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Zhang X, Xiao Z, Zhang X, Li N, Sun T, Zhang J, Kang C, Fan S, Dai L, Liu X. Signature construction and molecular subtype identification based on liver-specific genes for prediction of prognosis, immune activity, and anti-cancer drug sensitivity in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:78. [PMID: 38374122 PMCID: PMC10875877 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03242-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver specific genes (LSGs) are crucial for hepatocyte differentiation and maintaining normal liver function. A deep understanding of LSGs and their heterogeneity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is necessary to provide clues for HCC diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. METHODS The bulk and single-cell RNA-seq data of HCC were downloaded from TCGA, ICGC, and GEO databases. Through unsupervised cluster analysis, LSGs-based HCC subtypes were identified in TCGA-HCC samples. The prognostic effects of the subtypes were investigated with survival analyses. With GSVA and Wilcoxon test, the LSGs score, stemness score, aging score, immune score and stromal score of the samples were estimated and compared. The HCC subtype-specific genes were identified. The subtypes and their differences were validated in ICGC-HCC samples. LASSO regression analysis was used for key gene selection and risk model construction for HCC overall survival. The model performance was estimated and validated. The key genes were validated for their heterogeneities in HCC cell lines with quantitative real-time PCR and at single-cell level. Their dysregulations were investigated at protein level. Their correlations with HCC response to anti-cancer drugs were estimated in HCC cell lines. RESULTS We identified three LSGs-based HCC subtypes with different prognosis, tumor stemness, and aging level. The C1 subtype with low LSGs score and high immune score presented a poor survival, while the C2 subtype with high LSGs score and immune score indicated an enduring survival. Although no significant survival difference between C2 and C3 HCCs was shown, the C2 HCCs presented higher immune score and stroma score. The HCC subtypes and their differences were confirmed in ICGC-HCC dataset. A five-gene prognostic signature for HCC survival was constructed. Its good performance was shown in both the training and validation datasets. The five genes presented significant heterogeneities in different HCC cell lines and hepatocyte subclusters. Their dysregulations were confirmed at protein level. Furthermore, their significant associations with HCC sensitivities to anti-cancer drugs were shown. CONCLUSIONS LSGs-based HCC subtype classification and the five-gene risk model might provide useful clues not only for HCC stratification and risk prediction, but also for the development of more personalized therapies for effective HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuzhi Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, 451191, Henan, China
| | - Zhefeng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, 451191, Henan, China
| | - Ningning Li
- Department of Pathology, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, 451191, Henan, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Pathology, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, 451191, Henan, China
| | - JinZhong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, 451191, Henan, China
| | - Chunyan Kang
- Department of Pathology, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, 451191, Henan, China
| | - Shasha Fan
- Oncology Department, Key Laboratory of Study and Discovery of Small Targeted Molecules of Hunan Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, 410000, Hunan, China.
| | - Liping Dai
- Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Laboratory Department, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450003, China.
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Yasir M, Park J, Chun W. EWS/FLI1 Characterization, Activation, Repression, Target Genes and Therapeutic Opportunities in Ewing Sarcoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15173. [PMID: 37894854 PMCID: PMC10607184 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015173] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite their clonal origins, tumors eventually develop into complex communities made up of phenotypically different cell subpopulations, according to mounting evidence. Tumor cell-intrinsic programming and signals from geographically and temporally changing microenvironments both contribute to this variability. Furthermore, the mutational load is typically lacking in childhood malignancies of adult cancers, and they still exhibit high cellular heterogeneity levels largely mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. Ewing sarcomas represent highly aggressive malignancies affecting both bone and soft tissue, primarily afflicting adolescents. Unfortunately, the outlook for patients facing relapsed or metastatic disease is grim. These tumors are primarily fueled by a distinctive fusion event involving an FET protein and an ETS family transcription factor, with the most prevalent fusion being EWS/FLI1. Despite originating from a common driver mutation, Ewing sarcoma cells display significant variations in transcriptional activity, both within and among tumors. Recent research has pinpointed distinct fusion protein activities as a principal source of this heterogeneity, resulting in markedly diverse cellular phenotypes. In this review, we aim to characterize the role of the EWS/FLI fusion protein in Ewing sarcoma by exploring its general mechanism of activation and elucidating its implications for tumor heterogeneity. Additionally, we delve into potential therapeutic opportunities to target this aberrant fusion protein in the context of Ewing sarcoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Wanjoo Chun
- Department of Pharmacology, Kangwon National University School of Medicine, Chuncheon 24341, Republic of Korea; (M.Y.); (J.P.)
