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Pecori Giraldi F, Cassarino MF, Sesta A, Lasio G, Losa M. SILIBININ, AN HSP90 INHIBITOR, ON HUMAN ACTH-SECRETING ADENOMAS. Neuroendocrinology 2023:000529710. [PMID: 36791678 DOI: 10.1159/000529710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The glucocorticoid receptor is pivotal to control corticotrophin (ACTH) secretion and its function is closely linked to the heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) chaperone complex. Impaired sensitivity to glucocorticoid feedback is a hallmark of human corticotroph adenomas, i.e., Cushing's disease, a disorder with few medical treatment options. Silibinin, a HSP90 inhibitor, has been studied in tumoral corticotroph cells and its use proposed in Cushing's disease. Aim of the present study was to further investigate the effect of silibinin on human corticotroph adenomas in vitro. METHODS Seven human ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas were established in culture and treated with 10 - 50 µM silibinin with/without dexamethasone for up to 72 hours. ACTH medium levels were measured and POMC and glucocorticoid receptor, i.e., NR3C1, gene expression assessed. RESULTS Silibinin reduced spontaneous ACTH secretion and restored sensitivity to steroid negative feedback to a different extent in individual adenomas. POMC expression was decreased both in control and dexamethasone-treated wells in specimens sensitive to silibinin. Interestingly, silibinin reduced constitutive NR3C1 expression and reversed the dexamethasone-induced inhibition. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that silibinin can inhibit ACTH synthesis and secretion in individual human corticotroph adenomas and directly affects NR3C1 gene expression. These results reveal promising effects of this HSP90 inhibitor on human corticotroph adenomas and support an innovative target treatment for patients with Cushing's disease.
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Pecori Giraldi F, Einaudi S, Sesta A, Verna F, Messina M, Manieri C, Menegatti E, Ghizzoni L. POR polymorphisms are associated with 21 hydroxylase deficiency. J Endocrinol Invest 2021; 44:2219-2226. [PMID: 33666875 PMCID: PMC8421294 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01527-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Genotype-phenotype correlation in congenital 21 hydroxylase deficiency is strong but by no means absolute. Indeed, clinical and hormonal features may vary among patients carrying similar CYP21A2 mutations, suggesting that modifier genes may contribute to the phenotype. Aim of the present study was to evaluate whether polymorphisms in the p450 oxidoreductase (POR) gene may affect clinical features in patients with 21 hydroxylase deficiency METHODS: Sequencing of the POR gene was performed in 96 patients with 21 hydroxylase deficiency (49 classic, 47 non-classic) and 43 control subjects. RESULTS Prevalence of POR polymorphisms in patients with 21 hydroxylase was comparable to controls and known databases. The rs2228104 polymorphism was more frequently associated with non-classic vs classic 21 hydroxylase deficiency (allelic risk 7.09; 95% C.I. 1.4-29.5, p < 0.05). Classic 21 hydroxylase-deficient carriers of the minor allele in the rs2286822/rs2286823 haplotype presented more frequently the salt-wasting form (allelic risk 1.375; 95% C.I. 1.138-1.137), more severe Prader stage at birth (allelic risk 3.85; 95% C.I. 3.78-3.92), higher ACTH levels, and younger age at diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS Polymorphisms in the POR gene are associated with clinical features of 21 hydroxylase deficiency both as regards predisposition to classic vs non-classic forms and severity of classic adrenal hyperplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Pecori Giraldi
- Department Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Milan, Italy.
