1
|
Pavličev M, McDonough-Goldstein CE, Zupan AM, Muglia L, Hu YC, Kong F, Monangi N, Dagdas G, Zupančič N, Maziarz J, Sinner D, Zhang G, Wagner G, Muglia L. A common allele increases endometrial Wnt4 expression, with antagonistic implications for pregnancy, reproductive cancers, and endometriosis. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1152. [PMID: 38346980 PMCID: PMC10861470 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45338-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The common human SNP rs3820282 is associated with multiple phenotypes including gestational length and likelihood of endometriosis and cancer, presenting a paradigmatic pleiotropic variant. Deleterious pleiotropic mutations cause the co-occurrence of disorders either within individuals, or across population. When adverse and advantageous effects are combined, pleiotropy can maintain high population frequencies of deleterious alleles. To reveal the causal molecular mechanisms of this pleiotropic SNP, we introduced this substitution into the mouse genome by CRISPR/Cas 9. Previous work showed that rs3820282 introduces a high-affinity estrogen receptor alpha-binding site at the Wnt4 locus. Here, we show that this mutation upregulates Wnt4 transcription in endometrial stroma, following the preovulatory estrogen peak. Effects on uterine transcription include downregulation of epithelial proliferation and induction of progesterone-regulated pro-implantation genes. We propose that these changes increase uterine permissiveness to embryo invasion, whereas they decrease resistance to invasion by cancer and endometriotic foci in other estrogen-responsive tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Pavličev
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Complexity Science Hub, Vienna, Austria.
| | | | | | - Lisa Muglia
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Yueh-Chiang Hu
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Fansheng Kong
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nagendra Monangi
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gülay Dagdas
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nina Zupančič
- University Medical Center Ljubljana, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jamie Maziarz
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Debora Sinner
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ge Zhang
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Günter Wagner
- Department of Evolutionary Biology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Yale Systems Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, USA
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, USA
| | - Louis Muglia
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Burroughs Wellcome Fund, Research Triangle Park, NC, Durham, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gong C, Yang W, Liu X, Li X, Wang Y, Tian C. Low follistatin level is a causal risk factor for spontaneous abortion: a two-sample mendelian randomization study. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1255591. [PMID: 38234423 PMCID: PMC10792017 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1255591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Recurrent pregnancy loss is a distressing event during pregnancy, and understanding its causal factors is crucial. Follistatin, a glycoprotein involved in folliculogenesis and embryogenesis, has been implicated as a potential contributor to the risk of spontaneous abortion. However, establishing a causal relationship requires rigorous investigation using robust methods. Methods In this study, we utilized mendelian randomization (MR), a powerful genetic epidemiological approach, to examine the causal relationship between follistatin levels and spontaneous abortion. We obtained instrumental variables strongly associated with follistatin levels from large-scale genome-wide association from the IEU database. The inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was taken as gold standard. We also performed sensitivity test to evaluate the robustness of our result. Results MR analysis revealed a significant causal relationship between low follistatin levels and spontaneous abortion (p = 0.03). Sensitivity analyses, including pleiotropy test, heterogeneity test, and leave-one-out analysis, all supported the robustness of our findings. Conclusion Our study provides compelling evidence supporting the causal relationship between low follistatin levels and increased risk of spontaneous abortion. These findings underscore the importance of follistatin in the etiology of spontaneous abortion and suggest potential preventive interventions. Modulating follistatin levels or relevant pathways could hold promise for reducing the incidence of spontaneous abortion and improving reproductive outcomes. The utilization of MRs strengthens the validity of our results by mitigating confounding and reverse causality biases. Further research is needed to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms and explore therapeutic strategies targeting follistatin levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chen Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Wenzhi Yang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Medical Genetics, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xinliang Li
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Medical Genetics, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yutong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Chan Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Female Fertility Promotion, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Peking University, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, China
- Department of Medical Genetics, Center for Medical Genetics, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Du J, Jones T. Technical opportunities and challenges in developing total-body PET scanners for mice and rats. EJNMMI Phys 2023; 10:2. [PMID: 36592266 PMCID: PMC9807733 DOI: 10.1186/s40658-022-00523-6] [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: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Positron emission tomography (PET) is the most sensitive in vivo molecular imaging technique available. Small animal PET has been widely used in studying pharmaceutical biodistribution and disease progression over time by imaging a wide range of biological processes. However, it remains true that almost all small animal PET studies using mouse or rat as preclinical models are either limited by the spatial resolution or the sensitivity (especially for dynamic studies), or both, reducing the quantitative accuracy and quantitative precision of the results. Total-body small animal PET scanners, which have axial lengths longer than the nose-to-anus length of the mouse/rat and can provide high sensitivity across the entire body of mouse/rat, can realize new opportunities for small animal PET. This article aims to discuss the technical opportunities and challenges in developing total-body small animal PET scanners for mice and rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Du
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| | - Terry Jones
- grid.27860.3b0000 0004 1936 9684Department of Radiology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA 95616 USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Biniwale S, Wijayarathna R, Pleuger C, Bhushan S, Loveland KL, Meinhardt A, Hedger MP. Regulation of macrophage number and gene transcript levels by activin A and its binding protein, follistatin, in the testes of adult mice. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 151:103618. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
