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Zuloaga DG, Lafrican JJ, Zuloaga KL. Androgen regulation of behavioral stress responses and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Horm Behav 2024; 162:105528. [PMID: 38503191 PMCID: PMC11144109 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2024.105528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Testosterone is a powerful steroid hormone that can impact the brain and behavior in various ways, including regulating behavioral and neuroendocrine (hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis) stress responses. Early in life androgens can act to alter development of brain regions associated with stress regulation, which ultimately impacts the display of stress responses later in life. Adult circulating androgens can also influence the expression of distinct genes and proteins that regulate stress responses. These changes in the brain are hypothesized to underlie the potent effects of androgens in regulating behaviors related to stress and stress-induced activation of the HPA axis. Androgens can induce alterations in these functions through direct binding to the androgen receptor (AR) or following conversion to estrogens and subsequent binding to estrogen receptors including estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), beta (ERβ), and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1). In this review, we focus on the role of androgens in regulating behavioral and neuroendocrine stress responses at different stages of the lifespan and the sex hormone receptors involved in regulating these effects. We also review the specific brain regions and cell phenotypes upon which androgens are proposed to act to regulate stress responses with an emphasis on hypothalamic and extended amygdala subregions. This knowledge of androgen effects on these neural systems is critical for understanding how sex hormones regulate stress responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian G Zuloaga
- Department of Psychology, University at Albany, Albany, NY, USA.
| | | | - Kristen L Zuloaga
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY, USA
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2
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Hou H, Chan C, Yuki KE, Sokolowski D, Roy A, Qu R, Uusküla-Reimand L, Faykoo-Martinez M, Hudson M, Corre C, Goldenberg A, Zhang Z, Palmert MR, Wilson MD. Postnatal developmental trajectory of sex-biased gene expression in the mouse pituitary gland. Biol Sex Differ 2022; 13:57. [PMID: 36221127 PMCID: PMC9552479 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-022-00467-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pituitary gland regulates essential physiological processes such as growth, pubertal onset, stress response, metabolism, reproduction, and lactation. While sex biases in these functions and hormone production have been described, the underlying identity, temporal deployment, and cell-type specificity of sex-biased pituitary gene regulatory networks are not fully understood. METHODS To capture sex differences in pituitary gene regulation dynamics during postnatal development, we performed 3' untranslated region sequencing and small RNA sequencing to ascertain gene and microRNA expression, respectively, across five postnatal ages (postnatal days 12, 22, 27, 32, 37) that span the pubertal transition in female and male C57BL/6J mouse pituitaries (n = 5-6 biological replicates for each sex at each age). RESULTS We observed over 900 instances of sex-biased gene expression and 17 sex-biased microRNAs, with the majority of sex differences occurring with puberty. Using miRNA-gene target interaction databases, we identified 18 sex-biased genes that were putative targets of 5 sex-biased microRNAs. In addition, by combining our bulk RNA-seq with publicly available male and female mouse pituitary single-nuclei RNA-seq data, we obtained evidence that cell-type proportion sex differences exist prior to puberty and persist post-puberty for three major hormone-producing cell types: somatotropes, lactotropes, and gonadotropes. Finally, we identified sex-biased genes in these three pituitary cell types after accounting for cell-type proportion differences between sexes. CONCLUSION Our study reveals the identity and postnatal developmental trajectory of sex-biased gene expression in the mouse pituitary. This work also highlights the importance of considering sex biases in cell-type composition when understanding sex differences in the processes regulated by the pituitary gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huayun Hou
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Cadia Chan
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Donnelly Centre for Cellular and Biomolecular Research, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Kyoko E Yuki
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dustin Sokolowski
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Roy
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rihao Qu
- Interdepartmental Program of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Mariela Faykoo-Martinez
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Matt Hudson
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christina Corre
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Division of Endocrinology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Anna Goldenberg
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zhaolei Zhang
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Computer Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mark R Palmert
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Division of Endocrinology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Departments of Pediatrics and Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Michael D Wilson
- Genetics and Genome Biology, SickKids Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada. .,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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3
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Stojilkovic SS, Previde RM, Sherman AS, Fletcher PA. Pituitary corticotroph identity and receptor-mediated signaling: A transcriptomics perspective. CURRENT OPINION IN ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC RESEARCH 2022; 25. [PMID: 36177190 PMCID: PMC9514143 DOI: 10.1016/j.coemr.2022.100364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recent single-cell RNA sequencing has offered an unprecedented view of pituitary cell transcriptomic profiles. In this review, these new data are briefly discussed and compared with the classical literature, focusing on pituitary corticotrophs. These cells are introduced by discussing their marker genes, followed by a review of G protein-coupled receptor gene expression, heterotrimeric G protein genes, and genes encoding signaling pathways downstream of G proteins: adenylate cyclases, phosphodiesterases, phospholipases, and protein kinases. The expression patterns of enzyme-linked plasma membrane and nuclear hormone receptor genes was also analyzed. The overview of these selected groups of genes sheds new light on corticotrophic receptors and their signaling pathways and provides guidance for further basic and clinical research by identifying genes that not been studied so far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanko S. Stojilkovic
- Section on Cellular Signaling, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Correspondence: Stanko S. Stojilkovic ()
| | - Rafael M. Previde
- Section on Cellular Signaling, The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Arthur S. Sherman
- Laboratory of Biological Modeling, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Patrick A. Fletcher
- Laboratory of Biological Modeling, National Institute of Diabetes, Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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4
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Pérez PA, Toledo J, Picech F, Petiti JP, Mukdsi JH, Diaz-Torga G, Torres AI, De Paul AL, Gutiérrez S. Perinatal DEHP exposure modulates pituitary estrogen receptor α and β expression altering lactotroph and somatotroph cell growth in prepuberal and adult male rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 158:112649. [PMID: 34728246 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Phthalates are synthetic chemicals widely used to make polyvinylchloride (PVC) soft and flexible. Of these, Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is the most commonly used, with high human exposure occurring as early as the fetal developmental stage and affecting the endocrine system. We focused on the perinatal DEHP effects on pituitary estrogen receptor (ER) expression in male rats, explored their impact on lactotroph and somatotroph cell growth, and evaluated the direct effects of this phthalate on pituitary cell cultures. Our results showed that DEHP perinatal exposure was unable to modify the ERα+ pituitary cell number from prepuberal rats, but increased ERβ+ cells. In adulthood, the pituitary ERα+ cells underwent a slight decrease with ERβ showing the greatest changes, and with a significant increase observed in somatotroph cells. Also, in vitro, DEHP reduced the ERα+ cells, increased the percentage of ERβ+ pituitary cells and modified the Ki67 index, as well as decreasing the lactotrophs and increasing the somatotroph cells. In conclusion, the present study showed that DEHP induced ER expression changes in normal pituitary glands from male rats in in vivo and in vitro conditions, suggesting that DEHP could differentially modulate lactotroph and somatotroph cell growth, possibly as a consequence of ER imbalance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo A Pérez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Córdoba, Argentina; Centro de Microscopia Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Jonathan Toledo
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Córdoba, Argentina; Centro de Microscopia Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Florencia Picech
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Córdoba, Argentina; Centro de Microscopia Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Juan P Petiti
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Córdoba, Argentina; Centro de Microscopia Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Jorge H Mukdsi
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Córdoba, Argentina; Centro de Microscopia Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Graciela Diaz-Torga
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alicia I Torres
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Córdoba, Argentina; Centro de Microscopia Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Ana L De Paul
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Córdoba, Argentina; Centro de Microscopia Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Silvina Gutiérrez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (INICSA) Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Córdoba, Argentina; Centro de Microscopia Electrónica, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina.
