1
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Hiltunen J, Helminen L, Paakinaho V. Glucocorticoid receptor action in prostate cancer: the role of transcription factor crosstalk. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1437179. [PMID: 39027480 PMCID: PMC11254642 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1437179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies and is primarily driven by aberrant androgen receptor (AR) signaling. While AR-targeted therapies form the cornerstone of prostate cancer treatment, they often inadvertently activate compensatory pathways, leading to therapy resistance. This resistance is frequently mediated through changes in transcription factor (TF) crosstalk, reshaping gene regulatory programs and ultimately weakening treatment efficacy. Consequently, investigating TF interactions has become crucial for understanding the mechanisms driving therapy-resistant cancers. Recent evidence has highlighted the crosstalk between the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and AR, demonstrating that GR can induce prostate cancer therapy resistance by replacing the inactivated AR, thereby becoming a driver of the disease. In addition to this oncogenic role, GR has also been shown to act as a tumor suppressor in prostate cancer. Owing to this dual role and the widespread use of glucocorticoids as adjuvant therapy, it is essential to understand GR's actions across different stages of prostate cancer development. In this review, we explore the current knowledge of GR in prostate cancer, with a specific focus on its crosstalk with other TFs. GR can directly and indirectly interact with a variety of TFs, and these interactions vary significantly depending on the type of prostate cancer cells. By highlighting these crosstalk interactions, we aim to provide insights that can guide the research and development of new GR-targeted therapies to mitigate its harmful effects in prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ville Paakinaho
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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2
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Snijesh VP, Nimbalkar VP, Patil S, Rajarajan S, Anupama CE, Mahalakshmi S, Alexander A, Soundharya R, Ramesh R, Srinath BS, Jolly MK, Prabhu JS. Differential role of glucocorticoid receptor based on its cell type specific expression on tumor cells and infiltrating lymphocytes. Transl Oncol 2024; 45:101957. [PMID: 38643748 PMCID: PMC11039344 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101957] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is frequently expressed in breast cancer (BC), and its prognostic implications are contingent on estrogen receptor (ER) status. To address conflicting reports and explore therapeutic potential, a GR signature (GRsig) independent of ER status was developed. We also investigated cell type-specific GR protein expression in BC tumor epithelial cells and infiltrating lymphocytes. METHODS GRsig was derived from Dexamethasone treated cell lines through a bioinformatic pipeline. Immunohistochemistry assessed GR protein expression. Associations between GRsig and tumor phenotypes (proliferation, cytolytic activity (CYT), immune cell distribution, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) were explored in public datasets. Single-cell RNA sequencing data evaluated context-dependent GR roles, and a cell type-specific prognostic role was assessed in an independent BC cohort. RESULTS High GRsig levels were associated with a favorable prognosis across BC subtypes. Tumor-specific high GRsig correlated with lower proliferation, increased CYT, and anti-tumorigenic immune cells. Single-cell data analysis revealed higher GRsig expression in immune cells, negatively correlating with EMT while a positive correlation was observed with EMT primarily in tumor and stromal cells. Univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated the robust and independent predictive capability of GRsig for favorable prognosis. GR protein expression on immune cells in triple-negative tumors indicated a favorable prognosis. CONCLUSION This study underscores the cell type-specific role of GR, where its expression on tumor cells is associated with aggressive features like EMT, while in infiltrating lymphocytes, it predicts a better prognosis, particularly within TNBC tumors. The GRsig emerges as a promising independent prognostic indicator across diverse BC subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- V P Snijesh
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India; Centre for Doctoral Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Vidya P Nimbalkar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Sharada Patil
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Savitha Rajarajan
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India; Centre for Doctoral Studies, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - C E Anupama
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - S Mahalakshmi
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Annie Alexander
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Ramu Soundharya
- IISc Mathematics Initiative, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka-560012, India
| | - Rakesh Ramesh
- Department of Surgical Oncology, St. John's Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - B S Srinath
- Department of Surgery, Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka-560012, India
| | - Jyothi S Prabhu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
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3
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Clarisse D, Van Moortel L, Van Leene C, Gevaert K, De Bosscher K. Glucocorticoid receptor signaling: intricacies and therapeutic opportunities. Trends Biochem Sci 2024; 49:431-444. [PMID: 38429217 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2024.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a major nuclear receptor (NR) drug target for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and several cancers. Despite the effectiveness of GR ligands, their systemic action triggers a plethora of side effects, limiting long-term use. Here, we discuss new concepts of and insights into GR mechanisms of action to assist in the identification of routes toward enhanced therapeutic benefits. We zoom in on the communication between different GR domains and how this is influenced by different ligands. We detail findings on the interaction between GR and chromatin, and highlight how condensate formation and coregulator confinement can perturb GR transcriptional responses. Last, we discuss the potential of novel ligands and the therapeutic exploitation of crosstalk with other NRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Clarisse
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Van Moortel
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Chloé Van Leene
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kris Gevaert
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.
