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Wang X, Guo S, Xiong L, Wu X, Bao P, Kang Y, Cao M, Ding Z, Liang C, Pei J, Guo X. Complete characterization of the yak testicular development using accurate full-length transcriptome sequencing. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 271:132400. [PMID: 38759851 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132400] [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: 02/21/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
Alternative splicing is a prevalent phenomenon in testicular tissues. Due to the low assembly accuracy of short-read RNA sequencing technology in analyzing post-transcriptional regulatory events, full-length (FL) transcript sequencing is highly demanded to accurately determine FL splicing variants. In this study, we performed FL transcriptome sequencing of testicular tissues from 0.5, 1.5, 2.5, and 4-year-old yaks and 4-year-old cattle-yaks using Oxford Nanopore Technologies. The obtained sequencing data were predicted to have 47,185 open reading frames (ORFs), including 26,630 complete ORFs, detected 7645 fusion transcripts, 15,355 alternative splicing events, 25,798 simple sequence repeats, 7628 transcription factors, and 35,503 long non-coding RNAs. A total of 40,038 novel transcripts were obtained from the sequencing data, and the proportion was almost close to the number of known transcripts identified. Structural analysis and functional annotation of these novel transcripts resulted in the successful annotation of 9568 transcripts, with the highest and lowest annotation numbers in the Nr and KOG databases, respectively. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed the key regulatory pathways and hub genes at various stages of yak testicular development. Our findings enhance our comprehension of transcriptome complexity, contribute to genome annotation refinement, and provide foundational data for further investigations into male sterility in cattle-yaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingdong Wang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Shaoke Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Lin Xiong
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Xiaoyun Wu
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Pengjia Bao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Yandong Kang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Mengli Cao
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Ziqiang Ding
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Chunnian Liang
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China
| | - Jie Pei
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China.
| | - Xian Guo
- Key Laboratory of Yak Breeding of Gansu Province, Lanzhou Institute of Husbandry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Lanzhou 730050, PR China; Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics and Breeding on Tibetan Plateau, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Lanzhou 730050, PR China.
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de Barros JW, Joule Pierre K, Kempinas WDG, Tremblay JJ. Ethylene dimethanesulfonate effects on gene promoter activities related to the endocrine function of immortalized Leydig cell lines R2C and MA-10. Curr Res Toxicol 2023; 6:100147. [PMID: 38234696 PMCID: PMC10792691 DOI: 10.1016/j.crtox.2023.100147] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Ethylene dimethanesulfonate (EDS) is a molecule with known selective cytotoxicity on adult Leydig cells. A single intraperitoneal injection in rats but not mice, leads to male androgen deprivation and infertility. In vitro studies using rat and mouse immortalized Leydig cell lines, showed similar effects of cell death promoted by EDS in rat cells as seen in vivo, and suggest that EDS affects gene transcription, which could firstly compromise steroidogenesis before the apoptosis process. Using gene reporter assay, this study aimed to investigate EDS effects on the promoter activity of genes important for endocrine function (Star, Insl3) and response to toxic agents (Gsta3) in immortalized Leydig cell lines (rat R2C and mouse MA-10 cells), as well as identify possible EDS-responsive elements in the Star gene promoter. EDS exposure of R2C and MA-10 Leydig cells increased Gsta3 promoter activity after 4 h of treatment and decreased Insl3 promoter activity only in R2C cells after 24 h of treatment. EDS also decreased Star promoter activity in both Leydig cell lines. Using R2C cells, the EDS-responsive region in the Star promoter was located between -400 and -195 bp. This suggests that this region and the associated transcription factors, which include MEF2, might be targeted by EDS. Additional somatic gonadal cell lines expressing Star were used and EDS did not affect Star promoter activity in DC3 granulosa cells while Star promoter activity was increased in MSC-1 Sertoli cells after 24 h of treatment. This study contributes to the knowledge regarding the mechanism of EDS action in Leydig cells, and in other gonadal cell lineages, and brings new light regarding the rats and mice differential susceptibility to EDS effects, in addition to providing new avenues for experimental approaches to better understand Leydig cell function and dynamics in different rodent species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge W.F. de Barros
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec – Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Kenley Joule Pierre
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec – Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
| | - Wilma De G. Kempinas
- Laboratory of Reproductive and Developmental Biology and Toxicology, São Paulo State University (Unesp), Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences, Botucatu, SP, Brazil
| | - Jacques J. Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec – Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Université Laval, Québec City, Canada
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3
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de Mattos K, Dumas FO, Campolina-Silva GH, Belleannée C, Viger RS, Tremblay JJ. ERK5 Cooperates With MEF2C to Regulate Nr4a1 Transcription in MA-10 and MLTC-1 Leydig Cells. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad120. [PMID: 37539861 PMCID: PMC10435423 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Leydig cells produce hormones required for the development and maintenance of sex characteristics and fertility in males. MEF2 transcription factors are important regulators of Leydig cell gene expression and steroidogenesis. ERK5 is an atypical member of the MAP kinase family that modulates transcription factor activity, either by direct phosphorylation or by acting as a transcriptional coactivator. While MEF2 and ERK5 are known to cooperate transcriptionally, the presence and role of ERK5 in Leydig cells remained unknown. Our goal was to determine whether ERK5 is present in Leydig cells and whether it cooperates with MEF2 to regulate gene expression. We found that ERK5 is present in Leydig cells in testicular tissue and immortalized cell lines. ERK5 knockdown in human chorionic gonadotrophin-treated MA-10 Leydig cells reduced steroidogenesis and decreased Star and Nr4a1 expression. Luciferase assays using a synthetic reporter plasmid containing 3 MEF2 elements revealed that ERK5 enhances MEF2-dependent promoter activation. Although ERK5 did not cooperate with MEF2 on the Star promoter in Leydig cell lines, we found that ERK5 and MEF2C do cooperate on the Nr4a1 promoter, which contains 2 adjacent MEF2 elements. Mutation of each MEF2 element in a short version of the Nr4a1 promoter significantly decreased the ERK5/MEF2C cooperation, indicating that both MEF2 elements need to be intact. The ERK5/MEF2C cooperation did not require phosphorylation of MEF2C on Ser387. Taken together, our data identify ERK5 as a new regulator of MEF2 activity in Leydig cells and provide potential new insights into mechanisms that regulate Leydig cell gene expression and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine de Mattos
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Félix-Olivier Dumas
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Gabriel Henrique Campolina-Silva
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Clémence Belleannée
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Robert S Viger
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jacques J Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
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A 35-bp Conserved Region Is Crucial for Insl3 Promoter Activity in Mouse MA-10 Leydig Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315060. [PMID: 36499388 PMCID: PMC9738330 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The peptide hormone insulin-like 3 (INSL3) is produced almost exclusively by Leydig cells of the male gonad. INSL3 has several functions such as fetal testis descent and bone metabolism in adults. Insl3 gene expression in Leydig cells is not hormonally regulated but rather is constitutively expressed. The regulatory region of the Insl3 gene has been described in various species; moreover, functional studies have revealed that the Insl3 promoter is regulated by various transcription factors that include the nuclear receptors AR, NUR77, COUP-TFII, LRH1, and SF1, as well as the Krüppel-like factor KLF6. However, these transcription factors are also found in several tissues that do not express Insl3, indicating that other, yet unidentified factors, must be involved to drive Insl3 expression specifically in Leydig cells. Through a fine functional promoter analysis, we have identified a 35-bp region that is responsible for conferring 70% of the activity of the mouse Insl3 promoter in Leydig cells. All tri- and dinucleotide mutations introduced dramatically reduced Insl3 promoter activity, indicating that the entire 35-bp sequence is required. Nuclear proteins from MA-10 Leydig cells bound specifically to the 35-bp region. The 35-bp sequence contains GC- and GA-rich motifs as well as potential binding elements for members of the CREB, C/EBP, AP1, AP2, and NF-κB families. The Insl3 promoter was indeed activated 2-fold by NF-κB p50 but not by other transcription factors tested. These results help to further define the regulation of Insl3 gene transcription in Leydig cells.
