1
|
Lim J, Ramesh A, Shioda T, Leon Parada K, Luderer U. Sex Differences in Embryonic Gonad Transcriptomes and Benzo[a]pyrene Metabolite Levels After Transplacental Exposure. Endocrinology 2022; 163:bqab228. [PMID: 34734245 PMCID: PMC8633617 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons like benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) are generated during incomplete combustion of organic materials. Prior research has demonstrated that BaP is a prenatal ovarian toxicant and carcinogen. However, the metabolic pathways active in the embryo and its developing gonads and the mechanisms by which prenatal exposure to BaP predisposes to ovarian tumors later in life remain to be fully elucidated. To address these data gaps, we orally dosed pregnant female mice with BaP from embryonic day (E) 6.5 to E11.5 (0, 0.2, or 2 mg/kg/day) for metabolite measurement or E9.5 to E11.5 (0 or 3.33 mg/kg/day) for embryonic gonad RNA sequencing. Embryos were harvested at E13.5 for both experiments. The sum of BaP metabolite concentrations increased significantly with dose in the embryos and placentas, and concentrations were significantly higher in female than male embryos and in embryos than placentas. RNA sequencing revealed that enzymes involved in metabolic activation of BaP are expressed at moderate to high levels in embryonic gonads and that greater transcriptomic changes occurred in the ovaries in response to BaP than in the testes. We identified 490 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with false discovery rate P-values < 0.05 when comparing BaP-exposed to control ovaries but no statistically significant DEGs between BaP-exposed and control testes. Genes related to monocyte/macrophage recruitment and activity, prolactin family genes, and several keratin genes were among the most upregulated genes in the BaP-exposed ovaries. Results show that developing ovaries are more sensitive than testes to prenatal BaP exposure, which may be related to higher concentrations of BaP metabolites in female embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinhwan Lim
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Aramandla Ramesh
- Department of Biochemistry, Cancer Biology, Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Toshi Shioda
- Massachusetts General Center for Cancer Research and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | - Kathleen Leon Parada
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ulrike Luderer
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Zhu FY, Wang LL, Meng TG, Wang RL, Yang ZX, Cao Y, Zhu GY, Jin Z, Gao LL, Zeng WT, Wang ZB, Sun QY, Zhang D. Inhibiting bridge integrator 2 phosphorylation leads to improved oocyte quality, ovarian health and fertility in aging and after chemotherapy in mice. NATURE AGING 2021; 1:1010-1023. [PMID: 37118338 DOI: 10.1038/s43587-021-00133-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 04/30/2023]
Abstract
Female ovaries degenerate about 20 years earlier than testes leading to reduced primordial follicle reserve and a reduction in oocyte quality. Here we found that bridge integrator 2 (BIN2) is enriched in mouse ovaries and oocytes and that global knockout of this protein improves both female fertility and oocyte quality. Quantitative ovarian proteomics and phosphoproteomics showed that Bin2 knockout led to a decrease in phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 (p-RPS6), a component of the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway and greatly increased nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase (NNT), the free-radical detoxifier. Mechanistically, we find that phosphorylation of BIN2 at Thr423 and Ser424 leads to its translocation from the membrane to the cytoplasm, subsequent phosphorylation of RPS6 and inhibition of Nnt translation. We synthesized a BIN2-penetrating peptide (BPP) designed to inhibit BIN2 phosphorylation and found that a 3-week BPP treatment improved primordial follicle reserve and oocyte quality in aging and after chemotherapy-induced premature ovarian failure without discernible side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Yu Zhu
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li-Li Wang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tie-Gang Meng
- Fertility Preservation Lab and Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Lab of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ruo-Lei Wang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Xia Yang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Cao
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Gang-Yi Zhu
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhen Jin
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei-Lei Gao
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen-Tao Zeng
- Animal Core Facility, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhen-Bo Wang
- State Key Lab of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Qing-Yuan Sun
