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Gecaj RM, Behluli B, Youngs CR. Validation of Selected MicroRNA Transcriptome Data in the Bovine Corpus Luteum during Early Pregnancy by RT-qPCR. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:6620-6632. [PMID: 39057036 PMCID: PMC11275921 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46070394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In cattle, the corpus luteum (CL) is pivotal in maintaining early pregnancy by secreting progesterone. To establish pregnancy, the conceptus produces interferon-τ, preventing luteolysis and initiating the transformation of the CL spurium into a CL verum. Although this transformation is tightly regulated, limited data are available on the expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) during and after this process. To address this gap, we re-analyzed previously published RNA-Seq data of CL from pregnant cows and regressed CL from non-pregnant cows. This analysis identified 44 differentially expressed miRNAs. From this pool, three miRNAs-bta-miR-222-3p, bta-miR-29c, and bta-miR-2411-3p-were randomly selected for relative quantification. Using bovine ovaries (n = 14) obtained from an abattoir, total RNA (including miRNAs) was extracted and converted to cDNA for RT-qPCR. The results revealed that bta-miR-222-3p was downregulated (p = 0.016) in pregnant females compared to non-pregnant cows with regressed CL. However, no differences in miRNA expression were observed between CL of pregnant and non-pregnant cows for bta-miR-29c (p > 0.32) or bta-miR-2411-3p (p > 0.60). In silico prediction approaches indicated that these miRNAs are involved in pathways regulating pregnancy maintenance, such as the VEGF- and FoxO-signaling pathways. Additionally, their biogenesis is regulated by GABPA and E2F4 transcription factors. The validation of selected miRNA expression in the CL during pregnancy by RT-qPCR provides novel insights that could potentially lead to the identification of biomarkers related to CL physiology and pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rreze M. Gecaj
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Pristina, 10000 Prishtina, Kosovo;
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo
| | - Behlul Behluli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary, University of Prishtina, 10000 Pristina, Kosovo
| | - Curtis R. Youngs
- Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA;
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Wu CC, Li CJ, Lin LT, Wen ZH, Cheng JT, Tsui KH. Examining the Effects of Nutrient Supplementation on Metabolic Pathways via Mitochondrial Ferredoxin in Aging Ovaries. Nutrients 2024; 16:1470. [PMID: 38794708 PMCID: PMC11123998 DOI: 10.3390/nu16101470] [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: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
As women age, oocytes are susceptible to a myriad of dysfunctions, including mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired DNA repair mechanisms, epigenetic alterations, and metabolic disturbances, culminating in reduced fertility rates among older individuals. Ferredoxin (FDX) represents a highly conserved iron-sulfur (Fe-S) protein essential for electron transport across multiple metabolic pathways. Mammalian mitochondria house two distinct ferredoxins, FDX1 and FDX2, which share structural similarities and yet perform unique functions. In our investigation into the regulatory mechanisms governing ovarian aging, we employed a comprehensive multi-omics analysis approach, integrating spatial transcriptomics, single-cell RNA sequencing, human ovarian pathology, and clinical biopsy data. Previous studies have highlighted intricate interactions involving excessive lipid peroxide accumulation, redox-induced metal ion buildup, and alterations in cellular energy metabolism observed in aging cells. Through a multi-omics analysis, we observed a notable decline in the expression of the critical gene FDX1 as ovarian age progressed. This observation prompted speculation regarding FDX1's potential as a promising biomarker for ovarian aging. Following this, we initiated a clinical trial involving 70 patients with aging ovaries. These patients were administered oral nutritional supplements consisting of DHEA, ubiquinol CoQ10, and Cleo-20 T3 for a period of two months to evaluate alterations in energy metabolism regulated by FDX1. Our results demonstrated a significant elevation in FDX1 levels among participants receiving nutritional supplementation. We hypothesize that these nutrients potentiate mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) activity or electron transport chain (ETC) efficiency, thereby augmenting FDX1 expression, an essential electron carrier in metabolic pathways, while concurrently mitigating lipid peroxide accumulation and cellular apoptosis. In summary, our findings underscore the potential of nutritional intervention to enhance in vitro fertilization outcomes in senescent cells by bolstering electron transport proteins, thus optimizing energy metabolism and improving oocyte quality in aging women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Chun Wu
- Institute of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jung Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Li-Te Lin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei 112, Taiwan
| | - Zhi-Hong Wen
- Department of Marine Biotechnology and Resources, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Jiin-Tsuey Cheng
- Institute of Biological Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Hao Tsui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung 813, Taiwan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung 804, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei 112, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan
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Bharati J, Kumar S, Kumar S, Mohan NH, Islam R, Pegu SR, Banik S, Das BC, Borah S, Sarkar M. Androgen receptor gene deficiency results in the reduction of steroidogenic potential in porcine luteal cells. Anim Biotechnol 2023; 34:2183-2196. [PMID: 35678291 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2022.2079517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Luteal steroidogenesis is critical to implantation and pregnancy maintenance in mammals. The role of androgen receptors (AR) in the progesterone (P4) producing luteal cells of porcine corpus luteum (CL) remains unexplored. The aim of the present study was to establish AR gene knock out (KO) porcine luteal cell culture system model by CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology and to study the downstream effects of AR gene deficiency on steroidogenic potential and viability of luteal cells. For this purpose, genomic cleavage detection assay, microscopy, RT-qPCR, ELISA, annexin, MTT, and viability assay complemented by bioinformatics analysis were employed. There was significant downregulation (p < 0.05) in the relative mRNA expression of steroidogenic marker genes STAR, CYP11A1, HSD3B1 in AR KO luteal cells as compared to the control group, which was further validated by the significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the P4 production. Significant decrease (p < 0.05) in relative viability on third passage were also observed. The relative mRNA expression of hypoxia related gene HIF1A was significantly (p < 0.05) downregulated in AR KO luteal cells. Protein-protein interaction analysis mapped AR to signaling pathways associated with luteal cell functionality. These findings suggests that AR gene functionality is critical to luteal cell steroidogenesis in porcine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaya Bharati
- Animal Physiology, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
- Division of Physiology and Climatology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bareilly, India
| | - Satish Kumar
- Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Sunil Kumar
- Animal Reproduction, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - N H Mohan
- Animal Physiology, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Rafiqul Islam
- Animal Reproduction, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Seema Rani Pegu
- Animal Health, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Santanu Banik
- Animal Genetics and Breeding, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Bikash Chandra Das
- Animal Physiology, ICAR-National Research Centre on Pig, Guwahati, India
| | - Sanjib Borah
- Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, North Lakhimpur, India
| | - Mihir Sarkar
- Director, ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak, Dirang, India
