Steroid hormone receptors: many actors in search of a plot

Non-transcriptional action of oestradiol and progestin triggers DNA synthesis

The recent findings that oestradiol and progestins activate the Src/Ras/Erks signalling pathway raise the question of the role of this stimulation. Microinjection experiments of human mammary cancer-derived cells (MCF-7 and T47D) with cDNA of catalytically inactive Src or anti-Ras antibody prove that Src and Ras are required for oestradiol and progestin-dependent progression of cells through the cell cycle. The antitumoral ansamycin antibiotic, geldanamycin, disrupts the steroid-induced Ras-Raf-1 association and prevents Raf-1 activation and steroid-induced DNA synthesis. Furthermore, the selective MEK 1 inhibitor, PD 98059, inhibits oestradiol and progestin stimulation of Erk-2 and the steroid-dependent S-phase entry. The MDA-MB231 cells, which do not express oestradiol receptor, fail to respond to oestradiol in terms of Erk-2 activation and S-phase entry. Fibroblasts are made equally oestradiol-responsive in terms of DNA synthesis by transient transfection with either the wild-type or the transcriptionally inactive mutant oestradiol receptor (HE241G). Co-transfection of catalytically inactive Src as well as treatment with PD98059 inhibit the oestradiol-dependent S-phase entry of fibroblasts expressing either the wild-type oestrogen receptor or its transcriptionally inactive mutant. The data presented support the view that non-transcriptional action of the two steroids plays a major role in cell cycle progression.

Melatonin blocks the activation of estrogen receptor for DNA binding

The present study shows that melatonin prevents, within the first cell cycle, the estradiol-induced growth of synchronized MCF7 breast cancer cells. By using nuclear extracts of these cells, we first examined the binding of estradiol-estrogen receptor complexes to estrogen-responsive elements and found that the addition of estradiol to whole cells activates the binding of the estrogen receptor to DNA whereas melatonin blocks this interaction. By contrast, melatonin neither affects the binding of estradiol to its receptor nor the receptor nuclear localization. Moreover, we also show that addition of estradiol to nuclear extracts stimulates the binding of estrogen receptor to DNA, but this activation is also prevented by melatonin. The inhibitory effect caused by melatonin is saturable at nanomolar concentrations and does not appear to be mediated by RZR nuclear receptors. The effect is also specific, since indol derivatives do not cause significant inhibition. Furthermore, we provide evidence that melatonin does not interact with the estrogen receptor in the absence of estradiol. Together, these results demonstrate that melatonin interferes with the activation of estrogen receptor by estradiol. The effect of melatonin suggests the presence of a receptor that, upon melatonin addition, destabilizes the binding of the estradiol-estrogen receptor complex to the estrogen responsive element.

TCR kappa, a new splicing of the murine TCR zeta gene locus, is modulated by glucocorticoid treatment

T-cell receptor (TCR) is a multichain receptor in which the TCRzeta subunit is important for membrane assembly and signal transduction. Four alternative splicings of the murine TCRzeta gene locus have been previously described. We here describe a new alternative splicing of murine TCRzeta gene, TCRkappa, cloned by RT-PCR, that is encoded by exons 1-7, a portion of exon 9 and the whole exon 10 of TCRzeta gene. The protein encoded by TCRkappa mRNA is identical to that encoded by TCReta mRNA, because the stop codon is present in the exon 9 before splicing with exon 10. RNAse protection assays carried out on total RNA from thymocytes indicate that TCRkappa mRNA is 1 half with respect to TCReta mRNA, suggesting that TCRkappa mRNA contributes to determine the TCReta protein levels. The 3' untranslated region of TCRkappa mRNA is different from that of TCReta and this might lead to different t(1/2) for each species in vivo. We also show that dexamethasone (DEX), a synthetic glucocorticoid hormone, increases the amount of TCRkappa in the hybridoma T-cell line 3DO (about 5-fold increase), as indicated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and RNAse protection assays. This newly described effect of DEX may constitute a further molecular mechanism that contributes to its immunomodulating activity.

Paracrine glucocorticoid activity produced by mouse thymic epithelial cells

Previous data have suggested that glucocorticoids (GCs) are involved in the differentiation of thymocytes into mature T cells. In this report we demonstrate that the mouse thymic epithelial cells (TEC) express the cytochrome P450 hydroxylases Cyp11A1, Cyp21, and Cyp11B1. These enzymes, in combination with 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3betaHSD), convert cholesterol into corticosterone, the major GC in rodents. In addition, when TEC were cocultured with 'reporter cells' containing the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and a GR-dependent reporter gene, a specific induction of reporter gene activity was observed. Induction of reporter gene activity was blocked when the TEC and reporter cells were incubated in the presence of the Cyp11B1 inhibitor metyrapone or the 3betaHSD inhibitor trilostane, as well as by the GR antagonist RU486. Coculturing of TEC with thymocytes induced apoptosis in the latter, which was partially blocked by the enzyme inhibitors and RU486. We conclude that TEC secrete a GC hormone activity and suggest a paracrine role for this in thymocyte development.

Molecular determinants of the estrogen receptor-coactivator interface

Transcriptional activation by the estrogen receptor is mediated through its interaction with coactivator proteins upon ligand binding. By systematic mutagenesis, we have identified a group of conserved hydrophobic residues in the ligand binding domain that are required for binding the p160 family of coactivators. Together with helix 12 and lysine 366 at the C-terminal end of helix 3, they form a hydrophobic groove that accommodates an LXXLL motif, which is essential for mediating coactivator binding to the receptor. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the high-affinity binding of motif 2, conserved in the p160 family, is due to the presence of three basic residues N terminal to the core LXXLL motif. The recruitment of p160 coactivators to the estrogen receptor is therefore likely to depend not only on the LXXLL motif making hydrophobic interactions with the docking surface on the receptor, but also on adjacent basic residues, which may be involved in the recognition of charged residues on the receptor to allow the initial docking of the motif.

Alien, a highly conserved protein with characteristics of a corepressor for members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily

Some members of nuclear hormone receptors, such as the thyroid hormone receptor (TR), silence gene expression in the absence of the hormone. Corepressors, which bind to the receptor's silencing domain, are involved in this repression. Hormone binding leads to dissociation of corepressors and binding of coactivators, which in turn mediate gene activation. Here, we describe the characteristics of Alien, a novel corepressor. Alien interacts with TR only in the absence of hormone. Addition of thyroid hormone leads to dissociation of Alien from the receptor, as shown by the yeast two-hybrid system, glutathione S-transferase pull-down, and coimmunoprecipitation experiments. Reporter assays indicate that Alien increases receptor-mediated silencing and that it harbors an autonomous silencing function. Immune staining shows that Alien is localized in the cell nucleus. Alien is a highly conserved protein showing 90% identity between human and Drosophila. Drosophila Alien shows similar activities in that it interacts in a hormone-sensitive manner with TR and harbors an autonomous silencing function. Specific interaction of Alien is seen with Drosophila nuclear hormone receptors, such as the ecdysone receptor and Seven-up, the Drosophila homologue of COUP-TF1, but not with retinoic acid receptor, RXR/USP, DHR 3, DHR 38, DHR 78, or DHR 96. These properties, taken together, show that Alien has the characteristics of a corepressor. Thus, Alien represents a member of a novel class of corepressors specific for selected members of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily.

