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Mullen RD, Bellessort B, Levi G, Behringer RR. Distal-less homeobox genes Dlx5/6 regulate Müllerian duct regression. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:916173. [PMID: 35909540 PMCID: PMC9334558 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.916173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dlx5 and Dlx6 encode distal-less homeodomain transcription factors that are present in the genome as a linked pair at a single locus. Dlx5 and Dlx6 have redundant roles in craniofacial, skeletal, and uterine development. Previously, we performed a transcriptome comparison for anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)-induced genes expressed in the Müllerian duct mesenchyme of male and female mouse embryos. In that study, we found that Dlx5 transcripts were nearly seven-fold higher in males compared to females and Dlx6 transcripts were found only in males, suggesting they may be AMH-induced genes. Therefore, we investigated the role of Dlx5 and Dlx6 during AMH-induced Müllerian duct regression. We found that Dlx5 was detected in the male Müllerian duct mesenchyme from E14.5 to E16.5. In contrast, in female embryos Dlx5 was detected in the Müllerian duct epithelium. Dlx6 expression in Müllerian duct mesenchyme was restricted to males. Dlx6 expression was not detected in female Müllerian duct mesenchyme or epithelium. Genetic experiments showed that AMH signaling is necessary for Dlx5 and Dlx6 expression. Müllerian duct regression was variable in Dlx5 homozygous mutant males at E16.5, ranging from regression like controls to a block in Müllerian duct regression. In E16.5 Dlx6 homozygous mutants, Müllerian duct tissue persisted primarily in the region adjacent to the testes. In Dlx5-6 double homozygous mutant males Müllerian duct regression was also found to be incomplete but more severe than either single mutant. These studies suggest that Dlx5 and Dlx6 act redundantly to mediate AMH-induced Müllerian duct regression during male differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel D. Mullen
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Brice Bellessort
- Département AVIV, Physiologie Moléculaire et Adaptation, CNRS UMR7221, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Giovanni Levi
- Département AVIV, Physiologie Moléculaire et Adaptation, CNRS UMR7221, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
| | - Richard R. Behringer
- Department of Genetics, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Richard R. Behringer,
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Bellessort B, Bachelot A, Grouthier V, De Lombares C, Narboux-Neme N, Garagnani P, Pirazzini C, Astigiano S, Mastracci L, Fontaine A, Alfama G, Duvernois-Berthet E, Levi G. Comparative analysis of molecular signatures suggests the use of gabapentin for the management of endometriosis-associated pain. J Pain Res 2018; 11:715-725. [PMID: 29692624 PMCID: PMC5903492 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s163611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It has been repetitively shown that the transcription factors DLX5 and DLX6 are drastically downregulated in endometriotic lesions when compared with eutopic endometrium. These findings suggest that regulatory cascades involving DLX5/6 might be at the origin of endometriosis symptoms such as chronic pelvic pain (CPP). We have shown that inactivation of Dlx5 and Dlx5/6 in the mouse uterus results in an endometrial phenotype reminiscent of endometriosis. Methods We focused on genes that present a similar deregulation in endometriosis and in Dlx5/6-null mice in search of new endometriosis targets. Results We confirmed a strong reduction of DLX5 expression in endometriosis implants. We identified a signature of 30 genes similarly deregulated in human endometriosis implants and in Dlx5/6-null mouse uteri, reinforcing the notion that the downregulation of Dlx5/6 is an early event in the progress of endometriosis. CACNA2D3, a component of the α2δ family of voltage-dependent calcium channel complex, was strongly overexpressed both in mutant mouse uteri and in endometriosis implants, were also CACNA2D1 and CACNA2D2, other members of the α2δ family involved in nociception, are upregulated. Conclusion Comparative analysis of gene expression signatures from endometriosis and mouse models showed that calcium channel subunits α2δ involved in nociception can be targets for the treatment of endometriosis-associated pain. CACNA2D3 has been associated with pain sensitization and heat nociception in animal models. In patients, CACNA2D3 variants were associated with reduced sensitivity to acute noxious stimuli. As α2δs were targets of gabapentinoid analgesics, the results suggested the use of these drugs for the treatment of endometriosis-associated pain. Indeed, recent small-scale clinical studies have shown that gabapentin could be effective in women with CPP. The findings of this study reinforce the need for a large definitive trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brice Bellessort
- Evolution of Endocrine Regulations, Department AVIV, National Museum of Natural History, Paris, France
| | - Anne Bachelot
- Evolution of Endocrine Regulations, Department AVIV, National Museum of Natural History, Paris, France.,AP-HP, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Reference Center for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, UPMC, Paris, France
| | - Virginie Grouthier
- AP-HP, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Reference Center for Rare Endocrine Diseases, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, UPMC, Paris, France
| | - Camille De Lombares
- Evolution of Endocrine Regulations, Department AVIV, National Museum of Natural History, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Narboux-Neme
- Evolution of Endocrine Regulations, Department AVIV, National Museum of Natural History, Paris, France
| | - Paolo Garagnani
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center "L. Galvani", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Pirazzini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Interdepartmental Center "L. Galvani", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Simonetta Astigiano
- Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, San Martino Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Luca Mastracci
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy.,Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Surgical Science and Integrated Diagnostics, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Anastasia Fontaine
- Evolution of Endocrine Regulations, Department AVIV, National Museum of Natural History, Paris, France
| | - Gladys Alfama
- Evolution of Endocrine Regulations, Department AVIV, National Museum of Natural History, Paris, France
| | - Evelyne Duvernois-Berthet
- Evolution of Endocrine Regulations, Department AVIV, National Museum of Natural History, Paris, France
| | - Giovanni Levi
- Evolution of Endocrine Regulations, Department AVIV, National Museum of Natural History, Paris, France
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Bellessort B, Le Cardinal M, Bachelot A, Narboux-Nême N, Garagnani P, Pirazzini C, Barbieri O, Mastracci L, Jonchere V, Duvernois-Berthet E, Fontaine A, Alfama G, Levi G. Dlx5 and Dlx6 control uterine adenogenesis during post-natal maturation: possible consequences for endometriosis. Hum Mol Genet 2016; 25:97-108. [PMID: 26512061 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/25/2015] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Dlx5 and Dlx6 are two closely associated homeobox genes which code for transcription factors involved in the control of steroidogenesis and reproduction. Inactivation of Dlx5/6 in the mouse results in a Leydig cell defect in the male and in ovarian insufficiency in the female. DLX5/6 are also strongly expressed by the human endometrium but their function in the uterus is unknown. The involvement of DLX5/6 in human uterine pathology is suggested by their strong downregulation in endometriotic lesions and upregulation in endometrioïd adenocarcinomas. We first show that Dlx5/6 expression begins in Müllerian ducts epithelia and persists then in the uterine luminal and glandular epithelia throughout post-natal maturation and in the adult. We then use a new mouse model in which Dlx5 and Dlx6 can be simultaneously inactivated in the endometrium using a Pgr(cre/+) allele. Post-natal inactivation of Dlx5/6 in the uterus results in sterility without any obvious ovarian involvement. The uteri of Pgr(cre/+); Dlx5/6(flox/flox) mice present very few uterine glands and numerous abnormally large and branched invaginations of the uterine lumen. In Dlx5/6 mutant uteri, the expression of genes involved in gland formation (Foxa2) and in epithelial remodelling during implantation (Msx1) is significantly reduced. Furthermore, we show that DLX5 is highly expressed in human endometrial glandular epithelium and that its expression is affected in endometriosis. We conclude that Dlx5 and Dlx6 expression determines uterine architecture and adenogenesis and is needed for implantation. Given their importance for female reproduction, DLX5 and DLX6 must be regarded as interesting targets for future clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brice Bellessort
- Évolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, CNRS UMR 7221, Muséum Nationale d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris 75005, France
| | - Marine Le Cardinal
- Évolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, CNRS UMR 7221, Muséum Nationale d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris 75005, France
| | - Anne Bachelot
- Évolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, CNRS UMR 7221, Muséum Nationale d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris 75005, France, AP-HP, Department of Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine, Centre de Référence des Maladies Endocriniennes Rares de la Croissance, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital (Groupe Hospitalier Pitié-Salpêtrière), Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Site Pitié, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Narboux-Nême
- Évolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, CNRS UMR 7221, Muséum Nationale d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris 75005, France
| | - Paolo Garagnani
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy, Interdepartmental Center 'L. Galvani', University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Chiara Pirazzini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna 40138, Italy, Interdepartmental Center 'L. Galvani', University of Bologna, Bologna 40126, Italy
| | - Ottavia Barbieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, National Institute for Cancer Research, Genova, Italy and
| | - Luca Mastracci
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Surgical Science and Integrated Diagnostics (DISC), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Vincent Jonchere
- Évolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, CNRS UMR 7221, Muséum Nationale d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris 75005, France
| | - Evelyne Duvernois-Berthet
- Department of Régulations, Développement et Diversité Moléculaire, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris 75005, France
| | - Anastasia Fontaine
- Évolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, CNRS UMR 7221, Muséum Nationale d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris 75005, France
| | - Gladys Alfama
- Évolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, CNRS UMR 7221, Muséum Nationale d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris 75005, France
| | - Giovanni Levi
- Évolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, CNRS UMR 7221, Muséum Nationale d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris 75005, France,
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Bellessort B, Bachelot A, Heude É, Alfama G, Fontaine A, Le Cardinal M, Treier M, Levi G. Role of Foxl2 in uterine maturation and function. Hum Mol Genet 2015; 24:3092-103. [DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddv061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