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5
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Differential Response of Transcription Factors to Activated Kinases in Steroidogenic and Non-Steroidogenic Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113153. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hormone-induced Leydig cell steroidogenesis requires rapid changes in gene expression in response to various hormones, cytokines, and growth factors. These proteins act by binding to their receptors on the surface of Leydig cells leading to activation of multiple intracellular signaling cascades, downstream of which are several kinases, including protein kinase A (PKA), Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I (CAMKI), and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). These kinases participate in hormone-induced steroidogenesis by phosphorylating numerous proteins including transcription factors leading to increased steroidogenic gene expression. How these various kinases and transcription factors come together to appropriately induce steroidogenic gene expression in response to specific stimuli remains poorly understood. In the present work, we compared the effect of PKA, CAMKI and ERK1/2 on the transactivation potential of 15 transcription factors belonging to 5 distinct families on the activity of the Star gene promoter. We not only validated known cooperation between kinases and transcription factors, but we also identified novel cooperations that have not yet been before reported. Some transcription factors were found to respond to all three kinases, whereas others were only activated by one specific kinase. Differential responses were also observed within a family of transcription factors. The diverse response to kinases provides flexibility to ensure proper genomic response of steroidogenic cells to different stimuli.
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Mehanovic S, Pierre KJ, Viger RS, Tremblay JJ. COUP-TFII interacts and functionally cooperates with GATA4 to regulate Amhr2 transcription in mouse MA-10 Leydig cells. Andrology 2022; 10:1411-1425. [PMID: 35973717 DOI: 10.1111/andr.13266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leydig cells produce testosterone and insulin-like 3, two hormones essential for male sex differentiation and reproductive function. The orphan nuclear receptor COUP-TFII and the zinc finger factor GATA4 are two transcription factors involved in Leydig cell differentiation, gene expression and function. OBJECTIVES Several Leydig cell gene promoters contain binding motifs for both GATA factors and nuclear receptors. The goal of present study is to determine whether GATA4 and COUP-TFII cooperate to regulate gene expression in Leydig cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS The transcriptomes from GATA4- and COUP-TFII-depleted MA-10 Leydig cells were analyzed using bioinformatic tools. Functional cooperation between GATA4 and COUP-TFII, and other related family members, was assessed by transient transfections in Leydig (MA-10 and MLTC-1) and fibroblast (CV-1) cell lines on several gene promoters. Recruitment of GATA4 and COUP-TFII to gene promoters was investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to determine whether GATA4 and COUP-TFII interact in MA-10 Leydig cells. RESULTS Transcriptomic analyses of GATA4- and COUP-TFII-depleted MA-10 Leydig cells revealed 44 commonly regulated genes including the anti-Müllerian hormone receptor (Amhr2) gene. GATA4 and COUP-TFII independently activated the Amhr2 promoter, and their combination led to a stronger activation. A GC-rich element, located in the proximal Amhr2 promoter was found to be essential for GATA4- and COUP-TFII-dependent activation as well as for the COUP-TFII/GATA4 cooperation. COUP-TFII and GATA4 directly interacted in MA-10 Leydig cell extracts. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that GATA4 and COUP-TFII are recruited to the proximal Amhr2 promoter, which contains binding sites for both factors in addition to the GC-rich element. Cooperation between COUP-TFII and GATA6, but not GATA1 and GATA3, was also observed. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION Our results establish the importance of a physical and functional cooperation between COUP-TFII/GATA4 in the regulation of gene expression in MA-10 Leydig cells, and more specifically the Amhr2 gene. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samir Mehanovic
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, CHUL Room T3-67, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Kenley Joule Pierre
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, CHUL Room T3-67, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Robert S Viger
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, CHUL Room T3-67, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.,Centre for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
| | - Jacques J Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, CHUL Room T3-67, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.,Centre for Research in Reproduction, Development and Intergenerational Health, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, G1V 0A6, Canada
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7
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The Urokinase-Type Plasminogen Activator Contributes to cAMP-Induced Steroidogenesis in MA-10 Leydig Cells. ENDOCRINES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/endocrines3030037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Leydig cells produce androgens which are essential for male sex differentiation and reproductive functions. Steroidogenesis, as well as expression of several genes in Leydig cells, are stimulated by LH/cAMP and repressed by AMP/AMPK. One of those genes is Plau, which codes for the urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), a secreted serine protease. The role of uPA and the regulation of Plau expression in Leydig cells remain unknown. Using siRNA-mediated knockdown, uPA was required for maximal cAMP-induced STAR and steroid hormone production in MA-10 Leydig cells. Analysis of Plau mRNA levels and promoter activity revealed that its expression is strongly induced by cAMP; this induction is blunted by AMPK. The cAMP-responsive region was located, in part, in the proximal Plau promoter that contains a species-conserved GC box at −56 bp. The transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6) activated the Plau promoter. Mutation of the GC box at −56 bp abolished KLF6-mediated activation and significantly reduced cAMP-induced Plau promoter activity. These data define a role for uPA in Leydig cell steroidogenesis and provide insights into the regulation of Plau gene expression in these cells.