Orphan nuclear receptors: shifting endocrinology into reverse

Steroid and thyroid hormones and vitamin A metabolites (retinoids) regulate the expression of complex gene programs by binding to members of the nuclear receptor family of ligand-activated transcription factors. The nuclear receptor family also includes many "orphan" members that currently lack known ligands but that represent candidate receptors for new hormones. Recently, natural and synthetic ligands have been identified for several orphan receptors and used to dissect their biological roles. This "reverse endocrinology" strategy has resulted in the discovery of unanticipated nuclear signaling pathways for retinoids, fatty acids, eicosanoids, and steroids with important physiological and pharmacological ramifications.

Transcription of the human thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor gene-analysis of basal promoter elements and glucocorticoid response elements

The gene for the human thyrotropin-releasing hormone receptor (TRHR) spans 35 kb and contains three exons and two introns (Matre et al. (1999) J. Neurochem. 72, 1-11). Despite a reported transcription start site (TSS) mapped to position -885 upstream of the translation initiation codon (Iwasaki et al. (1996) J. Biol. Chem. 271, 22183-8), we found cell type specific promoter activity directed by a fragment downstream of this site (-770 to +1). To elucidate the basis for this unexpected activity, we analyzed basal promoter elements in this region of the gene. One divergent TATA box, TTTAAA in position -759, was found by mutational analysis to be critical for promoter activity, providing a likely explanation for the basal activity observed. This proximal region apparently contains several promoter elements, including Pit-1 binding sequences within the first intron of the TRHR gene as previously reported. Here we describe the analysis of two putative glucocorticoid response elements (GREs) that we identified in this region, one (distal) half site overlapping the proposed TSS at -885 and one (proximal) full site within the first intron at position -624. Accordingly, stimulation of rat pituitary GH3 and GH4C1 cells with dexamethasone strongly enhanced transcription activity of a reporter construct containing the distal GRE half site and the proximal GRE site. Both sites bound the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in a specific manner. Deletion of the distal GRE half site abolished the dexamethasone induction of CAT transcription, as did mutations in the proximal site. We therefore conclude that both sites are necessary for regulation of the TRHR gene transcription by glucocorticoids.

Redox-dependent regulation of nuclear import of the glucocorticoid receptor

A number of transcription factors including the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) are regulated in a redox-dependent fashion. We have previously reported that the functional activity of the GR is suppressed under oxidative conditions and restored in the presence of reducing reagents. In the present study, we have used a chimeric human GR fused to the Aequorea green fluorescent protein and demonstrated that both ligand-dependent and -independent nuclear translocation of the GR is impaired under oxidative conditions in living cells. Substitution of Cys-481 for Ser within NL1 of the human GR resulted in reduction of sensitivity to oxidative treatment, strongly indicating that Cys-481 is one of the target amino acids for redox regulation of the receptor. Taken together, we may conclude that redox-dependent regulation of nuclear translocation of the GR constitutes an important mechanism for modulation of glucocorticoid-dependent signal transduction.

Interactions in the transcriptional regulation exerted by Stat5 and by members of the steroid hormone receptor family

The pathways which connect extracellular signals with the regulation of the activity of transcription factors are being investigated in molecular detail. Extensive progress has been made in the description of the mode of action of steroid hormones and of cytokines. Steroid hormones associate intracellularly with latent receptor molecules, cause the dissociation of masking proteins, the dimerization of receptors, and their binding to specific hormone response elements in the promoters of target genes. Cytokines also activate latent transcription factors (Stats--signal transducers and activators of transcription), but act through an enzymatic mechanism. Tyrosine kinases associated with the transmembrane cytokine receptors phosphorylate Stat molecules. The phosphorylated monomers dimerize and assume specific DNA binding ability. Both classes of transcription factors bind to different response elements and regulate different target genes and both signals, cytokines and steroid hormones, can affect growth differentiation and homeostasis of different cell types. Here, we describe that Stat5, a molecule activated by several essential cytokines, functionally interacts with members of the steroid receptor family. We find that glucocorticoid receptor, mineralocorticoid receptor and progesterone receptor synergize with Stat5 in the induction of the transcription from the beta-casein gene promoter. The estrogen receptor diminishes Stat5 mediated induction and the androgen receptor has no effect. Conversely, Stat5 negatively interferes with glucocorticoid receptor, mineralocorticoid receptor and progesterone receptor induced transcription from the MMTV LTR and the estrogen receptor induced transcription from an ERE-containing promoter.

Inhibition of cytoplasmic phospholipase A2 expression by glucocorticoids in rat intestinal epithelial cells

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Glucocorticoids are the most potent and widely accepted anti-inflammatory agents in the treatment of pathological conditions of the gastrointestinal tract in part by inhibiting the synthesis of proinflammatory prostanoids and leukotrienes. Multiple forms of phospholipase A2 may be associated with the production of these metabolites; this study focused on the molecular mechanism(s) by which glucocorticoids control expression of the arachidonyl-selective, cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) in intestinal cells.

METHODS

Northern analysis, a transcriptional assay, and enzymatic evaluation were used to access expression of the cPLA2 gene in rat small intestinal epithelial and mouse fibroblast cell lines treated with dexamethasone.

RESULTS

Basal cPLA2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expression was repressed 75% in the presence of dexamethasone with a concomitant decrease in enzymatic activity. Nuclear runoff assays showed a marked decline in de novo cPLA2 RNA synthesis, implicating a transcriptional mechanism associated with the dexamethasone-mediated suppression of cPLA2. Induced expression of cPLA2 mRNA by several proinflammatory cytokines was blocked by cotreatment with dexamethasone.

CONCLUSIONS

Glucocorticoids are capable of markedly altering basal and cytokine-stimulated cPLA2 gene expression in intestinal epithelial cells, leading to a reduction in arachidonate pools in these cells. Dexamethasone-dependent inhibition occurs through a direct reduction of de novo cPLA2 gene transcription.

Mutagenesis of the glucocorticoid receptor in mice

The glucocorticoid receptor is an ubiquitously expressed transcription factor involved in the regulation of many different physiological processes. Activated by glucocorticoids the receptor regulates transcription positively or negatively either by direct binding to DNA or by protein protein interactions. In order to define the role of the receptor during development and in physiology several mutations have been generated in the mouse. Mice with a disrupted glucocorticoid receptor gene die shortly after birth due to respiratory failure indicating an important role of the receptor in lung function. Transcription of genes encoding gluconeogenic enzymes in the liver is decreased, proliferation of erythroid progenitors is impaired and the HPA axis is strongly upregulated. To analyze molecular mechanisms of glucocorticoid receptor action in vivo a point mutation has been introduced into the mouse genome which allows to separate DNA-binding-dependent from DNA-binding-independent actions of the receptor. Mice homozygous for the point mutation survive indicating that DNA-binding of the receptor is not required for survival. Induction of glucoconegenic enzymes and proliferation of erythroid progenitors however is impaired. Interestingly, repression of corticotropin releasing factor (CRF) synthesis is maintained, whereas proopiomelanocortin (POMC) expression is upregulated. Since mice with a disrupted glucocorticoid receptor gene die shortly after birth attempts using the Cre/loxP-recombination system are made to bypass early lethality and to study the function of the receptor in defined cell types of adult animals.

Upregulation of mineralocorticoid- and glucocorticoid-receptor gene expression by Sp-I

The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) belong to the steroid/thyroid hormone superfamily of ligand-induced transcription factors. Both activate the human Na/K ATPase alpha1 and beta1 genes transcriptionally. To assess the role of the transcription factor Sp1 and the nuclear factor I (NF-I), in MR- and GR-mediated gene expression using the human Na/K ATPase beta1 full-length promoter, we have examined the functions of Sp-I and NF-I functions in two different cell lines, COS-1 and T-84. By transient transfections we have shown that Sp-I significantly enhances MR and GR expression, whereas NF-I had negligible effect. We propose that the transcriptional enhancement could be through a direct interaction physically between MR or GR with Sp1 that allows other factors to bind the responsive element resulting in synergistic upregulation of transcription.