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Heude É, Bellessort B, Fontaine A, Hamazaki M, Treier AC, Treier M, Levi G, Narboux-Nême N. Etiology of craniofacial malformations in mouse models of blepharophimosis, ptosis and epicanthus inversus syndrome. Hum Mol Genet 2014; 24:1670-81. [PMID: 25416281 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddu579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Blepharophimosis, ptosis, epicanthus-inversus syndrome (BPES) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder characterized by narrow palpebral fissures and eyelid levator muscle defects. BPES is often associated to premature ovarian insufficiency (BPES type I). FOXL2, a member of the forkhead transcription factor family, is the only gene known to be mutated in BPES. Foxl2 is essential for maintenance of ovarian identity, but the developmental origin of the facial malformations of BPES remains, so far, unexplained. In this study, we provide the first detailed account of the developmental processes leading to the craniofacial malformations associated to Foxl2. We show that, during development, Foxl2 is expressed both by Cranial Neural Crest Cells (CNCCs) and by Cranial Mesodermal Cells (CMCs), which give rise to skeletal (CNCCs and CMCs) and muscular (CMCs) components of the head. Using mice in which Foxl2 is selectively inactivated in either CNCCs or CMCs, we reveal that expression of Foxl2 in CNCCs is essential for the development of extraocular muscles. Indeed, inactivation of Foxl2 in CMCs has only minor effects on muscle development, whereas its inactivation in CNCCs provokes a severe hypoplasia of the levator palpabrae superioris and of the superior and inferior oblique muscles. We further show that Foxl2 deletion in either CNCCs or CMCs prevents eyelid closure and induces subtle skeletal developmental defects. Our results provide new insights in the complex developmental origin of human BPES and could help to understand the origin of other ocular anomalies associated to this syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Églantine Heude
- Évolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, CNRS UMR 7221, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris 75005, France
| | - Brice Bellessort
- Évolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, CNRS UMR 7221, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris 75005, France
| | - Anastasia Fontaine
- Évolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, CNRS UMR 7221, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris 75005, France
| | - Manatsu Hamazaki
- Department of Physiological Chemistry and Metabolism, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Anna-Corina Treier
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) - Genetics of Metabolic and Reproductive Disorders, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Mathias Treier
- Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC) - Genetics of Metabolic and Reproductive Disorders, Robert-Rössle-Str. 10, 13125 Berlin, Germany
| | - Giovanni Levi
- Évolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, CNRS UMR 7221, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris 75005, France
| | - Nicolas Narboux-Nême
- Évolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, CNRS UMR 7221, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris 75005, France,
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Villette V, Poindessous-Jazat F, Bellessort B, Roullot E, Peterschmitt Y, Epelbaum J, Stéphan A, Dutar P. A new neuronal target for beta-amyloid peptide in the rat hippocampus. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 33:1126.e1-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2011.11.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2011] [Revised: 11/10/2011] [Accepted: 11/20/2011] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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Bouhali K, Dipietromaria A, Fontaine A, Caburet S, Barbieri O, Bellessort B, Fellous M, Veitia RA, Levi G. Allelic reduction of Dlx5 and Dlx6 results in early follicular depletion: a new mouse model of primary ovarian insufficiency. Hum Mol Genet 2011; 20:2642-50. [PMID: 21505076 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddr166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by the loss of ovarian function before the age of 40 in humans. Although most cases of POI are idiopathic, many are familial, underlying a genetic origin of the disease. Mutations in genes involved in the control of steroidogenesis, such as NR5A1 (SF-1, Steroidogenic Factor 1), CYP17, CYP19A1 (aromatase), StAR (Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory), and the forkhead transcription factor FOXL2 have been associated with different forms of POI. In males, the homeobox transcription factors Dlx5 and Dlx6 are involved in the control of steroidogenesis through the activation of GATA4-induced-StAR transcription. Here, we analyze the potential involvement of Dlx5 and Dlx6 in female reproduction. To this end, we make use of an existing mouse model in which Dlx5 and Dlx6 are simultaneously disrupted. We show that: (i) allelic reduction of Dlx5 and Dlx6 in the mouse results in a POI-like phenotype, characterized by reduced fertility and early follicular exhaustion; (ii) in granulosa cell lines, a reciprocal regulation exists between Dlx5 and Foxl2; (iii) in the mouse ovary, allelic reduction of Dlx5/6 results in the upregulation of Foxl2. We propose that the mutual regulation between Dlx5/6 and Foxl2 and their opposite effects on StAR expression might contribute to determine the homeostatic control of steroidogenesis within the ovary. Dysregulation of this homeostatic control would result in abnormal follicular maturation and reduced fertility. Our results bring new elements to our conceptual model of follicle maturation and maintenance and provide new potential genetic targets for cases of familial POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamal Bouhali
- Evolution des Régulations Endocriniennes, CNRS UMR 7221, Muséum National d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France
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