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Tai Y, Shang J. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the tumor progression of adrenocortical carcinoma. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1260701. [PMID: 38269250 PMCID: PMC10806569 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1260701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an uncommon, aggressive endocrine malignancy with a high rate of recurrence, a poor prognosis, and a propensity for metastasis. Currently, only mitotane has received certification from both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency for the therapy of advanced ACC. However, treatment in the advanced periods of the disorders is ineffective and has serious adverse consequences. Completely surgical excision is the only cure but has failed to effectively improve the survival of advanced patients. The aberrantly activated Wnt/β-catenin pathway is one of the catalysts for adrenocortical carcinogenesis. Research has concentrated on identifying methods that can prevent the stimulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and are safe and advantageous for patients in view of the absence of effective treatments and the frequent alteration of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in ACC. Comprehending the complex connection between the development of ACC and Wnt/β-catenin signaling is essential for accurate pharmacological targets. In this review, we summarize the potential targets between adrenocortical carcinoma and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. We analyze the relevant targets of drugs or inhibitors that act on the Wnt pathway. Finally, we provide new insights into how drugs or inhibitors may improve the treatment of ACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanghao Tai
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jiwen Shang
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- Department of Ambulatory Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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2
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Yin H, Staples SCR, Pickering JG. The fundamentals of fibroblast growth factor 9. Differentiation 2023:S0301-4681(23)00070-1. [PMID: 37783652 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 9 (FGF9) was first identified during a screen for factors acting on cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Research over the subsequent two decades has revealed this protein to be a critically important and elegantly regulated growth factor. A hallmark control feature is reciprocal compartmentalization, particularly during development, with epithelium as a dominant source and mesenchyme a prime target. This mesenchyme selectivity is accomplished by the high affinity of FGF9 to the IIIc isoforms of FGFR1, 2, and 3. FGF9 is expressed widely in the embryo, including the developing heart and lungs, and more selectively in the adult, including the CNS and kidneys. Global Fgf9-null mice die shortly after birth due to respiratory failure from hypoplastic lungs. As well, their hearts are dilated and poorly vascularized, the skeleton is small, the intestine is shortened, and male-to-female sex reversal can be found. Conditional Fgf9-null mice have revealed CNS phenotypes, including ataxia and epilepsy. In humans, FGF9 variants have been found to underlie multiple synostoses syndrome 3, a syndrome characterized by multiple joint fusions. Aberrant FGF9 signaling has also been implicated in differences of sex development and cancer, whereas vascular stabilizing effects of FGF9 could benefit chronic diseases. This primer reviews the attributes of this vital growth factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yin
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada
| | - Sabrina C R Staples
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada
| | - J Geoffrey Pickering
- Robarts Research Institute, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Canada; Department of Biochemistry, Western University, London, Canada; Department of Medicine, Western University, London, Canada; London Health Sciences Centre, London, Canada.
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3
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Kar A, Sable M, A A, Jena SK, Tripathy PR, Gaikwad M. An Immunohistochemical Study of Proliferation of Human Fetal Heart Cardiomyocyte With Phospho-Histone H3 Antibody. Cureus 2023; 15:e41159. [PMID: 37525760 PMCID: PMC10387164 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.41159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapid proliferation of cardiomyocytes in mammals occurs during fetal life. But in postnatal life, this capacity of proliferation is reduced or lost as they exit the cell cycle. However, the cardiomyocytes don't show the same activity for different species. In human fetuses or in adult life, the capacity of the proliferation of cardiomyocytes and their response to an injury are not understood yet. In this study, we have done an immunohistochemical study using phospho-histone H3 (PHH3) to observe human fetal cardiomyocytes' proliferative activity. The heart specimens from the fetal autopsy of spontaneously aborted and stillborn human fetuses were subjected to immunohistochemical study using PHH3 antibody, and comparison between the PHH3 index (number of PHH3 positive cells per 1000 number of cardiomyocytes/high power field [HPF]) of myocardial regions was done using appropriate statistical tests. A total of 17 fetal hearts were included in our study. In the left ventricle, right ventricle, right atrium, and interventricular septum, the PHH3 index of myocardium was significantly higher over the pericardial region (p-value 0.002, p-value <0.001, <0.001, and 0.009 respectively) as compared to the region of over the endocardium and the middle part of the myocardium. The PHH3 index of the pericardial region of the left ventricle was significantly correlated with the maximum thickness of the left ventricle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arundhati Kar
- Anatomy, Institute of Medical Sciences (IMS) and SUM Hospital, Bhubaneswar, IND
| | - Mukund Sable
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, IND
| | - Anbarasan A
- Cytogenetics, Christian Medical College (CMC) Vellore, Vellore, IND
| | - Saubhagya K Jena
- Obstetrics and Gyenacology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, IND
| | - Prabhas R Tripathy
- Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, IND
| | - Manisha Gaikwad
- Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneswar, IND
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4
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Steroidogenic Factor 1, a Goldilocks Transcription Factor from Adrenocortical Organogenesis to Malignancy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043585. [PMID: 36835002 PMCID: PMC9959402 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1, also termed Ad4BP; NR5A1 in the official nomenclature) is a nuclear receptor transcription factor that plays a crucial role in the regulation of adrenal and gonadal development, function and maintenance. In addition to its classical role in regulating the expression of P450 steroid hydroxylases and other steroidogenic genes, involvement in other key processes such as cell survival/proliferation and cytoskeleton dynamics have also been highlighted for SF-1. SF-1 has a restricted pattern of expression, being expressed along the hypothalamic-pituitary axis and in steroidogenic organs since the time of their establishment. Reduced SF-1 expression affects proper gonadal and adrenal organogenesis and function. On the other hand, SF-1 overexpression is found in adrenocortical carcinoma and represents a prognostic marker for patients' survival. This review is focused on the current knowledge about SF-1 and the crucial importance of its dosage for adrenal gland development and function, from its involvement in adrenal cortex formation to tumorigenesis. Overall, data converge towards SF-1 being a key player in the complex network of transcriptional regulation within the adrenal gland in a dosage-dependent manner.
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5
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Transgenic Mouse Models to Study the Development and Maintenance of the Adrenal Cortex. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214388. [PMID: 36430866 PMCID: PMC9693478 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cortex of the adrenal gland is organized into concentric zones that produce distinct steroid hormones essential for body homeostasis in mammals. Mechanisms leading to the development, zonation and maintenance of the adrenal cortex are complex and have been studied since the 1800s. However, the advent of genetic manipulation and transgenic mouse models over the past 30 years has revolutionized our understanding of these mechanisms. This review lists and details the distinct Cre recombinase mouse strains available to study the adrenal cortex, and the remarkable progress total and conditional knockout mouse models have enabled us to make in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regulating the development and maintenance of the adrenal cortex.