Human T-cell leukemia retrovirus-Tax protein is a repressor of nuclear receptor signaling

The Tax oncoprotein promotes cellular transformation and is associated with the pathogenesis of adult T-cell leukemia. Tax expression activates transcription via the cAMP enhancer binding protein/activating transcription factor (CREB/ATF) and NF-kappaB pathways. In contrast to its positive action, here we demonstrate that Tax is a potent repressor of steroid and retinoid receptor transcription. The Tax protein becomes localized in the promyelocytic (PML) oncogenic domain, and unexpectedly, expression of the PML protein reverses Tax-induced repression. These results suggest that PML and Tax may act in opposing manners to influence nuclear receptor transcription and human T-cell leukemia retrovirus pathogenesis.

Molecular cloning of an estrogen receptor beta subtype from the goldfish, Carassius auratus

The brain of many teleost fish species, including the goldfish Carassius auratus, expresses exceptionally high levels of cytochrome P450 aromatase (estrogen synthetase). To begin investigating the molecular and cellular targets of estrogen action in goldfish brain, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) cloning strategy was used to isolate an estrogen receptor (ER) complementary DNA (cDNA). The 2283-bp cDNA isolated from goldfish liver encoded a protein of 568 amino acids (aa) with an estimated molecular weight of 63,539. The goldfish ER had high overall sequence identity when compared to other vertebrate ER sequences: eel (64%), human beta subtype (59%), human alpha subtype (46%), medaka (46%), and rainbow trout (47%). The highest degree of conservation was seen in the DNA-binding (94-100%) and ligand-binding (67-79%) domains. Phylogenetic analysis of the ER gene family indicated that the goldfish and eel ER are most closely related to mammalian ERbeta subtypes, whereas previously identified fish, amphibian, and avian ER forms cluster separately with mammalian ERalpha subtypes. Using the goldfish ER cDNA (here designated gfERbeta), multiple mRNA species (3.1- 8.6 kb) were detected by Northern blot analysis in goldfish liver and ovary but expression was below detection in brain. Using reverse transcription-PCR analysis, gfERbeta mRNA was detected in forebrain, mid/hindbrain, pituitary, retina, liver, ovary, and testis. Further studies are required to determine whether an additional ERalpha subtype is present in the goldfish and whether ERalpha or ERbeta forms have evolutionary precedence in vertebrates.

Stage-specific regulation of stem cell factor gene expression in the rat seminiferous epithelium

To assess the regulation of stem factor factor (SCF) gene expression during spermatogenesis, we tested the effects of hormones (FSH, testosterone, and 17beta-estradiol) and some growth factors [transforming growth factor-beta (TGF beta), TGF alpha, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and activin] on SCF gene expression by using a transillumination-assisted microdisection technique, a seminiferous tubule culture system, and Northern hybridization. Our results showed that FSH (10 ng/ml) increased steady state levels of SCF messenger RNA (mRNA) in a stage-specific and time-dependent manner. 8-Bromo-cAMP could increase the SCF mRNA level in a similar way as FSH, whereas phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate had no effect. Actinomycin D could abolish the stimulatory effect of FSH, whereas cyclohexamide could not. The half-life of SCF mRNA was apparently prolonged after FSH stimulation (FSH-treated tubules, 15.6 +/- 1.2 h; controls, 8.6 +/- 2.7 h). Nuclear run-on assay revealed 5- and 10-fold increases in the transcription rate after FSH stimulation for 8 and 30 h, respectively. Neither testosterone nor estradiol had significant effects on SCF gene expression in our tissue culture system. Activin, TGF beta, TGF alpha, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha had no effect on SCF gene expression in vitro. In conclusion, SCF gene expression in the rat seminiferous tubule is regulated by FSH through the cAMP/protein kinase A pathway. FSH regulates SCF gene expression at both transcriptional and posttranscriptional levels involving the increase in transcription rate and prolongation of half-life of SCF mRNA, but is independent of de novo protein synthesis.

Glucocorticoid down-regulation of fascin protein expression is required for the steroid-induced formation of tight junctions and cell-cell interactions in rat mammary epithelial tumor cells

Glucocorticoid hormones, which are physiological regulators of mammary epithelium development, induce the formation of tight junctions in rat Con8 mammary epithelial tumor cells. We have discovered that, as part of this process, the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone strongly and reversibly down-regulated the expression of fascin, an actin-bundling protein that also interacts with the adherens junction component beta-catenin. Ectopic constitutive expression of full-length mouse fascin containing a Myc epitope tag (Myc-fascin) in Con8 cells inhibited the dexamethasone stimulation of transepithelial electrical resistance, disrupted the induced localization of the tight junction protein occludin and the adherens junction protein beta-catenin to the cell periphery, and prevented the rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton. Ectopic expression of either the carboxyl-terminal 213 amino acids of fascin, which includes the actin and beta-catenin-binding sites, or the amino-terminal 313 amino acids of fascin failed to disrupt the glucocorticoid induction of tight junction formation. Mammary tumor cells expressing the full-length Myc-fascin remained generally glucocorticoid responsive and displayed no changes in the levels or protein-protein interactions of junctional proteins or the amount of cytoskeletal associated actin filaments. However, a cell aggregation assay demonstrated that the expression of Myc-fascin abrogated the dexamethasone induction of cell-cell adhesion. Our results implicate the down-regulation of fascin as a key intermediate step that directly links glucocorticoid receptor signaling to the coordinate control of junctional complex formation and cell-cell interactions in mammary tumor epithelial cells.

An androgen receptor mutation in the direct vicinity of the proposed C-terminal alpha-helix of the ligand binding domain containing the AF-2 transcriptional activating function core is associated with complete androgen insensitivity

Subjects with androgen insensitivity syndromes (AIS) are characterized by a 46, XY karyotype, presence of testes, normal or elevated androgen levels in blood, and impairment of the usual response to androgens associated with various aberrations of male differentiation and virilization ranging from slightly undervirilized men to phenotypic females. Here we describe a novel proline to serine mutation in codon 892 (exon 8) of the androgen receptor in a patient with complete androgen insensitivity. The mutation is located in the direct vicinity of the proposed C-terminal alpha-helix of the ligand binding domain containing the AF-2 transcriptional activating function core. Investigation of androgen binding in cultured testicular fibroblasts of the patient revealed a reduced AR binding capacity (11 fmol/mg protein) and a highly elevated Kd value (3.1 nM) in comparison to control genital skin fibroblasts. Cotransfection studies with an androgen-responsive reporter gene revealed a diminished transactivation property of the mutant androgen receptor.

The molecular chaperone Hsp90 can negatively regulate the activity of a glucocorticosteroid-dependent promoter

Hsp90, a molecular chaperone required for the functioning of glucocorticosteroid receptor (GR), ensures, by direct interaction, the conformational competence of the steroid-binding pocket. In addition to having this positive function, Hsp90 maintains steroid receptors in an inactive form in the absence of hormone. However, neither the participation of Hsp90 once the pathway has been activated by the ligand nor the importance of increased Hsp90 levels in determining the amplitude of the response has ever been assessed directly. Here, by increasing the Hsp90/GR ratio in the nuclear compartment, we found an attenuation of the response to glucocorticosteroids that was not due to a nonspecific or toxic effect of the Hsp90 modified by nuclear targeting. Since this negative effect was more pronounced at high levels of hormone, when receptor and Hsp90 are maximally dissociated, the possibility of an interaction between Hsp90 and GR, already activated to a DNA-binding form, was directly investigated. Indeed GR, after in vivo activation by ligand, was still able to reassociate with Hsp90, suggesting that this interaction plays a role in vivo, possibly in receptor recycling. Moreover, the GR binding to its DNA response element was inhibited by an excess of Hsp90, pointing to a function of Hsp90 in the nuclear compartment. It is thus proposed that an increased Hsp90/GR ratio influences the responsiveness to ligand at a step that is after receptor activation. This increased ratio may be of pathophysiological relevance in the different circumstances that lead to an elevated level of nuclear Hsp90.

