Expression of laminin and its possible role in adrenal cortex homeostasis

Extracellular Matrix Protein Signatures of the Outer and Inner Zones of the Rat Adrenal Cortex

This study analyzes the extracellular matrix (ECM) signatures of the outer (OF = capsule + subcapsular + zona glomerulosa cells) and inner fractions (IF = zona fasciculata cells) of the rat adrenal cortex, which comprise two distinct microenvironment niches. Proteomic profiles of decellularized OF and IF samples, male and female rats, identified 252 proteins, with 32 classified as ECM-component and ECM-related. Among these, 25 proteins were differentially regulated: 17 more abundant in OF, including Col1a1, Col1a2, Col6a1, Col6a2, Col6a3, Col12a1, Col14a1, Lama5, Lamb2, Lamc1, Eln, Emilin, Fbln5, Fbn1, Fbn2, Nid1, and Ltbp4, and eight more abundant in IF, including Col4a1, Col4a2, Lama2, Lama4, Lamb1, Fn1, Hspg2, and Ecm1. Eln, Tnc, and Nid2 were abundant in the female OF, while Lama2, Lama5, Lamb2, and Lamc1 were more abundant in the male IF. The complex protein signature of the OF suggests areas of tissue stress, stiffness, and regulatory proteins for growth factor signaling. The higher concentrations of Col4a1 and Col4a2 and their role in steroidogenesis should be further investigated in IF. These findings could significantly enhance our understanding of adrenal cortex functionality and its implications for human health and disease. Key findings were validated, and data are available in ProteomeXchange (PXD046828).

Retinoic acid receptor α as a novel contributor to adrenal cortex structure and function through interactions with Wnt and Vegfa signalling

Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most frequent form of secondary arterial hypertension. Mutations in different genes increase aldosterone production in PA, but additional mechanisms may contribute to increased cell proliferation and aldosterone producing adenoma (APA) development. We performed transcriptome analysis in APA and identified retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) signaling as a central molecular network involved in nodule formation. To understand how RARα modulates adrenal structure and function, we explored the adrenal phenotype of male and female Rarα knockout mice. Inactivation of Rarα in mice led to significant structural disorganization of the adrenal cortex in both sexes, with increased adrenal cortex size in female mice and increased cell proliferation in males. Abnormalities of vessel architecture and extracellular matrix were due to decreased Vegfa expression and modifications in extracellular matrix components. On the molecular level, Rarα inactivation leads to inhibition of non-canonical Wnt signaling, without affecting the canonical Wnt pathway nor PKA signaling. Our study suggests that Rarα contributes to the maintenance of normal adrenal cortex structure and cell proliferation, by modulating Wnt signaling. Dysregulation of this interaction may contribute to abnormal cell proliferation, creating a propitious environment for the emergence of specific driver mutations in PA.

Functional Zonation of the Adult Mammalian Adrenal Cortex

The standard model of adrenocortical zonation holds that the three main zones, glomerulosa, fasciculata, and reticularis each have a distinct function, producing mineralocorticoids (in fact just aldosterone), glucocorticoids, and androgens respectively. Moreover, each zone has its specific mechanism of regulation, though ACTH has actions throughout. Finally, the cells of the cortex originate from a stem cell population in the outer cortex or capsule, and migrate centripetally, changing their phenotype as they progress through the zones. Recent progress in understanding the development of the gland and the distribution of steroidogenic enzymes, trophic hormone receptors, and other factors suggests that this model needs refinement. Firstly, proliferation can take place throughout the gland, and although the stem cells are certainly located in the periphery, zonal replenishment can take place within zones. Perhaps more importantly, neither the distribution of enzymes nor receptors suggest that the individual zones are necessarily autonomous in their production of steroid. This is particularly true of the glomerulosa, which does not seem to have the full suite of enzymes required for aldosterone biosynthesis. Nor, in the rat anyway, does it express MC2R to account for the response of aldosterone to ACTH. It is known that in development, recruitment of stem cells is stimulated by signals from within the glomerulosa. Furthermore, throughout the cortex local regulatory factors, including cytokines, catecholamines and the tissue renin-angiotensin system, modify and refine the effects of the systemic trophic factors. In these and other ways it more and more appears that the functions of the gland should be viewed as an integrated whole, greater than the sum of its component parts.

