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Sosa J, Oyelakin A, Sinha S. The Reign of Follistatin in Tumors and Their Microenvironment: Implications for Drug Resistance. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:130. [PMID: 38392348 PMCID: PMC10887188 DOI: 10.3390/biology13020130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Follistatin (FST) is a potent neutralizer of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily and is associated with normal cellular programs and various hallmarks of cancer, such as proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, and immune evasion. The aberrant expression of FST by solid tumors is a well-documented observation, yet how FST influences tumor progression and therapy response remains unclear. The recent surge in omics data has revealed new insights into the molecular foundation underpinning tumor heterogeneity and its microenvironment, offering novel precision medicine-based opportunities to combat cancer. In this review, we discuss these recent FST-centric studies, thereby offering an updated perspective on the protean role of FST isoforms in shaping the complex cellular ecosystem of tumors and in mediating drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Sosa
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
| | - Akinsola Oyelakin
- Center for Integrative Brain Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA 98101, USA
| | - Satrajit Sinha
- Department of Biochemistry, Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14203, USA
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2
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Ito H, Emori C, Kobayashi M, Maruyama N, Fujii W, Naito K, Sugiura K. Cooperative effects of oocytes and estrogen on the forkhead box L2 expression in mural granulosa cells in mice. Sci Rep 2022; 12:20158. [PMID: 36424497 PMCID: PMC9691737 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-24680-x] [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: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) plays a critical role in the development and function of mammalian ovaries. In fact, the causative effects of FOXL2 misregulations have been identified in many ovarian diseases, such as primary ovarian insufficiency and granulosa cell tumor; however, the mechanism by which FOXL2 expression is regulated is not well studied. Here, we showed that FOXL2 expression in ovarian mural granulosa cells (MGCs) requires stimulation by both oocyte-derived signals and estrogen in mice. In the absence of oocytes or estrogen, expression of FOXL2 and its transcriptional targets, Cyp19a1 and Fst mRNA, in MGCs were significantly decreased. Moreover, expression levels of Sox9 mRNA, but not SOX9 protein, were significantly increased in the FOXL2-reduced MGCs. FOXL2 expression in MGCs was maintained with either oocytes or recombinant proteins of oocyte-derived paracrine factors, BMP15 and GDF9, together with estrogen, and this oocyte effect was abrogated with an ALK5 inhibitor, SB431542. In addition, the FOXL2 level was significantly decreased in MGCs isolated from Bmp15-/- /Gdf9+/- mice. Therefore, oocyte, probably with estrogen, plays a critical role in the regulation of FOXL2 expression in mural granulosa cells in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruka Ito
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chihiro Emori
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan ,grid.136593.b0000 0004 0373 3971Present Address: Department of Experimental Genome Research, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mei Kobayashi
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Natsumi Maruyama
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wataru Fujii
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kunihiko Naito
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Koji Sugiura
- grid.26999.3d0000 0001 2151 536XLaboratory of Applied Genetics, Department of Animal Resource Sciences, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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3
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Jiménez R, Burgos M, Barrionuevo FJ. Sex Maintenance in Mammals. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12070999. [PMID: 34209938 PMCID: PMC8303465 DOI: 10.3390/genes12070999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The crucial event in mammalian sexual differentiation occurs at the embryonic stage of sex determination, when the bipotential gonads differentiate as either testes or ovaries, according to the sex chromosome constitution of the embryo, XY or XX, respectively. Once differentiated, testes produce sexual hormones that induce the subsequent differentiation of the male reproductive tract. On the other hand, the lack of masculinizing hormones in XX embryos permits the formation of the female reproductive tract. It was long assumed that once the gonad is differentiated, this developmental decision is irreversible. However, several findings in the last decade have shown that this is not the case and that a continuous sex maintenance is needed. Deletion of Foxl2 in the adult ovary lead to ovary-to-testis transdifferentiation and deletion of either Dmrt1 or Sox9/Sox8 in the adult testis induces the opposite process. In both cases, mutant gonads were genetically reprogrammed, showing that both the male program in ovaries and the female program in testes must be actively repressed throughout the individual's life. In addition to these transcription factors, other genes and molecular pathways have also been shown to be involved in this antagonism. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the genetic basis of sex maintenance once the gonad is already differentiated.
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4
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Secchi C, Benaglio P, Mulas F, Belli M, Stupack D, Shimasaki S. FOXO1 mitigates the SMAD3/FOXL2 C134W transcriptomic effect in a model of human adult granulosa cell tumor. J Transl Med 2021; 19:90. [PMID: 33639972 PMCID: PMC7913442 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02754-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult granulosa cell tumor (aGCT) is a rare type of stromal cell malignant cancer of the ovary characterized by elevated estrogen levels. aGCTs ubiquitously harbor a somatic mutation in FOXL2 gene, Cys134Trp (c.402C < G); however, the general molecular effect of this mutation and its putative pathogenic role in aGCT tumorigenesis is not completely understood. We previously studied the role of FOXL2C134W, its partner SMAD3 and its antagonist FOXO1 in cellular models of aGCT. METHODS In this work, seeking more comprehensive profiling of FOXL2C134W transcriptomic effects, we performed an RNA-seq analysis comparing the effect of FOXL2WT/SMAD3 and FOXL2C134W/SMAD3 overexpression in an established human GC line (HGrC1), which is not luteinized, and bears normal alleles of FOXL2. RESULTS Our data shows that FOXL2C134W/SMAD3 overexpression alters the expression of 717 genes. These genes include known and novel FOXL2 targets (TGFB2, SMARCA4, HSPG2, MKI67, NFKBIA) and are enriched for neoplastic pathways (Proteoglycans in Cancer, Chromatin remodeling, Apoptosis, Tissue Morphogenesis, Tyrosine Kinase Receptors). We additionally expressed the FOXL2 antagonistic Forkhead protein, FOXO1. Surprisingly, overexpression of FOXO1 mitigated 40% of the altered genome-wide effects specifically related to FOXL2C134W, suggesting it can be a new target for aGCT treatment. CONCLUSIONS Our transcriptomic data provide novel insights into potential genes (FOXO1 regulated) that could be used as biomarkers of efficacy in aGCT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Secchi
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA.
| | - Paola Benaglio
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Francesca Mulas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Martina Belli
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Dwayne Stupack
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
| | - Shunichi Shimasaki
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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5
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Weis-Banke SE, Lerdrup M, Kleine-Kohlbrecher D, Mohammad F, Sidoli S, Jensen ON, Yanase T, Nakamura T, Iwase A, Stylianou A, Abu-Rustum NR, Aghajanian C, Soslow R, Da Cruz Paula A, Koche RP, Weigelt B, Christensen J, Helin K, Cloos PAC. Mutant FOXL2 C134W Hijacks SMAD4 and SMAD2/3 to Drive Adult Granulosa Cell Tumors. Cancer Res 2020; 80:3466-3479. [PMID: 32641411 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-0259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The mutant protein FOXL2C134W is expressed in at least 95% of adult-type ovarian granulosa cell tumors (AGCT) and is considered to be a driver of oncogenesis in this disease. However, the molecular mechanism by which FOXL2C134W contributes to tumorigenesis is not known. Here, we show that mutant FOXL2C134W acquires the ability to bind SMAD4, forming a FOXL2C134W/SMAD4/SMAD2/3 complex that binds a novel hybrid DNA motif AGHCAHAA, unique to the FOXL2C134W mutant. This binding induced an enhancer-like chromatin state, leading to transcription of nearby genes, many of which are characteristic of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. FOXL2C134W also bound hybrid loci in primary AGCT. Ablation of SMAD4 or SMAD2/3 resulted in strong reduction of FOXL2C134W binding at hybrid sites and decreased expression of associated genes. Accordingly, inhibition of TGFβ mitigated the transcriptional effect of FOXL2C134W. Our results provide mechanistic insight into AGCT pathogenesis, identifying FOXL2C134W and its interaction with SMAD4 as potential therapeutic targets to this condition. SIGNIFICANCE: FOXL2C134W hijacks SMAD4 and leads to the expression of genes involved in EMT, stemness, and oncogenesis in AGCT, making FOXL2C134W and the TGFβ pathway therapeutic targets in this condition. GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/80/17/3466/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stine E Weis-Banke
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Research (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Mads Lerdrup
- Center for Chromosome Stability, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Daniela Kleine-Kohlbrecher
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Research (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Faizaan Mohammad
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Research (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Simone Sidoli
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VILLUM Centre for Bioanalytical Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark.,Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York
| | - Ole N Jensen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, VILLUM Centre for Bioanalytical Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Toshihiko Yanase
- Seiwakai Muta Hospital, 3-9-1 Hoshikuma, Sawara-ku, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Tomoko Nakamura
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Akira Iwase
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma, Japan
| | - Anthe Stylianou
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nadeem R Abu-Rustum
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Carol Aghajanian
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Robert Soslow
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Arnaud Da Cruz Paula
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Richard P Koche
- Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Britta Weigelt
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jesper Christensen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Research (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Kristian Helin
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark. .,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Research (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark.,Cell Biology Program and Center for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Paul A C Cloos
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark. .,The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Stem Cell Research (DanStem), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen N, Denmark
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6
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Carles A, Trigo-Gonzalez G, Cao Q, Cheng SWG, Moksa M, Bilenky M, Huntsman DG, Morin GB, Hirst M. The Pathognomonic FOXL2 C134W Mutation Alters DNA-Binding Specificity. Cancer Res 2020; 80:3480-3491. [PMID: 32641414 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-0104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The somatic missense point mutation c.402C>G (p.C134W) in the FOXL2 transcription factor is pathognomonic for adult-type granulosa cell tumors (AGCT) and a diagnostic marker for this tumor type. However, the molecular consequences of this mutation and its contribution to the mechanisms of AGCT pathogenesis remain unclear. To explore these mechanisms, we engineered V5-FOXL2WT- and V5-FOXL2C134W-inducible isogenic cell lines and performed chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and transcriptome profiling. FOXL2C134W associated with the majority of the FOXL2 wild-type DNA elements as well as a large collection of unique elements genome wide. This model enabled confirmation of altered DNA-binding specificity for FOXL2C134W and identification of unique targets of FOXL2C134W including SLC35F2, whose expression increased sensitivity to YM155. Our results suggest FOXL2C134W drives AGCT by altering the binding affinity of FOXL2-containing complexes to engage an oncogenic transcriptional program. SIGNIFICANCE: A mechanistic understanding of FOXL2C134W-induced regulatory state alterations drives discovery of a rationally designed therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annaïck Carles
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Genny Trigo-Gonzalez
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Qi Cao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - S-W Grace Cheng
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Michelle Moksa
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Misha Bilenky
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - David G Huntsman
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Gregg B Morin
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. .,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Martin Hirst
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. .,Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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7
