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Gjorgoska M, Šturm L, Lanišnik Rižner T. Pre-receptor regulation of 11-oxyandrogens differs between normal and cancerous endometrium and across endometrial cancer grades and molecular subtypes. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 15:1404804. [PMID: 39205690 PMCID: PMC11349532 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1404804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Endometrial cancer (EC) is a prevalent gynecological malignancy globally, with a rising incidence trend. While classic androgens have been implicated with EC risk, the role of their 11-oxygenated metabolites is poorly understood. Here, we studied 11-oxyandrogen formation from steroid precursors in EC for the first time. Methods We performed in vitro studies on a panel of four EC cell lines of varying differentiation degree and molecular subtype and a control cell line of normal endometrium to assess 11-oxyandrogen formation from steroid precursors. We also characterized the transcriptomic effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 11-keto-DHT on Ishikawa and RL95-2. Key molecular players in 11-oxyandrogen metabolism and action were explored in endometrial tumors using public transcriptomic datasets. Results We discovered that within endometrial tumors, the formation of 11-oxyandrogens does not occur from classic androgen precursors. However, we observed distinct regulatory mechanisms at a pre-receptor level in normal endometrium compared to cancerous tissue, and between low- and high-grade tumors. Specifically, in vitro models of low-grade EC formed higher levels of bioactive 11-keto-testosterone from 11-oxyandrogen precursors compared to models of noncancerous endometrium and high-grade, TP53-mutated EC. Moreover, the potent androgen, DHT and its 11-keto homologue induced mild transcriptomic effects on androgen receptor (AR)-expressing EC model, Ishikawa. Finally, using public transcriptomic datasets, we found HSD11B2 and SRD5A2, coding for key enzymes in steroid metabolism, to be associated with better disease-specific survival, whereas higher intra-tumoral AR expression correlated with lower recurrence in TP53-wt tumors. Conclusions The intra-tumoral metabolism of 11-oxyandrogen precursors is characteristic for low-grade EC of non-TP53-alt molecular subtypes. Our findings support further exploration of circulating 11-oxyandrogens as prognostic biomarkers in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tea Lanišnik Rižner
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Marolt N, Pavlič R, Kreft T, Gjogorska M, Rižner TL. Targeting estrogen metabolism in high-grade serous ovarian cancer shows promise to overcome platinum resistance. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:117069. [PMID: 38968802 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.117069] [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: 05/15/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The high mortality rate due to chemoresistance in patients with high-grade ovarian cancer (HGSOC) emphasizes the urgent need to determine optimal treatment strategies for advanced and recurrent cases. Our study investigates the interplay between estrogens and chemoresistance in HGSOC and shows clear differences between platinum-sensitive and -resistant tumors. Through comprehensive transcriptome analyzes, we uncover differences in the expression of genes of estrogen biosynthesis, metabolism, transport and action underlying platinum resistance in different tissues of HGSOC subtypes and in six HGSOC cell lines. Furthermore, we identify genes involved in estrogen biosynthesis and metabolism as prognostic biomarkers for HGSOC. Additionally, our study elucidates different patterns of estrogen formation/metabolism and their effects on cell proliferation between six HGSOC cell lines with different platinum sensitivity. These results emphasize the dynamic interplay between estrogens and HGSOC chemoresistance. In particular, targeting the activity of steroid sulfatase (STS) proves to be a promising therapeutic approach with potential efficacy in limiting estrogen-driven cell proliferation. Our study reveals potential prognostic markers as well as identifies novel therapeutic targets that show promise for overcoming resistance and improving treatment outcomes in HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nika Marolt
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Renata Pavlič
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Tinkara Kreft
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Marija Gjogorska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Tea Lanišnik Rižner
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia.
