced by CTX. In conclusion, astragalin may be a potential beneficial agent for oligoasthenozoospermia by increasing the testosterone levels in testis.
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31
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Li Z, Liang Y, Du C, Yu X, Hou L, Wu W, Ying Y, Luo X. Clinical applications of genetic analysis and liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry in rare types of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. BMC Endocr Disord 2021; 21:237. [PMID: 34823514 PMCID: PMC8620188 DOI: 10.1186/s12902-021-00901-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our study aims to summarize the clinical characteristics of rare types of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) other than 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21-OHD), and to explore the clinical applications of genetic analysis and liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in rare CAH. METHODS We retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 5 rare cases of CAH admitted to our hospital and summarized their clinical manifestations, auxiliary examinations, diagnosis and mutational spectrum. RESULTS After gene sequencing, complex heterozygous variants were detected in all patients (2 cases were lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LCAH), 11β-hydroxylase deficiency (11β-OHD), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase deficiency (3β-HSD deficiency) and P450 oxidoreductase deficiency (PORD) each accounted for 1 case), which were consistent with their clinical manifestations. Among them, 4 novel variants were detected, including c.650 + 2 T > A of the StAR gene, c.1145 T > C (p. L382P) of the CYP11B1 gene, c.1622C > T (p. A541V) and c.1804C > T (p. Q602 *) of the POR gene. The LC-MS/MS results for steroid hormones in patients were also consistent with their genetic variants: 2 patients with LCAH showed a decrease in all steroid hormones; 11β-OHD patient showed a significant increase in 11-deoxycortisol and 11-deoxycorticosterone; patient with 3β-HSD deficiency showed a significant increase in DHEA; and PORD patient was mainly characterized by elevated 17OHP, progesterone and impaired synthesis of androgen levels. CONCLUSIONS The clinical manifestations and classification of CAH are complicated, and there are cases of missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis. It's necessary to combine the analysis of clinical manifestations and auxiliary examinations for diagnosis; if necessary, LC-MS/MS analysis of steroid hormones or gene sequencing is recommended for confirming diagnosis and typing.
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MESH Headings
- Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital/blood
- Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital/genetics
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- China
- Chromatography, Liquid
- Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY/blood
- Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY/genetics
- Female
- Gonadal Steroid Hormones/blood
- Humans
- Infant, Newborn
- Male
- Retrospective Studies
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
- Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization
- Steroid 11-beta-Hydroxylase/genetics
- Tandem Mass Spectrometry
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoguang Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan Liang
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Caiqi Du
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ling Hou
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanqing Ying
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoping Luo
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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Sun X, Niu X, Qin N, Shan X, Zhao J, Ma C, Xu R, Mishra B. Novel insights into the regulation of LATS2 kinase in prehierarchical follicle development via the Hippo pathway in hen ovary. Poult Sci 2021; 100:101454. [PMID: 34649058 PMCID: PMC8517930 DOI: 10.1016/j.psj.2021.101454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The large tumor suppressor homolog 2 (LATS2), one of the central regulators of the Hippo/MST signaling pathway, plays an inhibitory role in ovarian function and different organ development and growth in mammals. However, the exact roles and molecular regulatory mechanisms of LATS2 in chicken granulosa cell (GC) proliferation, differentiation, and steroidogenesis required for ovarian follicle growth, development, and follicular selection remain poorly understood. This study demonstrated that the LATS2 protein was predominantly localized in the oocytes and undifferentiated GCs of various-sized prehierarchical follicles of the hen ovary. Expression levels of LATS2 mRNA were significantly higher in the smaller follicles (from 1 mm to 5.9 mm in diameter) and the GCs than in the larger follicles (6–6.9 mm in diameter up to F1). Moreover, we found that high levels of LATS2 suppressed the GC proliferation and the mRNA and protein expression of the genes serving as the biomarkers of follicle selection, GC differentiation, and steroidogenesis in the GCs, including FSHR, STAR, CYP11A1, ESR1, and ESR2. Interestingly, the LATS2 significantly downregulated SAV1 and YAP1 transcripts but upregulated the expression of STK3, STK4, TEAD1, and TEAD3 mRNA. Our study provided evidences that STK3/4-LATS2-YAP1 not only acts as a suppressor of cell proliferation and follicle selection but also LATS2 may serve as an enhancer in cell proliferation and follicle selection through the YAP1-LATS2 and the LATS2-STK3/4 feedback loops by promoting the expression of TEAD1/3 but inhibiting the expression of SAV1 transcripts in the prehierarchical follicle development of hen ovary. Taken together, the present study initially revealed the pivotal role and molecular mechanism of LATS2 in the regulation of hen prehierarchical follicle development by controlling GC proliferation, differentiation, steroidogenesis, and follicle selection via the Hippo/MST signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Sun
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Xiaotian Niu
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Ning Qin
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Xuesong Shan
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Jinghua Zhao
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Chang Ma
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China
| | - Rifu Xu
- Joint Laboratory of Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperation, Ministry of Education, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China; College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun 130118, China.