An additional region of coactivator GRIP1 required for interaction with the hormone-binding domains of a subset of nuclear receptors

Transcriptional coactivators of the p160 family (SRC-1, GRIP1, and p/CIP) associate with DNA-bound nuclear receptors (NRs) and help the NRs to recruit an active transcription initiation complex to the promoters of target genes. Previous studies have demonstrated the importance of the NR interaction domain (NID) of p160 proteins containing three NR box motifs (LXXLL) for the interaction with the hormone-binding domains of NRs. Here we report that, in addition to NID, another region of coactivator GRIP1 (amino acids 1011-1121), called the auxiliary NID (NIDaux), is required in vitro and in vivo for efficient interaction with a subset of NRs, including the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), androgen receptor, and retinoic acid receptor alpha. A second group of NRs, which includes the progesterone receptor, retinoid X receptor alpha, thyroid hormone receptor beta1, and vitamin D receptor, required only NID for efficient interaction. For binding to GR, the NID and NIDaux of GRIP1 must act in cis, but deletion of up to 144 amino acids between the two regions did not reduce binding efficiency. Amino acids 1011-1121 of GRIP1 also contain a p300 interaction domain, but mutational analysis indicated that the p300 interaction function within this region is separable from the ability to contribute to GR hormone-binding domain binding. SRC-1 lacks an NIDaux activity equivalent to that in GRIP1.

A testis-specific androgen receptor coregulator that belongs to a novel family of nuclear proteins

We have characterized a novel partner for androgen receptor (AR), termed ARIP3, that interacts with the DNA-binding domain/zinc finger region of AR and is predominantly expressed in the testis. Rat ARIP3 is a nuclear protein comprising 572 amino acids. It modulates AR-dependent but not basal transcription, suggesting that ARIP3 acts as an AR transcriptional coregulator. Except for the C-terminal AR-interacting domain, ARIP3 contains distinct regions that are also present in two recently described proteins, a protein inhibitor of activated Stat3 and an RNA helicase II-interacting protein (Gu/RH-II binding protein). Conserved structural features of these proteins indicate the existence of a gene family involved in the regulation of various transcription factors. Collectively, ARIP3 belongs to a novel nuclear protein family and is perhaps the first tissue-specific coregulator of androgen receptor.

Phosphorylation of human estrogen receptor alpha by protein kinase A regulates dimerization

Phosphorylation provides an important mechanism by which transcription factor activity is regulated. Estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) is phosphorylated on multiple sites, and stimulation of a number of growth factor receptors and/or protein kinases leads to ligand-independent and/or synergistic increase in transcriptional activation by ERalpha in the presence of estrogen. Here we show that ERalpha is phosphorylated by protein kinase A (PKA) on serine-236 within the DNA binding domain. Mutation of serine-236 to glutamic acid prevents DNA binding by inhibiting dimerization by ERalpha, whereas mutation to alanine has little effect on DNA binding or dimerization. Furthermore, PKA overexpression or activation of endogenous PKA inhibits dimerization in the absence of ligand. This inhibition is overcome by the addition of 17beta-estradiol or the partial agonist 4-hydroxy tamoxifen. Interestingly, treatment with the complete antagonist ICI 182,780 does not overcome the inhibitory effect of PKA activation. Our results indicate that in the absence of ligand ERalpha forms dimers through interaction between DNA binding domains and that dimerization mediated by the ligand binding domain only occurs upon ligand binding but that the complete antagonist ICI 182,780 prevents dimerization through the ligand-binding domain. Heterodimer formation between ERalpha and ERbeta is similarly affected by PKA phosphorylation of serine 236 of ERalpha. However, 4-hydroxytamoxifen is unable to overcome inhibition of dimerization by PKA. Thus, phosphorylation of ERalpha in the DNA binding domain provides a mechanism by which dimerization and thereby DNA binding by the estrogen receptor is regulated.

Potential tissue selectivity of dietary phytoestrogens and estrogens

The recent discovery of a second estrogen receptor subtype, estrogen receptor-beta, may significantly advance our understanding of tissue specific effects of estrogenic compounds, both natural and synthetic. Although specific effects mediated by estrogen receptor beta in vivo remain to be elucidated, hypothetically the existence of two estrogen receptor subtypes (differing in both tissue distribution and biological activity) may help to explain the curious pharmacological behaviour of many estrogenic and antiestrogenic compounds, including the naturally occurring dietary phytoestrogens.

Hormonal influences on tryptophan binding to rat hepatic nuclei

This study evaluated whether selected hormones, 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3), hydrocortisone (HC), or insulin, would influence the binding of L-tryptophan to rat hepatic nuclei or nuclear envelopes. The first two hormones have nuclear receptors that belong to the same superfamily, while insulin belongs to a different unrelated superfamily of receptors. Previous reports have indicated that the binding of L-tryptophan to hepatic nuclear proteins was saturable, stereospecific, and of high affinity. Also, previous studies showed that administration of L-tryptophan rapidly stimulated hepatic protein synthesis. In this study, we investigated whether each hormone alone or together with unlabeled tryptophan would influence tryptophan binding to rat hepatic nuclei or nuclear envelopes as assayed by in vitro L-5-(3)H-tryptophan binding. Our results indicate that T3 10(-14) to 1(-10) mol/L appreciably inhibited in vitro 3H-tryptophan binding to hepatic nuclei and T3 10(-16) to 10(-4) mol/L appreciably ameliorated the inhibitory effect of unlabeled tryptophan (10(-4) mol/L) on in vitro 3H-tryptophan binding. In vivo administration (1 hour) of tryptophan alone stimulated hepatic protein synthesis, but addition of T3 negated such stimulation. Addition of HC 10(-12) to 10(-4) mol/L had no effect and addition of insulin 10(-16) to 10(-4) mol/L had only a small inhibitory effect on in vitro 3H-tryptophan binding to rat hepatic nuclei, but each (10(-12) to 10(-4) mol/L), when added to unlabeled tryptophan (10(-4) mol/L), diminished the inhibitory binding effect of unlabeled tryptophan alone. Our study indicates that T3 competes with tryptophan for hepatic nuclear tryptophan binding, and it also appears to negate tryptophan's stimulatory effect on hepatic protein synthesis.

A trans-acting enhancer modulates estrogen-mediated transcription of reporter genes in osteoblasts

The presence of bone-specific estrogen agonists and discovery of the osteoblast-specific transcription factor (TF), Cbfa1, together with the discovery of synergism between a TF Pit-1 and estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) on rat prolactin gene, led to investigation of Cbfa1 in the modulation of osteoblast-specific actions of estrogen. Reverse transcribed-polymerase chain reaction demonstrated expression of Cbfa1 in the osteoblastic cell lines, MG63, ROS17/2.8, and MC3T3E1, but not in nonosteoblastic cell lines, MCF7, C3H10T1/2, and HeLa. An ER expression vector and a series of luciferase (Luc) reporter plasmids harboring the Cbfa1 binding site OSE2 (the osteoblast-specific cis element in the osteocalcin promoter) and palindromic estrogen response elements (EREs) were cotransfected into both osteoblastic and nonosteoblastic cells. OSE2 worked as a cis- acting element in osteoblastic cells but not nonosteoblastic cells, whereas EREs were cis- acting in all cell lines. Synergistic transactivation was observed in osteoblastic cells only when both ERE and OSE2 were placed in juxtaposition to the promoter. Forced expression of Cbfa1 in C3H10T1/2 cells also induced synergism. Tamoxifen, a partial agonist/antagonist of estrogen, acted as an osteoblast-specific agonist in cells transfected with a promoter containing ERE and acted synergistically with a promoter containing the ERE-OSE2 enhancer combination. These results support the idea that bone-specific TFs modulate the actions of estrogen in a tissue-specific manner.