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4
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Huttunen J, Aaltonen N, Helminen L, Rilla K, Paakinaho V. EP300/CREBBP acetyltransferase inhibition limits steroid receptor and FOXA1 signaling in prostate cancer cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:160. [PMID: 38564048 PMCID: PMC10987371 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05209-z] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a primary target for treating prostate cancer (PCa), forming the bedrock of its clinical management. Despite their efficacy, resistance often hampers AR-targeted therapies, necessitating new strategies against therapy-resistant PCa. These resistances involve various mechanisms, including AR splice variant overexpression and altered activities of transcription factors like the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and FOXA1. These factors rely on common coregulators, such as EP300/CREBBP, suggesting a rationale for coregulator-targeted therapies. Our study explores EP300/CREBBP acetyltransferase inhibition's impact on steroid receptor and FOXA1 signaling in PCa cells using genome-wide techniques. Results reveal that EP300/CREBBP inhibition significantly disrupts the AR-regulated transcriptome and receptor chromatin binding by reducing the AR-gene expression. Similarly, GR's regulated transcriptome and receptor binding were hindered, not linked to reduced GR expression but to diminished FOXA1 chromatin binding, restricting GR signaling. Overall, our findings highlight how EP300/CREBBP inhibition distinctively curtails oncogenic transcription factors' signaling, suggesting the potential of coregulatory-targeted therapies in PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Huttunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Niina Aaltonen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Laura Helminen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Kirsi Rilla
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ville Paakinaho
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
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5
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Thakur D, Sengupta D, Mahapatra E, Das S, Sarkar R, Mukherjee S. Glucocorticoid receptor: a harmonizer of cellular plasticity in breast cancer-directs the road towards therapy resistance, metastatic progression and recurrence. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:481-499. [PMID: 38170347 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10163-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Recent therapeutic advances have significantly uplifted the quality of life in breast cancer patients, yet several impediments block the road to disease-free survival. This involves unresponsiveness towards administered therapy, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and metastatic progression with the eventual appearance of recurrent disease. Attainment of such characteristics is a huge adaptive challenge to which tumour cells respond by acquiring diverse phenotypically plastic states. Several signalling networks and mediators are involved in such a process. Glucocorticoid receptor being a mediator of stress response imparts prognostic significance in the context of breast carcinoma. Involvement of the glucocorticoid receptor in the signalling cascade of breast cancer phenotypic plasticity needs further elucidation. This review attempted to shed light on the inter-regulatory interactions of the glucocorticoid receptor with the mediators of the plasticity program in breast cancer; which may provide a hint for strategizing therapeutics against the glucocorticoid/glucocorticoid receptor axis so as to modulate phenotypic plasticity in breast carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Thakur
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Debomita Sengupta
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Elizabeth Mahapatra
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Salini Das
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Ruma Sarkar
- B. D. Patel Institute of Paramedical Sciences, Charotar University of Science and Technology, CHARUSAT Campus, Changa, Gujarat, 388421, India
| | - Sutapa Mukherjee
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India.