| | - Birendra Mishra
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI 96822, USA
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Wellman K, Fu R, Baldwin A, Rege J, Murphy E, Rainey WE, Mukherjee N. Transcriptomic Response Dynamics of Human Primary and Immortalized Adrenocortical Cells to Steroidogenic Stimuli. Cells 2021; 10:cells10092376. [PMID: 34572026 PMCID: PMC8466536 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenal steroid hormone production is a dynamic process stimulated by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and angiotensin II (AngII). These ligands initialize a rapid and robust gene expression response required for steroidogenesis. Here, we compare the predominant human immortalized cell line model, H295R cell, with primary cultures of adult adrenocortical cells derived from human kidney donors. We performed temporally resolved RNA-seq on primary cells stimulated with either ACTH or AngII at multiple time points. The magnitude of the expression dynamics elicited by ACTH was greater than AngII in primary cells. This is likely due to the larger population of adrenocortical cells that are responsive to ACTH. The dynamics of stimulus-induced expression in H295R cells are mostly recapitulated in primary cells. However, there are some expression responses in primary cells absent in H295R cells. These data are a resource for the endocrine community and will help researchers determine whether H295R is an appropriate model for the specific aspect of steroidogenesis that they are studying.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Wellman
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (K.W.); (R.F.); (A.B.); (E.M.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Rui Fu
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (K.W.); (R.F.); (A.B.); (E.M.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Amber Baldwin
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (K.W.); (R.F.); (A.B.); (E.M.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Juilee Rege
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.R.); (W.E.R.)
| | - Elisabeth Murphy
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (K.W.); (R.F.); (A.B.); (E.M.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - William E. Rainey
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; (J.R.); (W.E.R.)
| | - Neelanjan Mukherjee
- RNA Bioscience Initiative, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (K.W.); (R.F.); (A.B.); (E.M.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(303)-724-1623
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Reinisch KM, Prinz WA. Mechanisms of nonvesicular lipid transport. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:211813. [PMID: 33605998 PMCID: PMC7901144 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202012058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We have long known that lipids traffic between cellular membranes via vesicles but have only recently appreciated the role of nonvesicular lipid transport. Nonvesicular transport can be high volume, supporting biogenesis of rapidly expanding membranes, or more targeted and precise, allowing cells to rapidly alter levels of specific lipids in membranes. Most such transport probably occurs at membrane contact sites, where organelles are closely apposed, and requires lipid transport proteins (LTPs), which solubilize lipids to shield them from the aqueous phase during their transport between membranes. Some LTPs are cup like and shuttle lipid monomers between membranes. Others form conduits allowing lipid flow between membranes. This review describes what we know about nonvesicular lipid transfer mechanisms while also identifying many remaining unknowns: How do LTPs facilitate lipid movement from and into membranes, do LTPs require accessory proteins for efficient transfer in vivo, and how is directionality of transport determined?
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin M Reinisch
- Department of Cell Biology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - William A Prinz
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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Garcia-Ruiz C, Conde de la Rosa L, Ribas V, Fernandez-Checa JC. MITOCHONDRIAL CHOLESTEROL AND CANCER. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 73:76-85. [PMID: 32805396 PMCID: PMC7882000 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol is a crucial component of membrane bilayers that determines their physical and functional properties. Cells largely satisfy their need for cholesterol through the novo synthesis from acetyl-CoA and this demand is particularly critical for cancer cells to sustain dysregulated cell proliferation. However, the association between serum or tissue cholesterol levels and cancer development is not well established as epidemiologic data do not consistently support this link. While most preclinical studies focused on the role of total celular cholesterol, the specific contribution of the mitochondrial cholesterol pool to alterations in cancer cell biology has been less explored. Although low compared to other bilayers, the mitochondrial cholesterol content plays an important physiological function in the synthesis of steroid hormones in steroidogenic tissues or bile acids in the liver and controls mitochondrial function. In addition, mitochondrial cholesterol metabolism generates oxysterols, which in turn, regulate multiple pathways, including cholesterol and lipid metabolism as well as cell proliferation. In the present review, we summarize the regulation of mitochondrial cholesterol, including its role in mitochondrial routine performance, cell death and chemotherapy resistance, highlighting its potential contribution to cancer. Of particular relevance is hepatocellular carcinoma, whose incidence in Western countries had tripled in the past decades due to the obesity and type II diabetes epidemic. A better understanding of the role of mitochondrial cholesterol in cancer development may open up novel opportunities for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Garcia-Ruiz
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic I Provincial de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Center for ALPD, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Laura Conde de la Rosa
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic I Provincial de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Vicent Ribas
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic I Provincial de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose C Fernandez-Checa
- Department of Cell Death and Proliferation, Institute of Biomedical Research of Barcelona (IIBB), CSIC, Barcelona, Spain; Liver Unit, Hospital Clinic I Provincial de Barcelona, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain; Center for the Study of Liver and Gastrointestinal Diseases (CIBERehd), Carlos III National Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain; Center for ALPD, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Asiabi P, Leonel ECR, Marbaix E, Dolmans MM, Amorim CA. Immunodetection and quantification of enzymatic markers in theca cells: the early process of ovarian steroidogenesis†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:145-155. [PMID: 31504196 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The association between theca cells (TCs) and granulosa cells is pivotal to steroid biosynthesis in the ovary. During the late secondary follicle stage, TCs form a layer around granulosa cells, after which their steroidogenic function falls under the control of luteinizing hormone (LH) that activates the cAMP signaling pathway via a G protein-coupled receptor. In addition to perilipin-2, a marker for lipid droplets containing esters as substrates for TCs to produce steroidogenic hormones, other essential proteins, like steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), cytochrome P450 11A1, cytochrome P450c17, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5 -> 4-isomerase type 