5
|
Lai Y, Wang Q, Zhou S, Xie Z, Qi J, Cherry SR, Jin M, Chi Y, Du J. H 2RSPET: a 0.5 mm resolution high-sensitivity small-animal PET scanner, a simulation study. Phys Med Biol 2021; 66:065016. [PMID: 33571980 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/abe558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
With the goal of developing a total-body small-animal PET system with a high spatial resolution of ∼0.5 mm and a high sensitivity >10% for mouse/rat studies, we simulated four scanners using the graphical processing unit-based Monte Carlo simulation package (gPET) and compared their performance in terms of spatial resolution and sensitivity. We also investigated the effect of depth-of-interaction (DOI) resolution on the spatial resolution. All the scanners are built upon 128 DOI encoding dual-ended readout detectors with lutetium yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) arrays arranged in 8 detector rings. The solid angle coverages of the four scanners are all ∼0.85 steradians. Each LYSO element has a cross-section of 0.44 × 0.44 mm2 and the pitch size of the LYSO arrays are all 0.5 mm. The four scanners can be divided into two groups: (1) H2RS110-C10 and H2RS110-C20 with 40 × 40 LYSO arrays, a ring diameter of 110 mm and axial length of 167 mm, and (2) H2RS160-C10 and H2RS160-C20 with 60 × 60 LYSO arrays, a diameter of 160 mm and axial length of 254 mm. C10 and C20 denote the crystal thickness of 10 and 20 mm, respectively. The simulation results show that all scanners have a spatial resolution better than 0.5 mm at the center of the field-of-view (FOV). The radial resolution strongly depends on the DOI resolution and radial offset, but not the axial resolution and tangential resolution. Comparing the C10 and C20 designs, the former provides better resolution, especially at positions away from the center of the FOV, whereas the latter has 2× higher sensitivity (∼10% versus ∼20%). This simulation study provides evidence that the 110 mm systems are a good choice for total-body mouse studies at a lower cost, whereas the 160 mm systems are suited for both total-body mouse and rat studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youfang Lai
- Department of Physics, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States of America
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lepletier A, Hun ML, Hammett MV, Wong K, Naeem H, Hedger M, Loveland K, Chidgey AP. Interplay between Follistatin, Activin A, and BMP4 Signaling Regulates Postnatal Thymic Epithelial Progenitor Cell Differentiation during Aging. Cell Rep 2020; 27:3887-3901.e4. [PMID: 31242421 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.05.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 04/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
A key feature of immune functional impairment with age is the progressive involution of thymic tissue responsible for naive T cell production. In this study, we identify two major phases of thymic epithelial cell (TEC) loss during aging: a block in mature TEC differentiation from the pool of immature precursors, occurring at the onset of puberty, followed by impaired bipotent TEC progenitor differentiation and depletion of Sca-1lo cTEC and mTEC lineage-specific precursors. We reveal that an increase in follistatin production by aging TECs contributes to their own demise. TEC loss occurs primarily through the antagonism of activin A signaling, which we show is required for TEC maturation and acts in dissonance to BMP4, which promotes the maintenance of TEC progenitors. These results support a model in which an imbalance of activin A and BMP4 signaling underpins the degeneration of postnatal TEC maintenance during aging, and its reversal enables the transient replenishment of mature TECs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ailin Lepletier
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Michael L Hun
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Maree V Hammett
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Kahlia Wong
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Haroon Naeem
- Monash Bioinformatics Platform, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Mark Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Kate Loveland
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia; Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Sciences, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Ann P Chidgey
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fullerton PT, Monsivais D, Kommagani R, Matzuk MM. Follistatin is critical for mouse uterine receptivity and decidualization. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:E4772-E4781. [PMID: 28559342 PMCID: PMC5474784 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1620903114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Embryo implantation remains a significant challenge for assisted reproductive technology, with implantation failure occurring in ∼50% of in vitro fertilization attempts. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying uterine receptivity will enable the development of new interventions and biomarkers. TGFβ family signaling in the uterus is critical for establishing and maintaining pregnancy. Follistatin (FST) regulates TGFβ family signaling by selectively binding TGFβ family ligands and sequestering them. In humans, FST is up-regulated in the decidua during early pregnancy, and women with recurrent miscarriage have lower endometrial expression of FST during the luteal phase. Because global knockout of Fst is perinatal lethal in mice, we generated a conditional knockout (cKO) of Fst in the uterus using progesterone receptor-cre to study the roles of uterine Fst during pregnancy. Uterine Fst-cKO mice demonstrate severe fertility defects and deliver only 2% of the number of pups delivered by control females. In Fst-cKO mice, the uterine luminal epithelium does not respond properly to estrogen and progesterone signals and remains unreceptive to embryo attachment by continuing to proliferate and failing to differentiate. The uterine stroma of Fst-cKO mice also responds poorly to artificial decidualization, with lower levels of proliferation and differentiation. In the absence of uterine FST, activin B expression and signaling are up-regulated, and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signals are impaired. Our findings support a model in which repression of activin signaling by FST enables uterine receptivity by preserving critical BMP signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul T Fullerton
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Ramakrishna Kommagani
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| | - Martin M Matzuk
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030;
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