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5
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Abstract
Resident progenitor and/or stem cell populations in the adult adrenal cortex enable cortical cells to undergo homeostatic renewal and regeneration after injury. Renewal occurs predominantly in the outer layers of the adrenal gland but newly formed cells undergo centripetal migration, differentiation and lineage conversion in the process of forming the different functional steroidogenic zones. Over the past 10 years, advances in the genetic characterization of adrenal diseases and studies of mouse models with altered adrenal phenotypes have helped to elucidate the molecular pathways that regulate adrenal tissue renewal, several of which are fine-tuned via complex paracrine and endocrine influences. Moreover, the adrenal gland is a sexually dimorphic organ, and testicular androgens have inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and progenitor cell recruitment in the adrenal cortex. This Review integrates these advances, including the emerging role of sex hormones, into existing knowledge on adrenocortical cell renewal. An in-depth understanding of these mechanisms is expected to contribute to the development of novel therapies for severe endocrine diseases, for which current treatments are unsatisfactory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodanthi Lyraki
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Nice, France
| | - Andreas Schedl
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Nice, France.
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6
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Christakoudi S, Evangelou E, Riboli E, Tsilidis KK. GWAS of allometric body-shape indices in UK Biobank identifies loci suggesting associations with morphogenesis, organogenesis, adrenal cell renewal and cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:10688. [PMID: 34021172 PMCID: PMC8139988 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89176-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Genetic studies have examined body-shape measures adjusted for body mass index (BMI), while allometric indices are additionally adjusted for height. We performed the first genome-wide association study of A Body Shape Index (ABSI), Hip Index (HI) and the new Waist-to-Hip Index and compared these with traditional indices, using data from the UK Biobank Resource for 219,872 women and 186,825 men with white British ancestry and Bayesian linear mixed-models (BOLT-LMM). One to two thirds of the loci identified for allometric body-shape indices were novel. Most prominent was rs72959041 variant in RSPO3 gene, expressed in visceral adipose tissue and regulating adrenal cell renewal. Highly ranked were genes related to morphogenesis and organogenesis, previously additionally linked to cancer development and progression. Genetic associations were fewer in men compared to women. Prominent region-specific associations showed variants in loci VEGFA and HMGA1 for ABSI and KLF14 for HI in women, and C5orf67 and HOXC4/5 for ABSI and RSPO3, VEGFA and SLC30A10 for HI in men. Although more variants were associated with waist and hip circumference adjusted for BMI compared to ABSI and HI, associations with height had previously been reported for many of the additional variants, illustrating the importance of adjusting correctly for height.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Christakoudi
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK. .,MRC Centre for Transplantation, King's College London, Great Maze Pond, London, SE1 9RT, UK.
| | - Evangelos Evangelou
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK.,Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Elio Riboli
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Konstantinos K Tsilidis
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Imperial College London, St Mary's Campus, Norfolk Place, London, W2 1PG, UK.,Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, University of Ioannina School of Medicine, Ioannina, Greece
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7
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The Sexually Dimorphic Adrenal Cortex: Implications for Adrenal Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094889. [PMID: 34063067 PMCID: PMC8124132 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Many adrenocortical diseases are more prevalent in women than in men, but the reasons underlying this sex bias are still unknown. Recent studies involving gonadectomy and sex hormone replacement experiments in mice have shed some light onto the molecular basis of sexual dimorphism in the adrenal cortex. Indeed, it has been shown that gonadal hormones influence many aspects of adrenal physiology, ranging from stem cell-dependent tissue turnover to steroidogenesis and X-zone dynamics. This article reviews current knowledge on adrenal cortex sexual dimorphism and the potential mechanisms underlying sex hormone influence of adrenal homeostasis. Both topics are expected to contribute to personalized and novel therapeutic approaches in the future.
