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Balan I, Boero G, Chéry SL, McFarland MH, Lopez AG, Morrow AL. Neuroactive Steroids, Toll-like Receptors, and Neuroimmune Regulation: Insights into Their Impact on Neuropsychiatric Disorders. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:582. [PMID: 38792602 PMCID: PMC11122352 DOI: 10.3390/life14050582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnane neuroactive steroids, notably allopregnanolone and pregnenolone, exhibit efficacy in mitigating inflammatory signals triggered by toll-like receptor (TLR) activation, thus attenuating the production of inflammatory factors. Clinical studies highlight their therapeutic potential, particularly in conditions like postpartum depression (PPD), where the FDA-approved compound brexanolone, an intravenous formulation of allopregnanolone, effectively suppresses TLR-mediated inflammatory pathways, predicting symptom improvement. Additionally, pregnane neurosteroids exhibit trophic and anti-inflammatory properties, stimulating the production of vital trophic proteins and anti-inflammatory factors. Androstane neuroactive steroids, including estrogens and androgens, along with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), display diverse effects on TLR expression and activation. Notably, androstenediol (ADIOL), an androstane neurosteroid, emerges as a potent anti-inflammatory agent, promising for therapeutic interventions. The dysregulation of immune responses via TLR signaling alongside reduced levels of endogenous neurosteroids significantly contributes to symptom severity across various neuropsychiatric disorders. Neuroactive steroids, such as allopregnanolone, demonstrate efficacy in alleviating symptoms of various neuropsychiatric disorders and modulating neuroimmune responses, offering potential intervention avenues. This review emphasizes the significant therapeutic potential of neuroactive steroids in modulating TLR signaling pathways, particularly in addressing inflammatory processes associated with neuropsychiatric disorders. It advances our understanding of the complex interplay between neuroactive steroids and immune responses, paving the way for personalized treatment strategies tailored to individual needs and providing insights for future research aimed at unraveling the intricacies of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Balan
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Giorgia Boero
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA;
| | - Samantha Lucenell Chéry
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Neuroscience Curriculum, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Minna H. McFarland
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Neuroscience Curriculum, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Alejandro G. Lopez
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - A. Leslie Morrow
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (I.B.); (S.L.C.); (M.H.M.); (A.G.L.)
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
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Sandor LF, Huh JB, Benko P, Hiraga T, Poliska S, Dobo-Nagy C, Simpson JP, Homer NZM, Mahata B, Gyori DS. De novo steroidogenesis in tumor cells drives bone metastasis and osteoclastogenesis. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113936. [PMID: 38489269 PMCID: PMC10995766 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Osteoclasts play a central role in cancer-cell-induced osteolysis, but the molecular mechanisms of osteoclast activation during bone metastasis formation are incompletely understood. By performing RNA sequencing on a mouse breast carcinoma cell line with higher bone-metastatic potential, here we identify the enzyme CYP11A1 strongly upregulated in osteotropic tumor cells. Genetic deletion of Cyp11a1 in tumor cells leads to a decreased number of bone metastases but does not alter primary tumor growth and lung metastasis formation in mice. The product of CYP11A1 activity, pregnenolone, increases the number and function of mouse and human osteoclasts in vitro but does not alter osteoclast-specific gene expression. Instead, tumor-derived pregnenolone strongly enhances the fusion of pre-osteoclasts via prolyl 4-hydroxylase subunit beta (P4HB), identified as a potential interaction partner of pregnenolone. Taken together, our results demonstrate that Cyp11a1-expressing tumor cells produce pregnenolone, which is capable of promoting bone metastasis formation and osteoclast development via P4HB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca F Sandor
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Joon B Huh
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Peter Benko
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, 1094 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Toru Hiraga
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Matsumoto Dental University, Shiojiri, Nagano 399-0781, Japan
| | - Szilard Poliska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Csaba Dobo-Nagy
- Department of Oral Diagnostics, Semmelweis University School of Dentistry, 1088 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Joanna P Simpson
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh, UK
| | - Natalie Z M Homer
- Mass Spectrometry Core, Edinburgh Clinical Research Facility, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh, UK; University of Edinburgh/BHF Centre for Cardiovascular Sciences, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ Edinburgh, UK
| | - Bidesh Mahata
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB21QP Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - David S Gyori
- Department of Physiology, Semmelweis University School of Medicine, 1094 Budapest, Hungary.