- Fertility Preservation Lab and Guangdong-Hong Kong Metabolism & Reproduction Joint Laboratory, Reproductive Medicine Center, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Dong Zhang
- State Key Lab of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
- Animal Core Facility, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Silveira TL, Pang LY, Di Domenico A, Veloso ES, Silva ILD, Puerto HLD, Ferreria E, Argyle DJ. COX-2 Silencing in Canine Malignant Melanoma Inhibits Malignant Behaviour. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:633170. [PMID: 34513965 PMCID: PMC8427276 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.633170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is a very aggressive form of cancer in both humans and dogs. Dogs primarily develop oral melanoma of mucosal origin. Although oral melanoma in humans is rare, both diseases are highly aggressive with frequent metastases. This disease represents a “One Health” opportunity to improve molecular and mechanistic understanding of melanoma progression. Accumulating evidence suggests that cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) may play a critical role in the malignant behaviour of melanoma. In this study we analysed 85 histologically confirmed melanomas from canine patients and showed that COX-2 is overexpressed in both oral and cutaneous melanomas and that COX-2 expression correlates with established markers of poor prognosis. To determine the role of COX-2 in melanoma we developed two melanoma cell lines with stable integration of an inducible doxycycline-regulated expression vector containing a COX-2 targeted micro-RNA (miRNA). Using this system, we showed that cellular proliferation, migration and invasion are COX-2 dependent, establishing a direct relationship between COX-2 expression and malignant behaviour in canine melanoma. We have also developed a powerful molecular tool to aid further dissection of the mechanisms by which COX-2 regulates melanoma progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiany L Silveira
- Department of Pathology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.,Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Lisa Y Pang
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra Di Domenico
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Emerson S Veloso
- Department of Pathology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Istéfani L D Silva
- Department of Pathology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Helen L Del Puerto
- Department of Pathology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Enio Ferreria
- Department of Pathology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - David J Argyle
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Roslin Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mishra B, Lawson GW, Ripperdan R, Ortiz L, Luderer U. Charged-Iron-Particles Found in Galactic Cosmic Rays are Potent Inducers of Epithelial Ovarian Tumors. Radiat Res 2018; 190:142-150. [PMID: 29781764 DOI: 10.1667/rr15028.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Astronauts traveling in deep space are exposed to high-charge and energy (HZE) particles from galactic cosmic rays. We have previously determined that irradiation of adult female mice with iron HZE particles induces DNA double-strand breaks, oxidative damage and apoptosis in ovarian follicles, causing premature ovarian failure. These effects occur at lower doses than with conventional photon irradiation. Ovarian failure with resultant loss of negative feedback and elevated levels of gonadotropin hormones is thought to play a role in the pathophysiology of ovarian cancer. Therefore, we hypothesized that charged-iron-particle irradiation induces ovarian tumorigenesis in mice. In this study, three-month-old female mice were exposed to 0 cGy (sham) or 50 cGy iron ions and aged to 18 months. The 50 cGy irradiated mice had increased weight gain with age and lack of estrous cycling, consistent with ovarian failure. A total of 47% and 7% of mice irradiated with 50 cGy had unilateral and bilateral ovarian tumors, respectively, whereas 14% of mice in the 0 cGy group had unilateral tumors. The tumors contained multiple tubular structures, which were lined with cells positive for the epithelial marker cytokeratin, and had few proliferating cells. In some tumors, packets of cells between the tubular structures were immunopositive for the granulosa cell marker FOXL2. Based on these findings, tumors were diagnosed as tubular adenomas or mixed tubular adenoma/granulosa cell tumors. In conclusion, charged-iron-particle-radiation induces ovarian tumors in mice, raising concerns about ovarian tumors as late sequelae of deep space travel in female astronauts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Birendra Mishra
- Departments of a Medicine.,d Department of Human Nutrition, Food and Animal Sciences, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, Hawaii 96822
| | - Gregory W Lawson
- e Office for Laboratory Animal Care, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720-7150
| | | | | | - Ulrike Luderer
