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Transgenic Mouse Models to Study the Development and Maintenance of the Adrenal Cortex. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214388. [PMID: 36430866 PMCID: PMC9693478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cortex of the adrenal gland is organized into concentric zones that produce distinct steroid hormones essential for body homeostasis in mammals. Mechanisms leading to the development, zonation and maintenance of the adrenal cortex are complex and have been studied since the 1800s. However, the advent of genetic manipulation and transgenic mouse models over the past 30 years has revolutionized our understanding of these mechanisms. This review lists and details the distinct Cre recombinase mouse strains available to study the adrenal cortex, and the remarkable progress total and conditional knockout mouse models have enabled us to make in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating the development and maintenance of the adrenal cortex.
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Abstract
Resident progenitor and/or stem cell populations in the adult adrenal cortex enable cortical cells to undergo homeostatic renewal and regeneration after injury. Renewal occurs predominantly in the outer layers of the adrenal gland but newly formed cells undergo centripetal migration, differentiation and lineage conversion in the process of forming the different functional steroidogenic zones. Over the past 10 years, advances in the genetic characterization of adrenal diseases and studies of mouse models with altered adrenal phenotypes have helped to elucidate the molecular pathways that regulate adrenal tissue renewal, several of which are fine-tuned via complex paracrine and endocrine influences. Moreover, the adrenal gland is a sexually dimorphic organ, and testicular androgens have inhibitory effects on cell proliferation and progenitor cell recruitment in the adrenal cortex. This Review integrates these advances, including the emerging role of sex hormones, into existing knowledge on adrenocortical cell renewal. An in-depth understanding of these mechanisms is expected to contribute to the development of novel therapies for severe endocrine diseases, for which current treatments are unsatisfactory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodanthi Lyraki
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Nice, France
| | - Andreas Schedl
- Université Côte d'Azur, INSERM, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose, Nice, France.
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Yin X, Huang H, Huang S, Xu A, Fan F, Luo S, Yan H, Chen L, Sun C, Hu Y. A Novel Scoring System for Risk Assessment of Elderly Patients With Cytogenetically Normal Acute Myeloid Leukemia Based on Expression of Three AQP1 DNA Methylation-Associated Genes. Front Oncol 2020; 10:566. [PMID: 32373535 PMCID: PMC7186486 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Aquaporin 1 (AQP-1), a transmembrane water channel protein, has been proven to involve in many diseases' progression and prognosis. This research aims to explore the prognostic value of AQP-1 in elderly cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML). Methods: Complete clinical and expression data of 226 elderly patients (aged > 60) with cytogenetically normal acute myeloid leukemia (CN-AML) were downloaded from the databases of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). We have explored prognostic significance of AQP-1, investigated the underlying mechanism, and developed a novel scoring system for the risk assessment of elderly patients with AML based on AQP1 methylation. Results: In the first and second independent group, AQP1 shows lower expression in CN-AML than normal people, while high AQP1 expression and AQP1 promoter hypomethylation were related to better overall survival (OS; P < 0.05). To understand the underlying mechanisms, we investigated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), miRNA and lncRNA associated with AQP1 methylation. A three-gene prognostic signature based on AQP1 methylation which was highly correlated with OS was established, and the performance was validated by Permutation Test and Leave-one-out Cross Validation method. Furthermore, an independent cohort was used to verify the prognostic value of this model. Conclusions: AQP1 methylation could serve as an independent prognostic biomarker in elderly CN-AML, and may provide new insights for the diagnosis and treatment for elderly CN-AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejiao Yin
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Haifan Huang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sui Huang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Aoshuang Xu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fengjuan Fan
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shanshan Luo
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Yan
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunyan Sun