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8
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Moisan MP. Sexual Dimorphism in Glucocorticoid Stress Response. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063139. [PMID: 33808655 PMCID: PMC8003420 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is encountered in our everyday life and is thought to contribute to a number of diseases. Many of these stress-related disorders display a sex bias. Because glucocorticoid hormones are the main biological mediator of chronic stress, researchers have been interested in understanding the sexual dimorphism in glucocorticoid stress response to better explain the sex bias in stress-related diseases. Although not yet demonstrated for glucocorticoid regulation, sex chromosomes do influence sex-specific biology as soon as conception. Then a transient rise in testosterone start to shape the male brain during the prenatal period differently to the female brain. These organizational effects are completed just before puberty. The cerebral regions implicated in glucocorticoid regulation at rest and after stress are thereby impacted in a sex-specific manner. After puberty, the high levels of all gonadal hormones will interact with glucocorticoid hormones in specific crosstalk through their respective nuclear receptors. In addition, stress occurring early in life, in particular during the prenatal period and in adolescence will prime in the long-term glucocorticoid stress response through epigenetic mechanisms, again in a sex-specific manner. Altogether, various molecular mechanisms explain sex-specific glucocorticoid stress responses that do not exclude important gender effects in humans.
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9
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Zhang S, Cui Y, Ma X, Yong J, Yan L, Yang M, Ren J, Tang F, Wen L, Qiao J. Single-cell transcriptomics identifies divergent developmental lineage trajectories during human pituitary development. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5275. [PMID: 33077725 PMCID: PMC7572359 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19012-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The anterior pituitary gland plays a central role in regulating various physiological processes, including body growth, reproduction, metabolism and stress response. Here, we perform single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of 4113 individual cells from human fetal pituitaries. We characterize divergent developmental trajectories with distinct transitional intermediate states in five hormone-producing cell lineages. Corticotropes exhibit an early intermediate state prior to full differentiation. Three cell types of the PIT-1 lineage (somatotropes, lactotropes and thyrotropes) segregate from a common progenitor coexpressing lineage-specific transcription factors of different sublineages. Gonadotropes experience two multistep developmental trajectories. Furthermore, we identify a fetal gonadotrope cell subtype expressing the primate-specific hormone chorionic gonadotropin. We also characterize the cellular heterogeneity of pituitary stem cells and identify a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal state and an early-to-late state transition. Here, our results provide insights into the transcriptional landscape of human pituitary development, defining distinct cell substates and subtypes and illustrating transcription factor dynamics during cell fate commitment. Editor’s summary_NCOMMS-19-41732B The anterior pituitary gland controls body growth and reproduction but how early development is dynamically regulated is unclear. Here, the authors use scRNA-seq of human fetal pituitaries to identify different developmental routes and state transitions of five hormone-producing cell lineages, and a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal state of pituitary stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yueli Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xinyi Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jun Yong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Liying Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Lu Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China. .,Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Jie Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China. .,Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China. .,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China.
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10
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Zuloaga DG, Heck AL, De Guzman RM, Handa RJ. Roles for androgens in mediating the sex differences of neuroendocrine and behavioral stress responses. Biol Sex Differ 2020; 11:44. [PMID: 32727567 PMCID: PMC7388454 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-020-00319-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Estradiol and testosterone are powerful steroid hormones that impact brain function in numerous ways. During development, these hormones can act to program the adult brain in a male or female direction. During adulthood, gonadal steroid hormones can activate or inhibit brain regions to modulate adult functions. Sex differences in behavioral and neuroendocrine (i.e., hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis) responses to stress arise as a result of these organizational and activational actions. The sex differences that are present in the HPA and behavioral responses to stress are particularly important considering their role in maintaining homeostasis. Furthermore, dysregulation of these systems can underlie the sex biases in risk for complex, stress-related diseases that are found in humans. Although many studies have explored the role of estrogen and estrogen receptors in mediating sex differences in stress-related behaviors and HPA function, much less consideration has been given to the role of androgens. While circulating androgens can act by binding and activating androgen receptors, they can also act by metabolism to estrogenic molecules to impact estrogen signaling in the brain and periphery. This review focuses on androgens as an important hormone for modulating the HPA axis and behaviors throughout life and for setting up sex differences in key stress regulatory systems that could impact risk for disease in adulthood. In particular, impacts of androgens on neuropeptide systems known to play key roles in HPA and behavioral responses to stress (corticotropin-releasing factor, vasopressin, and oxytocin) are discussed. A greater knowledge of androgen action in the brain is key to understanding the neurobiology of stress in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashley L Heck
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA
| | | | - Robert J Handa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, USA.
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11
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Ietswaart R, Arat S, Chen AX, Farahmand S, Kim B, DuMouchel W, Armstrong D, Fekete A, Sutherland JJ, Urban L. Machine learning guided association of adverse drug reactions with in vitro target-based pharmacology. EBioMedicine 2020; 57:102837. [PMID: 32565027 PMCID: PMC7379147 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2020.102837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in health care. Understanding which drug targets are linked to ADRs can lead to the development of safer medicines. METHODS Here, we analyse in vitro secondary pharmacology of common (off) targets for 2134 marketed drugs. To associate these drugs with human ADRs, we utilized FDA Adverse Event Reports and developed random forest models that predict ADR occurrences from in vitro pharmacological profiles. FINDINGS By evaluating Gini importance scores of model features, we identify 221 target-ADR associations, which co-occur in PubMed abstracts to a greater extent than expected by chance. Amongst these are established relations, such as the association of in vitro hERG binding with cardiac arrhythmias, which further validate our machine learning approach. Evidence on bile acid metabolism supports our identification of associations between the Bile Salt Export Pump and renal, thyroid, lipid metabolism, respiratory tract and central nervous system disorders. Unexpectedly, our model suggests PDE3 is associated with 40 ADRs. INTERPRETATION These associations provide a comprehensive resource to support drug development and human biology studies. FUNDING This study was not supported by any formal funding bodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ietswaart
- Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
| | - Seda Arat
- The Jackson Laboratory, Farmington, CT 06032, United States.
| | - Amanda X Chen
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02142, United States; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Saman Farahmand
- Computational Sciences PhD program, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA 02125, United States
| | - Bumjun Kim
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | | | - Duncan Armstrong
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Alexander Fekete
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Jeffrey J Sutherland
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States.
| | - Laszlo Urban
- Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States.
