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Thakur D, Sengupta D, Mahapatra E, Das S, Sarkar R, Mukherjee S. Glucocorticoid receptor: a harmonizer of cellular plasticity in breast cancer-directs the road towards therapy resistance, metastatic progression and recurrence. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:481-499. [PMID: 38170347 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10163-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Recent therapeutic advances have significantly uplifted the quality of life in breast cancer patients, yet several impediments block the road to disease-free survival. This involves unresponsiveness towards administered therapy, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and metastatic progression with the eventual appearance of recurrent disease. Attainment of such characteristics is a huge adaptive challenge to which tumour cells respond by acquiring diverse phenotypically plastic states. Several signalling networks and mediators are involved in such a process. Glucocorticoid receptor being a mediator of stress response imparts prognostic significance in the context of breast carcinoma. Involvement of the glucocorticoid receptor in the signalling cascade of breast cancer phenotypic plasticity needs further elucidation. This review attempted to shed light on the inter-regulatory interactions of the glucocorticoid receptor with the mediators of the plasticity program in breast cancer; which may provide a hint for strategizing therapeutics against the glucocorticoid/glucocorticoid receptor axis so as to modulate phenotypic plasticity in breast carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Thakur
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Debomita Sengupta
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Elizabeth Mahapatra
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Salini Das
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Ruma Sarkar
- B. D. Patel Institute of Paramedical Sciences, Charotar University of Science and Technology, CHARUSAT Campus, Changa, Gujarat, 388421, India
| | - Sutapa Mukherjee
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India.
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2
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Butz H, Saskői É, Krokker L, Vereczki V, Alpár A, Likó I, Tóth E, Szőcs E, Cserepes M, Nagy K, Kacskovics I, Patócs A. Context-Dependent Role of Glucocorticoid Receptor Alpha and Beta in Breast Cancer Cell Behaviour. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050784. [PMID: 36899920 PMCID: PMC10000936 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. The dual role of GCs has been observed in breast cancer; however, due to many concomitant factors, GR action in cancer biology is still ambiguous. In this study, we aimed to unravel the context-dependent action of GR in breast cancer. Methods. GR expression was characterized in multiple cohorts: (1) 24,256 breast cancer specimens on the RNA level, 220 samples on the protein level and correlated with clinicopathological data; (2) oestrogen receptor (ER)-positive and -negative cell lines were used to test for the presence of ER and ligand, and the effect of the GRβ isoform following GRα and GRβ overexpression on GR action, by in vitro functional assays. Results. We found that GR expression was higher in ER- breast cancer cells compared to ER+ ones, and GR-transactivated genes were implicated mainly in cell migration. Immunohistochemistry showed mostly cytoplasmic but heterogenous staining irrespective of ER status. GRα increased cell proliferation, viability, and the migration of ER- cells. GRβ had a similar effect on breast cancer cell viability, proliferation, and migration. However, the GRβ isoform had the opposite effect depending on the presence of ER: an increased dead cell ratio was found in ER+ breast cancer cells compared to ER- ones. Interestingly, GRα and GRβ action did not depend on the presence of the ligand, suggesting the role of the "intrinsic", ligand-independent action of GR in breast cancer. Conclusions. Staining differences using different GR antibodies may be the reason behind controversial findings in the literature regarding the expression of GR protein and clinicopathological data. Therefore, caution in the interpretation of immunohistochemistry should be applied. By dissecting the effects of GRα and GRβ, we found that the presence of the GR in the context of ER had a different effect on cancer cell behaviour, but independently of ligand availability. Additionally, GR-transactivated genes are mostly involved in cell migration, which raises GR's importance in disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriett Butz
- Department of Molecular Genetics and the National Tumour Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Oncology Biobank, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
- Hereditary Tumours Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Correspondence:
| | - Éva Saskői
- Department of Oncology Biobank, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lilla Krokker
- Hereditary Tumours Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Viktória Vereczki
- Department of Molecular Genetics and the National Tumour Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Alán Alpár
- Department of Anatomy, Semmelweis University, H-1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Likó
- Hereditary Tumours Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Erika Tóth
- Department of Pathology, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Erika Szőcs
- Department of Oncology Biobank, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mihály Cserepes
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
| | | | | | - Attila Patócs
- Department of Molecular Genetics and the National Tumour Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Oncology Biobank, National Institute of Oncology, H-1122 Budapest, Hungary
- Hereditary Tumours Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, H-1089 Budapest, Hungary
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3