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Rotgers E, Jørgensen A, Yao HHC. At the Crossroads of Fate-Somatic Cell Lineage Specification in the Fetal Gonad. Endocr Rev 2018; 39:739-759. [PMID: 29771299 PMCID: PMC6173476 DOI: 10.1210/er.2018-00010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The reproductive endocrine systems are vastly different between males and females. This sexual dimorphism of the endocrine milieu originates from sex-specific differentiation of the somatic cells in the gonads during fetal life. Most gonadal somatic cells arise from the adrenogonadal primordium. After separation of the adrenal and gonadal primordia, the gonadal somatic cells initiate sex-specific differentiation during gonadal sex determination with the specification of the supporting cell lineages: Sertoli cells in the testis vs granulosa cells in the ovary. The supporting cell lineages then facilitate the differentiation of the steroidogenic cell lineages, Leydig cells in the testis and theca cells in the ovary. Proper differentiation of these cell types defines the somatic cell environment that is essential for germ cell development, hormone production, and establishment of the reproductive tracts. Impairment of lineage specification and function of gonadal somatic cells can lead to disorders of sexual development (DSDs) in humans. Human DSDs and processes for gonadal development have been successfully modeled using genetically modified mouse models. In this review, we focus on the fate decision processes from the initial stage of formation of the adrenogonadal primordium in the embryo to the maintenance of the somatic cell identities in the gonads when they become fully differentiated in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmi Rotgers
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,International Research and Research Training Center in Endocrine Disruption of Male Reproduction and Child Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Humphrey Hung-Chang Yao
- Reproductive Developmental Biology Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Durham, North Carolina
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Szymańska K, Kałafut J, Rivero-Müller A. The gonadotropin system, lessons from animal models and clinical cases. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 70:561-587. [PMID: 30264954 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4784.18.04307-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This review article centers upon family of gonadotropin hormones which consists of two pituitary hormones - follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) as well as one non-pituitary hormone - human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) secreted by placenta, and their receptors. Gonadotropins play an essential role in proper sexual development, puberty, gametogenesis, maintenance of pregnancy and male sexual differentiation during the fetal development. They belong to the family of glycoprotein hormones thus they constitute heterodimeric proteins built of common α subunit and hormone-specific β-subunit. Hitherto, several mutations in genes encoding both gonadotropins and their receptors have been identified in humans. Their occurrence resulted in a number of different phenotypes including delayed puberty, primary amenorrhea, hermaphroditism, infertility and hypogonadism. In order to understand the effects of mutations on the phenotype observed in affected patients, detailed molecular studies are required to map the relationship between the structure and function of gonadotropins and their receptors. Nonetheless, in vitro assays are often insufficient to understand physiology. Therefore, several animal models have been developed to unravel the physiological roles of gonadotropins and their receptors.
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Doroszko M, Chrusciel M, Belling K, Vuorenoja S, Dalgaard M, Leffers H, Nielsen HB, Huhtaniemi I, Toppari J, Rahman NA. Novel genes involved in pathophysiology of gonadotropin-dependent adrenal tumors in mice. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 444:9-18. [PMID: 28131743 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.01.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 01/21/2017] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Specific inbred strains and transgenic inhibin-α Simian Virus 40 T antigen (inhα/Tag) mice are genetically susceptible to gonadectomy-induced adrenocortical neoplasias. We identified altered gene expression in prepubertally gonadectomized (GDX) inhα/Tag and wild-type (WT) mice. Besides earlier reported Gata4 and Lhcgr, we found up-regulated Esr1, Prlr-rs1, and down-regulated Grb10, Mmp24, Sgcd, Rerg, Gnas, Nfatc2, Gnrhr, Igf2 in inhα/Tag adrenal tumors. Sex-steroidogenic enzyme genes expression (Srd5a1, Cyp19a1) was up-regulated in tumors, but adrenal-specific steroidogenic enzyme (Cyp21a1, Cyp11b1, Cyp11b2) down-regulated. We localized novel Lhcgr transcripts in adrenal cortex parenchyma and in non-steroidogenic A cells, in GDX WT and in intact WT mice. We identified up-regulated Esr1 as a potential novel biomarker of gonadectomy-induced adrenocortical tumors in inhα/Tag mice presenting with an inverted adrenal-to-gonadal steroidogenic gene expression profile. A putative normal adrenal remodeling or tumor suppressor role of the down-regulated genes (e.g. Grb10, Rerg, Gnas, and Nfatc2) in the tumors remains to be addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milena Doroszko
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Marcin Chrusciel
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Kirstine Belling
- DTU Multi-Assay Core, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Susanna Vuorenoja
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Marlene Dalgaard
- DTU Multi-Assay Core, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Henrik Leffers
- DTU Multi-Assay Core, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - H Bjørn Nielsen
- DTU Multi-Assay Core, Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland; Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jorma Toppari
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland; Department of Pediatrics, Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Nafis A Rahman
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Finland; Department of Reproduction and Gynecological Endocrinology, Medical University of Bialystok, Poland.