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Liu Y, Zhang Y, Chen S, Zhong X, Liu Q. Effect of LGR4/EGFR signaling on cell growth and cancer stem cell-like characteristics in liver cancer. Cytokine 2023; 165:156185. [PMID: 37001327 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver cancer. Leucine-rich repeat containing G-protein-coupled receptors 4 (LGR4) participates in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. Our study aimed to investigate the effect of LGR4 with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in HCC cells. METHODS We employed Hep3B and Huh7 cells to conduct our research. Comprehensive biological activities were characterized by CCK8 and transwell assay. Molecular biology techniques were used to determine the expression of proteins. Hep3B was employed to conduct subcutaneous tumor in mice. The tumor growth and the expression levels of proteins were assessed. RESULTS LGR4 overexpression could promote the cells proliferation, migration, and invasion ability, while siLGR4 and siEGFR could inhibit cells biological activities. In addition, LGR4 overexpression promoted the expression levels of RSPO2, β-catenin, EGFR and cancer stem cells (CSCs) markers, whereas silence of LGR4 or EGFR could diminish the expression levels of β-catenin and CSCs markers. Furthermore, knockdown of LGR4 or EGFR also inhibited tumor growth and reduced the expression levels of RSPO2, CD133, CD44, Nanog, β-catenin in vivo. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that LGR4 /EGFR signaling in HCC leads to induce tumor growth, which then contributes to stem cell characteristics. It maybe a new perspective for the targeted therapy of HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanguo Liu
- Department Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Yongming Zhang
- Department Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Sen Chen
- Department Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Xinning Zhong
- Department Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai 264003, Shandong, China
| | - Qing Liu
- Department Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai 264003, Shandong, China.
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GÜRBÜZ T, GÖKMEN O, AYAR MADENLİ A, DİLBAZ B. R-Spondin1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome: relationships with insulin resistance and other parameters. JOURNAL OF HEALTH SCIENCES AND MEDICINE 2023. [DOI: 10.32322/jhsm.1210721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To evaluate the relationship between R-spondin1 (RSPO1) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) levels with insulin resistance (IR) and other parameters in infertile women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Material and Method: This case-control prospective observational study was carried out on 84 patients admitted to the University of Health Sciences Etlik Zübeyde Hanım Training and Research Hospital Gynecology and IVF Clinic and Medistate Hospital Gynecology and IVF Clinic between September 2020 and June 2021. Women aged 18-36 years diagnosed with infertility and PCOS constituted the PCOS group. Women who were diagnosed with infertility but not PCOS formed the control group. Cases were divided according to their body mass index (BMI) values into obese (BMI≥25) and non-obese (BMI
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuğba GÜRBÜZ
- Medistate Hospital, Gynecology and Obstetric Clinic ,Istanbul/Turkey
| | - Oya GÖKMEN
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine, Medistate Kavacik Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Asena AYAR MADENLİ
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Liv Hospital Vadistanbul,Istanbul,Turkey
| | - Berna DİLBAZ
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics & Reproductive Medicine, University of Health Sciences Etlik Zubeyde Hanim Training and Research Hospital, Ankara,Turkey
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Cheng JC, Han X, Meng Q, Guo Y, Liu B, Song T, Jia Y, Fang L, Sun YP. HB-EGF upregulates StAR expression and stimulates progesterone production through ERK1/2 signaling in human granulosa-lutein cells. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:166. [PMID: 36284301 PMCID: PMC9598000 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00983-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF) belongs to the epidermal growth factor (EGF) family of growth factors. HB-EGF and its receptors, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and HER4, are expressed in the human corpus luteum. HB-EGF has been shown to regulate luteal function by preventing cell apoptosis. Steroidogenesis is the primary function of the human corpus luteum. Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) plays a critical role in steroidogenesis. StAR expression and progesterone (P4) production in human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells have been shown to be upregulated by a ligand of EGFR, amphiregulin. However, whether HB-EGF can achieve the same effects remains unknown. Methods A steroidogenic human ovarian granulosa-like tumor cell line, KGN, and primary culture of hGL cells obtained from patients undergoing in vitro fertilization treatment were used as experimental models. The underlying molecular mechanisms mediating the effects of HB-EGF on StAR expression and P4 production were explored by a series of in vitro experiments. Results Western blot showed that EGFR, HER2, and HER4 were expressed in both KGN and hGL cells. Treatment with HB-EGF for 24 h induced StAR expression but did not affect the expression of steroidogenesis-related enzymes, P450 side chain cleavage enzyme, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and aromatase. Using pharmacological inhibitors and a siRNA-mediated knockdown approach, we showed that EGFR, HER4, but not HER2, were required for HB-EGF-stimulated StAR expression and P4 production. In addition, HB-EGF-induced upregulations of StAR expression and P4 production were mediated by the activation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Conclusion This study increases the understanding of the physiological role of HB-EGF in human luteal functions. Video Abstract
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-022-00983-4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Chien Cheng
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan China
| | - Xiaoyu Han
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan China
| | - Qingxue Meng
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan China
| | - Yanjie Guo
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan China
| | - Boqun Liu
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan China
| | - Tinglin Song
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan China
| | - Yuanyuan Jia
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan China
| | - Lanlan Fang
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan China
| | - Ying-Pu Sun
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733Center for Reproductive Medicine, Henan Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 40, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou, Henan China
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Wu L, Tian X, Du H, Liu X, Wu H. Bioinformatics Analysis of LGR4 in Colon Adenocarcinoma as Potential Diagnostic Biomarker, Therapeutic Target and Promoting Immune Cell Infiltration. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12081081. [PMID: 36008975 PMCID: PMC9406187 DOI: 10.3390/biom12081081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colon adenocarcinoma is one of the tumors with the highest mortality rate, and tumorigenesis or development of colon adenocarcinoma is the major reason leading to patient death. However, the molecular mechanism and biomarker to predict tumor progression are currently unclear. With the goal of understanding the molecular mechanism and tumor progression, we utilized the TCGA database to identify differentially expressed genes. After identifying the differentially expressed genes among colon adenocarcinoma tissues with different expression levels of LGR4 and normal tissue, protein–protein interaction, gene ontology, pathway enrichment, gene set enrichment analysis, and immune cell infiltration analysis were conducted. Here, the top 10 hub genes, i.e., ALB, F2, APOA2, CYP1A1, SPRR2B, APOA1, APOB, CYP3A4, SST, and GCG, were identified, and relative correlation analysis was conducted. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that higher expression of LGR4 correlates with overall survival of colon adenocarcinoma patients, although expression levels of LGR4 in normal tissues are higher than in tumor tissues. Further functional analysis demonstrated that higher expression of LGR4 in colon adenocarcinoma may be linked to up-regulate metabolism-related pathways, for example, the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. These results were confirmed by gene set enrichment analysis. Immune cell infiltration analysis clearly showed that the infiltration percentage of T cells was significantly higher than other immune cells, and TIMER analysis revealed a positive correlation between T-cell infiltration and LGR4 expression. Finally, COAD cancer cells, Caco-2, were employed to be incubated with squalene and 25-hydroxycholesterol-3-sulfate, and relative experimental results confirmed that the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway involved in modulating the proliferation of COAD tumorigenesis. Our investigation revealed that LGR4 can be an emerging diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for colon adenocarcinoma by affecting metabolism-related pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China
- Correspondence: (L.W.); (H.W.)