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6
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FGFR-2 and Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Endometrial Cancer. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11185416. [PMID: 36143062 PMCID: PMC9504491 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11185416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. At present, EC staging is based on the WHO conservative criteria, which only consider the percentage of gland formation. The molecular subgrouping of EC recently proposed by the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) represents a milestone in precise molecular-based patient triage. The present study aimed to investigate the influence of FGFR-2 on the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and whether it can lead to endometrial cancer dedifferentiation. Methods. One hundred and three White female patients with confirmed EC were enrolled in our research. For the analysis, we performed next-generation sequencing and immunohistochemical analyses of E-cadherin, β-catenin, and vimentin. Results. Tumor grade progression was closely correlated with LVI (p = 0.0338), expression of vimentin (p = 0.000), tumor budding (p = 0.000), and lack of E-cadherin (p = 0.0028). Similar observations were noted with regard to TNM/FIGO stage progression. In terms of FGFR-2 mutation, we found the following correlation p-values: LVI (p = 0.069), expression of vimentin (p = 0.000), tumor budding (p = 0.000), and lack of E-cadherin (p = 0.000), RFS (p = 0.032), ECSS (p = 0.047). Conclusions. FGFR-2 is the important factor influencing on EMT.
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Tamburello M, Altieri B, Sbiera I, Sigala S, Berruti A, Fassnacht M, Sbiera S. FGF/FGFR signaling in adrenocortical development and tumorigenesis: novel potential therapeutic targets in adrenocortical carcinoma. Endocrine 2022; 77:411-418. [PMID: 35583844 PMCID: PMC9385797 DOI: 10.1007/s12020-022-03074-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
FGF/FGFR signaling regulates embryogenesis, angiogenesis, tissue homeostasis and wound repair by modulating proliferation, differentiation, survival, migration and metabolism of target cells. Understandably, compelling evidence for deregulated FGF signaling in the development and progression of different types of tumors continue to emerge and FGFR inhibitors arise as potential targeted therapeutic agents, particularly in tumors harboring aberrant FGFR signaling. There is first evidence of a dual role of the FGF/FGFR system in both organogenesis and tumorigenesis, of which this review aims to provide an overview. FGF-1 and FGF-2 are expressed in the adrenal cortex and are the most powerful mitogens for adrenocortical cells. Physiologically, they are involved in development and maintenance of the adrenal gland and bind to a family of four tyrosine kinase receptors, among which FGFR1 and FGFR4 are the most strongly expressed in the adrenal cortex. The repeatedly proven overexpression of these two FGFRs also in adrenocortical cancer is thus likely a sign of their participation in proliferation and vascularization, though the exact downstream mechanisms are not yet elucidated. Thus, FGFRs potentially offer novel therapeutic targets also for adrenocortical carcinoma, a type of cancer resistant to conventional antimitotic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariangela Tamburello
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Barbara Altieri
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Iuliu Sbiera
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Sigala
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berruti
- Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences, and Public Health, University of Brescia and ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehenssive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Silviu Sbiera
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
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8
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Abou Nader N, Boyer A. Adrenal Cortex Development and Maintenance: Knowledge Acquired From Mouse Models. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6362524. [PMID: 34473283 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The adrenal cortex is an endocrine organ organized into concentric zones that are specialized to produce specific steroid hormones essential for life. The development and maintenance of the adrenal cortex are complex, as a fetal adrenal is first formed from a common primordium with the gonads, followed by its separation in a distinct primordium, the invasion of the adrenal primordium by neural crest-derived cells to form the medulla, and finally its encapsulation. The fetal cortex is then replaced by a definitive cortex, which will establish zonation and be maintained throughout life by regeneration relying on the proliferation, centripetal migration, and differentiation of several stem/progenitor cell populations whose activities are sex-specific. Here, we highlight the advances made, using transgenic mouse models, to delineate the molecular mechanisms regulating these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nour Abou Nader
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Alexandre Boyer
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
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9
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Leng S, Carlone DL, Guagliardo NA, Barrett PQ, Breault DT. Rosette morphology in zona glomerulosa formation and function. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 530:111287. [PMID: 33891993 PMCID: PMC8159910 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
How morphology informs function is a fundamental biological question. Here, we review the morphological features of the adrenal zona glomerulosa (zG), highlighting recent cellular and molecular discoveries that govern its formation. The zG consists of glomeruli enwrapped in a Laminin-β1-enriched basement membrane (BM). Within each glomerulus, zG cells are organized as rosettes, a multicellular structure widely used throughout development to mediate epithelial remodeling, but not often found in healthy adult tissues. Rosettes arise by constriction at a common cellular contact point mediated/facilitated by adherens junctions (AJs). In mice, small, dispersed AJs first appear postnatally and enrich along the entire cell-cell contact around 10 days after birth. Subsequently, these AJ-rich contacts contract, allowing rosettes to form. Concurrently, flat sheet-like domains in the nascent zG, undergo invagination and folding, gradually giving rise to the compact round glomeruli that comprise the adult zG. How these structures impact adrenal function is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sining Leng
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Diana L Carlone
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
| | - Nick A Guagliardo
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - Paula Q Barrett
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - David T Breault
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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10
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Oikonomakos I, Weerasinghe Arachchige LC, Schedl A. Developmental mechanisms of adrenal cortex formation and their links with adult progenitor populations. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 524:111172. [PMID: 33484742 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The adrenal cortex is the main steroid producing organ of the human body. Studies on adrenal tissue renewal have been neglected for many years, but recent intensified research has seen tremendous progress in our understanding of the formation and homeostasis of this organ. However, cell turnover of the adrenal cortex appears to be complex and several cell populations have been identified that can differentiate into steroidogenic cells and contribute to adrenal cortex renewal. The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of how the adrenal cortex develops and how stem cell populations relate to its developmental progenitors. Finally, we will summarize present and future approaches to harvest the potential of progenitor/stem cells for future cell replacement therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Oikonomakos
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose, 06108, Nice, France.
| | | | - Andreas Schedl
- Université Côte d'Azur, Inserm, CNRS, Institut de Biologie Valrose, 06108, Nice, France.
