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Sirohi VK, Medrano TI, Mesa AM, Kannan A, Bagchi IC, Cooke PS. Regulation of AKT Signaling in Mouse Uterus. Endocrinology 2022; 163:bqab233. [PMID: 34791100 PMCID: PMC8667855 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
17β-estradiol (E2) treatment of ovariectomized adult mice stimulates the uterine PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and epithelial proliferation through estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1). However, epithelial proliferation occurs independently of E2/ESR1 signaling in neonatal uteri. Similarly, estrogen-independent uterine epithelial proliferation is seen in adulthood in mice lacking Ezh2, critical for histone methylation, and in wild-type (WT) mice treated neonatally with estrogen. The role of AKT in estrogen-independent uterine epithelial proliferation was the focus of this study. Expression of the catalytically active phosphorylated form of AKT (p-AKT) and epithelial proliferation were high in estrogen receptor 1 knockout and WT mice at postnatal day 6, when E2 concentrations were low, indicating that neither ESR1 nor E2 are essential for p-AKT expression and epithelial proliferation in these mice. However, p-AKT levels and proliferation remained estrogen responsive in preweaning WT mice. Expression of p-AKT and proliferation were both high in uterine luminal epithelium of mice estrogenized neonatally and ovariectomized during adulthood. Increased expression of phosphorylated (inactive) EZH2 was also observed. Consistent with this, Ezh2 conditional knockout mice show ovary-independent uterine epithelial proliferation and high epithelial p-AKT. Thus, adult p-AKT expression is constitutive and E2/ESR1 independent in both model systems. Finally, E2-induced p-AKT expression and normal uterine proliferation did not occur in mice lacking membrane (m)ESR1, indicating a key role for membrane ESR1 in AKT activation. These findings emphasize the importance of AKT activation in promoting uterine epithelial proliferation even when that proliferation is not E2/ESR1 dependent and further indicate that p-AKT can be uncoupled from E2/ESR1 signaling in several experimental scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay K Sirohi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Theresa I Medrano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Ana M Mesa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Athilakshmi Kannan
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Indrani C Bagchi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Yin Y, Wang A, Feng L, Wang Y, Zhang H, Zhang I, Bany BM, Ma L. Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Sulfation Regulates Uterine Differentiation and Signaling During Embryo Implantation. Endocrinology 2018; 159:2459-2472. [PMID: 29688404 PMCID: PMC6692868 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
To prepare for embryo implantation, the uterus must undergo a series of reciprocal interactions between the uterine epithelium and the underlying stroma, which are orchestrated by ovarian hormones. During this process, multiple signaling pathways are activated to direct cell proliferation and differentiation, which render the uterus receptive to the implanting blastocysts. One important modulator of these signaling pathways is the cell surface and extracellular matrix macromolecules, heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). HSPGs play crucial roles in signal transduction by regulating morphogen transport and ligand binding. In this study, we examine the role of HSPG sulfation in regulating uterine receptivity by conditionally deleting the N-deacetylase/N-sulfotransferase (NDST) 1 gene (Ndst1) in the mouse uterus using the Pgr-Cre driver, on an Ndst2- and Ndst3-null genetic background. Although development of the female reproductive tract and subsequent ovarian function appear normal in Ndst triple-knockout females, they are infertile due to implantation defects. Embryo attachment appears to occur but the uterine epithelium at the site of implantation persists rather than disintegrates in the mutant. Uterine epithelial cells continued to proliferate past day 4 of pregnancy, accompanied by elevated Fgf2 and Fgf9 expression, whereas uterine stroma failed to undergo decidualization, as evidenced by lack of Bmp2 induction. Despite normal Indian hedgehog expression, transcripts of Ptch1 and Gli1, both components as well as targets of the hedgehog (Hh) pathway, were detected only in the subepithelial stroma, indicating altered Hh signaling in the mutant uterus. Taken together, these data implicate an essential role for HSPGs in modulating signal transduction during mouse implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Adam Wang
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Li Feng
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Yu Wang
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Hong Zhang
