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Birgersson M, Indukuri R, Lindquist L, Stepanauskaite L, Luo Q, Deng Q, Archer A, Williams C. Ovarian ERβ cistrome and transcriptome reveal chromatin interaction with LRH-1. BMC Biol 2023; 21:277. [PMID: 38031019 PMCID: PMC10688478 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01773-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen receptor beta (ERβ, Esr2) plays a pivotal role in folliculogenesis and ovulation, yet its exact mechanism of action is mainly uncharacterized. RESULTS We here performed ERβ ChIP-sequencing of mouse ovaries followed by complementary RNA-sequencing of wild-type and ERβ knockout ovaries. By integrating the ERβ cistrome and transcriptome, we identified its direct target genes and enriched biological functions in the ovary. This demonstrated its strong impact on genes regulating organism development, cell migration, lipid metabolism, response to hypoxia, and response to estrogen. Cell-type deconvolution analysis of the bulk RNA-seq data revealed a decrease in luteal cells and an increased proportion of theca cells and a specific type of cumulus cells upon ERβ loss. Moreover, we identified a significant overlap with the gene regulatory network of liver receptor homolog 1 (LRH-1, Nr5a2) and showed that ERβ and LRH-1 extensively bound to the same chromatin locations in granulosa cells. Using ChIP-reChIP, we corroborated simultaneous ERβ and LRH-1 co-binding at the ERβ-repressed gene Greb1 but not at the ERβ-upregulated genes Cyp11a1 and Fkbp5. Transactivation assay experimentation further showed that ERβ and LRH-1 can inhibit their respective transcriptional activity at classical response elements. CONCLUSIONS By characterizing the genome-wide endogenous ERβ chromatin binding, gene regulations, and extensive crosstalk between ERβ and LRH-1, along with experimental corroborations, our data offer genome-wide mechanistic underpinnings of ovarian physiology and fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Birgersson
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Rajitha Indukuri
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden
| | - Linnéa Lindquist
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Lina Stepanauskaite
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Qing Luo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Qiaolin Deng
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Amena Archer
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Williams
- Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Protein Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, 171 21, Solna, Sweden.
- Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, 141 83, Huddinge, Sweden.
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Watanabe M, Kosaka H, Sugawara M, Maemoto M, Ono Y, Uemori T, Shizu R, Yoshinari K. Screening for DAX1/EWS-FLI1 functional inhibitors identified dihydroorotate dehydrogenase as a therapeutic target for Ewing's sarcoma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:9802-9814. [PMID: 36825574 PMCID: PMC10166890 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE EWS-FLI1 is the most common oncogenic fusion protein in Ewing's sarcoma family tumors (ESFTs). DAX1, an orphan member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is up-regulated by EWS-FLI1 and plays a key role in the transformed phenotype of ESFTs. METHODS To discover a functional inhibitor of DAX1 and EWS-FLI1, we screened small-molecular inhibitors using a DAX1 reporter assay system. RESULTS K-234 and its derivatives, which were dihydroorotate dehydrogenase (DHODH) inhibitors, showed inhibitory effects in the reporter assay. K-234 inhibited the growth of Ewing's sarcoma with various fusion types, and K-234 derivatives altered the expression of EWS-FLI1-regulated genes. The DAX1 expression had no effect on the growth inhibitory effect of the K-234 derivatives, while DHODH overexpression or uridine treatment attenuated their inhibitory effects, suggesting that inhibition by K-234 derivatives occurs through DHODH inhibition. An in vivo study showed that a K-234 derivative clearly inhibited tumor growth in an Ewing's sarcoma xenograft mouse model. CONCLUSION Taken together, the present results suggest that DHODH inhibitors can inhibit the function of DAX1/EWS-FLI1 in ESFTs and might be a therapeutic agent with potent anti-tumor activity for Ewing's sarcoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miwa Watanabe
- Research and Development Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan.,Department of Molecular Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Kosaka
- Research and Development Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Masamori Sugawara
- Research and Development Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Michihiro Maemoto
- Research and Development Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Yoko Ono
- Research and Development Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Takeshi Uemori
- Research and Development Division, Kyowa Kirin Co., Ltd., Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Ryota Shizu
- Department of Molecular Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Kouichi Yoshinari
- Department of Molecular Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
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Fabbri-Scallet H, Werner R, Guaragna MS, de Andrade JGR, Maciel-Guerra AT, Hornig NC, Hiort O, Guerra-Júnior G, de Mello MP. Can Non-Coding NR5A1 Gene Variants Explain Phenotypes of Disorders of Sex Development? Sex Dev 2023; 16:252-260. [PMID: 35764069 DOI: 10.1159/000524956] [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: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION NR5A1 is an essential transcription factor that regulates several target genes involved in reproduction and endocrine function. Pathogenic variants in this gene are responsible for a wide spectrum of disorders/differences of sex development (DSD). METHODS The molecular study involved Sanger sequencing, in vitro assays, and whole exome sequencing (WES). RESULTS Four variants were identified within the NR5A1 non-coding region in 3 patients with 46,XY DSD. In vitro analyses showed that promoter activity was affected in all cases. WES revealed variants in SRA1, WWOX, and WDR11 genes. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION Evaluation of clinical and phenotypic significance of variants located in a non-coding region of a gene can be complex, and little is known regarding their association with DSD. Nevertheless, based on the important region for interaction with cofactors essential to promote appropriated sex development and on our in vitro results, it is feasible to say that an impact on gene expression can be expected and that this may be correlated with the DSD pathophysiology presented in our patients. Considering the number of cases that remain elusive after screening for the well-known DSD related genes, we emphasize the importance of a careful molecular analysis of NR5A1 non-coding region which is commonly neglected and might explain some idiopathic DSD cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Fabbri-Scallet
- Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering - CBMEG, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.,Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation - GIEDDS, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ralf Werner
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Mara S Guaragna
- Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering - CBMEG, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.,Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation - GIEDDS, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana G R de Andrade
- Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation - GIEDDS, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andrea T Maciel-Guerra
- Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation - GIEDDS, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Medical Genetics and Genomic Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nadine C Hornig
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Olaf Hiort
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Gil Guerra-Júnior
- Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation - GIEDDS, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maricilda P de Mello
- Center for Molecular Biology and Genetic Engineering - CBMEG, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil.,Interdisciplinary Group for the Study of Sex Determination and Differentiation - GIEDDS, State University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil
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Development of Human Adrenocortical Adenoma (HAA1) Cell Line from Zona Reticularis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010584. [PMID: 36614027 PMCID: PMC9820690 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The human adrenal cortex is composed of distinct zones that are the main source of steroid hormone production. The mechanism of adrenocortical cell differentiation into several functionally organized populations with distinctive identities remains poorly understood. Human adrenal disease has been difficult to study, in part due to the absence of cultured cell lines that faithfully represent adrenal cell precursors in the early stages of transformation. Here, Human Adrenocortical Adenoma (HAA1) cell line derived from a patient's macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia and was treated with histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACis) and gene expression was examined. We describe a patient-derived HAA1 cell line derived from the zona reticularis, the innermost zone of the adrenal cortex. The HAA1 cell line is unique in its ability to exit a latent state and respond with steroidogenic gene expression upon treatment with histone deacetylase inhibitors. The gene expression pattern of differentiated HAA1 cells partially recreates the roster of genes in the adrenal layer that they have been derived from. Gene ontology analysis of whole genome RNA-seq corroborated increased expression of steroidogenic genes upon HDAC inhibition. Surprisingly, HDACi treatment induced broad activation of the Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) alpha pathway. This novel cell line we developed will hopefully be instrumental in understanding the molecular and biochemical mechanisms controlling adrenocortical differentiation and steroidogenesis.
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Ghasemi S, Shafiee M, Ferns GA, Tavakol-Afshari J, Saeedi M, Raji S, Mobarra N. Differentiation of Human Wharton Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells into Germ-Like Cells; emphasis on evaluation of Germ-long non-coding RNAs. Mol Biol Rep 2022; 49:11901-11912. [PMID: 36241921 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-07961-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The proliferation and differentiation of stem cells into Germ-Like Cells (GLCs) is mediated by several growth factors and specific genes, of which some are related to long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs). We have developed a modified differentiation process and identified a panel of GermlncRNAs related to GLCs. METHODS Human Wharton Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells were treated with 25 ng/ml Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP)-4 and 10- 5 M all-trans retinoic acid to differentiate them into germ-like cells. To confirm the differentiation, changes in the expression of Oct-4, C-kit, Stella, and Vasa genes were assessed using quantitative Real-Time PCR (qPCR) and immunocytochemistry. QPCR was also used before and after differentiation to evaluate the changes in a lncRNA panel, using a 96-well array. Statistical analysis of the data was performed by SPSS 21. RESULTS After 21 days of induction, the HWJ-MSCs derived germ-like cells were formed. Also, qPCR and immunocytochemistry showed that the pluripotent Oct4 marker was expressed in the undifferentiated HWJ-MSCs, but its expression gradually decreased in the differentiated cells. C-kit was expressed on days 7, 14, and 21 of differentiation. Both GLC markers of Stella and Vasa genes/proteins were present only in differentiated cells. Of the 44 lncRNA genes array, 36 of them showed an increase and eight genes showed a decrease. CONCLUSION Our study showed that BMP4 and RA are effective in inducing HWJ-MSCs differentiation into GLCs. In addition, our study for the first time showed changes in the lncRNAs expression during the differentiation of HWJ-MSCs into GLCs by using BMP4 and RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Ghasemi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Shafiee
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Gordon A Ferns
- Division of Medical Education, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, UK
| | - Jalil Tavakol-Afshari
- Department of Immunology, BuAli Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Saeedi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Sara Raji
- Persian Cohort Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Naser Mobarra
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Mashhad University Of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Sertedaki A, Tatsi EB, Vasilakis IA, Fylaktou I, Nikaina E, Iacovidou N, Siahanidou T, Kanaka-Gantenbein C. Whole Exome Sequencing Points towards a Multi-Gene Synergistic Action in the Pathogenesis of Congenital Combined Pituitary Hormone Deficiency. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132088. [PMID: 35805171 PMCID: PMC9265573 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD) is characterized by deficiency of growth hormone and at least one other pituitary hormone. Pathogenic variants in more than 30 genes expressed during the development of the head, hypothalamus, and/or pituitary have been identified so far to cause genetic forms of CPHD. However, the etiology of around 85% of the cases remains unknown. The aim of this study was to unveil the genetic etiology of CPHD due to congenital hypopituitarism employing whole exome sequencing (WES) in two newborn patients, initially tested and found to be negative for PROP1, LHX3, LHX4 and HESX1 pathogenic variants by Sanger sequencing and for copy number variations by MLPA. In this study, the application of WES in these CPHD newborns revealed the presence of three different heterozygous gene variants in each patient. Specifically in patient 1, the variants BMP4; p.Ala42Pro, GNRH1; p.Arg73Ter and SRA1; p.Gln32Glu, and in patient 2, the SOX9; p.Val95Ile, HS6ST1; p.Arg306Gln, and IL17RD; p.Pro566Ser were identified as candidate gene variants. These findings further support the hypothesis that CPHD constitutes an oligogenic rather than a monogenic disease and that there is a genetic overlap between CPHD and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amalia Sertedaki
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Center for Rare Paediatric Endocrine Diseases, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.B.T.); (I.A.V.); (I.F.); (C.K.-G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Elizabeth Barbara Tatsi
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Center for Rare Paediatric Endocrine Diseases, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.B.T.); (I.A.V.); (I.F.); (C.K.-G.)