- Department of Pharmacology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Wijayarathna R, Sarraj MA, Genovese R, Girling JE, Michel V, Ludlow H, Loveland KL, Meinhardt A, de Kretser DM, Hedger MP. Activin and follistatin interactions in the male reproductive tract: activin expression and morphological abnormalities in mice lacking follistatin 288. Andrology 2017; 5:578-588. [PMID: 28235253 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Activin A is an important regulator of testicular and epididymal development and function, as well as inflammation and immunity. In the adult murine reproductive tract, activin A mRNA (Inhba) expression levels are highest in the caput epididymis and decrease progressively towards the distal vas deferens. The activin-binding protein, follistatin (FST), shows the opposite expression pattern, with exceptionally high levels of the Fst288 mRNA variant in the vas deferens. This unique pattern of expression suggests that activin A and follistatin, in particular FST288, play region-specific roles in regulating the epididymis and vas deferens. The cellular distribution of activin and follistatin and structural organization of the male reproductive tract was examined in wild-type and transgenic (TghFST315) mice lacking FST288. Compared to wild-type littermates, TghFST315 mice showed a 50% reduction in serum follistatin and a significant elevation of both activin A and B. Testicular, epididymal and seminal vesicle weights were reduced, but intra-testicular testosterone was normal. A decrease in the epididymal duct diameter in the corpus and thickening of the peritubular smooth muscle in the cauda, together with increased coiling of the proximal vas deferens, were observed in TghFST315 mice. No immune cell infiltrates were detected. Immunohistochemistry indicated that epithelial cells are the main source of activins and follistatin in the epididymis and vas deferens. Activin A, but not activin B, was also localized to sperm heads in the lumen of the epididymis and vas deferens. Expression of Inhba and another immunoregulatory gene, indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (Ido-1), was increased approximately twofold in the TghFST315 caput epididymis, but several other genes associated with immunoregulation, inflammation or fibrosis were unaffected. Our novel data indicate that disruption of follistatin expression has significant effects on the testis and epididymis, and suggest an association between activin A and indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase in the caput epididymis, with implications for the epididymal immunoenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Wijayarathna
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - M A Sarraj
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - R Genovese
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - J E Girling
- Gynaecology Research Centre, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The University of Melbourne and Royal Women's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - V Michel
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - H Ludlow
- Oxford Brookes University, Oxford, UK
| | - K L Loveland
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - A Meinhardt
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Justus-Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - D M de Kretser
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - M P Hedger
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shi L, Resaul J, Owen S, Ye L, Jiang WG. Clinical and Therapeutic Implications of Follistatin in Solid Tumours. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2017; 13:425-435. [PMID: 27807065 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Follistatin (FST), as a single-chain glycosylated protein, has two major isoforms, FST288 and FST315. The FST315 isoform is the predominant form whilst the FST288 variant accounts for less than 5% of the encoded mRNA. FST is differentially expressed in human tissues and aberrant expression has been observed in a variety of solid tumours, including gonadal, gastric and lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Based on the current evidence, FST is an antagonist of transforming growth factor beta family members, such as activin and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). FST plays a role in tumourigenesis, metastasis and angiogenesis of solid tumours through its interaction with activin and BMPs, thus resulting in pathophysiological function. In terms of diagnosis, prognosis and therapy, FST has shown strong promise. Through a better understanding of its biological functions, potential clinical applications may yet emerge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Shi
- Urology Department, Yantai Yu Huang Ding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong Province, P.R. China.,Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Jeyna Resaul
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Sioned Owen
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Lin Ye
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Wen G Jiang
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Hansen JS, Plomgaard P. Circulating follistatin in relation to energy metabolism. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 433:87-93. [PMID: 27264073 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Revised: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Recently, substantial evidence has emerged that the liver contributes significantly to the circulating levels of follistatin and that circulating follistatin is tightly regulated by the glucagon-to-insulin ratio. Both observations are based on investigations of healthy subjects. These novel findings challenge the present view of circulating follistatin in human physiology, being that circulating follistatin is a result of spill-over from para/autocrine actions in various tissues and cells. Follistatin as a liver-derived protein under the regulation of glucagon-to-insulin ratio suggests a relation to energy metabolism. In this narrative review, we attempt to reconcile the existing findings on circulating follistatin with the novel concept that circulating follistatin is a liver-derived molecule regulated by the glucagon-to-insulin ratio. The picture emerging is that conditions associated with elevated levels of circulating follistatin have a metabolic denominator with decreased insulin sensitivity and/or hyperglucagoneimia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jakob Schiøler Hansen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism, Centre for Physical Activity Research, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Plomgaard
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark; The Centre of Inflammation and Metabolism, Centre for Physical Activity Research, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Namwanje M, Brown CW. Activins and Inhibins: Roles in Development, Physiology, and Disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2016; 8:cshperspect.a021881. [PMID: 27328872 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a021881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Since their original discovery as regulators of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) secretion and erythropoiesis, the TGF-β family members activin and inhibin have been shown to participate in a variety of biological processes, from the earliest stages of embryonic development to highly specialized functions in terminally differentiated cells and tissues. Herein, we present the history, structures, signaling mechanisms, regulation, and biological processes in which activins and inhibins participate, including several recently discovered biological activities and functional antagonists. The potential therapeutic relevance of these advances is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Namwanje
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030