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6
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Helminen L, Huttunen J, Tulonen M, Aaltonen N, Niskanen E, Palvimo J, Paakinaho V. Chromatin accessibility and pioneer factor FOXA1 restrict glucocorticoid receptor action in prostate cancer. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:625-642. [PMID: 38015476 PMCID: PMC10810216 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkad1126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of prostate cancer relies predominantly on the inhibition of androgen receptor (AR) signaling. Despite the initial effectiveness of the antiandrogen therapies, the cancer often develops resistance to the AR blockade. One mechanism of the resistance is glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated replacement of AR function. Nevertheless, the mechanistic ways and means how the GR-mediated antiandrogen resistance occurs have remained elusive. Here, we have discovered several crucial features of GR action in prostate cancer cells through genome-wide techniques. We detected that the replacement of AR by GR in enzalutamide-exposed prostate cancer cells occurs almost exclusively at pre-accessible chromatin sites displaying FOXA1 occupancy. Counterintuitively to the classical pioneer factor model, silencing of FOXA1 potentiated the chromatin binding and transcriptional activity of GR. This was attributed to FOXA1-mediated repression of the NR3C1 (gene encoding GR) expression via the corepressor TLE3. Moreover, the small-molecule inhibition of coactivator p300's enzymatic activity efficiently restricted GR-mediated gene regulation and cell proliferation. Overall, we identified chromatin pre-accessibility and FOXA1-mediated repression as important regulators of GR action in prostate cancer, pointing out new avenues to oppose steroid receptor-mediated antiandrogen resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Helminen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jasmin Huttunen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Melina Tulonen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Niina Aaltonen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Einari A Niskanen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jorma J Palvimo
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Ville Paakinaho
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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7
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Oakley RH, Riddick NV, Moy SS, Cidlowski JA. Imbalanced glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid stress hormone receptor function has sex-dependent and independent regulatory effects in the mouse hippocampus. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 28:100589. [PMID: 38075021 PMCID: PMC10709088 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Many stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders display pronounced sex differences in their frequency and clinical symptoms. Glucocorticoids are primary stress hormones that have been implicated in the development of these disorders but whether they contribute to the observed sex bias is poorly understood. Glucocorticoids signal through two closely related nuclear receptors, the glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). To elucidate the sex-specific and independent actions of glucocorticoids in the hippocampus, we developed knockout mice lacking hippocampal GR, MR, or both GR and MR. Mice deficient in hippocampal MR or both GR and MR showed an altered molecular phenotype of CA2 neurons and reduced anxiety-like behavior in both sexes, but altered stress adaptation behavior only in females and enhanced fear-motivated cue learning only in males. All three knockout mouse models displayed reduced sociability but only in male mice. Male and female mice deficient in both hippocampal GR and MR exhibited extensive neurodegeneration in the dentate gyrus. Global transcriptomic analysis revealed a marked expansion in the number of dysregulated genes in the hippocampus of female knockout mice compared to their male counterparts; however, the overall patterns of gene dysregulation were remarkably similar in both sexes. Within and across sex comparisons identified key GR and MR target genes and associated signaling pathways underlying the knockout phenotypes. These findings define major sex-dependent and independent effects of GR/MR imbalances on gene expression and functional profiles in the hippocampus and inform new strategies for treating men and women with stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H. Oakley
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
| | - Natallia V. Riddick
- Department of Psychiatry and Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - Sheryl S. Moy
- Department of Psychiatry and Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA
| | - John A. Cidlowski
- Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, 27709, USA
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8
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Poutanen M, Hagberg Thulin M, Härkönen P. Targeting sex steroid biosynthesis for breast and prostate cancer therapy. Nat Rev Cancer 2023:10.1038/s41568-023-00609-y. [PMID: 37684402 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00609-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Matti Poutanen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
- Turku Center for Disease Modelling, University of Turku, Turku, Finland.
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- FICAN West Cancer Center, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland.