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Malbeteau L, Pham HT, Eve L, Stallcup MR, Poulard C, Le Romancer M. How Protein Methylation Regulates Steroid Receptor Function. Endocr Rev 2022; 43:160-197. [PMID: 33955470 PMCID: PMC8755998 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Steroid receptors (SRs) are members of the nuclear hormonal receptor family, many of which are transcription factors regulated by ligand binding. SRs regulate various human physiological functions essential for maintenance of vital biological pathways, including development, reproduction, and metabolic homeostasis. In addition, aberrant expression of SRs or dysregulation of their signaling has been observed in a wide variety of pathologies. SR activity is tightly and finely controlled by post-translational modifications (PTMs) targeting the receptors and/or their coregulators. Whereas major attention has been focused on phosphorylation, growing evidence shows that methylation is also an important regulator of SRs. Interestingly, the protein methyltransferases depositing methyl marks are involved in many functions, from development to adult life. They have also been associated with pathologies such as inflammation, as well as cardiovascular and neuronal disorders, and cancer. This article provides an overview of SR methylation/demethylation events, along with their functional effects and biological consequences. An in-depth understanding of the landscape of these methylation events could provide new information on SR regulation in physiology, as well as promising perspectives for the development of new therapeutic strategies, illustrated by the specific inhibitors of protein methyltransferases that are currently available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Malbeteau
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Ha Thuy Pham
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Louisane Eve
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Michael R Stallcup
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Norris Comprehensive Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Coralie Poulard
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Muriel Le Romancer
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France.,CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
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4
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Butz H, Patócs A. Mechanisms behind context-dependent role of glucocorticoids in breast cancer progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:803-832. [PMID: 35761157 PMCID: PMC9758252 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10047-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs), mostly dexamethasone (dex), are routinely administered as adjuvant therapy to manage side effects in breast cancer. However, recently, it has been revealed that dex triggers different effects and correlates with opposite outcomes depending on the breast cancer molecular subtype. This has raised new concerns regarding the generalized use of GC and suggested that the context-dependent effects of GCs can be taken into potential consideration during treatment design. Based on this, attention has recently been drawn to the role of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in development and progression of breast cancer. Therefore, in this comprehensive review, we aimed to summarize the different mechanisms behind different context-dependent GC actions in breast cancer by applying a multilevel examination, starting from the association of variants of the GR-encoding gene to expression at the mRNA and protein level of the receptor, and its interactions with other factors influencing GC action in breast cancer. The role of GCs in chemosensitivity and chemoresistance observed during breast cancer therapy is discussed. In addition, experiences using GC targeting therapeutic options (already used and investigated in preclinical and clinical trials), such as classic GC dexamethasone, selective glucocorticoid receptor agonists and modulators, the GC antagonist mifepristone, and GR coregulators, are also summarized. Evidence presented can aid a better understanding of the biology of context-dependent GC action that can lead to further advances in the personalized therapy of breast cancer by the evaluation of GR along with the conventional estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in the routine diagnostic procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriett Butz
- Department of Molecular Genetics and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.
- Hereditary Tumours Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences-Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Attila Patócs
- Department of Molecular Genetics and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
- Hereditary Tumours Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences-Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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5
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Falcinelli M, Thaker PH, Lutgendorf SK, Conzen SD, Flaherty RL, Flint MS. The Role of Psychologic Stress in Cancer Initiation: Clinical Relevance and Potential Molecular Mechanisms. Cancer Res 2021; 81:5131-5140. [PMID: 34266894 PMCID: PMC8530873 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The hypothesis that the physiologic response to psychologic stress influences the initiation of cancer is highly controversial. The link between initiating stressors, the psychologic stress response, and disease is plausible, considering that the stress response is associated with defined physiologic outcomes and molecular mechanisms. In light of this, we review the clinical relevance of psychologic stress on the risk of cancer, and we propose potential molecular pathways that may link the stress response to early stages of malignant cell transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Falcinelli
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Centre for Stress and Age-related Diseases, Moulsecoomb, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Premal H Thaker
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Susan K Lutgendorf
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Suzanne D Conzen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Renée L Flaherty
- Division of Breast Cancer Research, The Breast Cancer Now Toby Robins Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Melanie S Flint
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Brighton, Centre for Stress and Age-related Diseases, Moulsecoomb, Brighton, United Kingdom.