1, and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5 -> 4-isomerase type 2, play a role in the cascade after luteinizing hormone-choriogonadotropic hormone receptor (LH/CG-R) occupation by LH. The aim of the present study was to assess expression levels and corresponding amounts of LH/CG-R, perilipin-2, and enzymes involved in the steroidogenic pathway of TCs based on follicle stage. Immunohistochemical analysis of each of these proteins was therefore performed on ovarian samples from nine adult women, most (n = 8) with BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutations undergoing prophylactic bilateral oophorectomy. Pictures were taken of the theca layer of secondary, small (<3000 μm), and large (>3000 μm) antral follicles and corpora lutea at 100× magnification. ImageJ software was used to analyze the surface area and expression intensity of each protein at each stage, known as the staining index. Overall, our data showed that LH/CG-R, perilipin-2, and StAR expression increased in the course of folliculogenesis and luteinization. Similarly, cytochrome P450 11A1, cytochrome P450c17, 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5 -> 4-isomerase type 1, and 3 beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta 5 -> 4-isomerase type 2 expression were substantially elevated in TCs during folliculogenesis, evidenced by their coordinated action in terms of area covered and expression intensity. This study, conducted for the first time on human ovarian tissue, contributes to localizing and quantifying expression of key steroidogenic proteins at both intracellular and tissue levels. These findings may shed new light on pathological conditions involving the human ovary, such as androgen-secreting tumors of the ovary and other disorders associated with ovarian TCs in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Asiabi
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - E C R Leonel
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - E Marbaix
- Pathology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.,Cell Biology Unit, de Duve Institute, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - M M Dolmans
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.,Gynecology and Andrology Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - C A Amorim
- Pôle de Recherche en Gynécologie, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Fu R, Wellman K, Baldwin A, Rege J, Walters K, Hirsekorn A, Riemondy K, Rainey WE, Mukherjee N. RNA-binding proteins regulate aldosterone homeostasis in human steroidogenic cells. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 27:rna.078727.121. [PMID: 34074709 PMCID: PMC8284322 DOI: 10.1261/rna.078727.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Angiotensin II (AngII) stimulates adrenocortical cells to produce aldosterone, a master regulator of blood pressure. Despite extensive characterization of the transcriptional and enzymatic control of adrenocortical steroidogenesis, there are still major gaps in the precise regulation of AII-induced gene expression kinetics. Specifically, we do not know the regulatory contribution of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and RNA decay, which can control the timing of stimulus-induced gene expression. To investigate this question, we performed a high-resolution RNA-seq time course of the AngII stimulation response and 4-thiouridine pulse labeling in a steroidogenic human cell line (H295R). We identified twelve temporally distinct gene expression responses that contained mRNA encoding proteins known to be important for various steps of aldosterone production, such as cAMP signaling components and steroidogenic enzymes. AngII response kinetics for many of these mRNAs revealed a coordinated increase in both synthesis and decay. These findings were validated in primary human adrenocortical cells stimulated ex vivo with AngII. Using a candidate screen, we identified a subset of RNA-binding protein and RNA decay factors that activate or repress AngII-stimulated aldosterone production. Among the repressors of aldosterone were BTG2, which promotes deadenylation and global RNA decay. BTG2 was induced in response to AngII stimulation and promoted the repression of mRNAs encoding pro-steroidogenic factors indicating the existence of an incoherent feedforward loop controlling aldosterone homeostasis. These data support a model in which coordinated increases in transcription and decay facilitate the major transcriptomic changes required to implement a pro-steroidogenic expression program that actively resolved to prevent aldosterone overproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Fu
- University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine
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Finn E, Kripps K, Chambers C, Rapp M, Meeks NJL, Xu F, Chen W, Larson AA, Nokoff NJ. A Novel Intronic Pathogenic Variant in STAR With a Dominant Negative Mechanism Causes Attenuated Lipoid Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. J Investig Med High Impact Case Rep 2021; 9:23247096211014685. [PMID: 33966472 PMCID: PMC8114284 DOI: 10.1177/23247096211014685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LCAH) is typically inherited as an autosomal recessive condition. There are 3 reports of individuals with a dominantly acting heterozygous variant leading to a clinically significant phenotype. We report a 46,XY child with a novel heterozygous intronic variant in STAR resulting in LCAH with an attenuated genital phenotype. The patient presented with neonatal hypoglycemia and had descended testes with a fused scrotum and small phallus. Evaluation revealed primary adrenal insufficiency with deficiencies of cortisol, aldosterone, and androgens. He was found to have a de novo heterozygous novel variant in STAR: c.65-2A>C. We report a case of a novel variant and review of other dominant mutations at the same position in the literature. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of attenuated genital phenotypes of LCAH and the contribution of de novo variants in STAR at c.65-2 to the pathogenesis of that phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Finn
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kimberly Kripps
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Michele Rapp
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Naomi J L Meeks
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Fang Xu
- PreventionGenetics, Marshfield, WI, USA
| | | | - Austin A Larson
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Pagotto MA, Roldán ML, Molinas SM, Raices T, Pisani GB, Pignataro OP, Monasterolo LA. Impairment of renal steroidogenesis at the onset of diabetes. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 524:111170. [PMID: 33482284 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates the association between changes in circulating sex steroid hormone levels and the development of diabetic nephropathy. However, the renal synthesis of steroid hormones during diabetes is essentially unknown. Male Wistar rats were injected with streptozotocin (STZ) or vehicle. After one week, no changes in functional or structural parameters related to kidney damage were observed in STZ group; however, a higher renal expression of proinflammatory cytokines and HSP70 was found. Expression of Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory protein (StAR) and P450scc (CYP11A1) was decreased in STZ kidneys. Incubation of isolated mitochondria with 22R-hydroxycholesterol revealed a marked inhibition in CYP11A1 function at the medullary level in STZ group. The inhibition of these first steps of renal steroidogenesis in early STZ-induced diabetes led to a decreased local synthesis of pregnenolone and progesterone. These findings stimulate investigation of the probable role of nephrosteroids in kidney damage associated with diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melina A Pagotto
- Institute of Experimental Physiology, National Scientific and Technical Research Council (IFISE-CONICET), Suipacha 531, PC 2000, Rosario, Argentina.