| | - Ioannis Anargyros Vasilakis
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Center for Rare Paediatric Endocrine Diseases, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.B.T.); (I.A.V.); (I.F.); (C.K.-G.)
| | - Irene Fylaktou
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Center for Rare Paediatric Endocrine Diseases, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.B.T.); (I.A.V.); (I.F.); (C.K.-G.)
| | - Eirini Nikaina
- Neonatology Unit, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.N.); (T.S.)
| | - Nicoletta Iacovidou
- Department of Neonatology, Medical School, Aretaieion Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece;
| | - Tania Siahanidou
- Neonatology Unit, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.N.); (T.S.)
| | - Christina Kanaka-Gantenbein
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Center for Rare Paediatric Endocrine Diseases, First Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, “Aghia Sophia” Children’s Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (E.B.T.); (I.A.V.); (I.F.); (C.K.-G.)
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Wu B, Xu C, Tian Y, Zeng Y, Yan F, Chen A, Zhao J, Chen L. Aerobic exercise promotes the expression of ATGL and attenuates inflammation to improve hepatic steatosis via lncRNA SRA. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5370. [PMID: 35354841 PMCID: PMC8968712 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09174-0] [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: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of aerobic exercise in preventing and improving non-alcoholic fatty liver has been widely established. SRA is a long non-coding RNA, which has received increasing attention due to its important role in lipid metabolism. However, it is unclear whether aerobic exercise can prevent and treat hepatic lipid accumulation via SRA. The mice were randomly divided into four groups as follows, normal control group, normal aerobic exercise group, high-fat diet group (HFD), and high-fat diet plus aerobic exercise (8 weeks, 6 days/week, 18 m/min for 50 min, 6% slope) group (HAE). After 8 weeks, the mice in the HAE group showed significant improvement in hepatic steatosis. Body weight as well as blood TC, LDL-C, and liver TG levels were significantly lower in the HAE group than in the HFD group. Compared with the HFD group, the expression of SRA was markedly suppressed and the expression of ATGL was significantly increased in the HAE group. Additionally, the JNK/P38 signaling was inhibited, the pro-inflammatory factors were down-regulated, and the anti-inflammatory factor was increased. In addition to this, the same results were shown in experiments with overexpression of SRA. The results of this study provided new support for aerobic exercise to improve hepatic lipid metabolism via lncRNA.
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de Mattos K, Viger RS, Tremblay JJ. Transcription Factors in the Regulation of Leydig Cell Gene Expression and Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:881309. [PMID: 35464056 PMCID: PMC9022205 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.881309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell differentiation and acquisition of specialized functions are inherent steps in events that lead to normal tissue development and function. These processes require accurate temporal, tissue, and cell-specific activation or repression of gene transcription. This is achieved by complex interactions between transcription factors that form a unique combinatorial code in each specialized cell type and in response to different physiological signals. Transcription factors typically act by binding to short, nucleotide-specific DNA sequences located in the promoter region of target genes. In males, Leydig cells play a crucial role in sex differentiation, health, and reproductive function from embryonic life to adulthood. To better understand the molecular mechanisms regulating Leydig cell differentiation and function, several transcription factors important to Leydig cells have been identified, including some previously unknown to this specialized cell type. This mini review summarizes the current knowledge on transcription factors in fetal and adult Leydig cells, describing their roles and mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine de Mattos
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Robert S. Viger
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jacques J. Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Jacques J. Tremblay,
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Sanbonmatsu K. Towards Molecular Mechanism in Long Non-coding RNAs: Linking Structure and Function. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2022; 1363:23-32. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-92034-0_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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10
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Sanbonmatsu K. Getting to the bottom of lncRNA mechanism: structure-function relationships. Mamm Genome 2021; 33:343-353. [PMID: 34642784 PMCID: PMC8509902 DOI: 10.1007/s00335-021-09924-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
While long non-coding RNAs are known to play key roles in disease and development, relatively few structural studies have been performed for this important class of RNAs. Here, we review functional studies of long non-coding RNAs and expose the need for high-resolution 3-D structural studies, discussing the roles of long non-coding RNAs in the cell and how structure–function relationships might be used to elucidate further understanding. We then describe structural studies of other classes of RNAs using chemical probing, nuclear magnetic resonance, small-angle X-ray scattering, X-ray crystallography, and cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM). Next, we review early structural studies of long non-coding RNAs to date and describe the way forward for the structural biology of long non-coding RNAs in terms of cryo-EM.
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Adipose Tissue Steroid Receptor RNA Activator 1 (SRA1) Expression Is Associated with Obesity, Insulin Resistance, and Inflammation. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102602. [PMID: 34685582 PMCID: PMC8534244 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102602] [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: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid receptor RNA activator 1 (SRA1) is involved in pathophysiological responses of adipose tissue (AT) in obesity. In vitro and animal studies have elucidated its role in meta-inflammation. Since SRA1 AT expression in obesity/type 2 diabetes (T2D) and the relationship with immune-metabolic signatures remains unclear, we assessed AT SRA1 expression and its association with immune–metabolic markers in individuals with obesity/T2D. For this, 55 non-diabetic and 53 T2D individuals classified as normal weight (NW; lean), overweight, and obese were recruited and fasting blood and subcutaneous fat biopsy samples were collected. Plasma metabolic markers were assessed using commercial kits and AT expression of SRA1 and selected immune markers using RT-qPCR. SRA1 expression was significantly higher in non-diabetic obese compared with NW individuals. SRA1 expression associated with BMI, PBF, serum insulin, and HOMA-IR in the total study population and people without diabetes. SRA1 associated with waist circumference in people without diabetes and NW participants, whereas it associated inversely with HbA1c in overweight participants. In most study subgroups AT SRA1 expression associated directly with CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, TNF-α, TGF-β, IL2RA, and IL18, but inversely with CCL19 and CCR2. TGF-β/IL18 independently predicted the SRA1 expression in people without diabetes and in the total study population, while TNF-α/IL-2RA predicted SRA1 only in people with diabetes. TNF-α also predicted SRA1 in both NW and obese people regardless of the diabetes status. In conclusion, AT SRA1 expression is elevated in people with obesity which associates with typical immunometabolic markers of obesity/T2D, implying that SRA1 may have potential as a biomarker of metabolic derangements.
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Yang H, Wei H, Shen L, Kumar C S, Chen Q, Chen Y, Kumar SA. A novel stop-loss DAX1 variant affecting its protein-interaction with SF1 precedes the adrenal hypoplasia congenital with rare spontaneous precocious puberty and elevated hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal/adrenal axis responses. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 64:104192. [PMID: 33766795 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104192] [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: 01/29/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The case study unveils the likely mechanism of a novel stop-loss DAX1 variant preceding the prolonged precocious puberty in the adrenal hypoplasia congenital (AHC) boy. A boy aged five years and nine months initially examined for the primary adrenal insufficiency symptoms. Next-generation sequencing confirmed the X-linked inheritance of a novel stop-loss DAX1 variant: c.1411T>C/p.Ter471Gln associated with AHC in the patient. The patient was subjected to a brief clinical follow-up from 11 to 15.1 years of age. The effect of the mutant-DAX1 variant (p.Ter471Gln) on DAX1-steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1) (protein-protein) interaction was studied by protein-protein docking using the ClusPro-online tool. At 5.9 yrs of age, the patient exhibited precocious puberty with the secondary sexual characteristics of Tanner 2 stage (of 9-14 yrs of age). The patient showed primary adrenal insufficiency with diminished cortisol concentrations at blood serum (25 ng/ml) and urine (3.55 μg/24 h) levels. Upon steroidal exposure, the patient showed normalized serum cortisol levels of 45-61 ng/ml. However, the precocious puberty got prolonged with the increased penis length of 8.5 cm and the bone age of 18 yrs old during the follow-up. The patient showed increased basal serum adrenocorticotropic hormone (110->2000 pg/ml) and follicle-stimulating hormone (18.4-22.3 mIU/ml) concentrations. Following an elevated hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity witnessed upon gonarellin stimulation. Protein-protein docking confirmed a weaker interaction between the mutant-DAX1 (p.Ter471Gln) protein and the wild-SF1 protein. Overall, we hypothesize the weakened mutant-DAX1-SF1 (protein-protein) interaction could govern the prolonged precocious puberty augmented with the elevated hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal/adrenal axis responses via SF1-induced neuronal nitric oxide synthetase activation in the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haihua Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Genetics, Henan Children's Hospital (aka. Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University), No-33, Longhu Waihuan East Road, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Haiyan Wei
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Genetics, Henan Children's Hospital (aka. Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University), No-33, Longhu Waihuan East Road, Zhengzhou, 450018, China.