EcR interacts with corepressors and harbours an autonomous silencing domain functional in both Drosophila and vertebrate cells

The ecdysone receptor (EcR) is a member of the large family of nuclear hormone receptors, which are ligand regulated transcription factors. In general, ligand converts these receptors into a transcriptional activator. Some vertebrate nuclear hormone receptors, such as the thyroid hormone and retinoic acid receptors, silence gene expression in the absence of ligand. EcR is involved in fly metamorphosis and is used in vertebrates as an inducible system for expression of transgenes. Here, we show that a Drosophila receptor, the EcR, harbours an autonomous silencing function in its carboxy-terminus. Interestingly, EcR mediates also silencing in vertebrate cells. In concordance with this EcR interacts with the corepressors SMRT and N-CoR, while addition of ligand reduces this interaction. Conversely, the v-erbA oncogene product, a thyroid hormone receptor derivative, mediates silencing in Drosophila cells. Thus, our data suggest the involvement of an evolutionarily conserved mechanism by which nuclear hormone receptors mediate gene silencing in multicellular organisms.

Rapid action of 17beta-estradiol on kainate-induced currents in hippocampal neurons lacking intracellular estrogen receptors

17Beta-estradiol can potentiate kainate-induced currents in isolated hippocampal CA1 neurons. The action of estrogen was rapid in onset, steroid and stereospecific, and reversible. The potentiation could be mimicked by 8-bromo-cAMP, an activator of protein kinase A. As the hippocampus expresses both isoforms of the intracellular estrogen receptor (ER alpha and ER beta), the role of ERs in the rapid action of 17beta-estradiol remains elusive. Here we report that the rapid action of 17beta-estradiol is independent from the classical ER activation in the modulation of membrane excitability. Under whole cell voltage clamp recording configuration, 17beta-estradiol-induced potentiation was observed in both wild-type and the ER alpha gene knockout mice. The perfusion or incubation of ICI 182,780, which blocks both ER alpha and ER beta, did not affect estrogen potentiation in either group. Further study showed that adenosine 3',5'-cyclic-monophosphothioate Rp-isomer, a specific inhibitor of protein kinase A, completely blocked the potentiation observed with the application of 17beta-estradiol in ER alpha gene knockout mice. Our results provide evidence that a distinct estrogen-binding site exists, which appears to be coupled to alpha-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole proprionic acid/kainate receptors by a cAMP-dependent phosphorylation process.

Selective interaction of vitamin D receptor with transcriptional coactivators by a vitamin D analog

The nuclear vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a member of a nuclear receptor superfamily and acts as a ligand-dependent transcription factor. A family of cotranscriptional activators (SRC-1, TIF2, and AIB-1) interacts with and activates the transactivation function of nuclear receptors in a ligand-dependent way. We examined interaction of VDR with these coactivators that was induced by several vitamin D analogs, since they exert differential subsets of the biological action of vitamin D through unknown mechanisms. Unlike other vitamin D analogs tested, OCT (22-oxa-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3) induced interaction of VDR with TIF2 but not with SRC-1 or AIB-1. Consistent with these interactions, only TIF2 was able to potentiate the transactivation function of VDR bound to OCT. Thus, the present findings suggest that the structure of VDR is altered in a vitamin D analog-specific way, resulting in selective interactions of VDR with coactivators. Such selective interaction of coactivators with VDR may specify the array of biological actions of a vitamin D analog like OCT, possibly through activating a particular set of target gene promoters.

Ligand-activated retinoic acid receptor inhibits AP-1 transactivation by disrupting c-Jun/c-Fos dimerization

In the presence of retinoic acid (RA), the retinoid receptors, retinoic acid receptor (RAR) and retinoid X receptor (RXR), are able to up-regulate transcription directly by binding to RA-responsive elements on the promoters of responsive genes. Liganded RARs and RXRs are also capable of down-regulating transcription, but, by contrast, this is an indirect effect, mediated by the interaction of these nuclear receptors not with DNA but the transcription factor activating protein-1 (AP-1). AP-1 is a dimeric complex of the protooncoproteins c-Jun and c-Fos and directly regulates transcription of genes important for cellular growth. Previous in vitro results have suggested that RARs can block AP-1 DNA binding. Using a mammalian two-hybrid system, we report here that human RARalpha (hRARalpha) can disrupt in a RA-dependent manner the homo- and heterodimerization properties of c-Jun and c-Fos. This inhibition of dimerization is cell specific, occurring only in those cells that exhibit RA-induced repression of AP-1 transcriptional activity. Furthermore, this mechanism appears to be specific for the RARs, since another potent inhibitor of AP-1 activity, the glucocorticoid receptor, does not affect AP-1 dimerization. Our data argue for a novel mechanism by which RARs can repress AP-1 DNA binding, in which liganded RARs are able to interfere with c-Jun/c-Jun homodimerization and c-Jun/c-Fos heterodimerization and, in this way, may prevent the formation of AP-1 complexes capable of DNA binding.

Cytochemical demonstration of the glucocorticoid receptor in skeletal cells of the rat

The in vivo localization of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) was studied in cartilage and bone cells of femurs of young adult rats. Deparaffinized sections were treated with a polyclonal antibody raised against the amino-terminus of human GR; the immunoreaction was detected with the streptavidin-biotin amplification method. Histomorphometric, computer-assisted analysis of GR-positive cells was performed by counting the percentage of GR-immunostained cells in the proliferative and maturative/hypertrophic zone of the epiphyseal growth plate cartilage, and of the percentage of positive osteoblasts (OBs), osteoclasts (OCLS) and osteocytes (OCs) in the metaphyseal secondary ossification zone. Numbers of OBs and OCLs per mm of metaphyseal endosteal perimeter, and numbers of OCs per mm2 of trabecular area were also counted. Immunopositive cells were found both in cartilage and bone, with variable degree of nuclear and/or cytoplasmic immunostaining; immunonegative cells were present among the positive ones. Histomorphometry showed that about 54% of chondrocytes in the proliferative zone, and 55% of chondrocytes in the maturative/hypertrophic zone of the growth plate were labeled; in metaphyseal bone, 68% of OBs, 65% of OCs, and 98% of OCLs were GR-positive. The density of positive cells was 12.06 OBs/mm, 3.32 OCLs/mm, and 520.40 OCs/mm2. These results, for the first time obtained in vivo, show that GR is present in cartilage and bone cells, and that the degree of GR-immunostaining is variable in the same type of cell. This may be dependent on the cell cycle and stage of differentiation, and may reflect a variable cellular sensitivity to the stimulation of the glucocorticoid hormone.