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12
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Gannon AL, O'Hara L, Mason JI, Jørgensen A, Frederiksen H, Milne L, Smith S, Mitchell RT, Smith LB. Androgen receptor signalling in the male adrenal facilitates X-zone regression, cell turnover and protects against adrenal degeneration during ageing. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10457. [PMID: 31320667 PMCID: PMC6639311 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46049-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Androgens are known to be an essential regulator of male health. Androgen receptor (AR) is widely expressed throughout the adrenal cortex, yet the wider role for androgen signalling in the adrenal remains underexplored. To investigate AR-dependent and AR-independent androgen signalling in the adrenal, we used a novel mouse model with a specific ablation of androgen receptor in the adrenal cortex with or without reduction of circulating androgen levels by castration. Our results describe AR expression in the human and mouse adrenal and highlight that the mouse is a viable model to investigate androgen signalling in the adrenal cortex. We show androgen signalling via AR is required for X-zone regression during puberty. Furthermore, cortex measurements define differences in X-zone morphology depending on whether circulating androgens or AR have been removed. We show androgens promote both cortical cell differentiation and apoptosis but are dispensable for the formation of the definitive cortex. Additionally, investigation of aged mice with AR ablation reveals severe cortex disruption, spindle cell hyperplasia and X-zone expansion. The data described herein demonstrates AR-signalling is required to facilitate X-zone regression, cell clearance and to protect against adrenal degeneration during ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Louise Gannon
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, 2308, NSW, Australia
| | - Laura O'Hara
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
- Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences, Hugh Robson Building, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9XD, UK
| | - J Ian Mason
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Frederiksen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- International Centre for Research and Research Training in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health (EDMaRC), Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Laura Milne
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
- Edinburgh Genome Foundry, Michael Swann Building, Max Bonn Crescent, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
| | - Sarah Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Rod T Mitchell
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK
| | - Lee B Smith
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, 47 Little France Crescent, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, UK.
- School of Environmental and Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, 2308, NSW, Australia.
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Panizzon MS, Hauger RL, Xian H, Jacobson K, Lyons MJ, Franz CE, Kremen WS. Interactive effects of testosterone and cortisol on hippocampal volume and episodic memory in middle-aged men. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 91:115-122. [PMID: 29547742 PMCID: PMC5931212 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Animal and human research suggests that testosterone is associated with hippocampal structure and function. Studies examining the association between testosterone and either hippocampal structure or hippocampal-mediated cognitive processes have overwhelmingly focused on the effects of testosterone alone, without considering the interaction of other neuroendocrine factors. The aim of the present study was to examine the interactive effects of testosterone and cortisol in relation to hippocampal volume and episodic memory in a sample of late-middle aged men from the Vietnam Era Twin Study of Aging. The average age of participants was 56.3 years (range 51-60). Salivary hormone samples were collected at multiple time-points on two non-consecutive at-home days, and an in-lab assessment. Area under the curve with respect to ground measures for cortisol and testosterone were utilized. Significant testosterone-by-cortisol interactions were observed for hippocampal volume, and episodic memory. When cortisol levels were elevated (1 SD above the mean), testosterone levels were positively associated with hippocampal volume and memory performance. However, when cortisol levels were low (1 SD below the mean), testosterone levels were inversely related to hippocampal volume and memory performance. These findings suggest that in context of high cortisol levels, testosterone may be neuroprotective. In contrast, low testosterone may also be neuroprotective in the context of low cortisol levels. To our knowledge this is the first demonstration of such an interaction in a structural brain measure and an associated cognitive ability. These results argue in favor of broadening neuroendocrine research to consider the simultaneous and interactive effects of multiple hormones on brain structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S. Panizzon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA,Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA,Correspondence: Dr. Matthew S. Panizzon, Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive (MC 0738), La Jolla, CA 9293-0738; Tel: 858-534-8269; Fax: 858-822-5856;
| | - Richard L. Hauger
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA,Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
| | - Hong Xian
- Department of Biostatistics, St. Louis University, College for Public Health & Social Justice, St. Louis, MO,Research Service, St. Louis Veterans Affairs Medical Center, St. Louis, MO
| | | | - Michael J. Lyons
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA
| | - Carol E. Franz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA,Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - William S. Kremen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA,Center for Behavior Genetics of Aging, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA,Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA
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14
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Li Z, Lu J, Chen J, Pang Q, Nan R, Zhu Z. Expression and localization of guanine nucleotide-binding protein alpha S in the testis and epididymis of rams at different developmental stages. Anim Reprod Sci 2017; 178:31-39. [PMID: 28108049 DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2017.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The guanine nucleotide-binding alpha S subunit (Gαs) is an important element of key signaling pathways, which is widely expressed in mammalian tissues; however, its role in the reproductive system is still unclear. In this study, we investigated the expression and localization of Gαs in the testes and epididymis of rams at different developmental stages using quantitative RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. In 1-, 6-, and 12-month-old rams, the transcription of Gαs-encoding gene (Gnαs) was significantly upregulated in the corpus and cauda epididymis compared to the testes and caput epididymis (P<0.05). At 12 months, the level of Gnαs mRNA was higher than that at 1 and 6 months for all tested tissues (P<0.05). The Gαs protein was detected in the principal cells and interstitial epididymal cells, including Sertoli and Leydig cells, as well as in testicular cells, spermatogonial stem cells, and spermatocytes. Gαs expression was the highest in the cauda epididymis (P<0.05), followed by the corpus epididymis, caput epididymis, and testes. The results indicate that in the reproductive organs of rams, Gαs is expressed in a tissue-specific and age-dependent manner. The high levels of Gαs observed in the epididymis suggest that Gαs may influence the composition of the epididymal lumen fluid and, consequently, the microenvironment for spermatozoa maturation. Thus, Gαs could play an important role in spermatogenesis and the development of the testes and epididymis in the reproductive system of rams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Li
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Jieli Lu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Jia Chen
- Institute of Farm Product Storage and Fresh-keeping, Shanxi Academy of Agriculture Science, Taiyuan, PR China
| | - Quanhai Pang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, PR China.