| | - S Einaudi
- Department Pediatric Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - A Sesta
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Milan, Italy
| | - F Verna
- Department Pediatric Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - M Messina
- Clinical Pathology and Experimental Medicine Unit, Department Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - C Manieri
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - E Menegatti
- Department Medical Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - L Ghizzoni
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Department Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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Pecori Giraldi F, Sesta A, Tapella L, Cassarino MF, Castelli L. Dual effects of 9-cis retinoic acid on ACTH-dependent hyperplastic adrenal tissues. Sci Rep 2021; 11:14315. [PMID: 34253781 PMCID: PMC8275666 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93672-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoids play a pivotal role in adrenal development and differentiation. Recent clinical trials revealed therapeutic potential of both all-trans and 9-cis retinoic acid in patients with cortisol excess due to a pituitary ACTH-secreting adenoma and indicated that retinoids might act also on the adrenal. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 9-cis retinoic acid on adrenals from patients with ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome. Adrenal specimens from six patients with Cushing’s disease were incubated with 10 nM–1 µM 9-cis retinoic acid with and without 10 nM ACTH. Cortisol secretion was measured by immunoassay and expression of genes involved in steroidogenesis as well as retinoic acid action were evaluated by real-time RT-PCR. Incubation with 10–100 nM 9-cis retinoic acid increased spontaneous cortisol secretion and expression of STAR and CYP17A. On the other hand, in wells treated with ACTH, 9-cis retinoic acid markedly diminished ACTH receptor upregulation and no stimulatory effect on cortisol secretion or steroidogenic enzyme synthesis was observed. ACTH itself increased ligand-induced retinoic acid receptor expression, possibly enhancing sensitivity to retinoic acid. Our findings indicate that the effect of 9-cis retinoic acid in presence of ACTH is distinct from unchallenged wells and support the hypothesis of a direct adrenal action in patients with Cushing’s disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pecori Giraldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122, Milan, Italy. .,Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Via Zucchi 18, 20095, Cusano Milanino, MI, Italy.
| | - Antonella Sesta
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Via Zucchi 18, 20095, Cusano Milanino, MI, Italy
| | - Laura Tapella
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Via Zucchi 18, 20095, Cusano Milanino, MI, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Cassarino
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Via Zucchi 18, 20095, Cusano Milanino, MI, Italy
| | - Luigi Castelli
- Ospedale San Carlo, Reparto di Chirurgia, 20037, Paderno Dugnano, MI, Italy
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Cassarino MF, Sesta A, Libera L, Bardelli D, Losa M, Lasio G, Giraldi FP. SAT-308 Effect of Silibinin on ACTH Synthesis and Secretion in Human Adenomatous Corticotropes in Vitro. J Endocr Soc 2020. [PMCID: PMC7208688 DOI: 10.1210/jendso/bvaa046.417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Silibinin, a milk thistle extract with known hepatoprotective effects, has recently been shown to act upon tumoral corticotropes and revert the Cushingoid phenotype in an allograft mouse model (Riebold et al 2015). Silbinin is known to inhibit HSP90 -a chaperone to the glucocorticoid receptor- thereby restoring sensitivity to glucocorticoid negative feedback in tumoral corticotropes. Aim of the present study was to assess the effect of silibinin on ACTH synthesis and secretion by human corticotrope adenomas in vitro. Methods: Eight human ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas were collected during surgery and established in culture as per our protocol (Pecori Giraldi et al 2011). Specimens were treated with 10 - 50 µM silibinin for up to 72 hours. ACTH medium levels were measured by Elisa; POMC expression was assessed by RT-PCR (Cassarino et al 2017). Results. Silibinin reduced spontaneous ACTH secretion to a variable extent in individual adenomas: from 32 to 79% of baseline at 4h, and 54 - 85 % of baseline at 48 and 72h. Silibinin was also effective in reinstating or enhancing sensitivity to steroid negative feedback: ACTH decreases during 10–50 µM silibinin incubation ranged from 10 to 63% of dexamethasone-treated wells at 4 hours, 70 -80% at 48 hours and 36 to 80% at 72 hours, indicating long-lasting effect on glucocorticoid sensitivity. Silibinin induced a variable decrease in POMC expression, both as regards expression in control and dexamethasone-treated wells; some specimens exhibited a marked sensitivity to the inhibitory effect, with POMC expression decreasing to less than 50% of control. Conclusions:, this data suggests that silibinin can inhibit ACTH secretion and POMC synthesis and restore sensitivity to negative glucocorticoid feedback. References: Cassarino et al (2017) Endocrine55: 853–860. Pecori Giraldi et al (2011) Journal of Neuroendocrinology23:1214–21. Riebold et al (2015) Nature Medicine21:276–280.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonella Sesta
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Libera
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Bardelli
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Losa
- Istituto Scientifico San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