| | - Malin Hagberg Thulin
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pirkko Härkönen
- Research Centre for Integrative Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- FICAN West Cancer Center, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
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9
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Clarisse D, Prekovic S, Vlummens P, Staessens E, Van Wesemael K, Thommis J, Fijalkowska D, Acke G, Zwart W, Beck IM, Offner F, De Bosscher K. Crosstalk between glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors boosts glucocorticoid-induced killing of multiple myeloma cells. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:249. [PMID: 37578563 PMCID: PMC10425521 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04900-x] [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: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a crucial drug target in multiple myeloma as its activation with glucocorticoids effectively triggers myeloma cell death. However, as high-dose glucocorticoids are also associated with deleterious side effects, novel approaches are urgently needed to improve GR action in myeloma. Here, we reveal a functional crosstalk between GR and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) that plays a role in improved myeloma cell killing. We show that the GR agonist dexamethasone (Dex) downregulates MR levels in a GR-dependent way in myeloma cells. Co-treatment of Dex with the MR antagonist spironolactone (Spi) enhances Dex-induced cell killing in primary, newly diagnosed GC-sensitive myeloma cells. In a relapsed GC-resistant setting, Spi alone induces distinct myeloma cell killing. On a mechanistic level, we find that a GR-MR crosstalk likely arises from an endogenous interaction between GR and MR in myeloma cells. Quantitative dimerization assays show that Spi reduces Dex-induced GR-MR heterodimerization and completely abolishes Dex-induced MR-MR homodimerization, while leaving GR-GR homodimerization intact. Unbiased transcriptomics analyses reveal that c-myc and many of its target genes are downregulated most by combined Dex-Spi treatment. Proteomics analyses further identify that several metabolic hallmarks are modulated most by this combination treatment. Finally, we identified a subset of Dex-Spi downregulated genes and proteins that may predict prognosis in the CoMMpass myeloma patient cohort. Our study demonstrates that GR-MR crosstalk is therapeutically relevant in myeloma as it provides novel strategies for glucocorticoid-based dose-reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dorien Clarisse
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Stefan Prekovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Philip Vlummens
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eleni Staessens
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karlien Van Wesemael
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Jonathan Thommis
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daria Fijalkowska
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Guillaume Acke
- Department of Chemistry, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wilbert Zwart
- Division of Oncogenomics, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ilse M Beck
- Department of Health Sciences, Odisee University of Applied Sciences, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Fritz Offner
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, Technologiepark-Zwijnaarde 75, 9052, Ghent, Belgium.
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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10
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Ybañez WS, Bagamasbad PD. Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9) links hormone dysregulation and circadian disruption to breast cancer pathogenesis. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:33. [PMID: 36823570 PMCID: PMC9948451 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02874-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circadian disruption is an emerging driver of breast cancer (BCa), with epidemiological studies linking shift work and chronic jet lag to increased BCa risk. Indeed, several clock genes participate in the gating of mitotic entry, regulation of DNA damage response, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, thus impacting BCa etiology. Dysregulated estrogen (17β-estradiol, E2) and glucocorticoid (GC) signaling prevalent in BCa may further contribute to clock desynchrony by directly regulating the expression and cycling dynamics of genes comprising the local breast oscillator. In this study, we investigated the tumor suppressor gene, Krüppel-like factor 9 (KLF9), as an important point of crosstalk between hormone signaling and the circadian molecular network, and further examine its functional role in BCa. METHODS Through meta-analysis of publicly available RNA- and ChIP-sequencing datasets from BCa tumor samples and cell lines, and gene expression analysis by RT-qPCR and enhancer- reporter assays, we elucidated the molecular mechanism behind the clock and hormone regulation of KLF9. Lentiviral knockdown and overexpression of KLF9 in three distinct breast epithelial cell lines (MCF10A, MCF7 and MDA-MB-231) was generated to demonstrate the role of KLF9 in orthogonal assays on breast epithelial survival, proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. RESULTS We determined that KLF9 is a direct GC receptor target in mammary epithelial cells, and that induction is likely mediated through coordinate transcriptional activation from multiple GC-responsive enhancers in the KLF9 locus. More interestingly, rhythmic expression of KLF9 in MCF10A cells was abolished in the highly aggressive MDA-MB-231 line. In turn, forced expression of KLF9 altered the baseline and GC/E2-responsive expression of several clock genes, indicating that KLF9 may function as a regulator of the core clock machinery. Characterization of the role of KLF9 using complementary cancer hallmark assays in the context of the hormone-circadian axis revealed that KLF9 plays a tumor-suppressive role in BCa regardless of molecular subtype. KLF9 potentiated the anti-tumorigenic effects of GC in E2 receptor + luminal MCF7 cells, while it restrained GC-enhanced oncogenicity in triple-negative MCF10A and MDA-MB-231 cells. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our findings support that dysregulation of KLF9 expression and oscillation in BCa impinges on circadian network dynamics, thus ultimately affecting the BCa oncogenic landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weand S. Ybañez