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ivy Zhang
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Brent M Bany
- Department of Physiology, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Illinois
| | - Liang Ma
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
- Correspondence: Liang Ma, PhD, Department of Medicine, Box 8123, Washington University, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63110. E-mail:
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Faridi U, Dhawan SS, Pal S, Gupta S, Shukla AK, Darokar MP, Sharma A, Shasany AK. Repurposing L-Menthol for Systems Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics? L-Menthol Induces Apoptosis through Caspase 10 and by Suppressing HSP90. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2016; 20:53-64. [PMID: 26760959 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2015.0118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The objective of the present study was to repurpose L-menthol, which is frequently used in oral health and topical formulations, for cancer therapeutics. In this article, we argue that monoterpenes such as L-menthol might offer veritable potentials in systems medicine, for example, as cheaper anti-cancer compounds. Other monoterpenes such as limonene, perillyl alcohol, and geraniol have been shown to induce apoptosis in various cancer cell lines, but their mechanisms of action are yet to be completely elucidated. Earlier, we showed that L-menthol modulates tubulin polymerization and apoptosis to inhibit cancer cell proliferation. In the present report, we used an apoptosis-related gene microarray in conjunction with proteomics analyses, as well as in silico interpretations, to study gene expression modulation in human adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cell line in response to L-menthol treatment. The microarray analysis identified caspase 10 as the important initiator caspase, instead of caspase 8. The proteomics analyses showed downregulation of HSP90 protein (also corroborated by its low transcript abundance), which in turn indicated inhibition of AKT-mediated survival pathway, release of pro-apoptotic factor BAD from BAD and BCLxL complex, besides regulation of other factors related to apoptosis. Based on the combined microarray, proteomics, and in silico data, a signaling pathway for L-menthol-induced apoptosis is being presented for the first time here. These data and literature analysis have significant implications for "repurposing" L-menthol beyond oral medicine, and in understanding the mode of action of plant-derived monoterpenes towards development of cheaper anticancer drugs in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzma Faridi
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants , Lucknow, U.P., India
| | - Sunita S Dhawan
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants , Lucknow, U.P., India
| | - Shaifali Pal
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants , Lucknow, U.P., India
| | - Sanchita Gupta
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants , Lucknow, U.P., India
| | - Ashutosh K Shukla
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants , Lucknow, U.P., India
| | - Mahendra P Darokar
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants , Lucknow, U.P., India
| | - Ashok Sharma
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants , Lucknow, U.P., India
| | - Ajit K Shasany
- Biotechnology Division, CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants , Lucknow, U.P., India
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Yin Y, Lin C, Zhang I, Fisher AV, Dhandha M, Ma L. Homeodomain Transcription Factor Msx-2 Regulates Uterine Progenitor Cell Response to Diethylstilbestrol. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 1. [PMID: 26457333 DOI: 10.19104/jstb.2015.105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The fate of mouse uterine epithelial progenitor cells is determined between postnatal days 5 to 7. Around this critical time window, exposure to an endocrine disruptor, diethylstilbestrol (DES), can profoundly alter uterine cytodifferentiation. We have shown previously that a homeo domain transcription factor MSX-2 plays an important role in DES-responsiveness in the female reproductive tract (FRT). Mutant FRTs exhibited a much more severe phenotype when treated with DES, accompanied by gene expression changes that are dependent on Msx2. To better understand the role that MSX-2 plays in uterine response to DES, we performed global gene expression profiling experiment in mice lacking Msx2 By comparing this result to our previously published microarray data performed on wild-type mice, we extracted common and differentially regulated genes in the two genotypes. In so doing, we identified potential downstream targets of MSX-2, as well as genes whose regulation by DES is modulated through MSX-2. Discovery of these genes will lead to a better understanding of how DES, and possibly other endocrine disruptors, affects reproductive organ development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yin