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Llimos G, Gardeux V, Koch U, Kribelbauer JF, Hafner A, Alpern D, Pezoldt J, Litovchenko M, Russeil J, Dainese R, Moia R, Mahmoud AM, Rossi D, Gaidano G, Plass C, Lutsik P, Gerhauser C, Waszak SM, Boettiger A, Radtke F, Deplancke B. A leukemia-protective germline variant mediates chromatin module formation via transcription factor nucleation. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2042. [PMID: 35440565 PMCID: PMC9018852 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29625-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-coding variants coordinate transcription factor (TF) binding and chromatin mark enrichment changes over regions spanning >100 kb. These molecularly coordinated regions are named “variable chromatin modules” (VCMs), providing a conceptual framework of how regulatory variation might shape complex traits. To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying VCM formation, here, we mechanistically dissect a VCM-modulating noncoding variant that is associated with reduced chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) predisposition and disease progression. This common, germline variant constitutes a 5-bp indel that controls the activity of an AXIN2 gene-linked VCM by creating a MEF2 binding site, which, upon binding, activates a super-enhancer-like regulatory element. This triggers a large change in TF binding activity and chromatin state at an enhancer cluster spanning >150 kb, coinciding with subtle, long-range chromatin compaction and robust AXIN2 up-regulation. Our results support a model in which the indel acts as an AXIN2 VCM-activating TF nucleation event, which modulates CLL pathology. Non-coding variants can regulate transcription factor binding and gene expression at variable chromatin modules. Here, the authors show that a germline variant induces transcription factor nucleation through chromatin compaction leading to AXIN2 up-regulation and is associated to better prognosis in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Llimos
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vincent Gardeux
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ute Koch
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Judith F Kribelbauer
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Antonina Hafner
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Alpern
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Joern Pezoldt
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Maria Litovchenko
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland.,Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, Cancer Genome Evolution Research Group, London, UK
| | - Julie Russeil
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Riccardo Dainese
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Riccardo Moia
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Abdurraouf Mokhtar Mahmoud
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Davide Rossi
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland.,Institute of Oncology Research, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Gianluca Gaidano
- Division of Hematology, Department of Translational Medicine, University of Eastern Piedmont, Novara, Italy
| | - Christoph Plass
- Division of Epigenomics and Cancer Risk Factors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pavlo Lutsik
- Division of Epigenomics and Cancer Risk Factors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Clarissa Gerhauser
- Division of Epigenomics and Cancer Risk Factors, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sebastian M Waszak
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), Nordic EMBL Partnership, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Pediatric Research, Division of Paediatric and Adolescent Medicine, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Alistair Boettiger
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Freddy Radtke
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Bart Deplancke
- Institute of Bioengineering, School of Life Sciences, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland. .,Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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9
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Hébert-Mercier PO, Bergeron F, Robert NM, Mehanovic S, Pierre KJ, Mendoza-Villarroel RE, de Mattos K, Brousseau C, Tremblay JJ. Growth Hormone-induced STAT5B Regulates Star Gene Expression Through a Cooperation With cJUN in Mouse MA-10 Leydig Cells. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6490116. [PMID: 34967898 PMCID: PMC8765792 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Leydig cells produce androgens that are essential for male sex differentiation and reproductive function. Leydig cell function is regulated by several hormones and signaling molecules, including growth hormone (GH). Although GH is known to upregulate Star gene expression in Leydig cells, its molecular mechanism of action remains unknown. The STAT5B transcription factor is a downstream effector of GH signaling in other systems. While STAT5B is present in both primary and Leydig cell lines, its function in these cells has yet to be ascertained. Here we report that treatment of MA-10 Leydig cells with GH or overexpression of STAT5B induces Star messenger RNA levels and increases steroid hormone output. The mouse Star promoter contains a consensus STAT5B element (TTCnnnGAA) at -756 bp to which STAT5B binds in vitro (electrophoretic mobility shift assay and supershift) and in vivo (chromatin immunoprecipitation) in a GH-induced manner. In functional promoter assays, STAT5B was found to activate a -980 bp mouse Star reporter. Mutating the -756 bp element prevented STAT5B binding but did not abrogate STAT5B-responsiveness. STAT5B was found to functionally cooperate with DNA-bound cJUN. The STAT5B/cJUN cooperation was only observed in Leydig cells and not in Sertoli or fibroblast cells, indicating that additional Leydig cell-enriched transcription factors are required. The STAT5B/cJUN cooperation was lost only when both STAT5B and cJUN elements were mutated. In addition to identifying the Star gene as a novel target for STAT5B in Leydig cells, our data provide important new insights into the mechanism of GH and STAT5B action in the regulation of Leydig cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Olivier Hébert-Mercier
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec – Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Francis Bergeron
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec – Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Nicholas M Robert
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec – Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Samir Mehanovic
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec – Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Kenley Joule Pierre
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec – Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Raifish E Mendoza-Villarroel
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec – Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Karine de Mattos
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec – Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Catherine Brousseau
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec – Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jacques J Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec – Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Correspondence: Jacques J. Tremblay, PhD, Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Room T3-67, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec – Université Laval CHUL, 2705 Laurier Blvd, Québec City, QC, G1V 4G2, Canada.
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de Mattos K, Viger RS, Tremblay JJ. Transcription Factors in the Regulation of Leydig Cell Gene Expression and Function. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:881309. [PMID: 35464056 PMCID: PMC9022205 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.881309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell differentiation and acquisition of specialized functions are inherent steps in events that lead to normal tissue development and function. These processes require accurate temporal, tissue, and cell-specific activation or repression of gene transcription. This is achieved by complex interactions between transcription factors that form a unique combinatorial code in each specialized cell type and in response to different physiological signals. Transcription factors typically act by binding to short, nucleotide-specific DNA sequences located in the promoter region of target genes. In males, Leydig cells play a crucial role in sex differentiation, health, and reproductive function from embryonic life to adulthood. To better understand the molecular mechanisms regulating Leydig cell differentiation and function, several transcription factors important to Leydig cells have been identified, including some previously unknown to this specialized cell type. This mini review summarizes the current knowledge on transcription factors in fetal and adult Leydig cells, describing their roles and mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karine de Mattos
