Molecular evolution of adrenarche: structural and functional analysis of p450c17 from four primate species

Simultaneous measurement of 17 endogenous steroid hormones in human serum by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry without derivatization

Mass spectrometric-based steroidomics is a valuable analytical approach that gives a comprehensive understanding of the interlinked steroid biosynthetic pathways. Here, we describe a rapid and versatile liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method designed to accurately quantify endogenous steroids in human serum. Sample preparation involved liquid-liquid extraction with methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) from 180 µL serum. The targeted steroids for quantification included androgens: dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione (A4), testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), 11-oxyandrogens: 11β-hydroxy-androstenedione (11OHA4), 11-keto-androstenedione (11KA4), 11β-hydroxy-testosterone (11OHT), 11-keto-testosterone (11KT), progestogens: 17α-hydroxy-progesterone (17OHP4), progesterone (P4), 11β-hydroxy-progesterone (11OHP4), 11-keto-progesterone (11KP4), mineralocorticoids: aldosterone, corticosterone, and glucocorticoids: 11-deoxycortisol, cortisol, and cortisone. The lower limits of quantification (LLOQ) were 0.05 ng/mL for A4, T, 11KA4, P4, and cortisone, 0.1 ng/mL for DHT, 11OHA4, 11OHT, 11KT, 17OHP4, 11OHP4, 11KP4, corticosterone, aldosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, and cortisol, and 0.5 ng/mL for DHEA. Accuracy, precision, reproducibility, and recovery fell within acceptable limits for bioanalytical method validation. Using serum samples from 29 premenopausal women in different menstrual phases, we demonstrated the clinical utility of our method, which showed sufficient sensitivity to reliably quantify all targeted steroids at levels typically found in circulation, except for 11OHP4 and 11KP4.

History of Adrenal Research: From Ancient Anatomy to Contemporary Molecular Biology

The adrenal is a small, anatomically unimposing structure that escaped scientific notice until 1564 and whose existence was doubted by many until the 18th century. Adrenal functions were inferred from the adrenal insufficiency syndrome described by Addison and from the obesity and virilization that accompanied many adrenal malignancies, but early physiologists sometimes confused the roles of the cortex and medulla. Medullary epinephrine was the first hormone to be isolated (in 1901), and numerous cortical steroids were isolated between 1930 and 1949. The treatment of arthritis, Addison's disease, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) with cortisone in the 1950s revolutionized clinical endocrinology and steroid research. Cases of CAH had been reported in the 19th century, but a defect in 21-hydroxylation in CAH was not identified until 1957. Other forms of CAH, including deficiencies of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 11β-hydroxylase, and 17α-hydroxylase were defined hormonally in the 1960s. Cytochrome P450 enzymes were described in 1962-1964, and steroid 21-hydroxylation was the first biosynthetic activity associated with a P450. Understanding of the genetic and biochemical bases of these disorders advanced rapidly from 1984 to 2004. The cloning of genes for steroidogenic enzymes and related factors revealed many mutations causing known diseases and facilitated the discovery of new disorders. Genetics and cell biology have replaced steroid chemistry as the key disciplines for understanding and teaching steroidogenesis and its disorders.

Considering Sex as a Biological Variable in Basic and Clinical Studies: An Endocrine Society Scientific Statement

In May 2014, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) stated its intent to "require applicants to consider sex as a biological variable (SABV) in the design and analysis of NIH-funded research involving animals and cells." Since then, proposed research plans that include animals routinely state that both sexes/genders will be used; however, in many instances, researchers and reviewers are at a loss about the issue of sex differences. Moreover, the terms sex and gender are used interchangeably by many researchers, further complicating the issue. In addition, the sex or gender of the researcher might influence study outcomes, especially those concerning behavioral studies, in both animals and humans. The act of observation may change the outcome (the "observer effect") and any experimental manipulation, no matter how well-controlled, is subject to it. This is nowhere more applicable than in physiology and behavior. The sex of established cultured cell lines is another issue, in addition to aneuploidy; chromosomal numbers can change as cells are passaged. Additionally, culture medium contains steroids, growth hormone, and insulin that might influence expression of various genes. These issues often are not taken into account, determined, or even considered. Issues pertaining to the "sex" of cultured cells are beyond the scope of this Statement. However, we will discuss the factors that influence sex and gender in both basic research (that using animal models) and clinical research (that involving human subjects), as well as in some areas of science where sex differences are routinely studied. Sex differences in baseline physiology and associated mechanisms form the foundation for understanding sex differences in diseases pathology, treatments, and outcomes. The purpose of this Statement is to highlight lessons learned, caveats, and what to consider when evaluating data pertaining to sex differences, using 3 areas of research as examples; it is not intended to serve as a guideline for research design.

Age and sex-associated variation in the multi-site microbiome of an entire social group of free-ranging rhesus macaques

BACKGROUND

An individual's microbiome changes over the course of its lifetime, especially during infancy, and again in old age. Confounding factors such as diet and healthcare make it difficult to disentangle the interactions between age, health, and microbial changes in humans. Animal models present an excellent opportunity to study age- and sex-linked variation in the microbiome, but captivity is known to influence animal microbial abundance and composition, while studies of free-ranging animals are typically limited to studies of the fecal microbiome using samples collected non-invasively. Here, we analyze a large dataset of oral, rectal, and genital swabs collected from 105 free-ranging rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta, aged 1 month-26 years), comprising one entire social group, from the island of Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico. We sequenced 16S V4 rRNA amplicons for all samples.

RESULTS

Infant gut microbial communities had significantly higher relative abundances of Bifidobacterium and Bacteroides and lower abundances of Ruminococcus, Fibrobacter, and Treponema compared to older age groups, consistent with a diet high in milk rather than solid foods. The genital microbiome varied widely between males and females in beta-diversity, taxonomic composition, and predicted functional profiles. Interestingly, only penile, but not vaginal, microbiomes exhibited distinct age-related changes in microbial beta-diversity, taxonomic composition, and predicted functions. Oral microbiome composition was associated with age, and was most distinctive between infants and other age classes.

CONCLUSIONS

Across all three body regions, with notable exceptions in the penile microbiome, while infants were distinctly different from other age groups, microbiomes of adults were relatively invariant, even in advanced age. While vaginal microbiomes were exceptionally stable, penile microbiomes were quite variable, especially at the onset of reproductive age. Relative invariance among adults, including elderly individuals, is contrary to findings in humans and mice. We discuss potential explanations for this observation, including that age-related microbiome variation seen in humans may be related to changes in diet and lifestyle. Video abstract.

Human steroid biosynthesis, metabolism and excretion are differentially reflected by serum and urine steroid metabolomes: A comprehensive review

Advances in technology have allowed for the sensitive, specific, and simultaneous quantitative profiling of steroid precursors, bioactive steroids and inactive metabolites, facilitating comprehensive characterization of the serum and urine steroid metabolomes. The quantification of steroid panels is therefore gaining favor over quantification of single marker metabolites in the clinical and research laboratories. However, although the biochemical pathways for the biosynthesis and metabolism of steroid hormones are now well defined, a gulf still exists between this knowledge and its application to the measured steroid profiles. In this review, we present an overview of steroid hormone biosynthesis and metabolism by the liver and peripheral tissues, specifically highlighting the pathways linking and differentiating the serum and urine steroid metabolomes. A brief overview of the methodology used in steroid profiling is also provided.

Circulating 11-oxygenated androgens across species

The androgen precursors, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) are produced in high amounts by the adrenal cortex primarily in humans and a few other primates. The human adrenal also secretes 11-oxygenated androgens (11-oxyandrogens), including 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11OHA4), 11-ketoandrostenedione (11KA4), 11β-hydroxytestosterone (11OHT) and 11-ketotestosterone (11KT), of which 11OHT and 11KT are bioactive androgens. The 11-oxyandrogens, particularly 11KT, have been recognized as biologically important testicular androgens in teleost fishes for decades, but their physiological contribution in humans has only recently been established. Beyond fish and humans, however, the presence of 11-oxyandrogens in other species has not been investigated. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of a set of C₁₉ steroids, including the traditional androgens and 11-oxyandrogens, across 18 animal species. As previously shown, serum DHEA and DHEAS were much higher in primates than all other species. Circulating 11-oxyandrogens, especially 11KT, were observed in notable amounts in male, but not in female trout, consistent with gonadal origin in fish. The circulating concentrations of 11-oxyandrogens ranged from 0.1 to 10 nM in pigs, guinea pigs and in all the primates studied (rhesus macaque, baboon, chimpanzee and human) but not in rats or mice, and 11OHA4 was consistently the most abundant. In contrast to fish, serum 11KT concentrations were similar in male and female primates for each species, despite significantly higher circulating testosterone in males, suggesting that 11KT production in these species is not testis-dependent and primarily originates from adrenal-derived 11-oxyandrogen precursors.