- Division of Dermatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Congxing Lin
- Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI
| | - Ivy Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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Nanjappa MK, Medrano TI, March AG, Cooke PS. Neonatal uterine and vaginal cell proliferation and adenogenesis are independent of estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) in the mouse. Biol Reprod 2015; 92:78. [PMID: 25653281 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.125724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal uterus and vagina express estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1) and respond mitogenically to exogenous estrogens. However, neonatal ovariectomy does not inhibit preweaning uterine cell proliferation, indicating that this process is estrogen independent. Extensive literature suggests that ESR1 can be activated by growth factors in a ligand-independent manner and drive uterine cell proliferation. Alternatively, neonatal uterine cell proliferation could be ESR1 independent despite its obligatory role in adult luminal epithelial proliferation. To determine ESR1's role in uterine and vaginal development, we analyzed cell proliferation, apoptosis, and uterine gland development (adenogenesis) in wild-type (WT) and Esr1 knockout (Esr1KO) mice from Postnatal Day 2 to Postnatal Day 60. Uterine and vaginal cell proliferation, apoptosis, and uterine adenogenesis were comparable in WT and Esr1KO mice before weaning. By Days 29-60, glands had regressed, and uterine cell proliferation was reduced in Esr1KO mice in contrast to continued adenogenesis and proliferation in WT. Apoptosis in Esr1KO uterine epithelium was not increased compared to WT at any age, indicating that differences in cell proliferation, rather than apoptosis, cause divergence of uterine size in these two groups at puberty. Similarly, vaginal epithelial proliferation was reduced, and the epithelium became atrophic in Esr1KO mice by 29 days of age and later in Esr1KO mice. These results indicate that preweaning uterine and vaginal development is ESR1 independent but becomes dependent on ESR1 by Day 29 on. It is not yet clear what mechanisms drive preweaning vaginal and uterine development, but ligand-independent activation of ESR1 is not involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjunatha K Nanjappa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Theresa I Medrano
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Amelia G March
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Paul S Cooke
- Department of Physiological Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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The Role of Steroid Hormone Receptors in the Establishment of Pregnancy in Rodents. ADVANCES IN ANATOMY EMBRYOLOGY AND CELL BIOLOGY 2015; 216:27-49. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-15856-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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T CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes are more susceptible for apoptosis in the first trimester of normal human pregnancy. J Immunol Res 2014; 2014:670524. [PMID: 25133196 PMCID: PMC4124785 DOI: 10.1155/2014/670524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/24/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims. Normal human pregnancy is a complex process of many immunoregulatory mechanisms which protect fetus from the activation of the maternal immune system. The aim of the study was to investigate the apoptosis of lymphocytes in peripheral blood of normal pregnant patients and healthy nonpregnant women. Methods. Sixty pregnant women and 17 nonpregnant women were included in the study. Lymphocytes were isolated and labeled with anti-CD3, anti-CD4, and anti-CD8 monoclonal antibodies. Apoptosis was detected by CMXRos staining and analyzed using the flow cytometric method.
Results. We found significantly higher apoptosis of total lymphocytes in peripheral blood of pregnant patients when compared to healthy nonpregnant women. The percentage of apoptotic T CD3+CD8+ cells in the first trimester was significantly higher when compared to the third trimester of normal pregnancy. The ratio of T CD3+CD4+ : T CD3+CD8+ apoptotic lymphocytes was significantly lower in the first trimester when compared to other trimesters of pregnancy and to both of the phases of the menstrual cycle. Conclusions. The higher apoptosis of T CD3+CD8+ lymphocytes and the lower ratio of T CD3+CD4+ : T CD3+CD8+ apoptotic cells in the first trimester of normal pregnancy may suggest a higher susceptibility of T CD3+CD8+ cells for apoptosis as a protective mechanism at the early stage of pregnancy.