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Pecori Giraldi F, Cassarino MF, Sesta A, Terreni M, Lasio G, Losa M. Sexual Dimorphism in Cellular and Molecular Features in Human ACTH-Secreting Pituitary Adenomas. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E669. [PMID: 32183012 PMCID: PMC7139870 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background. Cushing's disease presents gender disparities in prevalence and clinical course. Little is known, however, about sexual dimorphism at the level of the corticotrope adenoma itself. The aim of the present study was to evaluate molecular features of ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas collected from female and male patients with Cushing's disease. (2) Methods. We analyzed 153 ACTH-secreting adenomas collected from 31 men and 122 women. Adenomas were established in culture and ACTH synthesis and secretion assessed in basal conditions as well as during incubation with CRH or dexamethasone. Concurrently, microarray analysis was performed on formalin-fixed specimens and differences in the expression profiles between specimens from male and female patients identified. (3) Results. ACTH medium concentrations in adenomas obtained from male patients were significantly lower than those observed in adenomas from female patients. This could be observed for baseline as well as modulated secretion. Analysis of corticotrope transcriptomes revealed considerable similarities with few, selected differences in functional annotations. Differentially expressed genes comprised genes with known sexual dimorphism, genes involved in tumour development and genes relevant to pituitary pathophysiology. (4) Conclusions. Our study shows for the first time that human corticotrope adenomas present sexual dimorphism and underlines the need for a gender-dependent analysis of these tumours. Differentially expressed genes may represent the basis for gender-tailored target therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pecori Giraldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, University of Milan; 20122 Milan, Italy
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, 20095 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Cassarino
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, 20095 Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Sesta
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, 20095 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Lasio
- Deparment of Neurosurgery, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, 20089 Rozzano (Milan), Italy;
| | - Marco Losa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ospedale San Raffaele, 20136 Milan, Italy;
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Sesta A, Cassarino MF, Terreni M, Ambrogio AG, Libera L, Bardelli D, Lasio G, Losa M, Pecori Giraldi F. Ubiquitin-Specific Protease 8 Mutant Corticotrope Adenomas Present Unique Secretory and Molecular Features and Shed Light on the Role of Ubiquitylation on ACTH Processing. Neuroendocrinology 2019; 110:119-129. [PMID: 31280266 PMCID: PMC6979434 DOI: 10.1159/000500688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Somatic mutations in the ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8) gene have recently been shown to occur in ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas, thus calling attention to the ubiquitin system in corticotrope adenomas. OBJECTIVES Assess the consequences of USP8 mutations and establish the role of ubiquitin on ACTH turnover in human ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas. METHODS USP8 mutation status was established in 126 ACTH-secreting adenomas. Differences in ACTH secretion and POMC expression from adenoma primary cultures and in microarray gene expression profiles from archival specimens were sought according to USP8 sequence. Ubiquitin/ACTH coimmunoprecipitation and incubation with MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, were performed in order to establish whether ubiquitin plays a role in POMC/ACTH degradation in corticotrope adenomas. RESULTS USP8 mutations were identified in 29 adenomas (23%). Adenomas presenting USP8 mutations secreted greater amounts of ACTH and expressed POMC at higher levels compared to USP wild-type specimens. USP8 mutant adenomas were also more sensitive to modulation by CRH and dexamethasone in vitro. At microarray analysis, genes associated with endosomal protein degradation and membrane components were downregulated in USP8 mutant adenomas as were AVPR1B, IL11RA, and PITX2. Inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway increased ACTH secretion and POMC itself proved a target of ubiquitylation, independently of USP8 sequence status. CONCLUSIONS Our study has shown that USP8 mutant ACTH-secreting adenomas present a more "typical" corticotrope phenotype and reduced expression of several genes associated with protein degradation. Further, ubiquitylation is directly involved in intracellular ACTH turnover, suggesting that the ubiquitin-proteasome system may represent a target for treatment of human ACTH-secreting adenomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Sesta
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Cassarino
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alberto G Ambrogio
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Libera
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy
| | - Donatella Bardelli
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Lasio
- Department of Neurosurgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Marco Losa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Pecori Giraldi
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy,
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy,