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6
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Pruszkowska-Przybylska P, Sitek A, Rosset I, Sobalska-Kwapis M, Słomka M, Strapagiel D, Żądzińska E, Morling N. Cortisol concentration affects fat and muscle mass among Polish children aged 6-13 years. BMC Pediatr 2021; 21:365. [PMID: 34452601 PMCID: PMC8394106 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-021-02837-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cortisol is a steroid hormone acting as a stress hormone, which is crucial in regulating homeostasis. Previous studies have linked cortisol concentration to body mass and body composition. Methods The investigations were carried out in 2016–2017. A total of 176 children aged 6–13 years in primary schools in central Poland were investigated. Three types of measurements were performed: anthropometric (body weight and height, waist and hip circumferences), body composition (fat mass FM (%), muscle mass – MM (%), body cellular mass - BCM (%), total body water - TBW (%)), and cortisol concentration using saliva of the investigated individuals. Information about standard of living, type of feeding after birth, parental education and maternal trauma during pregnancy was obtained with questionnaires. Results The results of regression models after removing the environmental factors (parental education, standard of living, type of feeding after birth, and maternal trauma during pregnancy) indicate a statistically significant association between the cortisol concentration and fat mass and muscle mass. The cortisol concentration was negatively associated with FM (%) (Beta=-0.171; p = 0.026), explaining 2.32 % of the fat mass variability and positively associated with MM (%) (Beta = 0.192; p = 0.012) explaining 3.09 % of the muscle mass variability. Conclusions Cortisol concentration affects fat and muscle mass among Polish children. Trial registration The Ethical Commission at the University of Lodz (nr 19/KBBN-UŁ/II/2016). Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12887-021-02837-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Pruszkowska-Przybylska
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Łódź, Poland.
| | - Aneta Sitek
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Łódź, Poland
| | - Iwona Rosset
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Łódź, Poland
| | - Marta Sobalska-Kwapis
- The Biobank Lab, Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,BBMRI.pl Consortium, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marcin Słomka
- The Biobank Lab, Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,BBMRI.pl Consortium, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Dominik Strapagiel
- The Biobank Lab, Department of Molecular Biophysics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.,BBMRI.pl Consortium, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Żądzińska
- Department of Anthropology, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Łódź, Banacha 12/16, 90-237, Łódź, Poland.,Biological Anthropology and Comparative Anatomy Research Unit, School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, South Australia, 5005, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Niels Morling
- Section of Forensic Genetics, Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Frederik V's Vej 11, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
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7
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Noureddine LM, Trédan O, Hussein N, Badran B, Le Romancer M, Poulard C. Glucocorticoid Receptor: A Multifaceted Actor in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094446. [PMID: 33923160 PMCID: PMC8123001 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. Even though the role of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is extensively documented in the development of breast tumors, other members of the nuclear receptor family have emerged as important players. Synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) such as dexamethasone (dex) are commonly used in BC for their antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, as well as energy and appetite stimulating properties, and to manage the side effects of chemotherapy. However, dex triggers different effects depending on the BC subtype. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is also an important marker in BC, as high GR expression is correlated with a poor and good prognosis in ERα-negative and ERα-positive BCs, respectively. Indeed, though it drives the expression of pro-tumorigenic genes in ERα-negative BCs and is involved in resistance to chemotherapy and metastasis formation, dex inhibits estrogen-mediated cell proliferation in ERα-positive BCs. Recently, a new natural ligand for GR called OCDO was identified. OCDO is a cholesterol metabolite with oncogenic properties, triggering mammary cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we summarize recent data on GR signaling and its involvement in tumoral breast tissue, via its different ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara Malik Noureddine
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (O.T.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadat-Beirut 90656, Lebanon; (N.H.); (B.B.)