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Ezoe K, Daikoku T, Yabuuchi A, Murata N, Kawano H, Abe T, Okuno T, Kobayashi T, Kato K. Ovarian stimulation using human chorionic gonadotrophin impairs blastocyst implantation and decidualization by altering ovarian hormone levels and downstream signaling in mice. Mol Hum Reprod 2014; 20:1101-16. [PMID: 25122188 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gau065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian stimulation induced by follicle-stimulating hormone and human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) is commonly used in assisted reproductive technology to increase embryo production. However, recent clinical and animal studies have shown that ovarian stimulation disrupts endometrial function and embryo development and adversely affects pregnancy outcomes. How ovarian stimulation impairs pregnancy establishment and the precise mechanisms by which this stimulation reduces the chances of conception remain unclear. In this study, we first demonstrated that ovarian stimulation using hCG alone impairs implantation, decidualization and fetal development of mice by generating abnormal ovarian hormone levels. We also showed that ovarian hormone levels were altered because of changes in the levels of the enzymes involved in their synthesis in the follicles and corpora lutea. Furthermore, we determined that anomalous ovarian hormone secretion induced by ovarian stimulation alters the spatiotemporal expression of progesterone receptors and their downstream genes, especially in the uterine epithelium. Epithelial estrogenic signaling and cell proliferation were promoted on the day of implantation in stimulated mice and these changes led to the failure of uterine transition from the prereceptive to the receptive state. Collectively, our findings indicate that ovarian stimulation using hCG induces an imbalance in steroid hormone secretion, which causes a failure of the development of uterine receptivity and subsequent implantation and decidualization by altering the expression of steroid receptors and their downstream signaling associated with embryo implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Ezoe
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Takiko Daikoku
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Perinatal Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Akiko Yabuuchi
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Nana Murata
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Hiroomi Kawano
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Takashi Abe
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Takashi Okuno
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Tamotsu Kobayashi
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
| | - Keiichi Kato
- Kato Ladies Clinic, 7-20-3 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
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Xiao S, Diao H, Zhao F, Li R, He N, Ye X. Differential gene expression profiling of mouse uterine luminal epithelium during periimplantation. Reprod Sci 2013; 21:351-62. [PMID: 23885106 DOI: 10.1177/1933719113497287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Uterine luminal epithelium (LE) is critical for establishing uterine receptivity. Microarray analysis of gestation day 3.5 (D3.5, preimplantation) and D4.5 (postimplantation) LE from natural pregnant mice identified 382 upregulated and 245 downregulated genes in the D4.5 LE. Gene Ontology annotation grouped 186 upregulated and 103 downregulated genes into 22 and 15 enriched subcategories, respectively, in regulating DNA-dependent transcription, metabolism, cell morphology, ion transport, immune response, apoptosis, signal transduction, and so on. Signaling pathway analysis revealed 99 genes in 21 significantly changed signaling pathways, with 14 of these pathways involved in metabolism. In situ hybridization confirmed the temporal expression of 12 previously uncharacterized genes, including Atp6v0a4, Atp6v0d2, F3, Ggh, Tmprss11d, Tmprss13, Anpep, Fxyd4, Naip5, Npl, Nudt19, and Tpm1 in the periimplantation uterus. This study provides a comprehensive picture of the differentially expressed genes in the periimplantation LE to help understand the molecular mechanism of LE transformation upon establishment of uterine receptivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Xiao
- 1Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USA
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Kim TH, Lee DK, Cho SN, Orvis GD, Behringer RR, Lydon JP, Ku BJ, McCampbell AS, Broaddus RR, Jeong JW. Critical tumor suppressor function mediated by epithelial Mig-6 in endometrial cancer. Cancer Res 2013; 73:5090-9. [PMID: 23811943 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer is preceded by endometrial hyperplasia, unopposed estrogen exposure, and genetic alterations, but the precise causes of endometrial cancer remain uncertain. Mig-6, mainly known as a negative regulator of the EGF receptor, is an important mediator of progesterone signaling in the uterus, where it mediates tumor suppression by modulating endometrial stromal-epithelial communications. In this study, we investigated the function of Mig-6 in the uterine epithelium using a tissue-specific gene knockout strategy, in