- Departments of a Medicine.,b Developmental and Cell Biology.,c Program in Public Health, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California 92617
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Bajwa P, Nagendra PB, Nielsen S, Sahoo SS, Bielanowicz A, Lombard JM, Wilkinson JE, Miller RA, Tanwar PS. Age related increase in mTOR activity contributes to the pathological changes in ovarian surface epithelium. Oncotarget 2017; 7:19214-27. [PMID: 27036037 PMCID: PMC4991377 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2016] [Accepted: 03/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is a disease of older women. However, the molecular mechanisms of ovarian aging and their contribution to the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer are currently unclear. mTOR signalling is a major regulator of aging as suppression of this pathway extends lifespan in model organisms. Overactive mTOR signalling is present in up to 80% of ovarian cancer samples and is associated with poor prognosis. This study examined the role of mTOR signalling in age-associated changes in ovarian surface epithelium (OSE). Histological examination of ovaries from both aged mice and women revealed OSE cell hyperplasia, papillary growth and inclusion cysts. These pathological lesions expressed bonafide markers of ovarian cancer precursor lesions, Pax8 and Stathmin 1, and were presented with elevated mTOR signalling. To understand whether overactive mTOR signalling is responsible for the development of these pathological changes, we analysed ovaries of the Pten trangenic mice and found significant reduction in OSE lesions compared to controls. Furthermore, pharmacological suppression of mTOR signalling significantly decreased OSE hyperplasia in aged mice. Treatment with mTOR inhibitors reduced human ovarian cancer cell viability, proliferation and colony forming ability. Collectively, we have established the role of mTOR signalling in age-related OSE pathologies and initiation of ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Preety Bajwa
- Gynaecology Oncology Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Prathima B Nagendra
- Gynaecology Oncology Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, New South Wales, Australia
| | | | - Subhransu S Sahoo
- Gynaecology Oncology Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Amanda Bielanowicz
- Gynaecology Oncology Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Janine M Lombard
- School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.,Division of Gynaecology Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, Calvary Mater Newcastle, Waratah, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J Erby Wilkinson
- Unit for Laboratory Animal Medicine, University of Michigan School of Medicine, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Richard A Miller
- Department of Pathology and Geriatrics Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Pradeep S Tanwar
- Gynaecology Oncology Group, School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, New South Wales, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang Y, Cai KQ, Smith ER, Yeasky TM, Moore R, Ganjei-Azar P, Klein-Szanto AJ, Godwin AK, Hamilton TC, Xu XX. Follicle Depletion Provides a Permissive Environment for Ovarian Carcinogenesis. Mol Cell Biol 2016; 36:2418-30. [PMID: 27354067 PMCID: PMC5007791 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00202-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 05/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
We modeled the etiology of postmenopausal biology on ovarian cancer risk using germ cell-deficient white-spotting variant (Wv) mice, incorporating oncogenic mutations. Ovarian cancer incidence is highest in peri- and postmenopausal women, and epidemiological studies have established the impact of reproductive factors on ovarian cancer risk. Menopause as a result of ovarian follicle depletion is thought to contribute to higher cancer risk. As a consequence of follicle depletion, female Wv mice develop ovarian tubular adenomas, a benign epithelial tumor corresponding to surface epithelial invaginations and papillomatosis frequently found in postmenopausal human ovaries. Lineage tracing using MISR2-Cre indicated that the tubular adenomas that developed in Wv mice were largely derived from the MISR2 lineage, which marked only a fraction of ovarian surface and oviduct epithelial cells in wild-type tissues. Deletion of p27, either heterozygous or homozygous, was able to convert the benign tubular adenomas into more proliferative tumors. Restricted deletion of p53 in Wv/Wv mice by either intrabursal injection of adenoviral Cre or inclusion of the MISR2-Cre transgene also resulted in augmented tumor growth. This finding suggests that follicle depletion provides a permissive ovarian environment for oncogenic transformation of epithelial cells, presenting a mechanism for the increased ovarian cancer risk in postmenopausal women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Kathy Qi Cai