| | - Chester W Brown
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030 Texas Children's Hospital, Houston, Texas 77030
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wijayarathna R, de Kretser DM. Activins in reproductive biology and beyond. Hum Reprod Update 2016; 22:342-57. [PMID: 26884470 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmv058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activins are members of the pleiotrophic family of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) superfamily of cytokines, initially isolated for their capacity to induce the release of FSH from pituitary extracts. Subsequent research has demonstrated that activins are involved in multiple biological functions including the control of inflammation, fibrosis, developmental biology and tumourigenesis. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the roles of activin in reproductive and developmental biology. It also discusses interesting advances in the field of modulating the bioactivity of activins as a therapeutic target, which would undoubtedly be beneficial for patients with reproductive pathology. METHODS A comprehensive literature search was carried out using PUBMED and Google Scholar databases to identify studies in the English language which have contributed to the advancement of the field of activin biology, since its initial isolation in 1987 until July 2015. 'Activin', 'testis', 'ovary', 'embryonic development' and 'therapeutic targets' were used as the keywords in combination with other search phrases relevant to the topic of activin biology. RESULTS Activins, which are dimers of inhibin β subunits, act via a classical TGF-β signalling pathway. The bioactivity of activin is regulated by two endogenous inhibitors, inhibin and follistatin. Activin is a major regulator of testicular and ovarian development. In the ovary, activin A promotes oocyte maturation and regulates granulosa cell steroidogenesis. It is also essential in endometrial repair following menstruation, decidualization and maintaining pregnancy. Dysregulation of the activin-follistatin-inhibin system leads to disorders of female reproduction and pregnancy, including polycystic ovary syndrome, ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, fetal growth restriction, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and pre-term birth. Moreover, a rise in serum activin A, accompanied by elevated FSH, is characteristic of female reproductive aging. In the male, activin A is an autocrine and paracrine modulator of germ cell development and Sertoli cell proliferation. Disruption of normal activin signalling is characteristic of many tumours affecting reproductive organs, including endometrial carcinoma, cervical cancer, testicular and ovarian cancer as well as prostate cancer. While activin A and B aid the progression of many tumours of the reproductive organs, activin C acts as a tumour suppressor. Activins are important in embryonic induction, morphogenesis of branched glandular organs, development of limbs and nervous system, craniofacial and dental development and morphogenesis of the Wolffian duct. CONCLUSIONS The field of activin biology has advanced considerably since its initial discovery as an FSH stimulating agent. Now, activin is well known as a growth factor and cytokine that regulates many aspects of reproductive biology, developmental biology and also inflammation and immunological mechanisms. Current research provides evidence for novel roles of activins in maintaining the structure and function of reproductive and other organ systems. The fact that activin A is elevated both locally as well as systemically in major disorders of the reproductive system makes it an important biomarker. Given the established role of activin A as a pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic agent, studies of its involvement in disorders of reproduction resulting from these processes should be examined. Follistatin, as a key regulator of the biological actions of activin, should be evaluated as a therapeutic agent in conditions where activin A overexpression is established as a contributing factor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R Wijayarathna
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31, Wright Street, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - D M de Kretser
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31, Wright Street, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zheng J, Xiao X, Zhang Q, Yu M, Xu J, Wang Z. Maternal protein restriction induces early-onset glucose intolerance and alters hepatic genes expression in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor pathway in offspring. J Diabetes Investig 2014; 6:269-79. [PMID: 25969711 PMCID: PMC4420558 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.12303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2014] [Revised: 08/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/21/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aims/Introduction Maternal undernutrition during pregnancy and/or lactation can alter the offspring's response to environmental challenges, and thus increases the risk of the development of metabolic diseases at a later age. However, whether maternal protein restriction can modulate glucose metabolism in the early life of offspring is less understood. Furthermore, we explored the potential underlying mechanisms that illustrate this phenotype. Materials and Methods To test this hypothesis, we examined the offspring of C57BL/6J mice at weaning to determine the effects of feeding their mothers a low-protein diet or normal chow diet throughout pregnancy and lactation. Gene array experiments and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction were utilized to explore the altered hepatic genes expression. Results The offspring of dams fed a low-protein diet had a lower birthweight and bodyweight, impaired glucose tolerance, decreased insulin sensitivity, and decreased serum cholesterol at weaning. Using gene array experiments, 253 differentially expressed genes were identified in the liver tissues of the offspring between the two groups. Bioinformatic analyses showed that all differentially expressed genes were mapped to 11 pathways. We focused on the ‘peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway,’ because peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors have emerged as central regulators of glucose and lipid homeostasis. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was utilized for the validation of genes in the pathway. Conclusions A maternal low-protein diet during pregnancy and lactation promotes early-onset glucose intolerance in the offspring mice, and the altered hepatic genes expression in peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor signaling pathway could play role in regulating this phenomenon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Diabetes Research Center of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China
| | - Xinhua Xiao
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Diabetes Research Center of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Diabetes Research Center of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Diabetes Research Center of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China
| | - Jianping Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Diabetes Research Center of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China