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11
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Hammer GD, Basham KJ. Stem cell function and plasticity in the normal physiology of the adrenal cortex. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 519:111043. [PMID: 33058950 PMCID: PMC7736543 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The adrenal cortex functions to produce steroid hormones necessary for life. To maintain its functional capacity throughout life, the adrenal cortex must be continually replenished and rapidly repaired following injury. Moreover, the adrenal responds to endocrine-mediated organismal needs, which are highly dynamic and necessitate a precise steroidogenic response. To meet these diverse needs, the adrenal employs multiple cell populations with stem cell function. Here, we discuss the literature on adrenocortical stem cells using hematopoietic stem cells as a benchmark to examine the functional capacity of particular cell populations, including those located in the capsule and peripheral cortex. These populations are coordinately regulated by paracrine and endocrine signaling mechanisms, and display remarkable plasticity to adapt to different physiological and pathological conditions. Some populations also exhibit sex-specific activity, which contributes to highly divergent proliferation rates between sexes. Understanding mechanisms that govern adrenocortical renewal has broad implications for both regenerative medicine and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary D Hammer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Endocrine Oncology Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Kaitlin J Basham
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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12
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Sbiera I, Kircher S, Altieri B, Lenz K, Hantel C, Fassnacht M, Sbiera S, Kroiss M. Role of FGF Receptors and Their Pathways in Adrenocortical Tumors and Possible Therapeutic Implications. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:795116. [PMID: 34956100 PMCID: PMC8699171 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.795116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine malignancy and treatment of advanced disease is challenging. Clinical trials with multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the past have yielded disappointing results. Here, we investigated fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors and their pathways in adrenocortical tumors as potential treatment targets. We performed real-time RT-PCR of 93 FGF pathway related genes in a cohort of 39 fresh frozen benign and malignant adrenocortical, 9 non-adrenal tissues and 4 cell lines. The expression of FGF receptors was validated in 166 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissues using RNA in situ hybridization (RNAscope) and correlated with clinical data. In malignant compared to benign adrenal tumors, we found significant differences in the expression of 16/94 FGF receptor pathway related genes. Genes involved in tissue differentiation and metastatic spread through epithelial to mesechymal transition were most strongly altered. The therapeutically targetable FGF receptors 1 and 4 were upregulated 4.6- and 6-fold, respectively, in malignant compared to benign adrenocortical tumors, which was confirmed by RNAscope in FFPE samples. High expression of FGFR1 and 4 was significantly associated with worse patient prognosis in univariate analysis. After multivariate adjustment for the known prognostic factors Ki-67 and ENSAT tumor stage, FGFR1 remained significantly associated with recurrence-free survival (HR=6.10, 95%CI: 1.78 - 20.86, p=0.004) and FGFR4 with overall survival (HR=3.23, 95%CI: 1.52 - 6.88, p=0.002). Collectively, our study supports a role of FGF pathways in malignant adrenocortical tumors. Quantification of FGF receptors may enable a stratification of ACC for the use of FGFR inhibitors in future clinical trials.
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MESH Headings
- Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms/genetics
- Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms/metabolism
- Adrenal Cortex Neoplasms/mortality
- Adrenocortical Carcinoma/genetics
- Adrenocortical Carcinoma/metabolism
- Adrenocortical Carcinoma/mortality
- Adult
- Biomarkers, Tumor/biosynthesis
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Female
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1/biosynthesis
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 1/genetics
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 4/biosynthesis
- Receptor, Fibroblast Growth Factor, Type 4/genetics
- Survival Rate/trends
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Affiliation(s)
- Iuliu Sbiera
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Kircher
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Altieri
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Kerstin Lenz
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Constanze Hantel
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, University Hospital Zürich (USZ) and University of Zürich (UZH), Zürich, Switzerland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Silviu Sbiera
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Silviu Sbiera, ; Matthias Kroiss,
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Silviu Sbiera, ; Matthias Kroiss,
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13
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Haase M, Thiel A, Scholl UI, Ashmawy H, Schott M, Ehlers M. Subcellular localization of fibroblast growth factor receptor type 2 and correlation with CTNNB1 genotype in adrenocortical carcinoma. BMC Res Notes 2020; 13:282. [PMID: 32522271 PMCID: PMC7288682 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-020-05110-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) 2 regulates the development of the adrenal gland in mice. In addition, FGFR2-mediated signalling has been shown to prevent apoptosis and to enhance proliferation in adrenocortical precursor cells. The activation of the Wingless/Int-1 (WNT)/beta catenin pathway as a key mechanism of adrenocortical tumourigenesis has been linked to FGFR2 signalling in other cell types. Therefore we hypothesised that FGFR2 expression may also play a role in adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). We conducted a pilot study and analysed protein expression of FGFR2 in 26 ACCs using immunohistochemistry technique. Data on the CTNNB1 mutation status and clinical data were correlated to the expression of FGFR2. Results We observed a high variability in FGFR2 expression between the different tumour samples. There was a subset of ACC with comparatively high nuclear expression of FGFR2. We did not find a clear association between the CTNNB1 mutational status or clinical features and the FGFR2 expression. We conclude that FGFR signalling plays a role in adrenocortical carcinoma. Our data encourages further investigations of FGFR signalling in ACC, especially since new inhibitors of FGFR signalling are already entering clinical trials for the treatment of other cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Haase
- Division for Specific Endocrinology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Anne Thiel
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Duesseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ute I Scholl
- Department of Nephrology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Duesseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany.,Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care and BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louisa-Karsch-Str. 2, 10178, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hany Ashmawy
- Department of Surgery (A), Medical Faculty, University Hospital Duesseldorf, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Matthias Schott
- Division for Specific Endocrinology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Margret Ehlers
- Division for Specific Endocrinology, Medical Faculty, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Moorenstr 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Germany
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14
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Leng S, Pignatti E, Khetani RS, Shah MS, Xu S, Miao J, Taketo MM, Beuschlein F, Barrett PQ, Carlone DL, Breault DT. β-Catenin and FGFR2 regulate postnatal rosette-based adrenocortical morphogenesis. Nat Commun 2020; 11:1680. [PMID: 32245949 PMCID: PMC7125176 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-15332-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Rosettes are widely used in epithelial morphogenesis during embryonic development and organogenesis. However, their role in postnatal development and adult tissue maintenance remains largely unknown. Here, we show zona glomerulosa cells in the adult adrenal cortex organize into rosettes through adherens junction-mediated constriction, and that rosette formation underlies the maturation of adrenal glomerular structure postnatally. Using genetic mouse models, we show loss of β-catenin results in disrupted adherens junctions, reduced rosette number, and dysmorphic glomeruli, whereas β-catenin stabilization leads to increased adherens junction abundance, more rosettes, and glomerular expansion. Furthermore, we uncover numerous known regulators of epithelial morphogenesis enriched in β-catenin-stabilized adrenals. Among these genes, we show Fgfr2 is required for adrenal rosette formation by regulating adherens junction abundance and aggregation. Together, our data provide an example of rosette-mediated postnatal tissue morphogenesis and a framework for studying the role of rosettes in adult zona glomerulosa tissue maintenance and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sining Leng
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Emanuele Pignatti
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Radhika S Khetani
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Manasvi S Shah
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Simiao Xu
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Ji Miao
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Makoto M Taketo
- Division of Experimental Therapeutics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, Yoshida-Konoe-Cho, Sakyo, Kyoto, 606-8506, Japan
| | - Felix Beuschlein
- Department of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Clinical Nutrition, UniversitätsSpital Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Paula Q Barrett
- Departments of Pharmacology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, 22947, USA
| | - Diana L Carlone
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - David T Breault
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA.