- grid.11134.360000 0004 0636 6193National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila 1101 Philippines
| | - Pia D. Bagamasbad
- grid.11134.360000 0004 0636 6193National Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City, Metro Manila 1101 Philippines
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11
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SOX2 Modulates the Nuclear Organization and Transcriptional Activity of the Glucocorticoid Receptor. J Mol Biol 2022; 434:167869. [PMID: 36309135 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2022.167869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Steroid receptors (SRs) are ligand-dependent transcription factors (TFs) relevant to key cellular processes in both physiology and pathology, including some types of cancer. SOX2 is a master TF of pluripotency and self-renewal of embryonic stem cells, and its dysregulation is also associated with various types of human cancers. A potential crosstalk between these TFs could be relevant in malignant cells yet, to the best of our knowledge, no formal study has been performed thus far. Here we show, by quantitative live-cell imaging microscopy, that ectopic expression of SOX2 disrupts the formation of hormone-dependent intranuclear condensates of many steroid receptors (SRs), including those formed by the glucocorticoid receptor (GR). SOX2 also reduces GR's binding to specific DNA targets and modulates its transcriptional activity. SOX2-driven effects on GR condensates do not require the intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain of the receptor and, surprisingly, neither relies on GR/SOX2 interactions. SOX2 also alters the intranuclear dynamics and compartmentalization of the SR coactivator NCoA-2 and impairs GR/NCoA-2 interactions. These results suggest an indirect mechanism underlying SOX2-driven effects on SRs involving this coactivator. Together, these results highlight that the transcriptional program elicited by GR relies on its nuclear organization and is intimately linked to the distribution of other GR partners, such as the NCoA-2 coactivator. Abnormal expression of SOX2, commonly observed in many tumors, may alter the biological action of GR and, probably, other SRs as well. Understanding this crosstalk may help to improve steroid hormone-based therapies in cancers with elevated SOX2 expression.
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Mitre-Aguilar IB, Moreno-Mitre D, Melendez-Zajgla J, Maldonado V, Jacobo-Herrera NJ, Ramirez-Gonzalez V, Mendoza-Almanza G. The Role of Glucocorticoids in Breast Cancer Therapy. Curr Oncol 2022; 30:298-314. [PMID: 36661673 PMCID: PMC9858160 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30010024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive steroid molecules secreted by the adrenal gland and regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. GCs present a circadian release pattern under normal conditions; they increase their release under stress conditions. Their mechanism of action can be via the receptor-independent or receptor-dependent pathway. The receptor-dependent pathway translocates to the nucleus, where the ligand-receptor complex binds to specific sequences in the DNA to modulate the transcription of specific genes. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and its endogenous ligand cortisol (CORT) in humans, and corticosterone in rodents or its exogenous ligand, dexamethasone (DEX), have been extensively studied in breast cancer. Its clinical utility in oncology has mainly focused on using DEX as an antiemetic to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. In this review, we compile the results reported in the literature in recent years, highlighting current trends and unresolved controversies in this field. Specifically, in breast cancer, GR is considered a marker of poor prognosis, and a therapeutic target for the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype, and efforts are being made to develop better GR antagonists with fewer side effects. It is necessary to know the type of breast cancer to differentiate the treatment for estrogen receptor (ER)-positive, ER-negative, and TNBC, to implement therapies that include the use of GCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma B. Mitre-Aguilar
- Unidad de Bioquimica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran (INCMNSZ), Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Daniel Moreno-Mitre
- Centro de Desarrollo de Destrezas Médicas (CEDDEM), Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran (INCMNSZ), Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Jorge Melendez-Zajgla
- Laboratorio de Genomica Funcional del Cancer, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genomica (INMEGEN), Mexico City 14610, Mexico
| | - Vilma Maldonado
- Laboratorio de Epigenetica, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genomica (INMEGEN), Mexico City 14610, Mexico
| | - Nadia J. Jacobo-Herrera
- Unidad de Bioquimica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran (INCMNSZ), Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Victoria Ramirez-Gonzalez
- Departamento de Cirugía-Experimental, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Medicas y Nutricion Salvador Zubiran (INCMNSZ), Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Gretel Mendoza-Almanza
- Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnología (CONACYT), Laboratorio de Epigenetica, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genomica (INMEGEN), Mexico City 14610, Mexico