| | - Zhixin Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Key Laboratory of Endocrinology, Ministry of Health, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Diabetes Research Center of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Makanji Y, Zhu J, Mishra R, Holmquist C, Wong WPS, Schwartz NB, Mayo KE, Woodruff TK. Inhibin at 90: from discovery to clinical application, a historical review. Endocr Rev 2014; 35:747-94. [PMID: 25051334 PMCID: PMC4167436 DOI: 10.1210/er.2014-1003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
When it was initially discovered in 1923, inhibin was characterized as a hypophysiotropic hormone that acts on pituitary cells to regulate pituitary hormone secretion. Ninety years later, what we know about inhibin stretches far beyond its well-established capacity to inhibit activin signaling and suppress pituitary FSH production. Inhibin is one of the major reproductive hormones involved in the regulation of folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis. Although the physiological role of inhibin as an activin antagonist in other organ systems is not as well defined as it is in the pituitary-gonadal axis, inhibin also modulates biological processes in other organs through paracrine, autocrine, and/or endocrine mechanisms. Inhibin and components of its signaling pathway are expressed in many organs. Diagnostically, inhibin is used for prenatal screening of Down syndrome as part of the quadruple test and as a biochemical marker in the assessment of ovarian reserve. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of our current understanding of the biological role of inhibin, its relationship with activin, its signaling mechanisms, and its potential value as a diagnostic marker for reproductive function and pregnancy-associated conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yogeshwar Makanji
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology (Y.M., J.Z., C.H., W.P.S.W., T.K.W.), Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60610; Center for Molecular Innovation and Drug Discovery (R.M., C.H.), Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208; and Department of Molecular Biosciences (N.B.S., K.E.M., T.K.W.), Center for Reproductive Science, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Computational designing of a poly-epitope fecundity vaccine for multiple species of livestock. Vaccine 2013; 32:11-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2013.10.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 10/19/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
|
16
|
Godfraind C, Calicchio ML, Kozakewich H. Pyogenic granuloma, an impaired wound healing process, linked to vascular growth driven by FLT4 and the nitric oxide pathway. Mod Pathol 2013; 26:247-55. [PMID: 22955520 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.2012.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pyogenic granuloma, also called lobular capillary hemangioma, is a condition usually occurring in skin or mucosa and often related to prior local trauma or pregnancy. However, the etiopathogenesis of pyogenic granuloma is poorly understood and whether pyogenic granuloma being a reactive process or a tumor is unknown. In an attempt to clarify this issue, we performed genome-wide transcriptional profiling of laser-captured vessels from pyogenic granuloma and from a richly vascularized tissue, placenta, as well as, from proliferative and involutive hemangiomas. Our study identified a gene signature specific to pyogenic granuloma. In the serial analysis of gene expression (SAGE) database, this signature was linked to 'white blood cells monocytes'. It also demonstrated high enrichment for gene ontology terms corresponding to 'vasculature development' and 'regulation of blood pressure'. This signature included genes of the nitric oxide pathway alongside genes related to hypoxia-induced angiogenesis and vascular injury, three conditions biologically interconnected. Finally, one of the genes specifically associated with pyogenic granuloma was FLT4, a tyrosine-kinase receptor related to pathological angiogenesis. All together, these data advocate for pyogenic granuloma to be a reactive lesion resulting from tissue injury, followed by an impaired wound healing response, during which vascular growth is driven by FLT4 and the nitric oxide pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Godfraind
- Laboratory of Pathology, Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, Catholic university of Louvain, Brussels, Belgium.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Chalmel F, Lardenois A, Georg I, Barrionuevo F, Demougin P, Jégou B, Scherer G, Primig M. Genome-wide identification of Sox8-, and Sox9-dependent genes during early post-natal testis development in the mouse. Andrology 2013; 1:281-92. [PMID: 23315995 DOI: 10.1111/j.2047-2927.2012.00049.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2012] [Revised: 11/14/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
The SOX8 and SOX9 transcription factors are involved in, among others, sex differentiation, male gonad development and adult maintenance of spermatogenesis. Sox8(-/-) mice lacking Sox9 in Sertoli cells fail to form testis cords and cannot establish spermatogenesis. Although genetic and histological data show an important role for these transcription factors in regulating spermatogenesis, it is not clear which genes depend upon them at a genome-wide level. To identify transcripts that respond to the absence of Sox8 in all cells and Sox9 in Sertoli cells we measured mRNA concentrations in testicular samples from mice at 0, 6 and 18 days post-partum. In total, 621 and 629 transcripts were found at decreased or increased levels, respectively, at different time points in the mutant as compared to the control samples. These mRNAs were categorized as preferentially expressed in Sertoli cells or germ cells using data obtained with male and female gonad samples and enriched testicular cell populations. Five candidate genes were validated at the protein level. Furthermore, we identified putative direct SOX8 and SOX9 target genes by integrating predicted SOX-binding sites present in potential regulatory regions upstream of the transcription start site. Finally, we used protein network data to gain insight into the effects on regulatory interactions that occur when Sox8 and Sox9 are absent in developing Sertoli cells. The integration of testicular samples with enriched Sertoli cells, germ cells and female gonads enabled us to broadly distinguish transcripts directly affected in Sertoli cells from others that respond to secondary events in testicular cell types. Thus, combined RNA profiling signals, motif predictions and network data identified putative SOX8/SOX9 target genes in Sertoli cells and yielded insight into regulatory interactions that depend upon these transcription factors. In addition, our results will facilitate the interpretation of genome-wide in vivo SOX8 and SOX9 DNA binding data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Chalmel
- Inserm, U1085-Irset, University of Rennes 1, Rennes, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liu L, Tan R, Liu J, Cui Y, Liu J, Wu J. Mutational analysis of theFSTgene in Chinese women with idiopathic premature ovarian failure. Climacteric 2012; 16:469-72. [DOI: 10.3109/13697137.2012.733982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
|
19
|