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Rižner TL, Gjorgoska M. Steroid sulfatase and sulfotransferases in the estrogen and androgen action of gynecological cancers: current status and perspectives. Essays Biochem 2024:EBC20230096. [PMID: 38994718 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20230096] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Sulfatase (STS) and sulfotransferases (SULT) have important role in the biosynthesis and action of steroid hormones. STS catalyzes the hydrolysis of estrone-sulfate (E1-S) and dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), while sulfotransferases catalyze the reverse reaction and require 3-phosphoadenosine-5-phosphosulfate as a sulfate donor. These enzymes control the concentration of active estrogens and androgens in peripheral tissues. Aberant expression of STS and SULT genes has been found in both, benign hormone-dependent diseases and hormone-dependent cancers. The aim of this review is to present the current knowledge on the role of STS and SULT in gynecological cancers, endometrial (EC) and ovarian cancer (OC). EC is the most common and OC the most lethal gynecological cancer. These cancers primarily affect postmenopausal women and therefore rely on the local production of steroid hormones from inactive precursors, either DHEA-S or E1-S. Following cellular uptake by organic anion transporting polypeptides (OATP) or organic anion transporters (OAT), STS and SULT regulate the formation of active estrogens and androgens, thus disturbed balance between STS and SULT can contribute to the onset and progression of cancer. The importance of these enzymes in peripheral estrogen biosynthesis has long been recognized, and this review provides new data on the important role of STS and SULT in the formation and action of androgens, their regulation and inhibition, and their potential as prognostic biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tea Lanišnik Rižner
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marija Gjorgoska
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Zottel A, Jójárt R, Ágoston H, Hafner E, Lipušček N, Mernyák E, Rižner TL. Cytotoxic effect of 13α-estrane derivatives on breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer cell lines. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 232:106350. [PMID: 37315869 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2023.106350] [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: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Hormone-dependent cancers such as breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers account for more than 35% of all cancers in women. Worldwide, these cancers occur in more than 2.7 million women/year and account for 22% of cancer-related deaths/year. The generally accepted mechanism for the pathophysiology of estrogen-dependent cancers is estrogen receptor-mediated cell proliferation associated with an increased number of mutations. Therefore, drugs that can interfere with either local estrogen formation or estrogen action via estrogen receptors are needed. Estrane derivatives that have low or minimal estrogenic activity can affect both pathways. In this study, we investigated the effect of 36 different estrane derivatives on the proliferation of eight breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer cell lines and the corresponding three control cell lines. Estrane derivatives 3 and 4_2Cl showed a stronger effect on the endometrial cancer cell lines KLE and Ishikawa, respectively, compared with the control cell line HIEEC, with IC50 values of 32.6 microM and 17.9 microM, respectively. Estrane derivative 4_2Cl was most active in the ovarian cancer cell line COV362 compared to the control cell line HIO80 with an IC50 value of 3.6 microM. In addition, estrane derivative 2_4I showed a strong antiproliferative effect on endometrial and ovarian cancer cell lines, while the effect on the control cell line was slight or absent. The addition of halogen at carbon 2 and/or 4 in estrane derivatives 1 and 2 increased the selectivity for endometrial cancer cells. Overall, these results suggest that single estrane derivatives are efficient cytotoxic agents for endometrial and ovarian cancer cell lines, and thus potential lead compounds for drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alja Zottel
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Rebeka Jójárt
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Henrietta Ágoston
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Eva Hafner
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Neža Lipušček
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Erzsébet Mernyák
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Tea Lanišnik Rižner
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
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Sinreih M, Gjorgoska M, Möller G, Adamski J, Rižner TL. 17β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases types 1 and 2: Enzymatic assays based on radiometric and mass-spectrometric detection. Methods Enzymol 2023; 689:201-234. [PMID: 37802571 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2023.04.015] [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] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
The 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD17B1) has a key role in estrogen biosynthesis as it catalyzes the reduction of estrone to the most potent estrogen, estradiol. Estradiol has a high affinity for estrogen receptors and thus stimulates their transactivation, which leads to cell proliferation and numerous other effects. HSD17B2 catalyzes the oxidation of estradiol to the less potent estrone, thereby decreasing estrogen receptor activation, which results in reduction of estrogen-associated effects. HSD17B1 and HSD17B2 overexpressing E.coli homogenates or recombinant enzymes can be used for screening and development of drugs against various pathologies such as cancer, endometriosis or osteoporosis. Here we describe the preparation of HSD17B1 and HSD17B2 bacterial homogenates and purified recombinant HSD17B1 protein as enzyme sources as well as enzymatic assays based on radiometric and mass-spectrometric detection for enzyme characterization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maša Sinreih
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Ljubljana, Ljublijana, Slovenia
| | - Marija Gjorgoska
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Ljubljana, Ljublijana, Slovenia
| | - Gabriele Möller
- Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Neuherberg, Germany; German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Jerzy Adamski
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Ljubljana, Ljublijana, Slovenia; Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Institute for Experimental Genetics, Neuherberg, Germany; Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tea Lanišnik Rižner
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Ljubljana, Ljublijana, Slovenia.