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Pecori Giraldi F, Verna F, Sesta A, Messina M, Menegatti E, Einaudi S, Ghizzoni L. SAT-346 POR Rs2286822 Polymorphism Is Associated with Clinical Features in Patients with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia Due to 21 Hydroxylase Deficiency. J Endocr Soc 2019. [PMCID: PMC6551646 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-sat-346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pecori Giraldi
- Dept. Clinical Sciences & Community Health,University of Milan & Neuroendocrine Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, , Italy
| | - Francesca Verna
- Dept. Pediatric Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, , Italy
| | - Antonella Sesta
- Neuroendocrine Research Laboratory Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, , Italy
| | - Margherita Messina
- Clinical Pathology & Experimental Medicine Unit, Dept. Clinical & Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, , Italy
| | - Elisa Menegatti
- Dept. Medical Genetics, Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, , Italy
| | - Silvia Einaudi
- Dept. Pediatric Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliera Città della Salute e della Scienza, University of Turin, Turin, , Italy
| | - Lucia Ghizzoni
- Div. Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, Dept. Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, , Italy
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Cassarino MF, Ambrogio AG, Cassarino A, Terreni MR, Gentilini D, Sesta A, Cavagnini F, Losa M, Pecori Giraldi F. Gene expression profiling in human corticotroph tumours reveals distinct, neuroendocrine profiles. J Neuroendocrinol 2018; 30:e12628. [PMID: 29920815 PMCID: PMC6175113 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 06/11/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH)-secreting pituitary adenomas give rise to a severe endocrinological disorder, comprising Cushing's disease, with multifaceted clinical presentation and treatment outcomes. Experimental studies suggest that the disease variability is inherent to the pituitary tumour, thus indicating the need for further studies into tumour biology. The present study evaluated transcriptome expression pattern in a large series of ACTH-secreting pituitary adenoma specimens in order to identify molecular signatures of these tumours. Gene expression profiling of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded specimens from 40 human ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas revealed the significant expression of genes involved in protein biosynthesis and ribosomal function, in keeping with the neuroendocrine cell profile. Unsupervised cluster analysis identified 3 distinct gene profile clusters and several genes were uniquely overexpressed in a given cluster, accounting for different molecular signatures. Of note, gene expression profiles were associated with clinical features, such as the age and size of the tumour. Altogether, the findings of the present study show that corticotroph tumours are characterised by a neuroendocrine gene expression profile and present subgroup-specific molecular features.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alberto G. Ambrogio
- Neuroendocrinology Research LaboratoryIstituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCSCusano MilaninoItaly
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Community HealthUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Andrea Cassarino
- Neuroendocrinology Research LaboratoryIstituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCSCusano MilaninoItaly
| | | | - Davide Gentilini
- Molecular Biology LaboratoryIstituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCSCusano MilaninoItaly
| | - Antonella Sesta
- Neuroendocrinology Research LaboratoryIstituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCSCusano MilaninoItaly
| | - Francesco Cavagnini
- Neuroendocrinology Research LaboratoryIstituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCSCusano MilaninoItaly
| | - Marco Losa
- Department of NeurosurgeryOspedale San RaffaeleMilanItaly
| | - Francesca Pecori Giraldi
- Neuroendocrinology Research LaboratoryIstituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCSCusano MilaninoItaly
- Department of Clinical Sciences & Community HealthUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
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Abstract
PURPOSE A large number of studies has investigated proopiomelanocortin processing in anterior pituitary corticotropes but little is known on proopiomelanocortin/ACTH degradation within these cells. The ubiquitin-proteasome system is an intracellular protein degradation pathway which has garnered considerable interest in recent times, given its role in maintenance of protein homeostasis. Aim of the present study was to evaluate the role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in proopiomelanocortin/ACTH turnover in pituitary corticotropes. METHODS Rat anterior pituitary primary cultures were treated with 0.01-100 nM MG132, a proteasome inhibitor, or 0.1-100 nM K48R, an inhibitor of polyubiquitylation, for 4 and 24 h and ACTH concentrations in medium and cell lysates estimated by immunometric assay. Co-immunoprecipitation for ubiquitin and ACTH was carried out to establish ubiquitin-tagged protein products. RESULTS Inhibition of proteasome-mediated degradation with MG132 lead to an increase in ACTH concentrations, both as regards secretion and cell content. Likewise, inhibition of polyubiquitylation was associated with increased ACTH secretion and cell content. Ubiquitin/ACTH co-immunoprecipitation revealed that proopiomelanocortin was a target of ubiquitylation. CONCLUSIONS We provide the first evidence that the ubiquitin-proteasome system is involved in proopiomelanocortin/ACTH degradation in corticotropes. Indeed, proopiomelanocortin is a target of ubiquitylation and modulation of ubiquitin-proteasome system affects ACTH turnover. This study shows that regulation of ACTH proteolytic degradation may represent a means to control ACTH secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Sesta