Fitzgerald AM, Benz C, Clark AF, Wordinger RJ. The effects of transforming growth factor-β2 on the expression of follistatin and activin A in normal and glaucomatous human trabecular meshwork cells and tissues. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2012; 53:7358-69. [PMID: 23010638 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.12-10292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To compare follistatin (FST) and activin (Act) expression in normal and glaucomatous trabecular meshwork (TM) cells and tissues and determine if exogenous TGF-β2 regulates the expression of FST and Act in TM cells. METHODS Total RNA was isolated from TM cell strains, and mRNA expression for FST 317/344 isoforms and Act was determined via RT-PCR and quantitative PCR (qPCR). Western immunoblotting and immunocytochemistry determined FST and Act A protein levels in normal TM (NTM) and glaucomatous TM (GTM) cells. Cells were treated with recombinant human TGF-β2 protein at 0 to 10 ng/mL for 0 to 72 hours. qPCR, Western immunoblotting, immunocytochemistry, and ELISA immunoassay were utilized to determine changes in FST and Act A mRNA and protein levels. In addition, NTM and GTM tissue samples were examined by immunohistochemistry for expression of FST, FST 315, FST 288, and Act A. RESULTS Both FST mRNA and protein levels were significantly elevated in GTM cells. FST mRNA transcripts FST 317/344 were also significantly elevated in GTM cells. Immunohistochemistry showed FST levels were significantly elevated in GTM tissues. Exogenous TGF-β2 significantly induced FST mRNA and protein expression. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated that Act A protein levels were significantly higher in NTM tissues compared to GTM tissues. CONCLUSIONS FST is elevated in GTM cells and tissues. FST is known to be an inhibitor of bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), which, coupled with the ability of TGF-β2 to upregulate FST levels, may indicate a possible role of FST in the pathogenesis of glaucoma. These results suggest that additional endogenous molecules in human TM may regulate TGF-β2 signaling via inhibition of BMP family members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M Fitzgerald
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy and the North Texas Eye Research Institute, University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Bilezikjian LM, Justice NJ, Blackler AN, Wiater E, Vale WW. Cell-type specific modulation of pituitary cells by activin, inhibin and follistatin. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2012; 359:43-52. [PMID: 22330643 PMCID: PMC3367026 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2011] [Revised: 01/26/2012] [Accepted: 01/30/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Activins are multifunctional proteins and members of the TGF-β superfamily. Activins are expressed locally in most tissues and, analogous to the actions of other members of this large family of pleiotropic factors, play prominent roles in the regulation of diverse biological processes in both differentiated and embryonic stem cells. They have an essential role in maintaining tissue homeostasis in the adult and are known to contribute to the developmental programs in the embryo. Activins are further implicated in the growth and metastasis of tumor cells. Through distinct modes of action, inhibins and follistatins function as antagonists of activin and several other TGF-β family members, including a subset of BMPs/GDFs, and modulate cellular responses and the signaling cascades downstream of these ligands. In the pituitary, the activin pathway is known to regulate key aspects of gonadotrope functions and also exert effects on other pituitary cell types. As in other tissues, activin is produced locally by pituitary cells and acts locally by exerting cell-type specific actions on gonadotropes. These local actions of activin on gonadotropes are modulated by the autocrine/paracrine actions of locally secreted follistatin and by the feedback actions of gonadal inhibin. Knowledge about the mechanism of activin, inhibin and follistatin actions is providing information about their importance for pituitary function as well as their contribution to the pathophysiology of pituitary adenomas. The aim of this review is to highlight recent findings and summarize the evidence that supports the important functions of activin, inhibin and follistatin in the pituitary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise M Bilezikjian
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sharkey DJ, Macpherson AM, Tremellen KP, Mottershead DG, Gilchrist RB, Robertson SA. TGF-β Mediates Proinflammatory Seminal Fluid Signaling in Human Cervical Epithelial Cells. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2012; 189:1024-35. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1200005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
|
22
|
Sarraj MA, Drummond AE. Mammalian foetal ovarian development: consequences for health and disease. Reproduction 2012; 143:151-63. [DOI: 10.1530/rep-11-0247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The development of a normal ovary during foetal life is essential for the production and ovulation of a high-quality oocyte in adult life. Early in embryogenesis, the primordial germ cells (PGCs) migrate to and colonise the genital ridges. Once the PGCs reach the bipotential gonad, the absence of the sex-determining region on the Y chromosome (SRY) gene and the presence of female-specific genes ensure that the indifferent gonad takes the female pathway and an ovary forms. PGCs enter into meiosis, transform into oogonia and ultimately give rise to oocytes that are later surrounded by granulosa cells to form primordial follicles. Various genes and signals are implicated in germ and somatic cell development, leading to successful follicle formation and normal ovarian development. This review focuses on the differentiation events, cellular processes and molecular mechanisms essential for foetal ovarian development in the mice and humans. A better understanding of these early cellular and morphological events will facilitate further study into the regulation of oocyte development, manifestation of ovarian disease and basis of female infertility.
Collapse
|
23
|
Craythorn RG, Winnall WR, Lederman F, Gold EJ, O'Connor AE, de Kretser DM, Hedger MP, Rogers PAW, Girling JE. Progesterone stimulates expression of follistatin splice variants Fst288 and Fst315 in the mouse uterus. Reprod Biomed Online 2011; 24:364-74. [PMID: 22285243 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2011.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2011] [Revised: 12/07/2011] [Accepted: 12/13/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin, an inhibitor of activin A, has key regulatory roles in the female reproductive tract. Follistatin has two splice variants: FST288, largely associated with cell surfaces, and FST315, the predominant circulating form. The mechanism regulating uterine expression of these variants is unknown. Quantitative RT-PCR was used to measure expression of follistatin splice variants (Fst288, Fst315), the activin bA subunit (Inhba) and the inhibin a subunit (Inha) in uterine tissues during early pregnancy (days 1–4, preimplantation) and in response to exogenous 17b-oestradiol (single s.c. injection) and progesterone (three daily s.c. injections) in ovariectomized mice. Uterine Fst288, Fst315 and Inhba expression increased during early pregnancy, with greater increases in Fst315 relative to Fst288 suggesting differential regulation of these variants. Fst288, Fst315, Inhba and Inha all increased in response to progesterone treatment. Fst288, but not Fst315, mRNA decreased in response to 17b-oestradiol treatment, whereas Inhba increased. A comparison of the absolute concentrations of uterine follistatin mRNA using crossing thresholds indicated that both variants were more highly expressed in early pregnancy in contrast to the hormone treatment models. It is concluded that progesterone regulates uterine expression of both follistatin variants, as well as activin A, during early pregnancy in the mouse uterus