Human cytochrome P450 enzymes 5-51 as targets of drugs and natural and environmental compounds: mechanisms, induction, and inhibition - toxic effects and benefits

Cytochrome P450 (P450, CYP) enzymes have long been of interest due to their roles in the metabolism of drugs, pesticides, pro-carcinogens, and other xenobiotic chemicals. They have also been of interest due to their very critical roles in the biosynthesis and metabolism of steroids, vitamins, and certain eicosanoids. This review covers the 22 (of the total of 57) human P450s in Families 5-51 and their substrate selectivity. Furthermore, included is information and references regarding inducibility, inhibition, and (in some cases) stimulation by chemicals. We update and discuss important aspects of each of these 22 P450s and questions that remain open.

C11-oxy C19 and C11-oxy C21 steroids in neonates: UPC2-MS/MS quantification of plasma 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione, 11-ketotestosterone and 11-ketoprogesterone

The purpose of this study was to identify the C11-oxy C₁₉ and C11-oxy C₂₁ steroids in male and female neonate plasma. At birth, the most abundant C11-oxy steroids detected in neonatal plasma were 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione, ∼13 nM, and 11-ketoprogesterone, ∼23 nM. C11-oxy C₁₉ steroids were higher than C₁₉ steroids in neonatal plasma, 22.2 nM vs 5.4 nM. The inclusion of C11-oxy C₁₉ and C₂₁ steroid reference ranges in routine steroid analyses will assist the characterization of disorders associated with impaired steroidogenic enzyme expression and the identification of potential biomarkers.

Intracrine androgen biosynthesis, metabolism and action revisited

Androgens play an important role in metabolic homeostasis and reproductive health in both men and women. Androgen signalling is dependent on androgen receptor activation, mostly by testosterone and 5α-dihydrotestosterone. However, the intracellular or intracrine activation of C19 androgen precursors to active androgens in peripheral target tissues of androgen action is of equal importance. Intracrine androgen synthesis is often not reflected by circulating androgens but rather by androgen metabolites and conjugates. In this review we provide an overview of human C19 steroid biosynthesis including the production of 11-oxygenated androgens, their transport in circulation and uptake into peripheral tissues. We conceptualise the mechanisms of intracrinology and review the intracrine pathways of activation and inactivation in selected human tissues. The contribution of liver and kidney as organs driving androgen inactivation and renal excretion are also highlighted. Finally, the importance of quantifying androgen metabolites and conjugates to assess intracrine androgen production is discussed.

Functional characterization of the G162R and D216H genetic variants of human CYP17A1

Cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) is a dual-function enzyme catalyzing reactions necessary for cortisol and androgen biosynthesis. CYP17A1 is a validated drug target for prostate cancer as CYP17A1 inhibition significantly reduces circulating androgens and improves survival in castration-resistant prostate cancer. Germline CYP17A1 genetic variants with altered CYP17A1 activity manifesting as various endocrinopathies are extremely rare; however, characterizing these variants provides critical insights into CYP17A1 protein structure and function. By querying the dbSNP online database and publically available data from the 1000 genomes project (http://browser.1000genomes.org), we identified two CYP17A1 nonsynonymous genetic variants with unknown consequences for enzymatic activity and stability. We hypothesized that the resultant amino acid changes would alter CYP17A1 stability or activity. To test this hypothesis, we utilized a HEK-293T cell-based expression system to characterize the functional consequences of two CYP17A1 variants, D216H (rs200063521) and G162R (rs141821705). Cells transiently expressing the D216H variant demonstrate a selective impairment of 16α-hydroxyprogesterone synthesis by 2.1-fold compared to wild-type (WT) CYP17A1, while no effect on 17α-hydroxyprogesterone synthesis was observed. These data suggest that substrate orientations in the active site might be altered with this amino acid substitution. In contrast, the G162R substitution exhibits decreased CYP17A1 protein stability compared to WT with a near 70% reduction in protein levels as determined by immunoblot analysis. This variant is preferentially ubiquitinated and degraded prematurely, with an enzyme half-life calculated to be ∼2.5 h, and proteasome inhibitor treatment recovers G162R protein expression to WT levels. Together, these data provide new insights into CYP17A1 structure-function and stability mechanisms.

The human fetal adrenal produces cortisol but no detectable aldosterone throughout the second trimester

BACKGROUND

Human fetal adrenal glands are highly active and, with the placenta, regulate circulating progesterone, estrogen and corticosteroids in the fetus. At birth the adrenals are essential for neonate salt retention through secretion of aldosterone, while adequate glucocorticoids are required to prevent adrenal insufficiency. The objective of this study was to carry out the first comprehensive analysis of adrenal steroid levels and steroidogenic enzyme expression in normal second trimester human fetuses.

METHODS

This was an observational study of steroids, messenger RNA transcripts and proteins in adrenals from up to 109 second trimester fetuses (11 weeks to 21 weeks) at the Universities of Aberdeen and Glasgow. The study design was balanced to show effects of maternal smoking.

RESULTS

Concentrations of 19 intra-adrenal steroids were quantified using liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Pregnenolone was the most abundant steroid while levels of 17α-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) and progesterone were also high. Cortisol was present in all adrenals, but aldosterone was undetected and Δ⁴ androgens were low/undetected. CYP17A1, CYP21A2 and CYP11A1 were all highly expressed and the proteins localized to the adrenal fetal zone. There was low-level expression of HSD3B and CYP11B2, with HSD3B located mainly in the definitive zone. Maternal smoking altered fetal plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (P = 0.052) and intra-adrenal progesterone, 17α-hydroxyprogesterone and 16α-hydroxyprogesterone, but not plasma or intra-adrenal cortisol, or intra-adrenal DHEAS. Fetal adrenal GATA6 and NR5A1 were increased by maternal smoking.

CONCLUSIONS

The human fetal adrenal gland produces cortisol but very low levels of Δ⁴ androgens and no detectable aldosterone throughout the second trimester. The presence of cortisol in fetal adrenals suggests that adrenal regulation of circulating fetal ACTH remains a factor in development of congenital adrenal hyperplasia during the second trimester, while a relative lack of aldosterone explains the salt-wasting disorders frequently seen in extreme pre-term neonates. Finally, maternal smoking may alter fetal adrenal sensitivity to ACTH, which could have knock-on effects on post-natal health.

Structural and Functional Evaluation of Clinically Relevant Inhibitors of Steroidogenic Cytochrome P450 17A1

Human steroidogenic cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) is a bifunctional enzyme that performs both hydroxylation and lyase reactions, with the latter required to generate androgens that fuel prostate cancer proliferation. The steroid abiraterone, the active form of the only CYP17A1 inhibitor approved by the Food and Drug Administration, binds the catalytic heme iron, nonselectively impeding both reactions and ultimately causing undesirable corticosteroid imbalance. Some nonsteroidal inhibitors reportedly inhibit the lyase reaction more than the preceding hydroxylase reaction, which would be clinically advantageous, but the mechanism is not understood. Thus, the nonsteroidal inhibitors seviteronel and orteronel and the steroidal inhibitors abiraterone and galeterone were compared with respect to their binding modes and hydroxylase versus lyase inhibition. Binding studies and X-ray structures of CYP17A1 with nonsteroidal inhibitors reveal coordination to the heme iron like the steroidal inhibitors. (S)-seviteronel binds similarly to both observed CYP17A1 conformations. However, (S)-orteronel and (R)-orteronel bind to distinct CYP17A1 conformations that differ in a region implicated in ligand entry/exit and the presence of a peripheral ligand. To reconcile these binding modes with enzyme function, side-by-side enzymatic analysis was undertaken and revealed that neither the nonsteroidal seviteronel nor the (S)-orteronel inhibitors demonstrated significant lyase selectivity, but the less potent (R)-orteronel was 8- to 11-fold selective for lyase inhibition. While active-site iron coordination is consistent with competitive inhibition, conformational selection for binding of some inhibitors and the differential presence of a peripheral ligand molecule suggest the possibility of CYP17A1 functional modulation by features outside the active site.