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Hong SP, Kim KW, Ahn SK. Inhibition of GLI Transcriptional Activity and Prostate Cancer Cell Growth and Proliferation by DAX1. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:5347-5361. [PMID: 37504255 PMCID: PMC10378570 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45070339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays an essential role in the initiation and progression of prostate cancer. This is mediated by transcriptional factors belonging to the GLI (glioma-associated oncogene) family, which regulate downstream targets to drive prostate cancer progression. The activity of GLI proteins is tightly controlled by a range of mechanisms, including molecular interactions and post-translational modifications. In particular, mitogenic and oncogenic signaling pathways have been shown to regulate GLI protein activity independently of upstream Hh pathway signaling. Identifying GLI protein regulators is critical for the development of targeted therapies that can improve patient outcomes. This study aimed to identify a novel protein that directly regulates the activity of GLI transcription factors in prostate cancer. We performed gene expression, cellular analyses, and reporter assays to demonstrate that DAX1 (dosage-sensitive sex reversal adrenal hypoplasia congenital critical region on X chromosome, gene 1) interacts with GLI1 and GLI2, the master regulators of Hh signaling. Interestingly, DAX1 overexpression significantly inhibited Hh signaling by reducing GLI1 and GLI2 activity, prostate cancer cell proliferation, and viability. Our results shed light on a novel regulatory mechanism of Hh signaling in prostate cancer cells. The interaction between DAX1 and GLI transcription factors provides insight into the complex regulation of Hh signaling in prostate cancer. Given the importance of Hh signaling in prostate cancer progression, targeting DAX1-GLI interactions may represent a promising therapeutic approach against prostate cancer. Overall, this study provides new insights into the regulation of the Hh pathway and its role in prostate cancer progression. The findings suggest that DAX1 could serve as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Pyo Hong
- Institute for New Drug Development, Division of Life Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Kil Won Kim
- Institute for New Drug Development, Division of Life Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Kil Ahn
- Institute for New Drug Development, Division of Life Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
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4
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A Novel Muscle Atrophy Mechanism: Myocyte Degeneration Due to Intracellular Iron Deprivation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11182853. [PMID: 36139428 PMCID: PMC9497220 DOI: 10.3390/cells11182853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Muscle atrophy is defined as the progressive degeneration or shrinkage of myocytes and is triggered by factors such as aging, cancer, injury, inflammation, and immobilization. Considering the total amount of body iron stores and its crucial role in skeletal muscle, myocytes may have their own iron regulation mechanism. Although the detrimental effects of iron overload or iron deficiency on muscle function have been studied, the molecular mechanism of iron-dependent muscle atrophy has not been elucidated. Using human muscle tissues and in the mouse rotator cuff tear model, we confirmed an association between injury-induced iron depletion in myocytes and muscle atrophy. In differentiated C2C12 myotubes, the effects of iron deficiency on myocytes and the molecular mechanism of muscle atrophy by iron deficiency were evaluated. Our study revealed that the lower iron concentration in injured muscle was associated with the upregulation of ferroportin, an iron exporter that transports iron out of cells. Ferroportin expression was increased by hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), which is activated by muscle injury, and its expression is controlled by HIF1 inhibitor treatment. Iron deprivation caused myocyte loss and a marked depletion of mitochondrial membrane potential leading to muscle atrophy, together with increased levels of myostatin, the upstream regulator of atrogin1 and muscle RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1). Myostatin expression under iron deficiency was mediated by an orphan nuclear receptor, dosage-sensitive sex reversal-adrenal hypoplasia congenita critical region on the X chromosome (DAX1).
