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Herman L, Amo A, Legois B, Di Carlo C, Veitia RA, Todeschini AL. A cellular model provides insights into the pathogenicity of the oncogenic FOXL2 somatic variant p.Cys134Trp. Br J Cancer 2024; 130:1453-1462. [PMID: 38429437 PMCID: PMC11059147 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-024-02613-x] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND FOXL2 is a transcription factor expressed in ovarian granulosa cells. A somatic variant of FOXL2 (c.402 C > G, p.Cys134Trp) is the hallmark of adult-type granulosa cell tumours. METHODS We generated KGN cell clones either heterozygous for this variant (MUT) or homozygous for the wild-type (WT) allele by CRISPR/Cas9 editing. They underwent RNA-Seq and bioinformatics analyses to uncover pathways impacted by deregulated genes. Cell morphology and migration were studied. RESULTS The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between WT/MUT and WT/WT KGN cells (DEGs-WT/MUT), pointed to several dysregulated pathways, like TGF-beta pathway, cell adhesion and migration. Consistently, WT/MUT cells were rounder than WT/WT cells and displayed a different distribution of stress fibres and paxillin staining. A comparison of the DEGs-WT/MUT with those found when FOXL2 was knocked down (KD) in WT/WT KGN cells showed that most DEGs-WT/MUT cells were not so in the KD experiment, supporting a gain-of-function (GOF) scenario. MUT-FOXL2 also displayed a stronger interaction with SMAD3. CONCLUSIONS Our work, aiming at better understanding the GOF scenario, shows that the dysregulated genes and pathways are consistent with this idea. Besides, we propose that GOF might result from an enhanced interaction with SMAD3 that could underlie an ectopic capacity of mutated FOXL2 to bind SMAD4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Herman
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - Angélique Amo
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | - Berangère Legois
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
| | | | - Reiner A Veitia
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, Paris, France
- Université Paris Saclay, Paris, France
- Institut de Biologie François Jacob, CEA, Fontenay aux Roses, Paris, France
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2
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Dang W, Ren Y, Chen Q, He M, Kebreab E, Wang D, Lyu L. Notch2 Regulates the Function of Bovine Follicular Granulosa Cells via the Wnt2/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1001. [PMID: 38612240 PMCID: PMC11010942 DOI: 10.3390/ani14071001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian follicular GCs are strongly implicated in the growth, development, and atresia of ovarian follicles. The Wnt/β-catenin and Notch signaling pathways participate in GC proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and steroid hormone production during follicular development. However, the crosstalk between Wnt and Notch signaling in GCs remains unclear. This study investigated this crosstalk and the roles of these pathways in apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell proliferation, and steroid hormone secretion in bovine follicular GCs. The interaction between β-catenin and Notch2 in GCs was assessed by overexpressing CTNNB1, which encodes β-catenin. The results showed that inhibiting the Notch pathway by Notch2 silencing in GCs arrested the cell cycle, promoted apoptosis, reduced progesterone (P4) production, and inhibited the Wnt2-mediated Wnt/β-catenin pathway in GCs. IWR-1 inhibited Wnt2/β-catenin and Notch signaling, reduced GC proliferation, stimulated apoptosis, induced G1 cell cycle arrest, and reduced P4 production. CTNNB1 overexpression had the opposite effect and increased 17β-estradiol (E2) production and Notch2 protein expression. Co-immunoprecipitation assays revealed that Notch2 interacted with β-catenin. These results elucidate the crosstalk between the Wnt/β-catenin and Notch pathways and the role of these pathways in bovine follicular GC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Dang
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.D.); (Y.R.); (Q.C.); (M.H.)
| | - Yongping Ren
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.D.); (Y.R.); (Q.C.); (M.H.)
| | - Qingqing Chen
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.D.); (Y.R.); (Q.C.); (M.H.)
| | - Min He
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.D.); (Y.R.); (Q.C.); (M.H.)
| | - Ermias Kebreab
- College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Dong Wang
- Institute of Animal Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Lihua Lyu
- College of Animal Science, Shanxi Agricultural University, Taigu, Jinzhong 030801, China; (W.D.); (Y.R.); (Q.C.); (M.H.)
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3
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Jung D, Almstedt K, Battista MJ, Seeger A, Jäkel J, Brenner W, Hasenburg A. Immunohistochemical markers of prognosis in adult granulosa cell tumors of the ovary - a review. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:50. [PMID: 36869369 PMCID: PMC9983179 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01125-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Granulosa cell tumors (GCT) are rare malignant ovarian tumors. The two subtypes, adult and juvenile granulosa cell tumors, differ in clinical and molecular characteristics. GCT are low-malignant tumors and are generally associated with favorable prognosis. However, relapses are common even years and decades after diagnosis. Prognostic and predictive factors are difficult to assess in this rare tumor entity. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive overview of the current state of knowledge on prognostic markers of GCT to identify patients with a high risk of recurrence. METHODS Systematic research for adult ovarian granulosa cell tumors and prognosis revealed n = 409 English full text results from 1965 to 2021. Of these articles, n = 35 were considered for this review after title and abstract screening and topic-specific matching. A specific search for pathologic markers with prognostic relevance for GCT identified n = 19 articles that were added to this review. RESULTS FOXL2 mutation and FOXL2 mRNA were inverse and immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of CD56, GATA-4 and SMAD3 was associated with reduced prognosis. IHC analysis of estrogen receptor, Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and inhibin was not associated with prognosis for GCT. Analyses of mitotic rate, Ki-67, p53, β-catenin and HER2 revealed inconsistent results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Jung
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, Mainz, 55131, Germany.
| | - Katrin Almstedt
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Marco J Battista
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Alexander Seeger
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Jörg Jäkel
- Department of Pathology, University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Walburgis Brenner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, Mainz, 55131, Germany
| | - Annette Hasenburg
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Mainz, Langenbeckstr. 1, Mainz, 55131, Germany
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Bridges K, Yao HHC, Nicol B. Loss of Runx1 Induces Granulosa Cell Defects and Development of Ovarian Tumors in the Mouse. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214442. [PMID: 36430923 PMCID: PMC9697285 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic alterations of the RUNX1 gene are associated with a variety of malignancies, including female-related cancers. The role of RUNX1 as either a tumor suppressor gene or an oncogene is tissue-dependent and varies based on the cancer type. Both the amplification and deletion of the RUNX1 gene have been associated with ovarian cancer in humans. In this study, we investigated the effects of Runx1 loss on ovarian pathogenesis in mice. A conditional loss of Runx1 in the somatic cells of the ovary led to an increased prevalence of ovarian tumors in aged mice. By the age of 15 months, 27% of Runx1 knockout (KO) females developed ovarian tumors that presented characteristics of granulosa cell tumors. While ovaries from young adult mice did not display tumors, they all contained abnormal follicle-like lesions. The granulosa cells composing these follicle-like lesions were quiescent, displayed defects in differentiation and were organized in a rosette-like pattern. The RNA-sequencing analysis further revealed differentially expressed genes in Runx1 KO ovaries, including genes involved in metaplasia, ovarian cancer, epithelial cell development, tight junctions, cell-cell adhesion, and the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway. Together, this study showed that Runx1 is required for normal granulosa cell differentiation and prevention of ovarian tumor development in mice.
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5
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Cheng J, Liu Y. Knockout of cyclin B1 in granulosa cells causes female subfertility. Cell Cycle 2022; 21:1867-1878. [PMID: 35536551 PMCID: PMC9359391 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2022.2074740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammalian cells, cyclin B1 plays a pivotal role in mitotic and meiotic progression. It has been reported that infertility occurs after disruption of cyclin B1 (Ccnb1) in male germ cells and oocytes. However, it remains to be elucidated whether the specific disruption of Ccnb1 in granulosa cells influences the reproductive activity of female mice. Amhr2 is expressed in granulosa cells (GCs) of the ovary. Here, we mated Ccnb1Flox/Flox mice with a transgenic mouse strain expressing Amhr2-Cre to generate GC-specific Ccnb1 knockout mice. The results showed that Ccnb1 Flox/Flox, Amhr2-Cre (Ccnb1 cKO) mice were subfertile but had normal oocyte meiotic progress, spindle shape and protein levels of cohesin subunits REC8 and SMC3 on arm chromosomes during meiosis I. A further study found that 32.4% of oocytes from Ccnb1 cKO mice exhibited chromosome condensation and spindle disassembly after the first polar body extrusion and failed to undergo second meiosis, which was never found in oocytes from Ccnb1Flox/Flox mice. In addition, the percentages of 2-cell embryos, morulas, and blastocysts in the Ccnb1 mutant group were all dramatically decreased compared to those in the Ccnb1Flox/Flox group (39.2% vs. 86.8%, 26.0% vs. 85.0%, 19.1% vs. 85.8%, respectively). Therefore, GC-specific Ccnb1 deletion in mice could cause fewer and poor-quality blastocysts and subsequent subfertility, which plays an important role in understanding the function of cyclin B1 in reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmei Cheng
- School of Medicine, Institute of Reproductive Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, Xicheng, China
| | - Yixun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, Xicheng, China
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Roy S, Sinha N, Huang B, Cline-Fedewa H, Gleicher N, Wang J, Sen A. Jumonji Domain-containing Protein-3 (JMJD3/Kdm6b) Is Critical for Normal Ovarian Function and Female Fertility. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6565906. [PMID: 35396990 PMCID: PMC9070484 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In females, reproductive success is dependent on the expression of a number of genes regulated at different levels, one of which is through epigenetic modulation. How a specific epigenetic modification regulates gene expression and their downstream effect on ovarian function are important for understanding the female reproductive process. The trimethylation of histone3 at lysine27 (H3K27me3) is associated with gene repression. JMJD3 (or KDM6b), a jumonji domain-containing histone demethylase specifically catalyzes the demethylation of H3K27me3, that positively influences gene expression. This study reports that the expression of JMJD3 specifically in the ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) is critical for maintaining normal female fertility. Conditional deletion of Jmjd3 in the GCs results in a decreased number of total healthy follicles, disrupted estrous cycle, and increased follicular atresia culminating in subfertility and premature ovarian failure. At the molecular level, the depletion of Jmjd3 and RNA-seq analysis reveal that JMJD3 is essential for mitochondrial function. JMJD3-mediated reduction of H3K27me3 induces the expression of Lif (Leukemia inhibitory factor) and Ctnnb1 (β-catenin), that in turn regulate the expression of key mitochondrial genes critical for the electron transport chain. Moreover, mitochondrial DNA content is also significantly decreased in Jmjd3 null GCs. Additionally, we have uncovered that the expression of Jmjd3 in GCs decreases with age, both in mice and in humans. Thus, in summary, our studies highlight the critical role of JMJD3 in nuclear-mitochondrial genome coordination that is essential for maintaining normal ovarian function and female fertility and underscore a potential role of JMJD3 in female reproductive aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sambit Roy
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Niharika Sinha
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Binbin Huang
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Holly Cline-Fedewa
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | | | - Jianrong Wang
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Aritro Sen
- Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Department of Animal Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Correspondence: Aritro Sen, PhD, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Department of Animal Sciences, 766 Service Rd, Interdisciplinary Science & Technology Building, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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7
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Ni N, Fang X, Mullens DA, Cai JJ, Ivanov I, Bartholin L, Li Q. Transcriptomic Profiling of Gene Expression Associated with Granulosa Cell Tumor Development in a Mouse Model. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092184. [PMID: 35565312 PMCID: PMC9105549 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are rare sex cord-stromal tumors, accounting for ~5% ovarian tumors. The etiology of GCTs remains poorly defined. Genetically engineered mouse models are potentially valuable for understanding the pathogenesis of GCTs. Mice harboring constitutively active TGFβ signaling (TGFBR1-CA) develop ovarian GCTs that phenocopy several hormonal and molecular characteristics of human GCTs. To determine molecular alterations in the ovary upon TGFβ signaling activation, we performed transcriptomic profiling of gene expression associated with GCT development using ovaries from 1-month-old TGFBR1-CA mice and age-matched controls. RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analysis coupled with the validation of select target genes revealed dysregulations of multiple cellular events and signaling molecules/pathways. The differentially expressed genes are enriched not only for known GCT-related pathways and tumorigenic events but also for signaling events potentially mediated by neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, relaxin signaling, insulin signaling, and complements in TGFBR1-CA ovaries. Additionally, a comparative analysis of our data in mice with genes dysregulated in human GCTs or granulosa cells overexpressing a mutant FOXL2, the genetic hallmark of adult GCTs, identified some common genes altered in both conditions. In summary, this study has revealed the molecular signature of ovarian GCTs in a mouse model that harbors the constitutive activation of TGFBR1. The findings may be further exploited to understand the pathogenesis of a class of poorly defined ovarian tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Ni
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.N.); (X.F.); (J.J.C.)