| | - Linghua Shen
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Genetics, Henan Children's Hospital (aka. Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University), No-33, Longhu Waihuan East Road, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Selvaa Kumar C
- School of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, D. Y. Patil Deemed to Be University, Sector-15, CBD Belapur. Navi Mumbai, 400614, India
| | - Qiong Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Genetics, Henan Children's Hospital (aka. Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University), No-33, Longhu Waihuan East Road, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Yongxing Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Genetics, Henan Children's Hospital (aka. Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University), No-33, Longhu Waihuan East Road, Zhengzhou, 450018, China
| | - Senthil Arun Kumar
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Genetics, Henan Children's Hospital (aka. Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University), No-33, Longhu Waihuan East Road, Zhengzhou, 450018, China.
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13
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Shabgah AG, Norouzi F, Hedayati-Moghadam M, Soleimani D, Pahlavani N, Navashenaq JG. A comprehensive review of long non-coding RNAs in the pathogenesis and development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Nutr Metab (Lond) 2021; 18:22. [PMID: 33622377 PMCID: PMC7903707 DOI: 10.1186/s12986-021-00552-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the most prevalent diseases worldwide without a fully-known mechanism is non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recently, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as significant regulatory molecules. These RNAs have been claimed by bioinformatic research that is involved in biologic processes, including cell cycle, transcription factor regulation, fatty acids metabolism, and-so-forth. There is a body of evidence that lncRNAs have a pivotal role in triglyceride, cholesterol, and lipoprotein metabolism. Moreover, lncRNAs by up- or down-regulation of the downstream molecules in fatty acid metabolism may determine the fatty acid deposition in the liver. Therefore, lncRNAs have attracted considerable interest in NAFLD pathology and research. In this review, we provide all of the lncRNAs and their possible mechanisms which have been introduced up to now. It is hoped that this study would provide deep insight into the role of lncRNAs in NAFLD to recognize the better molecular targets for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Norouzi
- Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | | | - Davood Soleimani
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, School of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Naseh Pahlavani
- Social Development and Health Promotion Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran
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14
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De Vincentis A, Rahmani Z, Muley M, Vespasiani-Gentilucci U, Ruggiero S, Zamani P, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A. Long noncoding RNAs in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and liver fibrosis: state-of-the-art and perspectives in diagnosis and treatment. Drug Discov Today 2020; 25:1277-1286. [PMID: 32439605 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) significantly impacts global health. Despite considerable research, its pathophysiology remains partially unclear. In addition, selective serum biomarkers of disease diagnosis and progression are missing. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a heterogeneous group of ncRNAs with crucial roles in biological processes underlying the pathophysiology of different human diseases. Recent studies have shown that lncRNA could be associated with the genesis and progression of NAFLD towards the most severe forms. Although the field is still in its infancy, it is tempting to speculate that these transcripts could be used as both diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize recent findings on lncRNAs in the complex research field of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio De Vincentis
- Clinical Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Zahra Rahmani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Moises Muley
- Clinical Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Umberto Vespasiani-Gentilucci
- Clinical Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Ruggiero
- Clinical Medicine and Hepatology Unit, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, via Alvaro del Portillo, 200, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Parvin Zamani
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Tannaz Jamialahmadi
- Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Halal Research Center of IRI, FDA, Tehran, Iran; Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 9177948564, Iran; Neurogenic Inflammation Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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15
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Tak Leung RW, Jiang X, Chu KH, Qin J. ENPD - A Database of Eukaryotic Nucleic Acid Binding Proteins: Linking Gene Regulations to Proteins. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 47:D322-D329. [PMID: 30476229 PMCID: PMC6324002 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gky1112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Eukaryotic nucleic acid binding protein database (ENPD, http://qinlab.sls.cuhk.edu.hk/ENPD/) is a library of nucleic acid binding proteins (NBPs) and their functional information. NBPs such as DNA binding proteins (DBPs), RNA binding proteins (RBPs), and DNA and RNA binding proteins (DRBPs) are involved in every stage of gene regulation through their interactions with DNA and RNA. Due to the importance of NBPs, the database was constructed based on manual curation and a newly developed pipeline utilizing both sequenced transcriptomes and genomes. In total the database has recorded 2.8 million of NBPs and their binding motifs from 662 NBP families and 2423 species, constituting the largest NBP database. ENPD covers evolutionarily important lineages which have never been included in the previous NBP databases, while lineage-specific NBP family expansions were also found. ENPD also focuses on the involvements of DBPs, RBPs and DRBPs in non-coding RNA (ncRNA) mediated gene regulation. The predicted and experimentally validated targets of NBPs have both been recorded and manually curated in ENPD, linking the interactions between ncRNAs, DNA regulatory elements and NBPs in gene regulation. This database provides key resources for the scientific community, laying a solid foundation for future gene regulatory studies from both functional and evolutionary perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricky Wai Tak Leung
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xiaosen Jiang
- Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China.,School of Future Technology, The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.,College of Life Science & Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Ka Hou Chu
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China
| | - Jing Qin
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518057, China.,School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China
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16
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Camats N, Flück CE, Audí L. Oligogenic Origin of Differences of Sex Development in Humans. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1809. [PMID: 32155719 PMCID: PMC7084473 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex development is a very complex biological event that requires the concerted collaboration of a large network of genes in a spatial and temporal correct fashion. In the past, much has been learned about human sex development from monogenic disorders/differences of sex development (DSD), but the broad spectrum of phenotypes in numerous DSD individuals remains a conundrum. Currently, the genetic cause of less than 50% of DSD individuals has been solved and oligogenic disease has been proposed. In recent years, multiple genetic hits have been found in individuals with DSD thanks to high throughput sequencing. Our group has been searching for additional genetic hits explaining the phenotypic variability over the past years in two cohorts of patients: 46,XY DSD patients carriers of NR5A1 variants and 46,XY DSD and 46,XX DSD with MAMLD1 variants. In both cohorts, our results suggest that the broad phenotypes may be explained by oligogenic origin, in which multiple hits may contribute to a DSD phenotype, unique to each individual. A search for an underlying network of the identified genes also revealed that a considerable number of these genes showed interactions, suggesting that genetic variations in these genes may affect sex development in concert.
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Affiliation(s)
- Núria Camats
- Growth and Development Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, 08035 Catalonia, Spain;
| | - Christa E Flück
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetology and Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics and Department of BioMedical Research, Bern University Hospital and University of Bern, CH-3010 Bern, Switzerland;
| | - Laura Audí
- Growth and Development Research Group, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute (VHIR), Center for Biomedical Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, 08035 Catalonia, Spain;
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17
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Lulli M, Nencioni D, Papucci L, Schiavone N. Zeta-crystallin: a moonlighting player in cancer. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:965-976. [PMID: 31563996 PMCID: PMC11104887 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-019-03301-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Crystallins were firstly found as structural proteins of the eye lens. To this family belong proteins, such as ζ-crystallin, expressed ubiquitously, and endowed with enzyme activity. ζ-crystallin is a moonlighting protein endowed with two main different functions: (1) mRNA binding with stabilizing activity; (2) NADPH:quinone oxidoreductase. ζ-crystallin has been clearly demonstrated to stabilize mRNAs encoding proteins involved in renal glutamine catabolism during metabolic acidosis resulting in ammoniagenesis and bicarbonate ion production that concur to compensate such condition. ζ-crystallin binds also mRNAs encoding for antiapoptotic proteins, such as Bcl-2 in leukemia cells. On the other hand, the physiological role of its enzymatic activity is still elusive. Gathering research evidences and data mined from public databases, we provide a framework where all the known ζ-crystallin properties are called into question, making it a hypothetical pivotal player in cancer, allowing cells to hijack or subjugate the acidity response mechanism to increase their ability to resist oxidative stress and apoptosis, while fueling their glutamine addicted metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università Degli Studi di Firenze, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, Firenze, 50134, Italy.
| | - Daniele Nencioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università Degli Studi di Firenze, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, Firenze, 50134, Italy
| | - Laura Papucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università Degli Studi di Firenze, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, Firenze, 50134, Italy
| | - Nicola Schiavone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Università Degli Studi di Firenze, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, Firenze, 50134, Italy.