The metabolic fate and receptor interaction of 16α-hydroxyprogesterone and its 5α-reduced metabolite, 16α-hydroxy-dihydroprogesterone

16α-hydroxyprogesterone (16OHP4) is not well characterised in terms of metabolism and receptor interaction. We therefore investigated its metabolism by adrenal CYP11B and peripheral steroidogenic enzymes, SRD5A and AKR1C2. UHPLC-MS/MS analyses identified novel steroids: the biosynthesis of 4-pregnen-11β,16α-diol-3,20-dione catalysed by CYP11B2; the 5α-reduction of the latter and 16OHP4 catalysed by SRD5A yielding 5α-pregnan-11β,16α-diol-3,20-diovne and 5α-pregnan-16α-ol-3,20-dione (16OH-DHP4); and 16OH-DHP4 converted by AKR1C2 to 5α-pregnan-3α,16α-diol-20-one. Receptor studies showed 16OHP4, 16OH-DHP4, progesterone and dihydroprogesterone (DHP4) were weak partial AR agonists; 16OHP4, 16OH-DHP4 and DHP4 exhibited weak partial agonist activity towards PR-B with DHP4 also exhibiting partial agonist activity towards PR-A. Data showed that while the 5α-reduction of P4 decreased PR activation significantly, 16OHP4 and 16OH-DHP4 exhibited comparable receptor activation. Although the clinical relevance of 16OHP4 remains unclear the elevated 16OHP4 levels characteristic of 21OHD, CAH, PCOS, prostate cancer, testicular feminization syndrome and cryptorchidism likely contribute towards these clinical conditions, inducing receptor-activated target genes.

Structural insights into the function of steroidogenic cytochrome P450 17A1

Cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) operates at the core of human steroidogenesis, directing precursors into mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, or sex steroids. Although the 17α-hydroxylase and 17,20-lyase activities of this dual function enzyme have been investigated extensively, until recently no CYP17A1 structures were available to inform our understanding. Structures of CYP17A1 with a range of steroidal inhibitors and substrates are now available. This review relates functional knowledge of this enzyme to structural features defining the selective differentiation between its various substrates. While both hydroxylase and lyase substrates have similar orientations with respect to the heme, subtle differences in hydrogen bonding between CYP17A1 and the C3 substituent at the opposite end of ligands appear to correlate with differential substrate utilization and product formation. Complementary structural information from solution NMR supports cytochrome b₅ allosteric modulation of the lyase reaction, implicating regions involved in ligand access to the otherwise buried active site.

Activity of Zearalenone in the Porcine Intestinal Tract

This study demonstrates that low doses (somewhat above the No Observed Adverse Effect Level, NOAEL) of the mycoestrogen zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites display multispecificity towards various biological targets in gilts. The observed responses in gilts were surprising. The presence of ZEN and zearalenols (ZELs) did not evoke a response in the porcine gastrointestinal tract, which was attributed to dietary tolerance. Lymphocyte proliferation was intensified in jejunal mesenteric lymph nodes, and lymphocyte counts increased in the jejunal epithelium with time of exposure. In the distal digestive tract, fecal bacterial counts decreased, the activity of fecal bacterial enzymes and lactic acid bacteria increased, and cecal water was characterized by higher genotoxicity. The accompanying hyperestrogenism led to changes in mRNA activity of selected enzymes (cytochrome P450, hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases, nitric oxide synthases) and receptors (estrogen and progesterone receptors), and it stimulated post-translational modifications which play an important role in non-genomic mechanisms of signal transmission. Hyperestrogenism influences the regulation of the host's steroid hormones (estron, estradiol and progesteron), it affects the virulence of bacterial genes encoding bacterial hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDs), and it participates in detoxification processes by slowing down intestinal activity, provoking energy deficits and promoting antiporter activity at the level of enterocytes. In most cases, hyperestrogenism fulfils all of the above roles. The results of this study indicate that low doses of ZEN alleviate inflammatory processes in the digestive system, in particular in the proximal and distal intestinal tract, and increase body weight gains in gilts.

Androgen-metabolizing enzymes: A structural perspective

Androgen-metabolizing enzymes convert cholesterol, a relatively inert molecule, into some of the most potent chemical messengers in vertebrates. This conversion involves thermodynamically challenging reactions catalyzed by P450 enzymes and redox reactions catalyzed by Aldo-Keto Reductases (AKRs). This review covers the structures of these enzymes with a focus on active site interactions and proposed mechanisms. Due to their role in a number of diseases, particularly in cancer, androgen-metabolizing enzymes have been targets of drug design. Hence we will also highlight how existing knowledge of structure is being used to this end.

Estrogen Regulation of Fetal Adrenal Cortical Zone-Specific Development in the Nonhuman Primate Impacts Adrenal Production of Androgen and Cortisol and Response to ACTH in Females in Adulthood

We showed that the volume of the fetal zone of the fetal adrenal gland and serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHAS) levels at term were increased in baboons in which estradiol levels were suppressed by treatment with aromatase inhibitor 4,4-[1,2,3-triazol-1yl-methylene] bis-benzonitrite (letrozole). The fetal zone remodels postnatally into the reticular zone and DHAS production, and serum levels decline with age. Therefore, we determined whether the trajectory of reticular zone DHAS secretion and response to ACTH were altered in offspring deprived of estrogen in utero. Female offspring were delivered to baboons untreated or treated daily throughout the second half of gestation with letrozole (estradiol reduced >95%) or letrozole plus estradiol and cortisol and DHAS determined in blood samples obtained bimonthly between 4 and 125 months and after iv bolus of ACTH. The slope/rate of decline in serum DHAS with advancing age was greater (P < .01) in letrozole-treated (-0.54 ± 0.005) than untreated (-0.32 ± 0.003) baboons and partially restored by letrozole-estradiol (-0.43 ± 0.004). Serum cortisol was similar and relatively constant in all offspring. Moreover, in letrozole-treated offspring, serum DHAS at 61-66, 67-95, and 96-125 months were lower (P < .05), and cortisol to DHAS ratio was greater (P < .05) than in untreated offspring. ACTH at high level increased cortisol and DHAS in untreated baboons and cortisol but not DHAS in letrozole-treated offspring. We propose that postnatal development of the primate adrenal cortex, including the decline in reticular zone DHAS production, response to ACTH and maintenance of cortisol to DHAS ratio with advancing age is modulated by exposure of the fetal adrenal to estradiol.

Comparisons of Prostate Cancer Inhibitors Abiraterone and TOK-001 Binding with CYP17A1 through Molecular Dynamics

Cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) is associated in the steroid hormone biosynthesis in human. As cell proliferation of prostate cancer in response to androgen steroid, an inhibition of CYP17A1 becomes an alternative approach to inhibit biosynthesis of androgen and support treatment of prostate cancer. However, biology-driven inhibitor development of prostate cancer is poorly elucidated. The aims of this study are to address structural differences at atomic-level between CYP17A1 and inhibitors i.e., abiraterone and TOK-001, and further investigate the effect of point mutation of CYP17A1 on the active site stability and the local interactions that are hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding throughout molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. After performing multiple comparisons among four different complexes across CYP17A1 and inhibitors, interestingly TOK-001 oriented toward the active pocket and formed larger volume with I-helix of CYP17A1 than abiraterone, whereas abiraterone showed tighter binding and more active site stability. Considering on the effect of hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding between abiraterone and CYP17A1, the key residues of Phe114, Ile371, Val482, and Asn202 were identified. This contributes into tight binding interactions; however abiraterone is effectively weakened along with the global conformation mobility increased in A105L mutation. Surprisingly, overall conformation of the CYP17A1 remained stable when bound to TOK-001. This basic knowledge can guide future experiments on design of efficient inhibitors for CYP17A1, which provides theoretical basis of androgen-dependent disease therapy.