- Ovarian Cancer Programs, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Elizabeth R Smith
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Toni M Yeasky
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Robert Moore
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Parvin Ganjei-Azar
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA Department of Pathology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Andres J Klein-Szanto
- Ovarian Cancer Programs, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew K Godwin
- Ovarian Cancer Programs, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Thomas C Hamilton
- Ovarian Cancer Programs, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xiang-Xi Xu
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Cai KQ, Wang Y, Smith ER, Smedberg JL, Yang DH, Yang WL, Xu XX. Global deletion of Trp53 reverts ovarian tumor phenotype of the germ cell-deficient white spotting variant (Wv) mice. Neoplasia 2015; 17:89-100. [PMID: 25622902 PMCID: PMC4309726 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 11/07/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
White spotting variant (Wv) mice are spontaneous mutants attributed to a point mutation in the c-Kit gene, which reduces the tyrosine kinase activity to around 1% and affects the development of melanocytes, mast cells, and germ cells. Homozygous mutant mice are sterile but can live nearly a normal life span. The female Wv mice have a greatly reduced ovarian germ cell and follicle reserve at birth, and the remaining follicles are largely depleted soon after the females reach reproductive stage at around 7 weeks of age. Consequently, ovarian epithelial tumors develop in 100% of Wv females by 3 to 4 months of age. These tumors, called tubular adenomas, are benign but can become invasive in older Wv mice. We tested if additional genetic mutation(s) could convert the benign ovarian epithelial tumors to malignant tumors by crossing the Wv mutant into the Trp53 knockout background. Surprisingly, we found that global deletion of Trp53 suppressed the development of ovarian tubular adenomas in Wv mice. The ovaries of Wv/Wv; Trp53 (−/−) mice were covered by a single layer of surface epithelium and lacked excessive epithelial proliferation. Rather, the ovaries contained a small number of follicles. The presence of ovarian follicles and granulosa cells, as indicated by Pgc7 and inhibin-alpha expression, correlated with the absence of epithelial lesions. A reduction of Pten gene dosage, as in Wv/Wv; Pten (+/−) mice, produced a similar, though less dramatic, phenotype. We conclude that deletion of Trp53 prolongs the survival of ovarian follicles in Wv mice and consequently prevents the proliferation of ovarian epithelial cells and development of ovarian tubular adenomas. The results suggest that various cell types within the ovary communicate and mutually modulate, and an intact tissue environment is required to ensure homeostasis of ovarian surface epithelial cells. Especially, the current finding emphasizes the importance of ovarian follicles in suppressing the hyperplastic growth of ovarian epithelial cells, dominating over the loss of p53.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathy Qi Cai
- Ovarian Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111
| | - Ying Wang
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136; Department of Medicine, University of California at San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
| | - Elizabeth R Smith
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136
| | | | - Dong-Hua Yang
- Ovarian Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111
| | - Wan-Lin Yang
- Ovarian Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111
| | - Xiang-Xi Xu
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Cell Biology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Smith ER, Wang Y, Xu XX. Development of a mouse model of menopausal ovarian cancer. Front Oncol 2014; 4:36. [PMID: 24616881 PMCID: PMC3935315 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant understanding of the genetic mutations involved in ovarian epithelial cancer and advances in genomic approaches for expression and mutation profiling of tumor tissues, several key questions in ovarian cancer biology remain enigmatic: the mechanism for the well-established impact of reproductive factors on ovarian cancer risk remains obscure; cell of origin of ovarian cancer continue to be debated; and the precursor lesion, sequence, or events in progression remain to be defined. Suitable mouse models should complement the analysis of human tumor tissues and may provide clues to these questions currently perplexing ovarian cancer biology. A potentially useful model is the germ cell-deficient Wv (white spotting variant) mutant mouse line, which may be used to study the impact of menopausal physiology on the increased risk of ovarian cancer. The Wv mice harbor a point mutation in c-Kit that reduces the receptor tyrosine kinase activity to about 1–5% (it is not a null mutation). Homozygous Wv mutant females have a reduced