Direct association with thioredoxin allows redox regulation of glucocorticoid receptor function

The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is considered to belong to a class of transcription factors, the functions of which are exposed to redox regulation. We have recently demonstrated that thioredoxin (TRX), a cellular reducing catalyst, plays an important role in restoration of GR function in vivo under oxidative conditions. Although both the ligand binding domain and other domains of the GR have been suggested to be modulated by TRX, the molecular mechanism of the interaction is largely unknown. In the present study, we hypothesized that the DNA binding domain (DBD) of the GR, which is highly conserved among the nuclear receptors, is also responsible for communication with TRX in vivo. Mammalian two-hybrid assay and glutathione S-transferase pull-down assay revealed the direct association between TRX and the GR DBD. Moreover, analysis of subcellular localization of TRX and the chimeric protein harboring herpes simplex viral protein 16 transactivation domain and the GR DBD indicated that the interaction might take place in the nucleus under oxidative conditions. Together these observations indicate that TRX, via a direct association with the conserved DBD motif, may represent a key mediator operating in interplay between cellular redox signaling and nuclear receptor-mediated signal transduction.

Retinoid isomers differ in the ability to induce release of SMRT corepressor from retinoic acid receptor-alpha

Nuclear hormone receptors are ligand-regulated transcription factors that modulate the expression of specific target genes in response to the binding of small, hydrophobic hormone ligands. Many nuclear hormone receptors, such as the retinoic acid receptors, can both repress and activate target gene expression; these bimodal transcription properties are mediated by the ability of these receptors to tether auxiliary factors, denoted corepressors and coactivators. Corepressors are typically bound by receptors in the absence of cognate hormone, whereas binding of an appropriate hormone agonist induces an allosteric alteration in the receptor resulting in release of the corepressor and recruitment of coactivator. Structural analysis indicates that there is a close induced fit between the hormone ligand and the receptor polypeptide chain. This observation suggests that different ligands, once bound, may confer distinct conformations on the receptor that may invoke, in turn, distinct functional consequences. We report here that different retinoids do differ in the ability to release corepressor once bound to retinoic acid receptor and suggest that these differences in corepressor release may manifest as differences in transcriptional regulation.

Insulin inhibition of glucocorticoid-stimulated gene transcription: requirement for an insulin response element?

The glucocorticoid hormone receptor binds to regulatory elements of target genes and activates transcription through interactions with coactivators. For a subset of genes, glucocorticoid receptor activity is inhibited by insulin. The present paper analyzes recent data on the molecular mechanisms whereby insulin exerts this antiglucocorticoid effect. Two models are proposed. In the first model insulin controls the activity of an insulin-responsive factor bound to an insulin-responsive DNA element. In a second model, insulin targets a non-DNA bound coactivator of the glucocorticoid receptor. Here, the gene-specificity of the effect of insulin is conferred by the combined action of the glucocorticoid receptor, of DNA-bound transcription factors and of coactivators, which form a higher order structure that binds to a DNA sequence called glucocorticoid/insulin responsive unit.

Amphibians as a model to study endocrine disruptors: II. Estrogenic activity of environmental chemicals in vitro and in vivo

Several environmental chemicals are known to have estrogenic activity by interacting with development and functions of endocrine systems in nearly all classes of vertebrates. In order to get a better insight of potential estrogenic effects on amphibians caused by environmental pollution this study aims to develop a model for investigating endocrine disruptors using the amphibian Xenopus laevis. In that model the potential estrogenic activity of endocrine disruptors is determined at several levels of investigation: (I) binding to liver estrogen receptor; (II) estrogenicity in vitro by inducing vitellogenin synthesis in primary cultured hepatocytes; and (III) in vivo effects on sexual development. Here we deal with establishing methods to assay estrogenic activity of environmental chemicals in vitro and in vivo. In vitro we used a semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technique to determine mRNA-induction of the estrogenic biomarker vitellogenin in primary cultured hepatocytes of male Xenopus laevis. Time courses of vitellogenin-mRNA in the presence and absence of 10(-6) M 17 beta-estradiol (E2) resulted in a marked loss of mRNA from controls after 2 days while E2 treatment kept vitellogenin-mRNA at a relatively stable level. After 36 h of incubation estrogenic activities of E2, 4-nonylphenol (NP), and 2,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propan (bisphenol A) at concentrations ranging from 10(-10) to 10(-5) M were assayed by RT-PCR of vitellogenin-mRNA and showed the following ranking of dose-dependent potency: E2 > NP > bisphenol A. These in vitro results were confirmed further by in vivo experiments determining sexual differentiation of Xenopus laevis after exposure to E2 and environmental chemicals during larval development. Concentrations of 10(-7) and 10(-8) M E2 as well as 10(-7) M of NP or bisphenol A caused a significant higher number of female phenotypes compared to controls indicating a similar ranking of estrogenic potencies in vivo as in vitro. In addition, butylhydroxyanisol and octylphenol, both showed feminization at 10(-7) M while octylphenol was also effective at 10(-8) M. In summary these results demonstrate for the first time the use of a semiquantitative RT-PCR technique for screening estrogenicity by assaying mRNA induction of the estrogenic biomarker vitellogenin in vitro. The combination of this newly developed method with classical exposure experiments is necessary for determination of the biological significance of estrogenic chemicals.

Amphibians as a model to study endocrine disruptors: I. Environmental pollution and estrogen receptor binding

Many chemicals released into the environment without toxicological risks have the capacities to disrupt the function of endocrine systems. These endocrine disruptors disturb normal endocrine mechanisms and have been observed in nearly all classes of vertebrates. The aim of this research is to develop a comprehensive model to study endocrine disruption using the amphibian Xenopus laevis. The assessment of estrogenic potencies of endocrine disruptors includes several levels of investigation: (I) binding to liver estrogen receptor, (II) estrogenic activity in vitro by inducing vitellogenin synthesis in primary cultured hepatocytes, and (III) in vivo effects on sexual development caused by exposure of larvae. The present paper is focused on the first part by establishing a radioreceptorassay for [3H]17 beta-estradiol ([3H]E2) binding using liver cytosol fraction. In order to get optimum binding conditions we performed kinetic, saturation, and competitive displacement experiments. Association of [3H]E2 to estrogen receptor revealed that maximum specific binding is achieved between 18 and 48 h of incubation. Scatchard analyses of saturation experiments resulted in a homogenous saturable population of estrogen receptors having no significant differences of binding parameters between both sexes. The values of Kd (dissociation constant) in males and females were 22.4 +/- 6.0 and 15.0 +/- 2.8 nM (mean +/- S.E.M.; n = 5), respectively, while corresponding Bmax (maximum binding capacity) revealed 89 +/- 46 and 136 +/- 46 fmol [3H]E2/mg protein. The specificity of estrogen receptors as shown by competitive displacement experiments demonstrated receptors being highly specific just for estrogens, but not for other endogenous steroids having the following ranking of binding affinities: E2 > estrone > dehydroepiandrosterone > aldosterone > or = testosterone > or = corticosterone > or = progesterone. The affinity ranking of environmental chemicals compared to E2 was: E2 > tetrachlorbiphenyl > diethylphthalate > 2,2-bis-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-propan (bisphenol A) > or = 4-nonylphenol > or = 3-t-butyl-4-hydroxyanisole > or = 4-octylphenol > dichlor-diphenyl-trichlor-ethan (4,4'-DDT). Analyses of five sewage effluents for displacement of [3H]E2 binding resulted in three samples displacing more than 50% of specific binding at their original concentration. Taken together the established radioreceptorassay for [3H]E2 binding in Xenopus laevis liver cytosol is useful to screen estrogen receptor binding of pure compounds or complex mixtures of them, which is the prerequisite for causing either estrogenic or antiestrogenic effects.