| | - Olivier Trédan
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (O.T.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- Centre Leon Bérard, Oncology Department, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Nader Hussein
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadat-Beirut 90656, Lebanon; (N.H.); (B.B.)
| | - Bassam Badran
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Molecular Immunology, Faculty of Sciences, Lebanese University, Hadat-Beirut 90656, Lebanon; (N.H.); (B.B.)
| | - Muriel Le Romancer
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (O.T.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
| | - Coralie Poulard
- Université de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France; (L.M.N.); (O.T.); (M.L.R.)
- Inserm U1052, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- CNRS UMR5286, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, F-69000 Lyon, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-478-786-663; Fax: +33-478-782-720
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8
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Snider H, Villavarajan B, Peng Y, Shepherd LE, Robinson AC, Mueller CR. Region-specific glucocorticoid receptor promoter methylation has both positive and negative prognostic value in patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:155. [PMID: 31675993 PMCID: PMC6825343 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0750-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1, GR) is frequently downregulated in breast tumors, and evidence suggests it acts as a tumor suppressor in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. We previously found that methylation of the GR promoter CpG island represses gene expression and occurs in ER+ breast tumors. In this study, the prognostic and predictive value of GR methylation was examined in ER+ patients from the CCTG MA.12 clinical trial of tamoxifen versus placebo in women with early breast cancer. METHODS We developed a targeted multiplex bisulfite next-generation sequencing assay to detect methylation at multiple GR promoter regions in DNA from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. Following validation in a small cohort of breast tumors, ER+ FFPE tumor samples from MA.12 (n = 208) were tested. Survival analyses evaluated the impact of GR promoter methylation on patient overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS An analysis of TCGA data found that GR methylation is prevalent in ER+ tumors and is associated with decreased gene expression and analysis of public microarray data (KM Plotter) linked decreased GR expression to a poor outcome. In MA.12, two GR promoter regions (U and C) each had prognostic value, but with opposite effects on the outcome. U methylation was associated with poor OS (HR = 1.79, P = 0.041) whereas C methylation was associated with better OS (HR = 0.40, P = 0.040) and DFS (HR = 0.49, P = 0.037). The classification of patients based on the methylation status of the two regions was prognostic for OS (P = 0.006) and DFS (P = 0.041) and revealed a group of patients (U methylated, C unmethylated) with very poor outcomes. Placebo-treated patients in this high-risk group had worse OS (HR = 2.86, P = 0.002) and DFS (HR = 2.09, P = 0.014) compared to the rest of the cohort. CONCLUSION Region-specific GR promoter methylation was an independent prognostic marker for patient survival and identified a subset of patients with poor prognosis, particularly without tamoxifen treatment. These findings provide a foundation for future studies into GR methylation as a promising prognostic biomarker in ER+ breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hilary Snider
- Division of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Brithica Villavarajan
- Division of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Yingwei Peng
- Division of Cancer Care and Epidemiology, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Public Health Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lois E Shepherd
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.,Canadian Cancer Trials Group, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Andrew C Robinson
- Department of Oncology, Division of Medical Oncology, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Christopher R Mueller
- Division of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Queen's Cancer Research Institute, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
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9
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Weiss GL, Rainville JR, Zhao Q, Tasker JG. Purity and stability of the membrane-limited glucocorticoid receptor agonist dexamethasone-BSA. Steroids 2019; 142:2-5. [PMID: 28939328 PMCID: PMC5860924 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2017.09.004] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 09/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Cellular effects of glucocorticoids can be separated into classical transcriptional regulation via activation of the canonical nuclear glucocorticoid receptor and rapid actions mediated by activation of one or more putative membrane-associated glucocorticoid receptors that regulate both transcriptional and non-transcriptional signaling. Dexamethasone-bovine serum albumin (Dex-BSA) is one of several membrane-limited steroid receptor agonists. Dex-BSA and other steroid conjugates such as corticosterone-, estradiol- and testosterone-BSA have been used to study rapid steroid effects initiated by putative membrane receptors. The purity and stability of the steroid-BSA conjugate is crucial, therefore, since any steroid that is not bound to or that dissociates from the BSA conjugate could penetrate into the intracellular compartment and confound the experiment. We used fluorine NMR to determine if free Dex could be detected in a commercially available Dex-BSA dissolved in