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He B, Yang N, Man CH, Ng NK, Cher C, Leung H, Kan LL, Cheng BY, Lam SS, Wang ML, Zhang C, Kwok H, Cheng G, Sharma R, Ma AC, So CE, Kwong Y, Leung AY. Follistatin is a novel therapeutic target and biomarker in FLT3/ITD acute myeloid leukemia. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e10895. [PMID: 32134197 PMCID: PMC7136967 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201910895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Internal tandem duplication of Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3/ITD) occurs in about 30% of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and is associated with poor response to conventional treatment and adverse outcome. Here, we reported that human FLT3/ITD expression led to axis duplication and dorsalization in about 50% of zebrafish embryos. The morphologic phenotype was accompanied by ectopic expression of a morphogen follistatin (fst) during early embryonic development. Increase in fst expression also occurred in adult FLT3/ITD-transgenic zebrafish, Flt3/ITD knock-in mice, and human FLT3/ITD AML cells. Overexpression of human FST317 and FST344 isoforms enhanced clonogenicity and leukemia engraftment in xenotransplantation model via RET, IL2RA, and CCL5 upregulation. Specific targeting of FST by shRNA, CRISPR/Cas9, or antisense oligo inhibited leukemic growth in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, serum FST positively correlated with leukemia engraftment in FLT3/ITD AML patient-derived xenograft mice and leukemia blast percentage in primary AML patients. In FLT3/ITD AML patients treated with FLT3 inhibitor quizartinib, serum FST levels correlated with clinical response. These observations supported FST as a novel therapeutic target and biomarker in FLT3/ITD AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bai‐Liang He
- Division of HematologyDepartment of MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical ImagingThe Fifth Affiliated HospitalSun Yat‐sen UniversityZhuhaiGuangdong ProvinceChina
| | - Ning Yang
- Division of HematologyDepartment of MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Cheuk Him Man
- Division of HematologyDepartment of MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Nelson Ka‐Lam Ng
- Division of HematologyDepartment of MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Chae‐Yin Cher
- Division of HematologyDepartment of MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Ho‐Ching Leung
- Division of HematologyDepartment of MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Leo Lai‐Hok Kan
- Division of HematologyDepartment of MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Bowie Yik‐Ling Cheng
- Division of HematologyDepartment of MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Stephen Sze‐Yuen Lam
- Division of HematologyDepartment of MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Michelle Lu‐Lu Wang
- Division of HematologyDepartment of MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Chun‐Xiao Zhang
- Division of HematologyDepartment of MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Hin Kwok
- Centre for Genomic SciencesThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Grace Cheng
- Centre for Genomic SciencesThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Rakesh Sharma
- Centre for Genomic SciencesThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Alvin Chun‐Hang Ma
- Department of Health Technology and InformaticsThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHong Kong SARChina
| | - Chi‐Wai Eric So
- Leukemia and Stem Cell Biology GroupDivision of Cancer StudiesDepartment of Hematological MedicineKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Yok‐Lam Kwong
- Division of HematologyDepartment of MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
| | - Anskar Yu‐Hung Leung
- Division of HematologyDepartment of MedicineLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongHong Kong SARChina
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8
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Penrad-Mobayed M, Perrin C, Herman L, Todeschini AL, Nigon F, Cosson B, Caburet S, Veitia RA. Conventional and unconventional interactions of the transcription factor FOXL2 uncovered by a proteome-wide analysis. FASEB J 2019; 34:571-587. [PMID: 31914586 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901573r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Beyond the study of its transcriptional target genes, the identification of the various interactors of a transcription factor (TF) is crucial to understand its diverse cellular roles. We focused on FOXL2, a winged-helix forkhead TF important for ovarian development and maintenance. FOXL2 has been implicated in diverse cellular processes, including apoptosis, the control of cell cycle or the regulation of steroid hormone synthesis. To reliably identify partners of endogenous FOXL2, we performed a proteome-wide analysis using co-immunoprecipitation in the murine granulosa cell-derived AT29c and the pituitary-derived alpha-T3 cell lines, using three antibodies targeting different parts of the protein. Following a stringent selection of mass spectrometry data on the basis of identification reliability and protein enrichment, we identified a core set of 255 partners common to both cell lines. Their analysis showed that we could co-precipitate several complexes involved in mRNA processing, chromatin remodeling and DNA replication and repair. We further validated (direct and/or indirect) interactions with selected partners, suggesting an unexpected role for FOXL2 in those processes. Overall, this comprehensive analysis of the endogenous FOXL2 interactome sheds light on its numerous and diverse interactors and unconventional cellular roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Penrad-Mobayed
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS UMR7592, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Caroline Perrin
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS UMR7592, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Laetitia Herman
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS UMR7592, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | | | - Fabienne Nigon
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS UMR7216, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Cosson
- Epigenetics and Cell Fate, CNRS UMR7216, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Caburet
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS UMR7592, Université de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Reiner A Veitia
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS UMR7592, Université de Paris, Paris, France
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9
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RUNX1 maintains the identity of the fetal ovary through an interplay with FOXL2. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5116. [PMID: 31712577 PMCID: PMC6848188 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13060-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sex determination of the gonads begins with fate specification of gonadal supporting cells into either ovarian pre-granulosa cells or testicular Sertoli cells. This fate specification hinges on a balance of transcriptional control. Here we report that expression of the transcription factor RUNX1 is enriched in the fetal ovary in rainbow trout, turtle, mouse, goat, and human. In the mouse, RUNX1 marks the supporting cell lineage and becomes pre-granulosa cell-specific as the gonads differentiate. RUNX1 plays complementary/redundant roles with FOXL2 to maintain fetal granulosa cell identity and combined loss of RUNX1 and FOXL2 results in masculinization of fetal ovaries. At the chromatin level, RUNX1 occupancy overlaps partially with FOXL2 occupancy in the fetal ovary, suggesting that RUNX1 and FOXL2 target common sets of genes. These findings identify RUNX1, with an ovary-biased expression pattern conserved across species, as a regulator in securing the identity of ovarian-supporting cells and the ovary.
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10
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Belli M, Secchi C, Stupack D, Shimasaki S. FOXO1 Negates the Cooperative Action of FOXL2 C134W and SMAD3 in CYP19 Expression in HGrC1 Cells by Sequestering SMAD3. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:2064-2081. [PMID: 31701078 PMCID: PMC6797057 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-00279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 08/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult granulosa cell tumor (aGCT) is a rare type of ovarian cancer characterized by estrogen excess. Interestingly, only the single somatic mutation FOXL2 C134W was found across virtually all aGCTs. We previously reported that FOXL2C134W stimulates CYP19 transcription synergistically with SMAD3, leading to elevated estradiol synthesis in a human granulosa cell line (HGrC1). This finding suggested a key role for FOXL2C134W in causing the typical estrogen overload in patients with aGCTs. We have now investigated the effect of FOXO1, a tumor suppressor, on CYP19 activation by FOXL2C134W in the presence of SMAD3. Intriguingly, FOXO1 antagonized the positive, synergistic effect of FOXL2C134W and SMAD3 on CYP19 transcription. Similar to FOXL2C134W, FOXO1 binds SMAD3 but not the proximal FOXL2C134W binding site (-199 bp) of the CYP19 promoter identified in our earlier studies. The results of a competitive binding assay suggested a possible underlying mechanism in which FOXO1 sequesters SMAD3 away from FOXL2C134W, thereby negating the cooperative action of FOXL2C134W and SMAD3 in inducing CYP19 expression. To our knowledge, this study is the first to demonstrate the ability of FOXO1 to restore an altered CYP19 expression by FOXL2C134W and SMAD3 and provides insight as to why FOXO1 deficiency promotes GCT development in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Belli
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Christian Secchi
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Dwayne Stupack
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Shunichi Shimasaki
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
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11
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Chu YL, Xu YR, Yang WX, Sun Y. The role of FSH and TGF-β superfamily in follicle atresia. Aging (Albany NY) 2019; 10:305-321. [PMID: 29500332 PMCID: PMC5892684 DOI: 10.18632/aging.101391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2017] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Most of the mammalian follicles undergo a degenerative process called “follicle atresia”. Apoptosis of granulosa cells is the main characteristic of follicle atresia. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) superfamily have important regulatory functions in this process. FSH activates protein kinase A and cooperating with insulin receptor substrates, it promotes the PI3K/Akt pathway which weakens apoptosis. Both Smad or non-Smad signaling of the transforming growth factor β superfamily seem to be related to follicle atresia, and the effect of several important family members on follicle atresia is concluded in this article. FSH and TGF-β are likely to mutually influence each other and what we have already known about the possible underlying molecular mechanism is also discussed below.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Lan Chu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Ya-Ru Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Yi Sun
- College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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12
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Nicol B, Grimm SA, Gruzdev A, Scott GJ, Ray MK, Yao HHC. Genome-wide identification of FOXL2 binding and characterization of FOXL2 feminizing action in the fetal gonads. Hum Mol Genet 2019; 27:4273-4287. [PMID: 30212841 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddy312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The identity of the gonads is determined by which fate, ovarian granulosa cell or testicular Sertoli cell, the bipotential somatic cell precursors choose to follow. In most vertebrates, the conserved transcription factor FOXL2 contributes to the fate of granulosa cells. To understand FOXL2 functions during gonad differentiation, we performed genome-wide analysis of FOXL2 chromatin occupancy in fetal ovaries and established a genetic mouse model that forces Foxl2 expression in the fetal testis. When FOXL2 was ectopically expressed in the somatic cell precursors in the fetal testis, FOXL2 was sufficient to repress Sertoli cell differentiation, ultimately resulting in partial testis-to-ovary sex-reversal. Combining genome-wide analysis of FOXL2 binding in the fetal ovary with transcriptomic analyses of our Foxl2 gain-of-function and previously published Foxl2 loss-of-function models, we identified potential pathways responsible for the feminizing action of FOXL2. Finally, comparison of FOXL2 genome-wide occupancy in the fetal ovary with testis-determining factor SOX9 genome-wide occupancy in the fetal testis revealed extensive overlaps, implying that antagonistic signals between FOXL2 and SOX9 occur at the chromatin level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Nicol
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Sara A Grimm
- Integrative Bioinformatics Support Group, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Artiom Gruzdev
- Knockout Mouse Core Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Greg J Scott
- Knockout Mouse Core Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Manas K Ray
- Knockout Mouse Core Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Humphrey H-C Yao
- Reproductive and Developmental Biology Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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13
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Tang B, Zhang Y, Zhang W, Zhu Y, Yuan S. Deletion of FOXL2 by CRISPR promotes cell cycle G0/G1 restriction in KGN cells. Int J Mol Med 2019; 43:567-574. [PMID: 30365048 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box L2 (FOXL2), a member of the forkhead family of transcription factors, is important in eyelid and ovary differentiation. Although the function of FOXL2 in organogenesis has been investigated, the detailed mechanisms by which FOXL2 mediates cellular process remain to be fully elucidated. Few FOXL2‑knockout cell lines have been reported, which has limited molecular mechanism investigations. CRISPR is a novel gene editing technique that has been widely used in human genetic diseases. In the present study, FOXL2 was disrupted using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), and screening of a stable knockout cell line was performed in human ovarian granulosa KGN cells. Three sites (F404, F425 and F446) around the ATG start codon on the FOXL2 DNA sequence were constructed in a guide RNA lentivirus. Targeting F425 was most efficient, and western blot analysis and DNA sequencing of the resulting cells suggested that both FOXL2 alleles were fully disrupted. In addition, flow cytometry results indicated that the knockout of FOXL2 restricted cell cycle progression at the G0/G1 phase. In addition, the expression levels of cell cycle mediators cyclin D1 and cyclin‑dependent kinase 4 were reduced. These results confirmed that FOXL2 disruption in KGN cells is associated with the cell cycle attenuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Tang