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Robert S. Viger
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jacques J. Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Jacques J. Tremblay,
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Viger RS, de Mattos K, Tremblay JJ. Insights Into the Roles of GATA Factors in Mammalian Testis Development and the Control of Fetal Testis Gene Expression. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:902198. [PMID: 35692407 PMCID: PMC9178088 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.902198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Defining how genes get turned on and off in a correct spatiotemporal manner is integral to our understanding of the development, differentiation, and function of different cell types in both health and disease. Testis development and subsequent male sex differentiation of the XY fetus are well-orchestrated processes that require an intricate network of cell-cell communication and hormonal signals that must be properly interpreted at the genomic level. Transcription factors are at the forefront for translating these signals into a coordinated genomic response. The GATA family of transcriptional regulators were first described as essential regulators of hematopoietic cell differentiation and heart morphogenesis but are now known to impact the development and function of a multitude of tissues and cell types. The mammalian testis is no exception where GATA factors play essential roles in directing the expression of genes crucial not only for testis differentiation but also testis function in the developing male fetus and later in adulthood. This minireview provides an overview of the current state of knowledge of GATA factors in the male gonad with a particular emphasis on their mechanisms of action in the control of testis development, gene expression in the fetal testis, testicular disease, and XY sex differentiation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert S. Viger
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Robert S. Viger,
| | - Karine de Mattos
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
| | - Jacques J. Tremblay
- Centre de recherche en Reproduction, Développement et Santé Intergénérationnelle and Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec—Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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Kothandapani A, Larsen MC, Lee J, Jorgensen JS, Jefcoate CR. Distinctive functioning of STARD1 in the fetal Leydig cells compared to adult Leydig and adrenal cells. Impact of Hedgehog signaling via the primary cilium. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 531:111265. [PMID: 33864885 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
STARD1 stimulates cholesterol transfer to mitochondrial CYP11A1 for conversion to pregnenolone. A cholesterol-binding START domain is guided by an N-terminal domain in a cell selective manner. Fetal and adult Leydig cells (FLC, ALC) show distinct Stard1 regulation. sm- FISH microscopy, which resolves individual molecules of Stard1 mRNA, shows uniformly high basal expression in each FLC. In ALC, in vivo, and cultured MA-10 cells, basal Stard1 expression is minimal. PKA activates loci asynchronously, with delayed splicing/export of 3.5 kb mRNA to mitochondria. After 60 min, ALC transition to an integrated mRNA delivery to mitochondria that is seen in FLC. Sertoli cells cooperate in Stard1 stimulation in FLC by delivering DHH to the primary cilium. There PTCH, SMO and cholesterol cooperate to release GLI3 to activate the Stard1 locus, probably by directing histone changes. ALC lack cilia. PKA then primes locus activation. FLC and ALC share similar SIK/CRTC/CREB regulation characterized for adrenal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbarasi Kothandapani
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Michele Campaigne Larsen
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Jinwoo Lee
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Joan S Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Colin R Jefcoate
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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Synergetic Action of Forskolin and Mevastatin Induce Normalization of Lipids Profile in Dyslipidemic Rats through Adenosine Monophosphate Kinase Upregulation. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 2021:6687551. [PMID: 34104650 PMCID: PMC8159628 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6687551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we examined the synergetic effect of forskolin and mevastatin administration on lipid profile and lipid metabolism in omental adipose tissue in dyslipidemic rats. The study was conducted on forty male albino rats. The rats were randomly classified into four main groups of ten animals in each group as follows: group A, served as control nontreated; group B, rats that received Triton WR 1339 (500 mg/kg); group C, rats that received Triton WR 1339 with forskolin (100% FSK extract 0.5 mg/kg/day) for four weeks; and group D, dyslipidemic rats received both mevastatin and forskolin. At the end of the experimental period, blood and omental adipose tissue samples were collected, preserved, and used for biochemical determination of lipid profile and mRNA expression profile of adenylate cyclase (AC), hormone-sensitive lipase, respectively (HSL), and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The results showed a significant decline in the serum concentration of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides, although there was a significant increase in serum levels of HDL-cholesterol and glycerol in rats received forskolin alone or with mevastatin when compared with control and dyslipidemic groups. The mRNA expression levels of AC, HSL, and AMPK were significantly increased in omental adipose tissue of rats received forskolin when compared with other groups. In conclusion, forskolin acts synergistically with mevastatin to lower lipid profile and improve lipid metabolism in dyslipidemic rats through upregulation of AMPK expression.
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14
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Leal LF, Szarek E, Berthon A, Nesterova M, Faucz FR, London E, Mercier C, Abu-Asab M, Starost MF, Dye L, Bilinska B, Kotula-Balak M, Antonini SR, Stratakis CA. Pde8b haploinsufficiency in mice is associated with modest adrenal defects, impaired steroidogenesis, and male infertility, unaltered by concurrent PKA or Wnt activation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 522:111117. [PMID: 33338547 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Revised: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
PDE8B, PRKAR1A and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling are involved in endocrine disorders. However, how PDEB8B interacts with both Wnt and protein kinase A (PKA) signaling in vivo remains unknown. We created a novel Pde8b knockout mouse line (Pde8b-/-); Pde8b haploinsufficient (Pde8b+/-) mice were then crossed with mice harboring: (1) constitutive beta-catenin activation (Pde8b+/-;ΔCat) and (2) Prkar1a haploinsufficieny (Pde8b+/-;Prkar1a+/-). Adrenals and testes from mice (3-12-mo) were evaluated in addition to plasma corticosterone, aldosterone and Dkk3 concentrations, and the examination of expression of steroidogenesis-, Wnt- and cAMP/PKA-related genes. Pde8b-/- male mice were infertile with down-regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway which did not change significantly in the Pde8b+/-;ΔCat mice. Prkar1a haploinsufficiency also did not change the phenotype significantly. In vitro studies showed that PDE8B knockdown upregulated the Wnt pathway and increased proliferation in CTNNB1-mutant cells, whereas it downregulated the Wnt pathway in PRKAR1A-mutant cells. These data support an overall weak, if any, role for PDE8B in adrenocortical tumorigenesis, even when co-altered with Wnt signaling or PKA upregulation; on the other hand, PDE8B appears to play a significant role in male fertility.