Regulation of human (adrenal) androgen biosynthesis-New insights from novel throughput technology studies

Androgens are precursors for sex steroids and are predominantly produced in the human gonads and the adrenal cortex. They are important for intrauterine and postnatal sexual development and human reproduction. Although human androgen biosynthesis has been extensively studied in the past, exact mechanisms underlying the regulation of androgen production in health and disease remain vague. Here, the knowledge on human androgen biosynthesis and regulation is reviewed with a special focus on human adrenal androgen production and the hyperandrogenic disorder of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Since human androgen regulation is highly specific without a good animal model, most studies are performed on patients harboring inborn errors of androgen biosynthesis, on human biomaterials and human (tumor) cell models. In the past, most studies used a candidate gene approach while newer studies use high throughput technologies to identify novel regulators of androgen biosynthesis. Using genome wide association studies on cohorts of patients, novel PCOS candidate genes have been recently described. Variant 2 of the DENND1A gene was found overexpressed in PCOS theca cells and confirmed to enhance androgen production. Transcriptome profiling of dissected adrenal zones established a role for BMP4 in androgen synthesis. Similarly, transcriptome analysis of human adrenal NCI-H295 cells identified novel regulators of androgen production. Kinase p38α (MAPK14) was found to phosphorylate CYP17 for enhanced 17,20 lyase activity and RARB and ANGPTL1 were detected in novel networks regulating androgens. The discovery of novel players for androgen biosynthesis is of clinical significance as it provides targets for diagnostic and therapeutic use.

Structures of human steroidogenic cytochrome P450 17A1 with substrates

The human cytochrome P450 17A1 (CYP17A1) enzyme operates at a key juncture of human steroidogenesis, controlling the levels of mineralocorticoids influencing blood pressure, glucocorticoids involved in immune and stress responses, and androgens and estrogens involved in development and homeostasis of reproductive tissues. Understanding CYP17A1 multifunctional biochemistry is thus integral to treating prostate and breast cancer, subfertility, blood pressure, and other diseases. CYP17A1 structures with all four physiologically relevant steroid substrates suggest answers to four fundamental aspects of CYP17A1 function. First, all substrates bind in a similar overall orientation, rising ∼60° with respect to the heme. Second, both hydroxylase substrates pregnenolone and progesterone hydrogen bond to Asn(202) in orientations consistent with production of 17α-hydroxy major metabolites, but functional and structural evidence for an A105L mutation suggests that a minor conformation may yield the minor 16α-hydroxyprogesterone metabolite. Third, substrate specificity of the subsequent 17,20-lyase reaction may be explained by variation in substrate height above the heme. Although 17α-hydroxyprogesterone is only observed farther from the catalytic iron, 17α-hydroxypregnenolone is also observed closer to the heme. In conjunction with spectroscopic evidence, this suggests that only 17α-hydroxypregnenolone approaches and interacts with the proximal oxygen of the catalytic iron-peroxy intermediate, yielding efficient production of dehydroepiandrosterone as the key intermediate in human testosterone and estrogen synthesis. Fourth, differential positioning of 17α-hydroxypregnenolone offers a mechanism whereby allosteric binding of cytochrome b5 might selectively enhance the lyase reaction. In aggregate, these structures provide a structural basis for understanding multiple key reactions at the heart of human steroidogenesis.

A guide to understanding the steroid pathway: new insights and diagnostic implications

Steroid analysis has always been complicated requiring a clear understanding of both the clinical and analytical aspects in order to accurately interpret results. The literature relating to this specialised area spans many decades and the intricacies of the steroid pathway have evolved with time. A number of key changes, including discovery of the alternative androgen pathway, have occurred in the last decade, potentially changing our understanding and approach to investigating disorders of sexual development. Such investigation usually occurs in specialised paediatric centres and although preterm infants represent only a small percentage of the patient population, consideration of the persistence of the foetal adrenal zone is an additional important consideration when undertaking steroid hormone investigations. The recent expanded role of mass spectrometry and molecular diagnostic methods provides significant improvements for accurate steroid quantification and identification of enzyme deficiencies. However analysis of steroids and interpretation of results remain complicated. This review aims to provide an insight into the complexities of steroid measurement in children and offers an updated guide to interpretation, of serum and urine steroids through the presentation of a refined steroid pathway.

Development of adrenal cortical zonation and expression of key elements of adrenal androgen production in the chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) from birth to adulthood

The basis for the pattern of adrenal androgen production in the chimpanzee, which resembles that of humans, is poorly defined. We characterized the developmental zonation and expression of elements of the androgen biosynthetic pathway in the chimpanzee adrenal. The newborn adrenal contained a broad fetal zone (FZ) expressing CYP17, SULT2A1, and Cytochrome B5 (CB5) but not HSD3B; the outer cortex expressed HSD3B but not SULT2A1 or CB5. During infancy, the FZ involuted and the HSD3B-expressing outer cortex broadened. By 3years of age, a thin layer of cells that expressed CB5, SULT2A1, and CYP17 adjoined the medulla and likely represented the zona reticularis; the outer cortex consisted of distinct zonae fasiculata and glomerulosa. Thereafter, the zona reticularis broadened as also occurs in the human. The adult chimpanzee adrenal displayed other human-like characteristics: intramedullary clusters of reticularis-like cells and also a cortical cuff of zona fasiculata-like cells adjoining the central vein.

Absent adrenarche in children with hypopituitarism: a study based on urinary steroid metabolomics

BACKGROUND

Up to now, the regulation of adrenarche remains a myth although ACTH may possibly play an important role.

METHODS

Urinary steroid profiling by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to study non-invasively the adrenarchal steroid metabolome in 13 children aged 6-16 years with partial or complete hypopituitarism (HP) whose ACTH/cortisol axis was affected and compared it with 24 healthy age-matched controls. The sum of DHEA, 16α-hydroxy-DHEA and 3β,16α,17β-androstenetriol served as markers for adrenarche parameters (AP). The excretion rates of major urinary cortisol metabolites were also determined.

RESULTS

The excretion rates for AP were significantly lower for the HP subjects than for the controls (p < 0.001). After dividing the HP group into a subgroup treated with hydrocortisone (HC) and an HC-untreated subgroup, a significant difference for AP remained for each subgroup when compared to the control group (p < 0.001 and p = 0.045, respectively). Treatment with HC had no influence on AP.

CONCLUSION

The data imply indirectly a significant contribution of ACTH to the regulation of adrenarche. Our results also signify important diagnostic information: absent adrenarche can be indicative of ACTH deficiency.

SET/PP2A system regulates androgen production in ovarian follicles in vitro

SET has multiple cell functions including nucleosome assembly, histone binding, transcription control, and cell apoptosis. In ovaries SET is predominantly expressed in theca cells and oocytes. In our study, SET overexpression in theca cells stimulated testosterone production whereas SET knockdown decreased testosterone production. Moreover, SET negatively regulated PP2A activity. Treatment with PP2A inhibitor okadaic acid (OA) led to increased testosterone synthesis, while treatment with PP2A activators resulted in the decreased testosterone synthesis. Furthermore, PP2A knockdown confirmed the key role of PP2A in the testosterone synthesis, and OA was able to block the AdH1-SiRNA/SET-mediated inhibition of testosterone production. The central role of PP2A in SET-mediated regulation of testosterone production was confirmed by the finding that SET promoted the lyase activity of P450c17 and that PP2A inhibited its lyase activity. Taken together, these results reveal a specific, SET-initiated, PP2A-mediated, pathway that leads to the increased lyase activity of P450c17 and testosterone biosynthesis.

Phosphorylation of human cytochrome P450c17 by p38α selectively increases 17,20 lyase activity and androgen biosynthesis

Cytochrome P450c17, a steroidogenic enzyme encoded by the CYP17A1 gene, catalyzes the steroid 17α-hydroxylation needed for glucocorticoid synthesis, which may or may not be followed by 17,20 lyase activity needed for sex steroid synthesis. Whether or not P450c17 catalyzes 17,20 lyase activity is determined by three post-translational mechanisms influencing availability of reducing equivalents donated by P450 oxidoreductase (POR). These are increased amounts of POR, the allosteric action of cytochrome b5 to promote POR-P450c17 interaction, and Ser/Thr phosphorylation of P450c17, which also appears to promote POR-P450c17 interaction. The kinase(s) that phosphorylates P450c17 is unknown. In a series of kinase inhibition experiments, the pyridinyl imidazole drugs SB202190 and SB203580 inhibited 17,20 lyase but not 17α-hydroxylase activity in human adrenocortical HCI-H295A cells, suggesting an action on p38α or p38β. Co-transfection of non-steroidogenic COS-1 cells with P450c17 and p38 expression vectors showed that p38α, but not p38β, conferred 17,20 lyase activity on P450c17. Antiserum to P450c17 co-immunoprecipitated P450c17 and both p38 isoforms; however, knockdown of p38α, but not knockdown of p38β, inhibited 17,20 lyase activity in NCI-H295A cells. Bacterially expressed human P450c17 was phosphorylated by p38α in vitro at a non-canonical site, conferring increased 17,20 lyase activity. This phosphorylation increased the maximum velocity, but not the Michaelis constant, of the 17,20 lyase reaction. p38α phosphorylates P450c17 in a fashion that confers increased 17,20 lyase activity, implying that the production of adrenal androgens (adrenarche) is a regulated event.