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Cusano Milanino (Milan), Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Cassarino
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Cusano Milanino (Milan), Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Cavagnini
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Cusano Milanino (Milan), Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Pecori Giraldi
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Cusano Milanino (Milan), Milan, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Aiello A, Cassarino MF, Nanni S, Sesta A, Ferraú F, Grassi C, Losa M, Trimarchi F, Pontecorvi A, Cannavò S, Pecori Giraldi F, Farsetti A. Establishment of a protocol to extend the lifespan of human hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma cells. Endocrine 2018; 59:102-108. [PMID: 28447256 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-017-1305-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to generate immortalized human anterior pituitary adenoma cells. Reliable cell models for the study of human pituitary adenomas are as yet lacking and studies performed so far used repeated passaging of freshly excised adenomas, with the attendant limitations due to limited survival in culture, early senescence, and poor reproducibility. METHODS & RESULTS We devised a technique based upon repeated co-transfections of two retroviral vectors, one carrying the catalytic subunit of human telomerase, hTERT, the other SV40 large T antigen. This approach extended the lifespan of cells derived from a human growth hormone-secreting adenoma up to 18 months while retaining morphology of primary cells, growth hormone synthesis and growth hormone secretion. CONCLUSIONS Our attempt represents the first demonstration of successful lifespan extension of human growth hormone-secreting pituitary adenoma cells via co-transfection of hTERT and SV40T and paves the way to future attempts to obtain stable cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurora Aiello
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council, Rome, 00143, Italy
- Institute of Medical Pathology, Università Cattolica, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | | | - Simona Nanni
- Institute of Medical Pathology, Università Cattolica, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Antonella Sesta
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, 20095, Italy
- Deparment of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, Università di Milano, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Francesco Ferraú
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, 98125, Italy
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Institute of Human Physiology, Università Cattolica, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Marco Losa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ospedale San Raffaele IRCCS, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | - Francesco Trimarchi
- Accademia Peloritana dei Pericolanti, University of Messina, Messina, 98125, Italy
| | - Alfredo Pontecorvi
- Institute of Medical Pathology, Università Cattolica, Rome, 00168, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cannavò
- Department of Childhood and Adulthood Human Pathology G. Barresi, University of Messina, Messina, 98125, Italy
| | - Francesca Pecori Giraldi
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, 20095, Italy
- Deparment of Clinical Sciences & Community Health, Università di Milano, Milan, 20122, Italy
| | - Antonella Farsetti
- Institute of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, National Research Council, Rome, 00143, Italy.
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Abstract
PURPOSE Endocrine disruptors are known to modulate a variety of endocrine functions and increase the risk for neoplasia. Epidemiological data reported increased prevalence of pituitary tumors in high industrial areas while genotyping studies showed that mutations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) interacting protein (AIP)-chaperone to the dioxin ligand AhR-gene are linked to predisposition to pituitary tumor development. Aim of the present study was to establish whether endocrine pollutants can induce cell proliferation in normal rat pituitary cells. METHODS Pituitary primary cultures were incubated with 250, 650 and 1250 pM benzene or 2-ethyl-phthalate for up to 96 h and viability, energy content and cell proliferation assessed. Expression of pituitary tumor transforming gene (PTTG), cyclin D1 (Ccnd1), AhR and AIP was quantified by RT-qPCR. RESULTS Incubation with benzene or 2-ethyl-phthalate increased viability and energy content in pituitary cells. The endocrine disruptors also increased cell proliferation as well as Ccnd1 and PTTG expression. Increased AhR and AIP expression was observed after incubation with the two pollutants. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate that benzene and 2-ethyl-phthalate activate AhR/AIP expression and stimulate proliferation in normal rat pituitary cells. This study is the first demonstration that pollutants can induce normal pituitary cells to proliferate and provides a link between epidemiological and genomic findings in pituitary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tapella
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Sesta
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, 20095, Cusano Milanino, MI, Italy
| | - Maria Francesca Cassarino
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, 20095, Cusano Milanino, MI, Italy
| | - Valentina Zunino
- Unit of Oncological Endocrinology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Pecori Giraldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Via Zucchi 18, 20095, Cusano Milanino, MI, Italy.