| | - María L Roldán
- Pharmacology, Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Rosario, Suipacha 531, PC 2000, Rosario, Argentina.
| | - Sara M Molinas
- Pharmacology, Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Rosario, Suipacha 531, PC 2000, Rosario, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Argentina.
| | - Trinidad Raices
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Signal Transduction, Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine (IBYME)- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), PC C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Gerardo B Pisani
- Morphology, Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Rosario, Suipacha 531, PC 2000, Rosario, Argentina.
| | - Omar P Pignataro
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology and Signal Transduction, Institute of Biology and Experimental Medicine (IBYME)- National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), PC C1428ADN, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Department of Biological Chemistry, School of Sciences, University of Buenos Aires (UBA), PC 1428, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Liliana A Monasterolo
- Pharmacology, Faculty of Biochemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, National University of Rosario, Suipacha 531, PC 2000, Rosario, Argentina; National Scientific and Technical Research Council (CONICET), Argentina; Research Council of the National University of Rosario (CIC-UNR), Argentina.
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Zitkovsky EK, Daniels TE, Tyrka AR. Mitochondria and early-life adversity. Mitochondrion 2021; 57:213-221. [PMID: 33484871 PMCID: PMC8172448 DOI: 10.1016/j.mito.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Early-life adversity (ELA), which includes maltreatment, neglect, or severe trauma in childhood, increases the life-long risk for negative health outcomes. Mitochondria play a key role in the stress response and may be an important mechanism by which stress is transduced into biological risk for disease. By responding to cues from stress-signaling pathways, mitochondria interact dynamically with physiological stress responses coordinated by the central nervous, endocrine, and immune systems. Preclinical evidence suggests that alterations in mitochondrial function and structure are linked to both early stress and systemic biological dysfunction. Early clinical studies support that increased mitochondrial DNA content and altered cellular energy demands may be present in individuals with a history of ELA. Further research should investigate mitochondria as a potential therapeutic target following ELA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Zitkovsky
- Mood Disorders Research Program and Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital, 345 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, RI 02906, USA; Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 222 Richmond St, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
| | - Teresa E Daniels
- Mood Disorders Research Program and Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital, 345 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, RI 02906, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 345 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, RI 02906, USA.
| | - Audrey R Tyrka
- Mood Disorders Research Program and Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Neuroscience, Butler Hospital, 345 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, RI 02906, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Alpert Medical School of Brown University, 345 Blackstone Boulevard, Providence, RI 02906, USA.
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Galano M, Li Y, Li L, Sottas C, Papadopoulos V. Role of Constitutive STAR in Leydig Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2021. [PMID: 33670702 PMCID: PMC7922663 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22042021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells contain significant amounts of constitutively produced steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR; STARD1). Hormone-induced STAR plays an essential role in inducing the transfer of cholesterol into the mitochondria for hormone-dependent steroidogenesis. STAR acts at the outer mitochondrial membrane, where it interacts with a protein complex, which includes the translocator protein (TSPO). Mutations in STAR cause lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia (lipoid CAH), a disorder characterized by severe defects in adrenal and gonadal steroid production; in Leydig cells, the defects are seen mainly after the onset of hormone-dependent androgen formation. The function of constitutive STAR in Leydig cells is unknown. We generated STAR knockout (KO) MA-10 mouse tumor Leydig cells and showed that STAR KO cells failed to form progesterone in response to dibutyryl-cAMP and to TSPO drug ligands, but not to 22(R)-hydroxycholesterol, which is a membrane-permeable intermediate of the CYP11A1 reaction. Electron microscopy of STAR KO cells revealed that the number and size of lipid droplets were similar to those in wild-type (WT) MA-10 cells. However, the density of lipid droplets in STAR KO cells was drastically different than that seen in WT cells. We isolated the lipid droplets and analyzed their content by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. There was a significant increase in cholesteryl ester and phosphatidylcholine content in STAR KO cell lipid droplets, but the most abundant increase was in the amount of diacylglycerol (DAG); DAG 38:1 was the predominantly affected species. Lastly, we identified genes involved in DAG signaling and lipid metabolism which were differentially expressed between WT MA-10 and STAR KO cells. These results suggest that constitutive STAR in Leydig cells is involved in DAG accumulation in lipid droplets, in addition to cholesterol transport. The former event may affect cell functions mediated by DAG signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (M.G.); (Y.L.); (L.L.); (C.S.)