| | - Xin Fang
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.N.); (X.F.); (J.J.C.)
| | - Destiny A. Mullens
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.A.M.); (I.I.)
| | - James J. Cai
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.N.); (X.F.); (J.J.C.)
| | - Ivan Ivanov
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (D.A.M.); (I.I.)
| | - Laurent Bartholin
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, F-69000 Lyon, France;
- Centre Léon Bérard, F-69008 Lyon, France
| | - Qinglei Li
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (N.N.); (X.F.); (J.J.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-979-862-2009
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8
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Ashry M, Folger JK, Rajput SK, Baroni J, Smith GW. FSH stimulated bovine granulosa cell steroidogenesis involves both canonical and noncanonical WNT signaling. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2022; 78:106678. [PMID: 34607220 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2021.106678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotrophins play key roles in follicular development; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) regulation of aromatase and subsequent estradiol (E2) production relies on β-catenin, a key effector of WNT signaling. We previously demonstrated that treatment with the canonical WNT inhibitor, IWR-1, reduced FSH induced bovine granulosa cell E2 production in vitro. Here we demonstrated that intrafollicular injection in vivo with IWR-1 alters steroidogenesis and triggers a significant decrease in estrogen to progesterone ratio in the IWR-1 treated follicles compared to diluent injected control follicles. We next examined markers of canonical and noncanonical WNT signaling in dominant and subordinate follicles collected at different stages of follicular development and showed that protein for both CTNNB1 (canonical pathway) and phosphorylated (p)-LEF1 (noncanonical pathway) was significantly elevated in dominant compared to subordinate follicles at the early dominance stage of development. Therefore, we hypothesized that canonical and/or noncanonical WNT ligands modulate FSH stimulated E2 production. Hence, we examined the effects of specific WNT ligands on FSH stimulated E2 production in the absence of endogenous WNT production in vitro. Universal WNT signaling inhibitor, LGK-974 was able to inhibit FSH stimulation of E2 and reduce the abundance of proteins linked to canonical and noncanonical WNT pathway activation. Supplementation with the canonical ligand WNT2b did not affect the inhibitory effects of LGK-974 on FSH stimulated E2 production but rescued the LGK-974 mediated inhibition of CTNNB1 (canonical pathway) but not p-LEF1, p-JNK or p-P38 abundance (noncanonical pathway) abundance. In contrast, WNT5a treatment rescued FSH stimulated estradiol production and indices of activation of both the canonical (CTNNB1) and noncanonical (p-LEF1, p-JNK and p-P38) WNT signaling pathways in LGK-974 treated granulosa cells. Taken together, these results suggest that both canonical and noncanonical WNT pathways activation is linked to FSH stimulation of E2 production by bovine granulosa cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Ashry
- Laboratory of Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Genomics, Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Developmental Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA; Department of Theriogenology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza 12211, Egypt
| | - J K Folger
- Laboratory of Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Genomics, Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - S K Rajput
- Laboratory of Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Genomics, Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - J Baroni
- Laboratory of Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Genomics, Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - G W Smith
- Laboratory of Mammalian Reproductive Biology and Genomics, Department of Animal Science, Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA.
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9
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Spicer LJ. Wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site regulation of bovine theca cells. J Anim Sci 2021; 99:6309027. [PMID: 34166505 DOI: 10.1093/jas/skab197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian paracrine mediation by components of the wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site ligands (WNT1 to 11) and their receptors, frizzled family members (FZD1 to 10), has been proposed. Secreted truncated forms of FZD proteins (e.g., secreted frizzled-related protein 4 [SFRP4]) block the action of WNT ligands. Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is another WNT antagonist, and R-spondin-1 (RSPO1) is one of a group of four secreted proteins that enhance WNT/β-catenin signaling. Our hypothesis was that granulosa cells signal theca cells (TCs) via SFRP4, DKK1, RSPO1, and WNT secretion to regulate TC differentiation and proliferation. Therefore, in vitro experiments were conducted to study the effects of WNT family member 3A (WNT3A), WNT5A, RSPO1, DKK1, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), bone morphogenetic protein 7 (BMP7), Indian hedgehog (IHH), and fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) on bovine TC proliferation and steroidogenesis. TCs of large (8 to 20 mm) and small (3 to 6 mm) follicles were collected from bovine ovaries; TC monolayers were established in vitro and treated with various doses of recombinant human WNT3A, WNT5A, RSPO1, DKK1, IGF1, FGF9, BMP7, IHH, and/or ovine luteinizing hormone (LH) in serum-free medium for 48 h. In experiment 1, using LH-treated TC, IGF1, IHH, and WNT3A increased (P < 0.05) cell numbers and androstenedione production, whereas WNT3A and BMP7 inhibited (P < 0.05) progesterone production. In experiment 2, FGF9 blocked (P < 0.05) the WNT3A-induced increase in androstenedione production in LH plus IGF1-treated TC. In experiment 3, RSPO1 further increased (P < 0.05) LH plus IGF1-induced progesterone and androstenedione production. In experiment 4, SFRP4 and DKK1 alone had no significant effect on TC proliferation or progesterone production of large-follicle TC but both blocked the inhibitory effect of WNT5A on androstenedione production. In contrast, DKK1 alone inhibited (P < 0.05) small-follicle TC androstenedione production whereas SFRP4 was without effect. We conclude that the ovarian TC WNT system is functional in cattle, with WNT3A increasing proliferation and androstenedione production of TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon J Spicer
- Department of Animal and Food Sciences, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK 74078, USA
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10
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Habara O, Logan CY, Kanai-Azuma M, Nusse R, Takase HM. WNT signaling in pre-granulosa cells is required for ovarian folliculogenesis and female fertility. Development 2021; 148:261700. [PMID: 33914868 PMCID: PMC8126407 DOI: 10.1242/dev.198846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
In mammalian ovaries, immature oocytes are reserved in primordial follicles until their activation for potential ovulation. Precise control of primordial follicle activation (PFA) is essential for reproduction, but how this is achieved is unclear. Here, we show that canonical wingless-type MMTV integration site family (WNT) signaling is pivotal for pre-granulosa cell (pre-GC) activation during PFA. We identified several WNT ligands expressed in pre-GCs that act in an autocrine manner. Inhibition of WNT secretion from pre-GCs/GCs by conditional knockout (cKO) of the wntless (Wls) gene led to female infertility. In Wls cKO mice, GC layer thickness was greatly reduced in growing follicles, which resulted in impaired oocyte growth with both an abnormal, sustained nuclear localization of forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) and reduced phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6). Constitutive stabilization of β-catenin (CTNNB1) in pre-GCs/GCs induced morphological changes of pre-GCs from a squamous into a cuboidal form, though it did not influence oocyte activation. Our results reveal that canonical WNT signaling plays a permissive role in the transition of pre-GCs to GCs, which is an essential step to support oocyte growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Okiko Habara
- Laboratory for Organismal Patterning, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Catriona Y Logan
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Developmental Biology and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Masami Kanai-Azuma
- Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human Disease, Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Roeland Nusse
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Developmental Biology and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Hinako M Takase
- Laboratory for Organismal Patterning, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.,Department of Experimental Animal Model for Human Disease, Center for Experimental Animals, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
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11
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Cheng J, Li Y, Zhang Y, Wang X, Sun F, Liu Y. Conditional deletion of Wntless in granulosa cells causes impaired corpora lutea formation and subfertility. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 13:1001-1016. [PMID: 33291079 PMCID: PMC7835029 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
WNT proteins are widely expressed in the murine ovaries. WNTLESS is a regulator essential for all WNTs secretion. However, the complexity and overlapping expression of WNT signaling cascades have prevented researchers from elucidating their function in the ovary. Therefore, to determine the overall effect of WNT on ovarian development, we depleted the Wntless gene in oocytes and granulosa cells. Our results indicated no apparent defect in fertility in oocyte-specific Wntless knockout mice. However, granulosa cell (GC) specific Wntless deletion mice were subfertile and recurred miscarriages. Further analysis found that GC-specific Wntless knockout mice had noticeably smaller corpus luteum (CL) in the ovaries than control mice, which is consistent with a significant reduction in luteal cell marker gene expression and a noticeable increase in apoptotic gene expression. Also, the deletion of Wntless in GCs led to a significant decrease in ovarian HCGR and β-Catenin protein levels. In conclusion, Wntless deficient oocytes had no discernible impact on mouse fertility. In contrast, the loss of Wntless in GCs caused subfertility and impaired CL formation due to reduced LHCGR and β-Catenin protein levels, triggering GC apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmei Cheng
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China.,Key Laboratory of Fertility Preservation and Maintenance of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia 751400, China
| | - Yinchuan Li
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Xiuxia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Yixun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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12
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Zhu H, Qin N, Xu X, Sun X, Chen X, Zhao J, Xu R, Mishra B. Synergistic inhibition of csal1 and csal3 in granulosa cell proliferation and steroidogenesis of hen ovarian prehierarchical development†. Biol Reprod 2020; 101:986-1000. [PMID: 31350846 PMCID: PMC6877779 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
SALL1 and SALL3 are transcription factors that play an essential role in regulating developmental processes and organogenesis in many species. However, the functional role of SALL1 and SALL3 in chicken prehierarchical follicle development is unknown. This study aimed to explore the potential role and mechanism of csal1 and csal3 in granulosa cell proliferation, differentiation, and follicle selection within the prehierarchical follicles of hen ovary. Our data demonstrated that the csal1 and csal3 transcriptions were highly expressed in granulosa cells of prehierarchical follicles, and their proteins were mainly localized in the cytoplasm of granulosa cells and oocytes as well as in the ovarian stroma and epithelium. It initially revealed that both csal1 and csal3 may be involved in chicken prehierarchical follicle development via a translocation mechanism. Furthermore, our results showed an abundance of CCND1, Bcat, StAR, CYP11A1, and FSHR mRNA in granulosa cells, and the proliferation levels of granulosa cells from the prehierarchical follicles were significantly increased by siRNA-mediated knockdown of csal1 or/and csal3. Conversely, the overexpression of csal1 or/and csal3 in the granulosa cells led to a remarkably decreased of them. Moreover, csal1 and csal3 together exert a much stronger effect on the regulation than any of csal1 or csal3. These results indicated that csal1 and csal3 play synergistic inhibitory roles on granulosa cell proliferation, differentiation, and steroidogenesis during prehierarchical follicle development in vitro. The current data provide a basis of molecular mechanisms of csal1 and csal3 in controlling the prehierarchical follicle development and growth of hen ovary in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyan Zhu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Ning Qin
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperative Joint Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxing Xu
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
| | - Xue Sun
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperative Joint Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinghua Zhao
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Rifu Xu
- Department of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction, College of Animal Science and Technology, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,Modern Agricultural Technology International Cooperative Joint Laboratory of the Ministry of Education, Changchun, P. R. China
| | - Birendra Mishra
- Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
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13
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Fang X, Li Q. New insights into testicular granulosa cell tumors. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:293. [PMID: 33101487 PMCID: PMC7576989 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular granulosa cell tumors (TGCTs) are rare tumors of sex cord-stromal origin. TGCTs are mostly benign and can be classified into the adult type and the juvenile type. Due to the rarity of clinical cases and limited research efforts, the mechanism underpinning the development of TGCTs remains poorly understood. A landmark study has identified a forkhead box L2 mutation (C134W) in nearly all adult ovarian GCTs, but its implications in TGCTs are unclear. The present study focuses on reviewing the major signaling pathways (e.g., the transforming growth factor β signaling pathway) critical for the development of TGCTs, as revealed by genetically modified mouse models, with a goal of providing new insights into the pathogenesis of TGCTs and offering directions for future studies in this area. We posit that a comparative approach between testicular and ovarian GCTs is valuable, as granulosa cells and Sertoli cells arise from the same progenitor cells during gonadal development. Developing pre-clinical mouse models that recapitulate TGCTs will help answer the remaining questions around this type of rare tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Fang
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Qinglei Li
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
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14
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Richards JS. WOMEN IN REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCE: Discovering science and the ovary: a career of joy. Reproduction 2020; 158:F69-F80. [PMID: 30780130 DOI: 10.1530/rep-18-0513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
My career has been about discovering science and learning the joys of the discovery process itself. It has been a challenging but rewarding process filled with many exciting moments and wonderful colleagues and students. Although I went to college to become a French major, I ultimately stumbled into research while pursuing a Masters Degree in teaching. Thus, my research career began in graduate school where I was studying NAD kinase in the ovary as a possible regulator of steroidogenesis, a big issue in the late 1960s. After a short excursion of teaching in North Dakota, I became a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan, where radio-immuno assays and radio receptor assays had just come on the scene and were transforming endocrinology from laborious bioassays to quantitative science and of course these assays related to the ovary. From there I went to Baylor College of Medicine, a mecca of molecular biology, cloning genes and generating mouse models. It has been a fascinating and joyous journey.