| | - Ruipeng Nan
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, PR China
| | - Zhiwei Zhu
- College of Life Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Shanxi, PR China
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15
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Kiezun J, Kaminska B, Jankowski J, Dusza L. Concentrations of the adrenocorticotropic hormone, corticosterone and sex steroid hormones and the expression of the androgen receptor in the pituitary and adrenal glands of male turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) during growth and development. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2015; 217-218:62-70. [PMID: 25776460 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2015.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2014] [Revised: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Androgens take part in the regulation of puberty and promote growth and development. They play their biological role by binding to a specific androgen receptor (AR). The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of AR mRNA and protein in the pituitary and adrenal glands, to localize AR protein in luteinizing hormone (LH)-producing pituitary and adrenocortical cells, to determine plasma concentrations of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone and the concentrations of corticosterone, testosterone (T), androstenedione (A4) and oestradiol (E2) in the adrenal glands of male turkeys at the age of 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28weeks. The concentrations of hormones and the expression of AR varied during development. The expression of AR mRNA and protein in pituitary increased during the growth. The increase of AR mRNA levels in pituitary occurred earlier than increase of AR protein. The percentage of pituitary cells expressing ARs in the population of LH-secreting cells increased in week 20. It suggests that AR expression in LH-producing pituitary cells is determined by the phase of development. The drop in adrenal AR mRNA and protein expression was accompanied by an increase in the concentrations of adrenal androgens. Those results could point to the presence of a compensatory mechanism that enables turkeys to avoid the potentially detrimental effects of high androgen concentrations. Our results will expand our knowledge of the role of steroids in the development of the reproductive system of turkeys from the first month of age until maturity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Kiezun
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego St. 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - B Kaminska
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego St. 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - J Jankowski
- Department of Poultry Science, Faculty of Animal Bioengineering, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego St. 5, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland.
| | - L Dusza
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Oczapowskiego St. 1A, 10-719 Olsztyn, Poland.
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16
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O’Hara L, Curley M, Tedim Ferreira M, Cruickshanks L, Milne L, Smith LB. Pituitary androgen receptor signalling regulates prolactin but not gonadotrophins in the male mouse. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0121657. [PMID: 25799562 PMCID: PMC4370825 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0121657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Production of the androgen testosterone is controlled by a negative feedback loop within the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. Stimulation of testicular Leydig cells by pituitary luteinising hormone (LH) is under the control of hypothalamic gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH), while suppression of LH secretion by the pituitary is controlled by circulating testosterone. Exactly how androgens exert their feedback control of gonadotrophin secretion (and whether this is at the level of the pituitary), as well as the role of AR in other pituitary cell types remains unclear. To investigate these questions, we exploited a transgenic mouse line (Foxg1Cre/+; ARfl/y) which lacks androgen receptor in the pituitary gland. Both circulating testosterone and gonadotrophins are unchanged in adulthood, demonstrating that AR signalling is dispensable in the male mouse pituitary for testosterone-dependent regulation of LH secretion. In contrast, Foxg1Cre/+; ARfl/y males have a significant increase in circulating prolactin, suggesting that, rather than controlling gonadotrophins, AR-signalling in the pituitary acts to suppress aberrant prolactin production in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura O’Hara
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Curley
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Tedim Ferreira
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lyndsey Cruickshanks
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Milne
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lee B. Smith
- Medical Research Council Centre for Reproductive Health, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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17
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Chang C, Yeh S, Lee SO, Chang TM. Androgen receptor (AR) pathophysiological roles in androgen-related diseases in skin, bone/muscle, metabolic syndrome and neuron/immune systems: lessons learned from mice lacking AR in specific cells. NUCLEAR RECEPTOR SIGNALING 2013; 11:e001. [PMID: 24653668 PMCID: PMC3960937 DOI: 10.1621/nrs.11001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2013] [Accepted: 05/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is expressed ubiquitously and plays a variety of roles in a vast number of physiological and pathophysiological processes. Recent studies of AR knockout (ARKO) mouse models, particularly the cell type- or tissue-specific ARKO models, have uncovered many AR cell type- or tissue-specific pathophysiological roles in mice, which otherwise would not be delineated from conventional castration and androgen insensitivity syndrome studies. Thus, the AR in various specific cell types plays pivotal roles in production and maturation of immune cells, bone mineralization, and muscle growth. In metabolism, the ARs in brain, particularly in the hypothalamus, and the liver appear to participate in regulation of insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis. The AR also plays key roles in cutaneous wound healing and cardiovascular diseases, including atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysm. This article will discuss the results obtained from the total, cell type-, or tissue-specific ARKO models. The understanding of AR cell type- or tissue-specific physiological and pathophysiological roles using these in
vivo mouse models will provide useful information in uncovering AR roles in humans and eventually help us to develop better therapies via targeting the AR or its downstream signaling molecules to combat androgen/AR-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chawnshang Chang
- George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology, Urology, Radiation Oncology, and the Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA (CC, SY, SOL, T-MC) and Sex Hormone Research Center, China Medical University/Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan (CC)
| | - Shuyuan Yeh
- George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology, Urology, Radiation Oncology, and the Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA (CC, SY, SOL, T-MC) and Sex Hormone Research Center, China Medical University/Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan (CC)
| | - Soo Ok Lee
- George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology, Urology, Radiation Oncology, and the Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA (CC, SY, SOL, T-MC) and Sex Hormone Research Center, China Medical University/Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan (CC)
| | - Ta-Min Chang
- George Whipple Lab for Cancer Research, Departments of Pathology, Urology, Radiation Oncology, and the Wilmot Cancer Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York, USA (CC, SY, SOL, T-MC) and Sex Hormone Research Center, China Medical University/Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan (CC)
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18
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Pasquali R. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and sex hormones in chronic stress and obesity: pathophysiological and clinical aspects. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2012; 1264:20-35. [PMID: 22612409 PMCID: PMC3464358 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2012.06569.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Obesity, particularly the abdominal phenotype, has been ascribed to an individual maladaptation to chronic environmental stress exposure mediated by a dysregulation of related neuroendocrine axes. Alterations in the control and action of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis play a major role in this context, with the participation of the sympathetic nervous system. The ability to adapt to chronic stress may differ according to sex, with specific pathophysiological events leading to the development of stress-related chronic diseases. This seems to be influenced by the regulatory effects of sex hormones, particularly androgens. Stress may also disrupt the control of feeding, with some differences according to sex. Finally, the amount of experimental data in both animals and humans may help to shed more light on specific phenotypes of obesity, strictly related to the chronic exposure to stress. This challenge may potentially imply a different pathophysiological perspective and, possibly, a specific treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato Pasquali