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Cassarino MF, Sesta A, Pagliardini L, Losa M, Lasio G, Cavagnini F, Pecori Giraldi F. Proopiomelanocortin, glucocorticoid, and CRH receptor expression in human ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas. Endocrine 2017; 55:853-860. [PMID: 27220856 PMCID: PMC5316398 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-016-0990-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
ACTH-secreting pituitary tumors are by definition partially autonomous, i.e., secrete ACTH independent of physiological control. However, only few, small-sized studies on proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and its regulation by corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) or glucocorticoids are available. Objective of the present study was to report on constitutive and CRH- and dexamethasone-regulated POMC, CRH (CRH-R1), and glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) gene expression in a large series of human corticotrope adenomas. Fifty-three ACTH-secreting adenomas were incubated with 10 nM CRH or 10 nM dexamethasone for 24 h. POMC, CRH-R1, NR3C1, and its alpha and beta isoforms were quantified and medium ACTH measured. Constitutive POMC expression proved extremely variable, with macroadenomas exhibiting higher levels than microadenomas. POMC increased during CRH in most specimens; conversely, changes induced by dexamethasone were varied, ranging from decrease to paradoxical increase. No correlation between POMC and ACTH was detected in any experimental condition. CRH-R1 expression was not linked to the response to CRH while NR3C1 was expressed at greater levels in specimens who failed to inhibit during dexamethasone; glucocorticoid receptor α was the more abundant isoform and subject to down-regulation by dexamethasone. Our results demonstrate a considerable variability in POMC expression among tumors and no correlation between POMC and ACTH, suggesting that POMC peptide processing/transport plays a major role in modulating ACTH secretion. Further, CRH-R1 and NR3C1 expression were not linked to the expected ligand-induced outcome, indicating that receptor signaling rather than abundance determines corticotrope responses. Our findings pave the way to new avenues of research into Cushing's disease pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Francesca Cassarino
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonella Sesta
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Pagliardini
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Losa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Ospedale San Raffaele IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Lasio
- Department of Neurosurgery, Istituto Clinico Humanitas, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Cavagnini
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Pecori Giraldi
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Cusano Milanino, Milan, Italy.
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Piazzale Brescia 20, 20149, Milan, Italy.
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Cassarino MF, Sesta A, Pagliardini L, Losa M, Lasio G, Cavagnini F, Pecori Giraldi F. AZA-deoxycytidine stimulates proopiomelanocortin gene expression and ACTH secretion in human pituitary ACTH-secreting tumors. Pituitary 2014; 17:464-9. [PMID: 24085685 DOI: 10.1007/s11102-013-0527-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE It is well known that methylation plays an important role in regulating tissue expression of proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and recent studies have shown that demethylation can occur also in vitro in neuroendocrine tumors. Aim of the present study was to evaluate whether inhibition of methylation modulates POMC expression and ACTH secretion by human corticotrope tumors. METHODS Twenty two ACTH-secreting pituitary tumors were incubated with 5-AZA-2'-deoxycytidine (AZA), an inhibitor of DNA-methyltransferases, with or without 10 nM corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). Both dose response (100 nM-10 μM AZA) and time course (4-96 h) experiments were carried out for measurement of ACTH secretion and POMC gene expression. RESULTS Incubation with AZA increased constitutive POMC expression and ACTH secretion by human corticotrope adenomas. The effect appeared most notable at 24 and 48 h with 1 μM AZA. Incubation with AZA did not exert an additional stimulatory effect on CRH-stimulated POMC and ACTH. CONCLUSIONS The present study shows that AZA increases POMC gene expression and ACTH secretion in human pituitary ACTH-secreting tumors. This can be taken to indicate that mechanisms set into motion by AZA play a role in the regulation of ACTH secretion/POMC expression in tumoral corticotropes and paves the way to further studies in Cushing's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Francesca Cassarino
- Neuroendocrinology Research Laboratory, Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Piazzale Brescia 20, Milan, Italy