H2O. Non-covalently bound Dex was detected in the Dex-BSA solution, but the level of free Dex remained constant over time and with increasing temperature, indicating that the free Dex was not a result of instability of the Dex-BSA conjugate. The free Dex was lost when the Dex-BSA was denatured and subjected to dialysis, which suggested that it was trapped in the Dex-BSA three-dimensional structure and not covalently bound to the BSA. The purified, renatured Dex-BSA retained its rapid activity, which confirmed that the observed effects of Dex-BSA are not caused by non-covalently-bound Dex. Therefore, the Dex contaminant found in the Dex-BSA solution is likely to be tightly, but non-covalently, bound to BSA, and the Dex-BSA activity remains membrane-limited. Our findings indicate that Dex-BSA remains a suitable membrane-restricted glucocorticoid receptor agonist, but suggest that denaturing purification is a useful control for the study of membrane-initiated steroid-BSA actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grant L Weiss
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jennifer R Rainville
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Qi Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Jeffrey G Tasker
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA; Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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10
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Rainville JR, Weiss GL, Evanson N, Herman JP, Vasudevan N, Tasker JG. Membrane-initiated nuclear trafficking of the glucocorticoid receptor in hypothalamic neurons. Steroids 2019; 142:55-64. [PMID: 29242167 PMCID: PMC5997511 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Revised: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid binding to the intracellular glucocorticoid receptor (GR) stimulates the translocation of the GR from the cytosol to the nucleus, which leads to the transactivation or transrepression of gene transcription. However, multiple lines of evidence suggest that glucocorticoid signaling can also be initiated from the plasma membrane. Here, we provide evidence for membrane-initiated glucocorticoid signaling by a membrane-impermeant dexamethasone-bovine serum albumin (Dex-BSA) conjugate, which induced GR nuclear trafficking in hypothalamic neurons in vitro and in vivo. The GR nuclear translocation induced by a membrane-impermeant glucocorticoid suggests trafficking of an unliganded GR. The membrane-initiated GR trafficking was not blocked by inhibiting ERK MAPK, p38 MAPK, PKA, Akt, Src kinase, or calcium signaling, but was inhibited by Akt activation. Short-term exposure of hypothalamic neurons to dexamethasone (Dex) activated the glucocorticoid response element (GRE), suggesting transcriptional transactivation, whereas exposure to the Dex-BSA conjugate failed to activate the GRE, suggesting differential transcriptional activity of the liganded compared to the unliganded GR. Microarray analysis revealed divergent transcriptional regulation by Dex-BSA compared to Dex. Together, our data suggest that signaling from a putative membrane glucocorticoid receptor induces the trafficking of unliganded GR to the nucleus, which elicits a pattern of gene transcription that differs from that of the liganded receptor. The differential transcriptional signaling by liganded and unliganded receptors may contribute to the broad range of genetic regulation by glucocorticoids, and may help explain some of the different off-target actions of glucocorticoid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Rainville
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Grant L Weiss
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Nathan Evanson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - James P Herman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey G Tasker
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA; Tulane Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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11
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McNamara KM, Kannai A, Sasano H. Possible roles for glucocorticoid signalling in breast cancer. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 466:38-50. [PMID: 28687451 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of breast cancer biology, and our ability to manipulate breast cancers have grown exponentially in the last 20 years. Much of that expansion has focused on the roles of steroids in driving these neoplasms. Initially this research focused on estrogens and progesterone receptors, and more recently on androgen actions in breast cancers. This review aims to make the case for glucocorticoids as the next essential steroid subclass that contributes significantly to our understanding of steroidogenic regulation of these neoplasms. Glucocorticoids have the potential to play multiple roles in the regulation of breast cancers including their control of cellular differentiation, apoptosis and proliferation. Beyond this they also act as a master integrator of organ homeostats in relation to such as circadian rhythms and stress responses. Therefore a better understanding of glucocorticoids and breast cancer could help to explain some of the epidemiological links between circadian disruption and/or stress and breast cancer development. Finally glucocorticoids are currently used during chemotherapeutic treatment in breast cancer therapy and yet results of various studies suggest that this may have an adverse impact on treatment success. This review aims to summarise the current evidence for glucocorticoids as actors in breast cancer and then suggest future essential approaches in order to determine the roles of glucocorticoids in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keely M McNamara
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, School of Graduate Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan.