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Medicine, S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital, University Alma Mater Studiorum of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
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19
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Breen KM, Thackray VG, Hsu T, Mak-McCully RA, Coss D, Mellon PL. Stress levels of glucocorticoids inhibit LHβ-subunit gene expression in gonadotrope cells. Mol Endocrinol 2012; 26:1716-31. [PMID: 22851703 DOI: 10.1210/me.2011-1327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased glucocorticoid secretion is a common response to stress and has been implicated as a mediator of reproductive suppression upon the pituitary gland. We utilized complementary in vitro and in vivo approaches in the mouse to investigate the role of glucocorticoids as a stress-induced intermediate capable of gonadotrope suppression. Repeated daily restraint stress lengthened the ovulatory cycle of female mice and acutely reduced GnRH-induced LH secretion and synthesis of LH β-subunit (LHβ) mRNA, coincident with increased circulating glucocorticoids. Administration of a stress level of glucocorticoid, in the absence of stress, blunted LH secretion in ovariectomized female mice, demonstrating direct impairment of reproductive function by glucocorticoids. Supporting a pituitary action, glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is expressed in mouse gonadotropes and treatment with glucocorticoids reduces GnRH-induced LHβ expression in immortalized mouse gonadotrope cells. Analyses revealed that glucocorticoid repression localizes to a region of the LHβ proximal promoter, which contains early growth response factor 1 (Egr1) and steroidogenic factor 1 sites critical for GnRH induction. GR is recruited to this promoter region in the presence of GnRH, but not by dexamethasone alone, confirming the necessity of the GnRH response for GR repression. In lieu of GnRH, Egr1 induction is sufficient for glucocorticoid repression of LHβ expression, which occurs via GR acting in a DNA- and dimerization-independent manner. Collectively, these results expose the gonadotrope as an important neuroendocrine site impaired during stress, by revealing a molecular mechanism involving Egr1 as a critical integrator of complex formation on the LHβ promoter during GnRH induction and GR repression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellie M Breen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine/Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093-0674, USA
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Abstract
Androgens, the male sex hormones, exert various biological effects on many target organs through the transcriptional effects of the nuclear androgen receptor (AR). ARs are expressed not only in classical target organs, such as the brain, genital organs, bone, and skeletal muscles, but also in the cardiovascular system. Because the female sex hormones estrogens are well-known to protect against cardiovascular disease, sex has been considered to have a significant clinical impact on cardiovascular mortality. However, the influence of androgens on the cardiovascular system has not been fully elucidated. To clarify this issue, we analyzed the effects of administration of angiotensin II and doxorubicin, an anticancer agent, in a loading model in male wild-type and AR-deficient mice. In this review, we focus on the actions of androgens as potential targets for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasumasa Ikeda
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Tokushima, Graduate School of Health Biosciences, 3-18-15 Kuramoto-cho, Tokushima 770-8503, Japan
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21
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Frost RA, Lang CH. Multifaceted role of insulin-like growth factors and mammalian target of rapamycin in skeletal muscle. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am 2012; 41:297-322, vi. [PMID: 22682632 PMCID: PMC3376019 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecl.2012.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
This review describes the current literature on the interaction between insulin-like growth factors, endocrine hormones, and branched-chain amino acids on muscle physiology in healthy young individuals and during select pathologic conditions. Emphasis is placed on the mechanism by which physical and hormonal signals are transduced at the cellular level to either grow or atrophy skeletal muscle. The key role of the mammalian target of rapamycin and its ability to respond to hypertrophic and atrophic signals informs our understanding how a combination of physical, nutritional, and pharmacologic therapies may be used in tandem to prevent or ameliorate reductions in muscle mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Frost
- Associate Professor, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey PA, 17033
- Professor and Vice Chairman, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey PA, 17033
| | - Charles H. Lang
- Associate Professor, Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine, Hershey PA, 17033
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22
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Cell-specific distributions of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and androgen receptor (AR) in anterior pituitary glands from adult cockerels as revealed by immunohistochemistry. Cell Tissue Res 2012; 348:551-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-012-1399-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2011] [Accepted: 03/05/2012] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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23
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Youn MY, Yokoyama A, Fujiyama-Nakamura S, Ohtake F, Minehata KI, Yasuda H, Suzuki T, Kato S, Imai Y. JMJD5, a Jumonji C (JmjC) domain-containing protein, negatively regulates osteoclastogenesis by facilitating NFATc1 protein degradation. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:12994-3004. [PMID: 22375008 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.323105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoclastogenesis is a highly regulated process governed by diverse classes of regulators. Among them, nuclear factor of activated T-cells calcineurin-dependent 1 (NFATc1) is the primary osteoclastogenic transcription factor, and its expression is transcriptionally induced during early osteoclastogenesis by receptor activation of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL), an osteoclastogenic cytokine. Here, we report the novel enzymatic function of JMJD5, which regulates NFATc1 protein stability. Among the tested Jumonji C (JmjC) domain-containing proteins, decreased mRNA expression levels during osteoclastogenesis were found for JMJD5 in RAW264 cells stimulated by RANKL. To examine the functional role of JMJD5 in osteoclast differentiation, we established stable JMJD5 knockdown cells, and osteoclast formation was assessed. Down-regulated expression of JMJD5 led to accelerated osteoclast formation together with induction of several osteoclast-specific genes such as Ctsk and DC-STAMP, suggesting that JMJD5 is a negative regulator in osteoclast differentiation. Although JMJD5 was recently reported as a histone demethylase for histone H3K36me2, no histone demethylase activity was detected in JMJD5 in vitro or in living cells, even for other methylated histone residues. Instead, JMJD5 co-repressed transcriptional activity by destabilizing NFATc1 protein. Protein hydroxylase activity mediated by the JmjC domain in JMJD5 was required for the observed functions of JMJD5. JMJD5 induced the association of hydroxylated NFATc1 with the E3 ubiquitin ligase Von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor (VHL), thereby presumably facilitating proteasomal degradation of NFATc1 via ubiquitination. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that JMJD5 is a post-translational co-repressor for NFATc1 that attenuates osteoclastogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Young Youn
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Yayoi 1-1-1, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
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24
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Cunningham RL, Lumia AR, McGinnis MY. Androgen receptors, sex behavior, and aggression. Neuroendocrinology 2012; 96:131-40. [PMID: 22414851 PMCID: PMC3474193 DOI: 10.1159/000337663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2011] [Accepted: 02/28/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Androgens are intricately involved in reproductive and aggressive behaviors, but the role of the androgen receptor in mediating these behaviors is less defined. Further, activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis can influence each other at the level of the androgen receptor. Knowledge of the mechanisms for androgens' effects on behaviors through the androgen receptor will guide future studies in elucidating male reproductive and aggressive behavior repertoires.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L Cunningham
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Centre at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.