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MESH Headings
- 3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases/genetics
- 3',5'-Cyclic-AMP Phosphodiesterases/metabolism
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/blood
- Adrenal Glands/drug effects
- Adrenal Glands/pathology
- Adrenal Glands/physiopathology
- Aldosterone/blood
- Animals
- Cell Line
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
- Corticosterone/blood
- Crosses, Genetic
- Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases/metabolism
- Dexamethasone/pharmacology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Haploinsufficiency/genetics
- Infertility, Male/blood
- Infertility, Male/genetics
- Male
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Phenotype
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Spermatogenesis/drug effects
- Spermatogenesis/genetics
- Steroids/biosynthesis
- Testis/drug effects
- Testis/ultrastructure
- Wnt Proteins/metabolism
- beta Catenin/metabolism
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Ferro Leal
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program on Developmental Endocrinology & Genetics (PDEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA; Departments of Pediatrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, 14049-900, Sao Paulo, Brazil; Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil; Barretos School of Health Sciences, Dr. Paulo Prata - FACISB, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Eva Szarek
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program on Developmental Endocrinology & Genetics (PDEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Annabel Berthon
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program on Developmental Endocrinology & Genetics (PDEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Maria Nesterova
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program on Developmental Endocrinology & Genetics (PDEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Fabio R Faucz
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program on Developmental Endocrinology & Genetics (PDEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Edra London
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program on Developmental Endocrinology & Genetics (PDEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Christopher Mercier
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program on Developmental Endocrinology & Genetics (PDEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Mones Abu-Asab
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program on Developmental Endocrinology & Genetics (PDEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Matthew F Starost
- National Institutes of Health, Division of Veterinary Resources, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Louis Dye
- Program in Developmental Endocrinology and Genetics, Microscopy and Imaging Core Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Barbara Bilinska
- Department of Endocrinology, Institute of Zoology, Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Gronostajowa, Krakow, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Kotula-Balak
- University Centre of Veterinary Medicine, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Mickiewicza, Krakow, Poland
| | - Sonir R Antonini
- Departments of Pediatrics, Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, 14049-900, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Constantine A Stratakis
- Section on Endocrinology and Genetics, Program on Developmental Endocrinology & Genetics (PDEGEN), Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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15
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Molecular insights into hormone regulation via signaling pathways in Sertoli cells: With discussion on infertility and testicular tumor. Gene 2020; 753:144812. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2020.144812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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16
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Larsen MC, Lee J, Jorgensen JS, Jefcoate CR. STARD1 Functions in Mitochondrial Cholesterol Metabolism and Nascent HDL Formation. Gene Expression and Molecular mRNA Imaging Show Novel Splicing and a 1:1 Mitochondrial Association. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:559674. [PMID: 33193082 PMCID: PMC7607000 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.559674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STARD1 moves cholesterol (CHOL) from the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) to the inner membrane (IMM) in steroidogenic cells. This activity is integrated into CHOL trafficking and synthesis homeostasis, involving uptake through SR-B1 and LDL receptors and distribution through endosomes, ER, and lipid droplets. In adrenal cells, STARD1 is imported into the mitochondrial matrix accompanied by delivery of several hundred CHOL molecules. This transfer limits CYP11A1-mediated generation of pregnenolone. CHOL transfer is coupled to translation of STARD1 mRNA at the OMM. In testis cells, slower CHOL trafficking seems to be limiting. STARD1 also functions in a slower process through ER OMM contacts. The START domain of STARD1 is utilized by a family of genes, which includes additional STARD (forms 3-6) and GRAMD1B proteins that transfer CHOL. STARD forms 2 and 7 deliver phosphatidylcholine. STARD1 and STARD7 target their respective activities to mitochondria, via N-terminal domains (NTD) of over 50 amino acids. The NTD is not essential for steroidogenesis but exerts tissue-selective enhancement (testis>>adrenal). Three conserved sites for cleavage by the mitochondrial processing protease (MPP) generate three forms, each potentially with specific functions, as demonstrated in STARD7. STARD1 is expressed in macrophage and cardiac repair fibroblasts. Additional functions include CHOL metabolism by CYP27A1 that directs activation of LXR and CHOL export processes. STARD1 generates 3.5- and 1.6-kb mRNA from alternative polyadenylation. The 3.5-kb form exclusively binds the PKA-induced regulator, TIS11b, which binds at conserved sites in the extended 3'UTR to control mRNA translation and turnover. STARD1 expression also exhibits a novel, slow splicing that delayed splicing delivery of mRNA to mitochondria. Stimulation of transcription by PKA is directed by suppression of SIK forms that activate a CRTC/CREB/CBP promoter complex. This process is critical to pulsatile hormonal activation in vivo. sm-FISH RNA imaging shows a flow of single STARD1 mRNA particles from asymmetric accumulations of primary transcripts at gene loci to 1:1 complex of 3.5-kb mRNA with peri-nuclear mitochondria. Adrenal cells are similar but distinguished from testis cells by appreciable basal expression prior to hormonal activation. This difference is conserved in culture and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Campaigne Larsen
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jinwoo Lee
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Joan S. Jorgensen
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Colin R. Jefcoate
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Colin R. Jefcoate,
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Forskolin attenuates the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and IL-1β secretion in human macrophages. Pediatr Res 2019; 86:692-698. [PMID: 31086288 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0418-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The treatment of nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat containing family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated pediatric inflammatory diseases is challenging. Here we studied whether cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) elevator forskolin could attenuate the nigericin-induced NLRP3-inflammasome activation and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) secretion in human macrophages. METHODS The proteins and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of inflammasome structural proteins and proinflammatory cytokines were measured in forskolin-stimulated nigericin-activated human THP-1 macrophages and primary macrophages. RESULTS Activation of THP-1 macrophages with nigericin increased the mRNA expression of NLRP3, IL-1β, and caspase-1 (P < 0.01). Forskolin stimulation had no effect on the mRNA expression of NLRP3, caspase-1, or IL-1β in nigericin-activated cells (P > 0.05), while their protein levels were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Forskolin-mediated increase in cytoplasmic cAMP in non-activated cells was attenuated in nigericin-activated macrophages (P < 0.05). Basal IL-1β secretion increased from 584 to 2696 pg/mL (P < 0.01) in nigericin-activated macrophages; forskolin dose-dependently reduced the nigericin-induced secretion of mature IL-1β (P < 0.01). Forskolin also inhibited the IL-1β secretion from activated human primary macrophages. CONCLUSIONS Forskolin inhibits the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the secretion of mature IL-1β, in human macrophages. Forskolin and other cAMP elevator drugs could represent a novel approach for treatment of diseases associated with excessive inflammasome activation, like pediatric inflammatory diseases.