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15
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Mariniello K, Ruiz-Babot G, McGaugh EC, Nicholson JG, Gualtieri A, Gaston-Massuet C, Nostro MC, Guasti L. Stem Cells, Self-Renewal, and Lineage Commitment in the Endocrine System. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:772. [PMID: 31781041 PMCID: PMC6856655 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocrine system coordinates a wide array of body functions mainly through secretion of hormones and their actions on target tissues. Over the last decades, a collective effort between developmental biologists, geneticists, and stem cell biologists has generated a wealth of knowledge related to the contribution of stem/progenitor cells to both organogenesis and self-renewal of endocrine organs. This review provides an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of the role of tissue stem cells in the development and self-renewal of endocrine organs. Pathways governing crucial steps in both development and stemness maintenance, and that are known to be frequently altered in a wide array of endocrine disorders, including cancer, are also described. Crucially, this plethora of information is being channeled into the development of potential new cell-based treatment modalities for endocrine-related illnesses, some of which have made it through clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katia Mariniello
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gerard Ruiz-Babot
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Emily C. McGaugh
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - James G. Nicholson
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Angelica Gualtieri
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Carles Gaston-Massuet
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Cristina Nostro
- McEwen Stem Cell Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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16
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Hadjidemetriou I, Mariniello K, Ruiz-Babot G, Pittaway J, Mancini A, Mariannis D, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Parvanta L, Drake WM, Chung TT, Abdel-Aziz TE, DiMarco A, Palazzo FF, Wierman ME, Kiseljak-Vassiliades K, King PJ, Guasti L. DLK1/PREF1 marks a novel cell population in the human adrenal cortex. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 193:105422. [PMID: 31265901 PMCID: PMC6736711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.105422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The adrenal cortex governs fundamental metabolic processes though synthesis of glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoids and androgens. Studies in rodents have demonstrated that the cortex undergoes a self-renewal process and that capsular/subcapsular stem/progenitor cell pools differentiate towards functional steroidogenic cells supporting the dynamic centripetal streaming of adrenocortical cells throughout life. We previously demonstrated that the Notch atypical ligand Delta-like homologue 1 (DLK1)/preadipocyte factor 1 (PREF1) is expressed in subcapsular Sf1 and Shh-positive, CYP11B1-negative and CYP11B2-partially positive cortical progenitor cells in rat adrenals, and that secreted DLK1 can modulate GLI1 expression in H295R cells. Here we show that the human adrenal cortex remodels with age to generate clusters of relatively undifferentiated cells expressing DLK1. These clusters (named DLK1-expressing cell clusters or DCCs) increased with age in size and were found to be different entities to aldosterone-producing cell clusters, another well-characterized and age-dependent cluster structure. DLK1 was markedly overexpressed in adrenocortical carcinomas but not in aldosterone-producing adenomas. Thus, this data identifies a novel cell population in the human adrenal cortex and might suggest a yet-to be identified role of DLK1 in the pathogenesis of adrenocortical carcinoma in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Hadjidemetriou
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Katia Mariniello
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Gerard Ruiz-Babot
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - James Pittaway
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Alessandra Mancini
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Demetris Mariannis
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Celso E Gomez-Sanchez
- G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center and Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Centre, Jackson MS, USA
| | - Laila Parvanta
- Department of Surgery, St Bartholomew's Hospital, West Smithfield, London, EC1A 7BE, UK
| | - William M Drake
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Teng-Teng Chung
- Department of Endocrinology, University College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, NW1 2PG, London, UK
| | - Tarek Ezzat Abdel-Aziz
- Department of Endocrinology, University College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, NW1 2PG, London, UK
| | - Aimee DiMarco
- Department of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Fausto F Palazzo
- Department of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgery, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Margaret E Wierman
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Research Service, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Katja Kiseljak-Vassiliades
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA; Research Service, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Denver, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Peter J King
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Bart's and the London, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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17
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Pittaway JFH, Guasti L. Pathobiology and genetics of adrenocortical carcinoma. J Mol Endocrinol 2019; 62:R105-R119. [PMID: 30072419 DOI: 10.1530/jme-18-0122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2018] [Accepted: 08/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare malignancy with an incidence worldwide of 0.7-2.0 cases/million/year. Initial staging is the most important factor in determining prognosis. If diagnosed early, complete surgical resection +/- adjuvant treatment can lead to 5-year survival of up to 80%. However, often it is diagnosed late and in advanced disease, 5-year survival is <15% with a high recurrence rate even after radical surgery. The mainstay of adjuvant treatment is with the drug mitotane. Mitotane has a specific cytotoxic effect on steroidogenic cells of the adrenal cortex, but despite this, progression through treatment is common. Developments in genetic analysis in the form of next-generation sequencing, aided by bioinformatics, have enabled high-throughput molecular characterisation of these tumours. This, in addition to a better appreciation of the processes of physiological, homeostatic self-renewal of the adrenal cortex, has furthered our understanding of the pathogenesis of this malignancy. In this review, we have detailed the pathobiology and genetic alterations in adrenocortical carcinoma by integrating current understanding of homeostasis and self-renewal in the normal adrenal cortex with molecular profiling of tumours from recent genetic analyses. Improved understanding of the mechanisms involved in self-renewal and stem cell hierarchy in normal human adrenal cortices, together with the identification of cell populations likely to be co-opted by oncogenic mutations, will enable further progress in the definition of the molecular pathways involved in the pathogenesis of ACC. The combination of these advances eventually will lead to the development of novel, effective and personalised strategies to eradicate molecularly annotated ACCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- James F H Pittaway
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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18