which floxed Mig-6 (Mig-6(f/f)) mice were crossed to Wnt7a-Cre mice (Wnt7a(cre+)Mig-6(f/f)). Wnt7a(cre+)Mig-6(f/f) mice developed endometrial hyperplasia and estrogen-dependent endometrial cancer, exhibiting increased proliferation in epithelial cells as well as apoptosis in subepithelial stromal cells. We documented increased expression of NOTCH1 and BIRC3 in epithelial cells of Wnt7a(cre+)Mig-6(f/f) mice and decreased expression of the progesterone receptor (PR) in stromal cells. Progesterone therapy controls endometrial growth and prevents endometrial cancer, but the effectiveness of progesterone as a treatment for women with endometrial cancer is less clear. We noted that the hyperplasic phenotype of Wnt7a(cre+)Mig-6(f/f) mice was prevented by progesterone treatment, whereas this treatment had no effect in PR(cre/+)Mig-6(f/f) mice where Mig-6 was deleted in both the epithelial and stromal compartments of the uterus. In contrast, activation of progesterone signaling in the stroma regulated proliferation and apoptosis in the epithelium via suppression of ERα signaling. In summary, our results establish that epithelial Mig-6 functions as a critical tumor suppressor that mediates the ability of progesterone to prevent the development of endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology & Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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Wall EH, Hewitt SC, Liu L, del Rio R, Case LK, Lin CY, Korach KS, Teuscher C. Genetic control of estrogen-regulated transcriptional and cellular responses in mouse uterus. FASEB J 2013; 27:1874-86. [PMID: 23371066 DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-213462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The uterotropic response of the uterus to 17β-estradiol (E2) is genetically controlled, with marked variation observed depending on the mouse strain studied. Previous genetic studies from our laboratory using inbred mice that are high [C57BL/6J (B6)] or low [C3H/HeJ (C3H)] responders to E2 led to the identification of quantitative trait (QT) loci associated with phenotypic variation in uterine growth and leukocyte infiltration. The mechanisms underlying differential responsiveness to E2, and the genes involved, are unknown. Therefore, we used a microarray approach to show association of distinct E2-regulated transcriptional signatures with genetically controlled high and low responses to E2 and their segregation in (C57BL/6J×C3H/HeJ) F1 hybrids. Among the 6664 E2-regulated transcripts, analysis of cellular functions of those that were strain specific indicated C3H-selective enrichment of apoptosis, consistent with a 7-fold increase in the apoptosis indicator CASP3, and a 2.4-fold decrease in the apoptosis inhibitor Naip1 (Birc1a) in C3H vs. B6 following treatment with E2. In addition, several differentially expressed transcripts reside within our previously identified QT loci, including the ERα-tethering factor Runx1, demonstrated to enhance E2-mediated transcript regulation. The level of RUNX1 in uterine epithelial cells was shown to be 3.5-fold greater in B6 compared to C3H. Our novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the genetic control of tissue sensitivity to estrogen have great potential to advance understanding of individualized effects in physiological and disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma H Wall
- Department of Medicine, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
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Miller DJ, Wiley AA, Chen JC, Bagnell CA, Bartol FF. Nursing for 48 hours from birth supports porcine uterine gland development and endometrial cell compartment-specific gene expression. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:4. [PMID: 23136302 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.112.105056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The first 2 wk of neonatal life constitute a critical period for estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1)-dependent uterine adenogenesis in the pig. A relaxin receptor (RXFP1)-mediated, lactocrine-driven mechanism was proposed to explain how nursing could regulate endometrial ESR1 and related gene expression events associated with adenogenesis in the porcine neonate during this period. To determine effects of nursing on endometrial morphogenesis and cell compartment-specific gene expression, gilts (n = 6-8/group) were assigned at birth to be either 1) nursed ad libitum for 48 h, 2) gavage fed milk replacer for 48 h, 3) nursed ad libitum to Postnatal Day (PND) 14, or 4) gavage fed milk replacer for 48 h followed by ad libitum nursing to PND 14. Uteri were collected on PND 2 or PND 14. Endometrial histoarchitecture and both ESR1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) labeling indexes (LIs) were evaluated. Laser microdissection was used to capture epithelium and stroma to evaluate treatment effects on cell compartment-specific ESR1, VEGFA, and RXFP1 expression. Imposition of a lactocrine-null state by milk replacer feeding for 48 h from birth retarded endometrial development and adenogenesis. Effects of replacer feeding, evident by PND 2, were marked by PND 14 when endometrial thickness, glandularity, and gland depth were reduced. Consistently, in lactocrine-null gilts, PCNA LI was reduced in glandular epithelium (GE) and stroma on PND 14, when epithelial ESR1 expression and ESR1 LI in GE were reduced and stromal VEGFA and RXFP1 expression increased. Results establish that lactocrine signaling effects morphogenetic changes in developing uterine tissues that may determine reproductive capacity later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dori J Miller