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18
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Meng L, Yu H, Ni F, Niu J, Liu X, Wang X. Roles of two cyp11 genes in sex hormone biosynthesis in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). Mol Reprod Dev 2019; 87:53-65. [PMID: 31746503 DOI: 10.1002/mrd.23301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The P450 side-chain cleavage enzymes P450scc (Cyp11a) and 11β-hydroxylase (Cyp11b) play important roles in sex steroid and cortisol production. Here, two duplicates of cyp11 genes were identified in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus): Pocyp11a and Pocyp11b, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis and amino acid sequence alignment revealed that Pocyp11a and Pocyp11b shared significant identity with sequences of other teleost fish species. The quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) results indicated that among the studied tissues, brain tissue showed the highest expression of Pocyp11a, followed by kidney and testis tissues, whereas Pocyp11b expression was highest in the testis. The expression patterns of these two genes showed sexual dimorphism, with both genes showing higher expression in the testis than in the ovary. In-situ hybridization analysis demonstrated that Pocyp11a and Pocyp11b mRNA were both detected in oocytes, spermatocytes, and Sertoli cells, indicating that they might be involved in hormone synthesis. The expression levels of Pocyp11a and Pocyp11b were significantly downregulated by treatment with 17α-methyltestosterone (17α-MT) in the testis and ovary in both in vivo and studies. In vivo studies showed that Pocyp11a and Pocyp11b transcripts were suppressed by 17β-estradiol (E2 ) treatment in both the testis and ovary. In addition, in vitro studies showed that the expression level of Pocyp11b was decreased by treatment with E2 , whereas that of Pocyp11a was largely unaffected. Moreover, the expression levels of Pocyp11a and Pocyp11b in the testis cell line were significantly upregulated after NR0b1 and NR5a2 (p < .05) treatment. These results indicate that Pocyp11a and Pocyp11b might play important roles in sex hormone biosynthesis. Our research can assist future studies of the mechanisms of steroid biosynthesis and functional differences between cyp11a and cyp11b in Japanese flounder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Meng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Ministry of Education, Shandong, China.,Department of Marine Biology, College of Oceanography, Hohai University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Ministry of Education, Shandong, China
| | - Feifei Ni
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Ministry of Education, Shandong, China
| | - Jingjing Niu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Ministry of Education, Shandong, China
| | - Xiumei Liu
- Department of Life Science and Technology, College of Life Sciences, Yantai University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Xubo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Ministry of Education, Shandong, China
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19
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Bertalan R, Bencsik Z, Mezei P, Vajda Z, Butz H, Patócs A. Novel frameshift mutation of the NR0B1(DAX1) in two tall adult brothers. Mol Biol Rep 2019; 46:4599-4604. [PMID: 31280422 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-019-04688-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
NR0B1 (nuclear receptor subfamily 0, group B, member 1) is a transcription factor encoded by DAX1 (dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia critical region, on chromosome X, gene 1) responsible for the development and maintenance of the steroidogenic tissues. In humans the DAX1 mutations cause congenital adrenal hypoplasia (AHC) and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HHG) in boys. Here we report two brothers who were assessed by endocrinologist at the age of 51 and 43 because of their serious osteoporosis. They had been substituted with prednisolone since the age of 4 and 9 years because of their primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI). Due to their late puberty caused by HHG at the age of 16 and 17 years their heights were - 3.1 and - 3.3 SD, but then they had a significant growth during their adulthood and reached the + 1.85 SD and + 3.78 SD respectively. During this period, they received glucocorticoid supplementation, but the treatment of their HHG was inadequate. At the age of 51 and 43 years insulin tolerance test (ITT) and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) test confirmed their PAI and HHG. Genetic test performed at this time revealed a novel, four nucleotides deletion (del.586-571c.GGGC or 572-575c.GGGC) of DAX1 gene. The two brothers with AHC and HHG caused by a novel DAX1 mutation, reached tall final heights, despite of the disadvantageous prednisolone treatment during their childhood. We assume that the long-term lack of the sexual hormone substitution was a significant reason of their above average height as well as their serious osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Bertalan
- 1st Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Bókay J Street 53-54, Budapest, 1083, Hungary.
- Csolnoky Ferenc Hospital, Kórház Street 1, Veszprém, 8200, Hungary.
| | - Zsuzsa Bencsik
- Szent Donát Hospital, Honvéd Street 2-3, Várpalota, 8100, Hungary
| | - Piroska Mezei
- Fejér County Szent György University Teaching Hospital, Seregélyesi Street 3, Szekesfehervar, 8000, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Vajda
- Pál Heim Children's Hospital, Üllői Street 86, Budapest, 1089, Hungary
| | - Henriett Butz
- Momentum Hereditary Endocrine Tumours Research Group Semmelweis University, Szentkirályi Street 46, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Szentkirályi Street 46, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
| | - Attila Patócs
- Momentum Hereditary Endocrine Tumours Research Group Semmelweis University, Szentkirályi Street 46, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Szentkirályi Street 46, Budapest, 1088, Hungary
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20
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Meng L, Yu H, Qu J, Niu J, Ni F, Han P, Yu H, Wang X. Two cyp17 genes perform different functions in the sex hormone biosynthesis and gonadal differentiation in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus). Gene 2019; 702:17-26. [PMID: 30898704 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.02.104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
P450c17, a key enzyme in the steroid generation pathway, plays an important role in the production of sex steroid and cortisol. In this study, two cyp17 gene isoforms, Pocyp17-I and Pocyp17-II were isolated from Paralichthys olivaceus gonads. Domain architecture analysis of Pocyp17-I and Pocyp17-II revealed that they had three regions important to enzymatic function. Structural analysis showed that Pocyp17-I and Pocyp17-II had 8 and 9 exons respectively, and the difference was caused by the insertion of an extra intron (intron1) in the latter. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction results indicated that the expression of these two genes showed sexually dimorphism that Pocyp17-I and Pocyp17-II were highest expressed in testis and ovary, respectively. The in situ hybridization analysis of gonads indicated that Pocyp17-I and Pocyp17-II mRNA were both detected in oocytes, spermatocytes and Sertoli cells. After injection of androgen and estrogen (17α-methyltestosterone, 17β-estradiol) of different concentrations, the expression level of Pocyp17-I decreased significantly (P < 0.01), whereas estrogen had no influence on Pocyp17-II, but androgen upregulated the expression of Pocyp17-II (P < 0.05). Moreover, Pocyp17-I expression level was down-regulated significantly by NR0b1 but up-regulated by NR5a2 (P < 0.05), whereas Pocyp17-II expression level was down-regulated significantly by NR0b1 and NR5a2 (P < 0.05). All these results demonstrated that there were differences in expression patterns, feedback actions of sex hormones and transcriptional regulations between cyp17-I and cyp17-II, which revealed that cyp17-I and cyp17-II might perform different functions in sex hormones biosynthesis and gonadal differentiation in Japanese flounder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Meng
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jiangbo Qu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Jingjing Niu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Feifei Ni
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Ping Han
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Xubo Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, Shandong Province, China.
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21
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Meinsohn MC, Smith OE, Bertolin K, Murphy BD. The Orphan Nuclear Receptors Steroidogenic Factor-1 and Liver Receptor Homolog-1: Structure, Regulation, and Essential Roles in Mammalian Reproduction. Physiol Rev 2019; 99:1249-1279. [DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00019.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors are intracellular proteins that act as transcription factors. Proteins with classic nuclear receptor domain structure lacking identified signaling ligands are designated orphan nuclear receptors. Two of these, steroidogenic factor-1 (NR5A1, also known as SF-1) and liver receptor homolog-1 (NR5A2, also known as LRH-1), bind to the same DNA sequences, with different and nonoverlapping effects on targets. Endogenous regulation of both is achieved predominantly by cofactor interactions. SF-1 is expressed primarily in steroidogenic tissues, LRH-1 in tissues of endodermal origin and the gonads. Both receptors modulate cholesterol homeostasis, steroidogenesis, tissue-specific cell proliferation, and stem cell pluripotency. LRH-1 is essential for development beyond gastrulation and SF-1 for genesis of the adrenal, sexual differentiation, and Leydig cell function. Ovary-specific depletion of SF-1 disrupts follicle development, while LRH-1 depletion prevents ovulation, cumulus expansion, and luteinization. Uterine depletion of LRH-1 compromises decidualization and pregnancy. In humans, SF-1 is present in endometriotic tissue, where it regulates estrogen synthesis. SF-1 is underexpressed in ovarian cancer cells and overexpressed in Leydig cell tumors. In breast cancer cells, proliferation, migration and invasion, and chemotherapy resistance are regulated by LRH-1. In conclusion, the NR5A orphan nuclear receptors are nonredundant factors that are crucial regulators of a panoply of biological processes, across multiple reproductive tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Charlotte Meinsohn
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Olivia E. Smith
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Kalyne Bertolin
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Bruce D. Murphy
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