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Novoselova TV, Hussain M, King PJ, Guasti L, Metherell LA, Charalambous M, Clark AJL, Chan LF. MRAP deficiency impairs adrenal progenitor cell differentiation and gland zonation. FASEB J 2018; 32:fj201701274RR. [PMID: 29879378 PMCID: PMC6181639 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201701274rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein (MRAP) is a single transmembrane domain accessory protein and a critical component of the hypothamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. MRAP is highly expressed in the adrenal gland and is essential for adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) receptor expression and function. Human loss-of-function mutations in MRAP cause familial glucocorticoid (GC) deficiency (FGD) type 2 (FGD2), whereby the adrenal gland fails to respond to ACTH and to produce cortisol. In this study, we generated Mrap-null mice to study the function of MRAP in vivo. We found that the vast majority of Mrap-/- mice died at birth but could be rescued by administration of corticosterone to pregnant dams. Surviving Mrap-/- mice developed isolated GC deficiency with normal mineralocorticoid and catecholamine production, recapitulating FGD2. The adrenal glands of adult Mrap-/- mice were small, with grossly impaired adrenal capsular morphology and cortex zonation. Progenitor cell differentiation was significantly impaired, with dysregulation of WNT4/β-catenin and sonic hedgehog pathways. These data demonstrate the roles of MRAP in both steroidogenesis and the regulation of adrenal cortex zonation. This is the first mouse model of isolated GC deficiency and reveals the role of MRAP in adrenal progenitor cell regulation and cortex zonation.-Novoselova, T. V., Hussain, M., King, P. J., Guasti, L., Metherell, L. A., Charalambous, M., Clark, A. J. L., Chan, L. F. MRAP deficiency impairs adrenal progenitor cell differentiation and gland zonation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana V Novoselova
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mashal Hussain
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Peter J King
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louise A Metherell
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marika Charalambous
- Medical and Molecular Genetics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adrian J L Clark
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Li F Chan
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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19
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Hagan A, Amarillo IE. Small copy-number variations involving genes of the FGF pathway in differences in sex development. Hum Genome Var 2017; 4:17011. [PMID: 28446957 PMCID: PMC5390097 DOI: 10.1038/hgv.2017.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2016] [Revised: 09/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Retrospective chromosome microarray analysis of 83 genes within the fibroblast growth factor signaling pathway in 52 patients with heterogeneous differences in sex development (DSD) revealed small copy-number variations (CNVs) in ~31% (n=26) of investigated genes. Roughly half of these genes (39/83) are ⩽50 kb. This study highlights the potential involvement of small CNVs in disrupting normal gene function and dysregulating genes of the FGF pathway associated with DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Hagan
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ina E Amarillo
- Cytogenetics and Molecular Pathology Laboratory, Division of Laboratory and Genomic Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University in St Louis School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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20
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Penny MK, Finco I, Hammer GD. Cell signaling pathways in the adrenal cortex: Links to stem/progenitor biology and neoplasia. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 445:42-54. [PMID: 27940298 PMCID: PMC5508551 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 12/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The adrenal cortex is a dynamic tissue responsible for the synthesis of steroid hormones, including mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and androgens in humans. Advances have been made in understanding the role of adrenocortical stem/progenitor cell populations in cortex homeostasis and self-renewal. Recently, large molecular profiling studies of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) have given insights into proteins and signaling pathways involved in normal tissue homeostasis that become dysregulated in cancer. These data provide an impetus to examine the cellular pathways implicated in adrenocortical disease and study connections, or lack thereof, between adrenal homeostasis and tumorigenesis, with a particular focus on stem and progenitor cell pathways. In this review, we discuss evidence for stem/progenitor cells in the adrenal cortex, proteins and signaling pathways that may regulate these cells, and the role these proteins play in pathologic and neoplastic conditions. In turn, we also examine common perturbations in adrenocortical tumors (ACT) and how these proteins and pathways may be involved in adrenal homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan K Penny
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Isabella Finco
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Gary D Hammer
- Cancer Biology Graduate Program, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Endocrine Oncology Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan Health System, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, 1528 BSRB, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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21
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Schwafertz C, Schinner S, Kühn MC, Haase M, Asmus A, Mülders-Opgenoorth B, Ansurudeen I, Hornsby PJ, Morawietz H, Oetjen E, Schott M, Willenberg HS. Endothelial cells regulate β-catenin activity in adrenocortical cells via secretion of basic fibroblast growth factor. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 441:108-115. [PMID: 27889473 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Endothelial cell-derived products influence the synthesis of aldosterone and cortisol in human adrenocortical cells by modulating proteins such as steroidogenic acute-regulatory (StAR) protein, steroidogenic factor (SF)-1 and CITED2. However, the potential endothelial cell-derived factors that mediate this effect are still unknown. The current study was perfomed to look into the control of β-catenin activity by endothelial cell-derived factors and to identify a mechanism by which they affect β-catenin activity in adrenocortical NCIH295R cells. Using reporter gene assays and Western blotting, we found that endothelial cell-conditioned medium (ECCM) led to nuclear translocation of β-catenin and an increase in β-catenin-dependent transcription that could be blocked by U0126, an inhibitor of the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Furthermore, we found that a receptor tyrosin kinase (RTK) was involved in ECCM-induced β-catenin-dependent transcription. Through selective inhibition of RTK using Su5402, it was shown that receptors responding to basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) mediate the action of ECCM. Adrenocortical cells treated with bFGF showed a significant greater level of bFGF mRNA. In addition, HUVECs secrete bFGF in a density-dependent manner. In conclusion, the data suggest that endothelial cells regulate β-catenin activity in adrenocortical cells also via secretion of basic fibroblast growth factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Schwafertz
- Division for Specific Endocrinology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Sven Schinner
- Division for Specific Endocrinology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Markus C Kühn
- Division for Specific Endocrinology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Matthias Haase
- Division for Specific Endocrinology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany; Department of Medicine III, Carl Gustav Carus Medical School, University of Technology, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Amelie Asmus
- Division for Specific Endocrinology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Birgit Mülders-Opgenoorth
- Division for Specific Endocrinology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Ishrath Ansurudeen
- Department of Medicine III, Carl Gustav Carus Medical School, University of Technology, D-01307 Dresden, Germany; Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, L1:01 Rolf Luft Centrum, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Peter J Hornsby
- Department of Physiology and Sam and Ann Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Henning Morawietz
- Department of Medicine III, Carl Gustav Carus Medical School, University of Technology, D-01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Elke Oetjen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmacology for Pharmacist's Unit, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Schott
- Division for Specific Endocrinology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Holger S Willenberg
- Division for Specific Endocrinology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Dusseldorf, D-40225 Dusseldorf, Germany; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rostock University Medical Center, Germany.