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R G Craythorn
- Centre for Women's Health Research, Monash University Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, 246 Clayton Road, Clayton, Victoria 3168, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Migone FF, Ren Y, Cowan RG, Harman RM, Nikitin AY, Quirk SM. Dominant activation of the hedgehog signaling pathway alters development of the female reproductive tract. Genesis 2011; 50:28-40. [PMID: 21809434 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.20786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2011] [Revised: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The role of hedgehog (HH) signaling in reproductive tract development was studied in mice in which a dominant active allele of the signal transducer smoothened (SmoM2) was conditionally expressed in the Müllerian duct and ovary. Mutant females are infertile, primarily because they fail to ovulate. Levels of mRNA for targets of HH signaling, Gli1, Ptch1, and Hhip, were elevated in reproductive tracts of 24-day-old mutant mice, confirming overactivation of HH signaling. The tracts of mutant mice developed abnormally. The uterine luminal epithelium had a simple columnar morphology in control mice, but in mutants contained stratified squamous cells typical of the cervix and vagina. In mutant mice, the number of uterine glands were reduced and the oviducts were not coiled. Expression of genes within the Hox and Wnt families that regulate patterning of the reproductive tract were altered. Hoxa13, which is normally expressed primarily in the vagina and cervix, was expressed at 12-fold higher levels in the uterus of mutant mice compared with controls. Wnt5a, which is required for development of the cervix and vagina and postnatal differentiation of the uterus, was expressed at higher levels in the oviduct and uterus of mutant mice compared with controls. Mating mutant females with fertile or vasectomized males induced a severe inflammatory response in the tract. In summary, overactivation of HH signaling causes aberrant development of the reproductive tract. The phenotype observed could be mediated by ectopic expression of Hoxa13 in the uterus and elevated levels of Wnt5a in the oviducts and uterus.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fernando F Migone
- Department of Animal Science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hedger MP, Winnall WR, Phillips DJ, de Kretser DM. The regulation and functions of activin and follistatin in inflammation and immunity. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2011; 85:255-97. [PMID: 21353885 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385961-7.00013-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The activins are members of the transforming growth factor β superfamily with broad and complex effects on cell growth and differentiation. Activin A has long been known to be a critical regulator of inflammation and immunity, and similar roles are now emerging for activin B, with which it shares 65% sequence homology. These molecules and their binding protein, follistatin, are widely expressed, and their production is increased in many acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. Synthesis and release of the activins are stimulated by inflammatory cytokines, Toll-like receptor ligands, and oxidative stress. The activins interact with heterodimeric serine/threonine kinase receptor complexes to activate SMAD transcription factors and the MAP kinase signaling pathways, which mediate inflammation, stress, and immunity. Follistatin binds to the activins with high affinity, thereby obstructing the activin receptor binding site, and targets them to cell surface proteoglycans and lysosomal degradation. Studies on transgenic mice and those with gene knockouts, together with blocking studies using exogenous follistatin, have established that activin A plays critical roles in the onset of cachexia, acute and chronic inflammatory responses such as septicemia, colitis and asthma, and fibrosis. However, activin A also directs the development of monocyte/macrophages, myeloid dendritic cells, and T cell subsets to promote type 2 and regulatory immune responses. The ability of both endogenous and exogenous follistatin to block the proinflammatory and profibrotic actions of activin A has led to interest in this binding protein as a potential therapeutic for limiting the severity of disease and to improve subsequent damage associated with inflammation and fibrosis. However, the ability of activin A to sculpt the subsequent immune response as well means that the full range of effects that might arise from blocking activin bioactivity will need to be considered in any therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Hedger
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Monash University, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Follistatin improves skeletal muscle healing after injury and disease through an interaction with muscle regeneration, angiogenesis, and fibrosis. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2011; 179:915-30. [PMID: 21689628 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2011.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2010] [Revised: 03/25/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Recovery from skeletal muscle injury is often incomplete because of the formation of fibrosis and inadequate myofiber regeneration; therefore, injured muscle could benefit significantly from therapies that both stimulate muscle regeneration and inhibit fibrosis. To this end, we focused on blocking myostatin, a member of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily and a negative regulator of muscle regeneration, with the myostatin antagonist follistatin. In vivo, follistatin-overexpressing transgenic mice underwent significantly greater myofiber regeneration and had less fibrosis formation compared with wild-type mice after skeletal muscle injury. Follistatin's mode of action is likely due to its ability to block myostatin and enhance neovacularization. Furthermore, muscle progenitor cells isolated from follistatin-overexpressing mice were significantly superior to muscle progenitors isolated from wild-type mice at regenerating dystrophin-positive myofibers when transplanted into the skeletal muscle of dystrophic mdx/severe combined immunodeficiency mice. In vitro, follistatin stimulated myoblasts to express MyoD, Myf5, and myogenin, which are myogenic transcription factors that promote myogenic differentiation. Moreover, follistatin's ability to enhance muscle differentiation is at least partially due to its ability to block myostatin, activin A, and transforming growth factor-β1, all of which are negative regulators of muscle cell differentiation. The findings of this study suggest that follistatin is a promising agent for improving skeletal muscle healing after injury and muscle diseases, such as the muscular dystrophies.