- Department of International Medicine, China Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plastic and Microscopic Repair Technology, Institute of Plastic Surgery, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 461042, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Plastic and Microscopic Repair Technology, Institute of Plastic Surgery, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 461042, P.R. China
| | - Yuqing Zhu
- Department of International Medicine, China Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, P.R. China
| | - Shaopeng Yuan
- Beijing Ruijian Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing 100086, P.R. China
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14
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Belli M, Iwata N, Nakamura T, Iwase A, Stupack D, Shimasaki S. FOXL2C134W-Induced CYP19 Expression via Cooperation With SMAD3 in HGrC1 Cells. Endocrinology 2018; 159:1690-1703. [PMID: 29471425 PMCID: PMC6238151 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-03207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Germline knockout studies in female mice demonstrated an essential role for forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) in early follicle development, whereas an inducible granulosa cell (GC)-specific deletion of Foxl2 in adults has shown ovary-to-testis somatic sex reprogramming. In women, over 120 different germline mutations in the FOXL2 gene have been shown to cause blepharophimosis/ptosis/epicantus inversus syndrome associated with or without primary ovarian insufficiency. By contrast, a single somatic mutation (FOXL2C134W) accounts for almost all adult-type GC tumors (aGCTs). To test the hypothesis that FOXL2C134W differentially regulates the expression of aGCT markers, we investigated the effect of FOXL2C134W on inhibin B and P450 aromatase expression using a recently established human GC line (HGrC1), which we now show to bear two normal alleles of FOXL2. Neither FOXL2wt nor FOXL2C134W regulate INHBB messenger RNA (mRNA) expression. However, FOXL2C134W selectively displays a 50-fold induction of CYP19 mRNA expression dependent upon activin A. Mechanistically, the CYP19 promoter is activated in a similar way by FOXL2C134W interaction with SMAD3, but not by FOXL2wt. SMAD2 had no effect. Moreover, FOXL2C134W interactions with SMAD3 and with the FOX binding element located at -199 bp upstream of the ATG initiation codon of CYP19 are more sustainable than FOXL2wt. Thus, FOXL2C134W potentiates CYP19 expression in HGrC1 cells via enhanced recruitment of SMAD3 to a proximal FOX binding element. These findings may explain the pathophysiology of estrogen excess in patients with aGCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Belli
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Nahoko Iwata
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Tomoko Nakamura
- Center for Maternal-Perinatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akira Iwase
- Center for Maternal-Perinatal Care, Nagoya University Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Dwayne Stupack
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Shunichi Shimasaki
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
- Correspondence: Shunichi Shimasaki, PhD, Department of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, California 92093. E-mail:
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15
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Elbaz M, Hadas R, Bilezikjian LM, Gershon E. Uterine Foxl2 regulates the adherence of the Trophectoderm cells to the endometrial epithelium. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2018; 16:12. [PMID: 29415736 PMCID: PMC5804001 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-018-0329-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Forkhead Transcription Factor L2 (FOXL2) is a member of the forkhead family with important roles in reproduction. Recent studies showed that FOXL2 is expressed in human and bovine endometrium and that its levels fluctuate during pregnancy. In this study, we aimed at evaluating the expression and function of FOXL2 in embryo implantation. METHODS Mouse uteri at different days of pregnancy were isolated and analyzed for the expression and localization of FOXL2. A lentiviral strategy was further employed to either knockdown or overexpress FOXL2 in non-receptive human endometrial AN3-CA cells and in receptive Ishikawa cells, respectively. These genetically modified cells were compared to cells infected with a control lentivirus to determine the function of FOXL2 in trophectoderm cells adherence to Endometrial Epithelium was associated with the expression of genes known to be involved in acquisition of uterine receptivity. RESULTS We report that FOXL2 is expressed in both, the luminal epithelium and the myometrium of the mouse uterus and that its expression declines prior to implantation. We found that endometrial cells expressing low FOXL2 levels, either endogenous or genetically manipulated, were associated with a higher attachment rate of mouse blastocysts or human Jeg3 spheroids and mouse blastocysts. In accordance, low-FOXL2 levels were associated with changes in the expression level of components of the Wnt/Fzd and apoptotic pathways, both of which are involved in uterine receptivity. Furthermore, FOXL2 expression was inversely correlated with G-protein signaling protein 2 (Rgs2) and cytokine expression. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that FOXL2 interferes with embryo attachment. Better understanding of the function of FOXL2 in the uterus would possibly suggest novel strategies for treatment of infertility attributed to repeated implantation failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Elbaz
- 0000 0001 0465 9329grid.410498.0Department of Ruminant Science, Agricultural Research Organization, 50250 Rishon LeZion, Israel
| | - Ron Hadas
- 0000 0004 0604 7563grid.13992.30Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100 Rehovot, Israel
| | - Louise M. Bilezikjian
- 0000 0001 0662 7144grid.250671.7Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology and Laboratory of Neuronal Structure and Function, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, San Diego, CA 92037 USA
| | - Eran Gershon
- 0000 0001 0465 9329grid.410498.0Department of Ruminant Science, Agricultural Research Organization, 50250 Rishon LeZion, Israel
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16
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Färkkilä A, Haltia UM, Tapper J, McConechy MK, Huntsman DG, Heikinheimo M. Pathogenesis and treatment of adult-type granulosa cell tumor of the ovary. Ann Med 2017; 49:435-447. [PMID: 28276867 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2017.1294760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Adult-type granulosa cell tumor is a clinically and molecularly unique subtype of ovarian cancer. These tumors originate from the sex cord stromal cells of the ovary and represent 3-5% of all ovarian cancers. The majority of adult-type granulosa cell tumors are diagnosed at an early stage with an indolent prognosis. Surgery is the cornerstone for the treatment of both primary and relapsed tumor, while chemotherapy is applied only for advanced or non-resectable cases. Tumor stage is the only factor consistently associated with prognosis. However, every third of the patients relapse, typically in 4-7 years from diagnosis, leading to death in 50% of these patients. Anti-Müllerian Hormone and inhibin B are currently the most accurate circulating biomarkers. Adult-type granulosa cell tumors are molecularly characterized by a pathognomonic somatic missense point mutation 402C->G (C134W) in the transcription factor FOXL2. The FOXL2 402C->G mutation leads to increased proliferation and survival of granulosa cells, and promotes hormonal changes. Histological diagnosis of adult-type granulosa cell tumor is challenging, therefore testing for the FOXL2 mutation is crucial for differential diagnosis. Large international collaborations utilizing molecularly defined cohorts are essential to improve and validate new treatment strategies for patients with high-risk or relapsed adult-type granulosa cell tumor. Key Messages: Adult-type granulosa cell tumor is a unique ovarian cancer with an indolent, albeit unpredictable disease course. Adult-type granulosa cell tumors harbor a pathognomonic somatic missense mutation in transcription factor FOXL2. The key challenges in the treatment of patients with adult-type granulosa cell tumor lie in the identification and management of patients with high-risk or relapsed disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anniina Färkkilä
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital , Helsinki , Finland.,b Children's Hospital , University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital , Helsinki , Finland
| | - Ulla-Maija Haltia
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital , Helsinki , Finland.,b Children's Hospital , University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital , Helsinki , Finland
| | - Johanna Tapper
- a Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology , University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital , Helsinki , Finland
| | - Melissa K McConechy
- c Department of Human Genetics , Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University , Montreal , Canada
| | - David G Huntsman
- d Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , University of British Columbia , Vancouver , Canada.,e Department of Molecular Oncology , British Columbia Cancer Agency , Vancouver , Canada
| | - Markku Heikinheimo
- b Children's Hospital , University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital , Helsinki , Finland.,f Department of Pediatrics , Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children's Hospital , St. Louis , MO , USA
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17
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Shen L, Dong X, Yu M, Luo Z, Wu S. β3GnT8 Promotes Gastric Cancer Invasion by Regulating the Glycosylation of CD147. J Cancer 2017; 8:314-322. [PMID: 28243336 PMCID: PMC5327381 DOI: 10.7150/jca.16526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
β1, 3-N-acetylglucosminyltransferase 8(β3GnT8) synthesizes a unique cabohydrate structure known as polylactosamine, and plays a vital role in progression of various human cancer types. However, its involvement in gastric cancer remains unclear. In this study, we analyzed the expression and clinical significance of β3GnT8 by Western blot in 6 paired fresh gastric cancer tissues, noncancerous tissues and immunohistochemistry on 110 paraffin-embedded slices. β3GnT8 was found to be over-expressed in gastric cancer tissues, which correlated with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage. Forced the expression of β3GnT8 promoted migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells, whereas β3GnT8 knockdown led to the opposite results. Further studies showed that the regulated β3GnT8 could convert the heterogeneous N-glycosylated forms of CD147 and change the polylactosamine structures carried on CD147. In addition, our data suggested the annexin A2 (ANXA2) to be an essential interaction partner of β3GnT8 during the process of CD147 glycosylation. Collectively, these results provide a novel molecular mechanism for β3GnT8 in promotion of gastric cancer invasion and metastasis. Targeting β3GnT8 could serve as a new strategy for future gastric cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Shen
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei, China; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoxia Dong
- Department of pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei, China
| | - Meiyun Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhiguo Luo
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei, China; Institute of Cancer Research, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan 442000, Hubei, China
| | - Shiliang Wu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China
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18
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Zhao L, Arsenault M, Ng ET, Longmuss E, Chau TCY, Hartwig S, Koopman P. SOX4 regulates gonad morphogenesis and promotes male germ cell differentiation in mice. Dev Biol 2017; 423:46-56. [PMID: 28118982 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2016] [Revised: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The group C SOX transcription factors SOX4, -11 and -12 play important and mutually overlapping roles in development of a number of organs. Here, we examined the role of SoxC genes during gonadal development in mice. All three genes were expressed in developing gonads of both sexes, predominantly in somatic cells, with Sox4 being most strongly expressed. Sox4 deficiency resulted in elongation of both ovaries and testes, and an increased number of testis cords. While female germ cells entered meiosis normally, male germ cells showed reduced levels of differentiation markers Nanos2 and Dnmt3l and increased levels of pluripotency genes Cripto and Nanog, suggesting that SOX4 may normally act to restrict the pluripotency period of male germ cells and ensure their proper differentiation. Finally, our data reveal that SOX4 (and, to a lesser extent, SOX11 and -12) repressed transcription of the sex-determining gene Sox9 via an upstream testis-specific enhancer core (TESCO) element in fetal gonads, raising the possibility that SOXC proteins may function as transcriptional repressors in a context-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhao
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Michel Arsenault
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island,550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE, Canada C1A 4P3
| | - Ee Ting Ng
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Enya Longmuss
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Tevin Chui-Ying Chau
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Sunny Hartwig
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island,550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE, Canada C1A 4P3
| | - Peter Koopman
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia.