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, Cellular and Molecular Biosciences Program, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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Yin Y, Lin C, Veith GM, Chen H, Dhandha M, Ma L. Neonatal diethylstilbestrol exposure alters the metabolic profile of uterine epithelial cells. Dis Model Mech 2012; 5:870-80. [PMID: 22679223 PMCID: PMC3484869 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.009076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) causes reproductive tract malformations, affects fertility and increases the risk of clear cell carcinoma of the vagina and cervix in humans. Previous studies on a well-established mouse DES model demonstrated that it recapitulates many features of the human syndrome, yet the underlying molecular mechanism is far from clear. Using the neonatal DES mouse model, the present study uses global transcript profiling to systematically explore early gene expression changes in individual epithelial and mesenchymal compartments of the neonatal uterus. Over 900 genes show differential expression upon DES treatment in either one or both tissue layers. Interestingly, multiple components of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ)-mediated adipogenesis and lipid metabolism, including PPARγ itself, are targets of DES in the neonatal uterus. Transmission electron microscopy and Oil-Red O staining further demonstrate a dramatic increase in lipid deposition in uterine epithelial cells upon DES exposure. Neonatal DES exposure also perturbs glucose homeostasis in the uterine epithelium. Some of these neonatal DES-induced metabolic changes appear to last into adulthood, suggesting a permanent effect of DES on energy metabolism in uterine epithelial cells. This study extends the list of biological processes that can be regulated by estrogen or DES, and provides a novel perspective for endocrine disruptor-induced reproductive abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Yin
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Yang JZ, Jiang X, Dong J, Guo J, Chen H, Tsang LL, Chung YW, Zhang X, Chan HC. Abnormally enhanced cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator-mediated apoptosis in endometrial cells contributes to impaired embryo implantation in controlled ovarian hyperstimulation. Fertil Steril 2011; 95:2100-6, 2106.e1-2. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2011.02.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2010] [Revised: 02/16/2011] [Accepted: 02/16/2011] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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17beta-estradiol mediated protection against vascular leak after hemorrhagic shock: role of estrogen receptors and apoptotic signaling. Shock 2011; 34:229-35. [PMID: 20160663 DOI: 10.1097/shk.0b013e3181d75b50] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Vascular hyperpermeability is a clinical complication associated with hemorrhagic shock (HS) and occurs mainly because of the disruption of the adherens junctional complex. The objective of this study was to understand the role of 17beta-estradiol in HS-induced hyperpermeability particularly focusing on estrogen receptors. In male Sprague-Dawley rats, HS was induced by withdrawing blood to reduce the mean arterial pressure to 40 mmHg for 1 hour followed by 1 hour of resuscitation to 90 mmHg. The study groups were 17beta-estradiol, tamoxifen, fulvestrant plus 17beta-estradiol, propyl pyrazole triol plus 17beta-estradiol, and diarylpropionitrile plus 17beta-estradiol. Intravital microscopy was used to study changes in mesenteric postcapillary venules. Mitochondrial reactive oxygen species formation was studied in vivo using dihydrorhodamine 123. The mitochondrial transmembrane potential was studied using the fluorescent cationic probe 5,5',6,6'tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'tetraethylbenzimidazolyl carbocyanine iodide (JC-1). The mesenteric microvasculature was analyzed for cytochrome c levels by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and caspase-3 activity by a fluorometric assay. Our results demonstrated that 17beta-estradiol attenuated HS-induced hyperpermeability. Fulvestrant reversed this protective effect (P < 0.05). Tamoxifen 5 mg/kg attenuated HS-induced hyperpermeability, whereas 10 mg/kg induced permeability (P < 0.05). Both alpha and beta estrogen receptor agonists inhibited HS-induced hyperpermeability (P < 0.05). 17beta-Estradiol decreased HS-induced reactive oxygen species formation and restored mitochondrial transmembrane potential. 17beta-Estradiol decreased both cytosolic cytochrome c level and activation of caspase-3 (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that 17beta-estradiol protects the microvasculature after HS, and that this protection may be mediated through the alpha and beta estrogen receptors.