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Tossetta G, Fantone S, Goteri G, Giannubilo SR, Ciavattini A, Marzioni D. The Role of NQO1 in Ovarian Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097839. [PMID: 37175546 PMCID: PMC10178676 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is one of the most dangerous gynecologic malignancies showing a high fatality rate because of late diagnosis and relapse occurrence due to chemoresistance onset. Several researchers reported that oxidative stress plays a key role in ovarian cancer occurrence, growth and development. The NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) is an antioxidant enzyme that, using NADH or NADPH as substrates to reduce quinones to hydroquinones, avoids the formation of the highly reactive semiquinones, then protecting cells against oxidative stress. In this review, we report evidence from the literature describing the effect of NQO1 on ovarian cancer onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Tossetta
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Sonia Fantone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | - Gaia Goteri
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Public Health, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Ciavattini
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Salesi Hospital, 60123 Ancona, Italy
| | - Daniela Marzioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60126 Ancona, Italy
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Pavlič R, Gjorgoska M, Rižner TL. Model Cell Lines and Tissues of Different HGSOC Subtypes Differ in Local Estrogen Biosynthesis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112583. [PMID: 35681563 PMCID: PMC9179372 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Ovarian cancer (OC) comprises a heterogeneous group of hormone-dependent diseases with very high mortality. Estrogens have been shown to promote the progression of OC; however, their exact role in OC subtypes remains unknown. Here, we investigated the local estrogen biosynthesis in OC. We performed targeted transcriptomics and estrogen metabolism analyses in high-grade serous OC (HGSOC) cell lines that differed in chemoresistance status and compared these data with publicly available transcriptome and proteome data for HGSOC tissues. In HGSOC cells, estrogen metabolism decreased with increasing chemoresistance. In highly chemoresistant cells and platinum-resistant HGSOC tissues, HSD17B14 expression was increased. Proteome data showed differential levels of HSD17B10, SULT1E1, CYP1B1, and NQO1 between the four HGSOC subtypes. Our results confirm that estrogen biosynthesis differs between different HGSOC cell models and possibly between different HGSOC subtypes. Such differentially expressed enzymes have potential as targets in the search of new treatment options. Abstract Ovarian cancer (OC) is highly lethal and heterogeneous. Several hormones are involved in OC etiology including estrogens; however, their role in OC is not completely understood. Here, we performed targeted transcriptomics and estrogen metabolism analyses in high-grade serous OC (HGSOC), OVSAHO, Kuramochi, COV632, and immortalized normal ovarian epithelial HIO-80 cells. We compared these data with public transcriptome and proteome data for the HGSOC tissues. In all model systems, high steroid sulfatase expression and weak/undetected aromatase (CYP19A1) expression indicated the formation of estrogens from the precursor estrone-sulfate (E1-S). In OC cells, the metabolism of E1-S to estradiol was the highest in OVSAHO, followed by Kuramochi and COV362 cells, and decreased with increasing chemoresistance. In addition, higher HSD17B14 and CYP1A2 expressions were observed in highly chemoresistant COV362 cells and platinum-resistant tissues compared to those in HIO-80 cells and platinum-sensitive tissues. The HGSOC cell models differed in HSD17B10, CYP1B1, and NQO1 expression. Proteomic data also showed different levels of HSD17B10, CYP1B1, NQO1, and SULT1E1 between the four HGSOC subtypes. These results suggest that different HGSOC subtypes form different levels of estrogens and their metabolites and that the estrogen-biosynthesis-associated targets should be further studied for the development of personalized treatment.
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Physiological Concentrations of Cimicifuga racemosa Extract Do Not Affect Expression of Genes Involved in Estrogen Biosynthesis and Action in Endometrial and Ovarian Cell Lines. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12040545. [PMID: 35454133 PMCID: PMC9032045 DOI: 10.3390/biom12040545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In postmenopausal women, estrogen levels exclusively depend on local formation from the steroid precursors dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and estrone sulfate (E1-S). Reduced estrogen levels are associated with menopausal symptoms. To mitigate these symptoms, more women nowadays choose medicine of natural origin, e.g., Cimicifuga racemosa (CR), instead of hormone replacement therapy, which is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. Although CR treatment is considered safe, little is known about its effects on healthy endometrial and ovarian tissue and hormone-dependent malignancies, e.g., endometrial and ovarian cancers that arise during menopause. The aim of our study was to examine the effects of CR on the expression of genes encoding E1-S transporters and estrogen-related enzymes in control and cancerous endometrial and ovarian cell lines. CR affected the expression of genes encoding E1-S transporters and estrogen-related enzymes only at very high concentrations, whereas no changes were observed at physiological concentrations of CR. This suggests that CR does not exert estrogenic effects in endometrial and ovarian tissues and probably does not affect postmenopausal women’s risks of endometrial or ovarian cancer or the outcomes of endometrial and ovarian cancer patients.
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