Cytochrome b5: novel roles in steroidogenesis

Cytochrome b(5) (cyt-b(5)) is essential for the regulation of steroidogenesis and as such has been implicated in a number of clinical conditions. It is well documented that this small hemoprotein augments the 17,20-lyase activity of cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1). Studies have revealed that this augmentation is accomplished by cyt-b(5) enhancing the interaction between cytochrome P450 reductase (POR) and CYP17A1. In this paper we present evidence that cyt-b(5) induces a conformational change in CYP17A1, in addition to facilitating the interaction between CYP17A1 and POR. We also review the recently published finding that cyt-b(5) allosterically augments the activity of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ(5)-Δ(4) isomerase (3βHSD), a non cytochrome P450 enzyme, by increasing the enzymes affinity for its cofactor, NAD(+). The physiological importance of this finding, in terms of understanding adrenal androstenedione production, is examined. Finally, evidence that cyt-b(5) is able to form homomeric complexes in living cells is presented and discussed.

Evo-devo of human adolescence: beyond disease models of early puberty

Despite substantial heritability in pubertal development, much variation remains to be explained, leaving room for the influence of environmental factors to adjust its phenotypic trajectory in the service of fitness goals. Utilizing evolutionary development biology (evo-devo), we examine adolescence as an evolutionary life-history stage in its developmental context. We show that the transition from the preceding stage of juvenility entails adaptive plasticity in response to energy resources, other environmental cues, social needs of adolescence and maturation toward youth and adulthood. Using the evolutionary theory of socialization, we show that familial psychosocial stress fosters a fast life history and reproductive strategy rather than early maturation being just a risk factor for aggression and delinquency. Here we explore implications of an evolutionary-developmental-endocrinological-anthropological framework for theory building, while illuminating new directions for research.

Adrenarche in nonhuman primates: the evidence for it and the need to redefine it

Adrenarche is most commonly defined as a prepubertal increase in circulating adrenal androgens, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfo-conjugate (DHEAS). This event is thought to have evolved in humans and some great apes but not in Old World monkeys, perhaps to promote brain development. Whether adrenarche represents a shared, derived developmental event in humans and our closest relatives, adrenal androgen secretion (and its regulation) is of considerable clinical interest. Specifically, adrenal androgens play a significant role in the pathophysiology of polycystic ovarian disease and breast and prostate cancers. Understanding the development of androgen secretion by the human adrenal cortex and identifying a suitable model for its study are therefore of central importance for clinical and evolutionary concerns. This review will examine the evidence for adrenarche in nonhuman primates (NHP) and suggest that a broader definition of this developmental event is needed, including morphological, biochemical, and endocrine criteria. Using such a definition, evidence from recent studies suggests that adrenarche evolved in Old World primates but spans a relatively brief period early in development compared with humans and some great apes. This emphasizes the need for frequent longitudinal sampling in evaluating developmental changes in adrenal androgen secretion as well as the tenuous nature of existing evidence of adrenarche in some species among the great apes. Central to an understanding of the regulation of adrenal androgen production in humans is the recognition of the complex nature of adrenarche and the need for more carefully conducted comparative studies and a broader definition in order to promote investigation among NHP in particular.

Orteronel (TAK-700), a novel non-steroidal 17,20-lyase inhibitor: effects on steroid synthesis in human and monkey adrenal cells and serum steroid levels in cynomolgus monkeys

Surgical or pharmacologic methods to control gonadal androgen biosynthesis are effective approaches in the treatment of a variety of non-neoplastic and neoplastic diseases. For example, androgen ablation and its consequent reduction in circulating levels of testosterone is an effective therapy for advanced prostate cancers. Unfortunately, the therapeutic effectiveness of this approach is often temporary because of disease progression to the 'castration resistant' (CRPC) state, a situation for which there are limited treatment options. One mechanism thought to be responsible for the development of CRPC is extra-gonadal androgen synthesis and the resulting impact of these residual extra-gonadal androgens on prostate tumor cell proliferation. An important enzyme responsible for the synthesis of extra-gonadal androgens is CYP17A1 which possesses both 17,20-lyase and 17-hydroxylase catalytic activities with the 17,20-lyase activity being key in the androgen biosynthetic process. Orteronel (TAK-700), a novel, selective, and potent inhibitor of 17,20-lyase is under development as a drug to inhibit androgen synthesis. In this study, we quantified the inhibitory activity and specificity of orteronel for testicular and adrenal androgen production by evaluating its effects on CYP17A1 enzymatic activity, steroid production in monkey adrenal cells and human adrenal tumor cells, and serum levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), cortisol, and testosterone after oral dosing in castrated and intact male cynomolgus monkeys. We report that orteronel potently suppresses androgen production in monkey adrenal cells but only weakly suppresses corticosterone and aldosterone production; the IC(50) value of orteronel for cortisol was ~3-fold higher than that for DHEA. After single oral dosing, serum levels of DHEA, cortisol, and testosterone were rapidly suppressed in intact cynomolgus monkeys. In castrated monkeys treated twice daily with orteronel, suppression of DHEA and testosterone persisted throughout the treatment period. In both in vivo models and in agreement with our in vitro data, suppression of serum cortisol levels following oral dosing was less than that seen for DHEA. In terms of human CYP17A1 and human adrenal tumor cells, orteronel inhibited 17,20-lyase activity 5.4 times more potently than 17-hydroxylase activity in cell-free enzyme assays and DHEA production 27 times more potently than cortisol production in human adrenal tumor cells, suggesting greater specificity of inhibition between 17,20-lyase and 17-hydroxylase activities in humans vs monkeys. In summary, orteronel potently inhibited the 17,20-lyase activity of monkey and human CYP17A1 and reduced serum androgen levels in vivo in monkeys. These findings suggest that orteronel may be an effective therapeutic option for diseases where androgen suppression is critical, such as androgen sensitive and CRPC.

Adrenal androgen production in catarrhine primates and the evolution of adrenarche

Adrenarche is a developmental event involving differentiation of the adrenal gland and production of adrenal androgens, and has been hypothesized to play a role in the extension of the preadolescent phase of human ontogeny. It remains unclear whether any nonhuman primate species shows a similar suite of endocrine, biochemical, and morphological changes as are encompassed by human adrenarche. Here, we report serum concentrations of the adrenal androgens dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) measured in 698 cross-sectional and mixed longitudinal serum samples from catarrhine primates ranging from 0.6 to 47 years of age. DHEAS in Pan is most similar to that of humans in both age-related pattern and absolute levels, and a transient early increase appears to be present in Gorilla. DHEA levels are highest in Cercocebus, Cercopithecus, and Macaca. We also tested for evidence of adaptive evolution in six genes that code for proteins involved in DHEA/S synthesis. Our genetic analyses demonstrate the protein-coding regions of these genes are highly conserved among sampled primates. We describe a tandem gene duplication event probably mediated by a retrotransposon that resulted in two 3-β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Delta 5-Delta 4 genes (HSD3B1 and HSD3B2) with tissue specific functions in catarrhines. In humans, HSD3B2 is expressed primarily in the adrenals, ovary, and testis, while HSD3B1 is expressed in the placenta. Taken together, our findings suggest that while adrenarche has been suggested to be unique to hominoids, the evolutionary roots for this developmental stage are more ancient.

Perinatal environmental exposures affect mammary development, function, and cancer risk in adulthood

Puberty is an important transition that enables reproduction of mammalian species. Precocious puberty, specifically early thelarche (the appearance of breast "buds"), in girls of multiple ethnic backgrounds is a major health problem in the United States and other countries. The cause for a continued decrease in the age of breast development in girls is unknown, but environmental factors likely play a major role. Laboratory and epidemiological studies have identified several individual environmental factors that affect breast development, but further progress is needed. Current research needs include increased attention to and recording of prenatal and neonatal environmental exposures, testing of marketed chemicals for effects on the mammary gland, and understanding of the mammary gland-specific mechanisms that are altered by chemicals. Such research is required to halt the increasing trend toward puberty at earlier ages.