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25
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Zuloaga DG, Poort JE, Jordan CL, Breedlove SM. Male rats with the testicular feminization mutation of the androgen receptor display elevated anxiety-related behavior and corticosterone response to mild stress. Horm Behav 2011; 60:380-8. [PMID: 21801726 PMCID: PMC3171185 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2011.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2011] [Revised: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 07/07/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone influences the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, anxiety-related behavior, and sensorimotor gating in rodents, but little is known about the role of the androgen receptor (AR) in mediating these influences. We compared levels of the stress hormone corticosterone at baseline and following exposure to a novel object in an open field in wild type (wt) male and female rats, and male rats with the testicular feminization mutation (Tfm) of the AR, which disables its function. Basal corticosterone was equivalent in all groups, but exposure to a novel object in an open field elicited a greater increase in corticosterone in Tfm males and wt females than in wt males. Tfm males also showed increased behavioral indices of anxiety compared to wt males and females in the test. Analysis of the immediate early gene c-Fos expression after exposure to a novel object revealed greater activation in Tfm males than wt males in some regions (medial preoptic area) and lesser activation in others (dentate gyrus, posterodorsal medial amygdala). No differences were found in a measure of sensorimotor gating (prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response), although Tfm males had an increased acoustic startle response compared to wt males and females. These findings demonstrate that ARs play a role in regulating anxiety-related behaviors, as well as corticosterone responses and neural activation following exposure to a mild stressor in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian G Zuloaga
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, 108 Giltner Hall, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824-1101, USA.
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Genetic Impact of Both Sex Hormones in Male-Typical Behaviors. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 707:125-6. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-8002-1_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Testis-specific protein on Y chromosome (TSPY) represses the activity of the androgen receptor in androgen-dependent testicular germ-cell tumors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:19891-6. [PMID: 21041627 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1010307107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Testis-specific protein on Y chromosome (TSPY) is an ampliconic gene on the Y chromosome, and genetic interaction with gonadoblastoma has been clinically established. However, the function of the TSPY protein remains to be characterized in physiological and pathological settings. In the present study, we observed coexpression of TSPY and the androgen receptor (AR) in testicular germ-cell tumors (TGCTs) in patients as well as in model cell lines, but such coexpression was not seen in normal testis of humans or mice. TSPY was a repressor for androgen signaling because of its trapping of cytosolic AR even in the presence of androgen. Androgen treatment stimulated cell proliferation of a TGCT model cell line, and TSPY potently attenuated androgen-dependent cell growth. Together with the finding that TSPY expression is reduced in more malignant TGCTs in vivo, the present study suggests that TSPY serves as a repressor in androgen-induced tumor development in TGCTs and raises the possibility that TSPY could be used as a clinical marker to assess the malignancy of TGCTs.
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Youn MY, Takada I, Imai Y, Yasuda H, Kato S. Transcriptionally active nuclei are selective in mature multinucleated osteoclasts. Genes Cells 2010; 15:1025-35. [PMID: 20831632 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2443.2010.01441.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Multinucleation is indispensable for the bone-resorbing activity of mature osteoclasts. Although multinucleation is evident in mature osteoclasts and certain other cell types, putative regulatory networks among nuclei remain poorly characterized. To address this issue, transcriptional activity of each nucleus in a multinucleated osteoclast was assessed by detecting the distributions of nuclear proteins by immunocytochemistry and primary transcripts by RNA FISH. Patterns of epigenetic histone markers governing transcription as well as localization of tested nuclear receptor proteins appeared indistinguishable among nuclei in differentiated Raw264 cells and mouse mature osteoclasts. However, RNAPII-Ser5P/2P and NFATc1 proteins were selectively distributed in certain nuclei in the same cell. Similarly, the distributions of primary transcripts for osteoclast-specific genes (Nfatc1, Ctsk and Acp5) as well as a housekeeping gene (beta-tubulin) were limited in certain nuclei within individual cells. By fusing two Raw264 cell lines that stably expressed ZsGreen-NLS and DsRed-NLS proteins, transmission of nuclear proteins across all of the nuclei in a cell could be observed, presumably through the shared cytoplasm. Taken together, we conclude that although nuclear proteins are diffusible among nuclei, only certain nuclei within a multinucleated osteoclast are transcriptionally active.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Young Youn
- Laboratory of Nuclear Signaling, Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
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Ikeda Y, Aihara KI, Yoshida S, Sato T, Yagi S, Iwase T, Sumitomo Y, Ise T, Ishikawa K, Azuma H, Akaike M, Kato S, Matsumoto T. Androgen-androgen receptor system protects against angiotensin II-induced vascular remodeling. Endocrinology 2009; 150:2857-64. [PMID: 19196803 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-1254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Age-related andropause promotes cardiovascular disease in males. Although we had previously reported that the androgen-androgen receptor (AR) system plays important roles in cardiac growth and remodeling, the system's involvement in vascular remodeling remains unclear. To clarify this role, 25-wk-old male AR knockout (ARKO) mice and littermate male wild-type (WT) mice were divided into two groups with and without angiotensin II (Ang II) administration (2.0 mg/kg . d) for 14 d, respectively. No morphological differences in the coronary artery and thoracic aorta were observed between the groups without Ang II. Ang II stimulation markedly increased medial thickness and perivascular fibrosis in ARKO mice, with enhanced TGF-beta1, collagen type I, and collagen type III gene expression in the aorta. Ang II stimulation also prominently increased superoxide production, lipid peroxidation, and gene expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase components in ARKO mice compared with WT mice. In addition, phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and phosphorylated (Smad2/3) was remarkably enhanced in Ang II-treated ARKO mice compared with Ang II-treated WT mice. Notably, daily urinary nitric oxide (NO) metabolites excretion as a marker of NO bioavailability, aortic endothelial NO synthase expression and phosphorylation, and Akt phosphorylation were significantly reduced in ARKO mice compared with WT mice, regardless of Ang II stimulation. In conclusion, the androgen-AR system is required for the preservation of NO bioavailability through Akt-endothelial NO synthase system activation and exerts protective effects against Ang II-induced vascular remodeling by regulating oxidative stress, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling, and the TGF-beta-phosphorylated Smad pathway.