Segregation of steroid receptor coactivator-1 from steroid receptors in mammary epithelium

Steroid receptor coactivator-1 (SRC-1) family members interact with steroid receptors, including estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) and progesterone receptor (PR), to enhance ligand-dependent transcription. However, the expression of ERalpha and SRC-1 was found to be segregated in distinct subsets of cells within the epithelium of the estrogen-responsive rat mammary gland. This finding was in contrast to the finding for the stroma, where significant numbers of cells coexpressed ERalpha and SRC-1. Treatment of animals with estrogen induced PR expression in the ERalpha-expressing mammary epithelial cells in the absence of detectable SRC-1 and did not affect the segregated pattern of SRC-1 and ERalpha expression. PR was neither expressed nor induced by estrogen treatment in stroma, despite the coexpression of ERalpha and SRC-1. These results suggest that SRC-1 is not necessary for ERalpha-mediated induction of PR in mammary epithelial cells and is also not sufficient for PR induction in stromal cells expressing both ERalpha and SRC-1. Furthermore, the expression of SRC-1 in a subpopulation of mammary epithelial cells distinct from those expressing ERalpha or PR raises the possibility that SRC-1 has cell type-specific functions other than simply to act as coactivator for ERalpha or PR in the mammary epithelium.

Redox regulation of the glucocorticoid receptor

Redox regulation is currently considered as a mode of signal transduction for coordinated regulation of a variety of cellular processes. The transcriptional regulation of gene expression is also influenced by cellular redox state, most possibly through the oxido-reductive modification of transcription factors. The glucocorticoid receptor belongs to a nuclear receptor superfamily and acts as a ligand-dependent transcription factor. We demonstrate that the glucocorticoid receptor function is regulated via redox-dependent mechanisms at multiple levels. Moreover, it is suggested that redox regulation of the receptor function is one of dynamic cellular responses to environmental stimuli and plays an important role in orchestrated crosstalk between central and peripheral stress responses.

3,3'4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl exhibits antiestrogenic and antitumorigenic activity in the rodent uterus and mammary cells and in human breast cancer cells

3,3',4,4'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl (tetraCB) binds to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and several reports have demonstrated that AhR agonists exhibit antiestrogenic and antitumorigenic activities in human breast cancer cells, the rodent uterus and breast. In contrast, a recent study showed that 3,3',4,4'-tetraCB bound the estrogen receptor (ER) and exhibited ER agonist activities, and we therefore have reinvestigated the estrogenic and antiestrogenic activities of 3,3',4,4'-tetraCB. Our results showed that 3,3',4,4'tetraCB and a structurally related analog, 3,3',4,4',5-pentaCB, did not bind the mouse uterine or human ER, did not induce proliferation of MCF-7 or T47D human breast cancer cells or induce reporter gene activity in cells transfected with E2-responsive constructs derived from the creatine kinase B (pCKB) or cathepsin D (pCD) gene promoters. Moreover, 3,3',4,4'-tetraCB and 3,3',4,4',5-pentaCB did not induce an increase in uterine wet weight, peroxidase activity or progesterone receptor binding in the 21-25-day-old female B6C3F1 mouse uterus. In contrast, both compounds inhibited 17beta-estradiol (E2)-induced cell proliferation and transactivation in MCF-7/T47D cells and uterine responses in B6C3F1 mice; surprisingly inhibition of E2-induced reporter gene activity was not observed in T47D cells transfected with pCKB, and this was observed as a cell-specific response with other AhR agonists. Additionally, 3,3',4,4'-tetraCB significantly inhibited mammary tumor growth in female Sprague-Dawley rats initiated with 7,12-dimethylbenzanthracene. Our results indicate that 3,3',4,4'-tetraCB does not exhibit ER agonist activity but exhibits a broad spectrum of antiestrogenic responses consistent with ligand-mediated AhR-ER crosstalk.

Dysfunctional glucocorticoid receptor with a single point mutation ablates the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein-dependent growth suppression response in a steroid-resistant rat hepatoma cell variant

We used glucocorticoid-resistant and -sensitive hepatoma cell variants to characterize the mechanism of hepatoma cell resistance to the growth inhibitory effects of glucocorticoids. BDS1 hepatoma cells express transcriptionally active glucocorticoid receptors and undergo a stringent G1 cell cycle arrest in response to glucocorticoids that is dependent on the induced expression of the CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha) transcription factor. In contrast, EDR1 hepatoma cells, which express normal levels of glucocorticoid receptors, fail to growth arrest or express C/EBPalpha when treated with glucocorticoids. Ectopic expression of wild-type rat glucocorticoid receptors into EDR1 cells restored the growth suppression response, suggesting a defect in the EDR1 receptor. DNA sequence analysis revealed a single point mutation causing a cysteine-to-tyrosine substitution at amino acid position 457 (C457Y-GR) in the zinc finger region of the glucocorticoid receptor that mediates both receptor-DNA and receptor-protein interactions. Glucocorticoid activation of the alpha1-acid glycoprotein (AGP) promoter, a liver acute-phase response gene, requires receptor-DNA binding as well as an interaction with C/EBPalpha. In contrast to the wild-type glucocorticoid receptor, ectopic expression of C/EBPalpha in EDR1 cells, or coexpression of C/EBPalpha along with the C457Y-GR into receptor-deficient EDR3 cells was required to partially restore glucocorticoid responsiveness of the AGP promoter by the EDR1 glucocorticoid receptor. Constitutive expression of the wild-type glucocorticoid receptor, but not the C457Y-GR mutant, was sufficient to restore the glucocorticoid growth suppression response to receptor-deficient EDR3 cells. Thus, we have identified a glucocorticoid-resistant hepatoma cell variant with a single point mutation in the zinc finger region of the glucocorticoid receptor gene that ablates the glucocorticoid growth suppression response and attenuates transcriptional activation of the AGP promoter.

Characterization of the DNA-binding and dimerization properties of the nuclear orphan receptor germ cell nuclear factor

The orphan receptor germ cell nuclear factor (GCNF) is a member of the superfamily of nuclear receptors. During development, GCNF exhibits a restricted brain-specific expression pattern, whereas GCNF expression in the adult is germ cell specific. Therefore, the receptor may participate in the regulation of neurogenesis and reproductive functions. No natural GCNF target gene has yet been identified, but recent data demonstrate specific and high-affinity binding of GCNF either to the direct repeat DNA element AGGTCAAGGTCA (DR0) or to extended half-sites, such as TCAAGGTCA. In this study, we show that murine GCNF (mGCNF) can bind as a homodimer to extended half-sites, thus describing a novel property within the nuclear receptor superfamily. Homodimeric binding to extended half-sites requires the presence of a dimerization function within the mGCNF DNA-binding domain (DBD) and a novel dimerization surface encompassing the putative helix 3 and the helix 12 region of the mGCNF ligand-binding domain (LBD). In addition, the mGCNF LBD has the potential to adopt different conformations with distinct dimerization properties. The helix 12 region of the mGCNF LBD not only regulates the switch between these dimerization conformations but also dictates the DNA-binding behavior and transcriptional properties of the different dimerization conformations. In summary, our findings describe unique DNA-binding and dimerization properties of a nuclear receptor and suggest a novel mechanism that allows mGCNF to modulate target gene activity.