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Biosynthesis and signalling functions of central and peripheral nervous system neurosteroids in health and disease. Essays Biochem 2021; 64:591-606. [PMID: 32756865 PMCID: PMC7517341 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20200043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurosteroids are steroid hormones synthesised de novo in the brain and peripheral nervous tissues. In contrast to adrenal steroid hormones that act on intracellular nuclear receptors, neurosteroids directly modulate plasma membrane ion channels and regulate intracellular signalling. This review provides an overview of the work that led to the discovery of neurosteroids, our current understanding of their intracellular biosynthetic machinery, and their roles in regulating the development and function of nervous tissue. Neurosteroids mediate signalling in the brain via multiple mechanisms. Here, we describe in detail their effects on GABA (inhibitory) and NMDA (excitatory) receptors, two signalling pathways of opposing function. Furthermore, emerging evidence points to altered neurosteroid function and signalling in neurological disease. This review focuses on neurodegenerative diseases associated with altered neurosteroid metabolism, mainly Niemann-Pick type C, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer disease. Finally, we summarise the use of natural and synthetic neurosteroids as current and emerging therapeutics alongside their potential use as disease biomarkers.
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Zhang T, Ma X, Wang J, Jia C, Wang W, Dong Z, Ye L, Sun S, Hu R, Ning G, Li C, Lu W. Clinical and molecular characterization of thirty Chinese patients with congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 206:105788. [PMID: 33227378 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2020.105788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (LCAH), as the most severe form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), is caused by mutations in the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR). Affected patients were typically characterized by adrenal insufficiency in the first year of life and present with female external genitalia regardless of karyotype. Non-classic LCAH patients usually present from 2 to 4 years old with glucocorticoid deficiency and mild mineralocorticoid deficiency, even develop naturally masculinized external genitalia at birth when they have 46,XY karyotype. We described thirty patients from unrelated Chinese families, including three non-classic LCAH ones. Four novel mutations were reported, including c.556A > G, c.179-15G > T, c.695delG and c.306 + 3_c.306 + 6delAAGT. The c.772C > T is the most common STAR mutation in Chinese population, suggesting a possibility of founder effect. Enzymatic activity assay combined with clinical characteristics showed a good genotype-phenotype correlation in this study. Residual STAR activity more than 20 % may be correlated with non-classic LCAH phenotype. We support the perspective that onset age may be affected by multiple factors and masculinization should be the main weighting factor for diagnosis of non-classic LCAH. Compared with 46,XX LCAH patients, less 46,XY ones were found in our report. A less comprehensive inspection and an easy diagnosis due to classical phenotype both would reduce the possibility of 46,XY LCAH patients to be referred to specialists or geneticists.
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MESH Headings
- Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital/epidemiology
- Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital/genetics
- Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital/pathology
- Adrenal Insufficiency/genetics
- Adrenal Insufficiency/pathology
- Child, Preschool
- China/epidemiology
- Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY/epidemiology
- Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY/genetics
- Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY/pathology
- Female
- Glucocorticoids/deficiency
- Glucocorticoids/genetics
- Humans
- Karyotype
- Male
- Mutation/genetics
- Phenotype
- Phosphoproteins/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaoyu Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Junqi Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Caiwei Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Zhiya Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Lei Ye
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Shouyue Sun
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Ronggui Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Guang Ning
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shanghai Clinical Center for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Chuanyin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| | - Wenli Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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Bose HS, Whittal RM, Marshall B, Rajapaksha M, Wang NP, Bose M, Perry EW, Zhao ZQ, Miller WL. A Novel Mitochondrial Complex of Aldosterone Synthase, Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein, and Tom22 Synthesizes Aldosterone in the Rat Heart. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2021; 377:108-120. [PMID: 33526603 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.120.000365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Aldosterone, which regulates renal salt retention, is synthesized in adrenocortical mitochondria in response to angiotensin II. Excess aldosterone causes myocardial injury and heart failure, but potential intracardiac aldosterone synthesis has been controversial. We hypothesized that the stressed heart might produce aldosterone. We used blue native gel electrophoresis, immunoblotting, protein crosslinking, coimmunoprecipitations, and mass spectrometry to assess rat cardiac aldosterone synthesis. Chronic infusion of angiotensin II increased circulating corticosterone levels 350-fold and induced cardiac fibrosis. Angiotensin II doubled and telmisartan inhibited aldosterone synthesis by heart mitochondria and cardiac production of aldosterone synthase (P450c11AS). Heart aldosterone synthesis required P450c11AS, Tom22 (a mitochondrial translocase receptor), and the intramitochondrial form of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR); protein crosslinking and coimmunoprecipitation studies showed that these three proteins form a 110-kDa complex. In steroidogenic cells, extramitochondrial (37-kDa) StAR promotes cholesterol movement from the outer to inner mitochondrial membrane where cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (P450scc) converts cholesterol to pregnenolone, thus initiating steroidogenesis, but no function has previously been ascribed to intramitochondrial (30-kDa) StAR; our data indicate that intramitochondrial 30-kDa StAR is required for aldosterone synthesis in the heart, forming a trimolecular complex with Tom22 and P450c11AS. This is the first activity ascribed to intramitochondrial StAR, but how this promotes P450c11AS activity is unclear. The stressed heart did not express P450scc, suggesting that circulating corticosterone (rather than intracellular cholesterol) is the substrate for cardiac aldosterone synthesis. Thus, the stressed heart produced aldosterone using a previously undescribed intramitochondrial mechanism that involves P450c11AS, Tom22, and 30-kDa StAR. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Prior studies of potential cardiac aldosterone synthesis have been inconsistent. This study shows that the stressed rat heart produces aldosterone by a novel mechanism involving aldosterone synthase, Tom22, and intramitochondrial steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) apparently using circulating corticosterone as substrate. This study establishes that the stressed rat heart produces aldosterone and for the first time identifies a biological role for intramitochondrial 30-kDa StAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Himangshu S Bose
- Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B., M.R., N.P.W., Z.-Q.Z.); Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (R.M.W.); Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Georgia (B.M., E.W.P.); Curtiss Healthcare, University of Florida Innovate Sid Martin Biotechbology Incubator, Gainesville, Florida (M.B.); Anderson Cancer Institute, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B.); and Department of Pediatrics and Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California (W.L.M.)