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18
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Jefcoate CR, Lee J. Cholesterol signaling in single cells: lessons from STAR and sm-FISH. J Mol Endocrinol 2018; 60:R213-R235. [PMID: 29691317 PMCID: PMC6324173 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol is an important regulator of cell signaling, both through direct impacts on cell membranes and through oxy-metabolites that activate specific receptors (steroids, hydroxy-cholesterols, bile acids). Cholesterol moves slowly through and between cell membranes with the assistance of specific binding proteins and transfer processes. The prototype cholesterol regulator is the Steroidogenesis Acute Regulatory (STAR), which moves cholesterol into mitochondria, where steroid synthesis is initiated by cytochrome P450 11A1 in multiple endocrine cell types. CYP27A1 generates hydroxyl cholesterol metabolites that activate LXR nuclear receptors to control cholesterol homeostatic and transport mechanisms. LXR regulation of cholesterol transport and storage as cholesterol ester droplets is shared by both steroid-producing cells and macrophage. This cholesterol signaling is crucial to brain neuron regulation by astrocytes and microglial macrophage, mediated by ApoE and sensitive to disruption by β-amyloid plaques. sm-FISH delivers appreciable insights into signaling in single cells, by resolving single RNA molecules as mRNA and by quantifying pre-mRNA at gene loci. sm-FISH has been applied to problems in physiology, embryo development and cancer biology, where single cell features have critical impacts. sm-FISH identifies novel features of STAR transcription in adrenal and testis cells, including asymmetric expression at individual gene loci, delayed splicing and 1:1 association of mRNA with mitochondria. This may represent a functional unit for the translation-dependent cholesterol transfer directed by STAR, which integrates into mitochondrial fusion dynamics. Similar cholesterol dynamics repeat with different players in the cycling of cholesterol between astrocytes and neurons in the brain, which may be abnormal in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin R Jefcoate
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology and the Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology ProgramUniversity of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jinwoo Lee
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology and the Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology ProgramUniversity of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Let-7a regulates expression of β1-adrenoceptors and forms a negative feedback circuit with the β1-adrenoceptor signaling pathway in chronic ischemic heart failure. Oncotarget 2018; 8:8752-8764. [PMID: 28060734 PMCID: PMC5352438 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2016] [Accepted: 12/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of microRNA (miRNA) let-7a in down-regulation of β1-adrenoceptors (β1-AR) and elucidate the underlying mechanism of chronic ischemia heart failure (CIHF) in rats. METHODS AND RESULTS CIHF model was established by occlusion of coronary artery for 4 weeks. β1-AR level was obviously down-regulated and let-7a up-regulated in the failing heart 4 weeks after myocardial infarction. Overexpression of let-7a inhibited β1-AR expression in neonatal rat ventricular cells (NRVCs), which was abolished by anti-let-7a antisense inhibitor. The lentivirus vector containing precursor let-7a (len-pre-let-7a) further down-regulated the reduced β1-AR level by CIHF and the effect was reversed by len-AMO-let-7a. Len-negative control did not produce any significant influence on β1-AR expression. Importantly, there exists a negative feedback loop associated with β1-AR regulation through β1-AR/cAMP/PKA/GATA4/let-7a/β1-AR signaling pathway in CIHF. As demonstrated, GATA4 was activated by β1-AR up-regulation through cAMP-PKA signaling pathway in early phase of ischemia, then GATA4 positively regulated let-7a expression which in turn suppressed β1-AR expression. CONCLUSIONS Let-7a regulates β1-AR expression and forms a negative feedback loop with β1-AR signaling pathway in ischemic heart failure. This study provides a new insight into the differential expression of β1-AR in early and later phase of myocardial ischemia.
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Chen X, Gao B, Ponnusamy M, Lin Z, Liu J. MEF2 signaling and human diseases. Oncotarget 2017; 8:112152-112165. [PMID: 29340119 PMCID: PMC5762387 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The members of myocyte Enhancer Factor 2 (MEF2) protein family was previously believed to function in the development of heart and muscle. Recent reports indicate that they are also closely associated with development and progression of many human diseases. Although their role in cancer biology is well established, the molecular mechanisms underlying their action is yet largely unknown. MEF2 family is closely associated with various signaling pathways, including Ca2+ signaling, MAP kinase signaling, Wnt signaling, PI3K/Akt signaling, etc. microRNAs also contribute to regulate the activities of MEF2. In this review, we summarize the known molecular mechanism by which MEF2 family contribute to human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China.,Institute for Translational Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Bing Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China.,School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Murugavel Ponnusamy
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Zhijuan Lin
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China.,School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao 266021, China
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21
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Lu N, Li M, Lei H, Jiang X, Tu W, Lu Y, Xia D. Butyric acid regulates progesterone and estradiol secretion via cAMP signaling pathway in porcine granulosa cells. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2017; 172:89-97. [PMID: 28602959 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2017.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Butyric acid (BA), one of the short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), has positive actions on the metabolism, inflammation, etc. However, whether it influences the reproductive physiology and if so the detail mechanism involved has not yet been determined. In this study, the porcine granulosa cells (PGCs) were treated with gradient concentrations of BA. After 24h culture, 0.05mM BA significantly stimulated the progesterone (P4) secretion (P<0.05), 5mM and 10mM BA significantly inhibited the P4 secretion (P<0.05). Simultaneously, BA up-regulated the estradiol (E2) secretion in a dose dependent manner, 5mM and 10mM BA significantly promoted the E2 level (P<0.05). In addition, 10mM BA significantly promoted the G-protein-coupled receptor 41/43 mRNA (P<0.05). Interestingly, 5mM BA treatment significantly down-regulated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) content (P<0.05), steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR), steroidogenic factor 1 (SF1), P450scc in the mRNA and/or protein level (P<0.05), and these actions were reversed by cAMP activator forskolin (FK). Moreover, the co-treatment of 5mM BA and bupivacaine (BPC, the cAMP inhibitor) significantly accumulated the inhibition action of BPC on cAMP, the secretion of P4, and the abundance of StAR mRNA (P<0.05), inhibited the up-regulation of 5mM BA on the E2 secretion (P<0.05). Further, the Global Proteome and KEGG pathway analysis found that 5mM BA significantly up-regulated the I3LM80 proteins (P<0.05), which is involved in the steroid biosynthesis signaling pathway. 5mM BA significantly decreased the F2Z5G3 protein level (P<0.05), and the cAMP signaling pathway. In conclusion, present findings for the first time demonstrated that BA could regulate the P4 and E2 hormone synthesis in PGCs via the cAMP signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naisheng Lu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Institute of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Sciences, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 201106, PR China.
| | - Mengjiao Li
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Institute of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Sciences, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 201106, PR China.
| | - Hulong Lei
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Institute of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Sciences, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 201106, PR China.
| | - Xueyuan Jiang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Institute of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Sciences, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 201106, PR China.
| | - Weilong Tu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Institute of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Sciences, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 201106, PR China.
| | - Yang Lu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Institute of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Sciences, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 201106, PR China.
| | - Dong Xia
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Breeding Pig, Institute of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary Sciences, Shanghai Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shanghai, 201106, PR China.
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Lee J, Yamazaki T, Dong H, Jefcoate C. A single cell level measurement of StAR expression and activity in adrenal cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 441:22-30. [PMID: 27521960 PMCID: PMC5896326 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) directs mitochondrial cholesterol uptake through a C-terminal cholesterol binding domain (CBD) and a 62 amino acid N-terminal regulatory domain (NTD) that contains an import sequence and conserved sites for inner membrane metalloproteases. Deletion of the NTD prevents mitochondrial import while maintaining steroidogenesis but with compromised cholesterol homeostasis. The rapid StAR-mediated cholesterol transfer in adrenal cells depends on concerted mRNA translation, p37 StAR phosphorylation and controlled NTD cleavage. The NTD controls this process with two cAMP-inducible modulators of, respectively, transcription and translation SIK1 and TIS11b/Znf36l1. High-resolution fluorescence in situ hybridization (HR-FISH) of StAR RNA resolves slow RNA splicing at the gene loci in cAMP-induced Y-1 cells and transfer of individual 3.5 kB mRNA molecules to mitochondria. StAR transcription depends on the CREB coactivator CRTC2 and PKA inhibition of the highly inducible suppressor kinase SIK1 and a basal counterpart SIK2. PKA-inducible TIS11b/Znf36l1 binds specifically to highly conserved elements in exon 7 thereby suppressing formation of mRNA and subsequent translation. Co-expression of SIK1, Znf36l1 with 3.5 kB StAR mRNA may limit responses to pulsatile signaling by ACTH while regulating the transition to more prolonged stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwoo Lee
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Takeshi Yamazaki
- Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States
| | - Colin Jefcoate
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States.