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Affiliation(s)
- JoAnne S Richards
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
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15
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Pargianas M, Salta S, Apostolopoulou K, Lazaros L, Kyrgiou M, Tinelli A, Malvasi A, Kalogiannidis I, Georgiou I, Kosmas IP. Pathways Involved in Premature Ovarian Failure: A Systematic Review of Experimental Studies. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 26:2087-2095. [PMID: 32175834 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666200316160145] [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: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Premature ovarian failure (POF), which may be undetectable for a long time, is associated with impaired fertility. The mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of POF as well as the concomitant treatments are still unclear. Although many data exist, mainly produced by the study of transgenic animals under various experimental conditions, they remain fragmented. A systematic review of the pathways involved in premature ovarian failure was conducted. Data extraction was performed from experimental studies until 2019. The molecular processes and their correlation with the follicular developmental stage have been described. Furthermore, the effects in other cells, such as oocytes, granulosa and theca cells have been reported. An overall estimation was conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michail Pargianas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ioannina State General Hospital G. Chatzikosta, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Styliani Salta
- University Hospitals of Leicester, Haemophilia Centre, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Katerina Apostolopoulou
- Department of Biological Applications and Technologies, Ioannina University, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Leandros Lazaros
- Genetics and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Ioannina University, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Maria Kyrgiou
- West London Gynecological Cancer Center, Queen Charlotte's and Chelsea-Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Tinelli
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Moscow Region, Russian Federation.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Experimental Endoscopic Surgery, Imaging, Technology and Minimally Invasive Therapy, Vito Fazzi Hospital, Lecce, Italy
| | - Antonio Malvasi
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Moscow Region, Russian Federation.,Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Santa Maria Hospital, Bari, Italy
| | - Ioannis Kalogiannidis
- Third Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Faculty of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Georgiou
- Genetics and IVF Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical School, Ioannina University, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Ioannis P Kosmas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ioannina State General Hospital G. Chatzikosta, Ioannina, Greece.,Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), Moscow Region, Russian Federation
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16
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Tsoi M, Morin M, Rico C, Johnson RL, Paquet M, Gévry N, Boerboom D. Lats1 and Lats2 are required for ovarian granulosa cell fate maintenance. FASEB J 2019; 33:10819-10832. [PMID: 31268774 PMCID: PMC6766663 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201900609r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Recent reports suggest that the Hippo signaling pathway influences ovarian follicle development; however, its exact roles remain unknown. Here, we examined the ovarian functions of the Hippo kinases large tumor suppressors (LATS)1 and 2, which serve to inactivate the transcriptional coactivators Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). Inactivation of Lats1/2 in murine granulosa cells either in vitro or in vivo resulted in a loss of granulosa cell morphology, function, and gene expression. Mutant cells further underwent changes in structure and gene expression suggestive of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and transdifferentiation into multiple lineages. In vivo, granulosa cell-specific loss of Lats1/2 caused the ovarian parenchyma to be mostly replaced by bone tissue and seminiferous tubule-like structures. Transdifferentiation into Sertoli-like cells and osteoblasts was attributed in part to the increased recruitment of YAP and TAZ to the promoters of sex-determining region Y box 9 and bone γ-carboxyglutamate protein, key mediators of male sex determination and osteogenesis, respectively. Together, these results demonstrate for the first time a critical role for Lats1/2 in the maintenance of the granulosa cell genetic program and further highlight the remarkable plasticity of granulosa cells.-Tsoi, M., Morin, M., Rico, C., Johnson, R. L., Paquet, M., Gévry, N., Boerboom, D. Lats1 and Lats2 are required for ovarian granulosa cell fate maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mayra Tsoi
- Département de Biomédecine Vétérinaire, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Martin Morin
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Charlène Rico
- Département de Biomédecine Vétérinaire, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Randy L. Johnson
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Marilène Paquet
- Département de Pathologie et de Microbiologie, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Nicolas Gévry
- Département de Biologie, Faculté des Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada
| | - Derek Boerboom
- Département de Biomédecine Vétérinaire, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
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17
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Martinez RM, Baccarelli AA, Liang L, Dioni L, Mansur A, Adir M, Bollati V, Racowsky C, Hauser R, Machtinger R. Body mass index in relation to extracellular vesicle-linked microRNAs in human follicular fluid. Fertil Steril 2019; 112:387-396.e3. [PMID: 31146888 PMCID: PMC6663626 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study whether increased body mass index is associated with altered expression of extracellular vesicle microRNAs (EV-linked miRNAs) in human follicular fluid. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Tertiary-care university-affiliated center. PATIENT(S) One hundred thirty-three women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) were recruited from January 2014 to August 2016. INTERVENTIONS(S) None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) EV-linked miRNAs were isolated from follicular fluid and their expression profiles were measured with the use of the Taqman Open Array Human miRNA panel. EV-linked miRNAs were globally normalized and inverse-normal transformed. Associations between body mass index (BMI) and EV-linked miRNA outcomes were analyzed by means of multivariate linear regression and principal component analysis. RESULT(S) Eighteen EV-linked miRNAs were associated with an increase in BMI after adjusting for age, ethnicity, smoking status, and batch effects. Hsa-miR-328 remained significant after false discovery rate adjustments. Principal component analyses identified the first principal component to account for 40% of the variation in our EV-linked miRNA dataset, and adjusted linear regression found that the first principal component was significantly associated with BMI after multiple testing adjustments. Using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses, we predicted gene targets of EV-linked miRNA in silico and identified PI3K-Akt signaling, ECM-receptor interaction, focal adhesion, FoxO signaling, and oocyte meiosis pathways. CONCLUSION(S) These results show that a 1-unit increase in BMI is associated with altered follicular fluid expression of EV-linked miRNAs that may influence follicular and oocyte developmental pathways. Our findings provide potential insight into a mechanistic explanation for the reduced fertility rates associated with increased BMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie M Martinez
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts; Laboratory of Precision Environmental Biosciences, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Laboratory of Precision Environmental Biosciences, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York
| | - Liming Liang
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Laura Dioni
- Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Abdallah Mansur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Michal Adir
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Valentina Bollati
- Epidemiology, Epigenetics, and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Catherine Racowsky
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ronit Machtinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center and Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
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18
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Mohamed NE, Hay T, Reed KR, Smalley MJ, Clarke AR. APC2 is critical for ovarian WNT signalling control, fertility and tumour suppression. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:677. [PMID: 31291912 PMCID: PMC6617595 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5867-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Canonical WNT signalling plays a critical role in the regulation of ovarian development; mis-regulation of this key pathway in the adult ovary is associated with subfertility and tumourigenesis. The roles of Adenomatous polyposis coli 2 (APC2), a little-studied WNT signalling pathway regulator, in ovarian homeostasis, fertility and tumourigenesis have not previously been explored. Here, we demonstrate essential roles of APC2 in regulating ovarian WNT signalling and ovarian homeostasis. METHODS A detailed analysis of ovarian histology, gene expression, ovulation and hormone levels was carried out in 10 week old and in aged constitutive APC2-knockout (Apc2-/-) mice (mixed background). Statistical significance for qRT-PCR data was determined from 95% confidence intervals. Significance testing was performed using 2-tailed Student's t-test, when 2 experimental cohorts were compared. When more were compared, ANOVA test was used, followed by a post-hoc test (LSD or Games-Howell). P-values of < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS APC2-deficiency resulted in activation of ovarian WNT signalling and sub-fertility driven by intra-ovarian defects. Follicular growth was perturbed, resulting in a reduced rate of ovulation and corpora lutea formation, which could not be rescued by administration of gonadotrophins. Defects in steroidogenesis and follicular vascularity contributed to the subfertility phenotype. Tumour incidence was assessed in aged APC2-deficient mice, which also carried a hypomorphic Apc allele. APC2-deficiency in these mice resulted in predisposition to granulosa cell tumour (GCT) formation, accompanied by acute tumour-associated WNT-signalling activation and a histologic pattern and molecular signature seen in human adult GCTs. CONCLUSIONS Our work adds APC2 to the growing list of WNT-signalling members that regulate ovarian homeostasis, fertility and suppress GCT formation. Importantly, given that the APC2-deficient mouse develops tumours that recapitulate the molecular signature and histological features of human adult GCTs, this mouse has excellent potential as a pre-clinical model to study ovarian subfertility and transitioning to GCT, tumour biology and for therapeutic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha-Ehssan Mohamed
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy, Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ UK
- Hormones Evaluation Department, National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Giza, Egypt
- Present address: CRUK Beatson Institute, Switchback road, Bearsden, Glasgow, G61 1BD UK
| | - Trevor Hay
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy, Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ UK
| | - Karen R. Reed
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy, Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ UK
| | - Matthew J. Smalley
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy, Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ UK
| | - Alan R. Clarke
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy, Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ UK
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19
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Fang X, Ni N, Gao Y, Vincent DF, Bartholin L, Li Q. A novel mouse model of testicular granulosa cell tumors. Mol Hum Reprod 2019; 24:343-356. [PMID: 29788434 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gay023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the role of dysregulated transforming growth factor beta (TGFB) signaling in the development of sex cord-stromal tumors in the testis? SUMMARY ANSWER Overactivation of TGFB signaling results in the development of testicular tumors resembling granulosa cell tumors (GrCTs). WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In an earlier study, we demonstrated that constitutively active TGFB receptor 1 (TGFBR1) in ovarian somatic cells promotes the development of ovarian GrCTs. However, the consequence of dysregulation of TGFB signaling in the pathobiology of the testis, remains poorly defined. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION To identify the impact of dysregulation of TGFB signaling on the testis, we generated mice with constitutive activation of TGFBR1 using anti-Mullerian hormone receptor type 2 (Amhr2)-Cre recombinase. The effect of constitutively active TGFBR1 on testis development and the timeline of testicular tumor formation were examined. We further investigated the molecular features of testicular tumors and determined the expression of beta-catenin (CTNNB1) known to be involved in testicular GrCT development. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Male mice with constitutive activation of TGFBR1 were examined at various developmental stages (i.e. from 1 week up to 6 months) along with controls. Testis samples were collected and processed for histological and molecular analyses, including haematoxylin and eosin (H and E) staining, real-time PCR, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and western blotting. Immunostaining/immunoblotting and real-time PCR experiments were performed using at least three animals per genotype. Data are presented as mean ± SEM. Statistical significance was determined using unpaired two-tail t-test and reported when P value is <0.05. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Mice harboring constitutively active TGFBR1 in the testes developed tumors resembling testicular GrCTs, a rare type of tumors in the testis. The formation of testicular tumors led to altered cell proliferation, loss of germ cells and defective spermatogenesis. Immunohistochemically, these tumors were positive for inhibin alpha (INHA), forkhead box O1 (FOXO1), and more importantly, forkhead box L2 (FOXL2), a protein specifically expressed in the ovary and required for normal granulosa cell differentiation and function. Consistent with the immunohistochemical findings, FOXL2 proteins were only detectable in testes of TGFBR1-CAAcre mice but not those of controls by western blotting, suggesting potential alteration of Sertoli cell fate. To explore mechanisms underlying the tumor-promoting effect of TGFBR1 overactivation, we examined the expression of CTNNB1. The results revealed increased expression of CTNNB1 in testicular tumors in TGFBR1-CAAcre mice. Collectively, this study uncovered tumorigenic function of enhanced TGFB signaling in the testis. LARGE-SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION This study was performed using mice, and the direct relevance of the experimental paradigm and findings to human testicular GrCTs awaits further investigation. Of note, constitutive activation of TGFBR1 was employed to enhance TGFB/SMAD signaling activity and may not be interpreted as the genetic cause of the disease. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This mouse model may prove to be a useful addition to the mouse genetics toolkit for GrCT research. Our finding that dysregulation of TGFB signaling results in the development of testicular GrCTs supports a common origin between Sertoli cells and granulosa cells, and highlights the paramount importance of balanced TGFB signaling in reproduction and development. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health grant R03HD082416 from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health & Human Development and the New Faculty Start-up Funds from Texas A&M University awarded to Q.L. The authors declare no competing interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Fang