| | - Randy M Whittal
- Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B., M.R., N.P.W., Z.-Q.Z.); Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (R.M.W.); Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Georgia (B.M., E.W.P.); Curtiss Healthcare, University of Florida Innovate Sid Martin Biotechbology Incubator, Gainesville, Florida (M.B.); Anderson Cancer Institute, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B.); and Department of Pediatrics and Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California (W.L.M.)
| | - Brendan Marshall
- Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B., M.R., N.P.W., Z.-Q.Z.); Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (R.M.W.); Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Georgia (B.M., E.W.P.); Curtiss Healthcare, University of Florida Innovate Sid Martin Biotechbology Incubator, Gainesville, Florida (M.B.); Anderson Cancer Institute, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B.); and Department of Pediatrics and Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California (W.L.M.)
| | - Maheshinie Rajapaksha
- Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B., M.R., N.P.W., Z.-Q.Z.); Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (R.M.W.); Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Georgia (B.M., E.W.P.); Curtiss Healthcare, University of Florida Innovate Sid Martin Biotechbology Incubator, Gainesville, Florida (M.B.); Anderson Cancer Institute, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B.); and Department of Pediatrics and Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California (W.L.M.)
| | - Ning Ping Wang
- Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B., M.R., N.P.W., Z.-Q.Z.); Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (R.M.W.); Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Georgia (B.M., E.W.P.); Curtiss Healthcare, University of Florida Innovate Sid Martin Biotechbology Incubator, Gainesville, Florida (M.B.); Anderson Cancer Institute, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B.); and Department of Pediatrics and Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California (W.L.M.)
| | - Madhuchanda Bose
- Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B., M.R., N.P.W., Z.-Q.Z.); Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (R.M.W.); Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Georgia (B.M., E.W.P.); Curtiss Healthcare, University of Florida Innovate Sid Martin Biotechbology Incubator, Gainesville, Florida (M.B.); Anderson Cancer Institute, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B.); and Department of Pediatrics and Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California (W.L.M.)
| | - Elizabeth W Perry
- Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B., M.R., N.P.W., Z.-Q.Z.); Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (R.M.W.); Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Georgia (B.M., E.W.P.); Curtiss Healthcare, University of Florida Innovate Sid Martin Biotechbology Incubator, Gainesville, Florida (M.B.); Anderson Cancer Institute, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B.); and Department of Pediatrics and Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California (W.L.M.)
| | - Zhi-Qing Zhao
- Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B., M.R., N.P.W., Z.-Q.Z.); Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (R.M.W.); Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Georgia (B.M., E.W.P.); Curtiss Healthcare, University of Florida Innovate Sid Martin Biotechbology Incubator, Gainesville, Florida (M.B.); Anderson Cancer Institute, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B.); and Department of Pediatrics and Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California (W.L.M.)
| | - Walter L Miller
- Biomedical Sciences, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B., M.R., N.P.W., Z.-Q.Z.); Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (R.M.W.); Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Georgia (B.M., E.W.P.); Curtiss Healthcare, University of Florida Innovate Sid Martin Biotechbology Incubator, Gainesville, Florida (M.B.); Anderson Cancer Institute, Savannah, Georgia (H.S.B.); and Department of Pediatrics and Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California (W.L.M.)
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45
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Loveland JL, Giraldo-Deck LM, Lank DB, Goymann W, Gahr M, Küpper C. Functional differences in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis are associated with alternative reproductive tactics based on an inversion polymorphism. Horm Behav 2021; 127:104877. [PMID: 33186586 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The evolution of social behavior depends on genetic changes, yet, how genomic variation manifests itself in behavioral diversity is still largely unresolved. Chromosomal inversions can play a pivotal role in producing distinct behavioral phenotypes, in particular, when inversion genes are functionally associated with hormone synthesis and signaling. Male ruffs exhibit alternative reproductive tactics (ARTs) with an autosomal inversion determining two alternative morphs with clear behavioral and hormonal differences from the ancestral morph. We investigated hormonal and transcriptomic differences in the pituitary and gonads. Using a GnRH challenge, we found that the ability to synthesize testosterone in inversion carriers is severely constrained, whereas the synthesis of androstenedione, a testosterone precursor, is not. Inversion morphs were able to produce a transient increase in androstenedione following the GnRH injection, supporting the view that pituitary sensitivity to GnRH is comparable to that of the ancestral morph. We then performed gene expression analyses in a second set of untreated birds and found no evidence of alterations to pituitary sensitivity, gonadotropin production or gonad sensitivity to luteinizing hormone or follicle-stimulating hormone across morphs. Inversion morphs also showed reduced progesterone receptor expression in the pituitary. Strikingly, in the gonads, inversion morphs over-expressed STAR, a gene that is located outside of the inversion and responsible for providing the cholesterol substrate required for the synthesis of sex hormones. In conclusion, our results suggest that the gonads determine morph-specific differences in hormonal regulation.