| | - Xiaoxiao Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Hao Du
- Department of Orthopedic, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Xiaomin Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Haigang Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng 475000, China
- Correspondence: (L.W.); (H.W.)
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Dau AMP, da Rosa PR, dos Santos J, Ferst J, de Macedo M, Rovani M, Comim F, Antoniazzi AQ, Gasperin B, Ferreira R, Gonçalves PB. The influence of prorenin/(pro)renin receptor on progesterone secretion by the bovine corpus luteum. Anim Reprod Sci 2022; 241:106985. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anireprosci.2022.106985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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Yang L, Wang J, Gong X, Fan Q, Yang X, Cui Y, Gao X, Li L, Sun X, Li Y, Wang Y. Emerging Roles for LGR4 in Organ Development, Energy Metabolism and Carcinogenesis. Front Genet 2022; 12:728827. [PMID: 35140734 PMCID: PMC8819683 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.728827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The leucine-rich repeats containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) belonging to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) family, had various regulatory roles at multiple cellular types and numerous targeting sites, and aberrant LGR4 signaling played crucial roles in diseases and carcinogenesis. On the basis of these facts, LGR4 may become an appealing therapeutic target for the treatment of diseases and tumors. However, a comprehensive investigation of its functions and applications was still lacking. Hence, this paper provided an overview of the molecular characteristics and signaling mechanisms of LGR4, its involvement in multiple organ development and participation in the modulation of immunology related diseases, metabolic diseases, and oxidative stress damage along with cancer progression. Given that GPCRs accounted for almost a third of current clinical drug targets, the in-depth understanding of the sophisticated connections of LGR4 and its ligands would not only enrich their regulatory networks, but also shed new light on designing novel molecular targeted drugs and small molecule blockers for revolutionizing the treatment of various diseases and tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Yang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaodi Gong
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Fan
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoming Yang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Yunxia Cui
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoyan Gao
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijuan Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Sun
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhong Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yuhong Li, ; Yudong Wang,
| | - Yudong Wang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, The International Peace Maternity and Child Health Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Municipal Key Clinical Specialty, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Embryo Original Disease, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yuhong Li, ; Yudong Wang,
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Tan X, Zhang L, Li T, Zhan J, Qiao K, Wu H, Sun S, Huang M, Zhang F, Zhang M, Li C, Li R, Pan H. Lgr4 Regulates Oviductal Epithelial Secretion Through the WNT Signaling Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:666303. [PMID: 34631693 PMCID: PMC8497904 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.666303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The WNT signaling pathway plays a crucial role in oviduct/fallopian development. However, the specific physiological processes regulated by the WNT pathway in the fallopian/oviduct function remain obscure. Benefiting from the Lgr4 knockout mouse model, we report the regulation of oviduct epithelial secretion by LGR4. Specifically, the loss of Lgr4 altered the mouse oviduct size and weight, severely reduced the number of oviductal epithelial cells, and ultimately impaired the epithelial secretion. These alterations were mediated by a failure of CTNNB1 protein accumulation in the oviductal epithelial cytoplasm, by the modulation of WNT pathways, and subsequently by a profound change of the gene expression profile of epithelial cells. In addition, selective activation of the WNT pathway triggered the expression of steroidogenic genes, like Cyp11a1 and 3β-Hsd1, through the activation of the transcriptional factor NR5A2 in an oviduct primary cell culture system. As demonstrated, the LGR4 protein modulates a WNT-NR5A2 signaling cascade facilitating epithelial secretory cell maturation and steroidogenesis to safeguard oviduct development and function in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Tan
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianqi Li
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianmin Zhan
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kun Qiao
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haili Wu
- Shanghai Endangered Species Conservation and Research Centre, Shanghai Zoo, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenfei Sun
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meina Huang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangxi Zhang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meixing Zhang
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Changwei Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases With Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Runsheng Li
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongjie Pan
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Bussies PL, Richards EG, Rotz SJ, Falcone T. Targeted cancer treatment and fertility: effect of immunotherapy and small molecule inhibitors on female reproduction. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:81-92. [PMID: 34674940 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Targeted cancer therapy is rapidly evolving the landscape of personalized health care. Novel approaches to selectively impeding tumour growth carry significant potential to improve survival outcomes, particularly for reproductive-aged patients harbouring treatment refractory disease. Current agents fall within two classes: immunotherapy and small molecule inhibitors. These are collectively divided into the following subclasses: monoclonal antibodies; immunomodulators; adoptive cell therapy; treatment vaccines; kinase inhibitors; proteasome inhibitors; metalloproteinase and heat shock protein inhibitors; and promoters of apoptosis. The short- and long-term effects of these treatments on the female reproductive system are not well understood. As a result, clinicians are rendered unable to appropriately counsel women on downstream effects to their fertility. Data-driven consensus recommendations are desperately needed. This review aims to characterize the effect of targeted cancer therapy on the female hypothalamic-pituitary-ovary axis, direct ovarian function and conception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parker L Bussies
- Cleveland Clinic FoundNation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland OH, USA
| | - Elliott G Richards
- Cleveland Clinic FoundNation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland OH, USA
| | - Seth J Rotz
- Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Cleveland OH, USA
| | - Tommaso Falcone
- Cleveland Clinic FoundNation, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cleveland OH, USA.