Comparative Effect of ACTH and Related Peptides on Proliferation and Growth of Rat Adrenal Gland

Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is a polypeptide precursor known to yield biologically active peptides related to a range of functions. These active peptides include the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which is essential for maintenance of adrenal growth and steroidogenesis, and the alpha-melanocyte stimulation hormone, which plays a key role in energy homeostasis. However, the role of the highly conserved N-terminal region of POMC peptide fragments has begun to be unraveled only recently. Here, we review the cascade of events involved in regulation of proliferation and growth of murine adrenal cortex triggered by ACTH and other POMC-derived peptides. Key findings regarding signaling pathways and modulation of genes and proteins required for the regulation of adrenal growth are summarized. We have outlined the known mechanisms as well as future challenges for research on the regulation of adrenal proliferation and growth triggered by these peptides.

Moving toward personalized cell-based interventions for adrenal cortical disorders: part 2--Human diseases and tissue engineering

Transdifferentiation of an individual's own cells into functional differentiated cells to replace an organ's lost function would be a personalized approach to therapeutics. In this two part series, we will describe the progress toward establishing functional transdifferentiated adrenal cortical cells. In this article (Part 2), we describe the disorders of the adrenal cortex, therefore establishing why there is the need for personalized cell-based therapy for individuals with these disorders. We then present our pilot studies of cell transdifferentiation toward an adrenal cortical fate using genes described in the first article of this pair (Part 1).

Adrenal extracellular matrix scaffolds support adrenocortical cell proliferation and function in vitro

Transplantation of functional adrenal cortex cells could reduce morbidity and increase the quality of life of patients with adrenal insufficiency. Our aim was to determine whether adrenal extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds promote adrenocortical cell endocrine function and proliferation in vitro. We seeded decellularized porcine adrenal ECM with primary human fetal adrenocortical (HFA) cells. Adrenocortical function was quantified by cortisol secretion of HFA-ECM constructs after stimulation with adrenocorticotropic hormone. Proliferation was assessed by adenosine triphosphate assay. HFA-ECM construct morphology was evaluated by immunofluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Adrenal HFA-ECM constructs coated with laminin were compared to uncoated constructs. Laminin coating did not significantly affect HFA morphology, proliferation, or function. We demonstrated HFA cell attachment to adrenal ECM scaffolds. Cortisol production and HFA cell proliferation were significantly increased in HFA-ECM constructs compared to controls (p < 0.05), and cortisol secretion rate per cell is comparable to that of human adult and fetal explants. We conclude that adrenal ECM supports endocrine function and proliferation of adrenocortical cells in vitro. Adrenal ECM scaffolds may form the basis for biocompatible tissue-engineered adrenal replacements.

A connection between extracellular matrix and hormonal signals during the development of the human fetal adrenal gland

The human adrenal cortex, involved in adaptive responses to stress, body homeostasis and secondary sexual characters, emerges from a tightly regulated development of a zone-specific secretion pattern during fetal life. Its development during fetal life is critical for the well being of pregnancy, the initiation of delivery, and even for an adequate adaptation to extra-uterine life. As early as from the sixth week of pregnancy, the fetal adrenal gland is characterized by a highly proliferative zone at the periphery, a concentric migration accompanied by cell differentiation (cortisol secretion) and apoptosis in the central androgen-secreting fetal zone. After birth, a strong reorganization occurs in the adrenal gland so that it better fulfills the newborn's needs, with aldosterone production in the external zona glomerulosa, cortisol secretion in the zona fasciculata and androgens in the central zona reticularis. In addition to the major hormonal stimuli provided by angiotensin II and adrenocorticotropin, we have tested for some years the hypotheses that such plasticity may be under the control of the extracellular matrix. A growing number of data have been harvested during the last years, in particular about extracellular matrix expression and its putative role in the development of the human adrenal cortex. Laminin, collagen and fibronectin have been shown to play important roles not only in the plasticity of the adrenal cortex, but also in cell responsiveness to hormones, thus clarifying some of the unexplained observations that used to feed controversies.