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Pecori Giraldi F, Pagliardini L, Cassarino MF, Martucci F, Sesta A, Castelli L, Montanari E, Schmid HA, Cavagnini F. Stimulatory effect of SOM230 on human and rat adrenal corticosteroid secretion in vitro. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2012; 178:436-9. [PMID: 22634958 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2012.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 05/04/2012] [Accepted: 05/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
SOM230 (pasireotide, Signifor), a recently developed somatostatin analog, has been tested in ACTH-secreting pituitary tumors with promising results. No study has yet evaluated whether this analog also directly affects adrenal steroid production. The aim of the current study was to evaluate whether SOM230 modulates corticosteroid secretion by normal adrenals in vitro. Primary cultures from normal human and rat adrenals were incubated with 10-100 nM SOM230 with and without 10nM ACTH. Dose-response studies with 1 nM-1 μM SOM230 were performed on rat adrenals. Cortisol/corticosterone levels in medium were measured after 4 and 24h. SOM230 (10nM) significantly increased corticosteroid levels after 24h incubation in both human (36.4 ± 0.43 ng/well vs 27.7 ± 3.17 ng/well, p<0.05) and rat (16.2 ± 1.16 ng/well vs 11.6 ± 0.92 ng/well p<0.05) adrenals; lesser effects were observed with 100 nM SOM (33.4 ± 2.59 ng/well vs 27.7 ± 3.17 ng/well p<0.05; 13.4 ± 0.82 ng/well vs 11.6 ± 0.92 ng/well, N.S. vs baseline secretion for human and rat adrenals, respectively). Dose-response curves confirmed maximal effect at 10nM SOM230. The corticosteroid secretory response to ACTH was unaffected by SOM230 co-incubation. In conclusion, SOM230 exerts a moderate stimulatory effect on adrenal corticosteroid secretion in vitro. This argues against a direct adrenal involvement in the clinical efficacy of SOM230 in patients with ACTH-secreting pituitary tumors and widens the known range of action of SOM230.
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Cattaneo A, Sesta A, Calabrese F, Nielsen G, Riva MA, Gennarelli M. The expression of VGF is reduced in leukocytes of depressed patients and it is restored by effective antidepressant treatment. Neuropsychopharmacology 2010; 35:1423-8. [PMID: 20164831 PMCID: PMC3055467 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2010.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Major depression is a disease characterized by an inability of neuronal systems to show appropriate adaptive plasticity especially under challenging conditions, such as stress. Conversely, pharmacological intervention may normalize such defects through the modulation of factors that might act in concert for the functional recovery of depressed patients, like the neuropeptide VGF, which has previously shown to possess antidepressant like activity. We analyzed VGF mRNA levels in the brain of rodents exposed to stress or treated with antidepressant drugs. In addition, we assessed VGF expression in leukocytes obtained from 25 drug-free depressed patients before and during antidepressant treatment. We found a persistent reduction of VGF expression after exposure to prenatal stress and an upregulation of its levels following chronic treatment with different antidepressant drugs. Moreover, VGF mRNA levels were significantly reduced in drug-free depressed patients, as compared with controls, and were modulated in response to effective antidepressant treatment. Our data provide further support to the role of VGF in mood disorders and suggest that VGF could be a more specific biomarker for treatment responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Cattaneo
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy,Genetics Unit, IRCCS San Giovanni di Dio, Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonella Sesta
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy,Genetics Unit, IRCCS San Giovanni di Dio, Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Calabrese
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Center of Neuropharmacology, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Gabriela Nielsen
- Psychiatric Unit, IRCCS San Giovanni di Dio, Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Andrea Riva
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Center of Neuropharmacology, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy,Center of Excellence on Neurodegenerative Diseases, Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Gennarelli
- Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy,Genetics Unit, IRCCS San Giovanni di Dio, Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy,Division of Biology and Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotechnologies, University of Brescia, Genetics Unit, IRCCS San Giovanni di Dio, Fatebenefratelli, Viale Europa 11, Brescia 25123, Italy, Tel: +39 030 3501453, Fax: +39 030 3501592, E-mail:
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