Cyclic AMP analogs induce synthesis, processing, and secretion of prepro nociceptin/orphanin FQ-derived peptides by NS20Y neuroblastoma cells

Recent studies have shown that cAMP analogs can induce expression of prepro (pp) orphanin FA (OFQ)/nociceptin-related gene products in NS20Y mouse neuroblastoma cells (Saito et al. [1996]. J Biol Chem 271, 15615-15622). Additionally, exposure of NS20Y cells to cAMP analogs promoted neurite outgrowth and large dense-core vesicle formation. Even though an OFQ-like precursor (called 27K) was identified in NS20Y cell extracts, no secretion of OFQ-related peptides was detected. We have used reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography combined with a specific radioimmunoassay for OFQ(1-17) to determine if NS20Y cells secrete ppOFQ-derived peptides when stimulated by the cAMP analog ctp-cAMP. We found that NS20Y cells secreted abundant amounts of OFQ-derived products when stimulated by cAMP analogs. We also have determined that secretion of OFQ peptides was both time and concentration dependent and reversible on removal of cAMP analogs from the culture medium. In addition, the opioid agonist D-Pen2-D-Pen5-enkephalin inhibited forskolin-stimulated OFQ peptide secretion. Further, the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone virtually abolished ctp-cAMP-stimulated OFQ peptide secretion. These results suggest that the biosynthesis, processing, and secretion of the OFQ neuropeptide transmitter system can be modulated through intracellular cAMP levels and that these functions are regulated by opioids and molecules involved in mediating the stress response. The NS20Y cell system will be extremely valuable for studying the regulation of OFQ-derived peptides by a variety of intra-cellular and extracellular signaling pathways.

Progesterone signaling and mammary gland morphogenesis

Progesterone was identified as a mammogenic hormone several years ago but until now its precise role in mammary development has remained obscure. Recently with the generation of several transgenic mouse models and development of reagents for analysis of progesterone receptor expression, the role of progesterone signaling in mammary development is becoming more clear. The most significant observations to emerge from these studies are (1) progesterone receptors (PR) are present in a heterogeneous manner in the epithelial cells and undetectable in the surrounding fat pad; (2) they are essential for lobuloalveolar and not for ductal morphogenesis; (3) progesterone signaling through progesterone receptors, leading to lobuloalveolar development, is initiated in the epithelium and may occur through paracrine mechanisms; and (4) a regulated expression of the two isoforms of progesterone receptor is critical for maintaining appropriate responsiveness to progesterone and hence, epithelial cell replicative homeostasis. These studies also reveal that the consequences of progesterone signaling through progesterone receptor may depend on the cell context, cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix interactions, the dynamics of PR turnover and the fate of PR positive cells.

DNA-binding properties of the ecdysteroid receptor-complex (EcR/USP) of the epithelial cell line from Chironomus tentans

DNA-binding features of EcR and USP were investigated using a 0.4 M NaCl extract of the epithelial cell line of Chironomus tentans by means of electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSAs). It is shown that the DNA-binding is enhanced by hormone administration and that in the hormone dependent shift, both EcR and USP, are present. Furthermore, we demonstrate that under these conditions, EcR/USP form a unique complex on inverted repeat elements (PAL1 and hsp27-EcRE), while on direct repeat elements (DR1-5), a second complex with higher mobility is formed. In this second complex, neither EcR nor USP are present. Thus, an additional difference between PAL1 and DR-elements is the competition of other factors for DR-elements, modulating its function as an EcRE. A competition EMSA, using PAL1 as radiolabeled probe, reveals the following order of binding strength: PAL1>DR4/5>DR1>DR2/3/hsp27. Surprisingly, using DR1 as radiolabeled probe, shows a different order of binding strength: DR1>DR2>DR3/4/5/PAL1>hsp27. This indicates that the complexes formed on PAL1 are not identical to the ones formed on DR1 and that both are not easily convertible. Furthermore, the affinity of the EcR/USP complex may be altered under various conditions or by interaction with cofactors. Upon hormone administration, DNA binding of the receptor complex is enhanced, but the difference to hormone-free binding reactions decreases in course of time, indicating an additional hormone independent activation. Arch.

Functional analysis of a novel estrogen receptor-beta isoform

A new level of complexity has recently been added to estrogen signaling with the identification of a second estrogen receptor, ERbeta. By screening a rat prostate cDNA library, we detected ERbeta as well as a novel isoform that we termed ERbeta2. ERbeta2 contains an in-frame inserted exon of 54 nucleotides that results in the predicted insertion of 18 amino acids within the ERbeta hormone-binding domain. We also have evidence for the expression of both ERbeta1 and ERbeta2 in human cell lines. Competition ligand binding analysis of bacterially expressed fusion proteins revealed an 8-fold lower affinity of ERbeta2 for 17beta-estradiol (E2) [dissociation constant (Kd approximately 8 nM)] as compared with ERbeta1 (Kd approximately 1 nM). In vitro transcribed and translated ERbeta1 and ERbeta2 bind specifically to a consensus estrogen responsive element in a gel mobility shift assay. Furthermore, we show heterodimerization of ERbeta1 and ERbeta2 with each other as well as with ERalpha. In affinity interaction assays for proteins that associate specifically with the hormone-binding domain of these receptors, we demonstrate that the steroid receptor coactivator SRC-1 interacts in an estrogen-dependent manner with ERalpha and ERbeta1, but not with ERbeta2. In cotransfection experiments with expression plasmids for ERalpha, ERbeta1, and ERbeta2 and an estrogen-responsive element-containing luciferase reporter, the dose response of ERbeta1 to E2 was similar to that of ERalpha although the maximal stimulation was approximately 50%. In contrast, ERbeta2 required 100- to 1000-fold greater E2 concentrations for maximal activation. Thus, ERbeta2 adds yet another facet to the possible cellular responses to estrogen.

The orphan nuclear receptor SHP inhibits agonist-dependent transcriptional activity of estrogen receptors ERalpha and ERbeta

SHP (short heterodimer partner) is an unusual orphan nuclear receptor that contains a putative ligand-binding domain but lacks a conserved DNA-binding domain. Although no conventional receptor function has yet been identified, SHP has been proposed to act as a negative regulator of nuclear receptor signaling pathways, because it interacts with and inhibits DNA binding and transcriptional activity of various nonsteroid receptors, including thyroid hormone and retinoid receptors. We show here that SHP interacts directly with agonist-bound estrogen receptors, ERalpha and ERbeta, and inhibits ER-mediated transcriptional activation. SHP specifically targets the ligand-regulated activation domain AF-2 and competes for binding of coactivators such as TIF2. Thus, SHP may represent a new category of negative coregulators for ligand-activated nuclear receptors. SHP mRNA is widely expressed in rat tissues including certain estrogen target tissues, and subcellular localization studies demonstrate that SHP is a nuclear protein, suggesting a biological significance of the SHP interactions with ERs. Taken together, these results identify ERs as novel SHP targets and suggest that competition for coactivator-binding is a novel mechanism by which SHP may inhibit nuclear receptor activation.

Various glucocorticoids differ in their ability to induce gene expression, apoptosis and to repress NF-kappaB-dependent transcription

Glucocorticoids (GCs) influence a great variety of cellular functions by at least three important modes of action: the activation (or repression) of genes controlled by binding sites for the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), the induction of apoptosis in lymphocytes and the recently discovered cross-talk to other transcription factors such as NF-kappaB. In this study we systematically compared various natural and synthetic steroid hormones frequently used as therapeutic agents on their ability to mediate these three modes of action. Betamethasone, triamcinolone, dexamethasone and clobetasol turned out to be the best inducers of gene expression and apoptosis. All GCs including the antagonistic compound RU486 efficiently reduced NF-kappaB-mediated transactivation to comparable extents, suggesting that ligand-induced nuclear localization of the GR is sufficient for transrepression. Glucocorticoid treatment of cells did not result in elevated IkappaB-alpha expression, but impaired the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced degradation of IkappaB-alpha without affecting DNA binding of NF-kappaB. The structural requirements for the various functions of glucocorticoids are discussed.