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Plöckinger U, Chrusciel M, Doroszko M, Saeger W, Blankenstein O, Weizsäcker K, Kroiss M, Hauptmann K, Radke C, Pöllinger A, Tiling N, Steinmüller T, Huhtaniemi I, Quinkler M, Bertherat J, Lacroix A, Rahman N. Functional Implications of LH/hCG Receptors in Pregnancy-Induced Cushing Syndrome. J Endocr Soc 2017; 1:57-71. [PMID: 29264446 PMCID: PMC5677213 DOI: 10.1210/js.2016-1021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Context: Elevated human choriogonadotropin (hCG) may stimulate aberrantly expressed luteinizing hormone (LH)/hCG receptor (LHCGR) in adrenal glands, resulting in pregnancy-induced bilateral macronodular adrenal hyperplasia and transient Cushing syndrome (CS). Objective: To determine the role of LHCGR in transient, pregnancy-induced CS. Design, Setting, Patient, and Intervention: We investigated the functional implications of LHCGRs in a patient presenting, at a tertiary referral center, with repeated pregnancy-induced CS with bilateral adrenal hyperplasia, resolving after parturition. Main Outcome Measures and Results: Acute testing for aberrant hormone receptors was negative except for arginine vasopressin (AVP)–increased cortisol secretion. Long-term hCG stimulation induced hypercortisolism, which was unsuppressed by dexamethasone. Postadrenalectomy histopathology demonstrated steroidogenically active adrenocortical hyperplasia and ectopic cortical cell clusters in the medulla. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction showed upregulated expression of LHCGR, transcription factors GATA4, ZFPM2, and proopiomelanocortin (POMC), AVP receptors (AVPRs) AVPR1A and AVPR2, and downregulated melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) vs control adrenals. LHCGR was localized in subcapsular, zona glomerulosa, and hyperplastic cells. Single adrenocorticotropic hormone–positive medullary cells were demonstrated in the zona reticularis. The role of adrenal adrenocorticotropic hormone was considered negligible due to downregulated MC2R. Coexpression of CYP11B1/CYP11B2 and AVPR1A/AVPR2 was observed in ectopic cortical cells in the medulla. hCG stimulation of the patient’s adrenal cell cultures significantly increased cyclic adenosine monophosphate, corticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, cortisol, and androstenedione production. CTNNB1, PRKAR1A, ARMC5, and PRKACA gene mutational analyses were negative. Conclusion: Nongenetic, transient, somatic mutation-independent, pregnancy-induced CS was due to hCG-stimulated transformation of LHCGR-positive undifferentiated subcapsular cells (presumably adrenocortical progenitors) into LHCGR-positive hyperplastic cortical cells. These cells respond to hCG stimulation with cortisol secretion. Without the ligand, they persist with aberrant LHCGR expression and the ability to respond to the same stimulus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursula Plöckinger
- Interdisciplinary Center of Metabolism: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Charité University Medicine Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Marcin Chrusciel
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Milena Doroszko
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Wolfgang Saeger
- Institute of Pathology, University of Hamburg, 2000 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Matthias Kroiss
- Endocrine and Diabetes Unit, Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kathrin Hauptmann
- Institute of Pathology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Alexander Pöllinger
- Department of Radiology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nikolaus Tiling
- Interdisciplinary Center of Metabolism: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Charité University Medicine Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Ilpo Huhtaniemi
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, 20520 Turku, Finland.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - André Lacroix
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1T8 Canada; and
| | - Nafis Rahman
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Biomedicine, 20520 Turku, Finland.,Medical University of Białytsok, 15001 Białytsok, Poland
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9
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Carré J, Grunenwald S, Vezzosi D, Mazerolles C, Bennet A, Meduri G, Caron P. Virilizing oncocytic adrenocortical carcinoma: clinical and immunohistochemical studies. Gynecol Endocrinol 2016; 32:662-666. [PMID: 26954035 DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2016.1149811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Oncocytic tumors of the adrenal cortex are rare, mostly nonfunctioning and benign. SETTING Report virilizing oncocytic adrenocortical carcinoma in a 50-year-old woman. PATIENT She presented a recent and progressive virilization syndrome, associated with high blood pressure. Hormonal evaluation showed elevated serum testosterone and delta-4-androstenedione levels, normal urinary free cortisol level and incomplete suppression of cortisol at the 1 mg dexamethasone suppression test. CT scan of the abdomen revealed a 35 mm left adrenal mass. INTERVENTION The patient underwent a left adrenalectomy, and the histological study showed a 3 cm oncocytic adrenocortical carcinoma with signs of malignancy. RESULTS Immunohistochemical study revealed that tumor cells expressed the steroidogenic enzymes involved into androgen synthesis (3βHSD and P450c17α), P450 aromatase and luteinizing hormone (LH) receptors. Post-operatively, signs of virilization improved rapidly, serum testosterone and delta-4-androstenedione levels returned to normal, as did the dexamethasone suppression test. During follow-up CT-scan and 18-FDG PET/CT showed a right ovary mass, corresponding to a follicular cyst associated with hyperthecosis. The patient is alive with no recurrence 48 months after adrenal surgery. CONCLUSION Oncocytic adrenocortical carcinomas, although extremely rare, should be considered in women with a virilization syndrome. In this woman immunohistochimical studies revealed the presence of steroidogenic enzymes involved into androgen synthesis and aromatization, and LH receptors could be implicated in this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Carré