| | - Ayako Kannai
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, School of Graduate Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hironobu Sasano
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, School of Graduate Medicine, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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12
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Wehling M. Rapid actions of aldosterone revisited: Receptors in the limelight. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2018; 176:94-98. [PMID: 28126566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [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: 05/13/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Steroid hormones like aldosterone have been conclusively shown to elicit both late genomic and rapid, nongenomically initiated responses. Aldosterone was among the first for which rapid, clinically relevant effects were even shown in humans. Yet, after over 30 years of research, the nature of receptors involved in rapid actions of aldosterone is still unclear. Such effects may be assigned to the classical, intracellular steroid receptors, in this case mineralocorticoid receptors (MR, class IIa action Mannheim classification). They typically disappear in knockout models and are blocked by MR-antagonists such as spironolactone, as shown for several cellular and physiological, e.g. renal or cardiovascular effects. In contrast, there is also consistent evidence suggesting type IIb effects involving structurally different receptors ("membrane receptors") being insensitive to classic antagonists and persistent in knockout models; IIb effects have lately even been confirmed by atomic force detection of surface receptors which bind aldosterone but not spironolactone. Type IIa and b may coexist in the same cell with IIa often augmenting early IIb effects. So far cloning of IIb receptors was unsuccessful; therefore results on G-protein coupled estrogen receptor 1 (GPER1) being potentially involved in rapid aldosterone action raised considerable interest. Surprisingly, GPER1 does not bind aldosterone. Though under these circumstances GPER1 should not yet be considered as IIb-receptor, it might be an intermediary signaling enhancer of mineralocorticoid action as shown for epithelial growth factor receptors reconciling those results. We still seem to be left without IIb-receptors whose identification would however be highly desirable and essential for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Wehling
- University of Heidelberg, Clinical Pharmacology Mannheim, Theodor-Kutzer-Ufer 1-3, D-68167, Mannheim, Germany.
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13
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Actions of Steroids: New Neurotransmitters. J Neurosci 2017; 36:11449-11458. [PMID: 27911748 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2473-16.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past two decades, the classical understanding of steroid action has been updated to include rapid, membrane-initiated, neurotransmitter-like functions. While steroids were known to function on very short time spans to induce physiological and behavioral changes, the mechanisms by which these changes occur are now becoming more clear. In avian systems, rapid estradiol effects can be mediated via local alterations in aromatase activity, which precisely regulates the temporal and spatial availability of estrogens. Acute regulation of brain-derived estrogens has been shown to rapidly affect sensorimotor function and sexual motivation in birds. In rodents, estrogens and progesterone are critical for reproduction, including preovulatory events and female sexual receptivity. Membrane progesterone receptor as well as classical progesterone receptor trafficked to the membrane mediate reproductive-related hypothalamic physiology, via second messenger systems with dopamine-induced cell signals. In addition to these relatively rapid actions, estrogen membrane-initiated signaling elicits changes in morphology. In the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus, these changes are needed for lordosis behavior. Recent evidence also demonstrates that membrane glucocorticoid receptor is present in numerous cell types and species, including mammals. Further, membrane glucocorticoid receptor influences glucocorticoid receptor translocation to the nucleus effecting transcriptional activity. The studies presented here underscore the evidence that steroids behave like neurotransmitters to regulate CNS functions. In the future, we hope to fully characterize steroid receptor-specific functions in the brain.