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Bashamboo A, McElreavey K. Mechanism of Sex Determination in Humans: Insights from Disorders of Sex Development. Sex Dev 2016; 10:313-325. [DOI: 10.1159/000452637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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Wen Q, Cheng CY, Liu YX. Development, function and fate of fetal Leydig cells. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2016; 59:89-98. [PMID: 26968934 PMCID: PMC5016207 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2016.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
During fetal testis development, fetal Leydig cells (FLCs) are found to be originated from multiple progenitor cells. FLC specification and function are under tight regulation of specific genes and signaling proteins. Furthermore, Sertoli cells play a crucial role to regulate FLC differentiation during fetal testis development. FLC progenitor- and FLC-produced biomolecules are also involved in the differentiation and activity of rodent FLCs. The main function of FLCs is to produce androgens to masculinize XY embryos. However, FLCs are capable of producing androstenedione but not testosterone due to the lack of 17β-HSD (17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase), but fetal Sertoli cells express 17β-HSD which thus transforms androstenedione to testosterone in the fetal testis. On the other hand, FLCs produce activin A to regulate Sertoli cell proliferation, and Sertoli cells in turn modulate testis cord expansion. It is now generally accepted that adult Leydig cells (ALCs) gradually replace FLCs during postnatal development to produce testosterone to support spermatogenesis as FLCs undergo degeneration in neonatal and pre-pubertal testes. However, based on studies using genetic tracing mouse models, FLCs are found to persist in adult testes, making up ∼20% of total Leydig cells. In this review, we evaluate the latest findings regarding the development, function and fate of FLCs during fetal and adult testis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - C Yan Cheng
- The Mary M. Wohlford Laboratory for Male Contraceptive Research, Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York 10065, United States.
| | - Yi-Xun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cells and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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25
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Abdou HS, Robert NM, Tremblay JJ. Calcium-dependent Nr4a1 expression in mouse Leydig cells requires distinct AP1/CRE and MEF2 elements. J Mol Endocrinol 2016; 56:151-61. [PMID: 26647388 DOI: 10.1530/jme-15-0202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The nuclear receptor NR4A1 is expressed in steroidogenic Leydig cells where it plays pivotal roles by regulating the expression of several genes involved in steroidogenesis and male sex differentiation including Star, HSD3B2, and Insl3 Activation of the cAMP and Ca(2+) signaling pathways in response to LH stimulation leads to a rapid and robust activation of Nr4a1 gene expression that requires the Ca(2+)/CAMKI pathway. However, the downstream transcription factor(s) have yet to be characterized. To identify potential Ca(2+)/CaM effectors responsible for hormone-induced Nr4a1 expression, MA-10 Leydig cells were treated with forskolin to increase endogenous cAMP levels, dantrolene to inhibit endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) release, and W7 to inhibit CaM activity. We identified Ca(2+)-responsive elements located in the discrete regions of the Nr4a1 promoter, which contain binding sites for several transcription factors such as AP1, CREB, and MEF2. We found that one of the three AP1/CRE sites located at -255 bp is the most responsive to the Ca(2+) signaling pathway as are the two MEF2 binding sites at -315 and -285 bp. Furthermore, we found that the hormone-induced recruitment of phospho-CREB and of the co-activator p300 to the Nr4a1 promoter requires the Ca(2+) pathway. Lastly, siRNA-mediated knockdown of CREB impaired NR4A1 expression and steroidogenesis. Together, our data indicate that the Ca(2+) signaling pathway increases Nr4a1 expression in MA-10 Leydig cells, at least in part, by enhancing the recruitment of coactivator most likely through the MEF2, AP1, and CREB transcription factors thus demonstrating an important interplay between the Ca(2+) and cAMP pathways in regulating Nr4a1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Houssein S Abdou
- ReproductionMother and Youth Health, CHUQ Research Centre, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicholas M Robert
- ReproductionMother and Youth Health, CHUQ Research Centre, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jacques J Tremblay
- ReproductionMother and Youth Health, CHUQ Research Centre, Quebec, Canada Centre for Research in Biology of ReproductionDepartment of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec, Canada
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26
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Di-Luoffo M, Brousseau C, Tremblay JJ. MEF2 and NR2F2 cooperate to regulate Akr1c14
gene expression in mouse MA-10 Leydig cells. Andrology 2016; 4:335-44. [DOI: 10.1111/andr.12150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2015] [Revised: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 11/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- M. Di-Luoffo
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health; Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec; Québec City QC Canada
| | - C. Brousseau
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health; Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec; Québec City QC Canada
| | - J. J. Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health; Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec; Québec City QC Canada
- Centre de recherche en biologie de la reproduction; Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproduction; Faculty of Medicine; Université Laval; Québec City QC Canada
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27
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Lee J, Tong T, Duan H, Foong YH, Musaitif I, Yamazaki T, Jefcoate C. Regulation of StAR by the N-terminal Domain and Coinduction of SIK1 and TIS11b/Znf36l1 in Single Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:107. [PMID: 27531991 PMCID: PMC4969582 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cholesterol transfer function of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) is uniquely integrated into adrenal cells, with mRNA translation and protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation occurring at the mitochondrial outer membrane (OMM). The StAR C-terminal cholesterol-binding domain (CBD) initiates mitochondrial intermembrane contacts to rapidly direct cholesterol to Cyp11a1 in the inner membrane (IMM). The conserved StAR N-terminal regulatory domain (NTD) includes a leader sequence targeting the CBD to OMM complexes that initiate cholesterol transfer. Here, we show how the NTD functions to enhance CBD activity delivers more efficiently from StAR mRNA in adrenal cells, and then how two factors hormonally restrain this process. NTD processing at two conserved sequence sites is selectively affected by StAR PKA phosphorylation. The CBD functions as a receptor to stimulate the OMM/IMM contacts that mediate transfer. The NTD controls the transit time that integrates extramitochondrial StAR effects on cholesterol homeostasis with other mitochondrial functions, including ATP generation, inter-organelle fusion, and the major permeability transition pore in partnership with other OMM proteins. PKA also rapidly induces two additional StAR modulators: salt-inducible kinase 1 (SIK1) and Znf36l1/Tis11b. Induced SIK1 attenuates the activity of CRTC2, a key mediator of StAR transcription and splicing, but only as cAMP levels decline. TIS11b inhibits translation and directs the endonuclease-mediated removal of the 3.5-kb StAR mRNA. Removal of either of these functions individually enhances cAMP-mediated induction of StAR. High-resolution fluorescence in situ hybridization (HR-FISH) of StAR RNA reveals asymmetric transcription at the gene locus and slow RNA splicing that delays mRNA formation, potentially to synchronize with cholesterol import. Adrenal cells may retain slow transcription to integrate with intermembrane NTD activation. HR-FISH resolves individual 3.5-kb StAR mRNA molecules via dual hybridization at the 3'- and 5'-ends and reveals an unexpectedly high frequency of 1:1 pairing with mitochondria marked by the matrix StAR protein. This pairing may be central to translation-coupled cholesterol transfer. Altogether, our results show that adrenal cells exhibit high-efficiency StAR activity that needs to integrate rapid cholesterol transfer with homeostasis and pulsatile hormonal stimulation. StAR NBD, the extended 3.5-kb mRNA, SIK1, and Tis11b play important roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwoo Lee