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Uterine epithelial estrogen receptor α is dispensable for proliferation but essential for complete biological and biochemical responses. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2010; 107:19272-7. [PMID: 20974921 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1013226107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Female fertility requires estrogen to specifically stimulate estrogen receptor α (ERα)-dependent growth of the uterine epithelium in adult mice, while immature females show proliferation in both stroma and epithelium. To address the relative roles of ERα in mediating estrogen action in uterine epithelium versus stroma, a uterine epithelial-specific ERα knockout (UtEpiαERKO) mouse line was generated by crossing Esr mice with Wnt7a-Cre mice. Expression of Wnt7a directed Cre activity generated selective deletion of ERα in uterine epithelium, and female UtEpiαERKO are infertile. Herein, we demonstrate that 17β-estradiol (E(2))-induced uterine epithelial proliferation was independent of uterine epithelial ERα because DNA synthesis and up-regulation of mitogenic mediators were sustained in UtEpiαERKO uteri after E(2) treatment. IGF-1 treatment resulted in ligand-independent ER activation in both wild-type (WT) and UtEpiαERKO and mimicked the E(2) stimulatory effect on DNA synthesis in uterine epithelium. Uterine epithelial ERα was necessary to induce lactoferrin, an E(2)-regulated secretory protein selectively synthesized in the uterine epithelium. However, loss of uterine epithelial ERα did not alter the E(2)-dependent progesterone receptor (PR) down-regulation in epithelium. Strikingly, the uterine epithelium of UtEpiαERKO had robust evidence of apoptosis after 3 d of E(2) treatment. Therefore, we surmise that estrogen induced uterine hyperplasia involves a dispensable role for uterine epithelial ERα in the proliferative response, but ERα is required subsequent to proliferation to prevent uterine epithelial apoptosis assuring the full uterine epithelial response, illustrating the differential cellular roles for ERα in uterine tissue and its contribution during pregnancy.
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Abstract
Ablation of Mig-6 in the murine uterus leads to the development of endometrial hyperplasia and estrogen-induced endometrial cancer. An additional endometrial cancer mouse model is generated by the ablation of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted from chromosome 10 (Pten) (either as heterozygotes or by conditional uterine ablation). To determine the interplay between Mig-6 and the PTEN/phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling pathway during endometrial tumorigenesis, we generated mice with Mig-6 and Pten conditionally ablated in progesterone receptor-positive cells (PR(cre/+)Mig-6(f/f)Pten(f/f); Mig-6(d/d)Pten(d/d)). The ablation of both Mig-6 and Pten dramatically accelerated the development of endometrial cancer compared with the single ablation of either gene. The epithelium of Mig-6(d/d)Pten(d/d) mice showed a significant decrease in the number of apoptotic cells compared with Pten(d/d) mice. The expression of the estrogen-induced apoptotic inhibitors Birc1 was significantly increased in Mig-6(d/d)Pten(d/d) mice. We identified extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2) as an MIG-6 interacting protein by coimmunoprecipitation and demonstrated that the level of ERK2 phosphorylation was increased upon Mig-6 ablation either singly or in combination with Pten ablation. These results suggest that Mig-6 exerts a tumor-suppressor function in endometrial cancer by promoting epithelial cell apoptosis through the downregulation of the estrogen-induced apoptosis inhibitors Birc1 and the inhibition of ERK2 phosphorylation.
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Nutu M, Feng Y, Egecioglu E, Weijdegård B, Stener-Victorin E, Shao R. Stromal cell-specific apoptotic and antiestrogenic mechanisms may explain uterine defects in humans after clomiphene citrate therapy. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2010; 203:65.e1-65.e10. [PMID: 20494331 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2010.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2009] [Revised: 01/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to investigate clomiphene citrate (CC)-induced modulation of uterine cell function in vivo. STUDY DESIGN Prepubertal female Sprague-Dawley rats were treated intraperitoneally with CC for 6 or 24 hours or with a combination of CC and/or 17-beta-estradiol (E2) for 4 days. RESULTS Chronic CC treatment induced apoptosis in a fraction of uterine stromal cells by activating the caspase-3-mediated apoptotic pathway. The damage was prevented by successive E2 treatment; however, pretreatment or concomitant treatment with E2 did not protect against CC-induced uterine apoptosis. CC decreased the protein expression of estrogen receptor alpha and increased its phosphorylation but did not affect estrogen receptor beta expression or phosphorylation. Furthermore, changes in Hoxa11, p27, and progesterone receptor protein levels and localization were associated with CC treatment. CONCLUSION We provide novel mechanistic insights into cellular and molecular events by which CC regulates uterine stromal cell function and hence the implantation process and pregnancy outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Nutu