Regulation of pituitary hormones and cell proliferation by components of the extracellular matrix

The extracellular matrix is a three-dimensional network of proteins, glycosaminoglycans and other macromolecules. It has a structural support function as well as a role in cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. The extracellular matrix conveys signals through membrane receptors called integrins and plays an important role in pituitary physiology and tumorigenesis. There is a differential expression of extracellular matrix components and integrins during the pituitary development in the embryo and during tumorigenesis in the adult. Different extracellular matrix components regulate adrenocorticotropin at the level of the proopiomelanocortin gene transcription. The extracellular matrix also controls the proliferation of adrenocorticotropin-secreting tumor cells. On the other hand, laminin regulates the production of prolactin. Laminin has a dynamic pattern of expression during prolactinoma development with lower levels in the early pituitary hyperplasia and a strong reduction in fully grown prolactinomas. Therefore, the expression of extracellular matrix components plays a role in pituitary tumorigenesis. On the other hand, the remodeling of the extracellular matrix affects pituitary cell proliferation. Matrix metalloproteinase activity is very high in all types of human pituitary adenomas. Matrix metalloproteinase secreted by pituitary cells can release growth factors from the extracellular matrix that, in turn, control pituitary cell proliferation and hormone secretion. In summary, the differential expression of extracellular matrix components, integrins and matrix metalloproteinase contributes to the control of pituitary hormone production and cell proliferation during tumorigenesis.

Mechanism of action of ACTH: beyond cAMP

ACTH is the major regulator of adrenal cortex function, having acute and chronic effects on steroid synthesis and secretion. The precise molecular mechanisms by which ACTH stimulates steroid synthesis and secretion, as well as cell hypertrophy, survival, and migration are still poorly understood. Several studies have shown that ACTH action is mediated not only by cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), but also by calcium (Ca(2+)), both interacting closely through positive feedback loops to enhance steroid secretion. However, in spite of the evidence that ACTH could stimulate other signaling pathways, such as inositol phosphates and diacylglycerol or mitogenic-activated protein kinase pathway (MAPK), none is as potent as cAMP. Recent data indicate that duration and potency of the cAMP production could be modulated by several isoforms of adenylyl cyclases and phosphodiesterases. In addition, calcium is probably not a first second messenger per se; rather, there are several arguments indicating that its increase occurs following cAMP production. Finally, in addition to steroid secretion, ACTH, through cAMP, is a survival factor, protecting cells against apoptosis. All of the effects of ACTH are dependent on cytoskeleton integrity. In summary, after 30 years of intensive research in this field, cAMP remains the first obligatory second messenger of ACTH action. However, recent work emphasizes that cell environment (matrix and cytoskeleton) probably interacts with cAMP to coordinate functions other than steroid secretion.

Identification of two novel ACTH-responsive genes encoding manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (SOD2) and the zinc finger protein TIS11b [tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA)-inducible sequence 11b]