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Nan Ni
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - David F Vincent
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
| | - Laurent Bartholin
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Université Lyon 1, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Qinglei Li
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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20
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Tu J, Cheung HH, Lu G, Chan CLK, Chen Z, Chan WY. microRNA-126 Is a Tumor Suppressor of Granulosa Cell Tumor Mediated by Its Host Gene EGFL7. Front Oncol 2019; 9:486. [PMID: 31245291 PMCID: PMC6579899 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00486] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level. We examined the role of miR-126 in granulosa cell tumor (GCT) of the ovaries. In tissues from malignant GCT patients miR-126 expression was repressed. We showed that miR-126 could inhibit proliferation, migration, hormone production and promote apoptosis of cancerous granulosa cells (GCs) in vitro. The role of miR-126 as “tumor suppressor” was confirmed by using a tumor formation model in vivo. By RNA-seq, immunohistochemical staining (IHC), Western blot and luciferase reporter assay, we identified and confirmed EGFL7 as a direct functional target of miR-126 in cancer GCs. Furthermore, we found that the AKT signaling pathway was associated with miR-126 and EGFL7 in cancer GCs. Taken together, our results demonstrate a function of miR-126 in the suppression of GCT development via the regulation of EGFL7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Tu
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hoi-Hung Cheung
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gang Lu
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Zijiang Chen
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China.,Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Wai-Yee Chan
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, Jinan, China
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21
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Martinez RM, Liang L, Racowsky C, Dioni L, Mansur A, Adir M, Bollati V, Baccarelli AA, Hauser R, Machtinger R. Extracellular microRNAs profile in human follicular fluid and IVF outcomes. Sci Rep 2018; 8:17036. [PMID: 30451969 PMCID: PMC6242846 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-35379-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Encapsulated microRNAs (i.e., miRNAs within the extracellular vesicles, i.e., EV-miRNAs) have been detected in follicular fluid in both animal and human studies and different profiles have been associated with IVF cycle characteristics. However, limited studies to date have investigated other IVF outcomes, including fertilization status and embryo quality on day three". In this cohort, we performed a cross-sectional analysis on 126 women who contributed follicular fluid from a single follicle during a single IVF cycle. One hundred and ninety-two EV-miRNAs were assessed by univariable fold-change and multivariable logistic regression analyses. Hsa-miR-92a and hsa-miR-130b, were over-expressed in follicular fluid samples from oocytes that failed to fertilize compared to those that were normally fertilized. Additionally, hsa-miR-888 was over-expressed and hsa-miR-214 and hsa-miR-454 were under-expressed in samples that resulted in impaired day-3 embryo quality compared to top-quality day-3 embryos. After adjusting for confounders as BMI, smoking and total motile sperm, associations of these EV-miRNAs remained significant. In-silico KEGG pathway analyses assigned the identified EV-miRNAs to pathways of follicular growth and development, cellular signaling, oocyte meiosis, and ovarian function. Our findings suggest that EV-miRNAs may play a role in pathways of ovarian function and follicle development, which could be essential for understanding the molecular mechanisms that could lead to a successful pregnancy and birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosie M Martinez
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
- Laboratory of Precision Environmental Biosciences, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, 10032, USA
| | - Liming Liang
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Catherine Racowsky
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Laura Dioni
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122, Milano, Italy
| | - Abdallah Mansur
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, 52561, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Michal Adir
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, 52561, Israel
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel
| | - Valentina Bollati
- EPIGET - Epidemiology, Epigenetics and Toxicology Lab, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122, Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea A Baccarelli
- Laboratory of Precision Environmental Biosciences, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Columbia Mailman School of Public Health, New York, New York, 10032, USA
| | - Russ Hauser
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, USA
| | - Ronit Machtinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sheba Medical Center, Ramat-Gan, 52561, Israel.
- Sackler School of Medicine, Tel-Aviv University, Tel-Aviv, Israel.
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22
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Tu J, Cheung HH, Lu G, Chen Z, Chan WY. MicroRNA-10a promotes granulosa cells tumor development via PTEN-AKT/Wnt regulatory axis. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:1076. [PMID: 30348959 PMCID: PMC6197200 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1117-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
We have previously reported that microRNA-10 family could disturb normal development of granulosa cells (GC) during follicle formation. In the current study, the effect of miR-10a on granulosa cell tumor (GCT), a subtype of ovarian cancer, was examined. Strong miR-10a signal was detected in tissues from malignant GCT patients. Forced expression of miR-10a significantly promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, ovarian hormone production, and repressed anticancer drug-induced apoptosis in vitro. The oncogenic role of miR-10a was further validated in an orthotopic GCT model in vivo. In addition, by using CRISPR-Cas9 system, the aggressive phenotype was repressed in miR-10a knockout cancer GC. By using a heterotopic mice model, the oncogenic role of miR-10a was confirmed in vivo. RNA-seq, FISH, western blot, luciferase reporter assay were used to identified PTEN, a well-known anti-GCT gene, as direct functional target of miR-10a in cancer GC; Akt and Wnt were also found as two associated oncogenic pathways of miR-10a in cancer GC. Taken together, our results demonstrate that the miR-10a could promote GCT development via synergistically regulating PTEN, Akt, and Wnt pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Tu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, 230000, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hoi-Hung Cheung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gang Lu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, 250001, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Zijiang Chen
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, 250001, Jinan, Shandong, China
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Shandong University, 250001, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wai-Yee Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Faculty of Medicine, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
- CUHK-SDU Joint Laboratory on Reproductive Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
- National Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Reproductive Genetics, 250001, Jinan, Shandong, China.
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23
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Bothun AM, Woods DC. Dynamics of WNT signaling components in the human ovary from development to adulthood. Histochem Cell Biol 2018; 151:115-123. [PMID: 30284608 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-018-1729-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
WNT signaling has been shown to play a pivotal role in mammalian gonad development and sex differentiation; however, its role in the developing human ovary has not been investigated. We analyzed a quantitative mass spectrometry dataset to determine the expression of WNT signaling components between 47 and 137 days of development and in adult ovarian cortex tissue. WNT signaling was identified within the top ten canonical pathways of proteins detected at every developmental stage examined. We further examined the specific localization of WNT signaling components glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3B), frizzled 2 (FZD2), and β-catenin (CTNNB1) within ovarian tissue. GSK3B was nearly ubiquitously expressed during fetal development, while FZD2 was specific to germ cell nests during early development. β-catenin exhibited translocation from primarily membrane bound during early ovarian development to cytoplasmic and nuclear staining specifically in early primordial follicles in the fetal ovary. This cytoplasmic and nuclear β-catenin persisted in primordial follicles in adult ovarian tissue, but returned to membrane-bound localization in secondary follicles. We conclude that WNT signaling components are expressed in the human ovary from early to mid-gestation and remain in the adult ovary, and observed evidence for canonical WNT signaling only in the oocytes of primordial follicles. Together, these data are indicative of a role for canonical WNT signaling via β-catenin nuclear translocation during human follicle formation and follicle maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alisha M Bothun
- Laboratory for Aging and Infertility Research, Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Dori C Woods
- Laboratory for Aging and Infertility Research, Department of Biology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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24
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McGrath SE, Annels N, Madhuri TK, Tailor A, Butler-Manuel SA, Morgan R, Pandha H, Michael A. Engrailed-2 (EN2) - a novel biomarker in epithelial ovarian cancer. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:943. [PMID: 30285763 PMCID: PMC6171236 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4816-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epithelial ovarian cancer is a common malignancy, with no clinically approved diagnostic biomarker. Engrailed-2 (EN2) is a homeodomain-containing transcription factor, essential during embryological neural development, which is dysregulated in several cancer types. We evaluated the expression of EN2 in Epithelial ovarian cancer, and reviewed its role as a biomarker. Methods We evaluated 8 Epithelial ovarian cancer cell lines, along with > 100 surgical specimens from the Royal Surrey County Hospital (2009–2014). In total, 108 tumours and 5 normal tissue specimens were collected. En2 mRNA was evaluated by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Histological sub-type, and platinum-sensitive/−resistant status were compared. Protein expression was assessed in cell lines (immunofluorescence), and in > 150 tumours (immunohistochemistry). Results En2 mRNA expression was elevated in serous ovarian tumours compared with normal ovary (p < 0.001), particularly in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (p < 0.0001) and in platinum-resistant tumours (p = 0.0232). Median Overall Survival and Progression-free Survival were reduced with high En2 expression (OS = 28 vs 42 months, p = 0.0329; PFS = 8 vs 27 months; p = 0.0004). Positive cytoplasmic EN2 staining was demonstrated in 78% of Epithelial ovarian cancers, with absence in normal ovary. EN2 positive high-grade serous ovarian cancer patients had a shorter PFS (10 vs 17.5 months; p = 0.0103). Conclusion The EN2 transcription factor is a novel ovarian cancer biomarker. It demonstrates prognostic value, correlating with worse Overall Survival and Progression-free Survival. It is hoped that further work will validate its use as a biomarker, and provide insight into the role of EN2 in the development, progression and spread of ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Elena McGrath
- Oncology, School of Biosciences and Medicine, FHMS, University of Surrey, Leggett Building, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, GU2 7WG, UK.,Present Address: The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Downs Rd, Sutton, London, SM2 5PT, UK
| | - Nicola Annels
- Oncology, School of Biosciences and Medicine, FHMS, University of Surrey, Leggett Building, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, GU2 7WG, UK
| | | | - Anil Tailor
- Royal Surrey County Hospital, Egerton Road, Guildford, GU2 7XX, UK
| | | | - Richard Morgan
- Oncology, School of Biosciences and Medicine, FHMS, University of Surrey, Leggett Building, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, GU2 7WG, UK.,Present Address: The Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Hardev Pandha
- Oncology, School of Biosciences and Medicine, FHMS, University of Surrey, Leggett Building, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, GU2 7WG, UK
| | - Agnieszka Michael
- Oncology, School of Biosciences and Medicine, FHMS, University of Surrey, Leggett Building, Daphne Jackson Road, Guildford, GU2 7WG, UK.