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El Hajj Y, Shahin T, Dieng MM, Alshaikh M, Khair M, Manikandan V, Idaghdour Y. Pregnenolone sulfate induces transcriptional and immunoregulatory effects on T cells. Sci Rep 2024; 14:6782. [PMID: 38514798 PMCID: PMC10958000 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57327-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Pregnenolone sulfate is a steroid metabolite of the steroidogenesis precursor, pregnenolone, with similar functional properties, including immunosuppression. We recently reported an elevation in serum levels of pregnenolone sulfate in children with malaria, contributing to an immunosuppressed state. Yet, the molecular mechanisms in which this steroid exerts its immunoregulatory functions are lacking. In this study, we examined the effects of pregnenolone sulfate on T cell viability, proliferation and transcriptome. We observed a pregnenolone sulfate dose-dependent induction of T cell death and reduction in proliferation. RNA sequencing analysis of pregnenolone sulfate-treated T cells for 2 and 24 h revealed the downregulation of pro-inflammatory genes and the upregulation of the steroid nuclear receptor superfamily, NR4A, as early-response genes. We also report a strong activation of the integrated stress response mediated by the upregulation of EIF2AK3. These results contribute to the knowledge on transcriptional regulation driving the immunoregulatory effects of pregnenolone sulfate on T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmine El Hajj
- Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Tala Shahin
- Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mame Massar Dieng
- Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Manar Alshaikh
- Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mostafa Khair
- Core Technology Platforms, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vinu Manikandan
- Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Youssef Idaghdour
- Program in Biology, Division of Science and Mathematics, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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Sandor LF, Ragacs R, Gyori DS. Local Effects of Steroid Hormones within the Bone Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17482. [PMID: 38139309 PMCID: PMC10744126 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormone production via the adrenal cortex, gonads, and placenta (so-called glandular steroidogenesis) is responsible for the endocrine control of the body's homeostasis and is organized by a feedback regulatory mechanism based on the hypothalamus-pituitary-steroidogenic gland axis. On the other hand, recently discovered extraglandular steroidogenesis occurring locally in different tissues is instead linked to paracrine or autocrine signaling, and it is independent of the control by the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Bone cells, such as bone-forming osteoblasts, osteoblast-derived osteocytes, and bone-resorbing osteoclasts, respond to steroid hormones produced by both glandular and extraglandular steroidogenesis. Recently, new techniques to identify steroid hormones, as well as synthetic steroids and steroidogenesis inhibitors, have been introduced, which greatly empowered steroid hormone research. Based on recent literature and new advances in the field, here we review the local role of steroid hormones in regulating bone homeostasis and skeletal lesion formation. The novel idea of extraglandular steroidogenesis occurring within the skeletal system raises the possibility of the development of new therapies for the treatment of bone diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - David S. Gyori
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
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Roy S, Roy S, Mahata B, Pramanik J, Hennrich ML, Gavin AC, Teichmann SA. CLICK-chemoproteomics and molecular dynamics simulation reveals pregnenolone targets and their binding conformations in Th2 cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1229703. [PMID: 38022565 PMCID: PMC10644475 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1229703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Pregnenolone (P5) is synthesized as the first bioactive steroid in the mitochondria from cholesterol. Clusters of differentiation 4 (CD4+) and Clusters of differentiation 8 (CD8+) immune cells synthesize P5 de novo; P5, in turn, play important role in immune homeostasis and regulation. However, P5's biochemical mode of action in immune cells is still emerging. We envisage that revealing the complete spectrum of P5 target proteins in immune cells would have multifold applications, not only in basic understanding of steroids biochemistry in immune cells but also in developing new therapeutic applications. We employed a CLICK-enabled probe to capture P5-binding proteins in live T helper cell type 2 (Th2) cells. Subsequently, using high-throughput quantitative proteomics, we identified the P5 interactome in CD4+ Th2 cells. Our study revealed P5's mode of action in CD4+ immune cells. We identified novel proteins from mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum membranes to be the primary mediators of P5's biochemistry in CD4+ and to concur with our earlier finding in CD8+ immune cells. Applying advanced computational algorithms and molecular simulations, we were able to generate near-native maps of P5-protein key molecular interactions. We showed bonds and interactions between key amino acids and P5, which revealed the importance of ionic bond, hydrophobic interactions, and water channels. We point out that our results can lead to designing of novel molecular therapeutics strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sougata Roy
- Department of Biology, Ashoka University, Rajiv Gandhi Education City, Sonipat, Haryana, India
| | - Sudeep Roy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czechia
| | - Bidesh Mahata
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jhuma Pramanik
- Division of Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marco L. Hennrich
- Structural and Computational Biology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory, EMBL, Heidelberg, Germany
- Cellzome, a GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) company, Genomic Sciences, Pharma R&D, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anne-Claude Gavin
- Department for Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Centre Medical Universitaire, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Diabetes Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sarah A. Teichmann
- Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Theory of Condensed Matter, Cavendish Laboratory, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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