ACTH is the major trophic factor regulating and maintaining adrenocortical function, affecting such diverse processes as steroidogenesis, cell proliferation, cell migration, and cell survival. We used differential display RT-PCR to identify genes that are rapidly induced by ACTH in the bovine adrenal cortex. Of 42 PCR products differentially amplified from primary cultures of bovine adrenocortical cells treated with 10 nM ACTH, six identified mRNAs that were confirmed by Northern blot analysis to be induced by ACTH. Four of these amplicons encoded noninformative repetitive sequences. Of the other two sequenced amplicons, one encoded a partial sequence for mitochondrial manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (SOD2), an enzyme that is likely to protect adrenocortical cells from the cytotoxic effects of radical oxygen species generated during steroid biosynthesis. The second was identified as TIS11b (phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate-inducible sequence 11b)/ERF-1/cMG, a member of the CCCH double-zinc finger protein family. SOD2 induction by ACTH was independent of extracellular steroid concentration or oxidative stress. SOD2 and TIS11b mRNA expressions were rapidly induced by ACTH, reaching a maximal level after 8 h and 3 h of treatment, respectively. These ACTH effects were mimicked by forskolin but appeared independent of cortisol secretion. Upon ACTH treatment, induction of TIS11b expression closely followed the previously characterized peak of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression. Transfection of a TIS11b expression plasmid into 3T3 fibroblasts induced a decrease in the expression of a reporter gene placed upstream of the VEGF 3'-untranslated region, indicating that TIS11b may be an important regulator of VEGF expression through interaction with its 3'-untranslated region.

Fibronectin, laminin, and collagen IV as modulators of cell behavior during adrenal gland development in the human fetus

The specific development of the human fetal adrenal gland requires cell proliferation, migration, apoptosis, and zone-specific steroidogenic activity. The present work was designed to determine the physiological significance of the previously identified spatial distribution of extracellular matrix components in the fetal gland. Primary cultures of human fetal adrenal cells grown on collagen IV, laminin, or fibronectin revealed that cell morphology was affected by environmental cues. Matrices also modulated the profile of steroid secretion by the fetal cells. Collagen IV favored cortisol secretion after ACTH or angiotensin II stimulation and increased dehydroepiandrosterone production when the AT(2) receptor of angiotensin II was specifically stimulated. These effects were correlated by changes in the mRNA levels of 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and cytochrome P450C17. In contrast, fibronectin and laminin decreased cell responsiveness to ACTH in terms of cortisol secretion, but enhanced ACTH-stimulated androgen secretion. Finally, extracellular matrices were able to orchestrate cell behavior. Collagen IV and laminin enhanced cell proliferation, and fibronectin increased cell death. This study is the first to demonstrate that the nature of extracellular matrix coordinates specific steroidogenic pathways and cell turnover in the developing human fetal adrenal gland.

Chromaffin-adrenocortical cell interactions: effects of chromaffin cell activation in adrenal cell cocultures

Although the adrenal cortex and medulla are both involved in the maintenance of homeostasis and stress response, the functional importance of intra-adrenal interactions remains unclear. When primary cocultures of frog (Rana pipiens) adrenocortical and chromaffin cells were used, selective chromaffin cell activation dramatically affected both chromaffin and adrenocortical cells. Depolarization with 50 microm veratridine enhanced chromaffin cell neuronal phenotype, contacts with adrenocortical cells, and secretion of norepinephrine, epinephrine, and serotonin. Time-lapse video microscopy recorded the rapid establishment of growth cones on the activated chromaffin cell neurites, neurite branching, and outgrowth toward adrenocortical cells. Simultaneously, adrenocortical cells migrated toward chromaffin cells. Following chromaffin cell activation, adrenocortical cell Fos protein expression and corticosteroid secretion were increased, indicating that chromaffin cell modulation of adrenocortical cells is at the transcriptional level. These results provide evidence that intra-adrenal interactions affect cellular differentiation and modulate steroidogenesis. Furthermore, this suggests that the activity-related plasticity of chromaffin and adrenocortical cells is developmentally and physiologically important.

Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) expression is strongly induced by ACTH in adrenocortical cells

Besides its acute and chronic effects on corticosteroid synthesis, the pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) regulates diverse adrenocortical biological functions including the synthesis of a number of mitochondrial, cytoplasmic, and secreted proteins. ACTH-induced secreted proteins are candidates to act as local extracellular relays of the hormone in either an autocrine or a paracrine manner. In the present study, we report that stimulation of primary cultures of bovine adrenocortical (BAC) fasciculata cells with 10 nM ACTH for 24 h results in a mean 8 +/- 4-fold induction of the synthesis of a secreted protein presenting an apparent Mr of 21 kDa. Peptide microsequencing and Western blotting allowed us to identify this 21-kDa ACTH-induced protein as the tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2). The induction of TIMP-2 by ACTH required transcription, was mimicked by 8-bromo cyclic 3'-5' adenosine monophosphate, but was not observed in response to angiotensin II, IGF-1, fibroblast growth factor-2, transforming growth factor-beta1, or cortisol treatments. ACTH stimulated TIMP-2 mRNA levels by a factor 4, whereas TIMP-1 mRNA levels were not affected and TIMP-3 mRNA remained undetectable. The biological activity of TIMP-2 varied accordingly, as we observed that the conditioned medium of ACTH-treated BAC cells was four times more potent at inhibiting gelatinolytic activity than was the conditioned medium of control cells. Because the proteolytic activity of both progelatinase-B and progelatinase-A secreted by BAC cells remained latent, whether in the presence or in the absence of ACTH, a paracrine rather than autocrine role is proposed for TIMP-2 in the adrenal cortex.

Differential expression of laminin chains in the human major salivary gland

Laminin represents a macromolecule family. The heterotrimeric isoforms of laminin can be determined by immunohistochemical demonstration of the single chains. The laminin chain heterogeneity of the basement membrane in adult human major salivary glands was evaluated in relation to cellular differentiation of the epithelia and the stromal compartment. Monoclonal antibodies to the laminin alpha1, alpha3 (BM165) chains and epiligrin reacted with the basement membranes of serous and mucous acini and of intercalated, striated and excretory ducts. As evidenced by a double-labelling technique, the alpha2 chain showed a spatial association with the myoepithelium of the acini, whereas the ductal basement membranes containing no myoepithelial cells were negative. Almost exclusively, beta1 chain was detected in acinar basement membrane, beta2 chain whereas in ductal basement membrane. Gamma2 chain is a unique chain belonging to the laminin-5 isoform. It was restricted to the ductal basement membrane. Alpha1, alpha2, beta1, beta2 and gamma1 chains were detected in nerves of salivary tissue and alpha1, alpha3, beta1, beta2 and gamma1 chains and epiligrin in blood vessels. Our results indicate that the acinar ductal unit contains basement membranes with different isoforms, which relate to cell differentiation and cell function.

The alpha chain of laminin-1 is independently secreted and drives secretion of its beta- and gamma-chain partners

A mammalian recombinant strategy was established to dissect rules of basement membrane laminin assembly and secretion. The alpha-, beta-, and gamma-chain subunits of laminin-1 were expressed in all combinations, transiently and/or stably, in a near-null background. In the absence of its normal partners, the alpha chain was secreted as intact protein and protein that had been cleaved in the coiled-coil domain. In contrast, the beta and gamma chains, expressed separately or together, remained intracellular with formation of betabeta or betagamma, but not gammagamma, disulfide-linked dimers. Secretion of the beta and gamma chains required simultaneous expression of all three chains and their assembly into alphabetagamma heterotrimers. Epitope-tagged recombinant alpha subunit and recombinant laminin were affinity-purified from the conditioned medium of alphagamma and alphabetagamma clones. Rotary-shadow electron microscopy revealed that the free alpha subunit is a linear structure containing N-terminal and included globules with a foreshortened long arm, while the trimeric species has the typical four-arm morphology of native laminin. We conclude that the alpha chain can be delivered to the extracellular environment as a single subunit, whereas the beta and gamma chains cannot, and that the alpha chain drives the secretion of the trimeric molecule. Such an alpha-chain-dependent mechanism could allow for the regulation of laminin export into a nascent basement membrane, and might serve an important role in controlling basement membrane formation.