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12
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Yue F, Jiang W, Ku AT, Young AIJ, Zhang W, Souto EP, Gao Y, Yu Z, Wang Y, Creighton CJ, Nagi C, Wang T, Hilsenbeck SG, Feng XH, Huang S, Coarfa C, Zhang XHF, Liu Q, Lin X, Li Y. A Wnt-Independent LGR4-EGFR Signaling Axis in Cancer Metastasis. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4441-4454. [PMID: 34099494 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptors 4, 5, and 6 (LGR4/5/6) play critical roles in development and cancer. The widely accepted mechanism is that these proteins, together with their R-spondin ligands, stabilize Wnt receptors, thus potentiating Wnt signaling. Here we show that LGR4 enhanced breast cancer cell metastasis even when Wnt signaling was deactivated pharmacologically or genetically. Furthermore, LGR4 mutants that cannot potentiate Wnt signaling nevertheless promoted breast cancer cell migration and invasion in vitro and breast cancer metastasis in vivo. Multiomic screening identified EGFR as a crucial mediator of LGR4 activity in cancer progression. Mechanistically, LGR4 interacted with EGFR and blocked EGFR ubiquitination and degradation, resulting in persistent EGFR activation. Together, these data uncover a Wnt-independent LGR4-EGFR signaling axis with broad implications for cancer progression and targeted therapy. SIGNIFICANCE: This work demonstrates a Wnt-independent mechanism by which LGR4 promotes cancer metastasis.See related commentary by Stevens and Williams, p. 4397.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yue
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Weiyu Jiang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Amy T Ku
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Adelaide I J Young
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Weijie Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Eric P Souto
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Yankun Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, China
| | - Zihan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing, China
| | - Chad J Creighton
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Chandandeep Nagi
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Tao Wang
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Susan G Hilsenbeck
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Xin-Hua Feng
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shixia Huang
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Cristian Coarfa
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Xiang H-F Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,McNair Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Qingyun Liu
- Texas Therapeutics Institute and Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Xia Lin
- Michael E. DeBakey Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Yi Li
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas. .,Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.,Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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13
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The Role of LGR4 (GPR48) in Normal and Cancer Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094690. [PMID: 33946652 PMCID: PMC8125670 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeats containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) is a receptor that belongs to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors that can be activated by R-spondins (RSPOs), Norrin, circLGR4, and the ligand of the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANKL) ligands to regulate signaling pathways in normal and pathological processes. LGR4 is widely expressed in different tissues where it has multiple functions such as tissue development and maintenance. LGR4 mainly acts through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to regulate proliferation, survival, and differentiation. In cancer, LGR4 participates in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. Furthermore, recent evidence reveals that LGR4 is essential for the regulation of the cancer stem cell population by controlling self-renewal and regulating stem cell properties. This review summarizes the function of LGR4 and its ligands in normal and malignant processes.
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14
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Hwang SU, Yoon JD, Kim M, Cai L, Choi H, Oh D, Kim E, Hyun SH. R-Spondin 2 and WNT/CTNNB1 Signaling Pathways Are Required for Porcine Follicle Development and In Vitro Maturation. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11030709. [PMID: 33807916 PMCID: PMC7998564 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The secretion of oocyte-derived paracrine factors, such as R-spondin2, is an essential mechanism for follicle growth by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of cumulus cells around oocytes. In the present study, we aimed to identify the effect of R-spondin2 during follicular development. First, R-spondin2-related factors (R-spondin2, CTNNB1, LGR4, and LGR5) were identified through immunofluorescence in porcine ovarian tissue. CTNNB1 was expressed in ooplasm, and CTNNB1 and LGR4 were expressed in granulosa cells. In addition, R-spondin2, LGR4, and LGR5 were expressed in the theca interna. These results imply that these proteins play a major role in porcine follicular development. In addition, the effects of R-spondin2 on the in vitro maturation process of porcine cumulus oocyte complexes and subsequent embryonic development were confirmed. A treatment of 100 ng/mL R-spondin2 in the in vitro maturation (IVM) process increased nuclear maturation and increased the expression of EGFR mRNA in cumulus cells. The EGFR-ERK signal is essential for oocyte maturation, ovulation, and luteinization. R-spondin2 treatment also increased the expression of CTNNB1 and EGFR in primary cultured cumulus cells. In conclusion, RSPO2 and WNT/CTNNB1 signaling pathways are required for porcine follicle development and are predicted to be involved in the EGFR-ERK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seon-Ung Hwang
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (S.-U.H.); (J.D.Y.); (M.K.); (L.C.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Junchul David Yoon
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (S.-U.H.); (J.D.Y.); (M.K.); (L.C.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Mirae Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (S.-U.H.); (J.D.Y.); (M.K.); (L.C.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Lian Cai
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (S.-U.H.); (J.D.Y.); (M.K.); (L.C.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Hyerin Choi
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (S.-U.H.); (J.D.Y.); (M.K.); (L.C.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Dongjin Oh
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (S.-U.H.); (J.D.Y.); (M.K.); (L.C.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
| | - Eunhye Kim
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (S.-U.H.); (J.D.Y.); (M.K.); (L.C.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (S.-H.H.); Tel.: +82-43-249-1746 (E.K.); +82-43-261-3393 (S.-H.H.)
| | - Sang-Hwan Hyun
- Laboratory of Veterinary Embryology and Biotechnology (VETEMBIO), College of Veterinary Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea; (S.-U.H.); (J.D.Y.); (M.K.); (L.C.); (H.C.); (D.O.)
- Institute of Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine (ISCRM), Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Correspondence: (E.K.); (S.-H.H.); Tel.: +82-43-249-1746 (E.K.); +82-43-261-3393 (S.-H.H.)