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Hazell G, Horn G, Lightman SL, Spiga F. Dynamics of ACTH-Mediated Regulation of Gene Transcription in ATC1 and ATC7 Adrenal Zona Fasciculata Cell Lines. Endocrinology 2019; 160:587-604. [PMID: 30768667 PMCID: PMC6380881 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that mouse ATC1 and ATC7 cells, the first adrenocortical cell lines to exhibit a complete zona fasciculata (ZF) cell phenotype, respond to dynamic ACTH stimulation in a similar manner as the adrenal gland in vivo. Exploiting our previous in vivo observations that gene transcription within the steroidogenic pathway is dynamically regulated in response to a pulse of ACTH, we exposed ATC1 and ATC7 cells to various patterns of ACTH, including pulsatile and constant, and measured the transcriptional activation of this pathway. We show that pulses of ACTH administered to ATC7 cells can reliably stimulate a pulsatile pattern of transcriptional activity that is comparable to that observed in adrenal ZF cells in vivo. Hourly pulses of ACTH stimulate dynamic increases in CREB phosphorylation (pCREB) and transcription of genes involved in critical steps of steroidogenesis including signal transduction (e.g., MRAP), cholesterol delivery (e.g., StAR), and steroid biosynthesis (e.g., CYP11A1), as well as those relating to transcriptional regulation of steroidogenic factors (e.g., SF-1 and Nur-77). In contrast, constant ACTH stimulation results in a prolonged and exaggerated pCREB and steroidogenic gene transcriptional response. We also show that when a large dose of ACTH (100 nM) is applied after these treatment regimens, a significant increase in steroidogenic transcriptional responsiveness is achieved only in cells that have been exposed to pulsatile, rather than constant, ACTH. Our data support our in vivo observations that pulsatile ACTH is important for the optimal transcriptional responsiveness of the adrenal. Importantly, our data suggest that ATC7 cells respond to dynamic ACTH stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina Hazell
- Bristol Medical School: Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - George Horn
- Bristol Medical School: Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Stafford L Lightman
- Bristol Medical School: Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Francesca Spiga
- Bristol Medical School: Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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23
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Spade DJ, Dere E, Hall SJ, Schorl C, Freiman RN, Boekelheide K. All-Trans Retinoic Acid Disrupts Development in Ex Vivo Cultured Fetal Rat Testes. I: Altered Seminiferous Cord Maturation and Testicular Cell Fate. Toxicol Sci 2019; 167:546-558. [PMID: 30329139 PMCID: PMC6358251 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfy260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to excess retinoic acid (RA) disrupts the development of the mammalian testicular seminiferous cord. However, the molecular events surrounding RA-driven loss of cord structure have not previously been examined. To investigate the mechanisms associated with this adverse developmental effect, fetal rat testes were isolated on gestational day 15, after testis determination and the initiation of cord development, and cultured in media containing all-trans RA (ATRA; 10-8 to 10-6 M) or vehicle for 3 days. ATRA exposure resulted in a concentration-dependent decrease in the number of seminiferous cords per testis section and number of germ cells, assessed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Following 1 day of culture, genome-wide expression profiling by microarray demonstrated that ATRA exposure altered biological processes related to retinoid metabolism and gonadal sex determination. Real-time RT-PCR analysis confirmed that ATRA enhanced the expression of the key ovarian development gene Wnt4 and the antitestis gene Nr0b1 in a concentration-dependent manner. After 3 days of culture, ATRA-treated testes contained both immunohistochemically DMRT1-positive and FOXL2-positive somatic cells, providing evidence of disrupted testicular cell fate maintenance following ATRA exposure. We conclude that exogenous RA disrupts seminiferous cord development in ex vivo cultured fetal rat testes, resulting in a reduction in seminiferous cord number, and interferes with maintenance of somatic cell fate by enhancing expression of factors that promote ovarian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Spade
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Edward Dere
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
- Division of Urology, Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, Rhode Island 02903
| | - Susan J Hall
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Christoph Schorl
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Richard N Freiman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology, and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
| | - Kim Boekelheide
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02912
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Liang D, Fan Z, Zou Y, Tan X, Wu Z, Jiao S, Li J, Zhang P, You F. Characteristics of Cyp11a during Gonad Differentiation of the Olive Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092641. [PMID: 30200601 PMCID: PMC6164156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The P450 side-chain cleavage enzyme, P450scc (Cyp11a) catalyzes the first enzymatic step for the synthesis of all steroid hormones in fish. To study its roles in gonads of the olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus, an important maricultured fish species, we isolated the cyp11a genomic DNA sequence of 1396 bp, which consists of 5 exons and 4 introns. Semi-quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) results indicated that the flounder cyp11a was exclusively expressed in gonad and head kidney tissues. Its expression level in the testis was higher than that in the ovary. According to the in situ hybridization patterns, cyp11a was mainly expressed in the Leydig cells of the testis, and the thecal cells of the ovary. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that Cyp11a was located in the cytoplasm of the cultured flounder testis cells. Further quantitative real-time PCR results presented the cyp11a differential expression patterns during gonad differentiation. Among different sampling points of the 17β-estradiol (E2, 5 ppm) treatment group, cyp11a expression levels were relatively high in the differentiating ovary (30 and 40 mm total length, TL), and then significantly decreased in the differentiated ovary (80, 100 and 120 mm TL, p < 0.05). The pregnenolone level also dropped in the differentiated ovary. In the high temperature treatment group (HT group, 28 ± 0.5 °C), the cyp11a expression level fluctuated remarkably in the differentiating testis (60 mm TL), and then decreased in the differentiated testis (80, 100 mm TL, p < 0.05). In the testosterone (T, 5 ppm) treatment group, the cyp11a was expressed highly in undifferentiated gonads and the differentiating testis, and then dropped in the differentiated testis. Moreover, the levels of cholesterol and pregnenolone of the differentiating testis in the HT and T groups increased. The expression level of cyp11a was significantly down-regulated after the cultured flounder testis cells were treated with 75 and 150 μM cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), respectively (p < 0.05), and significantly up-regulated after treatment with 300 μM cAMP (p < 0.05). Both nuclear receptors NR5a2 and NR0b1 could significantly up-regulate the cyp11a gene expression in a dosage dependent way in the testis cells detected by cell transfection analysis (p < 0.05). The above data provides evidence that cyp11a would be involved in the flounder gonad differentiation and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Liang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
- College of Earth Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10049, China.
| | - Zhaofei Fan
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
- College of Earth Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 10049, China.
| | - Yuxia Zou
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Xungang Tan
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Zhihao Wu
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Shuang Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Jun Li
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Peijun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
| | - Feng You
- Key Laboratory of Experimental Marine Biology, National & Local Joint Engineering Laboratory of Ecological Mariculture, Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao 266071, China.
- Center for Ocean Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 7 Nanhai Road, Qingdao 266071, China.
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Sheng L, Ye L, Zhang D, Cawthorn WP, Xu B. New Insights Into the Long Non-coding RNA SRA: Physiological Functions and Mechanisms of Action. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018; 5:244. [PMID: 30238005 PMCID: PMC6135885 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2018.00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) are emerging as new genetic/epigenetic regulators that can impact almost all physiological functions. Here, we focus on the long non-coding steroid receptor RNA activator (SRA), including new insights into its effects on gene expression, the cell cycle, and differentiation; how these relate to physiology and disease; and the mechanisms underlying these effects. We discuss how SRA acts as an RNA coactivator in nuclear receptor signaling; its effects on steroidogenesis, adipogenesis, and myocyte differentiation; the impact on breast and prostate cancer tumorigenesis; and, finally, its ability to modulate hepatic steatosis through several signaling pathways. Genome-wide analysis reveals that SRA regulates hundreds of target genes in adipocytes and breast cancer cells and binds to thousands of genomic sites in human pluripotent stem cells. Recent studies indicate that SRA acts as a molecular scaffold and forms networks with numerous coregulators and chromatin-modifying regulators in both activating and repressive complexes. We discuss how modifications to SRA's unique stem-loop secondary structure are important for SRA function, and highlight the various SRA isoforms and mutations that have clinical implications. Finally, we discuss the future directions for better understanding the molecular mechanisms of SRA action and how this might lead to new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Sheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Neuroprotective Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lan Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - William P Cawthorn
- University/British Heart Foundation Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Bin Xu
- Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical Center Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Broad phenotypes in heterozygous NR5A1 46,XY patients with a disorder of sex development: an oligogenic origin? Eur J Hum Genet 2018; 26:1329-1338. [PMID: 29891883 DOI: 10.1038/s41431-018-0202-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
SF-1/NR5A1 is a transcriptional regulator of adrenal and gonadal development. NR5A1 disease-causing variants cause disorders of sex development (DSD) and adrenal failure, but most affected individuals show a broad DSD/reproductive phenotype only. Most NR5A1 variants show in vitro pathogenic effects, but not when tested in heterozygote state together with wild-type NR5A1 as usually seen in patients. Thus, the genotype-phenotype correlation for NR5A1 variants remains an unsolved question. We analyzed heterozygous 46,XY SF-1/NR5A1 patients by whole exome sequencing and used an algorithm for data analysis based on selected project-specific DSD- and SF-1-related genes. The variants detected were evaluated for their significance in literature, databases and checked in silico using webtools. We identified 19 potentially deleterious variants (one to seven per patient) in 18 genes in four 46,XY DSD subjects carrying heterozygous NR5A1 disease-causing variants. We constructed a scheme of all these hits within the landscape of currently known genes involved in male sex determination and differentiation. Our results suggest that the broad phenotype in these heterozygous NR5A1 46,XY DSD subjects may well be explained by an oligogenic mode of inheritance, in which multiple hits, individually non-deleterious, may contribute to a DSD phenotype unique to each heterozygous SF-1/NR5A1 individual.