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MESH Headings
- Androstenedione/metabolism
- Animals
- Charadriiformes/genetics
- Charadriiformes/physiology
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit/genetics
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone, beta Subunit/metabolism
- Gene Expression/drug effects
- Gonadal Steroid Hormones/biosynthesis
- Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/pharmacology
- Gonads/drug effects
- Gonads/metabolism
- Gonads/physiology
- Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/drug effects
- Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/metabolism
- Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System/physiology
- Male
- Pituitary Gland/drug effects
- Pituitary Gland/metabolism
- Polymorphism, Genetic
- Receptors, FSH/genetics
- Receptors, FSH/metabolism
- Receptors, LH/genetics
- Receptors, LH/metabolism
- Receptors, LHRH/genetics
- Receptors, LHRH/metabolism
- Reproduction/drug effects
- Reproduction/genetics
- Sequence Inversion
- Sexual Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Sexual Behavior, Animal/physiology
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Signal Transduction/genetics
- Testosterone/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- J L Loveland
- Behavioural Genetics and Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany.
| | - L M Giraldo-Deck
- Behavioural Genetics and Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - D B Lank
- Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - W Goymann
- Department of Behavioural Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - M Gahr
- Department of Behavioural Neurobiology, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
| | - C Küpper
- Behavioural Genetics and Evolutionary Ecology Research Group, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Seewiesen, Germany
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46
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Interleukin-1α dependent survival of cardiac fibroblasts is associated with StAR/STARD1 expression and improved cardiac remodeling and function after myocardial infarction. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2020; 155:125-137. [PMID: 33130150 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2020.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS One unaddressed aspect of healing after myocardial infarction (MI) is how non-myocyte cells that survived the ischemic injury, keep withstanding additional cellular damage by stress forms typically arising during the post-infarction inflammation. Here we aimed to determine if cell survival is conferred by expression of a mitochondrial protein novel to the cardiac proteome, known as steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, (StAR/STARD1). Further studies aimed to unravel the regulation and role of the non-steroidogenic cardiac StAR after MI. METHODS AND RESULTS Following permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in mouse heart, timeline western blot analyses showed that StAR expression corresponds to the inflammatory response to MI. Following the identification of StAR in mitochondria of cardiac fibroblasts in culture, confocal microscopy immunohistochemistry (IHC) identified StAR expression in left ventricular (LV) activated interstitial fibroblasts, adventitial fibroblasts and endothelial cells. Further work with the primary fibroblasts model revealed that interleukin-1α (IL-1α) signaling via NF-κB and p38 MAPK pathways efficiently upregulates the expression of the Star gene products. At the functional level, IL-1α primed fibroblasts were protected against apoptosis when exposed to cisplatin mimicry of in vivo apoptotic stress; yet, the protective impact of IL-1α was lost upon siRNA mediated StAR downregulation. At the physiological level, StAR expression was nullified during post-MI inflammation in a mouse model with global IL-1α deficiency, concomitantly resulting in a 4-fold elevation of apoptotic fibroblasts. Serial echocardiography and IHC studies of mice examined 24 days after MI revealed aggravation of LV dysfunction, LV dilatation, anterior wall thinning and adverse tissue remodeling when compared with loxP control hearts. CONCLUSIONS This study calls attention to overlooked aspects of cellular responses evolved under the stress conditions associated with the default inflammatory response to MI. Our observations suggest that LV IL-1α is cardioprotective, and at least one mechanism of this action is mediated by induction of StAR expression in border zone fibroblasts, which renders them apoptosis resistant. This acquired survival feature also has long-term ramifications on the heart recovery by diminishing adverse remodeling and improving the heart function after MI.
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47
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Tillman MC, Imai N, Li Y, Khadka M, Okafor CD, Juneja P, Adhiyaman A, Hagen SJ, Cohen DE, Ortlund EA. Allosteric regulation of thioesterase superfamily member 1 by lipid sensor domain binding fatty acids and lysophosphatidylcholine. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2020; 117:22080-22089. [PMID: 32820071 PMCID: PMC7486800 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2003877117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonshivering thermogenesis occurs in brown adipose tissue to generate heat in response to cold ambient temperatures. Thioesterase superfamily member 1 (Them1) is transcriptionally up-regulated in brown adipose tissue upon exposure to the cold and suppresses thermogenesis in order to conserve energy reserves. It hydrolyzes long-chain fatty acyl-CoAs that are derived from lipid droplets, preventing their use as fuel for thermogenesis. In addition to its enzymatic domains, Them1 contains a C-terminal StAR-related lipid transfer (START) domain with unknown ligand or function. By complementary biophysical approaches, we show that the START domain binds to long-chain fatty acids, products of Them1's enzymatic reaction, as well as lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), lipids shown to activate thermogenesis in brown adipocytes. Certain fatty acids stabilize the START domain and allosterically enhance Them1 catalysis of acyl-CoA, whereas 18:1 LPC destabilizes and inhibits activity, which we verify in cell culture. Additionally, we demonstrate that the START domain functions to localize Them1 near lipid droplets. These findings define the role of the START domain as a lipid sensor that allosterically regulates Them1 activity and spatially localizes it in proximity to the lipid droplet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew C Tillman
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Norihiro Imai
- Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Manoj Khadka
- Emory Integrated Lipidomics Core, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - C Denise Okafor
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Puneet Juneja
- Robert P. Apkarian Integrated Electron Microscopy Core, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Akshitha Adhiyaman
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322
| | - Susan J Hagen
- Department of Surgery, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215
| | - David E Cohen
- Joan and Sanford I. Weill Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065
| | - Eric A Ortlund
- Department of Biochemistry, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322;
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48
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Czuchlej SC, Volonteri MC, Scaia MF, Ceballos NR. Characterization of StAR protein of Rhinella arenarum (Amphibia, Anura). Gen Comp Endocrinol 2020; 295:113535. [PMID: 32535173 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2020.113535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/06/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein performs the delivery of cholesterol from the outer to inner mitochondrial membrane. This is considered the rate-limiting step of acute steroid production, widely studied in mammals. However, there are only few reports regarding the characterization and expression of StAR protein in non-mammalian vertebrates. In this study, StAR protein sequence of Rhinella arenarum has been characterized and deduced from interrenal and testis cDNA sequences. StAR encodes a 285 amino acid protein with a conserved domain containing putative lipid binding sites. In vitro incubations showed that expression of StAR mRNA in testis, determined by qPCR, and testosterone synthesis determined by radioimmunoassay were stimulated after treatment with hCG and 8Br-cAMP. However, StAR mRNA expression results obtained with hCG show a higher stimulation than those obtained with 8Br-cAMP, even though steroidogenic production is the same with both treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Cristina Czuchlej
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - María Clara Volonteri
- Instituto de Diversidad y Evolución Austral (IDEAus CENPAT-CONICET). Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina.