Premature adrenarche: novel lessons from early onset androgen excess

Adrenarche reflects the maturation of the adrenal zona reticularis resulting in increased secretion of the adrenal androgen precursor DHEA and its sulphate ester DHEAS. Premature adrenarche (PA) is defined by increased levels of DHEA and DHEAS before the age of 8 years in girls and 9 years in boys and the concurrent presence of signs of androgen action including adult-type body odour, oily skin and hair and pubic hair growth. PA is distinct from precocious puberty, which manifests with the development of secondary sexual characteristics including testicular growth and breast development. Idiopathic PA (IPA) has long been considered an extreme of normal variation, but emerging evidence links IPA to an increased risk of developing the metabolic syndrome (MS) and thus ultimately cardiovascular morbidity. Areas of controversy include the question whether IPA in girls is associated with a higher rate of progression to the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and whether low birth weight increases the risk of developing IPA. The recent discoveries of two novel monogenic causes of early onset androgen excess, apparent cortisone reductase deficiency and apparent DHEA sulphotransferase deficiency, support the notion that PA may represent a forerunner condition for PCOS. Future research including carefully designed longitudinal studies is required to address the apparent link between early onset androgen excess and the development of insulin resistance and the MS.

16α-hydroxyprogesterone: origin, biosynthesis and receptor interaction

The metabolism of progesterone (PROG) by cytochrome P450 17α-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17A1) results in the formation of both 17α-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHPROG) and 16α-hydroxyprogesterone (16-OHPROG) in humans. Unlike 17-OHPROG, 16-OHPROG is not metabolised further in steroidogenic tissue. While this metabolite can be readily detected in serum and urine, its physiological role remains unclear. This paper reviews the production of 16-OHPROG by human CYP17A1 by providing insight into the catalysis of PROG by CYP17A1 and highlights the role of Ala105 in the 16α-hydroxylation reaction. As 16-OHPROG has been putatively linked to reproductive function, we investigated the interaction of this steroid metabolite with both isoforms of the human progesterone receptor (hPR). We show for the first time that 16-OHPROG can bind to both hPR-A and hPR-B and act as an agonist for both receptors.

Defining adrenarche in the rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta), a non-human primate model for adrenal androgen secretion

Adrenarche, defined as a prepubertal increase in adrenal androgen secretion resulting from zona reticularis (ZR) maturation, is thought to occur only in humans and some Great Apes. In the rhesus macaque, studies of circulating dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) or its sulpho-conjugate (DHEAS) have failed to demonstrate a prepubertal rise typical of human adrenarche, but available data are cross-sectional and include few neonatal or early infant samples. However, ZR maturation is complete in rhesus infants by 3 months of age based on morphological and biochemical analyses. Furthermore, preliminary longitudinal studies from birth through infancy of castrated males, and intact males and females, suggests for the first time that there is a transient, prepubertal elevation of adrenal androgen in rhesus macaques. Serum DHEAS concentration increased, peaking between 6 and 8 weeks of age in castrate males, and intact males and females, then declined. These longitudinal profiles add endocrinological support to the morphological and biochemical evidence that adrenarche occurs in a narrow developmental window in infant rhesus macaques. Adrenarche in any species should be defined only after careful longitudinal hormone analysis have been conducted in stages of development that are suggested by morphological and biochemical evidence of ZR maturation.

Impact of differential P450c17 phosphorylation by cAMP stimulation and by starvation conditions on enzyme activities and androgen production in NCI-H295R cells

CYP17A1 plays a pivotal role in the biosynthesis of androgens in the adrenals and the gonads. Although this enzyme catalyzes two different reactions on one single active site, its specific activities are regulated independently. Although the 17alpha-hydroxylase activity is rather constant and regulated by gene expression, the 17,20-lyase activity varies significantly with the amount of cofactors or by protein phosphorylation. cAMP increases CYP17A1 expression, P450c17 phosphorylation, and androgen production. However, the exact mechanism(s) and the specific regulators of CYP17A1 remain unknown. Therefore, we studied the regulation of adrenal androgen biosynthesis in human adrenal H295R cells focusing on CYP17A1. We analyzed androgen production and P450c17 activities in H295R cells grown under normal and serum-free conditions and/or after stimulation with 8-bromoadenosine-cAMP. H295R cells grown in starvation medium produced more androgens and had decreased HSD3B2 expression and activity but increased P450c17-17,20-lyase activity and serine phosphorylation. Although starvation increased serine phosphorylation of P450c17 specifically, cAMP stimulation enhanced threonine phosphorylation exclusively. Time-course experiments revealed that a short cAMP stimulation augmented threonine phosphorylation of P450c17 but did not increase 17,20-lyase activity. By contrast, long cAMP stimulation increased androgen production through increased P450c17 activities by enhancing CYP17A1 gene expression. We conclude that serum withdrawal shifts steroidogenesis of H295R cells towards androgen production, providing a suitable model for detailed studies of androgen regulation. In addition, our study shows that starvation and cAMP stimulation regulate P450c17 phosphorylation differentially and that an increase in P450c17 phosphorylation does not necessarily lead to enhanced enzyme activity and androgen production.

At the crossroads of steroid hormone biosynthesis: the role, substrate specificity and evolutionary development of CYP17

Cytochrome P450s play critical roles in the metabolism of various bioactive compounds. One of the crucial functions of cytochrome P450s in Chordata is in the biosynthesis of steroid hormones. Steroid 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase (CYP17) is localized in endoplasmic reticulum membranes of steroidogenic cells. CYP17 catalyzes the 17alpha-hydroxylation reaction of delta4-C₂₁ steroids (progesterone derivatives) and delta5-C₂₁ steroids (pregnenolone derivatives) as well as the 17,20-lyase reaction producing C₁₉-steroids, a key branch point in steroid hormone biosynthesis. Depending on CYP17 activity, the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway is directed to either the formation of mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids or sex hormones. In the present review, the current information on CYP17 is analyzed and discussed.

Human cytochrome p450c17: single step purification and phosphorylation of serine 258 by protein kinase a

Cytochrome P450c17 (P450c17) is the single microsomal enzyme that catalyzes steroid 17alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase activities. The ratio of lyase to hydroxylase activity of human P450c17 determines whether steroidogenesis leads to the synthesis of cortisol or sex steroids. This ratio is regulated posttranslationally by factors that influence the efficiency of electron transfer from P450 oxidoreductase to P450c17. One factor favoring more efficient electron transfer and 17,20 lyase activity is cAMP-dependent serine/threonine phosphorylation of P450c17. Identifying the responsible kinase(s) and the P450c17 residues that undergo phosphorylation has been challenging, partly because of difficulties in preparing biochemically useful amounts of pure, catalytically active P450c17. We describe a modified strategy for preparing P450c17 in which the traditional carboxy-terminal 4xHis tag is replaced by 3xGly6xHis. This construct permits more rotational freedom of the protein when bound to the nickel affinity column, reducing steric associations between the protein and the column, and permitting a single-step chromatographic purification to apparent homogeneity. Using this vector, we explored P450c17 phosphorylation by mutagenesis of Ser and/or Thr residues to Asp or Glu to mimic the approximate size and charge of phospho-Ser or phospho-Thr. This strategy did not identify Ser and/or Thr site(s) that increase the ratio of lyase to hydroxylase activity, suggesting that the regulatory phosphorylation strategy of human P450c17 is very complicated. Although previous work has excluded protein kinase A (PKA) as the responsible kinase, the cAMP-inducible nature of the phosphorylation-associated increase in lyase activity suggests that PKA may play a role, possibly as a priming kinase. Using our novel vector and a series of mutations, we identified the P450c17 site phosphorylated by PKA as Ser258.