Collapse
|
27
|
Bilezikjian LM, Vale WW. The Local Control of the Pituitary by Activin Signaling and Modulation. OPEN NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY JOURNAL (ONLINE) 2011; 4:90-101. [PMID: 21927629 PMCID: PMC3173763 DOI: 10.2174/1876528901104010090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The pituitary gland plays a prominent role in the control of many physiological processes. This control is achieved through the actions and interactions of hormones and growth factors that are produced and secreted by the endocrine cell types and the non-endocrine constituents that collectively and functionally define this complex organ. The five endocrine cell types of the anterior lobe of the pituitary, somatotropes, lactotropes, corticotropes, thyrotropes and gonadotropes, are defined by their primary product, growth hormone (GH), prolactin (PRL), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)/luteinizing hormone (LH). They are further distinguishable by the presence of cell surface receptors that display high affinity and selectivity for specific hypothalamic hormones and couple to appropriate downstream signaling pathways involved in the control of cell type specific responses, including the release and/or synthesis of pituitary hormones. Central control of the pituitary via the hypothalamus is further fine-tuned by the positive or negative actions of peripheral feedback signals and of a variety of factors that originate from sources within the pituitary. The focus of this review is the latter category of intrinsic factors that exert local control. Special emphasis is given to the TGF-β family of growth factors, in particular activin effects on the gonadotrope population, because a considerable body of evidence supports their contribution to the local modulation of the embryonic and postnatal pituitary as well as pituitary pathogenesis. A number of other substances, including members of the cytokine and FGF families, VEGF, IGF1, PACAP, Ghrelin, adenosine and nitric oxide have also been shown or implicated to function as autocrine/paracrine factors, though, definitive proof remains lacking in some cases. The ever-growing list of putative autocrine/paracrine factors of the pituitary nevertheless has highlighted the complexity of the local network and its impact on pituitary functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise M Bilezikjian
- Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, California, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kimura F, Sidis Y, Bonomi L, Xia Y, Schneyer A. The follistatin-288 isoform alone is sufficient for survival but not for normal fertility in mice. Endocrinology 2010; 151:1310-9. [PMID: 20032047 PMCID: PMC2840692 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-1176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin (FST) is a natural antagonist of activin and related TGFbeta superfamily ligands that exists as three protein isoforms differing in length at the C terminus. The longest FST315 isoform is found in the circulation, whereas the shortest FST288 isoform is typically found in or on cells and tissues, and the intermediate FST303 isoform is found in gonads. We recently demonstrated that the FST isoforms have distinct biological actions in vitro that, taken together with the differential distribution, suggests they may also have different roles in vivo. To explore the specific role of individual FST isoforms, we created a single-isoform FST288-only mouse. In contrast to the neonatal death of FST global knockout mice, FST288-only mice survive to adulthood. Although they appear normal, FST288-only mice have fertility defects including reduced litter size and frequency. Follicles were counted in ovaries from 8.5- to 400-d-old females. Significantly fewer morphologically healthy antral follicles were found in 100- to 250-d FST288-only ovaries, but there were significantly more secondary, primary, and primordial follicles detected at d 8.5 in FST288-only ovaries. However, depletion of this primordial follicle pool is more rapid in FST288-only females resulting in a deficit by 250 d of age and early cessation of reproduction. Superovulated FST288-only females have fewer ovulated eggs and embryos. These results indicate that the FST isoforms have different activities in vivo, that the FST288-only isoform is sufficient for development, and that loss of FST303 and FST315 isoforms results in fertility defects that resemble activin hyperactivity and premature ovarian failure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuminori Kimura
- Pioneer Valley Life Science Institute, 3601 Main Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01107, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Lovasco LA, Seymour KA, Zafra K, O'Brien CW, Schorl C, Freiman RN. Accelerated ovarian aging in the absence of the transcription regulator TAF4B in mice. Biol Reprod 2009; 82:23-34. [PMID: 19684329 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.109.077495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian ovary is unique in that its reproductive life span is limited by oocyte quantity and quality. Oocytes are recruited from a finite pool of primordial follicles that are usually exhausted from the ovary during midadult life. If regulation of this pool is perturbed, the reproductive capacity of the ovary is compromised. TAF4B is a gonad-enriched subunit of the TFIID complex required for female fertility in mice. Previous characterization of TAF4B-deficient ovaries revealed several reproductive deficits that collectively result in infertility. However, the etiology of such fertility defects remains unknown. By assaying estrous cycle, ovarian pathology, and gene expression changes in young Taf4b-null female mice, we show that TAF4B-deficient female mice exhibit premature reproductive senescence. The rapid decline of ovarian function in Taf4b-null mice begins in early postnatal life, and follicle depletion is completed by 16 wk of age. To uncover differences in gene expression that may underlie accelerated ovarian aging, we compared genome-wide expression profiles of 3-wk-old, prepubescent Taf4b-null and wild-type ovaries. At 3 wk of age, decreased gene expression in Taf4b-null ovaries is similar to that seen in aged ovaries, revealing several molecular signatures of premature reproductive senescence, including reduced Smc1b. One significantly reduced transcript in the young TAF4B-null ovary codes for MOV10L1, a putative germline-specific RNA helicase that is related to the Drosophila RNA interference protein, armitage. We show here that Mov10l1 is expressed in mouse oocytes and that its expression is sensitive to TAF4B level, linking TAF4B to the posttranscriptional control of ovarian gene expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay A Lovasco
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island 02903, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Activin was discovered in the 1980s as a gonadal protein that stimulated FSH release from pituitary gonadotropes and was thought of as a reproductive hormone. In the ensuing decades, many additional activities of activin were described and it was found to be produced in a wide variety of cell types at nearly all stages of development. Its signaling and actions are regulated intracellularly and by extracellular antagonists. Over the past 5 years, a number of important advances have been made that clarify our understanding of the structural basis for signaling and regulation, as well as the biological roles of activin in stem cells, embryonic development and in adults. These include the crystallization of activin in complex with the activin type II receptor ActRIIB, or with the binding proteins follistatin and follistatin-like 3, as well as identification of activin's roles in gonadal sex development, follicle development, luteolysis, beta-cell proliferation and function in the islet, stem cell pluripotency and differentiation into different cell types and in immune cells. These advances are reviewed to provide perspective for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yin Xia
- Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
Activin is a growth and differentiation factor that controls development and repair of several tissues and organs. Transgenic mice overexpressing activin in the skin were characterized by strongly enhanced wound healing, but also by excessive scarring. In this study, we explored the consequences of targeted activation of activin in the epidermis and hair follicles by generation of mice lacking the activin antagonist follistatin in keratinocytes. We observed enhanced keratinocyte proliferation in the tail epidermis of these animals. After skin injury, an earlier onset of keratinocyte hyperproliferation at the wound edge was observed in the mutant mice, resulting in an enlarged hyperproliferative epithelium. However, granulation tissue formation and scarring were not affected. These results demonstrate that selective activation of activin in the epidermis enhances reepithelialization without affecting the quality of the healed wound.
Collapse
|