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22
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Lerario AM, Finco I, LaPensee C, Hammer GD. Molecular Mechanisms of Stem/Progenitor Cell Maintenance in the Adrenal Cortex. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:52. [PMID: 28386245 PMCID: PMC5362593 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The adrenal cortex is characterized by three histologically and functionally distinct zones: the outermost zona glomerulosa (zG), the intermediate zona fasciculata, and the innermost zona reticularis. Important aspects of the physiology and maintenance of the adrenocortical stem/progenitor cells have emerged in the last few years. Studies have shown that the adrenocortical cells descend from a pool of progenitors that are localized in the subcapsular region of the zG. These cells continually undergo a process of centripetal displacement and differentiation, which is orchestrated by several paracrine and endocrine cues, including the pituitary-derived adrenocorticotrophic hormone, and angiotensin II. However, while several roles of the endocrine axes on adrenocortical function are well established, the mechanisms coordinating the maintenance of an undifferentiated progenitor cell pool with self-renewal capacity are poorly understood. Local factors, such as the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) with embedded signaling molecules, and the activity of major paracrine effectors, including ligands of the sonic hedgehog and Wnt signaling pathways, are thought to play a major role. Particularly, the composition of the ECM, which exhibits substantial differences within each of the three histologically distinct concentric zones, has been shown to influence the differentiation status of adrenocortical cells. New data from other organ systems and different experimental paradigms strongly support the conclusion that the interactions of ECM components with cell-surface receptors and secreted factors are key determinants of cell fate. In this review, we summarize established and emerging data on the paracrine and autocrine regulatory loops that regulate the biology of the progenitor cell niche and propose a role for bioengineered ECM models in further elucidating this biology in the adrenal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Marcondes Lerario
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Isabella Finco
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Christopher LaPensee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gary Douglas Hammer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Endocrine Oncology Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Center for Organogenesis, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- *Correspondence: Gary Douglas Hammer,
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23
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Vinson GP. Functional Zonation of the Adult Mammalian Adrenal Cortex. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:238. [PMID: 27378832 PMCID: PMC4908136 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The standard model of adrenocortical zonation holds that the three main zones, glomerulosa, fasciculata, and reticularis each have a distinct function, producing mineralocorticoids (in fact just aldosterone), glucocorticoids, and androgens respectively. Moreover, each zone has its specific mechanism of regulation, though ACTH has actions throughout. Finally, the cells of the cortex originate from a stem cell population in the outer cortex or capsule, and migrate centripetally, changing their phenotype as they progress through the zones. Recent progress in understanding the development of the gland and the distribution of steroidogenic enzymes, trophic hormone receptors, and other factors suggests that this model needs refinement. Firstly, proliferation can take place throughout the gland, and although the stem cells are certainly located in the periphery, zonal replenishment can take place within zones. Perhaps more importantly, neither the distribution of enzymes nor receptors suggest that the individual zones are necessarily autonomous in their production of steroid. This is particularly true of the glomerulosa, which does not seem to have the full suite of enzymes required for aldosterone biosynthesis. Nor, in the rat anyway, does it express MC2R to account for the response of aldosterone to ACTH. It is known that in development, recruitment of stem cells is stimulated by signals from within the glomerulosa. Furthermore, throughout the cortex local regulatory factors, including cytokines, catecholamines and the tissue renin-angiotensin system, modify and refine the effects of the systemic trophic factors. In these and other ways it more and more appears that the functions of the gland should be viewed as an integrated whole, greater than the sum of its component parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin P Vinson
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
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Zhou K, Salamov A, Kuo A, Aerts AL, Kong X, Grigoriev IV. Alternative splicing acting as a bridge in evolution. Stem Cell Investig 2015; 2:19. [PMID: 27358887 DOI: 10.3978/j.issn.2306-9759.2015.10.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alternative splicing (AS) regulates diverse cellular and developmental functions through alternative protein structures of different isoforms. Alternative exons dominate AS in vertebrates; however, very little is known about the extent and function of AS in lower eukaryotes. To understand the role of introns in gene evolution, we examined AS from a green algal and five fungal genomes using a novel EST-based gene-modeling algorithm (COMBEST). METHODS AS from each genome was classified with COMBEST that maps EST sequences to genomes to build gene models. Various aspects of AS were analyzed through statistical methods. The interplay of intron 3n length, phase, coding property, and intron retention (RI) were examined with Chi-square testing. RESULTS With 3 to 834 times EST coverage, we identified up to 73% of AS in intron-containing genes and found preponderance of RI among 11 types of AS. The number of exons, expression level, and maximum intron length correlated with number of AS per gene (NAG), and intron-rich genes suppressed AS. Genes with AS were more ancient, and AS was conserved among fungal genomes. Among stopless introns, non-retained introns (NRI) avoided, but major RI preferred 3n length. In contrast, stop-containing introns showed uniform distribution among 3n, 3n+1, and 3n+2 lengths. We found a clue to the intron phase enigma: it was the coding function of introns involved in AS that dictates the intron phase bias. CONCLUSIONS Majority of AS is non-functional, and the extent of AS is suppressed for intron-rich genes. RI through 3n length, stop codon, and phase bias bridges the transition from functionless to functional alternative isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kemin Zhou
- 1 US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA ; 2 Roche Molecular Diagnostics, 4300 Hacienda Drive, Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA ; 3 Department of Clinical Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650031, China
| | - Asaf Salamov
- 1 US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA ; 2 Roche Molecular Diagnostics, 4300 Hacienda Drive, Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA ; 3 Department of Clinical Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650031, China
| | - Alan Kuo
- 1 US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA ; 2 Roche Molecular Diagnostics, 4300 Hacienda Drive, Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA ; 3 Department of Clinical Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650031, China
| | - Andrea L Aerts
- 1 US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA ; 2 Roche Molecular Diagnostics, 4300 Hacienda Drive, Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA ; 3 Department of Clinical Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650031, China
| | - Xiangyang Kong
- 1 US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA ; 2 Roche Molecular Diagnostics, 4300 Hacienda Drive, Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA ; 3 Department of Clinical Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650031, China
| | - Igor V Grigoriev
- 1 US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute, 2800 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA ; 2 Roche Molecular Diagnostics, 4300 Hacienda Drive, Pleasanton, CA 94588, USA ; 3 Department of Clinical Medicine, Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming 650031, China
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Häfner R, Bohnenpoll T, Rudat C, Schultheiss TM, Kispert A. Fgfr2 is required for the expansion of the early adrenocortical primordium. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 413:168-77. [PMID: 26141512 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2015] [Revised: 06/21/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The adrenal cortex is a critical steroidogenic endocrine tissue, generated at least in part from intermediate mesoderm of the anterior urogenital ridge. Previous work has pinpointed a minor role of the FGFR2IIIb isoform in expansion and differentiation of the fetal adrenal cortex in mice but did not address the complete role of FGFR2 and FGFR1 signaling in adrenocortical development. Here, we show that a Tbx18(cre) line mediates specific recombination in the coelomic epithelium of the anterior urogenital ridge which gives rise by a delamination process to the adrenocortical primordium. Mice with conditional (Tbx18(cre)-mediated) deletion of all isoforms of Fgfr2 exhibited severely hypoplastic adrenal glands around birth. Cortical cells were dramatically reduced in number but showed steroidogenic differentiation and zonation. Neuroendocrine chromaffin cells were also reduced and formed a cell cluster adjacent to but not encapsulated by steroidogenic cells. Analysis of earlier time points revealed that the adrenocortical primordium was established in the intermediate mesoderm at E10.5 but that it failed to expand at subsequent stages. Our further experiments show that FGFR2 signaling acts as early as E11.5 to prevent apoptosis and enhance proliferation in adrenocortical progenitor cells. FGFR1 signaling does not contribute to early adrenocortical development. Our work suggests that FGFR2IIIb and IIIc isoforms largely act redundantly to promote expansion of the adrenocortical primordium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regine Häfner
- Institut für Molekularbiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tobias Bohnenpoll
- Institut für Molekularbiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Carsten Rudat
- Institut für Molekularbiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas M Schultheiss
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Rappaport-Technion Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Andreas Kispert
- Institut für Molekularbiologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Hannover, Germany.