- a Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases , Pôle Cardio-Vasculaire Et Métabolique, CHU Larrey , Toulouse , France
| | - Solange Grunenwald
- a Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases , Pôle Cardio-Vasculaire Et Métabolique, CHU Larrey , Toulouse , France
| | - Delphine Vezzosi
- a Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases , Pôle Cardio-Vasculaire Et Métabolique, CHU Larrey , Toulouse , France
| | | | - Antoine Bennet
- a Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases , Pôle Cardio-Vasculaire Et Métabolique, CHU Larrey , Toulouse , France
| | | | - Philippe Caron
- a Department of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases , Pôle Cardio-Vasculaire Et Métabolique, CHU Larrey , Toulouse , France
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Basham KJ, Hung HA, Lerario AM, Hammer GD. Mouse models of adrenocortical tumors. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 421:82-97. [PMID: 26678830 PMCID: PMC4720156 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.11.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [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: 11/07/2015] [Revised: 11/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The molecular basis of the organogenesis, homeostasis, and tumorigenesis of the adrenal cortex has been the subject of intense study for many decades. Specifically, characterization of tumor predisposition syndromes with adrenocortical manifestations and molecular profiling of sporadic adrenocortical tumors have led to the discovery of key molecular pathways that promote pathological adrenal growth. However, given the observational nature of such studies, several important questions regarding the molecular pathogenesis of adrenocortical tumors have remained. This review will summarize naturally occurring and genetically engineered mouse models that have provided novel tools to explore the molecular and cellular underpinnings of adrenocortical tumors. New paradigms of cancer initiation, maintenance, and progression that have emerged from this work will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin J Basham
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, USA; Endocrine Oncology Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Holly A Hung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, USA; Endocrine Oncology Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Antonio M Lerario
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, USA; Endocrine Oncology Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Gary D Hammer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, USA; Endocrine Oncology Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA.
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Pihlajoki M, Färkkilä A, Soini T, Heikinheimo M, Wilson DB. GATA factors in endocrine neoplasia. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2016; 421:2-17. [PMID: 26027919 PMCID: PMC4662929 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2015] [Revised: 04/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
GATA transcription factors are structurally-related zinc finger proteins that recognize the consensus DNA sequence WGATAA (the GATA motif), an essential cis-acting element in the promoters and enhancers of many genes. These transcription factors regulate cell fate specification and differentiation in a wide array of tissues. As demonstrated by genetic analyses of mice and humans, GATA factors play pivotal roles in the development, homeostasis, and function of several endocrine organs including the adrenal cortex, ovary, pancreas, parathyroid, pituitary, and testis. Additionally, GATA factors have been shown to be mutated, overexpressed, or underexpressed in a variety of endocrine tumors (e.g., adrenocortical neoplasms, parathyroid tumors, pituitary adenomas, and sex cord stromal tumors). Emerging evidence suggests that GATA factors play a direct role in the initiation, proliferation, or propagation of certain endocrine tumors via modulation of key developmental signaling pathways implicated in oncogenesis, such as the WNT/β-catenin and TGFβ pathways. Altered expression or function of GATA factors can also affect the metabolism, ploidy, and invasiveness of tumor cells. This article provides an overview of the role of GATA factors in endocrine neoplasms. Relevant animal models are highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjut Pihlajoki
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anniina Färkkilä
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tea Soini
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- Children's Hospital, Helsinki University Central Hospital, University of Helsinki, 00290 Helsinki, Finland; Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David B Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Röhrig T, Pihlajoki M, Ziegler R, Cochran RS, Schrade A, Schillebeeckx M, Mitra RD, Heikinheimo M, Wilson DB. Toying with fate: Redirecting the differentiation of adrenocortical progenitor cells into gonadal-like tissue. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 408:165-77. [PMID: 25498963 PMCID: PMC4417465 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cell fate decisions are integral to zonation and remodeling of the adrenal cortex. Animal models exhibiting ectopic differentiation of gonadal-like cells in the adrenal cortex can shed light on the molecular mechanisms regulating steroidogenic cell fate. In one such model, prepubertal gonadectomy (GDX) of mice triggers the formation of adrenocortical neoplasms that resemble luteinized ovarian stroma. Transcriptomic analysis and genome-wide DNA methylation mapping have identified genetic and epigenetic markers of GDX-induced adrenocortical neoplasia. Members of the GATA transcription factor family have emerged as key regulators of cell fate in this model. Expression of Gata4 is pivotal for the accumulation of gonadal-like cells in the adrenal glands of gonadectomized mice, whereas expression of Gata6 limits the spontaneous and GDX-induced differentiation of gonadal-like cells in the adrenal cortex. Additionally, Gata6 is essential for proper development of the adrenal X-zone, a layer analogous to the fetal zone of the human adrenal cortex. The relevance of these observations to developmental signaling pathways in the adrenal cortex, to other animal models of altered adrenocortical cell fate, and to human diseases is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Röhrig
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim - University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Marjut Pihlajoki
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Ricarda Ziegler
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim - University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Rebecca S Cochran
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Anja Schrade
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Maximiliaan Schillebeeckx
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robi D Mitra
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - David B Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Abstract
This comparative review highlights animal models of adrenocortical neoplasia useful either for mechanistic studies or translational research. Three model species-mouse, ferret, and dog-are detailed. The relevance of each of these models to spontaneous and inherited adrenocortical tumors in humans is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Galac
- Department of Clinical Sciences of Companion Animals, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 108, Utrecht 3508 TD, The Netherlands
| | - David B Wilson
- Departments of Pediatrics and Developmental Biology, St. Louis Children's Hospital, Washington University, 660 South Euclid Avenue, Box 8208, St Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Schillebeeckx M, Pihlajoki M, Gretzinger E, Yang W, Thol F, Hiller T, Löbs AK, Röhrig T, Schrade A, Cochran R, Jay PY, Heikinheimo M, Mitra RD, Wilson DB. Novel markers of gonadectomy-induced adrenocortical neoplasia in the mouse and ferret. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 399:122-30. [PMID: 25289806 PMCID: PMC4262703 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Revised: 07/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Gonadectomy (GDX) induces sex steroid-producing adrenocortical tumors in certain mouse strains and in the domestic ferret. Transcriptome analysis and DNA methylation mapping were used to identify novel genetic and epigenetic markers of GDX-induced adrenocortical neoplasia in female DBA/2J mice. Markers were validated using a combination of laser capture microdissection, quantitative RT-PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. Microarray expression profiling of whole adrenal mRNA from ovariectomized vs. intact mice demonstrated selective upregulation of gonadal-like genes including Spinlw1 and Insl3 in GDX-induced adrenocortical tumors of the mouse. A complementary candidate gene approach identified Foxl2 as another gonadal-like marker expressed in GDX-induced neoplasms of the mouse and ferret. That both "male-specific" (Spinlw1) and "female-specific" (Foxl2) markers were identified is noteworthy and implies that the neoplasms exhibit mixed characteristics of male and female gonadal somatic cells. Genome-wide methylation analysis showed that two genes with hypomethylated promoters, Igfbp6 and Foxs1, are upregulated in GDX-induced adrenocortical neoplasms. These new genetic and epigenetic markers may prove useful for studies of steroidogenic cell development and for diagnostic testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximiliaan Schillebeeckx
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Marjut Pihlajoki
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Elisabeth Gretzinger
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim, University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Franziska Thol
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim, University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Theresa Hiller
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim, University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Ann-Kathrin Löbs
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim, University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Theresa Röhrig
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim, University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Anja Schrade
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Rebecca Cochran
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Patrick Y Jay
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Robi D Mitra
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - David B Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjut Pihlajoki
- Box 8208, Washington University School of Medicine, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63110.
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Yates R, Katugampola H, Cavlan D, Cogger K, Meimaridou E, Hughes C, Metherell L, Guasti L, King P. Adrenocortical Development, Maintenance, and Disease. Curr Top Dev Biol 2013; 106:239-312. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416021-7.00007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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