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Viengchareun S, Pussard E, Castanet M, Sachs LM, Vu TA, Boileau P, Lombès M, Martinerie L. The invention of aldosterone, how the past resurfaces in pediatric endocrinology. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 535:111375. [PMID: 34197901 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Sodium and water homeostasis are drastically modified at birth, in mammals, by the transition from aquatic life to terrestrial life. Accumulating evidence during the past ten years underscores the central role for the mineralocorticoid signaling pathway, in the fine regulation of this equilibrium, at this critical period of development. Interestingly, regarding evolution, while the mineralocorticoid receptor is expressed in fish, the appearance of its related ligand, aldosterone, coincides with terrestrial life, as it is first detected in lungfish and amphibian. Thus, aldosterone is likely one of the main hormones regulating the transition from an aquatic environment to an air environment. This review will focus on the different actors of the mineralocorticoid signaling pathway from aldosterone secretion in the adrenal gland, to mineralocorticoid receptor expression in the kidney, summarizing their regulation and roles throughout fetal and neonatal development, in the light of evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Say Viengchareun
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Eric Pussard
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Service de Génétique Moléculaire, Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, 94275, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Mireille Castanet
- Normandie Univ, UNIROUEN, Inserm U1239, CHU Rouen, Department of Pediatrics, F-76000, Rouen, France
| | - Laurent M Sachs
- UMR 7221 Molecular Physiology and Adaption, Department Adaptation of Life, Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Thi An Vu
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Pascal Boileau
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Department of Neonatal Pediatrics, Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Poissy-Saint-Germain, 10, Rue du Champ Gaillard 78300 Poissy France; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, 78180, Montigny-Le-Bretonneux, France
| | - Marc Lombès
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Laetitia Martinerie
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, 94276, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France; Université de Paris, 75019, Paris, France; Pediatric Endocrinology Department, AP-HP, Hôpital Universitaire Robert-Debre, 75019, Paris, France.
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Xia Y, Ying S, Jin R, Wu H, Shen Y, Yin T, Yan F, Zhang W, Lan F, Zhang B, Zhu C, Li C, Li W, Shen H. Application of a classifier combining bronchial transcriptomics and chest computed tomography features facilitates the diagnostic evaluation of lung cancer in smokers and nonsmokers. Int J Cancer 2021; 149:1290-1301. [PMID: 33963762 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer screening by computed tomography (CT) reduces mortality but exhibited high false-positive rates. We established a diagnostic classifier combining chest CT features with bronchial transcriptomics. Patients with CT-detected suspected lung cancer were enrolled. The sample collected by bronchial brushing was used for RNA sequencing. The e1071 and pROC packages in R software was applied to build the model. Eventually, a total of 283 patients, including 183 with lung cancer and 100 with benign lesions, were included into final analysis. When incorporating transcriptomic data with radiological characteristics, the advanced model yielded 0.903 AUC with 81.1% NPV. Moreover, the classifier performed well regardless of lesion size, location, stage, histologic type or smoking status. Pathway analysis showed enhanced epithelial differentiation, tumor metastasis, and impaired immunity were predominant in smokers with cancer, whereas tumorigenesis played a central role in nonsmokers with cancer. Apoptosis and oxidative stress contributed critically in metastatic lung cancer; by contrast, immune dysfunction was pivotal in locally advanced lung cancer. Collectively, we devised a minimal-to-noninvasive, efficient diagnostic classifier for smokers and nonsmokers with lung cancer, which provides evidence for different mechanisms of cancer development and metastasis associated with smoking. A negative classifier result will help the physician make conservative diagnostic decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xia
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Songmin Ying
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Rui Jin
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Department of Human Genetics, and Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ye Shen
- Hangzhou Mitigenomics Technology Co, Ltd, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tong Yin
- Hangzhou Mitigenomics Technology Co, Ltd, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fugui Yan
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Hangzhou Mitigenomics Technology Co, Ltd, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fen Lan
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Human Genetics, and Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wen Li