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Scheschowitsch K, Leite JA, Assreuy J. New Insights in Glucocorticoid Receptor Signaling-More Than Just a Ligand-Binding Receptor. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:16. [PMID: 28220107 PMCID: PMC5292432 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical use of classical glucocorticoids (GC) is narrowed by the many side effects it causes and the resistance to GC observed in some diseases. Since the great majority of GC effects depend on the activation of a glucocorticoid receptor (GR), many research groups had focused to better understand the signaling pathways involving those receptors. Transgenic animal models and genetic modifications of the receptor brought a huge insight into GR mechanisms of action. This in turn opened a new window for the search of selective GR modulators that ideally may have agonistic and antagonistic combined effects and activate one specific signaling pathway, inducing mostly transrepression or transactivation mechanisms. Another important research field concerns to posttranslational modifications that affect the GR and consequently also affect its signaling and function. In this mini review, we discuss many of those aspects of GR signaling, as well as findings like the ligand-independent activation of GR, which add another layer of complexity in GR signaling pathways. Although several recent data have been added to the GR field, much work has yet to be done, especially to find out the biological relevance of those alternative GR signaling pathways. Improving the knowledge about alternative GR signaling pathways and understanding how these pathways intercommunicate and in which situations they are relevant might help to develop new strategies to take benefit of it and to improve GC or other compounds efficacy causing minimal side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Scheschowitsch
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline Alves Leite
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jamil Assreuy
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Jamil Assreuy,
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15
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Holzer G, Markov GV, Laudet V. Evolution of Nuclear Receptors and Ligand Signaling. Curr Top Dev Biol 2017; 125:1-38. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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16
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Catteau X, Simon P, Buxant F, Noël JC. Expression of the glucocorticoid receptor in breast cancer-associated fibroblasts. Mol Clin Oncol 2016; 5:372-376. [PMID: 27699028 PMCID: PMC5038192 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2016.975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer- associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are actively involved in breast carcinoma. Our previous study demonstrated that the majority of these CAFs were smooth muscle actin (SMA) positive and were therefore termed peritumoral myofibroblast (PMY). Glucocorticoid, linked or not with its receptor (GR), has been postulated to serve a major role in normal breast and breast carcinoma; however, their role in CAFs remains poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of GR in breast CAFs and particularly in PMY in 56 cases of invasive breast carcinoma in correlation with clinicopathological parameters, by immunohistochemistry. GR was observed in CAFs in 51 cases (91%) and were more frequent in luminal A subtype (19/19 cases; 100%). The stromal expression was statistically correlated with the tumor grade (P=0.03), the Ki-67 index (P=0.003) and the presence of GR in the epithelial component (P=0.01). The demonstration of a frequent expression of GR in breast CAFs may serve as an interesting target for future therapeutics for the regulation of the tumoral breast microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Catteau
- Department of Pathology, Tivoli University Hospital-Free University of Brussels, La Louvière, Belgium; Department of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital-Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium; Institute of Pathology and Genetics, Gosselies, Belgium
| | - Philippe Simon
- Department of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital-Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium; Gynaecology Unit, Erasme University Hospital-Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Buxant
- Gynaecology Unit, Iris South Hospital-Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Christophe Noël
- Department of Pathology, Erasme University Hospital-Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium; Gynaecopathology Unit, Pathology Department, Erasme University Hospital-Free University of Brussels, Brussels, Belgium
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17
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Hapgood JP, Avenant C, Moliki JM. Glucocorticoid-independent modulation of GR activity: Implications for immunotherapy. Pharmacol Ther 2016; 165:93-113. [PMID: 27288728 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pharmacological doses of glucocorticoids (GCs), acting via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to repress inflammation and immune function, remain the most effective therapy in the treatment of inflammatory and immune diseases. Since many patients on GC therapy exhibit GC resistance and severe side-effects, much research is focused on developing more selective GCs and combination therapies, with greater anti-inflammatory potency. GCs mediate their classical genomic transcriptional effects by binding to the cytoplasmic GR, followed by nuclear translocation and modulation of transcription of target genes by direct DNA binding of the GR or its tethering to other transcription factors. Recent evidence suggests, however, that the responses mediated by the GR are much more complex and involve multiple parallel mechanisms integrating simultaneous signals from other receptors, both in the absence and presence of GCs, to shift the sensitivity of a target cell to GCs. The level of cellular stress, immune activation status, or the cell cycle phase may be crucial for determining GC sensitivity and GC responsiveness as well as subcellular localization of the GR and GR levels. Central to the development of new drugs that target GR signaling alone or as add-on therapies, is an in-depth understanding of the molecular mechanisms of GC-independent GR desensitization, priming and activation of the unliganded GR, as well as synergy and cross-talk with other signaling pathways. This review will discuss the information currently available on these topics and their relevance to immunotherapy, as well as identify unanswered questions and future areas of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet P Hapgood
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa.