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Martens L, Rühle F, Stoll M. LncRNA secondary structure in the cardiovascular system. Noncoding RNA Res 2017; 2:137-142. [PMID: 30159432 PMCID: PMC6084829 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2017.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been increasingly studied during the past decade. This led to an immense number of annotated transcripts, out of which many were linked to a diverse range of biological mechanisms and diseases. Due to the variety of their regulatory potential, they are seen as an important link in understanding complex epigenetic mechanisms. Prominent examples of lncRNAs in the cardiovascular system are ANRIL, Braveheart, MALAT1 and HOTAIR which have been excessively studied. But despite the impressive number of described transcripts, only a few examples are characterized functionally. One way to do this is to identify accessible structural domains in the RNA secondary structure which have the ability to bind to DNA, RNA or proteins. Through recent improvements in computational as well as experimental methods, this exploration of secondary structure became not only more efficient than traditional methods like crystallization, but also feasible to investigate whole genome RNA structures. The purpose of this review is to highlight the recent advances in secondary structure probing methods and how these can be applied in order to investigate the functional roles of lncRNAs in the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Martens
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Frank Rühle
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Monika Stoll
- Department of Genetic Epidemiology, Institute of Human Genetics, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
- Department of Biochemistry, Genetic Epidemiology and Statistical Genetics, CARIM School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht Center for Systems Biology (MaCSBio), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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28
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Luo P, Jing W, Zhu M, Li ND, Zhou H, Yu MX, Liang CZ, Tu JC. Decreased expression of LncRNA SRA1 in hepatocellular carcinoma and its clinical significance. Cancer Biomark 2017; 18:285-290. [PMID: 28085012 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-160305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is an extremely aggressive malignancy with poor prognosis and high fatality rates worldwide. Accumulating evidence indicated that novel biomarkers are required to get a better understanding of the biological mechanisms of HCC. SRA1, a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), serves as a critical regulator in several cancers. However, the association between SRA1 expression and tumorigenesis in HCC tissues remains unclear. OBJECTIVE In the present study, we evaluated the expression of SRA1 in HCC and its clinical association. METHODS The expression levels of SRA1 in 67 pairs of cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues from HCC patients were detected using quantitative real-time PCR. Expression of SRA1 in HCC cell lines compared with normal human hepatocyte cell lines was also measured. Finally, the potential associations between its level in HCC tissues and the clinicopathological parameters were analyzed as well. RESULTS The results indicated that the expression levels of SRA1 in HCC were remarkably decreased, compared with matched normal tissues (P< 0.001). Levels of SRA1 in HCC cell lines were also significantly decreased than that in normal human hepatocyte cell line L-02. Additionally, the levels of SRA1 were significantly associated with tumor size (P= 0.020) and serum GLU level (P= 0.046). CONCLUSIONS This study highlighted that SRA1 was downregulated in HCC and might serve as a tumor suppressor in HCC, which laid a solid foundation for future research.
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29
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Chen G, Yu D, Nian X, Liu J, Koenig RJ, Xu B, Sheng L. LncRNA SRA promotes hepatic steatosis through repressing the expression of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). Sci Rep 2016; 6:35531. [PMID: 27759039 PMCID: PMC5069493 DOI: 10.1038/srep35531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common form of chronic liver disease, manifests as an over-accumulation of hepatic fat. We have recently shown that mice with genetic knockout of a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) steroid receptor RNA activator (SRA) (SRAKO) are resistant to high fat diet-induced obesity with a phenotype that includes improved glucose tolerance and attenuated hepatic steatosis. The underlying mechanism was investigated in the present study. We found that hepatic levels of SRA and adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL), a major hepatic triacylglycerol (TAG) hydrolase, were inversely regulated by fasting in mice, and the expression of liver ATGL was induced by SRAKO under normal and high fat diet (HFD) feeding. Loss of SRA in primary hepatocytes or a hepatocyte cell line upregulates, but forced expression of SRA inhibits ATGL expression and free fatty acids (FFA) β-oxidation. SRA inhibits ATGL promoter activity, primarily by inhibiting the otherwise-inductive effects of the transcription factor, forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1). Our data reveal a novel function of SRA in promoting hepatic steatosis through repression of ATGL expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Dongsheng Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Rd., Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Xue Nian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Rd., Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
| | - Junyi Liu
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Ronald J Koenig
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5678, USA
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5678, USA
| | - Liang Sheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Rd., Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210029, China
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30
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Steroid receptor RNA activator: Biologic function and role in disease. Clin Chim Acta 2016; 459:137-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2016.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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31
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Foulds CE, Panigrahi AK, Coarfa C, Lanz RB, O'Malley BW. Long Noncoding RNAs as Targets and Regulators of Nuclear Receptors. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2016; 394:143-76. [PMID: 26362934 DOI: 10.1007/82_2015_465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Intensive research has been directed at the discovery, biogenesis, and expression patterns of long noncoding RNAs , yet their biochemical functions have remained elusive for the most part. Nuclear receptors that interpret signaling mediated by small molecule hormones play a role in regulating the expression of some long noncoding RNAs. More importantly, these RNAs have also been shown to effect hormone-affected gene transcription regulated by the nuclear receptors. In this chapter, we summarize the current knowledge that has been acquired on hormonal signaling inducing expression of long noncoding RNAs and how they then may act in trans or in cis to modulate gene transcription. We highlight a few of these noncoding RNA molecules in terms of how they may impact hormone-driven cancers. Future directions critical for moving this field forward are presented, with a clear emphasis on the need for better biochemical approaches to address the mechanism of action of these exciting RNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Foulds
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Anil K Panigrahi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Rainer B Lanz
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Bert W O'Malley
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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32
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Kotan LD, Cooper C, Darcan Ş, Carr IM, Özen S, Yan Y, Hamedani MK, Gürbüz F, Mengen E, Turan İ, Ulubay A, Akkuş G, Yüksel B, Topaloğlu AK, Leygue E. Idiopathic Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism Caused by Inactivating Mutations in SRA1. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol 2016; 8:125-34. [PMID: 27086651 PMCID: PMC5096466 DOI: 10.4274/jcrpe.3248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE What initiates the pubertal process in humans and other mammals is still unknown. We hypothesized that gene(s) taking roles in triggering human puberty may be identified by studying a cohort of idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH). METHODS A cohort of IHH cases was studied based on autozygosity mapping coupled with whole exome sequencing. RESULTS Our studies revealed three independent families in which IHH/delayed puberty is associated with inactivating SRA1 variants. SRA1 was the first gene to be identified to function through its protein as well as noncoding functional ribonucleic acid products. These products act as co-regulators of nuclear receptors including sex steroid receptors as well as SF-1 and LRH-1, the master regulators of steroidogenesis. Functional studies with a mutant SRA1 construct showed a reduced co-activation of ligand-dependent activity of the estrogen receptor alpha, as assessed by luciferase reporter assay in HeLa cells. CONCLUSION Our findings strongly suggest that SRA1 gene function is required for initiation of puberty in humans. Furthermore, SRA1 with its alternative products and functionality may provide a potential explanation for the versatility and complexity of the pubertal process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leman Damla Kotan
- Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Adana, Turkey
| | - Charlton Cooper
- University of Manitoba, Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Şükran Darcan
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Ian M. Carr
- University of Leeds, Institute of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Section of Genetics, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Samim Özen
- Ege University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Yi Yan
- University of Manitoba, Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Mohammad K. Hamedani
- University of Manitoba, Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Fatih Gürbüz
- Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Adana, Turkey
| | - Eda Mengen
- Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Adana, Turkey
| | - İhsan Turan
- Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Adana, Turkey
| | - Ayça Ulubay
- Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Forensic Medicine, Adana, Turkey
| | - Gamze Akkuş
- Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Adana, Turkey
| | - Bilgin Yüksel
- Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Adana, Turkey
| | - A. Kemal Topaloğlu
- Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Adana, Turkey
,* Address for Correspondence: Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Endocrinology, Adana, Turkey Phone: +90 322 338 60 60-3148 E-mail:
| | - Etienne Leygue
- University of Manitoba, Manitoba Institute of Cell Biology, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Jain S, Thakkar N, Chhatai J, Pal Bhadra M, Bhadra U. Long non-coding RNA: Functional agent for disease traits. RNA Biol 2016; 14:522-535. [PMID: 27229269 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2016.1172756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have attracted the attention of researchers with their involvement in all facets of life. LncRNAs are transcripts of more than 200 nucleotides which lack defined protein coding potential. Although they do not code for proteins, a large number of them are involved in regulating gene expression and translation. The presence of numerous lncRNAs in the human genome has prompted us to investigate the contribution of these molecules to human biology and medicine. In this review, we present the potential role of lncRNAs interlinked to different human diseases and genetic disorders. We also describe their role in cellular differentiation and aging and discuss their potential importance as biomarkers and as therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriyans Jain
- a Functional Genomics and Gene Silencing Group , CSIR- Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology , Hyderabad , India
| | - Nirav Thakkar
- a Functional Genomics and Gene Silencing Group , CSIR- Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology , Hyderabad , India
| | - Jagamohan Chhatai
- a Functional Genomics and Gene Silencing Group , CSIR- Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology , Hyderabad , India
| | - Manika Pal Bhadra
- b Centre for Chemical Biology , Indian Institute for Chemical Technology , Hyderabad , India
| | - Utpal Bhadra
- a Functional Genomics and Gene Silencing Group , CSIR- Center for Cellular and Molecular Biology , Hyderabad , India
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Zhi X, Zhou XE, Melcher K, Xu HE. Structures and regulation of non-X orphan nuclear receptors: A retinoid hypothesis. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 157:27-40. [PMID: 26159912 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 06/10/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors are defined as a family of ligand regulated transcription factors [1-6]. While this definition reflects that ligand binding is a key property of nuclear receptors, it is still a heated subject of debate if all the nuclear receptors (48 human members) can bind ligands (ligands referred here to both physiological and synthetic ligands). Recent studies in nuclear receptor structure biology and pharmacology have undoubtedly increased our knowledge of nuclear receptor functions and their regulation. As a result, they point to new avenues for the discovery and development of nuclear receptor regulators, including nuclear receptor ligands. Here we review the recent literature on orphan nuclear receptor structural analysis and ligand identification, particularly on the orphan nuclear receptors that do not heterodimerize with retinoid X receptors, which we term as non-X orphan receptors. We also propose a speculative "retinoid hypothesis" for a subset of non-X orphan nuclear receptors, which we hope to help shed light on orphan nuclear receptor biology and drug discovery. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Orphan Nuclear Receptors'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyong Zhi
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; Autophagy Research Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 6000Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - X Edward Zhou
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Karsten Melcher
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - H Eric Xu
- Laboratory of Structural Sciences, Van Andel Research Institute, 333 Bostwick Ave., N.E., Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA; VARI-SIMM Center, Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of MateriaMedica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China.