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19
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Shi L, Resaul J, Owen S, Ye L, Jiang WG. Clinical and Therapeutic Implications of Follistatin in Solid Tumours. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2017; 13:425-435. [PMID: 27807065 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Follistatin (FST), as a single-chain glycosylated protein, has two major isoforms, FST288 and FST315. The FST315 isoform is the predominant form whilst the FST288 variant accounts for less than 5% of the encoded mRNA. FST is differentially expressed in human tissues and aberrant expression has been observed in a variety of solid tumours, including gonadal, gastric and lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Based on the current evidence, FST is an antagonist of transforming growth factor beta family members, such as activin and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). FST plays a role in tumourigenesis, metastasis and angiogenesis of solid tumours through its interaction with activin and BMPs, thus resulting in pathophysiological function. In terms of diagnosis, prognosis and therapy, FST has shown strong promise. Through a better understanding of its biological functions, potential clinical applications may yet emerge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Shi
- Urology Department, Yantai Yu Huang Ding Hospital, Yantai, Shandong Province, P.R. China.,Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Jeyna Resaul
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Sioned Owen
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Lin Ye
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K
| | - Wen G Jiang
- Cardiff China Medical Research Collaborative, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, U.K.
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20
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Li H, Guo S, Cai L, Ma W, Shi Z. Lipopolysaccharide and heat stress impair the estradiol biosynthesis in granulosa cells via increase of HSP70 and inhibition of smad3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Cell Signal 2017; 30:130-141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2016.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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21
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Li Y, Schang G, Boehm U, Deng CX, Graff J, Bernard DJ. SMAD3 Regulates Follicle-stimulating Hormone Synthesis by Pituitary Gonadotrope Cells in Vivo. J Biol Chem 2016; 292:2301-2314. [PMID: 27994055 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m116.759167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2016] [Revised: 12/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is an essential regulator of fertility in females and of quantitatively normal spermatogenesis in males. Pituitary-derived activins are thought to act as major stimulators of FSH synthesis by gonadotrope cells. In vitro, activins signal via SMAD3, SMAD4, and forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) to regulate transcription of the FSHβ subunit gene (Fshb). Consistent with this model, gonadotrope-specific Smad4 or Foxl2 knock-out mice have greatly reduced FSH and are subfertile. The role of SMAD3 in vivo is unresolved; however, residual FSH production in Smad4 conditional knock-out mice may derive from partial compensation by SMAD3 and its ability to bind DNA in the absence of SMAD4. To test this hypothesis and determine the role of SMAD3 in FSH biosynthesis, we generated mice lacking both the SMAD3 DNA binding domain and SMAD4 specifically in gonadotropes. Conditional knock-out females were hypogonadal, acyclic, and sterile and had thread-like uteri; their ovaries lacked antral follicles and corpora lutea. Knock-out males were fertile but had reduced testis weights and epididymal sperm counts. These phenotypes were consistent with those of Fshb knock-out mice. Indeed, pituitary Fshb mRNA levels were nearly undetectable in both male and female knock-outs. In contrast, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor mRNA levels were significantly elevated in knock-outs in both sexes. Interestingly, luteinizing hormone production was altered in a sex-specific fashion. Overall, our analyses demonstrate that SMAD3 is required for FSH synthesis in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yining Li
- From the Centre for Research in Reproduction and Development, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Gauthier Schang
- From the Centre for Research in Reproduction and Development, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Saarland School of Medicine, D-66421 Homburg, Germany
| | - Chu-Xia Deng
- the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR 999078, China, and
| | - Jonathan Graff
- the Department of Developmental Biology, University of Texas Southwestern, Dallas, Texas 75390
| | - Daniel J Bernard
- From the Centre for Research in Reproduction and Development, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada,
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22
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Rossetti R, Ferrari I, Bonomi M, Persani L. Genetics of primary ovarian insufficiency. Clin Genet 2016; 91:183-198. [PMID: 27861765 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Revised: 11/10/2016] [Accepted: 11/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) is characterized by a loss of ovarian function before the age of 40 and account for one major cause of female infertility. POI relevance is continuously growing because of the increasing number of women desiring conception beyond 30 years of age, when POI prevalence is >1%. POI is highly heterogeneous and can present with ovarian dysgenesis and primary amenorrhea, or with secondary amenorrhea, and it can be associated with other congenital or acquired abnormalities. In most cases POI remains classified as idiopathic. However, the age of menopause is an inheritable trait and POI has a strong genetic component. This is confirmed by the existence of several candidate genes, experimental and natural models. The variable expressivity of POI defect may indicate that, this disease may frequently be considered as a multifactorial or oligogenic defect. The most common genetic contributors to POI are the X chromosome-linked defects. Here, we review the principal X-linked and autosomal genes involved in syndromic and non-syndromic forms of POI with the expectation that this list will soon be upgraded, thus allowing the possibility to predict the risk of an early age at menopause in families with POI.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rossetti
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - I Ferrari
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy
| | - M Bonomi
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - L Persani
- Department of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, IRCCS Istituto Auxologico Italiano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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23
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Pannetier M, Chassot AA, Chaboissier MC, Pailhoux E. Involvement of FOXL2 and RSPO1 in Ovarian Determination, Development, and Maintenance in Mammals. Sex Dev 2016; 10:167-184. [PMID: 27649556 DOI: 10.1159/000448667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, sex determination is a process through which the gonad is committed to differentiate into a testis or an ovary. This process relies on a delicate balance between genetic pathways that promote one fate and inhibit the other. Once the gonad is committed to the female pathway, ovarian differentiation begins and, depending on the species, is completed during gestation or shortly after birth. During this step, granulosa cell precursors, steroidogenic cells, and primordial germ cells start to express female-specific markers in a sex-dimorphic manner. The germ cells then arrest at prophase I of meiosis and, together with somatic cells, assemble into functional structures. This organization gives the ovary its definitive morphology and functionality during folliculogenesis. Until now, 2 main genetic cascades have been shown to be involved in female sex differentiation. The first is driven by FOXL2, a transcription factor that also plays a crucial role in folliculogenesis and ovarian fate maintenance in adults. The other operates through the WNT/CTNNB1 canonical pathway and is regulated primarily by R-spondin1. Here, we discuss the roles of FOXL2 and RSPO1/WNT/ CTNNB1 during ovarian development and homeostasis in different models, such as humans, goats, and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëlle Pannetier
- UMR BDR, INRA, ENVA, Université Paris Saclay, Jouy en Josas, France
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Ulloa-Aguirre A, Lira-Albarrán S. Clinical Applications of Gonadotropins in the Male. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2016; 143:121-174. [PMID: 27697201 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The pituitary gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) play a pivotal role in reproduction. The synthesis and secretion of gonadotropins are regulated by complex interactions among several endocrine, paracrine, and autocrine factors of diverse chemical structure. In men, LH regulates the synthesis of androgens by the Leydig cells, whereas FSH promotes Sertoli cell function and thereby influences spermatogenesis. Gonadotropins are complex molecules composed of two subunits, the α- and β-subunit, that are noncovalently associated. Gonadotropins are decorated with glycans that regulate several functions of the protein including folding, heterodimerization, stability, transport, conformational maturation, efficiency of heterodimer secretion, metabolic fate, interaction with their cognate receptor, and selective activation of signaling pathways. A number of congenital and acquired abnormalities lead to gonadotropin deficiency and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a condition amenable to treatment with exogenous gonadotropins. Several natural and recombinant preparations of gonadotropins are currently available for therapeutic purposes. The difference between natural and the currently available recombinant preparations (which are massively produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells for commercial purposes) mainly lies in the abundance of some of the carbohydrates that conform the complex glycans attached to the protein core. Whereas administration of exogenous gonadotropins in patients with isolated congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is a well recognized therapeutic approach, their role in treating men with normogonadotropic idiopathic infertility is still controversial. This chapter concentrates on the main structural and functional features of the gonadotropin hormones and how basic concepts have been translated into the clinical arena to guide therapy for gonadotropin deficit in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ulloa-Aguirre
- Research Support Network, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM)-National Institutes of Health, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - S Lira-Albarrán
- Department of Reproductive Biology, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán, Mexico City, Mexico
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Stallings CE, Kapali J, Ellsworth BS. Mouse Models of Gonadotrope Development. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2016; 143:1-48. [PMID: 27697200 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The pituitary gonadotrope is central to reproductive function. Gonadotropes develop in a systematic process dependent on signaling factors secreted from surrounding tissues and those produced within the pituitary gland itself. These signaling pathways are important for stimulating specific transcription factors that ultimately regulate the expression of genes and define gonadotrope identity. Proper gonadotrope development and ultimately gonadotrope function are essential for normal sexual maturation and fertility. Understanding the mechanisms governing differentiation programs of gonadotropes is important to improve treatment and molecular diagnoses for patients with gonadotrope abnormalities. Much of what is known about gonadotrope development has been elucidated from mouse models in which important factors contributing to gonadotrope development and function have been deleted, ectopically expressed, or modified. This chapter will focus on many of these mouse models and their contribution to our current understanding of gonadotrope development.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Stallings
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States
| | - J Kapali
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States
| | - B S Ellsworth
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States.