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Huahao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease of Zhejiang Province, Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Li Y, Xu A, Jia S, Huang J. Recent advances in the molecular mechanism of sex disparity in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2019; 17:4222-4228. [PMID: 30988804 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.10127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is more frequently observed and aggressive in men compared with women. Increasing evidence demonstrates that the sex disparity appears to be mediated by the stimulatory effects of androgens and the protective effects of estrogen in the development and progression of HCC. In the past few decades, studies on the sex difference of HCC mainly focused on the effect of sex hormones on the transactivation of hepatitis B virus X protein and the release of inflammatory cytokines, and these studies have further intensified in recent years. Sex hormones are also involved in genetic alterations and DNA damage repair in hepatocytes through binding to their specific cellular receptors and affecting the corresponding signaling pathways. Furthermore, the theory of sex chromosomes participating in HCC has been considered. The present review discussed the recent advances in the molecular mechanisms of sex disparity in HCC, with the aim of improving the understanding of the underlying critical factors and exploring more effective methods for the prevention and treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmeng Li
- Experimental Center, Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Anjian Xu
- Experimental Center, Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Siyu Jia
- Experimental Center, Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Jian Huang
- Experimental Center, Liver Research Center, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, P.R. China.,National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
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Lipid-sensors, enigmatic-orphan and orphan nuclear receptors as therapeutic targets in breast-cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:42661-42682. [PMID: 26894976 PMCID: PMC5173165 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.7410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast-cancer is heterogeneous and consists of various groups with different biological characteristics. Innovative pharmacological approaches accounting for this heterogeneity are needed. The forty eight human Nuclear-Hormone-Receptors are ligand-dependent transcription-factors and are classified into Endocrine-Receptors, Adopted-Orphan-Receptors (Lipid-sensors and Enigmatic-Orphans) and Orphan-receptors. Nuclear-Receptors represent ideal targets for the design/synthesis of pharmacological ligands. We provide an overview of the literature available on the expression and potential role played by Lipid-sensors, Enigmatic-Orphans and Orphan-Receptors in breast-cancer. The data are complemented by an analysis of the expression levels of each selected Nuclear-Receptor in the PAM50 breast-cancer groups, following re-elaboration of the data publicly available. The major aim is to support the idea that some of the Nuclear-Receptors represent largely unexploited therapeutic-targets in breast-cancer treatment/chemo-prevention. On the basis of our analysis, we conclude that the Lipid-Sensors, NR1C3, NR1H2 and NR1H3 are likely to be onco-suppressors in breast-cancer. The Enigmatic-Orphans, NR1F1 NR2A1 and NR3B3 as well as the Orphan-Receptors, NR0B1, NR0B2, NR1D1, NR2F1, NR2F2 and NR4A3 exert a similar action. These Nuclear-Receptors represent candidates for the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at increasing their expression or activating them in tumor cells. The group of Nuclear-Receptors endowed with potential oncogenic properties consists of the Lipid-Sensors, NR1C2 and NR1I2, the Enigmatic-Orphans, NR1F3, NR3B1 and NR5A2, as well as the Orphan-Receptors, NR2E1, NR2E3 and NR6A1. These oncogenic Nuclear-Receptors should be targeted with selective antagonists, reverse-agonists or agents/strategies capable of reducing their expression in breast-cancer cells.
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Safe S, Jin UH, Morpurgo B, Abudayyeh A, Singh M, Tjalkens RB. Nuclear receptor 4A (NR4A) family - orphans no more. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 157:48-60. [PMID: 25917081 PMCID: PMC4618773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Revised: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptors NR4A1, NR4A2 and NR4A3 are immediate early genes induced by multiple stressors, and the NR4A receptors play an important role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and disease. There is increasing evidence for the role of these receptors in metabolic, cardiovascular and neurological functions and also in inflammation and inflammatory diseases and in immune functions and cancer. Despite the similarities of NR4A1, NR4A2 and NR4A3 and their interactions with common cis-genomic elements, they exhibit unique activities and cell-/tissue-specific functions. Although endogenous ligands for NR4A receptors have not been identified, there is increasing evidence that structurally-diverse synthetic molecules can directly interact with the ligand binding domain of NR4A1 and act as agonists or antagonists, and ligands for NR4A2 and NR4A3 have also been identified. Since NR4A receptors are key factors in multiple diseases, there are opportunities for the future development of NR4A ligands for clinical applications in treating multiple health problems including metabolic, neurologic and cardiovascular diseases, other inflammatory conditions, and cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Arthritis/metabolism
- Cardiovascular Diseases/metabolism
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Homeostasis
- Humans
- Immunity, Cellular
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Ligands
- Metabolic Diseases/genetics
- Metabolic Diseases/metabolism
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1/metabolism
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 2/genetics
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 2/metabolism
- Receptors, Steroid/metabolism
- Receptors, Thyroid Hormone/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA.