- Department of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Krishnan S, Lakshmanan S, Iyer GK, UmaMaheswari K, Krishnakumar S. The role of signaling pathways in the expansion of corneal epithelial cells in serum-free B27 supplemented medium. Mol Vis 2010; 16:1169-77. [PMID: 20664695 PMCID: PMC2901195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2010] [Accepted: 06/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To study the influence of serum-free B27 supplemented culture medium on corneal epithelial cells from limbal explants. METHODS Human limbal tissues obtained from cadaveric donor eyes were used in this study. The morphological characteristics of cultivated epithelial cells were analyzed by phase contrast microscopy. Growth kinetics, bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling cell proliferation assay, and reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) for limbus and corneal markers were studied in serum-dependent and serum-free B27 supplemented corneal epithelial culture. The signaling pathway genes were analyzed by RT(2) qPCR profiler array. RESULTS The corneal epithelial cells morphology and mRNA expression of markers were similar in both the serum-dependent and serum-free B27 supplemented culture. The growth and proliferation of the serum-free B27 supplemented culture was significantly higher than that of the serum-dependent culture. The wnt, hedgehog, survival, NFkB, Jak-Stat, and calcium protein kinase C pathways were highly expressed in the serum-free B27 supplemented corneal epithelial culture. CONCLUSIONS Most signaling pathway genes are upfolded by B27 supplementation in the corneal epithelial cell culture; it could be an efficient replacement for serum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasirekha Krishnan
- L&T Department of Ocular Pathology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - Shruthi Lakshmanan
- L&T Department of Ocular Pathology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - Geetha Krishnan Iyer
- Cornea services department, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | | | - Subramanian Krishnakumar
- L&T Department of Ocular Pathology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
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Ma L. Endocrine disruptors in female reproductive tract development and carcinogenesis. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2009; 20:357-63. [PMID: 19709900 PMCID: PMC2774851 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2009.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2009] [Revised: 03/20/2009] [Accepted: 03/24/2009] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Growing concerns over endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their effects on human fetal development and adult health have promoted research into the underlying molecular mechanisms of endocrine disruption. Gene targeting technology has allowed insight into the genetic pathways governing reproductive tract development and how exposure to EDCs during a critical developmental window can alter reproductive tract development, potentially forming the basis for adult diseases. This review primarily uses diethylstilbestrol (DES) as a model agent for EDCs and discusses the recent progress elucidating how DES and other EDCs affect murine female reproductive tract development and cancer at the molecular level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Ma
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine and Department of Developmental Biology Washington University, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Chen JQ, Cammarata PR, Baines CP, Yager JD. Regulation of mitochondrial respiratory chain biogenesis by estrogens/estrogen receptors and physiological, pathological and pharmacological implications. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2009; 1793:1540-70. [PMID: 19559056 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2009.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2009] [Revised: 06/16/2009] [Accepted: 06/17/2009] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
There has been increasing evidence pointing to the mitochondrial respiratory chain (MRC) as a novel and important target for the actions of 17beta-estradiol (E(2)) and estrogen receptors (ER) in a number of cell types and tissues that have high demands for mitochondrial energy metabolism. This novel E(2)-mediated mitochondrial pathway involves the cooperation of both nuclear and mitochondrial ERalpha and ERbeta and their co-activators on the coordinate regulation of both nuclear DNA- and mitochondrial DNA-encoded genes for MRC proteins. In this paper, we have: 1) comprehensively reviewed studies that reveal a novel role of estrogens and ERs in the regulation of MRC biogenesis; 2) discussed their physiological, pathological and pharmacological implications in the control of cell proliferation and apoptosis in relation to estrogen-mediated carcinogenesis, anti-cancer drug resistance in human breast cancer cells, neuroprotection for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease in brain, cardiovascular protection in human heart and their beneficial effects in lens physiology related to cataract in the eye; and 3) pointed out new research directions to address the key questions in this important and newly emerging area. We also suggest a novel conceptual approach that will contribute to innovative regimens for the prevention or treatment of a wide variety of medical complications based on E(2)/ER-mediated MRC biogenesis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Qiang Chen
- Breast Cancer Research Laboratory, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA.
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Shao R, Nutu M, Weijdegård B, Egecioglu E, Fernandez-Rodriguez J, Karlsson-Lindahl L, Gemzell-Danielsson K, Bergh C, Billig H. Clomiphene Citrate Causes Aberrant Tubal Apoptosis and Estrogen Receptor Activation in Rat Fallopian Tube: Implications for Tubal Ectopic Pregnancy1. Biol Reprod 2009; 80:1262-71. [DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.108.074237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
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