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15
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Chen T, Qiao X, Cheng L, Liu M, Deng Y, Zhuo X. LGR4 silence aggravates ischemic injury by modulating mitochondrial function and oxidative stress via ERK signaling pathway in H9c2 cells. J Mol Histol 2021; 52:363-371. [PMID: 33559814 DOI: 10.1007/s10735-021-09957-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
It is reported that LGR4 (leucine-rich repeat domain containing G protein-coupled receptor 4) plays a crucial role in the physiological function of many organs. However, few data are available on the function and mechanism of LGR4 in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The aim of this study was to explore the function and mechanism of LGR4 in I/R injury. We incubated H9c2 cells in simulating ischemia buffer and then re-incubated them in normal culture medium to establish a model of I/R injury in vitro. The expression of LGR4 was evaluated by RT-PCR and western blot. Besides, the cell apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometric analysis and the content of ROS, SOD, MDA, LDH, CK, ATP, cyt c were detected by special commercial kits. The expression of mitochondrial function-related proteins were detected by western blot. Then, the roles of ERK signaling pathway was determined with TBHQ (ERK activator) treatment. Our data have demonstrated that I/R boosted the expression of LGR4 in H9c2 cells. Knockdown of LGR4 increased the apoptosis rate of H9c2 cells and led to excessed oxidant stress and impaired mitochondrial function by increasing the levels of ROS, MDA, LDH, CK and cyt c and inhibiting SOD activity, ATP production. In addition, LGR4 silence inhibited the activation of ERK pathway. And TBHQ partially reversed the effects of LGR4 knockdown on H9c2 cells. To conclude, our study indicated that LGR4 regulated mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress by ERK signaling pathways, which provides a potential cardiac protective target against I/R.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Chen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiangrui Qiao
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Lele Cheng
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mengping Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yangyang Deng
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaozhen Zhuo
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, China.
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16
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Rossetti R, Moleri S, Guizzardi F, Gentilini D, Libera L, Marozzi A, Moretti C, Brancati F, Bonomi M, Persani L. Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing Indicates a Frequent Oligogenic Involvement in Primary Ovarian Insufficiency Onset. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:664645. [PMID: 34803902 PMCID: PMC8600266 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.664645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is one of the major causes of female infertility associated with the premature loss of ovarian function in about 3.7% of women before the age of 40. This disorder is highly heterogeneous and can manifest with a wide range of clinical phenotypes, ranging from ovarian dysgenesis and primary amenorrhea to post-pubertal secondary amenorrhea, with elevated serum gonadotropins and hypoestrogenism. The ovarian defect still remains idiopathic in some cases; however, a strong genetic component has been demonstrated by the next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach of familiar and sporadic POI cases. As recent evidence suggested an oligogenic architecture for POI, we developed a target NGS panel with 295 genes including known candidates and novel genetic determinants potentially involved in POI pathogenesis. Sixty-four patients with early onset POI (range: 10-25 years) of our cohort have been screened with 90% of target coverage at 50×. Here, we report 48 analyzed patients with at least one genetic variant (75%) in the selected candidate genes. In particular, we found the following: 11/64 patients (17%) with two variants, 9/64 (14%) with three variants, 9/64 (14%) with four variants, 3/64 (5%) with five variants, and 2/64 (3%) with six variants. The most severe phenotypes were associated with either the major number of variations or a worse prediction in pathogenicity of variants. Bioinformatic gene ontology analysis identified the following major pathways likely affected by gene variants: 1) cell cycle, meiosis, and DNA repair; 2) extracellular matrix remodeling; 3) reproduction; 4) cell metabolism; 5) cell proliferation; 6) calcium homeostasis; 7) NOTCH signaling; 8) signal transduction; 9) WNT signaling; 10) cell death; and 11) ubiquitin modifications. Consistently, the identified pathways have been described in other studies dissecting the mechanisms of folliculogenesis in animal models of altered fertility. In conclusion, our results contribute to define POI as an oligogenic disease and suggest novel candidates to be investigated in patients with POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Rossetti
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Raffaella Rossetti, ; Luca Persani,
| | - Silvia Moleri
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabiana Guizzardi
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Gentilini
- Bioinformatics and Statistical Genomics Unit, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Libera
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Marozzi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Costanzo Moretti
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Brancati
- Medical Genetics, Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
- Human Functional Genomics, IRCCS San Raffaele Pisana, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Bonomi
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Persani
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases and Lab of Endocrine and Metabolic Research, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Raffaella Rossetti, ; Luca Persani,
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17
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Tepekoy F, Akkoyunlu G. The interaction of Wnt signaling members with growth factors in cultured granulosa cells. Anim Reprod 2020; 17:e20190106. [PMID: 32714449 PMCID: PMC7375871 DOI: 10.1590/1984-3143-ar2019-0106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt family members have recently been distinguished in the adult ovary with potential roles in ovarian function. Though particular growth factors interact with Wnt signaling members in extraovarian cell types, it is unclear whether this interaction is applicable in the granulosa cells. Therefore, the current study aimed to determine the effect of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-I), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-β) on Wnt ligands WNT2 and WNT4 and Wnt receptor Frizzled-4 (FZD4) protein levels in cultured mouse granulosa cells. Granulosa cells were isolated from antral follicles of adult Balb/C mice and cultured for 24 hours in the presence of 100 ng/mL of IGF-I, or EGF or FGF-β. WNT2, WNT4 and FZD4 protein levels were evaluated through western blotting after the culture process. IGF-I treated granulosa cells had significantly the highest level of WNT2 and WNT4 as well as FZD4 when compared to FGF-β and EGF groups. FGF-β group had a significantly higher level of WNT2, WNT4 and FZD4 expression when compared to EGF group. FZD4 expression was at the highest level in the IGF-I group and this difference was statistically significant for all groups including uncultured cells and vehicle group. In addition, FGF-β was shown to positively affect the adhesion of granulosa cells. This study demonstrates that IGF-I, FGF-β and EGF have differential effects on the expressions of WNT2, WNT4, and FZD4 in cultured mouse granulosa cells, suggesting that particular growth factors related to ovarian function might conduct their roles in the ovary through Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filiz Tepekoy
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Altinbas University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Gokhan Akkoyunlu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey
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18