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25
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Richards JS. From Follicular Development and Ovulation to Ovarian Cancers: An Unexpected Journey. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2018; 107:453-472. [PMID: 29544640 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2018.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Follicular development and ovulation are complex development processes that are regulated by multiple, interacting pathways and cell types. The oocyte, cumulus cells, granulosa cells, and theca cells communicate to impact follicular development and ovulation. Many hormones and cytokines control intracellular regulatory networks and transcription factors, some of which are cell type specific. Molecular biology approaches and mutant mouse models have contributed immensely to our knowledge of what genes and signaling cascades impact each stage of follicular development and ovulation, and how the alteration of gene expression profiles and the activation of specific signaling pathways can impact ovarian cancer development in ovarian surface epithelial cells as well as granulosa cells. This chapter explores how pathways controlling normal follicle development and ovulation can be diverted to abnormal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- JoAnne S Richards
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.
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26
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Abstract
The "ovarian cycle" is an exquisite and dynamic endocrine system that includes ovarian events, hypothalamic-pituitary interactions, uterine endometrial and myometrial changes during implantation and pregnancy, cervical alterations in structure, and breast development. The ovarian cycle and the steroid hormones produced by the ovary also impact epithelial cancer development in the ovary, uterus, cervix, and breast. This chapter provides a personal view of recent developments that occur in this complex endocrine environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- JoAnne S Richards
- Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States; Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.
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27
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Secreted frizzled related protein 4 (sFRP4) update: A brief review. Cell Signal 2018; 45:63-70. [PMID: 29360572 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2018.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Secreted frizzled-related proteins control a multitude of biological phenomena throughout development and adult life in humans. In parallel, aberrant gene expression and abnormal secreted protein levels accompany a wide range of pathologies in humans. In this review, we provide a brief introduction to sFRP4, an update of the pathways it's involved, its various physiological actions that are reported to contribute to diseases, outlining the importance of its wider research and specific modulation by pharmacologic interventions. First recognized as a novel molecule that co-purified with a disparate protein, its identity was based on its sequence homology to the frizzled receptors. Once multiple members of the family were cloned, their genetic loci, tissue and subcellular distributions were located. Nucleotide and amino acid sequences were characterized and homology to different organisms was found to be present that helped elucidate their actions. Following subsequent experimental studies, they were found to be secreted proteins with an affinity to bind to the Wnt ligands, participating in different developmental and adult homeostatic pathways by the virtue of their regulatory function to the Wnt signal transduction system. Secreted frizzled related protein 4 has garnered considerable attention in the recent years following breakthrough discoveries implicating them in the pathogenesis of various diseases. Studies investigating them can provide information not only regarding their association with a disease but can also help use them as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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28
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Dalman A, Deheshkar Gooneh Farahani NS, Totonchi M, Pirjani R, Ebrahimi B, Rezazadeh Valojerdi M. Slow freezing versus vitrification technique for human ovarian tissue cryopreservation: An evaluation of histological changes, WNT signaling pathway and apoptotic genes expression. Cryobiology 2017; 79:29-36. [PMID: 28987775 DOI: 10.1016/j.cryobiol.2017.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
This study compared slow freezing and vitrification of ovarian tissue by evaluation of histological changes, WNT signaling pathway and apoptotic genes expression. Ovarian tissue was obtained from women aging 27-38 years old. Ovarian cortex from each patient was divided into three pieces and randomly grouped as slow freezing, vitrification and control groups for investigation of WNT signaling gene expression and β-CATENIN presence as well as histological studies. The stromal structure of all ovaries were preserved. The number of secondary follicles decreased in vitrified group (P < 0.05). WNT-3, β-CATENIN, FZD-2 and GSK-3β expressions were significantly higher in slow frozen and vitrified groups, compared to control group (P < 0.05). On the contrary, AXIN1 expression in slow frozen samples were significantly lower than that of the vitrified and control group. The expression of apoptotic genes, excluding CASP3, was significantly decreased in slow-frozen samples (P < 0.05). Conversely, BAX:BCL-2 percentage significantly increased in vitrification versus slow freezing and control(P < 0.05). Follicles in slow frozen samples displayed nuclear and cytoplasmic β-CATENIN staining, while control and vitrification groups only showed β-CATENIN protein in the cytoplasm. The presented data show that slow freezing results in a better preservation regardless of the type of follicle. Therefore, it is concluded that slow freezing is still an ideal method for ovary cryopreservation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azam Dalman
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mehdi Totonchi
- Department of Genetics, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reihaneh Pirjani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Arash Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bita Ebrahimi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mojtaba Rezazadeh Valojerdi
- Department of Embryology, Reproductive Biomedicine Research Center, Royan Institute for Reproductive Biomedicine, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Science, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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29
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Wang F, Huang W, Hu X, Chen C, Li X, Qiu J, Liang Z, Zhang J, Li L, Wang X, Ding X, Xiang S, Zhang J. Transcription factor AP-2β suppresses cervical cancer cell proliferation by promoting the degradation of its interaction partner β-catenin. Mol Carcinog 2017; 56:1909-1923. [PMID: 28277615 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Transcription factor AP-2β mediates the transcription of a number of genes implicated in mammalian development, cell proliferation, and carcinogenesis. Although the expression pattern of AP-2β has been analyzed in cervical cancer cell lines, the functions and molecular mechanism of AP-2β are unknown. Here, we found that AP-2β significantly inhibits TCF/LEF reporter activity. Moreover, AP-2β and β-catenin interact both in vitro through GST pull-down assays and in vivo by co-immunoprecipitation. We further identified the interaction regions to the DNA-binding domain of AP-2β and the 1-9 Armadillo repeats of β-catenin. Moreover, AP-2β binds with β-TrCP and promotes the degradation of endogenous β-catenin via the proteasomal degradation pathway. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed a negative correlation between the two proteins in cervical cancer tissues and cell lines. Finally, functional analysis showed that AP-2β suppresses cervical cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the expression of Wnt downstream genes. Taken together, these findings demonstrated that AP-2β functions as a novel inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangmei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Development Biology of State Education Ministry of China, College of Life Science, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenhuan Huang
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Development Biology of State Education Ministry of China, College of Life Science, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Development Biology of State Education Ministry of China, College of Life Science, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Cheng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Development Biology of State Education Ministry of China, College of Life Science, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xinxin Li
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Development Biology of State Education Ministry of China, College of Life Science, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Junlu Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Development Biology of State Education Ministry of China, College of Life Science, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhongheng Liang
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Development Biology of State Education Ministry of China, College of Life Science, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianmei Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Changsha Hospital for Maternal & Child Health Care, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Limin Li
- College of Engineering and Design, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Xiangya Second Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaofeng Ding
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Development Biology of State Education Ministry of China, College of Life Science, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shuanglin Xiang
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Development Biology of State Education Ministry of China, College of Life Science, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Protein Chemistry and Development Biology of State Education Ministry of China, College of Life Science, Changsha, Hunan, China
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30
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Patterson AL, Pirochta J, Tufano SY, Teixeira JM. Gain-of-function β-catenin in the uterine mesenchyme leads to impaired implantation and decidualization. J Endocrinol 2017; 233:119-130. [PMID: 28183999 PMCID: PMC5436143 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Embryo implantation and endometrial decidualization are critical events that occur during early pregnancy in humans and mice, and perturbation in either can result in infertility. WNT signaling through the canonical β-catenin pathway plays a pivotal role in embryonic Müllerian duct development, postnatal uterine maturation and establishment of pregnancy. Loss of β-catenin in the Müllerian duct mesenchyme (MDM)-derived stroma and myometrium results in impaired decidualization and infertility, whereas gain-of-function (GOF) results in the formation of mesenchymal tumors and sub-fertility attributed to malformed oviducts. We hypothesized that GOF β-catenin further contributes to sub-fertility through improper stromal and epithelial cell signaling during embryo implantation and decidualization. We show that mice with GOF β-catenin in MDM-derived stroma and myometrium have reduced implantation sites after embryo transfer and decreased decidualization. On day 4.5 of pseudopregnancy or in mice treated with progesterone and estrogen to mimic early pregnancy, the estrogen-LIF-ERK and progesterone-IHH pathways remain predominantly intact in GOF β-catenin mice; however, JAK/STAT signaling is altered. pSTAT3 is significantly reduced in GOF β-catenin mice and expression of downstream epithelial junctional complex factors, Ctnna1 and Cldn1, is increased. We also show that purified stromal cells from GOF β-catenin uteri, when removed from epithelial cell influence and provided with the appropriate hormonal stimuli, are able to decidualize in vitro indicating that the cells are intrinsically capable of decidualization. Taken together, these results suggest that dysregulated β-catenin activity in the stroma affects epithelial cell STAT3 signaling and ultimately embryo implantation and stromal decidualization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L Patterson
- Department of ObstetricsGynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Jamieson Pirochta
- Department of ObstetricsGynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Stephanie Y Tufano
- Department of ObstetricsGynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Jose M Teixeira
- Department of ObstetricsGynecology, and Reproductive Biology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
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31
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Fuller P, Leung D, Chu S. Genetics and genomics of ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors. Clin Genet 2017; 91:285-291. [DOI: 10.1111/cge.12917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 10/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P.J. Fuller
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism; Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Clayton Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science; Monash University; Clayton Australia
| | - D. Leung
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism; Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Clayton Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science; Monash University; Clayton Australia
| | - S. Chu
- Centre for Endocrinology and Metabolism; Hudson Institute of Medical Research; Clayton Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science; Monash University; Clayton Australia