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Tiegang Tong
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Haichuan Duan
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Yee Hoon Foong
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ibrahim Musaitif
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Takeshi Yamazaki
- Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Colin Jefcoate
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- *Correspondence: Colin Jefcoate,
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Di-Luoffo M, Brousseau C, Bergeron F, Tremblay JJ. The Transcription Factor MEF2 Is a Novel Regulator of Gsta Gene Class in Mouse MA-10 Leydig Cells. Endocrinology 2015; 156:4695-706. [PMID: 26393304 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone is essential for spermatogenesis and the development of male sexual characteristics. However, steroidogenesis produces a significant amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can disrupt testosterone production. The myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) is an important regulator of organogenesis and cell differentiation in various tissues. In the testis, MEF2 is present in Sertoli and Leydig cells throughout fetal and adult life. MEF2-deficient MA-10 Leydig cells exhibit a significant decrease in steroidogenesis concomitant with a reduction in glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity and in the expression of the 4 Gsta members (GST) that encode ROS inactivating enzymes. Here, we report a novel role for MEF2 in ROS detoxification by directly regulating Gsta expression in Leydig cells. Endogenous Gsta1-4 mRNA levels were decreased in MEF2-deficient MA-10 Leydig cells. Conversely, overexpression of MEF2 increased endogenous Gsta1 levels. MEF2 recruitment to the proximal Gsta1 promoter and direct binding on the -506-bp MEF2 element were confirmed by chromatin immunoprecipitation and DNA precipitation assays. In MA-10 Leydig cells, MEF2 activates the Gsta1 promoter and cooperates with Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinases I to further enhance Gsta1 promoter activity. These effects were lost when the -506-bp MEF2 element was mutated or when a MEF2-Engrailed dominant negative protein was used. Similar results were obtained on the Gsta2, Gsta3, and Gsta4 promoters, suggesting a global role for MEF2 factors in the regulation of all 4 Gsta genes. Altogether, our results identify a novel role for MEF2 in the expression of genes involved in ROS detoxification, a process essential for adequate testosterone production in Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickaël Di-Luoffo
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health (M.D.-L., C.B., F.B., J.J.T.), Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada G1V 4G2; and Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (J.J.T.), Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada G1V 0A6
| | - Catherine Brousseau
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health (M.D.-L., C.B., F.B., J.J.T.), Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada G1V 4G2; and Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (J.J.T.), Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada G1V 0A6
| | - Francis Bergeron
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health (M.D.-L., C.B., F.B., J.J.T.), Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada G1V 4G2; and Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (J.J.T.), Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada G1V 0A6
| | - Jacques J Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health (M.D.-L., C.B., F.B., J.J.T.), Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada G1V 4G2; and Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (J.J.T.), Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada G1V 0A6
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Tremblay JJ. Molecular regulation of steroidogenesis in endocrine Leydig cells. Steroids 2015; 103:3-10. [PMID: 26254606 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Revised: 07/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Steroid hormones regulate essential physiological processes and inadequate levels are associated with various pathological conditions. Consequently, the process of steroid hormone biosynthesis is finely regulated. In the testis, the main steroidogenic cells are the Leydig cells. There are two distinct populations of Leydig cells that arise during development: fetal and adult Leydig cells. Fetal Leydig cells are responsible for masculinizing the male urogenital tract and inducing testis descent. These cells atrophy shortly after birth and do not contribute to the adult Leydig cell population. Adult Leydig cells derive from undifferentiated precursors present after birth and become fully steroidogenic at puberty. The differentiation of both Leydig cell populations is controlled by locally produced paracrine factors and by endocrine hormones. In fully differentially and steroidogenically active Leydig cells, androgen production and hormone-responsiveness involve various signaling pathways and downstream transcription factors. This review article focuses on recent developments regarding the origin and function of Leydig cells, the regulation of their differentiation by signaling molecules, hormones, and structural changes, the signaling pathways, kinases, and transcription factors involved in their differentiation and in mediating LH-responsiveness, as well as the fine-tuning mechanisms that ensure adequate production steroid hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacques J Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada; Centre for Research in Biology of Reproduction, Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec G1V 0A6, Canada.
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30
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Di-Luoffo M, Daems C, Bergeron F, Tremblay JJ. Novel Targets for the Transcription Factors MEF2 in MA-10 Leydig Cells. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:9. [PMID: 26019261 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.127761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Testosterone production by Leydig cells is a tightly regulated process requiring synchronized expression of several steroidogenic genes by numerous transcription factors. Myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) are transcription factors recently identified in somatic cells of the male gonad. In other tissues, MEF2 factors are essential regulators of organogenesis and cell differentiation. So far in the testis, MEF2 factors were found to regulate Leydig cell steroidogenesis by controlling Nr4a1 and Star gene expression. To expand our understanding of the role of MEF2 in Leydig cells, we performed microarray analyses of MEF2-depleted MA-10 Leydig cells, and the results were analyzed using Partek and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis software. Several genes were differentially expressed in MEF2-depleted Leydig cells, and 16 were validated by quantitative RT-PCR. A large number of these genes are known to be involved in fertility, gonad morphology, and steroidogenesis. These include Ahr, Bmal1, Cyp1b1, Hsd3b1, Hsd17b7, Map2k1, Nr0b2, Pde8a, Por, Smad4, Star, and Tsc22d3, which were all downregulated in the absence of MEF2. In silico analyses revealed the presence of MEF2-binding sites within the first 2 kb upstream of the transcription start site of the Por, Bmal1, and Nr0b2 promoters, suggesting direct regulation by MEF2. Using transient transfections in MA-10 Leydig cells, small interfering RNA knockdown, and a MEF2-Engrailed dominant negative, we found that MEF2 activates the Por, Bmal1, and Nr0b2 promoters and that this requires an intact MEF2 element. Our results identify novel target genes for MEF2 and define MEF2 as an important regulator of Leydig cell function and male reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mickaël Di-Luoffo
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Caroline Daems
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Francis Bergeron
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Jacques J Tremblay
- Reproduction, Mother and Child Health, Centre de recherche du centre hospitalier universitaire de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada Centre de recherche en biologie de la reproduction, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, Canada
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