ovarian germ cell reservoir at birth and the follicles are rapidly depleted upon reaching reproductive maturity, but other biological phenotypes are minimal and the mice have a normal life span. The loss of ovarian function precipitates changes in hormonal and metabolic activity that model features of menopause in humans. As a consequence of follicle depletion, the Wv ovaries develop ovarian tubular adenomas, a benign epithelial tumor corresponding to surface epithelial invaginations and papillomatosis that mark human ovarian aging. Ongoing work will test the possibility of converting the benign epithelial tubular adenomas into neoplastic tumors by addition of an oncogenic mutation, such as of Tp53, to model the genotype and biology of serous ovarian cancer. Model based on the Wv mice may have the potential to gain biological and etiological insights into ovarian cancer development and prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Smith
- Department of Cell Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine , Miami, FL , USA
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Cell Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine , Miami, FL , USA
| | - Xiang-Xi Xu
- Department of Cell Biology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine , Miami, FL , USA ; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Miami School of Medicine , Miami, FL , USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Smith ER, Yang WL, Yeasky T, Smedberg J, Cai KQ, Xu XX. Cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition prolongs postnatal ovarian follicle lifespan in mice. Biol Reprod 2013; 89:103. [PMID: 23966321 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.111070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation that results from depletion of ovarian germ cells and follicles. Although most animals experience reproductive senescence, the mechanisms differ from that in women, who may live more than one-third of their lives after menopause and consequently face the risk of a number of menopause-associated health problems. Understanding factors that influence ovarian aging may provide strategies to delay or alleviate physiological alterations that take place in postmenopausal women. The germ cell-deficient Wv mice recapitulate follicle loss, prolong postreproductive lifespan, and model many physiological changes that take place in postmenopausal women. Here, using genetic and pharmacological approaches, we found that inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 but not cyclooxygenase-2 in Wv mice delays germ cell depletion and preserves ovarian follicles. Cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition slows down follicle maturation at the conversion of primary to secondary follicles and prolongs postnatal ovarian follicle lifespan. The current study suggests that inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 may be able to delay ovarian aging and modulate menopausal timing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Smith
- Department of Cell Biology and Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lim J, Lawson GW, Nakamura BN, Ortiz L, Hur JA, Kavanagh TJ, Luderer U. Glutathione-deficient mice have increased sensitivity to transplacental benzo[a]pyrene-induced premature ovarian failure and ovarian tumorigenesis. Cancer Res 2012; 73:908-17. [PMID: 23135907 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-3636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) such as benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants found in tobacco smoke, air pollution, and grilled foods. Prenatal exposure to BaP causes premature reproductive senescence in mice, and other PAHs are transplacental ovarian carcinogens. Glutathione (GSH) is critical for detoxification of the reactive metabolites of PAHs. Therefore, we hypothesized that mice that are genetically deficient in GSH synthesis, due to deletion of the modifier subunit of glutamate cysteine ligase (Gclm), the rate-limiting enzyme in GSH synthesis, have increased destruction of oogonia, premature ovarian failure, and ovarian tumorigenesis after transplacental BaP exposure compared with Gclm(+/+) females. Gclm(+/-) female and male mice were mated, and dams were treated with 0, 2, or 10 mg/kg/d BaP in sesame oil by gavage from gestational days 7 to 16. Compared with oil-treated F1 females of the same genotype, Gclm(-/-) prenatally BaP-treated females had significantly greater decrements in offspring production than Gclm(+/+) BaP-treated females. Similarly, we observed significant BaP dose × Gclm genotype interactions on ovarian follicle counts and ovarian tumor multiplicity at 7.5 months of age, with Gclm(-/-) females having greater decrements in follicle numbers and more ovarian tumors in response to prenatal BaP exposure than Gclm(+/+) females. The ovarian tumors were positive for the epithelial marker cytokeratin. Our results show that prenatal exposure of females to BaP causes premature ovarian failure and ovarian tumorigenesis and that embryonic GSH deficiency due to deletion of Gclm increases sensitivity to these transplacental ovarian effects of BaP.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinhwan Lim
- Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lutzmann M, Grey C, Traver S, Ganier O, Maya-Mendoza A, Ranisavljevic N, Bernex F, Nishiyama A, Montel N, Gavois E, Forichon L, de Massy B, Méchali M. MCM8- and MCM9-deficient mice reveal gametogenesis defects and genome instability due to impaired homologous recombination. Mol Cell 2012; 47:523-34. [PMID: 22771120 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2012.05.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Revised: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Abstract
We generated knockout mice for MCM8 and MCM9 and show that deficiency for these genes impairs homologous recombination (HR)-mediated DNA repair during gametogenesis and somatic cells cycles. MCM8(-/-) mice are sterile because spermatocytes are blocked in meiotic prophase I, and females have only arrested primary follicles and frequently develop ovarian tumors. MCM9(-/-) females also are sterile as ovaries are completely devoid of oocytes. In contrast, MCM9(-/-) testes produce spermatozoa, albeit in much reduced quantity. Mcm8(-/-) and Mcm9(-/-) embryonic fibroblasts show growth defects and chromosomal damage and cannot overcome a transient inhibition of replication fork progression. In these cells, chromatin recruitment of HR factors like Rad51 and RPA is impaired and HR strongly reduced. We further demonstrate that MCM8 and MCM9 form a complex and that they coregulate their stability. Our work uncovers essential functions of MCM8 and MCM9 in HR-mediated DSB repair during gametogenesis, replication fork maintenance, and DNA repair.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Malik Lutzmann
- DNA Replication and Genome Dynamics, Institute of Human Genetics, CNRS, 141 Rue de la Cardonille, 34396 Montpellier, Cedex 5, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Smith ER, Yeasky T, Wei JQ, Miki RA, Cai KQ, Smedberg JL, Yang WL, Xu XX. White spotting variant mouse as an experimental model for ovarian aging and menopausal biology. Menopause 2012; 19:588-96. [PMID: 22228319 PMCID: PMC3326177 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0b013e318239cc53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Menopause is a unique phenomenon in modern women, as most mammalian species possess a reproductive period comparable with their life span. Menopause is caused by the depletion of germ cell-containing ovarian follicles and in laboratory studies is usually modeled in animals in which the ovarian function is removed through ovariectomy or chemical poisoning of the germ cells. Our objective was to explore and characterize the white spotting variant (Wv) mice that have reduced ovarian germ cell abundance, a result of a point mutation in the c-kit gene that decreases kinase activity, as a genetic model for use in menopause studies. METHODS Physiological and morphological features associated with menopause were determined in female Wv/Wv mice compared with age-matched wildtype controls. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate the presence and number of follicles in paraffin-embedded ovaries. Bone density and body composition were evaluated using the PIXImus x-ray densitometer, and lipids, calcium, and hormone levels were determined in serum using antigen-specific enzyme immunoassays. Heart and body weight were measured, and cardiac function was evaluated using transthoracic echocardiography. RESULTS The ovaries of the Wv/Wv females have a greatly reduced number of normal germ cells at birth compared with wildtype mice. The remaining follicles are depleted by around 2 months, and the ovaries develop benign epithelial lesions that resemble morphological changes that occur during ovarian aging, whereas a normal mouse ovary has numerous follicles at all stages of development and retains some follicles even in advanced age. Wv mice have elevated plasma gonadotropins and reduced estrogen and progesterone levels, a significant reduction in bone mass density, and elevated serum cholesterol and lipoprotein levels. Moreover, the Wv female mice have enlarged hearts and reduced cardiac function. CONCLUSIONS The reduction of c-kit activity in Wv mice leads to a substantially diminished follicular endowment in newborn mice and premature depletion of follicles in young mice, although mutant females have a normal life span after cessation of ovarian function. The Wv female mice exhibit consistent physiological changes that resemble common features of postmenopausal women. These alterations include follicle depletion, morphological aging of the ovary, altered serum levels of cholesterol, gonadotropins and steroid hormones, decreased bone density, and reduced cardiac function. These changes were not observed in male mice, either age-matched male Wv/Wv or wildtype mice, and are improbably caused by global loss of c-kit function. The Wv mouse may be a genetic, intact-ovary model that mimics closely the phenotypes of human menopause to be used for further studies to understand the mechanisms of menopausal biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Smith