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Bandiera R, Sacco S, Vidal VPI, Chaboissier MC, Schedl A. Steroidogenic organ development and homeostasis: A WT1-centric view. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 408:145-55. [PMID: 25596547 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2015.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2014] [Revised: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Adrenal and gonads are the main steroidogenic organs and are central to regulate body homeostasis in the vertebrate organism. Although adrenals and gonads are physically separated in the adult organism, both organs share a common developmental origin, the adrenogonadal primordium. One of the key genes involved in the development of both organs is the Wilms' tumor suppressor WT1, which encodes a zinc finger protein that has fascinated the scientific community for more than two decades. This review will provide an overview of the processes leading to the development of these unique organs with a particular focus on the multiple functions WT1 serves during adrenogonadal development. In addition, we will highlight some recent findings and open questions on how maintenance of steroidogenic organs is achieved in the adult organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Bandiera
- Wellcome Trust - Medical Research Council Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QR, UK
| | - Sonia Sacco
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; Inserm, UMR1091, F-06108, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108, France
| | - Valerie P I Vidal
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; Inserm, UMR1091, F-06108, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108, France
| | - Marie-Christine Chaboissier
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; Inserm, UMR1091, F-06108, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108, France
| | - Andreas Schedl
- Institute of Biology Valrose, Université de Nice-Sophia, F-06108 Nice, France; Inserm, UMR1091, F-06108, France; CNRS, UMR7277, F-06108, France.
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27
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Röhrig T, Pihlajoki M, Ziegler R, Cochran RS, Schrade A, Schillebeeckx M, Mitra RD, Heikinheimo M, Wilson DB. Toying with fate: Redirecting the differentiation of adrenocortical progenitor cells into gonadal-like tissue. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 408:165-77. [PMID: 25498963 PMCID: PMC4417465 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2014] [Revised: 11/30/2014] [Accepted: 12/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cell fate decisions are integral to zonation and remodeling of the adrenal cortex. Animal models exhibiting ectopic differentiation of gonadal-like cells in the adrenal cortex can shed light on the molecular mechanisms regulating steroidogenic cell fate. In one such model, prepubertal gonadectomy (GDX) of mice triggers the formation of adrenocortical neoplasms that resemble luteinized ovarian stroma. Transcriptomic analysis and genome-wide DNA methylation mapping have identified genetic and epigenetic markers of GDX-induced adrenocortical neoplasia. Members of the GATA transcription factor family have emerged as key regulators of cell fate in this model. Expression of Gata4 is pivotal for the accumulation of gonadal-like cells in the adrenal glands of gonadectomized mice, whereas expression of Gata6 limits the spontaneous and GDX-induced differentiation of gonadal-like cells in the adrenal cortex. Additionally, Gata6 is essential for proper development of the adrenal X-zone, a layer analogous to the fetal zone of the human adrenal cortex. The relevance of these observations to developmental signaling pathways in the adrenal cortex, to other animal models of altered adrenocortical cell fate, and to human diseases is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Röhrig
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim - University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Marjut Pihlajoki
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Ricarda Ziegler
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Hochschule Mannheim - University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim 68163, Germany
| | - Rebecca S Cochran
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Anja Schrade
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - Maximiliaan Schillebeeckx
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Robi D Mitra
- Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Children's Hospital, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Central Hospital, Helsinki 00290, Finland
| | - David B Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA; Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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28
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Ruiz-Babot G, Hadjidemetriou I, King PJ, Guasti L. New directions for the treatment of adrenal insufficiency. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:70. [PMID: 25999916 PMCID: PMC4422080 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenal disease, whether primary, caused by defects in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, or secondary, caused by defects outside the HPA axis, usually results in adrenal insufficiency, which requires lifelong daily replacement of corticosteroids. However, this kind of therapy is far from ideal as physiological demand for steroids varies considerably throughout the day and increases during periods of stress. The development of alternative curative strategies is therefore needed. In this review, we describe the latest technologies aimed at either isolating or generating de novo cells that could be used for novel, regenerative medicine application in the adrenocortical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard Ruiz-Babot
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Irene Hadjidemetriou
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Peter James King
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
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29
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Ornitz DM, Itoh N. The Fibroblast Growth Factor signaling pathway. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2015; 4:215-66. [PMID: 25772309 PMCID: PMC4393358 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1295] [Impact Index Per Article: 143.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 11/23/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The signaling component of the mammalian Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) family is comprised of eighteen secreted proteins that interact with four signaling tyrosine kinase FGF receptors (FGFRs). Interaction of FGF ligands with their signaling receptors is regulated by protein or proteoglycan cofactors and by extracellular binding proteins. Activated FGFRs phosphorylate specific tyrosine residues that mediate interaction with cytosolic adaptor proteins and the RAS-MAPK, PI3K-AKT, PLCγ, and STAT intracellular signaling pathways. Four structurally related intracellular non-signaling FGFs interact with and regulate the family of voltage gated sodium channels. Members of the FGF family function in the earliest stages of embryonic development and during organogenesis to maintain progenitor cells and mediate their growth, differentiation, survival, and patterning. FGFs also have roles in adult tissues where they mediate metabolic functions, tissue repair, and regeneration, often by reactivating developmental signaling pathways. Consistent with the presence of FGFs in almost all tissues and organs, aberrant activity of the pathway is associated with developmental defects that disrupt organogenesis, impair the response to injury, and result in metabolic disorders, and cancer. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Ornitz
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University School of MedicineSt. Louis, MO, USA
- *
Correspondence to:
| | - Nobuyuki Itoh
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto UniversitySakyo, Kyoto, Japan
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Abstract
Stem cells are endowed with the potential for self-renewal and multipotency. Pluripotent embryonic stem cells have an early role in the formation of the three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm and endoderm), whereas adult tissue stem cells and progenitor cells are critical mediators of organ homeostasis. The adrenal cortex is an exceptionally dynamic endocrine organ that is homeostatically maintained by paracrine and endocrine signals throughout postnatal life. In the past decade, much has been learned about the stem and progenitor cells of the adrenal cortex and the multiple roles that these cell populations have in normal development and homeostasis of the adrenal gland and in adrenal diseases. In this Review, we discuss the evidence for the presence of adrenocortical stem cells, as well as the various signalling molecules and transcriptional networks that are critical for the embryological establishment and postnatal maintenance of this vital population of cells. The implications of these pathways and cells in the pathophysiology of disease are also addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth M Walczak