| | - Un-Ho Jin
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Benjamin Morpurgo
- Texas A&M Institute for Genomic Medicine, Texas A&M University, 670 Raymond Stotzer Pkwy, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Ala Abudayyeh
- Department of General Internal Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mandip Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL 32307, USA
| | - Ronald B Tjalkens
- Department of Toxicology and Neuroscience, Colorado State University, 1680Campus Delivery, Fort Collins, CO 80523-1680, USA
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Cidre-Aranaz F, Alonso J. EWS/FLI1 Target Genes and Therapeutic Opportunities in Ewing Sarcoma. Front Oncol 2015; 5:162. [PMID: 26258070 PMCID: PMC4507460 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is an aggressive bone malignancy that affect children and young adults. Ewing sarcoma is the second most common primary bone malignancy in pediatric patients. Although significant progress has been made in the treatment of Ewing sarcoma since it was first described in the 1920s, in the last decade survival rates have remained unacceptably invariable, thus pointing to the need for new approaches centered in the molecular basis of the disease. Ewing sarcoma driving mutation, EWS–FLI1, which results from a chromosomal translocation, encodes an aberrant transcription factor. Since its first characterization in 1990s, many molecular targets have been described to be regulated by this chimeric transcription factor. Their contribution to orchestrate Ewing sarcoma phenotype has been reported over the last decades. In this work, we will focus on the description of a selection of EWS/FLI1 targets, their functional role, and their potential clinical relevance. We will also discuss their role in other types of cancer as well as the need for further studies to be performed in order to achieve a broader understanding of their particular contribution to Ewing sarcoma development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Cidre-Aranaz
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Área de Genética Humana, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III , Madrid , Spain
| | - Javier Alonso
- Unidad de Tumores Sólidos Infantiles, Área de Genética Humana, Instituto de Investigación de Enfermedades Raras, Instituto de Salud Carlos III , Madrid , Spain
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11
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Virgone C, Lalli E, Bisogno G, Lazzari E, Roma J, Zin A, Poli E, Cecchetto G, Dall’Igna P, Alaggio R. DAX-1 Expression in Pediatric Rhabdomyosarcomas: Another Immunohistochemical Marker Useful in the Diagnosis of Translocation Positive Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0133019. [PMID: 26168243 PMCID: PMC4500404 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0133019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the expression of DAX-1 in a series of pediatric rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) with known translocation and compare it to Ap2β, known to be selectively expressed in ARMS. Design We revised a series of 71 alveolar rhabdomyosarcomas (ARMS), enrolled in the Italian Protocols RMS 79 and 96, and 23 embryonal rhabdomyosarcomas (ERMS) as controls. Before investigating Ap2β and DAX-1, ARMS were reviewed and reclassified as 48 ARMS and 23 non-ARMS. Results Translocation positive ARMS showed a characteristic Ap2β/DAX-1+ staining pattern in 78% of cases, while 76% of classic ERMS were negative for both. Ap2β alone was positive in 3.9% of RMS lacking translocation, whereas DAX-1 alone was positive in 25.4%. Conversely, 9% and 6% of translocation positive ARMS were positive only for DAX-1 or Ap2β, respectively. The 23 non-ARMS shared the same phenotype as ERMS but had a higher frequency of DAX-1 expression. Conclusions DAX-1 is less specific than Ap2β, however it is a sensitive marker for translocation positive ARMS and can be helpful in their diagnosis if used in combination with Ap2β.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calogero Virgone
- Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University-Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Enzo Lalli
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7275, CNRS, Valbonne, France
- Université de Nice–Sophia Antipolis, Valbonne, France
| | - Gianni Bisogno
- Hematology Oncology, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University-Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Elena Lazzari
- Pathology Unit, San Bortolo Hospital, Vicenza, Italy
| | - Josep Roma
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Pediatric Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angelica Zin
- Istituto della Ricerca Pediatrica "Città della Speranza", Laboratorio di Biologia dei Tumori Solidi, Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Poli
- Istituto della Ricerca Pediatrica "Città della Speranza", Laboratorio di Biologia dei Tumori Solidi, Padova, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cecchetto
- Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University-Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Patrizia Dall’Igna
- Pediatric Surgery, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, University-Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical and Diagnostic Sciences and Special Therapies, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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12
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Roshan-Moniri M, Hsing M, Butler MS, Cherkasov A, Rennie PS. Orphan nuclear receptors as drug targets for the treatment of prostate and breast cancers. Cancer Treat Rev 2015; 40:1137-52. [PMID: 25455729 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2014.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Revised: 10/10/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs), a family of 48 transcriptional factors, have been studied intensively for their roles in cancer development and progression. The presence of distinctive ligand binding sites capable of interacting with small molecules has made NRs attractive targets for developing cancer therapeutics. In particular, a number of drugs have been developed over the years to target human androgen- and estrogen receptors for the treatment of prostate cancer and breast cancer. In contrast, orphan nuclear receptors (ONRs), which in many cases lack known biological functions or ligands, are still largely under investigated. This review is a summary on ONRs that have been implicated in prostate and breast cancers, specifically retinoic acid-receptor-related orphan receptors (RORs), liver X receptors (LXRs), chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factors (COUP-TFs), estrogen related receptors (ERRs), nerve growth factor 1B-like receptors, and ‘‘dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia critical region, on chromosome X, gene 1’’ (DAX1). Discovery and development of small molecules that can bind at various functional sites on these ONRs will help determine their biological functions. In addition, these molecules have the potential to act as prototypes for future drug development. Ultimately, the therapeutic value of targeting the ONRs may go well beyond prostate and breast cancers.