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Marongiu M, Deiana M, Marcia L, Sbardellati A, Asunis I, Meloni A, Angius A, Cusano R, Loi A, Crobu F, Fotia G, Cucca F, Schlessinger D, Crisponi L. Novel action of FOXL2 as mediator of Col1a2 gene autoregulation. Dev Biol 2016; 416:200-211. [PMID: 27212026 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Revised: 05/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
FOXL2 belongs to the evolutionarily conserved forkhead box (FOX) superfamily and is a master transcription factor in a spectrum of developmental pathways, including ovarian and eyelid development and bone, cartilage and uterine maturation. To analyse its action, we searched for proteins that interact with FOXL2. We found that FOXL2 interacts with specific C-terminal propeptides of several fibrillary collagens. Because these propeptides can participate in feedback regulation of collagen biosynthesis, we inferred that FOXL2 could thereby affect the transcription of the cognate collagen genes. Focusing on COL1A2, we found that FOXL2 indeed affects collagen synthesis, by binding to a DNA response element located about 65Kb upstream of this gene. According to our hypothesis we found that in Foxl2(-/-) mouse ovaries, Col1a2 was elevated from birth to adulthood. The extracellular matrix (ECM) compartmentalizes the ovary during folliculogenesis, (with type I, type III and type IV collagens as primary components), and ECM composition changes during the reproductive lifespan. In Foxl2(-/-) mouse ovaries, in addition to up-regulation of Col1a2, Col3a1, Col4a1 and fibronectin were also upregulated, while laminin expression was reduced. Thus, by regulating levels of extracellular matrix components, FOXL2 may contribute to both ovarian histogenesis and the fibrosis attendant on depletion of the follicle reserve during reproductive aging and menopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Marongiu
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Manila Deiana
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Loredana Marcia
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy; Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - Andrea Sbardellati
- Centre for Advanced Studies, Research and Development in Sardinia (CRS4), Pula, Italy
| | - Isadora Asunis
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Alessandra Meloni
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Andrea Angius
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Roberto Cusano
- Centre for Advanced Studies, Research and Development in Sardinia (CRS4), Pula, Italy
| | - Angela Loi
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Francesca Crobu
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy
| | - Giorgio Fotia
- Centre for Advanced Studies, Research and Development in Sardinia (CRS4), Pula, Italy
| | - Francesco Cucca
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy; Università degli Studi di Sassari, Sassari 07100, Italy
| | - David Schlessinger
- Laboratory of Genetics, NIA-IRP, NIH, Baltimore, 21224-6825 MD, United States
| | - Laura Crisponi
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Monserrato 09042, Italy.
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Nuovo S, Passeri M, Di Benedetto E, Calanchini M, Meldolesi I, Di Giacomo MC, Petruzzi D, Piemontese MR, Zelante L, Sangiuolo F, Novelli G, Fabbri A, Brancati F. Characterization of endocrine features and genotype-phenotypes correlations in blepharophimosis-ptosis-epicanthus inversus syndrome type 1. J Endocrinol Invest 2016; 39:227-33. [PMID: 26100530 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-015-0334-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Blepharophimosis syndrome (BPES) is an autosomal dominant genetic condition resulting from heterozygous mutations in the FOXL2 gene and clinically characterized by an eyelid malformation associated (type I) or not (type II) with premature ovarian failure. The distinction between the two forms is critical for female patients, as it may allow to predict fertility and to plan an appropriate therapy. Identifying an underlying causative mutation is not always predictive of the clinical type of BPES since genotype-phenotype correlations are not yet fully delineated. Here, we describe the clinical and hormonal phenotypes of three female patients with BPES type 1 from two novel families, correlate their phenotypes with identified mutations, and investigate the effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). METHODS Clinical, biochemical, and genetic evaluation were undertaken in all the patients and genotype-phenotype correlation was analyzed. The effects of substitutive hormonal therapy on secondary sexual characteristics development and induction of menarche were evaluated. RESULTS All patients presented with primary amenorrhea or other signs of ovarian dysfunction. Two distinct mutations, a missense p.H104R change and an in-frame p.A222_A231dup10 duplication in the FOXL2 gene were identified. Observed phenotypes were not in accordance with the prediction based on the current genotype-phenotype correlations. HRT significantly improved secondary sexual characteristics development, as well as the induction of menarche. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the importance of early recognition of BPES and emphasizes the need of personalized therapy and follow-up in female patients carrying distinct FOXL2 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Nuovo
- Unità di Genetica Medica, Policlinico Universitario Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - M Passeri
- Unità di Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Polo Ospedaliero Sant'Eugenio & CTO A. Alesini, Università Tor Vergata, 00145, Rome, Italy
| | - E Di Benedetto
- Unità di Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Polo Ospedaliero Sant'Eugenio & CTO A. Alesini, Università Tor Vergata, 00145, Rome, Italy
| | - M Calanchini
- Unità di Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Polo Ospedaliero Sant'Eugenio & CTO A. Alesini, Università Tor Vergata, 00145, Rome, Italy
| | - I Meldolesi
- Ginecologia, Consultorio Giovani, ASL RM/H, 00045, Rome, Italy
| | - M C Di Giacomo
- U.O.C Anatomia Patologica AOR Ospedale San Carlo, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - D Petruzzi
- U.O. Ostetricia e Ginecologia AOR Ospedale San Carlo, 85100, Potenza, Italy
| | - M R Piemontese
- Genetica Medica, Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - L Zelante
- Genetica Medica, Ospedale Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - F Sangiuolo
- Unità di Genetica Medica, Policlinico Universitario Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina e Prevenzione, Università Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - G Novelli
- Unità di Genetica Medica, Policlinico Universitario Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Dipartimento di Biomedicina e Prevenzione, Università Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - A Fabbri
- Unità di Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Medicina dei Sistemi, Polo Ospedaliero Sant'Eugenio & CTO A. Alesini, Università Tor Vergata, 00145, Rome, Italy.
| | - F Brancati
- Unità di Genetica Medica, Policlinico Universitario Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Orali e Biotecnologiche, Università D'Annunzio, 66013, Chieti, Italy.
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Herndon MK, Nilson JH. Maximal expression of Foxl2 in pituitary gonadotropes requires ovarian hormones. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0126527. [PMID: 25955311 PMCID: PMC4425675 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0126527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2014] [Accepted: 04/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and activin regulate synthesis of FSH and ultimately fertility. Recent in vivo studies cast SMAD4 and FOXL2 as master transcriptional mediators of activin signaling that act together and independently of GnRH to regulate Fshb gene expression and female fertility. Ovarian hormones regulate GnRH and its receptor (GNRHR) through negative and positive feedback loops. In contrast, the role of ovarian hormones in regulating activin, activin receptors, and components of the activin signaling pathway, including SMAD4 and FOXL2, remains understudied. The widespread distribution of activin and many of its signaling intermediates complicates analysis of the effects of ovarian hormones on their synthesis in gonadotropes, one of five pituitary cell types. We circumvented this complication by using a transgenic model that allows isolation of polyribosomes selectively from gonadotropes of intact females and ovariectomized females treated with or without a GnRH antagonist. This paradigm allows assessment of ovarian hormonal feedback and distinguishes responses that are either independent or dependent on GnRH. Surprisingly, our results indicate that Foxl2 levels in gonadotropes decline significantly in the absence of ovarian input and independently of GnRH. Expression of the genes encoding other members of the activin signaling pathway are unaffected by loss of ovarian hormonal feedback, highlighting their selective effect on Foxl2. Expression of Gnrhr, a known target of FOXL2, also declines upon ovariectomy consistent with reduced expression of Foxl2 and loss of ovarian hormones. In contrast, Fshb mRNA increases dramatically post-ovariectomy due to increased compensatory input from GnRH. Together these data suggest that ovarian hormones regulate expression of Foxl2 thereby expanding the number of genes controlled by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis that ultimately dictate reproductive fitness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria K. Herndon
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
| | - John H. Nilson
- School of Molecular Biosciences, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Fortin J, Ongaro L, Li Y, Tran S, Lamba P, Wang Y, Zhou X, Bernard DJ. Minireview: Activin Signaling in Gonadotropes: What Does the FOX say… to the SMAD? Mol Endocrinol 2015; 29:963-77. [PMID: 25942106 DOI: 10.1210/me.2015-1004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The activins were discovered and named based on their abilities to stimulate FSH secretion and FSHβ (Fshb) subunit expression by pituitary gonadotrope cells. According to subsequent in vitro observations, activins also stimulate the transcription of the GnRH receptor (Gnrhr) and the activin antagonist, follistatin (Fst). Thus, not only do activins stimulate FSH directly, they have the potential to regulate both FSH and LH indirectly by modulating gonadotrope sensitivity to hypothalamic GnRH. Moreover, activins may negatively regulate their own actions by stimulating the production of one of their principal antagonists. Here, we describe our current understanding of the mechanisms through which activins regulate Fshb, Gnrhr, and Fst transcription in vitro. The activin signaling molecules SMAD3 and SMAD4 appear to partner with the winged-helix/forkhead transcription factor, forkhead box L2 (FOXL2), to regulate expression of all 3 genes. However, in vivo data paint a different picture. Although conditional deletion of Foxl2 and/or Smad4 in murine gonadotropes produces impairments in FSH synthesis and secretion as well as in pituitary Fst expression, Gnrhr mRNA levels are either unperturbed or increased in these animals. Surprisingly, gonadotrope-specific deletion of Smad3 alone or with Smad2 does not impair FSH production or fertility; however, mice harboring these mutations may express a DNA binding-deficient, but otherwise functional, SMAD3 protein. Collectively, the available data firmly establish roles for FOXL2 and SMAD4 in Fshb and Fst expression in gonadotrope cells, whereas SMAD3's role requires further investigation. Gnrhr expression, in contrast, appears to be FOXL2, SMAD4, and, perhaps, activin independent in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Fortin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J.F., L.O., Y.L., S.T., P.L., Y.W., X.Z., D.J.B.), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute (J.F.), Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C1; Diabetes Center (S.T.), Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143; and Psychiatry (P.L.), St Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, Michigan 48154
| | - Luisina Ongaro
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J.F., L.O., Y.L., S.T., P.L., Y.W., X.Z., D.J.B.), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute (J.F.), Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C1; Diabetes Center (S.T.), Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143; and Psychiatry (P.L.), St Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, Michigan 48154
| | - Yining Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J.F., L.O., Y.L., S.T., P.L., Y.W., X.Z., D.J.B.), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute (J.F.), Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C1; Diabetes Center (S.T.), Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143; and Psychiatry (P.L.), St Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, Michigan 48154
| | - Stella Tran
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J.F., L.O., Y.L., S.T., P.L., Y.W., X.Z., D.J.B.), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute (J.F.), Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C1; Diabetes Center (S.T.), Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143; and Psychiatry (P.L.), St Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, Michigan 48154
| | - Pankaj Lamba
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J.F., L.O., Y.L., S.T., P.L., Y.W., X.Z., D.J.B.), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute (J.F.), Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C1; Diabetes Center (S.T.), Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143; and Psychiatry (P.L.), St Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, Michigan 48154
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J.F., L.O., Y.L., S.T., P.L., Y.W., X.Z., D.J.B.), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute (J.F.), Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C1; Diabetes Center (S.T.), Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143; and Psychiatry (P.L.), St Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, Michigan 48154
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J.F., L.O., Y.L., S.T., P.L., Y.W., X.Z., D.J.B.), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute (J.F.), Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C1; Diabetes Center (S.T.), Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143; and Psychiatry (P.L.), St Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, Michigan 48154