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Hsueh AJW, Feng Y. Discovery of polypeptide ligand-receptor pairs based on their co-evolution. FASEB J 2020; 34:8824-8832. [PMID: 32501617 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202000779r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Sequencing diverse genomes allowed the tracing of orthologous and paralogous genes to understand the co-evolution of polypeptide ligands and receptors. This review documents the discovery of several polypeptide ligands and their cognate receptors mainly expressed in the reproductive tissue using evolutionary genomics. We discussed the sub-functionization of paralogs and co-evolution of ligand-receptor families. Based on the conserved signaling among paralogous receptors and common knock-out phenotypes of ligand-receptor pairs, relationships between relaxin family peptides and leucine-rich repeat-containing, G protein-coupled receptors (LGR) were revealed. We also described the identification of a novel paralogous glycoprotein hormone thyrostimulin and design of a long-acting FSH. Human stresscopin and stresscopin-related peptide, paralogous to CRH, were also identified based on the conserved signaling pathways. Recently, a novel ligand placensin expressed in human placenta was found based on the paralogous relationship with a metabolic hormone asprosin. Placensin likely contributes to stage-dependent increases in insulin resistance during human pregnancy and its elevated secretion was associated with gestational diabetes mellitus. Although many ligands were predicted based on sequence signatures, ligands of shorter sequences have not been identified, together with many "orphan" receptors without known ligands. Future development of tools for predicting ligands and high throughput assays to identify ligand-receptor pairs based on ligand binding and/or signal transduction could advance hormone-based physiology and pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron J W Hsueh
- Division of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Yi Feng
- Division of Reproductive and Stem Cell Biology, Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.,Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, State Key Lab of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Institute of Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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19
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Zhang H, Liang F, Yue J, Liu P, Wang J, Wang Z, Li H, Cheng D, Du J, Zhang K, Du P. MicroRNA‑137 regulates hypoxia‑mediated migration and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition in prostate cancer by targeting LGR4 via the EGFR/ERK signaling pathway. Int J Oncol 2020; 57:540-549. [PMID: 32626928 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) serve an integral role in prostate cancer. The present study aimed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of miR‑137 in hypoxia‑mediated migration and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT). PC3 and DU145 prostate cancer cells were exposed to hypoxia for 24 h, after which the expression of miR‑137 was determined by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR (RT‑qPCR). The cells were transfected with a miR‑137 mimic or inhibitor, followed by hypoxia exposure. The results demonstrated that hypoxia reduced miR‑137 expression. Further results from the Cell Counting Kit‑8, Cell Death Detection ELISA plus kit, Transwell assay, RT‑qPCR and western blotting assays revealed that the miR‑137 mimic prevented cell proliferation, facilitated apoptosis and repressed cell migration, invasiveness, and expression of N‑cadherin, vimentin and matrix metalloproteinase 2; the miR‑137 inhibitor exerted the opposite effects. A dual‑-luciferase reporter assay determined that miR‑137 directly targeted leucine‑rich repeat‑containing G protein‑coupled receptor 4 (LGR4). Additionally, miR‑137 negatively regulated the epidermal growth factor receptor/extracellular signal‑-regulated kinase (EGFR/ERK) signaling pathway by targeting LGR4. LGR4 silencing or EGFR/ERK inhibition abolished the effects of miR‑137 inhibitor on cell migration and EMT. In conclusion, by targeting LGR4 via the EGFR/ERK signaling pathway, miR‑137 inhibited prostate cancer cell migration and EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Urology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (Zhengzhou Central Hospital), Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China
| | - Fang Liang
- Department of Oncology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (Zhengzhou Central Hospital), Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China
| | - Junmin Yue
- Department of Urology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (Zhengzhou Central Hospital), Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China
| | - Peng Liu
- Department of Urology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (Zhengzhou Central Hospital), Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China
| | - Junyong Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (Zhengzhou Central Hospital), Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoyang Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (Zhengzhou Central Hospital), Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China
| | - Hongxing Li
- Department of Urology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (Zhengzhou Central Hospital), Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China
| | - Duo Cheng
- Department of Oncology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (Zhengzhou Central Hospital), Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China
| | - Jie Du
- Department of Oncology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (Zhengzhou Central Hospital), Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China
| | - Kai Zhang
- Department of Urology, Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (Zhengzhou Central Hospital), Zhengzhou, Henan 450007, P.R. China
| | - Peng Du
- Department of Urology, Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing ), Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing 100142, P.R. China
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20
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The Expression of ERK1/2 in Female Yak ( Bos grunniens) Reproductive Organs. Animals (Basel) 2020; 10:ani10020334. [PMID: 32093255 PMCID: PMC7070411 DOI: 10.3390/ani10020334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The main reproductive organs undergo different histological appearances and physiological processes under different reproductive statuses. The variation of these organs depends on a delicate regulation of cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Extracellular signal-regulated kinases1/2 (ERK1/2) are members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) super family. They have important roles in regulating various biological processes of different cells, tissues, and organ types. Activated ERK1/2 generally promotes cell survival, but under certain conditions, ERK1/2 also have the function of inducing apoptosis. It is widely believed that ERK1/2 play a significant role in regulating the reproductive processes of mammals. The goal of our research is to investigate the expression and distribution of ERK1/2 in the yak's main reproductive organs during different stages. In the present study, samples of the ovary, oviduct, and uterus of 15 adult female yak were collected and used in the experiment. The ERK1/2 proteins, localization, and quantitative expression of their mRNA were investigated using immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot (WB) and relative quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The results indicated that ERK1/2 proteins and their mRNA were highly expressed in the ovary of the luteal phase and gestation period, in the oviduct of the luteal phase, and in the uterus of the luteal phase and gestation period. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed a strong distribution of ERK1/2 proteins in follicular granulosa cells, granular luteal cells, villous epithelial cells of the oviduct, endometrial glandular epithelium, and luminal epithelium. These results demonstrated that the expression of ERK1 and ERK2 proteins and their mRNA in the yak's ovary, oviduct, and uterus varies with the stage of the reproductive cycle. The variation character of ERK1 and ERK 2 expression in the yak's main reproductive organs during different stages implies that they play an important role in regulating the reproductive function under different physiological statuses.