| | - Chanel Avenant
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa
| | - Johnson M Moliki
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag X3, Rondebosch, 7700, South Africa
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18
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Chatzopoulou A, Roy U, Meijer AH, Alia A, Spaink HP, Schaaf MJM. Transcriptional and metabolic effects of glucocorticoid receptor α and β signaling in zebrafish. Endocrinology 2015; 156:1757-69. [PMID: 25756310 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In humans and zebrafish, 2 glucocorticoid (GC) receptor (GR) splice variants exist: the canonical GR α-isoform (GRα), and the GRβ. In the present study, we have used the zebrafish model system in order to reveal genes affected by each of these 2 receptor isoforms. By injecting zebrafish embryos with different splice-blocking morpholinos, we could knock down both GR isoforms or could target the alternative splicing of the GR pre-mRNA in favor of the GRβ. In addition, specific GRβ overexpression was achieved by injecting mRNA. Embryos were treated with the synthetic GC dexamethasone, and transcriptome analysis was performed. Two distinct gene clusters were found that were regulated by GRα: one that was regulated by GRα under basal conditions (presence of endogenous cortisol only), and one that was regulated upon increased activation of GRα (using a pharmacological dose of dexamathasone). GRβ may act as a dominant-negative inhibitor of GRα when GRβ is overexpressed and the GRα expression level is knocked down simultaneously. However, without GRα knockdown, no evidence for this activity was found. In addition, the data indicate regulation of gene transcription through other mechanisms of action by GRβ. We also investigated the concentrations of several metabolites using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. We found that dexamethasone treatment and knockdown of GRα together with overexpression of GRβ had opposite effects on glucose, amino acid, and fatty acid levels. Thus, we have shed new light on the molecular mechanisms of GC-induced effects on metabolism, which are known to increase the risk of obesity, hyperglycemia, and diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Chatzopoulou
- Department of Animal Sciences and Health (A.C., A.H.M., H.P.S., M.J.M.S.), Institute of Biology, Leiden University, 2333CC Leiden, The Netherlands; Department of Biophysical Organic Chemistry/Solid State NMR (U.R., A.A.), Leiden Institute of Chemistry, Leiden University, 2333CC Leiden, The Netherlands; and Institute of Medical Physics and Biophysics (A.A.), University of Leipzig, D-04107 Leipzig, Germany
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19
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Vandevyver S, Dejager L, Libert C. Comprehensive overview of the structure and regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor. Endocr Rev 2014; 35:671-93. [PMID: 24937701 DOI: 10.1210/er.2014-1010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are among the most prescribed drugs worldwide for the treatment of numerous immune and inflammatory disorders. They exert their actions by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily. There are several GR isoforms resulting from alternative RNA splicing and translation initiation of the GR transcript. Additionally, these isoforms are all subject to several transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational modifications, all of which affect the protein's stability and/or function. In this review, we summarize recent knowledge on the distinct GR isoforms and the processes that generate them. We also review the importance of all known transcriptional, post-transcriptional, and post-translational modifications, including the regulation of GR by microRNAs. Moreover, we discuss the crucial role of the putative GR-bound DNA sequence as an allosteric ligand influencing GR structure and activity. Finally, we describe how the differential composition and distinct regulation at multiple levels of different GR species could account for the wide and diverse effects of glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofie Vandevyver
- Inflammation Research Center (S.V., L.D., C.L.), Flanders Institute for Biotechnology, B9052 Ghent, Belgium; and Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology (S.V., L.D., C.L.), Ghent University, B9052 Ghent, Belgium
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