| | - Daniel J Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (J.F., L.O., Y.L., S.T., P.L., Y.W., X.Z., D.J.B.), McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada H3G 1Y6; The Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute (J.F.), Ontario Cancer Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5G 2C1; Diabetes Center (S.T.), Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94143; and Psychiatry (P.L.), St Mary Mercy Hospital, Livonia, Michigan 48154
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Refaat B, Ashshi AM, El-Shemi AG, Azhar E. Activins and Follistatin in Chronic Hepatitis C and Its Treatment with Pegylated-Interferon-α Based Therapy. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:287640. [PMID: 25969625 PMCID: PMC4417604 DOI: 10.1155/2015/287640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2015] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pegylated-interferon-α based therapy for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is considered suboptimal as not all patients respond to the treatment and it is associated with several side effects that could lead to dose reduction and/or termination of therapy. The currently used markers to monitor the response to treatment are based on viral kinetics and their performance in the prediction of treatment outcome is moderate and does not combine accuracy and their values have several limitations. Hence, the development of new sensitive and specific predictor markers could provide a useful tool for the clinicians and healthcare providers, especially in the new era of interferon-free therapy, for the classification of patients according to their response to the standard therapy and only subscribing the novel directly acting antiviral drugs to those who are anticipated not to respond to the conventional therapy and/or have absolute contraindications for its use. The importance of activins and follistatin in the regulation of immune system, liver biology, and pathology has recently emerged. This review appraises the up-to-date knowledge regarding the role of activins and follistatin in liver biology and immune system and their role in the pathophysiology of CHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bassem Refaat
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-'Abdiyah Campus, P. O. Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Mohamed Ashshi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-'Abdiyah Campus, P. O. Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Galal El-Shemi
- Laboratory Medicine Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Umm Al-Qura University, Al-'Abdiyah Campus, P. O. Box 7607, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 6515, Egypt
| | - Esam Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 80216, Jeddah 21589, Saudi Arabia
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Cai L, Sun A, Li H, Tsinkgou A, Yu J, Ying S, Chen Z, Shi Z. Molecular mechanisms of enhancing porcine granulosa cell proliferation and function by treatment in vitro with anti-inhibin alpha subunit antibody. Reprod Biol Endocrinol 2015; 13:26. [PMID: 25889399 PMCID: PMC4395973 DOI: 10.1186/s12958-015-0022-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study was conducted to clarify the effect of the inhibiting action of inhibin on porcine granulosa cell proliferation and function, and to investigate the underlying intracellular regulatory molecular mechanisms. METHODS Porcine granulosa cells were cultured in vitro, and were treated with an anti-inhibin alpha subunit antibody, with or without co-treatment of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the culture medium. RESULTS Treatment with anti-inhibin alpha subunit antibody led to a significant increase in estradiol (E2) secretion and cell proliferation. Anti-inhibin alpha subunit antibody worked synergistically with FSH at low concentrations (25 microg/mL) to stimulate E2 secretion, but attenuated FSH action at high concentrations (50 microg/mL). Immunoneutralization of inhibin bioactivity increased FOXL2, Smad3, and PKA phosphorylation, and mRNA expression of the transcription factors CEBP and c-FOS. The expression of genes encoding gonadotropin receptors, FSHR and LHR, and of those involved in steroidogenesis, as well as IGFs and IGFBPs, the cell cycle progression factors cyclinD1 and cyclinD2, and the anti-apoptosis and anti-atresia factors Bcl2, TIMP, and ADAMTS were upregulated following anti-inhibin alpha-subunit treatment. Treatment with anti-inhibin alpha subunit down regulated expression of the pro-apoptotic gene encoding caspase3. Although expression of the pro-angiogenesis genes FN1, FGF2, and VEGF was upregulated, expression of the angiogenesis-inhibiting factor THBS1 was downregulated following anti-inhibin alpha subunit treatment. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that immunoneutralization of inhibin bioactivity, through augmentation of the activin and gonadotropin receptor signaling pathways and regulation of gene expression, permits the development of healthy and viable granulosa cells. These molecular mechanisms help to explain the enhanced ovarian follicular development observed following inhibin immunization in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuping Cai
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China.
| | - Aidong Sun
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China.
| | - Hui Li
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China.
| | - Anastasia Tsinkgou
- Department of Life Science, Xijiao-Liverpool University, Suzhou, 215123, China.
| | - Jianning Yu
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China.
| | - Shijia Ying
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China.
| | - Zhe Chen
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China.
| | - Zhendan Shi
- Laboratory of Animal Breeding and Reproduction, Institute of Animal Science, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, 210014, China.
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Park CH, Skarra DV, Rivera AJ, Arriola DJ, Thackray VG. Constitutively active FOXO1 diminishes activin induction of Fshb transcription in immortalized gonadotropes. PLoS One 2014; 9:e113839. [PMID: 25423188 PMCID: PMC4244159 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0113839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 10/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we investigate whether the FOXO1 transcription factor modulates activin signaling in pituitary gonadotropes. Our studies show that overexpression of constitutively active FOXO1 decreases activin induction of murine Fshb gene expression in immortalized LβT2 cells. We demonstrate that FOXO1 suppression of activin induction maps to the −304/−95 region of the Fshb promoter containing multiple activin response elements and that the suppression requires the FOXO1 DNA-binding domain (DBD). FOXO1 binds weakly to the −125/−91 region of the Fshb promoter in a gel-shift assay. Since this region of the promoter contains a composite SMAD/FOXL2 binding element necessary for activin induction of Fshb transcription, it is possible that FOXO1 DNA binding interferes with SMAD and/or FOXL2 function. In addition, our studies demonstrate that FOXO1 directly interacts with SMAD3/4 but not SMAD2 in a FOXO1 DBD-dependent manner. Moreover, we show that SMAD3/4 induction of Fshb-luc and activin induction of a multimerized SMAD-binding element-luc are suppressed by FOXO1 in a DBD-dependent manner. These results suggest that FOXO1 binding to the proximal Fshb promoter as well as FOXO1 interaction with SMAD3/4 proteins may result in decreased activin induction of Fshb in gonadotropes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chung Hyun Park
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Danalea V. Skarra
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Alissa J. Rivera
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - David J. Arriola
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
| | - Varykina G. Thackray
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and the Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Elzaiat M, Jouneau L, Thépot D, Klopp C, Allais-Bonnet A, Cabau C, André M, Chaffaux S, Cribiu EP, Pailhoux E, Pannetier M. High-throughput sequencing analyses of XX genital ridges lacking FOXL2 reveal DMRT1 up-regulation before SOX9 expression during the sex-reversal process in goats. Biol Reprod 2014; 91:153. [PMID: 25395674 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.114.122796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXL2 loss of function in goats leads to the early transdifferentiation of ovaries into testes, then to the full sex reversal of XX homozygous mutants. By contrast, Foxl2 loss of function in mice induces an arrest of follicle formation after birth, followed by complete female sterility. In order to understand the molecular role of FOXL2 during ovarian differentiation in the goat species, putative FOXL2 target genes were determined at the earliest stage of gonadal sex-specific differentiation by comparing the mRNA profiles of XX gonads expressing the FOXL2 protein or not. Of these 163 deregulated genes, around two-thirds corresponded to testicular genes that were up-regulated when FOXL2 was absent, and only 19 represented female-associated genes, down-regulated in the absence of FOXL2. FOXL2 should therefore be viewed as an antitestis gene rather than as a female-promoting gene. In particular, the key testis-determining gene DMRT1 was found to be up-regulated ahead of SOX9, thus suggesting in goats that SOX9 primary up-regulation may require DMRT1. Overall, our results equated to FOXL2 being an antitestis gene, allowing us to propose an alternative model for the sex-determination process in goats that differs slightly from that demonstrated in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëva Elzaiat
- INRA, UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Luc Jouneau
- INRA, UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Dominique Thépot
- INRA, UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | | | - Cédric Cabau
- INRA, Sigenae GenPhySE (Génétique, Physiologie et Systèmes d'Elevage), Castanet-Tolosan, France
| | - Marjolaine André
- INRA, UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Stéphane Chaffaux
- INRA, UMR1313 Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Edmond-Paul Cribiu
- INRA, UMR1313 Génétique Animale et Biologie Intégrative, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Eric Pailhoux
- INRA, UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Maëlle Pannetier
- INRA, UMR 1198, Biologie du Développement et Reproduction, Jouy-en-Josas, France
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Georges A, L'Hôte D, Todeschini AL, Auguste A, Legois B, Zider A, Veitia RA. The transcription factor FOXL2 mobilizes estrogen signaling to maintain the identity of ovarian granulosa cells. eLife 2014; 3. [PMID: 25369636 PMCID: PMC4356143 DOI: 10.7554/elife.04207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 10/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXL2 is a lineage determining transcription factor in the ovary, but its direct targets and modes of action are not fully characterized. In this study, we explore the targets of FOXL2 and five nuclear receptors in murine primary follicular cells. We found that FOXL2 is required for normal gene regulation by steroid receptors, and we show that estrogen receptor beta (ESR2) is the main vector of estradiol signaling in these cells. Moreover, we found that FOXL2 directly modulates Esr2 expression through a newly identified intronic element. Interestingly, we found that FOXL2 repressed the testis-determining gene Sox9 both independently of estrogen signaling and through the activation of ESR2 expression. Altogether, we show that FOXL2 mobilizes estrogen signaling to establish a coherent feed-forward loop repressing Sox9. This sheds a new light on the role of FOXL2 in ovarian maintenance and function. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.04207.001 In female mammals, granulosa cells in the ovaries help egg cells to grow and develop by secreting nutrients and estrogens—the female sex hormones. A protein called FOXL2 helps granulosa cells to develop and functions by binding to the DNA of the cells to switch certain genes either on or off. In humans, mutations in the gene that codes for the FOXL2 protein are associated with granulosa cell tumors and with a loss of female fertility in early adulthood. In addition, if the amount of FOXL2 is artificially reduced in granulosa cells in female mice, the cells take on many of the characteristics of supporting cells found in the testes of males. To investigate in more detail how FOXL2 works, Georges et al. grew mouse granulosa cells in the laboratory to identify the DNA sequences where FOXL2 will bind, and to uncover how this binding affects gene expression. Georges et al. conclude that FOXL2 orchestrates a network involving many different proteins that allows estrogen to be produced and used by granulosa cells; and in doing so these cells maintain their identity as ovarian cells. FOXL2 was also shown to work closely with the receptor proteins that detect the sex hormones, and which help to control whether particular sex-specific genes are switched on or off. One particularly important role of FOXL2 in granulosa cells is that it represses a gene called Sox9. By repressing Sox9, the granulosa cells do not transform into their counterparts normally found in testes. Although FOXL2 was previously reported to directly regulate the Sox9 gene, Georges et al. find that it also acts through other molecules, and that there are alternative ways in which it can do so. Although Georges et al. have established some of the ways that FOXL2 functions, this protein can work via other pathways; these will require further investigation to be fully understood. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.04207.002