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21
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Bai WJ, Jin PJ, Kuang MQ, Wei QW, Shi FX, Davis JS, Mao DG. Temporal regulation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 phosphorylation, heat shock protein 70 and activating transcription factor 3 during prostaglandin F-induced luteal regression in pseudopregnant rats following heat stress. Reprod Fertil Dev 2018; 29:1184-1193. [PMID: 27169499 DOI: 10.1071/rd15415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of heat stress on heat shock protein (HSP) 70 expression and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and protein kinase (PK) B signalling during prostaglandin F (PGF)-induced luteal regression. During pseudopregnancy, rats were exposed to heat stress (HS, 40°C, 2h) for 7 days and treated with PGF or physiological saline on Day 7; serum and ovaries were collected 0, 1, 2, 8 or 24h after PGF treatment. The early inhibitory effect of PGF on progesterone was reduced in HS rats. HSP70 expression in response to PGF was significantly enhanced in HS rats. PGF-induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 was significantly greater in the HS group; however, HS rats exhibited elevated basal levels of phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, but not ERK1/2. PGF treatment increased expression of activating transcription factor (ATF) 3 at 2h, which was inhibited by heat stress. Evaluating PKB signalling revealed that phosphorylation of p-Akt (Thr308 and Ser473) was reduced at 8 and 24h after PGF treatment in both non-heat stress (NHS) and HS groups, but there were no significant differences between the HS and NHS groups at any of the time points. In conclusion, the present study provides further evidence that heat stress may enhance HSP70 and affect ERK1/2 and ATF3 expression, but not Akt activation, during PGF-induced luteal regression in pseudopregnant rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wu-Jiao Bai
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Peng-Jing Jin
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Mei-Qian Kuang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Quan-Wei Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - Fang-Xiong Shi
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
| | - John S Davis
- VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Da-Gan Mao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210095, China
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22
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Yue Z, Yuan Z, Zeng L, Wang Y, Lai L, Li J, Sun P, Xue X, Qi J, Yang Z, Zheng Y, Fang Y, Li D, Siwko S, Li Y, Luo J, Liu M. LGR4 modulates breast cancer initiation, metastasis, and cancer stem cells. FASEB J 2017; 32:2422-2437. [PMID: 29269400 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201700897r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The fourth member of the leucine-rich repeat-containing GPCR family (LGR4, frequently referred to as GPR48) and its cognate ligands, R-spondins (RSPOs) play crucial roles in the development of multiple organs as well as the survival of adult stem cells by activation of canonical Wnt signaling. Wnt/β-catenin signaling acts to regulate breast cancer; however, the molecular mechanisms determining its spatiotemporal regulation are largely unknown. In this study, we identified LGR4 as a master controller of Wnt/β-catenin signaling-mediated breast cancer tumorigenesis, metastasis, and cancer stem cell (CSC) maintenance. LGR4 expression in breast tumors correlated with poor prognosis. Either Lgr4 haploinsufficiency or mammary-specific deletion inhibited mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)- PyMT- and MMTV- Wnt1-driven mammary tumorigenesis and metastasis. Moreover, LGR4 down-regulation decreased in vitro migration and in vivo xenograft tumor growth and lung metastasis. Furthermore, Lgr4 deletion in MMTV- Wnt1 tumor cells or knockdown in human breast cancer cells decreased the number of functional CSCs by ∼90%. Canonical Wnt signaling was impaired in LGR4-deficient breast cancer cells, and LGR4 knockdown resulted in increased E-cadherin and decreased expression of N-cadherin and snail transcription factor -2 ( SNAI2) (also called SLUG), implicating LGR4 in regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Our findings support a crucial role of the Wnt signaling component LGR4 in breast cancer initiation, metastasis, and breast CSCs.-Yue, Z., Yuan, Z., Zeng, L., Wang, Y., Lai, L., Li, J., Sun, P., Xue, X., Qi, J., Yang, Z., Zheng, Y., Fang, Y., Li, D., Siwko, S., Li, Y., Luo, J., Liu, M. LGR4 modulates breast cancer initiation, metastasis, and cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiying Yue
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zengjin Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zeng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Li Lai
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jing Li
- East China Normal University Joint Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai Fengxian District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiwen Xue
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyi Qi
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengfeng Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yansen Zheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanzhang Fang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dali Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Stefan Siwko
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jian Luo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences and School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Institute of Biosciences and Technology, Houston, Texas, USA
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23
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De Cian MC, Pauper E, Bandiera R, Vidal VPI, Sacco S, Gregoire EP, Chassot AA, Panzolini C, Wilhelm D, Pailhoux E, Youssef SA, de Bruin A, Teerds K, Schedl A, Gillot I, Chaboissier MC. Amplification of R-spondin1 signaling induces granulosa cell fate defects and cancers in mouse adult ovary. Oncogene 2016; 36:208-218. [PMID: 27270435 PMCID: PMC5241429 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
R-spondin1 is a secreted regulator of WNT signaling, involved in both embryonic development and homeostasis of adult organs. It can have a dual role, acting either as a mitogen or as a tumor suppressor. During ovarian development, Rspo1 is a key factor required for sex determination and differentiation of the follicular cell progenitors, but is downregulated after birth. In human, increased RSPO1 expression is associated with ovarian carcinomas, but it is not clear whether it is a cause or a consequence of the tumorigenic process. To address the role of Rspo1 expression in adult ovaries, we generated an Rspo1 gain-of-function mouse model. Females were hypofertile and exhibited various ovarian defects, ranging from cysts to ovarian tumors. Detailed phenotypical characterization showed anomalies in the ovulation process. Although follicles responded to initial follicle-stimulating hormone stimulation and developed normally until the pre-ovulatory stage, they did not progress any further. Although non-ovulated oocytes degenerated, the surrounding follicular cells did not begin atresia. RSPO1-induced expression not only promotes canonical WNT signaling but also alters granulosa cell fate decisions by maintaining epithelial-like traits in these cells. This prevents follicle cells from undergoing apoptosis, leading to the accumulation of granulosa cell tumors that reactivates the epithelial program from their progenitors. Taken together, our data demonstrate that activation of RSPO1 is sufficient in promoting ovarian tumors and thus supports a direct involvement of this gene in the commencement of ovarian cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- M-C De Cian
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France.,EA 7310, Université de Corte, Corte, France
| | - E Pauper
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
| | - R Bandiera
- Wellcome Trust-Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - V P I Vidal
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
| | - S Sacco
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
| | - E P Gregoire
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
| | - A-A Chassot
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
| | - C Panzolini
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
| | - D Wilhelm
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Parkville Victoria, Australia
| | - E Pailhoux
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - S A Youssef
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dutch Molecular Pathology Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - A de Bruin
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Dutch Molecular Pathology Center, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Molecular Genetics, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - K Teerds
- Department of Human and Animal Physiology, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - A Schedl