- Division of Nephrology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Gary D Hammer
- Center for Organogenesis, Alfred Taubman Biomedical Sciences Research Building, Room 1528, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
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31
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Pihlajoki M, Dörner J, Cochran RS, Heikinheimo M, Wilson DB. Adrenocortical zonation, renewal, and remodeling. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2015; 6:27. [PMID: 25798129 PMCID: PMC4350438 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2015.00027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The adrenal cortex is divided into concentric zones. In humans the major cortical zones are the zona glomerulosa, zona fasciculata, and zona reticularis. The adrenal cortex is a dynamic organ in which senescent cells are replaced by newly differentiated ones. This constant renewal facilitates organ remodeling in response to physiological demand for steroids. Cortical zones can reversibly expand, contract, or alter their biochemical profiles to accommodate needs. Pools of stem/progenitor cells in the adrenal capsule, subcapsular region, and juxtamedullary region can differentiate to repopulate or expand zones. Some of these pools appear to be activated only during specific developmental windows or in response to extreme physiological demand. Senescent cells can also be replenished through direct lineage conversion; for example, cells in the zona glomerulosa can transform into cells of the zona fasciculata. Adrenocortical cell differentiation, renewal, and function are regulated by a variety of endocrine/paracrine factors including adrenocorticotropin, angiotensin II, insulin-related growth hormones, luteinizing hormone, activin, and inhibin. Additionally, zonation and regeneration of the adrenal cortex are controlled by developmental signaling pathways, such as the sonic hedgehog, delta-like homolog 1, fibroblast growth factor, and WNT/β-catenin pathways. The mechanisms involved in adrenocortical remodeling are complex and redundant so as to fulfill the offsetting goals of organ homeostasis and stress adaptation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjut Pihlajoki
- Helsinki University Central Hospital, Children’s Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Julia Dörner
- Hochschule Mannheim – University of Applied Sciences, Mannheim, Germany
- St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Rebecca S. Cochran
- St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- Helsinki University Central Hospital, Children’s Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David B. Wilson
- St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- *Correspondence: David B. Wilson, Washington University School of Medicine, Box 8208, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA e-mail:
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Walczak EM, Kuick R, Finco I, Bohin N, Hrycaj SM, Wellik DM, Hammer GD. Wnt signaling inhibits adrenal steroidogenesis by cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms. Mol Endocrinol 2014; 28:1471-86. [PMID: 25029241 DOI: 10.1210/me.2014-1060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin (βcat) signaling is critical for adrenal homeostasis. To elucidate how Wnt/βcat signaling elicits homeostatic maintenance of the adrenal cortex, we characterized the identity of the adrenocortical Wnt-responsive population. We find that Wnt-responsive cells consist of sonic hedgehog (Shh)-producing adrenocortical progenitors and differentiated, steroidogenic cells of the zona glomerulosa, but not the zona fasciculata and rarely cells that are actively proliferating. To determine potential direct inhibitory effects of βcat signaling on zona fasciculata-associated steroidogenesis, we used the mouse ATCL7 adrenocortical cell line that serves as a model system of glucocorticoid-producing fasciculata cells. Stimulation of βcat signaling caused decreased corticosterone release consistent with the observed reduced transcription of steroidogenic genes Cyp11a1, Cyp11b1, Star, and Mc2r. Decreased steroidogenic gene expression was correlated with diminished steroidogenic factor 1 (Sf1; Nr5a1) expression and occupancy on steroidogenic promoters. Additionally, βcat signaling suppressed the ability of Sf1 to transactivate steroidogenic promoters independent of changes in Sf1 expression level. To investigate Sf1-independent effects of βcat on steroidogenesis, we used Affymetrix gene expression profiling of Wnt-responsive cells in vivo and in vitro. One candidate gene identified, Ccdc80, encodes a secreted protein with unknown signaling mechanisms. We report that Ccdc80 is a novel βcat-regulated gene in adrenocortical cells. Treatment of adrenocortical cells with media containing secreted Ccdc80 partially phenocopies βcat-induced suppression of steroidogenesis, albeit through an Sf1-independent mechanism. This study reveals multiple mechanisms of βcat-mediated suppression of steroidogenesis and suggests that Wnt/βcat signaling may regulate adrenal homeostasis by inhibiting fasciculata differentiation and promoting the undifferentiated state of progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth M Walczak
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program (E.M.W., G.D.H.) and Program in Biomedical Sciences (N.B.), University of Michigan Medical School; Center for Cancer Biostatistics (R.K.), Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health; Department of Internal Medicine (I.F., G.D.H.), Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology and Diabetes; Department of Internal Medicine (S.M.H., D.M.W.), Division of Molecular Medicine and Genetics; and Endocrine Oncology Program (G.D.H.), Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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Tee MK, Miller WL. Phosphorylation of human cytochrome P450c17 by p38α selectively increases 17,20 lyase activity and androgen biosynthesis. J Biol Chem 2013; 288:23903-13. [PMID: 23836902 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m113.460048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytochrome P450c17, a steroidogenic enzyme encoded by the CYP17A1 gene, catalyzes the steroid 17α-hydroxylation needed for glucocorticoid synthesis, which may or may not be followed by 17,20 lyase activity needed for sex steroid synthesis. Whether or not P450c17 catalyzes 17,20 lyase activity is determined by three post-translational mechanisms influencing availability of reducing equivalents donated by P450 oxidoreductase (POR). These are increased amounts of POR, the allosteric action of cytochrome b5 to promote POR-P450c17 interaction, and Ser/Thr phosphorylation of P450c17, which also appears to promote POR-P450c17 interaction. The kinase(s) that phosphorylates P450c17 is unknown. In a series of kinase inhibition experiments, the pyridinyl imidazole drugs SB202190 and SB203580 inhibited 17,20 lyase but not 17α-hydroxylase activity in human adrenocortical HCI-H295A cells, suggesting an action on p38α or p38β. Co-transfection of non-steroidogenic COS-1 cells with P450c17 and p38 expression vectors showed that p38α, but not p38β, conferred 17,20 lyase activity on P450c17. Antiserum to P450c17 co-immunoprecipitated P450c17 and both p38 isoforms; however, knockdown of p38α, but not knockdown of p38β, inhibited 17,20 lyase activity in NCI-H295A cells. Bacterially expressed human P450c17 was phosphorylated by p38α in vitro at a non-canonical site, conferring increased 17,20 lyase activity. This phosphorylation increased the maximum velocity, but not the Michaelis constant, of the 17,20 lyase reaction. p38α phosphorylates P450c17 in a fashion that confers increased 17,20 lyase activity, implying that the production of adrenal androgens (adrenarche) is a regulated event.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Kian Tee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
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Yates R, Katugampola H, Cavlan D, Cogger K, Meimaridou E, Hughes C, Metherell L, Guasti L, King P. Adrenocortical Development, Maintenance, and Disease. Curr Top Dev Biol 2013; 106:239-312. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-416021-7.00007-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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