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Roybal LL, Hambarchyan A, Meadows JD, Barakat NH, Pepa PA, Breen KM, Mellon PL, Coss D. Roles of binding elements, FOXL2 domains, and interactions with cJUN and SMADs in regulation of FSHβ. Mol Endocrinol 2014; 28:1640-55. [PMID: 25105693 DOI: 10.1210/me.2014-1008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We previously identified FOXL2 as a critical component in FSHβ gene transcription. Here, we show that mice deficient in FOXL2 have lower levels of gonadotropin gene expression and fewer LH- and FSH-containing cells, but the same level of other pituitary hormones compared to wild-type littermates, highlighting a role of FOXL2 in the pituitary gonadotrope. Further, we investigate the function of FOXL2 in the gonadotrope cell and determine which domains of the FOXL2 protein are necessary for induction of FSHβ transcription. There is a stronger induction of FSHβ reporter transcription by truncated FOXL2 proteins, but no induction with the mutant lacking the forkhead domain. Specifically, FOXL2 plays a role in activin induction of FSHβ, functioning in concert with activin-induced SMAD proteins. Activin acts through multiple promoter elements to induce FSHβ expression, some of which bind FOXL2. Each of these FOXL2-binding sites is either juxtaposed or overlapping with a SMAD-binding element. We determined that FOXL2 and SMAD4 proteins form a higher order complex on the most proximal FOXL2 site. Surprisingly, two other sites important for activin induction bind neither SMADs nor FOXL2, suggesting additional factors at work. Furthermore, we show that FOXL2 plays a role in synergistic induction of FSHβ by GnRH and activin through interactions with the cJUN component of the AP1 complex that is necessary for GnRH responsiveness. Collectively, our results demonstrate the necessity of FOXL2 for proper FSH production in mice and implicate FOXL2 in integration of transcription factors at the level of the FSHβ promoter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lacey L Roybal
- Department of Reproductive Medicine (L.L.R., A.H., J.D.M., P.A.P., K.M.B., P.L.M., D.C.), Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California 92093-0674; Division of Biomedical Sciences (N.H.B., D.C.), School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside; Riverside, California 92521
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Rosario R, Cohen PA, Shelling AN. The role of FOXL2 in the pathogenesis of adult ovarian granulosa cell tumours. Gynecol Oncol 2014; 133:382-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2013.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2013] [Revised: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Fortin J, Boehm U, Deng CX, Treier M, Bernard DJ. Follicle-stimulating hormone synthesis and fertility depend on SMAD4 and FOXL2. FASEB J 2014; 28:3396-410. [PMID: 24739304 DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-249532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is an essential regulator of gonadal function and fertility. Loss-of-function mutations in the FSHB/Fshb gene cause hypogonadotropic hypogonadism in humans and mice. Both gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and activins, members of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily, stimulate FSH synthesis; yet, their relative roles and mechanisms of action in vivo are unknown. Here, using conditional gene-targeting, we show that the canonical mediator of TGFβ superfamily signaling, SMAD4, is absolutely required for normal FSH synthesis in both male and female mice. Moreover, when the Smad4 gene is ablated in combination with its DNA binding cofactor Foxl2 in gonadotrope cells, mice make essentially no FSH and females are sterile. Indeed, the phenotype of these animals is remarkably similar to that of Fshb-knockout mice. Not only do these results establish SMAD4 and FOXL2 as essential master regulators of Fshb transcription in vivo, they also suggest that activins, or related ligands, could play more important roles in FSH synthesis than GnRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Fortin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada;
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Saarland School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | - Chu-Xia Deng
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland, USA; and
| | - Mathias Treier
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel J Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada;
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Thackray VG. Fox tales: regulation of gonadotropin gene expression by forkhead transcription factors. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2014; 385:62-70. [PMID: 24099863 PMCID: PMC3947687 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.09.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Revised: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are produced by pituitary gonadotrope cells and are required for steroidogenesis, the maturation of ovarian follicles, ovulation, and spermatogenesis. Synthesis of LH and FSH is tightly regulated by a complex network of signaling pathways activated by hormones including gonadotropin-releasing hormone, activin and sex steroids. Members of the forkhead box (FOX) transcription factor family have been shown to act as important regulators of development, homeostasis and reproduction. In this review, we focus on the role of four specific FOX factors (FOXD1, FOXL2, FOXO1 and FOXP3) in gonadotropin hormone production and discuss our current understanding of the molecular function of these factors derived from studies in mouse genetic and cell culture models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Varykina G Thackray
- Department of Reproductive Medicine and Center for Reproductive Science and Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, United States.
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Liu XL, Meng YH, Wang JL, Yang BB, Zhang F, Tang SJ. FOXL2 suppresses proliferation, invasion and promotes apoptosis of cervical cancer cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2014; 7:1534-1543. [PMID: 24817949 PMCID: PMC4014233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
FOXL2 is a transcription factor that is essential for ovarian function and maintenance, the germline mutations of which give rise to the blepharophimosis ptosis epicanthus inversus syndrome (BPES), often associated with premature ovarian failure. Recently, its mutations have been found in ovarian granulosa cell tumors (OGCTs). In this study, we measured the expression of FOXL2 in cervical cancer by immunohistochemistry and its mRNA level in cervical cancer cell lines Hela and Siha by RT-PCR. Then we overexpressed FOXL2 in Hela cells and silenced it in Siha cells by plasmid transfection and verified using western blotting. When FOXL2 was overexpressed or silenced, cells proliferation and apoptosis were determined by Brdu assay and Annexin V/PI detection kit, respectively. In addition, we investigated the effects of FOXL2 on the adhesion and invasion of Hela and Siha cells. Finally, we analyzed the influences of FOXL2 on Ki67, PCNA and FasL by flow cytometry. The results showed that FOXL2 was highly expressed in cervical squamous cancer. Overexpressing FOXL2 suppressed Hela proliferation and facilitated its apoptosis. Silencing FOXL2 enhanced Siha proliferation and inhibited its apoptosis. Meanwhile, silencing FOXL2 promoted Siha invasion, but it had no effect on cells adhesion. In addition, overexpressing FOXL2 decreased the expression of Ki67 in Hela and Siha cells. Therefore, our results suggested that FOXL2 restrained cells proliferation and enhanced cells apoptosis mainly through decreasing Ki67 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Long Liu
- Plastic Surgery Institute of Weifang Medical UniversityWeifang, 261041, Shandong Province, China
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, The 89th Hospital of PLAWeifang, 261041, Shandong Province, China
| | - Yu-Han Meng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third HospitalBeijing, 100191, China
| | - Jian-Li Wang
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, The 89th Hospital of PLAWeifang, 261041, Shandong Province, China
| | - Biao-Bing Yang
- Plastic Surgery Institute of Weifang Medical UniversityWeifang, 261041, Shandong Province, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Plastic Surgery Institute of Weifang Medical UniversityWeifang, 261041, Shandong Province, China
| | - Sheng-Jian Tang
- Plastic Surgery Institute of Weifang Medical UniversityWeifang, 261041, Shandong Province, China
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40
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Governini L, Carrarelli P, Rocha ALL, Leo VD, Luddi A, Arcuri F, Piomboni P, Chapron C, Bilezikjian LM, Petraglia F. FOXL2 in human endometrium: hyperexpressed in endometriosis. Reprod Sci 2014; 21:1249-55. [PMID: 24520083 DOI: 10.1177/1933719114522549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated expression and protein localization of FOXL2 messenger RNA (mRNA) in endometrium of healthy women and in patients with endometriosis during endometrial cycle. In endometriotic lesions, FOXL2 mRNA and protein were evaluated and a possible correlation with activin A mRNA expression changes was also studied. Endometrium was collected from healthy women (n = 52) and from women with endometriosis (n = 31) by hysteroscopy; endometriotic tissues were collected by laparoscopy (n = 38). FOXL2 gene expression analysis in endometrium of healthy women showed a significant expression and no significant changes in mRNA levels between proliferative and secretory phases; a similar pattern was observed in endometrium of patients with endometriosis. Immunohistochemical evaluation showed that FOXL2 protein localized in stromal and glandular cells and colocalized with SUMO-1. FOXL2 mRNA expression was 3-fold higher in endometriosis than in healthy endometrium (P < .01) and a positive correlation between FOXL2 and activin A mRNA was found (P < .05) in endometriosis. In conclusion, FOXL2 mRNA expression and its protein localization do not change during endometrial cycle in eutopic endometrium from healthy individuals or patients with endometriosis; the hyperexpression of FOXL2 in endometriotic lesions suggests an involvement of this transcriptional regulator, probably associated with activin A expression and related to the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Governini
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Patrizia Carrarelli
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Ana Luiza Lunardi Rocha
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Vincenzo De Leo
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Felice Arcuri
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Charles Chapron
- Department of Gynecology Obstetrics II and Reproductive Medicine, Université Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, AP-HP, CHU Cochin, Paris, France
| | - Louise M Bilezikjian
- The Clayton Foundation Laboratories for Peptide Biology, Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Felice Petraglia
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Georges A, Auguste A, Bessière L, Vanet A, Todeschini AL, Veitia RA. FOXL2: a central transcription factor of the ovary. J Mol Endocrinol 2014; 52:R17-33. [PMID: 24049064 DOI: 10.1530/jme-13-0159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) is a gene encoding a forkhead transcription factor preferentially expressed in the ovary, the eyelids and the pituitary gland. Its germline mutations are responsible for the blepharophimosis ptosis epicanthus inversus syndrome, which includes eyelid and mild craniofacial defects associated with primary ovarian insufficiency. Recent studies have shown the involvement of FOXL2 in virtually all stages of ovarian development and function, as well as in granulosa cell (GC)-related pathologies. A central role of FOXL2 is the lifetime maintenance of GC identity through the repression of testis-specific genes. Recently, a highly recurrent somatic FOXL2 mutation leading to the p.C134W subtitution has been linked to the development of GC tumours in the adult, which account for up to 5% of ovarian malignancies. In this review, we summarise data on FOXL2 modulators, targets, partners and post-translational modifications. Despite the progresses made thus far, a better understanding of the impact of FOXL2 mutations and of the molecular aspects of its function is required to rationalise its implication in various pathophysiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrien Georges
- CNRS UMR 7592, Institut Jacques Monod, 15 Rue Hélène Brion, 75013 Paris, France Université Paris Diderot, Paris VII, Paris, France
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Cheng JC, Chang HM, Qiu X, Fang L, Leung PCK. FOXL2-induced follistatin attenuates activin A-stimulated cell proliferation in human granulosa cell tumors. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2013; 443:537-42. [PMID: 24332943 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2013.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Human granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are rare, and their etiology remains largely unknown. Recently, the FOXL2 402C>G (C134W) mutation was found to be specifically expressed in human adult-type GCTs; however, its function in the development of human GCTs is not fully understood. Activins are members of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily, which has been shown to stimulate normal granulosa cell proliferation; however, little is known regarding the function of activins in human GCTs. In this study, we examined the effect of activin A on cell proliferation in the human GCT-derived cell line KGN. We show that activin A treatment stimulates KGN cell proliferation. Treatment with the activin type I receptor inhibitor SB431542 blocks activin A-stimulated cell proliferation. In addition, our results show that cyclin D2 is induced by treatment with activin A and is involved in activin A-stimulated cell proliferation. Moreover, the activation of Smad signaling is required for activin A-induced cyclin D2 expression. Finally, we show that the overexpression of the wild-type FOXL2 but not the C134W mutant FOXL2 induced follistatin production. Treatment with exogenous follistatin blocks activin A-stimulated cell proliferation, and the overexpression of wild-type FOXL2 attenuates activin A-stimulated cell proliferation. These results suggest that FOXL2 may act as a tumor suppressor in human adult-type GCTs by inducing follistatin expression, which subsequently inhibits activin-stimulated cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Chien Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Hsun-Ming Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Xin Qiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Lanlan Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada
| | - Peter C K Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Child & Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4H4, Canada.