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13
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Zhang J, Liu G, Ruan Y, Wang J, Zhao K, Wan Y, Liu B, Zheng H, Peng T, Wu W, He P, Hu FQ, Jian R. Dax1 and Nanog act in parallel to stabilize mouse embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotency. Nat Commun 2014; 5:5042. [PMID: 25284313 PMCID: PMC4205889 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nanog expression is heterogeneous and dynamic in embryonic stem cells (ESCs). However, the mechanism for stabilizing pluripotency during the transitions between Nanog(high) and Nanog(low) states is not well understood. Here we report that Dax1 acts in parallel with Nanog to regulate mouse ESC (mESCs) identity. Dax1 stable knockdown mESCs are predisposed towards differentiation but do not lose pluripotency, whereas Dax1 overexpression supports LIF-independent self-renewal. Although partially complementary, Dax1 and Nanog function independently and cannot replace one another. They are both required for full reprogramming to induce pluripotency. Importantly, Dax1 is indispensable for self-renewal of Nanog(low) mESCs. Moreover, we report that Dax1 prevents extra-embryonic endoderm (ExEn) commitment by directly repressing Gata6 transcription. Dax1 may also mediate inhibition of trophectoderm differentiation independent or as a downstream effector of Oct4. These findings establish a basal role of Dax1 in maintaining pluripotency during the state transition of mESCs and somatic cell reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junlei Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Gaoke Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Yan Ruan
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jiali Wang
- Department of Physiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ke Zhao
- Laboratory of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 400038, China
| | - Ying Wan
- 1] Biomedical Analysis Center, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 100071, China [2] Department of Immunology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Bing Liu
- Laboratory of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 400038, China
| | - Hongting Zheng
- Department of Endocrinology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Tao Peng
- Research Center of Laboratory Medicine, Chengdu Military General Hospital, Sichuan 610083, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Ping He
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Fu-Quan Hu
- Department of Microbiology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Rui Jian
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
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14
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Tong SJ, Liu J, Wang X, Qu LX. microRNA-181 promotes prostate cancer cell proliferation by regulating DAX-1 expression. Exp Ther Med 2014; 8:1296-1300. [PMID: 25187843 PMCID: PMC4151665 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2014.1846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2014] [Accepted: 05/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of short noncoding RNA molecules that have a critical role in the initiation and progression of types of human cancer, including prostate cancer. In the present study, the expression of miR-181 in prostate cancer tissues was evaluated and was demonstrated to be significantly upregulated in prostate cancer tissues compared with that in adjacent normal tissues. The results of in vitro MTT and BrdU incorporation assays, as well as cell-cycle analysis, indicated that miR-181 overexpression markedly promoted the proliferation of LNCaP cells. Furthermore, miR-181 overexpression was found to promote the progression of LNCaP tumor growth in nude mice. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia critical region, on chromosome X, gene 1 (DAX-1), a negative regulator of androgen receptor in prostate cancer, was inhibited by miR-181 overexpression. Therefore, the results from the present study suggest that miR-181 functions as a growth-suppressive miRNA during prostate cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Jun Tong
- Department of Urologic Surgery, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Urologic Surgery, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Urologic Surgery, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Lian-Xi Qu
- Department of Urologic Surgery, Huashan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
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15
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Role of Orphan Nuclear Receptor DAX-1/NR0B1 in Development, Physiology, and Disease. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014. [DOI: 10.1155/2014/582749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
DAX-1/NR0B1 is an unusual orphan receptor that has a pivotal role in the development and function of steroidogenic tissues and of the reproductive axis. Recent studies have also indicated that this transcription factor has an important function in stem cell biology and in several types of cancer. Here I critically review the most important findings on the role of DAX-1 in development, physiology, and disease of endocrine tissues since the cloning of its gene twenty years ago.