| | - María Florencia Scaia
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Nora Raquel Ceballos
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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49
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Clinical and genetic characterization of congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia. Clin Dysmorphol 2020; 29:173-176. [PMID: 32858544 DOI: 10.1097/mcd.0000000000000340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Disorders of steroid synthesis are a group of anomalies caused by defects in any step of conversion of cholesterol into steroid hormones. The disorders are characterized by defects leading to abnormalities of salt-water balance and/or sexual differentiation. Congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (CLAH) is the most severe form of steroid synthesis disorder caused by the accumulation of cholesterol in the outer mitochondrial membrane due to steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) deficiency. Pathogenic sequence variants in the gene STAR encoding StAR protein leads to CLAH. In the present study, a Pakistani family was clinically diagnosed with the LAH phenotype. Sanger sequencing of STAR in the family revealed a novel homozygous nonsense mutation [c.295G>T, p.(Glu99*)] in the living affected individual. The study was designed to assist in carrier testing and prenatal diagnosis within the affected family. In addition, searching for common variants in the STAR gene would help in designing low-cost targeted variation testing in other patients.
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50
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Katharopoulos E, Di Iorgi N, Fernandez-Alvarez P, Pandey AV, Groessl M, Dubey S, Camats N, Napoli F, Patti G, Lezzi M, Maghnie M, Flück CE. Characterization of Two Novel Variants of the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein Identified in a Girl with Classic Lipoid Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21176185. [PMID: 32867102 PMCID: PMC7504070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21176185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) consists of several autosomal recessive disorders that inhibit steroid biosynthesis. We describe a case report diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency due to low adrenal steroids and adrenocorticotropic hormone excess due to lack of cortisol negative feedback signaling to the pituary gland. Genetic work up revealed two missense variants, p.Thr204Arg and p.Leu260Arg in the STAR gene, inherited by both parents (non-consanguineous). The StAR protein supports CYP11A1 enzyme to cleave the side chain of cholesterol and synthesize pregnenolone which is metabolized to all steroid hormones. We used bioinformatics to predict the impact of the variants on StAR activity and then we performed functional tests to characterize the two novel variants. In a cell system we tested the ability of variants to support cholesterol conversion to pregnenolone and measured their mRNA and protein expression. For both variants, we observed loss of StAR function, reduced protein expression and categorized them as pathogenic variants according to guidelines of the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology. These results fit the phenotype of the girl during diagnosis. This study characterizes two novel variants and expands the list of missense variants that cause CAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efstathios Katharopoulos
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (E.K.); (A.V.P.); (S.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Research, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
- Graduate School Bern, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Natascia Di Iorgi
- Department of Paediatrics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genoa, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (N.D.I.); (F.N.); (G.P.); (M.L.); (M.M.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Paula Fernandez-Alvarez
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Genetics and Rare Disease Unit, University Hospital Vall d’Hebron, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Amit V. Pandey
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (E.K.); (A.V.P.); (S.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Research, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Michael Groessl
- Department of Biomedical Research, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
- Department of Nephrology and Hypertension, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Shraddha Dubey
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (E.K.); (A.V.P.); (S.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Research, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Núria Camats
- Growth and Development Research Unit, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Centre of Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Flavia Napoli
- Department of Paediatrics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genoa, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (N.D.I.); (F.N.); (G.P.); (M.L.); (M.M.)
| | - Giuseppa Patti
- Department of Paediatrics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genoa, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (N.D.I.); (F.N.); (G.P.); (M.L.); (M.M.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Marilea Lezzi
- Department of Paediatrics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genoa, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (N.D.I.); (F.N.); (G.P.); (M.L.); (M.M.)
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genova, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Mohamad Maghnie
- Department of Paediatrics, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, University of Genoa, 16147 Genoa, Italy; (N.D.I.); (F.N.); (G.P.); (M.L.); (M.M.)
| | - Christa E. Flück
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology & Metabolism, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland; (E.K.); (A.V.P.); (S.D.)
- Department of Biomedical Research, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland;
- Correspondence:
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