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Fortin J, Boehm U, Weinstein MB, Graff JM, Bernard DJ. Follicle-stimulating hormone synthesis and fertility are intact in mice lacking SMAD3 DNA binding activity and SMAD2 in gonadotrope cells. FASEB J 2013; 28:1474-85. [PMID: 24308975 DOI: 10.1096/fj.13-237818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The activin/inhibin system regulates follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis and release by pituitary gonadotrope cells in mammals. In vitro cell line data suggest that activins stimulate FSH β-subunit (Fshb) transcription via complexes containing the receptor-regulated SMAD proteins SMAD2 and SMAD3. Here, we used a Cre-loxP approach to determine the necessity for SMAD2 and/or SMAD3 in FSH synthesis in vivo. Surprisingly, mice with conditional mutations in both Smad2 and Smad3 specifically in gonadotrope cells are fertile and produce FSH at quantitatively normal levels. Notably, however, we discovered that the recombined Smad3 allele produces a transcript that encodes the entirety of the SMAD3 C-terminal Mad homology 2 (MH2) domain. This protein behaves similarly to full-length SMAD3 in Fshb transcriptional assays. As the truncated protein lacks the N-terminal Mad homology 1 (MH1) domain, these results show that SMAD3 DNA-binding activity as well as SMAD2 are dispensable for normal FSH synthesis in vivo. Furthermore, the observation that deletion of proximal exons does not remove all SMAD3 function may facilitate interpretation of divergent phenotypes previously described in different Smad3 knockout mouse lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jérôme Fortin
- 1Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, 3655 Promenade Sir William Osler, Rm. 1315, Montréal, QC, H3G 1Y6, Canada. J.F.,
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44
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Nonis D, McTavish KJ, Shimasaki S. Essential but differential role of FOXL2wt and FOXL2C134W in GDF-9 stimulation of follistatin transcription in co-operation with Smad3 in the human granulosa cell line COV434. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 372:42-8. [PMID: 23523567 PMCID: PMC3657561 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2012] [Revised: 01/30/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The FOXL2(C134W) mutation has been identified in virtually all adult granulosa cell tumors (GCTs). Here we show that the exogenous FOXL2 expression is necessary for GDF-9 stimulation of follistatin transcription in the human GCT cell line, COV434 that lacks endogenous FOXL2 expression. Interestingly, in the presence of Smad3 co-expression, FOXL2(C134W) negated GDF-9 stimulation of follistatin transcription. However, mutation of the Smad binding element (SBE) located in the intronic enhancer elements in the follistatin gene restored normal FOXL2 activity to FOXL2(C134W), thus the altered activity of FOXL2(C134W) is dependent on the ability of Smad3 to directly bind the SBE. Mutation of the FOXL2 binding element (FBE) or the FBE and SBE completely prevented GDF-9 activity, suggesting that the FBE is essential for GDF-9 stimulation in COV434. Overall, our study supports the view that altered interaction of FOXL2(C134W) with co-factors may underlie the pathogenesis of this mutation in GCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Nonis
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093-0633, USA
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McTavish KJ, Nonis D, Hoang YD, Shimasaki S. Granulosa cell tumor mutant FOXL2C134W suppresses GDF-9 and activin A-induced follistatin transcription in primary granulosa cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 372:57-64. [PMID: 23567549 PMCID: PMC3669547 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2013.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2012] [Revised: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
A single somatic FOXL2 mutation (FOXL2(C134W)) was identified in almost all granulosa cell tumor (GCT) patients. In the pituitary, FOXL2 and Smad3 coordinately regulate activin stimulation of follistatin transcription. We explored whether a similar regulation occurs in the ovary, and whether FOXL2(C134W) has altered activity. We show that in primary granulosa cells, GDF-9 and activin increase Smad3-mediated follistatin transcription. In contrast to findings in the pituitary, FOXL2 negatively regulates GDF-9 and activin-stimulated follistatin transcription in the ovary. Knockdown of endogenous FOXL2 confirmed this inhibitory role. FOXL2(C134W) displayed enhanced inhibitory activity, completely ablating GDF-9 and activin-induced follistatin transcription. GDF-9 and activin activity was lost when either the smad binding element or the forkhead binding element were mutated, indicating that both sites are required for Smad3 actions. This study highlights that FOXL2 negatively regulates follistatin expression within the ovary, and that the pathogenesis of FOXL2(C134W) may involve an altered interaction with Smad3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten J McTavish
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92093-0633, USA
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Kang L, Cui X, Zhang Y, Yang C, Jiang Y. Identification of miRNAs associated with sexual maturity in chicken ovary by Illumina small RNA deep sequencing. BMC Genomics 2013; 14:352. [PMID: 23705682 PMCID: PMC3700833 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2164-14-352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 05/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNAs have been suggested to play important roles in the regulation of gene expression in various biological processes. To investigate the function of miRNAs in chicken ovarian development and folliculogenesis, two small RNA libraries constructed from sexually mature (162-day old) and immature (42-day old) ovary tissues of Single Comb White Leghorn chicken were sequenced using Illumina small RNA deep sequencing. Results In the present study, 14,545,100 and 14,774,864 clean reads were obtained from sexually mature (162-d) and sexually immature (42-d) ovaries, respectively. In total, 202 known miRNAs were identified, and 93 of them were found to be significantly differentially expressed: 42 miRNAs were up-regulated and 51 miRNAs were down-regulated in the mature ovary compared to the immature ovary. Among the up-regulated miRNAs, gga-miR-1a has the largest fold-change (6.405-fold), while gga-miR-375 has the largest fold-change (11.345-fold) among the down-regulated miRNAs. The three most abundant miRNAs in the chicken ovary are gga-miR-10a, gga-let-7 and gga-miR-21. Five differentially expressed miRNAs (gga-miR-1a, 21, 26a, 137 and 375) were validated by real-time quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). Furthermore, the expression patterns of the five miRNAs were analyzed in different developmental stages of chicken ovary and follicles of various sizes. Conclusion The present study provides the first miRNA profile in sexually immature and mature chicken ovaries. Some miRNAs such as gga-miR-1a and gga-miR-21are expressed differentially in immature and mature chicken ovaries as well as among different sized follicles, suggesting an important role in the follicular growth or ovulation mechanism in the chicken.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Kang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology and Disease Control and Prevention, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Taian 271018 Shandong Province, PR China
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Ranjan A, Kaur N, Tiwari V, Singh Y, Chaturvedi MM, Tandon V. 3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl Bis-benzimidazole Derivative, Mitigates Radiation-Induced DNA Damage. Radiat Res 2013; 179:647-62. [DOI: 10.1667/rr3246.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Atul Ranjan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Navrinder Kaur
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Vinod Tiwari
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Yogendra Singh
- Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, Delhi, India
| | | | - Vibha Tandon
- Department of Chemistry, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
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Bernard DJ, Tran S. Mechanisms of activin-stimulated FSH synthesis: the story of a pig and a FOX. Biol Reprod 2013; 88:78. [PMID: 23426431 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.113.107797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Activins were discovered and, in fact, named more than a quarter century ago based on their abilities to stimulate pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) synthesis and secretion. However, it is only in the last decade that we have finally come to understand their underlying mechanisms of action in gonadotroph cells. In this minireview, we chronicle the research that led to the recent discovery of forkhead box L2 (FOXL2) as an essential mediator of activin-regulated FSH beta subunit (Fshb) transcription in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Sepporta MV, Tumminello FM, Flandina C, Crescimanno M, Giammanco M, La Guardia M, di Majo D, Leto G. Follistatin as potential therapeutic target in prostate cancer. Target Oncol 2013; 8:215-23. [PMID: 23456439 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-013-0268-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 02/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Follistatin is a single-chain glycosylated protein whose primary function consists in binding and neutralizing some members of the transforming growth factor-β superfamily such as activin and bone morphogenic proteins. Emerging evidence indicates that this molecule may also play a role in the malignant progression of several human tumors including prostate cancer. In particular, recent findings suggest that, in this tumor, follistatin may also contribute to the formation of bone metastasis through multiple mechanisms, some of which are not related to its specific activin or bone morphogenic proteins' inhibitory activity. This review provides insight into the most recent advances in understanding the role of follistatin in the prostate cancer progression and discusses the clinical and therapeutic implications related to these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Vittoria Sepporta
- Operative Unit of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Palermo, via Augusto Elia, 3, 90127, Palermo, Italy
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Abstract
Formerly known as 'intersex' conditions, disorders of sex development (DSDs) are congenital conditions in which chromosomal, gonadal or anatomical sex is atypical. A complete revision of the nomenclature and classification of DSDs has been undertaken, which emphasizes the genetic aetiology of these disorders and discards pejorative terms. Uptake of the new terminology is widespread. DSDs affecting gonadal development are perhaps the least well understood. Unravelling the molecular mechanisms underlying gonadal development has revealed new causes of DSDs, although a specific molecular diagnosis is made in only ∼20% of patients. Conversely, identification of the molecular causes of DSDs has provided insight into the mechanisms of gonadal development. Studies of N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis in the mouse, and multigene diagnostic screening and genome-wide approaches, such as array-comparative genomic hybridization and next-generation sequencing, in patients with DSDs are accelerating the discovery of genes involved in gonadal development and DSDs. Furthermore, long-range gene regulatory mutations and multiple gene mutations are emerging as new causes of DSDs. Patients with DSDs, their parents and medical staff are confronted with challenging decisions regarding gender assignment, genital surgery and lifelong care. These advances are refining prognostic prediction and systematically improving the diagnosis and long-term management of children with DSDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Ono
- Molecular Genetics and Development Division, Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Monash Medical Centre, Department of Anatomy and Biochemistry, Monash University, Clayton, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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