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32
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Haltia UM, Andersson N, Yadav B, Färkkilä A, Kulesskiy E, Kankainen M, Tang J, Bützow R, Riska A, Leminen A, Heikinheimo M, Kallioniemi O, Unkila-Kallio L, Wennerberg K, Aittokallio T, Anttonen M. Systematic drug sensitivity testing reveals synergistic growth inhibition by dasatinib or mTOR inhibitors with paclitaxel in ovarian granulosa cell tumor cells. Gynecol Oncol 2017; 144:621-630. [PMID: 28104295 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2016.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Revised: 12/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/19/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Resistance to standard chemotherapy poses a major clinical problem in the treatment of ovarian cancer patients. Adult-type granulosa cell tumor (AGCT) is a unique ovarian cancer subtype for which efficient treatment options are lacking in advanced disease. To this end, systematic drug response and transcriptomics profiling were performed to uncover new therapy options for AGCTs. METHODS The responses of three primary and four recurrent AGCTs to 230 anticancer compounds were screened in vitro using a systematic drug sensitivity and resistance testing (DSRT) platform, coupled with mRNA sequencing. The responses of the AGCTs were compared with those of human granulosa luteal cells and bone marrow mononuclear cells. RESULTS Patient-derived AGCT cells showed selective sensitivity to the Src family tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib. A combination of either dasatinib or an mTOR-inhibitor everolimus with paclitaxel resulted in synergistic inhibition of AGCT cell viability. The key kinase targets of dasatinib and members of the mTOR pathway were constantly expressed at mRNA and protein levels, indicating multikinase signal addictions in the AGCT cells. Transcriptomic characterization of the tumors revealed no known oncogenic mutations, suggesting that the drug sensitivity of AGCTs was rather conveyed by selective target expression. CONCLUSIONS We used a systematic functional approach to reveal novel treatment options for a unique gynecological cancer. The selective synergy found between taxanes and dasatinib or mTOR inhibitors warrants further clinical investigations of these combinations in relapsed or aggressive AGCTs and demonstrate that high-throughput drug screening and molecular profiling can provide an effective approach to uncover new therapy options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulla-Maija Haltia
- Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, PO Box 20, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, PO Box 140, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Noora Andersson
- Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, PO Box 20, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Bhagwan Yadav
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, PO Box 20, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anniina Färkkilä
- Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, PO Box 20, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, PO Box 140, 00290 Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Evgeny Kulesskiy
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, PO Box 20, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Kankainen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, PO Box 20, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jing Tang
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, PO Box 20, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ralf Bützow
- Pathology, University of Helsinki and HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, PO Box 400, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Annika Riska
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, PO Box 140, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Arto Leminen
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, PO Box 140, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, PO Box 20, 00014 University of Helsinki, Finland; Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis Children's Hospital, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Olli Kallioniemi
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, PO Box 20, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Leila Unkila-Kallio
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, PO Box 140, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Krister Wennerberg
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, PO Box 20, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tero Aittokallio
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, PO Box 20, 00014 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Turku, 20014 Turku, Finland
| | - Mikko Anttonen
- Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki and HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, PO Box 400, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
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Fang X, Gao Y, Li Q. SMAD3 Activation: A Converging Point of Dysregulated TGF-Beta Superfamily Signaling and Genetic Aberrations in Granulosa Cell Tumor Development? Biol Reprod 2016; 95:105. [PMID: 27683263 PMCID: PMC5178148 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.116.143412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 09/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are rare gynecologic tumors in women. Due to the rarity and limited research efforts invested, the etiology of GCTs remains poorly defined. A landmark study has discovered the mutation of forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) as a genetic hallmark of adult GCTs in the human. However, our understanding of the role of cell signaling in GCT development is far from complete. Increasing lines of evidence highlight the importance of TGF-beta (TGFB) superfamily signaling in the pathogenesis of GCTs. This review draws on findings using genetically modified mouse models and human patient specimens and cell lines to reveal SMAD3 activation as a potentially key converging point of dysregulated TGFB superfamily signaling and genetic aberrations in GCT development. It is anticipated that deciphering the role of TGFB superfamily signaling cascades in ovarian tumorigenesis will help develop new therapeutic approaches for GCTs by targeting core signaling elements essential for tumor initiation, growth, and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Fang
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Qinglei Li
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
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Gao Y, Vincent DF, Davis AJ, Sansom OJ, Bartholin L, Li Q. Constitutively active transforming growth factor β receptor 1 in the mouse ovary promotes tumorigenesis. Oncotarget 2016; 7:40904-40918. [PMID: 27344183 PMCID: PMC5173031 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the well-established tumor suppressive role of TGFβ proteins, depletion of key TGFβ signaling components in the mouse ovary does not induce a growth advantage. To define the role of TGFβ signaling in ovarian tumorigenesis, we created a mouse model expressing a constitutively active TGFβ receptor 1 (TGFBR1) in ovarian somatic cells using conditional gain-of-function approach. Remarkably, these mice developed ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors with complete penetrance, leading to reproductive failure and mortality. The tumors expressed multiple granulosa cell markers and caused elevated serum inhibin and estradiol levels, reminiscent of granulosa cell tumors. Consistent with the tumorigenic effect, overactivation of TGFBR1 altered tumor microenvironment by promoting angiogenesis and enhanced ovarian cell proliferation, accompanied by impaired cell differentiation and dysregulated expression of critical genes in ovarian function. By further exploiting complementary genetic models, we substantiated our finding that constitutively active TGFBR1 is a potent oncogenic switch in mouse granulosa cells. In summary, overactivation of TGFBR1 drives gonadal tumor development. The TGFBR1 constitutively active mouse model phenocopies a number of morphological, hormonal, and molecular features of human granulosa cell tumors and are potentially valuable for preclinical testing of targeted therapies to treat granulosa cell tumors, a class of poorly defined ovarian malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - David F. Vincent
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Jane Davis
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Owen J. Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Laurent Bartholin
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Lyon, France
| | - Qinglei Li
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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De Cian MC, Pauper E, Bandiera R, Vidal VPI, Sacco S, Gregoire EP, Chassot AA, Panzolini C, Wilhelm D, Pailhoux E, Youssef SA, de Bruin A, Teerds K, Schedl A, Gillot I, Chaboissier MC. Amplification of R-spondin1 signaling induces granulosa cell fate defects and cancers in mouse adult ovary. Oncogene 2016; 36:208-218. [PMID: 27270435 PMCID: PMC5241429 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
R-spondin1 is a secreted regulator of WNT signaling, involved in both embryonic development and homeostasis of adult organs. It can have a dual role, acting either as a mitogen or as a tumor suppressor. During ovarian development, Rspo1 is a key factor required for sex determination and differentiation of the follicular cell progenitors, but is downregulated after birth. In human, increased RSPO1 expression is associated with ovarian carcinomas, but it is not clear whether it is a cause or a consequence of the tumorigenic process. To address the role of Rspo1 expression in adult ovaries, we generated an Rspo1 gain-of-function mouse model. Females were hypofertile and exhibited various ovarian defects, ranging from cysts to ovarian tumors. Detailed phenotypical characterization showed anomalies in the ovulation process. Although follicles responded to initial follicle-stimulating hormone stimulation and developed normally until the pre-ovulatory stage, they did not progress any further. Although non-ovulated oocytes degenerated, the surrounding follicular cells did not begin atresia. RSPO1-induced expression not only promotes canonical WNT signaling but also alters granulosa cell fate decisions by maintaining epithelial-like traits in these cells. This prevents follicle cells from undergoing apoptosis, leading to the accumulation of granulosa cell tumors that reactivates the epithelial program from their progenitors. Taken together, our data demonstrate that activation of RSPO1 is sufficient in promoting ovarian tumors and thus supports a direct involvement of this gene in the commencement of ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-C De Cian
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France.,EA 7310, Université de Corte, Corte, France
| | - E Pauper
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
| | - R Bandiera
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - V P I Vidal
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
| | - S Sacco
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
| | - E P Gregoire
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
| | - A-A Chassot
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
| | - C Panzolini
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
| | - D Wilhelm
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria, Australia
| | - E Pailhoux
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - S A Youssef
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dutch Molecular Pathology Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A de Bruin
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dutch Molecular Pathology Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Molecular Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - K Teerds
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - A Schedl
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
| | - I Gillot
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
| | - M-C Chaboissier
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
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Germ cell specific overactivation of WNT/βcatenin signalling has no effect on folliculogenesis but causes fertility defects due to abnormal foetal development. Sci Rep 2016; 6:27273. [PMID: 27265527 PMCID: PMC4893675 DOI: 10.1038/srep27273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
All the major components of the WNT signalling pathway are expressed in female germ cells and embryos. However, their functional relevance in oocyte biology is currently unclear. We examined ovaries collected from TCFGFP mice, a well-known Wnt reporter mouse model, and found dynamic changes in the Wnt/βcatenin signalling activity during different stages of oocyte development and maturation. To understand the functional importance of Wnt signalling in oocytes, we developed a mouse model with the germ cell-specific constitutive activation of βcatenin using cre recombinase driven by the DEAD (Asp-Glu-Ala-Asp) box protein 4 (Ddx4) gene promoter. Histopathological and functional analysis of ovaries from these mutant mice (Ctnnb1ex3cko) showed no defects in ovarian functions, oocytes, ovulation and early embryonic development. However, breeding of the Ctnnb1ex3cko female mice with males of known fertility never resulted in birth of mutant pups. Examination of uteri from time pregnant mutant females revealed defects in ectoderm differentiation leading to abnormal foetal development and premature death. Collectively, our work has established the role of active WNT/βcatenin signalling in oocyte biology and foetal development, and provides novel insights into the possible mechanisms of complications in human pregnancy such as repeated spontaneous abortion, sudden intrauterine unexpected foetal death syndrome and stillbirth.