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Hou Z, Huang S, Mei Z, Chen L, Guo J, Gao Y, Zhuang Q, Zhang X, Tan Q, Yang T, Liu Y, Chi Y, Qi L, Jiang T, Shao X, Wu Y, Xu X, Qin J, Ren R, Tang H, Wu D, Li Z. Inhibiting 3βHSD1 to eliminate the oncogenic effects of progesterone in prostate cancer. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100561. [PMID: 35492874 PMCID: PMC9040187 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer continuously progresses following deprivation of circulating androgens originating from the testis and adrenal glands, indicating the existence of oncometabolites beyond androgens. In this study, mass-spectrometry-based screening of clinical specimens and a retrospective analysis on the clinical data of prostate cancer patients indicate the potential oncogenic effects of progesterone in patients. High doses of progesterone activate canonical and non-canonical androgen receptor (AR) target genes. Physiological levels of progesterone facilitate cell proliferation via GATA2. Inhibitors of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (3βHSD1) has been discovered and shown to suppress the generation of progesterone, eliminating its transient and accumulating oncogenic effects. An increase in progesterone is associated with poor clinical outcomes in patients and may be used as a predictive biomarker. Overall, we demonstrate that progesterone acts as an oncogenic hormone in prostate cancer, and strategies to eliminate its oncogenic effects may benefit prostate cancer patients. High doses of progesterone activate canonical and non-canonical AR signaling Progesterone of physiological levels exerts its chronic oncogenic effect via GATA2 Targeting 3βHSD1 to suppress progesterone synthesis blocks its oncogenic effects Serum progesterone might be a predictive biomarker for abiraterone response
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Affiliation(s)
- Zemin Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Shengsong Huang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Zejie Mei
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Longlong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Metabonomics and Systems Biology Laboratory at Shanghai International Centre for Molecular Phenomics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Jiacheng Guo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Yuanyuan Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qian Zhuang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Xuebin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Qilong Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Yongnan Chi
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Lifengrong Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting Jiang
- Department of Urology, First People's Hospital of Taicang, Taicang, Jiangsu 215400, China
| | - Xuefeng Shao
- Department of Urology, First People's Hospital of Taicang, Taicang, Jiangsu 215400, China
| | - Yan Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tissue Microenvironment and Tumor, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Ruobing Ren
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Metabolic Remodeling and Health, Institute of Metabolism and Integrative Biology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, School of Life and Health Sciences, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518172, China
| | - Huiru Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Human Phenome Institute, Metabonomics and Systems Biology Laboratory at Shanghai International Centre for Molecular Phenomics, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Denglong Wu
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
| | - Zhenfei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, 320 Yueyang Road, Shanghai 200031, China.,Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200065, China
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14
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Butz H, Patócs A. Mechanisms behind context-dependent role of glucocorticoids in breast cancer progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:803-832. [PMID: 35761157 PMCID: PMC9758252 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10047-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs), mostly dexamethasone (dex), are routinely administered as adjuvant therapy to manage side effects in breast cancer. However, recently, it has been revealed that dex triggers different effects and correlates with opposite outcomes depending on the breast cancer molecular subtype. This has raised new concerns regarding the generalized use of GC and suggested that the context-dependent effects of GCs can be taken into potential consideration during treatment design. Based on this, attention has recently been drawn to the role of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in development and progression of breast cancer. Therefore, in this comprehensive review, we aimed to summarize the different mechanisms behind different context-dependent GC actions in breast cancer by applying a multilevel examination, starting from the association of variants of the GR-encoding gene to expression at the mRNA and protein level of the receptor, and its interactions with other factors influencing GC action in breast cancer. The role of GCs in chemosensitivity and chemoresistance observed during breast cancer therapy is discussed. In addition, experiences using GC targeting therapeutic options (already used and investigated in preclinical and clinical trials), such as classic GC dexamethasone, selective glucocorticoid receptor agonists and modulators, the GC antagonist mifepristone, and GR coregulators, are also summarized. Evidence presented can aid a better understanding of the biology of context-dependent GC action that can lead to further advances in the personalized therapy of breast cancer by the evaluation of GR along with the conventional estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in the routine diagnostic procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henriett Butz
- Department of Molecular Genetics and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary.
- Hereditary Tumours Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences-Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Attila Patócs
- Department of Molecular Genetics and the National Tumor Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Oncology, Budapest, Hungary
- Hereditary Tumours Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences-Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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