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16
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Lalli E. Methodological pitfalls in the study of DAX-1 function. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e977. [PMID: 24384720 PMCID: PMC4040691 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E Lalli
- 1] Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire CNRS, Valbonne 06560, France [2] Associated International Laboratory (LIA) NEOGENEX CNRS, Valbonne 06560, France [3] University of Nice-Sophia-Antipolis, Valbonne 06560, France
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17
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Safe S, Jin UH, Hedrick E, Reeder A, Lee SO. Minireview: role of orphan nuclear receptors in cancer and potential as drug targets. Mol Endocrinol 2013; 28:157-72. [PMID: 24295738 DOI: 10.1210/me.2013-1291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The nuclear orphan receptors for which endogenous ligands have not been identified include nuclear receptor (NR)0B1 (adrenal hypoplasia congenita critical region on chromosome X gene), NR0B2 (small heterodimer partner), NR1D1/2 (Rev-Erbα/β), NR2C1 (testicular receptor 2), NR2C2 (testicular receptor 4), NR2E1 (tailless), NR2E3 (photoreceptor-specific NR [PNR]), NR2F1 chicken ovalbumin upstream promoter transcription factor 1 (COUP-TFI), NR2F2 (COUP-TFII), NR2F6 (v-erbA-related protein), NR4A1 (Nur77), NR4A2 (Nurr1), NR4A3 (Nor1), and NR6A1 (GCNF). These receptors play essential roles in development, cellular homeostasis, and disease including cancer where over- or underexpression of some receptors has prognostic significance for patient survival. Results of receptor knockdown or overexpression in vivo and in cancer cell lines demonstrate that orphan receptors exhibit tumor-specific pro-oncogenic or tumor suppressor-like activity. For example, COUP-TFII expression is both a positive (ovarian) and negative (prostate and breast) prognostic factor for cancer patients; in contrast, the prognostic activity of adrenal hypoplasia congenita critical region on chromosome X gene for the same tumors is the inverse of COUP-TFII. Functional studies show that Nur77 is tumor suppressor like in acute leukemia, whereas silencing Nur77 in pancreatic, colon, lung, lymphoma, melanoma, cervical, ovarian, gastric, and some breast cancer cell lines induces one or more of several responses including growth inhibition and decreased survival, migration, and invasion. Although endogenous ligands for the orphan receptors have not been identified, there is increasing evidence that different structural classes of compounds activate, inactivate, and directly bind several orphan receptors. Thus, the screening and development of selective orphan receptor modulators will have important clinical applications as novel mechanism-based agents for treating cancer patients overexpressing one or more orphan receptors and also for combined drug therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Safe
- Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology (S.S., E.H., A.R.), Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77808; and Institute of Biosciences and Technology (S.S., U.-H.J., S.-O.L.), Texas A&M Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030
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18
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Simandi Z, Cuaranta-Monroy I, Nagy L. Nuclear receptors as regulators of stem cell and cancer stem cell metabolism. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2013; 24:716-23. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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19
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Ahn SW, Gang GT, Tadi S, Nedumaran B, Kim YD, Park JH, Kweon GR, Koo SH, Lee K, Ahn RS, Yim YH, Lee CH, Harris RA, Choi HS. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase are required for steroidogenesis in testicular Leydig cells. J Biol Chem 2012; 287:41875-87. [PMID: 23074219 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m112.421552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cyclic AMP (cAMP) induces steroidogenic enzyme gene expression and stimulates testosterone production in Leydig cells. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) is expressed in Leydig cells, but its role has not been defined. In this study, we found that PEPCK and glucose-6-phosphatase (Glc-6-Pase) are increased significantly following cAMP treatment of mouse Leydig cells. Moreover, cAMP treatment increased recruitment of the cAMP-response element-binding transcription factor and decreased recruitment of the corepressor DAX-1 on the pepck promoter. Furthermore, cAMP induced an increase in ATP that correlated with a decrease in phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). In contrast, knockdown or inhibition of PEPCK decreased ATP and increased phospho-AMPK. Treatment with an AMPK activator or overexpression of the constitutively active form of AMPK inhibited cAMP-induced steroidogenic enzyme promoter activities and gene expression. Liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1) was involved in cAMP-induced steroidogenic enzyme gene expression but was inhibited by AMPK activation in Leydig cells. Additionally, inhibition or knockdown of PEPCK and Glc-6-Pase decreased cAMP-mediated induction of steroidogenic enzyme gene expression and steroidogenesis. Finally, pubertal mouse (8-week-old) testes and human chorionic gonadotropin-induced prepubertal mouse testes showed increased PEPCK and Glc-6-Pase gene expression. Taken together, these results suggest that induction of PEPCK and Glc-6-Pase by cAMP plays an important role in Leydig cell steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Won Ahn
- National Creative Research Initiatives Center for Nuclear Receptor Signals, School of Biological Sciences and Technology, Chonnam National University, Gwangju 500-757, Republic of Korea
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20