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MESH Headings
- Androgens/metabolism
- Angiotensin II/adverse effects
- Angiotensin II/pharmacology
- Animals
- Aorta, Thoracic/drug effects
- Aorta, Thoracic/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/chemically induced
- Atherosclerosis/metabolism
- Atherosclerosis/prevention & control
- Coronary Vessels/drug effects
- Coronary Vessels/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Lipid Peroxidation
- MAP Kinase Kinase 4/metabolism
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Nitric Oxide/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 1/metabolism
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2/metabolism
- Receptors, Androgen/genetics
- Receptors, Androgen/metabolism
- Superoxides/metabolism
- Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances/metabolism
- Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism
- Vasoconstrictor Agents/adverse effects
- Vasoconstrictor Agents/pharmacology
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasumasa Ikeda
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory Sciences, University of Tokushima Graduate School of Health Biosciences, Tokushima, Japan
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30
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Bibliography. Current world literature. Diabetes and the endocrine pancreas II. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2008; 15:383-93. [PMID: 18594281 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e32830c6b8e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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31
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Akimoto C, Kitagawa H, Matsumoto T, Kato S. Spermatogenesis-specific association of SMCY and MSH5. Genes Cells 2008; 13:623-33. [PMID: 18459961 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2443.2008.01193.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The status of chromatin during spermatogenesis is dynamically regulated by specific histone codes or stage-specific histone changes. The functional links between such epigenetic regulation and proteins regulating meiosis are largely unknown. In mammals, genes encoded on the Y chromosome are thought to possess male-specific biological functions. While genes located within the azoospermia factor region (AZF) are known to be involved in spermatogenesis, the physiological function of individual genes is not known. SMCY is a gene mapped to the AZF, and in this report, we analyzed the function of SMCY protein during spermatogenesis. Biochemical identification of the proteins with which it interacted showed that SMCY formed a distinct complex with MSH5, a critical meiosis-regulatory protein in the human testicular germ cell line, NEC8. As anticipated, histone H3K4 demethylase activity was detected. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed the co-localization of SMCY with MSH5 at a specific stage of meiotic prophase progression during murine spermatogenesis. Our results suggest that SMCY may have a male-specific function as a histone H3K4 demethylase by recruiting a meiosis-regulatory protein to condensed DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Akimoto
- The Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, University of Tokyo, 1-1-1 Yayoi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0032, Japan
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Kadioglu P, Oral G, Sayitoglu M, Erensoy N, Senel B, Gazioglu N, Sav A, Cetin G, Ozbek U. Aromatase cytochrome P450 enzyme expression in human pituitary. Pituitary 2008; 11:29-35. [PMID: 17703364 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-007-0065-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Aromatase (P450AROM) converts testosterone to estrogen. This conversion could be important in normal physiology and estradiol-induced tumorigenesis in human pituitary. The objective of this study was to examine the expression of P450AROM in normal human pituitary and determine the gender difference. We examined aromatase expression in 19 normal human pituitary glands [13 males, 6 females, median age: 30 years (interquartile ranges, IQR: 23-63)] obtained from autopsy. We demonstrated aromatase gene expression levels by quantitative RT-PCR and aromatase protein with immunohistochemical staining in normal male and female human pituitary. Although median relative expression level of aromatase mRNA of male individuals [median DeltaCt = 42.6 (IQR: 7.6-93.9)] was higher than the female individuals [median DeltaCt = 3.9 (IQR:0-44.8)], we could not determine a significant gender difference in aromatase mRNA levels (p = 0.2). The difference between the aromatase protein density by immunohistochemistry was not significant between genders (p = 0.78). The aromatase levels were also not correlated with the age of the study subjects (p = 0.42 r = -0.21). The results indicate that aromatase enzyme is present in human pituitary. The amount and the density of the enzyme show a large variance among different individuals. Although higher mRNA expression was observed in male pituitary compared to female pituitary, there was no statistically significant difference for gender or age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinar Kadioglu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Istanbul, Cerrahpasa, Istanbul 34303, Turkey.
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Kitagawa H, Yamaoka I, Akimoto C, Kase I, Mezaki Y, Shimizu T, Kato S. Retracted:A reduction state potentiates the glucocorticoid response through receptor protein stabilization. Genes Cells 2007; 12:1281-7. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2443.2007.01131.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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