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
| | - I Gillot
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
| | - M-C Chaboissier
- University Nice Sophia Antipolis, Inserm, CNRS, iBV, Nice, France
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24
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Wang Z. Transactivation of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor by G Protein-Coupled Receptors: Recent Progress, Challenges and Future Research. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:ijms17010095. [PMID: 26771606 PMCID: PMC4730337 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17010095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Both G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and receptor-tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulate large signaling networks, control multiple cell functions and are implicated in many diseases including various cancers. Both of them are also the top therapeutic targets for disease treatment. The discovery of the cross-talk between GPCRs and RTKs connects these two vast signaling networks and complicates the already complicated signaling networks that regulate cell signaling and function. In this review, we focus on the transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a subfamily of RTKs, by GPCRs. Since the first report of EGFR transactivation by GPCR, significant progress has been made including the elucidation of the mechanisms underlying the transactivation. Here, we first provide a basic picture for GPCR, EGFR and EGFR transactivation by GPCR. We then discuss the progress made in the last five years and finally provided our view of the future challenge and future researches needed to overcome these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixiang Wang
- The Department of Medical Genetics and Signal Transduction Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
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25
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Ren YA, Liu Z, Mullany LK, Fan CM, Richards JS. Growth Arrest Specific-1 (GAS1) Is a C/EBP Target Gene That Functions in Ovulation and Corpus Luteum Formation in Mice. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:44. [PMID: 26740594 PMCID: PMC4787628 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.133058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovulation and luteinization are initiated in preovulatory follicles by the luteinizing hormone (LH) surge; however, the signaling events that mediate LH actions in these follicles remain incompletely defined. Two key transcription factors that are targets of LH surge are C/EBPalpha and C/EBPbeta, and their depletion in granulosa cells results in complete infertility. Microarray analyses of these mutant mice revealed altered expression of a number of genes, including growth arrest specific-1 (Gas1). To investigate functions of Gas1 in ovulation- and luteinization-related processes, we crossed Cyp19a1-Cre and Gas1flox/flox mice to conditionally delete Gas1 in granulosa and cumulus cells. While expression of Gas1 is dramatically increased in granulosa and cumulus cells around 12–16 h post-human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) stimulation in wild-type mice, this increase is abolished in Cebpa/b double mutant and in Gas1 mutant mice. GAS1 is also dynamically expressed in stromal cells of the ovary independent of C/EBPalpha/beta. Female Gas1 mutant mice are fertile, exhibit enhanced rates of ovulation, increased fertility, and higher levels of Areg and Lhcgr mRNA in granulosa cells. The morphological appearance and vascularization of corpora lutea appeared normal in these mutant females. Interestingly, levels of mRNA for a number of genes (Cyp11a1, Star, Wnt4, Prlr, Cd52, and Sema3a) associated with luteinization are decreased in corpora lutea of Gas1 mutant mice as compared with controls at 24 h post-hCG; these differences were no longer detectable by 48 h post-hCG. The C/EBP target Gas1 is induced in granulosa cells and is associated with ovulation and luteinization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi A Ren
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Zhilin Liu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Lisa K Mullany
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Chen-Ming Fan
- Department of Embryology, Carnegie Institution of Washington, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - JoAnne S Richards
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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26
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Koizumi M, Oyama K, Yamakami Y, Kida T, Satoh R, Kato S, Hidema S, Oe T, Goto T, Clevers H, Nawa A, Nishimori K. Lgr4 controls specialization of female gonads in mice. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:90. [PMID: 26333992 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.123638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (Lgr4) is a type of membrane receptor with a seven-transmembrane structure. LGR4 is homologous to gonadotropin receptors, such as follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (Fshr) and luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (Lhcgr). Recently, it has been reported that Lgr4 is a membrane receptor for R-spondin ligands, which mediate Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. Defects of R-spondin homolog (Rspo1) and wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 4 (Wnt4) cause masculinization of female gonads. We observed that Lgr4(-/-) female mice show abnormal development of the Wolffian ducts and somatic cells similar to that in the male gonads. Lgr4(-/-) female mice exhibited masculinization similar to that observed in Rspo1-deficient mice. In Lgr4(-/-) ovarian somatic cells, the expression levels of lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (Lefl) and Axin2 (Axin2), which are target genes of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, were lower than they were in wild-type mice. This study suggests that Lgr4 is critical for ovarian somatic cell specialization via the cooperative signaling of Rspo1 and Wnt/beta-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masae Koizumi
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Kazunori Oyama
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yukiko Yamakami
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomoyo Kida
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Ryo Satoh
- Department of Bio-analytical Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shigeki Kato
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Shizu Hidema
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Oe
- Department of Bio-analytical Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Takaaki Goto
- Department of Bio-analytical Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Akihiro Nawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ehime University School of Medicine, Toon, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Agricultural Science, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
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27
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Targeted deletion of the murine Lgr4 gene decreases lens epithelial cell resistance to oxidative stress and induces age-related cataract formation. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0119599. [PMID: 25811370 PMCID: PMC4374889 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress contributes to the formation of cataracts. The leucine rich repeat containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4, also known as GPR48), is important in many developmental processes. Since deletion of Lgr4 has previously been shown to lead to cataract formation in mice, we sought to determine the specific role that Lgr4 plays in the formation of cataracts. Initially, the lens opacities of Lgr4(-/-) mice at different ages without ocular anterior segment dysgenesis (ASD) were evaluated with slit-lamp biomicroscopy. Lenses from both Lgr4(-/-) and wild-type mice were subjected to oxidation induced protein denaturation to assess the ability of the lens to withstand oxidation. The expression of antioxidant enzymes was evaluated with real-time quantitative PCR. Phenotypically, Lgr4(-/-) mice showed earlier onset of lens opacification and higher incidence of cataract formation compared with wild-type mice of similar age. In addition, Lgr4(-/-) mice demonstrated increased sensitivity to environmental oxidative damage, as evidenced by altered protein expression. Real-time quantitative PCR showed that two prominent antioxidant defense enzymes, catalase (CAT) and superoxidase dismutase-1 (SOD1), were significantly decreased in the lens epithelial cells of Lgr4(-/-) mice. Our results suggest that the deletion of Lgr4 can lead to premature cataract formation, as well as progressive deterioration with aging. Oxidative stress and altered expression of several antioxidant defense enzymes contribute to the formation of cataracts.
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