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Ehrlund A, Treuter E. Ligand-independent actions of the orphan receptors/corepressors DAX-1 and SHP in metabolism, reproduction and disease. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2012; 130:169-79. [PMID: 21550402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2011.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2010] [Revised: 03/11/2011] [Accepted: 04/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
DAX-1 and SHP are two closely related atypical orphan members of the nuclear receptor (NR) family that make up the NR0B subfamily. They combine properties of typical NRs and of NR-associated coregulators: both carry the characteristic NR ligand-binding domain but instead of a NR DNA-binding domain they have unique N-terminal regions that contain LxxLL-related NR-binding motifs often found in coregulators. Recent structural data indicate that DAX-1 lacks a ligand-binding pocket and thus should rely on ligand-independent mechanisms of regulation. This might be true, but remains to be proven, for SHP as well. DAX-1 and SHP have in common that they act as transcriptional corepressors of cholesterol metabolism pathways that are related on a molecular level. However, the expression patterns of the two NRs are largely different, with some notable exceptions, and so are the physiological processes they regulate. DAX-1 is mainly involved in steroidogenesis and reproductive development, while SHP plays major roles in maintaining cholesterol and glucose homeostasis. This review highlights the key similarities and differences between DAX-1 and SHP with regard to structure, function and biology and considers what can be learnt from recent research advances in the field. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Orphan Receptors'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ehrlund
- Center for Biosciences, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, S-14183 Huddinge/Stockholm, Sweden
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21
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Teets BW, Soprano KJ, Soprano DR. Role of SF-1 and DAX-1 during differentiation of P19 cells by retinoic acid. J Cell Physiol 2012; 227:1501-11. [PMID: 21678401 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA) is critical for embryonic development and cellular differentiation. Previous work in our laboratory has shown that blocking the RA-dependent increase in pre-β cell leukemia transcription factors (PBX) mRNA and protein levels in P19 cells prevents endodermal and neuronal differentiation. Dosage-sensitive sex reversal, adrenal hypoplasia critical region, on chromosome X, gene 1 (DAX-1) and steroidogenic factor (SF-1) were found by microarray analysis to be regulated by PBX in P19 cells. To determine the roles of DAX-1 and SF-1 during RA-dependent differentiation, P19 cells that inducibly express either FLAG-DAX-1 or FLAG-SF-1 were prepared. Unexpectedly, overexpression of DAX-1 had no effect on the RA-induced differentiation of P19 cells to either endodermal or neuronal cells. However, SF-1 overexpression prevented the RA-dependent loss of OCT-4, DAX-1 and the increase in COUP-TFI, COUP-TFII, and ETS-1 mRNA levels during the commitment stages of both endodermal and neuronal differentiation. Surprisingly, continued expression of SF-1 for 7 days caused the RA-independent loss of OCT-4 protein and RA-dependent loss of SSEA-1 expression. Despite the loss of well-characterized pluripotency markers, these cells did not terminally differentiate into either endodermal or neuronal cells. Instead, the cells gained the expression of many steroidogenic enzymes with a pattern consistent with adrenal cells. Finally, we found evidence for a feedback loop in which PBX reduces SF-1 mRNA levels while continued SF-1 expression blocks the RA-dependent increase in PBX levels. Taken together, these data demonstrate that SF-1 plays a dynamic role during the differentiation of P19 cells and potentially during early embryogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan W Teets
- Department of Biochemistry, Temple University School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140, USA
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22
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Disease embryo development network reveals the relationship between disease genes and embryo development genes. J Theor Biol 2011; 287:100-8. [PMID: 21824480 PMCID: PMC7094120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2011.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2011] [Revised: 06/15/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
A basic problem for contemporary biology and medicine is exploring the correlation between human disease and underlying cellular mechanisms. For a long time, several efforts were made to reveal the similarity between embryo development and disease process, but few from the system level. In this article, we used the human protein-protein interactions (PPIs), disease genes with their classifications and embryo development genes and reconstructed a human disease-embryo development network to investigate the relationship between disease genes and embryo development genes. We found that disease genes and embryo development genes are prone to connect with each other. Furthermore, diseases can be categorized into three groups according to the closeness with embryo development in gene overlapping, interacting pattern in PPI network and co-regulated by microRNAs or transcription factors. Embryo development high-related disease genes show their closeness with embryo development at least in three biological levels. But it is not for embryo development medium-related disease genes and embryo development low-related disease genes. We also found that embryo development high-related disease genes are more central than other disease genes in the human PPI network. In addition, the results show that embryo development high-related disease genes tend to be essential genes compared with other diseases' genes. This network-based approach could provide evidence for the intricate correlation between disease process and embryo development, and help to uncover potential mechanisms of human complex diseases.
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