A single amino acid residue, Ala 105, confers 16alpha-hydroxylase activity to human cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20 lyase

In adrenal steroidogenesis, CYP17 catalyses the 17alpha-hydroxylation of pregnenolone and progesterone and the subsequent 17,20-lyase reaction, yielding adrenal androgens. The enzyme exhibits distinctly different selectivities towards these substrates in various species. CYP17 has also been shown to exhibit 16alpha-hydroxylase activity towards progesterone in some species, with only human and chimp CYP17 catalysing the biosynthesis of substantial amounts of 16-OHprogesterone. The 16alpha-hydroxylase activity was investigated by introducing an Ala105Leu substitution into human CYP17. The converse mutation, Leu105Ala was introduced into the baboon, goat and pig enzymes. Wt human CYP17 converted approximately 30% progesterone to 16-OHprogesterone while the Ala105Leu mutant converted negligible amounts to 16-OHprogesterone ( approximately 9%), comparable to wt CYP17 of the other three species when expressed in COS-1 cells. The ratio of 17-hydroxylated products to 16-OHprogesterone of human CYP17 was 2.7 and that of the mutant human construct 10.5. Similar ratios were observed for human and goat CYP17 with the corresponding Ala or Leu residues. Although the Leu105Ala mutation of both baboon and pig CYP17 exhibited the same trend regarding the ratios, the rate of progesterone conversion was reduced. Coexpression with cytochrome b(5) significantly decreased the ratio of 17-hydroxylated products to 16-OHprogesterone in the Leu105 constructs, while effects were negligible with Ala at this position. Homology models show that Ala105 faces towards the active pocket in the predicted B'-C domain of CYP17. The smaller residue allows more flexibility of movement in the active pocket than Leu, presenting both the C16 and C17 of progesterone to the iron-oxy complex.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate directly activates protein kinase C-beta to increase human neutrophil superoxide generation

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) is the most abundant steroid in the human circulation and is secreted by the adrenals in an age-dependent fashion, with maximum levels during the third decade and very low levels in old age. DHEAS is considered an inactive metabolite, whereas cleavage of the sulfate group generates dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a crucial sex steroid precursor. However, here we show that DHEAS, but not DHEA, increases superoxide generation in primed human neutrophils in a dose-dependent fashion, thereby impacting on a key bactericidal mechanism. This effect was not prevented by coincubation with androgen and estrogen receptor antagonists but was reversed by the protein kinase C inhibitor Bisindolylmaleimide 1. Moreover, we found that neutrophils are unique among leukocytes in expressing an organic anion-transporting polypeptide D, able to mediate active DHEAS influx transport whereas they did not express steroid sulfatase that activates DHEAS to DHEA. A specific receptor for DHEAS has not yet been identified, but we show that DHEAS directly activated recombinant protein kinase C-beta (PKC-beta) in a cell-free assay. Enhanced PKC-beta activation by DHEAS resulted in increased phosphorylation of p47(phox), a crucial component of the active reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate complex responsible for neutrophil superoxide generation. Our results demonstrate that PKC-beta acts as an intracellular receptor for DHEAS in human neutrophils, a signaling mechanism entirely distinct from the role of DHEA as sex steroid precursor and with important implications for immunesenescence, which includes reduced neutrophil superoxide generation in response to pathogens.

Adrenal function during childhood and puberty in daughters of women with polycystic ovary syndrome

CONTEXT

In some patients, PCOS may develop as a consequence of an exaggerated adrenarche during pubertal development.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to assess adrenal function during childhood and pubertal development in daughters of women with PCOS (PCOSd).

DESIGN

We included 98 PCOSd [64 during childhood (ages 4-8 yr) and 34 during the peripubertal period (ages 9-13 yr)] and 51 daughters of control women (Cd) [30 during childhood and 21 during the peripubertal period]. In both groups, an acute ACTH-(1-24) stimulation test (0.25 mg) and an oral glucose tolerance test were performed. Bone age and serum concentrations of cortisol, androstenedione, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate (DHEAS), glucose, and insulin were determined.

RESULTS

PCOSd and Cd were similar in age and body mass index. During the peripubertal period, basal and poststimulated DHEAS concentrations were higher in PCOSd compared to Cd. Among PCOSd, 12.5% of girls in childhood and 32.4% in peripuberty presented biochemical evidence of exaggerated adrenarche. Stimulated insulin was higher in PCOSd compared to Cd during childhood (P = 0.03) and peripuberty (P = 0.03). An advancement of 8 months between bone and chronological age was observed in peripubertal PCOSd compared to Cd.

CONCLUSIONS

In PCOSd, basal and stimulated DHEAS concentrations were higher during the onset of puberty. Around 30% of the PCOSd demonstrated an exacerbated adrenarche, which may reflect increased P450c17 activity. In addition, a modest advance in bone age was observed, probably secondary to the hyperinsulinemia and/or adrenal hyperandrogenism.

The developmental increase in adrenocortical 17,20-lyase activity (biochemical adrenarche) is driven primarily by increasing cytochrome b5 in neonatal rhesus macaques

Adrenarche is thought to be experienced only by humans and some Old World primates despite observed regression of an adrenal fetal zone and establishment of a functional zona reticularis (ZR) in other species like rhesus macaques. Adrenal differentiation remains poorly defined biochemically in nonhuman primates. The present studies defined ZR development in the neonatal rhesus by examining androgen synthetic capacity and factors affecting it in rhesus and marmoset adrenals. Western immunoblots examined expression of 17alpha-hydroxylase/17,20-lyase cytochrome P450 (P450c17), cytochrome b5 (b5), and 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD), among other key enzymes. 17,20-lyase activity was quantified in adrenal microsomes, as was the contribution of b5 to 17,20-lyase activity in microsomes and cell transfection experiments with rhesus and marmoset P450c17. Expression of b5 increased from birth to 3 months, and was positively correlated with age and 17,20-lyase activity in the rhesus. Recombinant b5 addition stimulated 17,20-lyase activity to an extent inversely proportional to endogenous levels in adrenal microsomes. Although 3betaHSD expression also increased with age, P450c17, 21-hydroxylase cytochrome P450, and the redox partner, reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase, did not; nor did recombinant cytochrome P450 oxidoreductase augment 17,20-lyase activity. Cotransfection with b5 induced a dose-dependent increase in dehydroepiandrosterone synthesis by both nonhuman primate P450c17 enzymes. We conclude that the increase in 17,20-lyase activity characteristic of an adrenarche in rhesus macaques is driven primarily by increased b5 expression, without the need for a decrease in 3betaHSD, as suggested from human studies. The rhesus macaque is a relevant and accessible model for human ZR development and adrenal function.

Androgen synthesis in adrenarche

The enzymes and pathways of steroidogenesis are central to an understanding of adrenarche. The quantitative regulation of steroidogenesis occurs at the first step, the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone. Chronic quantitative regulation is principally at the level of transcription of the CYP11A1 gene encoding P450scc, which is the enzymatically rate-limiting step. Acute regulation is mediated by the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), which facilitates the rapid influx of cholesterol into mitochondria, where P450scc resides. Qualitative regulation, which determines the type of steroid produced in a cell, is principally at the level of P450c17 (CYP17). In the absence of P450c17 in the zona glomerulosa, C21 deoxy steroids are produced, leading to the mineralocorticoid, aldosterone. In the presence of the 17alpha-hydroxylase but not the 17,20 lyase activity of P450c17 in the zona fasciculata, C21, 17-hydroxy steroids are produced, leading to the glucocorticoid, cortisol. When both the 17alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase activities of P450c17 are present in the zona reticularis, the androgen precursor DHEA is produced. The discrimination between 17alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase activities is regulated by two post-translational events, the serine phosphorylation of P450c17 and the allosteric action of cytochrome b5, both of which act to optimize the interaction of P450c17 with its obligatory electron donor, P450 oxidoreductase. In the adrenal zona reticularis, the abundant expression of P450 oxidoreductase and cytochrome b5, and the low expression of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD3B2) result in the production of the large amounts of DHEA that characterize adrenarche.