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35
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Towards structural classification of long non-coding RNAs. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2015; 1859:41-5. [PMID: 26537437 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2015.09.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
While long non-coding RNAs play key roles in disease and development, few structural studies have been performed to date for this emerging class of RNAs. Previous structural studies are reviewed, and a pipeline is presented to determine secondary structures of long non-coding RNAs. Similar to riboswitches, experimentally determined secondary structures of long non-coding RNAs for one species, may be used to improve sequence/structure alignments for other species. As riboswitches have been classified according to their secondary structure, a similar scheme could be used to classify long non-coding RNAs. This article is part of a Special Issue titled: Clues to long noncoding RNA taxonomy1, edited by Dr. Tetsuro Hirose and Dr. Shinichi Nakagawa.
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Spiga F, Walker JJ, Gupta R, Terry JR, Lightman SL. 60 YEARS OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY: Glucocorticoid dynamics: insights from mathematical, experimental and clinical studies. J Endocrinol 2015; 226:T55-66. [PMID: 26148724 DOI: 10.1530/joe-15-0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
A pulsatile pattern of secretion is a characteristic of many hormonal systems, including the glucocorticoid-producing hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Despite recent evidence supporting its importance for behavioral, neuroendocrine and transcriptional effects of glucocorticoids, there has been a paucity of information regarding the origin of glucocorticoid pulsatility. In this review we discuss the mechanisms regulating pulsatile dynamics of the HPA axis, and how these dynamics become disrupted in disease. Our recent mathematical, experimental and clinical studies show that glucocorticoid pulsatility can be generated and maintained by dynamic processes at the level of the pituitary-adrenal axis, and that an intra-adrenal negative feedback may contribute to these dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Spiga
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and EndocrinologyUniversity of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, UKCollege of EngineeringMathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Harrison Building, Streatham Campus, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QF, UKWellcome Trust Centre for Biomedical Modelling and AnalysisRILD Building, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Jamie J Walker
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and EndocrinologyUniversity of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, UKCollege of EngineeringMathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Harrison Building, Streatham Campus, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QF, UKWellcome Trust Centre for Biomedical Modelling and AnalysisRILD Building, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and EndocrinologyUniversity of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, UKCollege of EngineeringMathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Harrison Building, Streatham Campus, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QF, UKWellcome Trust Centre for Biomedical Modelling and AnalysisRILD Building, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and EndocrinologyUniversity of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, UKCollege of EngineeringMathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Harrison Building, Streatham Campus, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QF, UKWellcome Trust Centre for Biomedical Modelling and AnalysisRILD Building, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Rita Gupta
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and EndocrinologyUniversity of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, UKCollege of EngineeringMathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Harrison Building, Streatham Campus, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QF, UKWellcome Trust Centre for Biomedical Modelling and AnalysisRILD Building, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - John R Terry
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and EndocrinologyUniversity of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, UKCollege of EngineeringMathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Harrison Building, Streatham Campus, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QF, UKWellcome Trust Centre for Biomedical Modelling and AnalysisRILD Building, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and EndocrinologyUniversity of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, UKCollege of EngineeringMathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Harrison Building, Streatham Campus, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QF, UKWellcome Trust Centre for Biomedical Modelling and AnalysisRILD Building, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
| | - Stafford L Lightman
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and EndocrinologyUniversity of Bristol, Dorothy Hodgkin Building, Whitson Street, Bristol BS1 3NY, UKCollege of EngineeringMathematics and Physical Sciences, University of Exeter, Harrison Building, Streatham Campus, North Park Road, Exeter EX4 4QF, UKWellcome Trust Centre for Biomedical Modelling and AnalysisRILD Building, University of Exeter, Exeter, UK
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Suntharalingham JP, Buonocore F, Duncan AJ, Achermann JC. DAX-1 (NR0B1) and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1, NR5A1) in human disease. Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab 2015; 29:607-19. [PMID: 26303087 PMCID: PMC5159745 DOI: 10.1016/j.beem.2015.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
DAX-1 (NR0B1) and SF-1 (NR5A1) are two nuclear receptor transcription factors that play a key role in human adrenal and reproductive development. Loss of DAX-1 function is classically associated with X-linked adrenal hypoplasia congenita. This condition typically affects boys and presents as primary adrenal insufficiency in early infancy or childhood, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism at puberty and impaired spermatogenesis. Late onset forms of this condition and variant phenotypes are increasingly recognized. In contrast, disruption of SF-1 only rarely causes adrenal insufficiency, usually in combination with testicular dysgenesis. Variants in SF-1/NR5A1 more commonly cause a spectrum of reproductive phenotypes ranging from 46,XY DSD (partial testicular dysgenesis or reduced androgen production) and hypospadias to male factor infertility or primary ovarian insufficiency. Making a specific diagnosis of DAX-1 or SF-1 associated conditions is important for long-term monitoring of endocrine and reproductive function, appropriate genetic counselling for family members, and for providing appropriate informed support for young people.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Federica Buonocore
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Andrew J Duncan
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
| | - John C Achermann
- Genetics & Genomic Medicine, UCL Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK.
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38
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Spiga F, Lightman SL. Dynamics of adrenal glucocorticoid steroidogenesis in health and disease. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 408:227-34. [PMID: 25662280 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2014] [Revised: 02/03/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is characterized by an ultradian (pulsatile) pattern of hormone secretion. Pulsatility of glucocorticoids has been found critical for optimal transcriptional, neuroendocrine and behavioral responses. This review will focus on the mechanisms underlying the origin of the glucocorticoid ultradian rhythm. Our recent research shows that the ultradian rhythm of glucocorticoids depends on highly dynamic processes within adrenocortical steroidogenic cells. Furthermore, we have evidence that disruption of these dynamics leads to abnormal glucocorticoid secretion observed in disease and critical illness in both humans and rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Spiga
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Stafford L Lightman
- Henry Wellcome Laboratories for Integrative Neuroscience and Endocrinology, School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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Liu Z, Hao C, Huang X, Zhang N, Bao H, Qu Q. Peripheral blood leukocyte expression level of lncRNA steroid receptor RNA activator (SRA) and its association with polycystic ovary syndrome: a case control study. Gynecol Endocrinol 2015; 31:363-8. [PMID: 25609053 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2014.999763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been recognized as a common reproductive and endocrine disorder. Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) steroid receptor RNA activator (SRA) affects multiple biological processes. However, it is not known whether lncRNA SRA is associated with PCOS. In the study, we measured the expression level of lncRNA SRA in PCOS patients, and analyzed the association between lncRNA SRA and multiple key endocrine parameters of PCOS. LncRNA SRA expression was significantly higher in the women with PCOS than that in the controls. There was a significant positive correlation between lncRNA SRA expression and BMI in PCOS group. Furthermore, obesity positively associates with the high expression of lncRNA SRA in PCOS women but without the association in control women. In conclusion, we found that the lncRNA SRA expression is potentially associated with PCOS and it has positive correlation with obesity in PCOS, thereby suggesting that elevated lncRNA SRA might be an important mediator in adiposity-related processes in PCOS for susceptible individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenteng Liu
- Medical College of Qingdao University , Qingdao, Shandong , China and
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40
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Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are a large and diverse group of RNAs that are often lineage-specific and that regulate multiple biological functions. Many are nuclear and are essential parts of ribonucleoprotein complexes that modify chromatin segments and establish active or repressive chromatin states; others are cytosolic and regulate the stability of mRNA or act as microRNA sponges. This Review summarizes the current knowledge of lncRNAs as regulators of the endocrine system, with a focus on the identification and mode of action of several endocrine-important lncRNAs. We highlight lncRNAs that have a role in the development and function of pancreatic β cells, white and brown adipose tissue, and other endocrine organs, and discuss the involvement of these molecules in endocrine dysfunction (for example, diabetes mellitus). We also address the associations of lncRNAs with nuclear receptors involved in major hormonal signalling pathways, such as estrogen and androgen receptors, and the relevance of these associations in certain endocrine cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marko Knoll
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, MA 02142, USA
| | - Harvey F Lodish
- Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, 9 Cambridge Center, MA 02142, USA
| | - Lei Sun
- Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders, Duke-National University of Singapore Graduate Medical School, 8 College Road, 169857, Singapore
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41
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Orekhova AS, Rubtsov PM. DAX1, an unusual member of the nuclear receptor superfamily with diverse functions. Mol Biol 2015. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893315010124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Abstract
Stem cells are endowed with the potential for self-renewal and multipotency. Pluripotent embryonic stem cells have an early role in the formation of the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm), whereas adult tissue stem cells and progenitor cells are critical mediators of organ homeostasis. The adrenal cortex is an exceptionally dynamic endocrine organ that is homeostatically maintained by paracrine and endocrine signals throughout postnatal life. In the past decade, much has been learned about the stem and progenitor cells of the adrenal cortex and the multiple roles that these cell populations have in normal development and homeostasis of the adrenal gland and in adrenal diseases. In this Review, we discuss the evidence for the presence of adrenocortical stem cells, as well as the various signalling molecules and transcriptional networks that are critical for the embryological establishment and postnatal maintenance of this vital population of cells. The implications of these pathways and cells in the pathophysiology of disease are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth M Walczak
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Gary D Hammer
- Center for Organogenesis, Alfred Taubman Biomedical Sciences Research Building, Room 1528, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
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43
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The structure, function and evolution of proteins that bind DNA and RNA. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2014; 15:749-60. [PMID: 25269475 DOI: 10.1038/nrm3884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Proteins that bind both DNA and RNA typify the ability of a single gene product to perform multiple functions. Such DNA- and RNA-binding proteins (DRBPs) have unique functional characteristics that stem from their specific structural features; these developed early in evolution and are widely conserved. Proteins that bind RNA have typically been considered as functionally distinct from proteins that bind DNA and studied independently. This practice is becoming outdated, in partly owing to the discovery of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that target DNA-binding proteins. Consequently, DRBPs were found to regulate many cellular processes, including transcription, translation, gene silencing, microRNA biogenesis and telomere maintenance.