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Kim SY. Insights into granulosa cell tumors using spontaneous or genetically engineered mouse models. Clin Exp Reprod Med 2016; 43:1-8. [PMID: 27104151 PMCID: PMC4838576 DOI: 10.5653/cerm.2016.43.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 02/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are rare sex cord-stromal tumors that have been studied for decades. However, their infrequency has delayed efforts to research their etiology. Recently, mutations in human GCTs have been discovered, which has led to further research aimed at determining the molecular mechanisms underlying the disease. Mouse models have been important tools for studying GCTs, and have provided means to develop and improve diagnostics and therapeutics. Thus far, several genetically modified mouse models, along with one spontaneous mouse model, have been reported. This review summarizes the phenotypes of these mouse models and their applicability in elucidating the mechanisms of granulosa cell tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- So-Youn Kim
- Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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Stavrinou S, Clark A, Irving J, Lee CH, Oliva E, Young R, Sriraksa R, Magdy N, Van Noorden S, McCluggage WG, El-Bahrawy M. Differential expression of E-cadherin and catenins in ovarian sex cord stromal tumours. Histopathology 2016; 69:298-306. [DOI: 10.1111/his.12937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Ashleigh Clark
- Department of Histopathology; Imperial College London; London UK
| | - Julie Irving
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Pathology, and Medical Genetics; Royal Jubilee Hospital; Victoria BC Canada
- Department of Pathology; University of British Columbia; Vancouver BC Canada
| | - Cheng-Han Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology; University of Alberta; Edmonton AB Canada
- Royal Alexandra Hospital; Edmonton AB Canada
| | - Esther Oliva
- James Homer Wright Pathology Laboratories of the Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston MA USA
- Department of Pathology; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
| | - Robert Young
- James Homer Wright Pathology Laboratories of the Massachusetts General Hospital; Boston MA USA
- Department of Pathology; Harvard Medical School; Boston MA USA
| | - Ruethairat Sriraksa
- The Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center; Khon Kaen University; Khon Kaen Thailand
| | - Nesreen Magdy
- Department of Histopathology; Imperial College London; London UK
- Department of Pathology; National Cancer Institute; Cairo University; Giza Egypt
| | | | - W Glenn McCluggage
- Department of Pathology; Belfast Health and Social Care Trust; Belfast UK
| | - Mona El-Bahrawy
- Department of Histopathology; Imperial College London; London UK
- Department of Pathology; National Cancer Institute; Cairo University; Giza Egypt
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Wang X, Khatri S, Broaddus R, Wang Z, Hawkins SM. Deletion of Arid1a in Reproductive Tract Mesenchymal Cells Reduces Fertility in Female Mice. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:93. [PMID: 26962117 PMCID: PMC4861168 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.133637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Women with endometriosis can suffer from decreased fecundity or complete infertility via abnormal oocyte function or impaired placental-uterine interactions required for normal pregnancy establishment and maintenance. Although AT-rich interactive domain 1A (SWI-like) (ARID1A) is a putative tumor suppressor in human endometrial cancers and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers, little is known about its role in normal uterine function. To study the potential function of ARID1A in the female reproductive tract, we generated mice with a conditional knockout of Arid1a using anti-Müllerian hormone receptor 2-Cre. Female Arid1a conditional knockout mice exhibited a progressive decrease in number of pups per litter, with a precipitous decline after the second litter. We observed no tumors in virgin mice, although one knockout mouse developed a uterine tumor after pregnancy. Unstimulated virgin female knockout mice showed normal oviductal, ovarian, and uterine histology. Uteri of Arid1a knockout mice showed a normal decidualization response and appropriate responses to estradiol and progesterone stimulation. In vitro studies using primary cultures of human endometrial stromal fibroblasts revealed that small interfering RNA knockdown of ARID1A did not affect decidualization in vitro. Timed pregnancy studies revealed the significant resorption of embryos at Embryonic Day 16.5 in knockout mice in the third pregnancy. In addition to evidence of implantation site hemorrhage, pregnant Arid1a knockout mice showed abnormal placental morphology. These results suggest that Arid1a supports successful pregnancy through its role in placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyin Wang
- Indiana University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Shikha Khatri
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Houston, Texas
| | - Russell Broaddus
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Houston, Texas
| | - Zhong Wang
- University of Michigan, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Shannon M Hawkins
- Indiana University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Pihlajoki M, Färkkilä A, Soini T, Heikinheimo M, Wilson DB. GATA factors in endocrine neoplasia. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 421:2-17. [PMID: 26027919 PMCID: PMC4662929 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
GATA transcription factors are structurally-related zinc finger proteins that recognize the consensus DNA sequence WGATAA (the GATA motif), an essential cis-acting element in the promoters and enhancers of many genes. These transcription factors regulate cell fate specification and differentiation in a wide array of tissues. As demonstrated by genetic analyses of mice and humans, GATA factors play pivotal roles in the development, homeostasis, and function of several endocrine organs including the adrenal cortex, ovary, pancreas, parathyroid, pituitary, and testis. Additionally, GATA factors have been shown to be mutated, overexpressed, or underexpressed in a variety of endocrine tumors (e.g., adrenocortical neoplasms, parathyroid tumors, pituitary adenomas, and sex cord stromal tumors). Emerging evidence suggests that GATA factors play a direct role in the initiation, proliferation, or propagation of certain endocrine tumors via modulation of key developmental signaling pathways implicated in oncogenesis, such as the WNT/β-catenin and TGFβ pathways. Altered expression or function of GATA factors can also affect the metabolism, ploidy, and invasiveness of tumor cells. This article provides an overview of the role of GATA factors in endocrine neoplasms. Relevant animal models are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjut Pihlajoki
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anniina Färkkilä
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tea Soini
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David B Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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41
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Rhee KJ, Lee JI, Eom YW. Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Mediated Effects of Tumor Support or Suppression. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:30015-33. [PMID: 26694366 PMCID: PMC4691158 DOI: 10.3390/ijms161226215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2015] [Revised: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can exhibit a marked tropism towards site of tumors. Many studies have reported that tumor progression and metastasis increase by MSCs. In contrast, other studies have shown that MSCs suppress growth of tumors. MSCs contribute to tumor growth promotion by several mechanisms: (1) transition to tumor-associated fibroblasts; (2) suppression of immune response; (3) promotion of angiogenesis; (4) stimulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT); (5) contribution to the tumor microenvironment; (6) inhibition of tumor cell apoptosis; and (7) promotion of tumor metastasis. In contrast to the tumor-promoting properties, MSCs inhibit tumor growth by increasing inflammatory infiltration, inhibiting angiogenesis, suppressing Wnt signaling and AKT signaling, and inducing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In this review, we will discuss potential mechanisms by which MSC mediates tumor support or suppression and then the possible tumor-specific therapeutic strategies using MSCs as delivery vehicles, based on their homing potential to tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ki-Jong Rhee
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Health Sciences, Yonsei University, 1 Yonseidae-gil, Wonju 26493, Korea.
| | - Jong In Lee
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, 20 Ilsan-ro, Wonju 26426, Korea.
| | - Young Woo Eom
- Cell Therapy and Tissue Engineering Center, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, 20 Ilsan-ro, Wonju 26426, Korea.
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Hernandez Gifford JA. The role of WNT signaling in adult ovarian folliculogenesis. Reproduction 2015; 150:R137-48. [PMID: 26130815 DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Wingless-type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site (WNT) signaling molecules are locally secreted glycoproteins that play important role in regulation of ovarian follicle maturation and steroid production. Components of the WNT signaling pathway have been demonstrated to impact reproductive functions, including embryonic development of the sex organs and regulation of follicle maturation controlling steroidogenesis in the postnatal ovary. Emerging evidence underscores the complexity of WNT signaling molecules in regulation of dynamic changes that occur in the ovary during the reproductive cycle. While disruption in the WNT signaling cascade has been recognized to have deleterious consequences to normal sexual development, more recent studies are beginning to highlight the importance of these molecules in adult ovarian function related to follicle development, corpus luteum formation, steroid production and fertility. Hormonal regulation of WNT genes and expression of members of the WNT signaling network, including WNT ligands, frizzled receptors, and downstream signaling components that are expressed in the postnatal ovary at distinct stages of the estrous cycle suggest a crucial role in normal ovarian function. Similarly, FSH stimulation of T-cell factor-dependent gene expression requires input from β-catenin, a lynchpin molecule in canonical WNT signaling, further indicating β-catenin participation in regulation of follicle maturation. This review will focus on the multiple functions of WNT signaling in folliculogenesis in the adult ovary.
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Affiliation(s)
- J A Hernandez Gifford
- Department of Animal ScienceOklahoma State University, 114B Animal Science Building, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74078, USA
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Liu Z, Ren YA, Pangas SA, Adams J, Zhou W, Castrillon DH, Wilhelm D, Richards JS. FOXO1/3 and PTEN Depletion in Granulosa Cells Promotes Ovarian Granulosa Cell Tumor Development. Mol Endocrinol 2015; 29:1006-24. [PMID: 26061565 DOI: 10.1210/me.2015-1103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The forkhead box (FOX), FOXO1 and FOXO3, transcription factors regulate multiple functions in mammalian cells. Selective inactivation of the Foxo1 and Foxo3 genes in murine ovarian granulosa cells severely impairs follicular development and apoptosis causing infertility, and as shown here, granulosa cell tumor (GCT) formation. Coordinate depletion of the tumor suppressor Pten gene in the Foxo1/3 strain enhanced the penetrance and onset of GCT formation. Immunostaining and Western blot analyses confirmed FOXO1 and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) depletion, maintenance of globin transcription factor (GATA) 4 and nuclear localization of FOXL2 and phosphorylated small mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) 2/3 in the tumor cells, recapitulating results we observed in human adult GCTs. Microarray and quantitative PCR analyses of mouse GCTs further confirmed expression of specific genes (Foxl2, Gata4, and Wnt4) controlling granulosa cell fate specification and proliferation, whereas others (Emx2, Nr0b1, Rspo1, and Wt1) were suppressed. Key genes (Amh, Bmp2, and Fshr) controlling follicle growth, apoptosis, and differentiation were also suppressed. Inhbb and Grem1 were selectively elevated, whereas reduction of Inha provided additional evidence that activin signaling and small mothers against decapentaplegic (SMAD) 2/3 phosphorylation impact GCT formation. Unexpectedly, markers of Sertoli/epithelial cells (SRY [sex determining region Y]-box 9/keratin 8) and alternatively activated macrophages (chitinase 3-like 3) were elevated in discrete subpopulations within the mouse GCTs, indicating that Foxo1/3/Pten depletion not only leads to GCTs but also to altered granulosa cell fate decisions and immune responses. Thus, analyses of the Foxo1/3/Pten mouse GCTs and human adult GCTs provide strong evidence that impaired functions of the FOXO1/3/PTEN pathways lead to dramatic changes in the molecular program within granulosa cells, chronic activin signaling in the presence of FOXL2 and GATA4, and tumor formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhilin Liu
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology (Z.L., Y.A.R., S.A.P., J.A., J.S.R.), Pathology and Immunology (S.A.P.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.A.), Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology (W.Z.), The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (D.H.C.), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (D.W.), Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Yi A Ren
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology (Z.L., Y.A.R., S.A.P., J.A., J.S.R.), Pathology and Immunology (S.A.P.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.A.), Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology (W.Z.), The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (D.H.C.), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (D.W.), Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Stephanie A Pangas
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology (Z.L., Y.A.R., S.A.P., J.A., J.S.R.), Pathology and Immunology (S.A.P.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.A.), Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology (W.Z.), The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (D.H.C.), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (D.W.), Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Jaye Adams
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology (Z.L., Y.A.R., S.A.P., J.A., J.S.R.), Pathology and Immunology (S.A.P.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.A.), Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology (W.Z.), The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (D.H.C.), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (D.W.), Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Wei Zhou
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology (Z.L., Y.A.R., S.A.P., J.A., J.S.R.), Pathology and Immunology (S.A.P.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.A.), Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology (W.Z.), The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (D.H.C.), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (D.W.), Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Diego H Castrillon
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology (Z.L., Y.A.R., S.A.P., J.A., J.S.R.), Pathology and Immunology (S.A.P.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.A.), Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology (W.Z.), The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (D.H.C.), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (D.W.), Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Dagmar Wilhelm
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology (Z.L., Y.A.R., S.A.P., J.A., J.S.R.), Pathology and Immunology (S.A.P.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.A.), Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology (W.Z.), The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (D.H.C.), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (D.W.), Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
| | - JoAnne S Richards
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology (Z.L., Y.A.R., S.A.P., J.A., J.S.R.), Pathology and Immunology (S.A.P.), and Obstetrics and Gynecology (J.A.), Baylor College of Medicine, and Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology (W.Z.), The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030; Department of Pathology (D.H.C.), The University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75390; and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology (D.W.), Monash University, Clayton VIC 3800, Australia
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44
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Bi R, Bai QM, Yang F, Wu LJ, Cheng YF, Shen XX, Cai X, Zhou XY, Yang WT. Microcystic stromal tumour of the ovary: frequent mutations of β-catenin (CTNNB1) in six cases. Histopathology 2015; 67:872-9. [PMID: 25913412 DOI: 10.1111/his.12722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To analyse the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical and β-catenin (CTNNB1) mutation characteristics of six cases of microcystic stromal tumour of the ovary (MCST). METHODS AND RESULTS Six Chinese patients with MCST who ranged in age from 29 to 69 years (mean 50 years) were included in the study. Five patients were detected with a pelvic mass during routine health examinations and one patient presented initially with opsomenorrhoea. All tumours involved the left ovary, with solid-cystic cut surface in five cases and cystic cut surface in one case. Microscopically, microcysts, solid nests and hyaline degenerated fibrous stroma were variably mixed. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells in all cases were diffusely positive for CD10, vimentin and WT-1 and negative for α-inhibin and calretinin. β-catenin expression was observed in both the nucleus and the cytoplasm in five cases and only in the cytoplasm in one case. The results of CTNNB1 mutation analysis revealed four missense point mutations in four cases, which were c.97T>C, c.101G>A, c.110C>G and c.122C>T. CONCLUSIONS MCST shows a unique morphology with characteristic immunophenotype. β-catenin expression in the nucleus and β-catenin mutations were identified in the majority of cases, which suggests that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway may play a crucial role in the tumorigenesis of MCST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Bi
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qian-Ming Bai
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Jing Wu
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Fan Cheng
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu-Xia Shen
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Cai
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Yan Zhou
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Tao Yang
- Department of Pathology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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45
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Abedini A, Zamberlam G, Boerboom D, Price CA. Non-canonical WNT5A is a potential regulator of granulosa cell function in cattle. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 403:39-45. [PMID: 25600632 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The WNT family has been implicated in follicular development in rodents, however, the role of WNTs in the follicle of monovulatory species is poorly understood. The objective of this study was to determine the potential roles of WNTs in bovine granulosa cell function. Cells cultured in serum-free medium expressed mRNA encoding WNT2B, WNT5B and WNT5A. Levels of WNT5A, but not of WNT2B or WNT5B mRNA, were down-regulated by FSH. Addition of WNT5A to cultured cells suppressed FSH-stimulated estradiol and progesterone secretion, and levels of mRNA encoding the steroidogenic enzymes CYP19A1, CYP11A1 and the FSH receptor, but had no effect on cell proliferation or apoptosis. Immunoblot experiments showed that WNT5A reduced activation of CTNNB1 and stimulated phosphorylation of MAPK8 and JUN proteins. We conclude that WNT5A is a negative regulator of FSH-stimulated granulosa cell steroidogenesis, and that it acts by suppressing canonical WNT signaling activity and inducing the non-canonical MAPK8/JUN pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Abedini
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Gustavo Zamberlam
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Derek Boerboom
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada
| | - Christopher A Price
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction Animale, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, QC J2S 7C6, Canada.