Nonhuman primates as models for human adrenal androgen production: function and dysfunction

The origin of circulating DHEA and adrenal-derived androgens in humans and nonhuman primates is largely distinct from other mammalian species. In humans and many Old world primates, the fetal adrenal gland and adult zona reticularis (ZR) are known to be the source for production of DHEA (and DHEAS) in mg quantities. In spite of similarities there are also some differences. Herein, we take a comparative endocrine approach to the diversity of adrenal androgen biosynthesis and its developmental timing in three primate species to illustrate how understanding such differences may provide unique insight into mechanisms underlying adrenal androgen regulation and its pathophysiology in humans. We contrast the conventional developmental onset of adrenal DHEA biosynthesis at adrenarche in humans with (1) an earlier, peri-partutrition onset of adrenal DHEA synthesis in rhesus macaques (Old World primate) and (2) a more dynamic and reversible onset of adrenal DHEA biosynthesis in female marmosets (New World primate), and further consider these events in terms of the corresponding developmental changes in expression of CYP17, HSD3B2 and CYB5 in the ZR. We also integrate these observations with recently described biochemical characterization of CYP17 cDNA cloned from each of these nonhuman primate species and the corresponding effects of phosphorylation versus CYB5 coexpression on 17,20 lyase versus 17-hydroxylase activity in each case. In addition, female rhesus macaques exposed in utero to exogenous androgen excess, exhibit symptoms of adrenal hyperandrogenism in adult females in a manner reminiscent of that seen in the human condition of PCOS. The possible mechanisms underlying such adrenal hyperandrogenism are further considered in terms of the effects of altered relative expression of CYP17, HSD3B2 and CYB5 as well as the altered signaling responses of various kinases including protein kinase A, or the insulin sensitive PI3-kinase/AKT signaling pathway which may impact on 17,20 lyase activity. We conclude that while the triggers for the onset of ZR function in all three species show clear differences (age, stage of development, social status, gender), there are still common mechanisms driving an increase in DHEA biosynthesis in each case. A full understanding of the mechanisms that control 17,20 lyase function and dysfunction in humans may best be achieved by comparative studies of the endocrine mechanisms controlling adrenal ZR function and dysfunction in these nonhuman primate species.

Comparison of the 17α-Hydroxylase/C17,20-Lyase Activities of Porcine, Guinea Pig and Bovine P450c17 Using Purified Recombinant Fusion Proteins Containing P450c17 Linked to NADPH-P450 Reductase

The cDNAs for cytochrome P450c17 (P450c17) of three species, pig, guinea pig, and cow, representing three families of mammals (suidae, procaviidae, and bovidae, respectively) were each engineered into an expression plasmid (pCWori+). The P450c17 domain of the coding sequence was connected to a truncated form of rat NADPH-P450 reductase by a linker sequence encoding two amino acids (SerThr). These fusion proteins were expressed in E. coli and purified for use in enzymatic assays to determine similarities and differences in 17 alpha-hydroxylase and lyase activities. The fusion proteins were found to catalyze both the 17 alpha-hydroxylation of progesterone (P4) and pregnenolone (P5) to 17 alpha-hydroxylated P4 and P5 (17 alpha-OH P4 and 17 alpha-OH P5) followed by the C17,20-lyase reaction for the conversion of these C(21)-17 alpha-hydroxylated steroids to C(19)-steroids (the C17,20-lyase reaction). These in vitro studies show that (a) porcine P450c17 possesses cytochrome b(5) (b(5))-stimulated C17,20-lyase activity that converts 17 alpha OH-P4 to androstenedione (AD) but also converts 17 alpha-OHP5 to dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA); (b) guinea pig P450c17 possesses a b(5)-stimulated C17,20-lyase activity that converts 17 alpha-OH P4 to AD but does not convert 17 alpha-OH P5 to DHEA., and (c) bovine P450c17 possesses a b(5)-stimulated C17,20-lyase activity that converts 17 alpha-OH P5 to DHEA but does not convert 17 alpha-OH P4 to AD. Thus, the P450c17 of each species differs in its ability to catalyze in vitro the conversion of C(21)-steroids to C(19)-steroids. In addition, each P450c17 is capable of catalyzing additional hydroxylation reactions leading to low levels of 2 alpha-, 6 beta-, 16- and 21-hydroxy-metabolites. Porcine P450c17 also catalyzes the b(5)-dependent synthesis of andien-beta (androsta-5,16-dien-3beta-ol) from P5. When the amino acid sequences of the three P450c17s were aligned there was an approximate 50% variation in the alignment identity (227 differences in the sequences of 509 amino acids). Alignment did not permit the assignment of specific amino acids or domains to the observed differences in enzymatic activities.

Pathways leading to phosphorylation of p450c17 and to the posttranslational regulation of androgen biosynthesis

Cytochrome P450c17 (P450c17) is the single enzyme that catalyzes steroid 17alpha-hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase activities and hence is the crucial decision-making step that determines the class of steroid made in a steroidogenic cell. Although both activities are catalyzed on a single active site, the ratio of these activities is regulated by posttranslational events. Serine phosphorylation of P450c17 increases 17,20 lyase activity by increasing the enzyme's affinity for its redox partner, P450 oxidoreductase. We searched for the relevant kinase(s) that phosphorylates P450c17 by microarray studies and by testing of kinase inhibitors. Microarrays show that 145 of the 278 known serine/threonine kinases are expressed in human adrenal NCI-H295A cells, only six of which were induced more than 2-fold by treatment with 8-Br-cAMP. Key components of the ERK1/2 and MAPK/ERK kinase (MEK)1/2 pathways, which have been implicated in the insulin resistance of PCOS, were not found in NCI-H295A cells, implying that these pathways do not participate in P450c17 phosphorylation. Treatment with various kinase inhibitors that probe the protein kinase A/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt pathway and the calcium/calmodulin/MAPK kinase pathway had no effect on the ratio of 17,20 lyase activity to 17alpha-hydroxylase activity, appearing to eliminate these pathways as candidates leading to the phosphorylation of P450c17. Two inhibitors that target the Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK)/Rho pathway suppressed 17,20 lyase activity and P450c17 phosphorylation, both in NCI-H295A cells and in COS-1 cells transfected with a P450c17 expression vector. ROCK1 phosphorylated P450c17 in vitro, but that phosphorylation did not affect 17,20 lyase activity. We conclude that members of the ROCK/Rho pathway act upstream from the kinase that phosphorylates P450c17 in a fashion that augments 17,20 lyase activity, possibly acting to catalyze a priming phosphorylation.

Environmental factors and puberty timing: expert panel research needs

Serono Symposia International convened an expert panel to review the impact of environmental influences on the regulation of pubertal onset and progression while identifying critical data gaps and future research priorities. An expert panel reviewed the literature on endocrine-disrupting chemicals, body size, and puberty. The panel concluded that available experimental animal and human data support a possible role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and body size in relation to alterations in pubertal onset and progression in boys and girls. Critical data gaps prioritized for future research initiatives include (1) etiologic research that focus on environmentally relevant levels of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and body size in relation to normal puberty as well as its variants, (2) exposure assessment of relevant endocrine-disrupting chemicals during critical windows of human development, and (3) basic research to identify the primary signal(s) for the onset of gonadotropin-releasing hormone-dependent/central puberty and gonadotropin-releasing hormone-independent/peripheral puberty. Prospective studies of couples who are planning pregnancies or pregnant women are needed to capture the continuum of exposures at critical windows while assessing a spectrum of pubertal markers as outcomes. Coupled with comparative species studies, such research may provide insight regarding the causal ordering of events that underlie pubertal onset and progression and their role in the pathway of adult-onset disease.

Fetal programming of adrenal androgen excess: lessons from a nonhuman primate model of polycystic ovary syndrome

Adrenal androgen excess is found in adult female rhesus monkeys previously exposed to androgen treatment during early gestation. In adulthood, such prenatally androgenized female monkeys exhibit elevated basal circulating levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS), typical of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) women with adrenal androgen excess. Further androgen and glucocorticoid abnormalities in PA female monkeys are revealed by acute ACTH stimulation: DHEA, androstenedione and corticosterone responses are all elevated compared to responses in controls. Pioglitazone treatment, however, diminishes circulating DHEAS responses to ACTH in both prenatally androgenized and control female monkeys, while increasing the 17-hydroxyprogesterone response and reducing the DHEA to 17-hydroxyprogesterone ratio. Since 60-min post-ACTH serum values for 17-hydroxyprogesterone correlate negatively with basal serum insulin levels (all female monkeys on pioglitazone and placebo treatment combined), while similar DHEAS values correlate positively with basal serum insulin levels, circulating insulin levels may preferentially support adrenal androgen biosynthesis in both prenatally androgenized and control female rhesus monkeys. Overall, our findings suggest that differentiation of the monkey adrenal cortex in a hyperandrogenic fetal environment may permanently upregulate adult adrenal androgen biosynthesis through specific elevation of 17,20-lyase activity in the zona fasciculata-reticularis. As adult prenatally androgenized female rhesus monkeys closely emulate PCOS-like symptoms, excess fetal androgen programming may contribute to adult adrenal androgen excess in women with PCOS.