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44
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Hajjari M, Khoshnevisan A, Shin YK. Molecular function and regulation of long non-coding RNAs: paradigms with potential roles in cancer. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:10645-63. [PMID: 25266799 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2636-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2014] [Accepted: 09/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Different long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are transcribed within the genome. Although initially argued to be spurious transcriptional noise, these RNAs play important roles in biological pathways, as shown by different studies. Also, there are some reports about the role of lncRNAs in different cancers. They can contribute to the development and progression of cancer by the functioning as oncogene or/and tumor suppressor molecules. In this review, we point to some important lncRNAs as examples which seem to be involved in cancer initiation/progression.
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45
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Danielsen ET, Moeller ME, Dorry E, Komura-Kawa T, Fujimoto Y, Troelsen JT, Herder R, O'Connor MB, Niwa R, Rewitz KF. Transcriptional control of steroid biosynthesis genes in the Drosophila prothoracic gland by ventral veins lacking and knirps. PLoS Genet 2014; 10:e1004343. [PMID: 24945799 PMCID: PMC4063667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1004343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Specialized endocrine cells produce and release steroid hormones that govern development, metabolism and reproduction. In order to synthesize steroids, all the genes in the biosynthetic pathway must be coordinately turned on in steroidogenic cells. In Drosophila, the steroid producing endocrine cells are located in the prothoracic gland (PG) that releases the steroid hormone ecdysone. The transcriptional regulatory network that specifies the unique PG specific expression pattern of the ecdysone biosynthetic genes remains unknown. Here, we show that two transcription factors, the POU-domain Ventral veins lacking (Vvl) and the nuclear receptor Knirps (Kni), have essential roles in the PG during larval development. Vvl is highly expressed in the PG during embryogenesis and is enriched in the gland during larval development, suggesting that Vvl might function as a master transcriptional regulator in this tissue. Vvl and Kni bind to PG specific cis-regulatory elements that are required for expression of the ecdysone biosynthetic genes. Knock down of either vvl or kni in the PG results in a larval developmental arrest due to failure in ecdysone production. Furthermore, Vvl and Kni are also required for maintenance of TOR/S6K and prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH) signaling in the PG, two major pathways that control ecdysone biosynthesis and PG cell growth. We also show that the transcriptional regulator, Molting defective (Mld), controls early biosynthetic pathway steps. Our data show that Vvl and Kni directly regulate ecdysone biosynthesis by transcriptional control of biosynthetic gene expression and indirectly by affecting PTTH and TOR/S6K signaling. This provides new insight into the regulatory network of transcription factors involved in the coordinated regulation of steroidogenic cell specific transcription, and identifies a new function of Vvl and Knirps in endocrine cells during post-embryonic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morten E. Moeller
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Elad Dorry
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tatsuya Komura-Kawa
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Fujimoto
- Department of Chemistry and Materials Science, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Meguro, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jesper T. Troelsen
- Department of Science, Systems and Models, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Rachel Herder
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Michael B. O'Connor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Ryusuke Niwa
- Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
- PRESTO, JST, Kawaguchi, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kim F. Rewitz
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- * E-mail:
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Role of Orphan Nuclear Receptor DAX-1/NR0B1 in Development, Physiology, and Disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1155/2014/582749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
DAX-1/NR0B1 is an unusual orphan receptor that has a pivotal role in the development and function of steroidogenic tissues and of the reproductive axis. Recent studies have also indicated that this transcription factor has an important function in stem cell biology and in several types of cancer. Here I critically review the most important findings on the role of DAX-1 in development, physiology, and disease of endocrine tissues since the cloning of its gene twenty years ago.
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SRA regulates adipogenesis by modulating p38/JNK phosphorylation and stimulating insulin receptor gene expression and downstream signaling. PLoS One 2014; 9:e95416. [PMID: 24743795 PMCID: PMC3990642 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0095416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Steroid Receptor RNA Activator (SRA) enhances adipogenesis and increases both glucose uptake and phosphorylation of Akt and FOXO1 in response to insulin. To assess the mechanism, we differentiated ST2 mesenchymal precursor cells that did or did not overexpress SRA into adipocytes using combinations of methylisobutylxanthine, dexamethasone and insulin. These studies showed that SRA overexpression promotes full adipogenesis in part by stimulation of insulin/insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) signaling. SRA overexpression inhibited phosphorylation of p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) in the early differentiation of ST2 cells. Conversely, knockdown of endogenous SRA in 3T3-L1 cells increased phosphorylation of JNK. Knockdown of SRA in mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes reduced insulin receptor (IR) mRNA and protein levels, which led to decreased autophosphorylation of IRβ and decreased phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) and Akt. This likely reflects a stimulatory role of SRA on IR transcription, as transfection studies showed that SRA increased expression of an IR promoter-luciferase reporter construct.
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Liu S, Sheng L, Miao H, Saunders TL, MacDougald OA, Koenig RJ, Xu B. SRA gene knockout protects against diet-induced obesity and improves glucose tolerance. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:13000-9. [PMID: 24675075 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.564658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently shown that the non-coding RNA, steroid receptor RNA activator (SRA), functions as a transcriptional coactivator of PPARγ and promotes adipocyte differentiation in vitro. To assess SRA function in vivo, we have generated a whole mouse Sra1 gene knock-out (SRA(-/-)). Here, we show that the Sra1 gene is an important regulator of adipose tissue mass and function. SRA is expressed at a higher level in adipose tissue than other organs in wild type mice. SRA(-/-) mice are resistant to high fat diet-induced obesity, with decreased fat mass and increased lean content. This lean phenotype of SRA(-/-) mice is associated with decreased expression of a subset of adipocyte marker genes and reduced plasma TNFα levels. The SRA(-/-) mice are more insulin sensitive, as evidenced by reduced fasting insulin, and lower blood glucoses in response to IP glucose and insulin. In addition, the livers of SRA(-/-) mice have fewer lipid droplets after high fat diet feeding, and the expression of lipogenesis-associated genes is decreased. To our knowledge, these data are the first to indicate a functional role for SRA in adipose tissue biology and glucose homeostasis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Liu
- From the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes
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49
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Lee KC, Wong WK, Feng B. Decoding the Pluripotency Network: The Emergence of New Transcription Factors. Biomedicines 2013; 1:49-78. [PMID: 28548056 PMCID: PMC5423462 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines1010049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2013] [Revised: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Since the successful isolation of mouse and human embryonic stem cells (ESCs) in the past decades, massive investigations have been conducted to dissect the pluripotency network that governs the ability of these cells to differentiate into all cell types. Beside the core Oct4-Sox2-Nanog circuitry, accumulating regulators, including transcription factors, epigenetic modifiers, microRNA and signaling molecules have also been found to play important roles in preserving pluripotency. Among the various regulations that orchestrate the cellular pluripotency program, transcriptional regulation is situated in the central position and appears to be dominant over other regulatory controls. In this review, we would like to summarize the recent advancements in the accumulating findings of new transcription factors that play a critical role in controlling both pluripotency network and ESC identity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Chuen Lee
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 105A, 1/F, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Wing Ki Wong
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 105A, 1/F, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
| | - Bo Feng
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Room 105A, 1/F, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Shatin, N.T., Hong Kong, China.
- SBS Core Laboratory, Shenzhen Research Institute, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, 4/F CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute Building, No.10, 2nd Yuexing Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen 518057, China.
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50
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Safe S, Jin UH, Hedrick E, Reeder A, Lee SO. Minireview: role of orphan nuclear receptors in cancer and potential as drug targets. Mol Endocrinol 2013; 28:157-72. [PMID: 24295738 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The nuclear orphan receptors for which endogenous ligands have not been identified include nuclear receptor (NR)0B1 (adrenal hypoplasia congenita critical region on chromosome X gene), NR0B2 (small heterodimer partner), NR1D1/2 (Rev-Erbα/β), NR2C1 (testicular receptor 2), NR2C2 (testicular receptor 4), NR2E1 (tailless), NR2E3 (photoreceptor-specific NR [PNR]), NR2F1 chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor 1 (COUP-TFI), NR2F2 (COUP-TFII), NR2F6 (v-erbA-related protein), NR4A1 (Nur77), NR4A2 (Nurr1), NR4A3 (Nor1), and NR6A1 (GCNF). These receptors play essential roles in development, cellular homeostasis, and disease including cancer where over- or underexpression of some receptors has prognostic significance for patient survival. Results of receptor knockdown or overexpression in vivo and in cancer cell lines demonstrate that orphan receptors exhibit tumor-specific pro-oncogenic or tumor suppressor-like activity. For example, COUP-TFII expression is both a positive (ovarian) and negative (prostate and breast) prognostic factor for cancer patients; in contrast, the prognostic activity of adrenal hypoplasia congenita critical region on chromosome X gene for the same tumors is the inverse of COUP-TFII. Functional studies show that Nur77 is tumor suppressor like in acute leukemia, whereas silencing Nur77 in pancreatic, colon, lung, lymphoma, melanoma, cervical, ovarian, gastric, and some breast cancer cell lines induces one or more of several responses including growth inhibition and decreased survival, migration, and invasion. Although endogenous ligands for the orphan receptors have not been identified, there is increasing evidence that different structural classes of compounds activate, inactivate, and directly bind several orphan receptors. Thus, the screening and development of selective orphan receptor modulators will have important clinical applications as novel mechanism-based agents for treating cancer patients overexpressing one or more orphan receptors and also for combined drug therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology (S.S., E.H., A.R.), Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77808; and Institute of Biosciences and Technology (S.S., U.-H.J., S.-O.L.), Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030
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