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46
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Abstract
The clinicopathologic features of 32 adult granulosa cell tumors (AGCT) of the testis are presented. The patients were from 14 to 87 years of age (mean 40.0 y) and underwent orchiectomy (n=30) or wedge excision (n=2). None had endocrine-related symptoms. The tumors measured 0.5 to 6.0 cm (mean 2.8 cm) and were predominantly well circumscribed and yellow-tan, except for 1, which had infiltrative borders. The predominant pattern was diffuse, but insular, spindled, microfollicular (Call-Exner bodies), trabecular, corded, watered-silk, palisading, and pseudopapillary patterns were also present. The cells contained round to ovoid nuclei with frequent longitudinal nuclear grooves, indistinct cell borders, and varying amounts of eosinophilic cytoplasm. Most tumors contained limited amounts of fibrocollagenous stroma. The mitotic count ranged from 0 to 18/10 high-power fields (HPF) (mean 4.9/10 HPF, ×400). Two tumors had prominent necrosis, and 1 had vessel invasion. Follow-up information was available for 19 patients, with a mean of 51.0 months (range, 1 to 169 mo). All were without evidence of disease except 1 who had lung metastasis at 24 months. Our findings indicate that the morphologic spectrum of testicular AGCT is similar to that of ovarian AGCT. The majority of testicular examples have a good prognosis (compared with a malignant behavior in 2 of 7 cases in 1 prior series). Lymphovascular invasion, infiltrative borders, and size >4 cm may help in identifying cases with aggressive behavior, as these features were present in the one case with metastasis in our series. Mitotic counts varied and do not appear to be of prognostic significance on the basis of our experience.
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47
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Ribeiro JR, Freiman RN. Estrogen signaling crosstalk: Implications for endocrine resistance in ovarian cancer. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2014; 143:160-73. [PMID: 24565562 PMCID: PMC4127339 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Revised: 02/04/2014] [Accepted: 02/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to anti-estrogen therapies is a prominent challenge in the treatment of ovarian cancer. Tumors develop endocrine resistance by acquiring adaptations that help them rely on alternative oncogenic signaling cascades, which crosstalk with estrogen signaling pathways. An understanding of estrogen signaling crosstalk with these growth promoting cascades is essential in order to maximize efficacy of anti-estrogen treatments in ovarian cancer. Herein, we provide an overview of estrogen signaling in ovarian cancer and discuss the major challenges associated with anti-estrogen therapies. We also review what is currently known about how genomic and non-genomic estrogen signaling pathways crosstalk with several major oncogenic signaling cascades. The insights provided here illustrate existing strategies for targeting endocrine resistant ovarian tumors and may help identify new strategies to improve the treatment of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Ribeiro
- Brown University, Pathobiology Graduate Program, 70 Ship St., Providence, RI 02903, USA.
| | - Richard N Freiman
- Brown University, Pathobiology Graduate Program, 70 Ship St., Providence, RI 02903, USA; Brown University, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Biochemistry, 70 Ship St., Providence, RI 02903, USA.
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48
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Pan H, Cui H, Liu S, Qian Y, Wu H, Li L, Guan Y, Guan X, Zhang L, Fan HY, Ma Y, Li R, Liu M, Li D. Lgr4 gene regulates corpus luteum maturation through modulation of the WNT-mediated EGFR-ERK signaling pathway. Endocrinology 2014; 155:3624-37. [PMID: 24877628 DOI: 10.1210/en.2013-2183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Luteal-phase insufficiency is one of the major causes of female infertility, but the molecular mechanisms are still largely unknown. Here we found that disruption of Lgr4/Gpr48, the newly identified receptor for R-spondins, greatly reduced female fertility in mice. The expression of Lgr4 was induced specifically in granulosa-lutein cells during luteinization. In Lgr4-deficient female mice, the estrous cycle was prolonged and serum progesterone levels were dramatically downregulated. In Lgr4(-/-) corpora lutea, the expression of key enzymes for steroidogenesis as well as common luteal marker genes was significantly decreased. Additionally, the activity of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-ERK signaling was attenuated in Lgr4(-/-) granulosa-lutein cells. We found that the maturation of Lgr4(-/-) cells was impaired in cultured primary granulosa cells, but the defect was partially rescued by reactivation of EGFR signaling by heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor treatment. We found that the expression of wingless-type MMTV integration site family (WNT)/catenin (cadherin associated protein), beta 1 (CTNNB1) downstream targets, including matrix metalloproteinase 9, which is a critical matrix metalloproteinase for activation of EGF-like factors, was significantly downregulated in Lgr4(-/-) ovaries. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 inhibitor treatment attenuated human chorionic gonadotropin- but not heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor-induced ERK activation and luteinization in primary granulosa cells. Together, we report that Lgr4 modulates WNT-mediated EGFR-ERK signaling to facilitate corpus luteum maturation and ovarian steroidogenesis to maintain female reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjie Pan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology (H.P., H.C., S.L., Y.Q., H.W., L.L., Y.G., X.G., L.Z., M.L., D.L.), Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; Key Laboratory of Contraceptive Drugs and Devices of National Population and Family Planning Commission (H.P., R.L.), Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research, Shanghai 200032, China; Life Science Institute (H.-Y.F.), Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Human Reproductive Medicine and Genetic Research (Y.M.), Hainan Reproductive Medical Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou 570102, China; and The Institute of Biosciences and Technology (M.L.), Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030
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49
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Tevosian SG. Transgenic mouse models in the study of reproduction: insights into GATA protein function. Reproduction 2014; 148:R1-R14. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-14-0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
For the past 2 decades, transgenic technology in mice has allowed for an unprecedented insight into the transcriptional control of reproductive development and function. The key factor among the mouse genetic tools that made this rapid advance possible is a conditional transgenic approach, a particularly versatile method of creating gene deletions and substitutions in the mouse genome. A centerpiece of this strategy is an enzyme, Cre recombinase, which is expressed from defined DNA regulatory elements that are active in the tissue of choice. The regulatory DNA element (either genetically engineered or natural) assures Cre expression only in predetermined cell types, leading to the guided deletion of genetically modified (flanked by loxP or ‘floxed’ byloxP) gene loci. This review summarizes and compares the studies in which genes encoding GATA family transcription factors were targeted either globally or by Cre recombinases active in the somatic cells of ovaries and testes. The conditional gene loss experiments require detailed knowledge of the spatial and temporal expression of Cre activity, and the challenges in interpreting the outcomes are highlighted. These studies also expose the complexity of GATA-dependent regulation of gonadal gene expression and suggest that gene function is highly context dependent.
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50
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Fu D, Lv X, Hua G, He C, Dong J, Lele SM, Li DWC, Zhai Q, Davis JS, Wang C. YAP regulates cell proliferation, migration, and steroidogenesis in adult granulosa cell tumors. Endocr Relat Cancer 2014; 21:297-310. [PMID: 24389730 PMCID: PMC4222524 DOI: 10.1530/erc-13-0339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The Hippo signaling pathway has been implicated as a conserved regulator of organ size in both Drosophila and mammals. Yes-associated protein (YAP), the central component of the Hippo signaling cascade, functions as an oncogene in several malignancies. Ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCT) are characterized by enlargement of the ovary, excess production of estrogen, a high frequency of recurrence, and the potential for malignancy and metastasis. Whether the Hippo pathway plays a role in the pathogenesis of GCT is unknown. This study was conducted to examine the expression of YAP in human adult GCTs and to determine the role of YAP in the proliferation and steroidogenesis of GCT cells. Compared with age-matched normal human ovaries, GCT tissues exhibited higher levels of YAP expression. YAP protein was predominantly expressed in the nucleus of tumor cells, whereas the non-tumor ovarian stromal cells expressed very low levels of YAP. YAP was also expressed in cultured primary human granulosa cells and in KGN and COV434 GCT cell lines. siRNA-mediated knockdown of YAP in KGN cells resulted in a significant reduction in cell proliferation (P<0.001). Conversely, overexpression of wild type YAP or a constitutively active YAP (YAP1) mutant resulted in a significant increase in KGN cell proliferation and migration. Moreover, YAP knockdown reduced FSH-induced aromatase (CYP19A1) protein expression and estrogen production in KGN cells. These results demonstrate that YAP plays an important role in the regulation of GCT cell proliferation, migration, and steroidogenesis. Targeting the Hippo/YAP pathway may provide a novel therapeutic approach for GCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Fu
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
| | - Xiangmin Lv
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
| | - Guohua Hua
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China
| | - Chunbo He
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
| | - Jixin Dong
- The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
| | - Subodh M. Lele
- Department of Pathology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
| | - David Wan-Cheng Li
- Department of Ophthalmology and visual Science, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
| | - Qiongli Zhai
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - John S. Davis
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
- The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
- Omaha Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Omaha NE 68105
| | - Cheng Wang
- Olson Center for Women’s Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
- The Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198
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