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department ofMedicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Heiber JF, Xu XX, Barber GN. Potential of vesicular stomatitis virus as an oncolytic therapy for recurrent and drug-resistant ovarian cancer. CHINESE JOURNAL OF CANCER 2011; 30:805-14. [PMID: 22059911 PMCID: PMC4013328 DOI: 10.5732/cjc.011.10205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In the last decade, we have gained significant understanding of the mechanism by which vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) specifically kills cancer cells. Dysregulation of translation and defective innate immunity are both thought to contribute to VSV oncolysis. Safety and efficacy are important objectives to consider in evaluating VSV as a therapy for malignant disease. Ongoing efforts may enable VSV virotherapy to be considered in the near future to treat drug-resistant ovarian cancer when other options have been exhausted. In this article, we review the development of VSV as a potential therapeutic approach for recurrent or drug-resistant ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joshua F Heiber
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Capo-chichi CD, Yeasky TM, Heiber JF, Wang Y, Barber GN, Xu XX. Explicit targeting of transformed cells by VSV in ovarian epithelial tumor-bearing Wv mouse models. Gynecol Oncol 2009; 116:269-75. [PMID: 19932656 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2009.10.086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2009] [Revised: 10/27/2009] [Accepted: 10/30/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Current treatment options for epithelial ovarian cancer are limited and therapeutic development for recurrent and drug-resistant ovarian cancer is an urgent agenda. We investigated the potential use of genetically engineered Vesicular Stomatitis Virus (VSV) to treat ovarian cancer patients who fail to respond to available therapies. Specifically, we examined the toxicity to hosts and specificity of targeting ovarian tumors using a Wv ovarian tumor model. METHODS We first tested recombinant VSV for oncolytic activity in a panel of human ovarian epithelial cancer, immortalized, and primary ovarian surface epithelial cells in culture. Then, we tested VSV oncolytic therapy using the immune competent Wv mice that develop tubular adenomas, benign tumor lesions derived from ovarian surface epithelial cells. RESULTS The expression of GFP encoded by the recombinant VSV genome was detected in about 5% of primary ovarian surface epithelial cells (3 lines) up to 30 days without significantly altering the growth pattern of the cells, suggesting the lack of toxicity to the normal ovarian surface epithelial cells. However, VSV-GFP was detected in the majority (around 90%) of cells that are either "immortalized" by SV40 antigen expression or cancer lines. Some variation in killing time courses was observed, but all the transformed cell lines were killed within 3 days. We found that regardless of the inoculation route (intra bursal, IP, or IV), VSV specifically infected and replicated in the in situ ovarian tumors in the Wv mice without significant activity in any other organs and tissues, and showed no detectable toxicity. The epithelial tumor lesions were greatly reduced in VSV-targeted ovarian tumors in the Wv mice. CONCLUSIONS VSV oncolytic activity depends on a cell autonomous property distinguishing primary and transformed cells. The efficient oncolytic activity of VSV for the "immortalized" non-tumorigenic ovarian surface epithelial cells suggests that the selective specificity extends from pre-neoplastic to overt cancer cells. The results demonstrated the explicit targeting of ovarian epithelial tumors by VSV in immune competent, ovarian tumor-bearing mouse models, and further support the utility of VSV as an effective and safe anti-cancer agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Callinice D Capo-chichi
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Smith ER, Xu XX. Ovarian ageing, follicle depletion, and cancer: a hypothesis for the aetiology of epithelial ovarian cancer involving follicle depletion. Lancet Oncol 2008; 9:1108-11. [PMID: 19012860 DOI: 10.1016/s1470-2045(08)70281-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The association between ovarian cancer risk and reproductive factors has been well established, and two main theories, incessant ovulation and gonadotropin stimulation, have been proposed to explain the mechanism. Recent studies using animal models of ovarian tumorigenesis, and analysis of ovarian tissues from prophylactic oophorectomies, suggest that depletion of ovarian follicles might underlie the epidemiological findings linking reproductive history and ovarian cancer risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R Smith
- Department of Medicine, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|