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Cai L, Li J, Long R, Liao Z, Gong J, Zheng B, Zhang H. An autophagy-related diagnostic biomarker for uterine fibroids: FOS. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1153537. [PMID: 37138755 PMCID: PMC10150886 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1153537] [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: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign gynecologic tumors in reproductive-aged women. The typical diagnostic strategies of UFs are transvaginal ultrasonography and pathological feature, while molecular biomarkers are considered conventional options in the assessment of the origin and development of UFs in recent years. Here, we extracted the differential expression genes (DEGs) and differential DNA methylation genes (DMGs) of UFs from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, GSE64763, GSE120854, GSE45188, and GSE45187. 167 DEGs with aberrant DNA methylation were identified, and further Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) were performed by the relevant R package. We next discerned 2 hub genes (FOS, and TNFSF10) with autophagy involvement by overlapping 167 DEGs and 232 autophagic regulators from Human Autophagy Database. FOS was identified as the most crucial gene through the Protein-Protein Interactions (PPI) network with the correlation of the immune scores. Moreover, the down-regulated expression of FOS in UFs tissue at both mRNA and protein levels was validated by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry respectively. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) of FOS was 0.856, with a sensitivity of 86.2% and a specificity of 73.9%. Overall, we explored the possible biomarker of UFs undergoing DNA-methylated autophagy and provided clinicians with a comprehensive assessment of UFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Cai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jie Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Rui Long
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhiqi Liao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Juejun Gong
- Department of Oncology, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Bowen Zheng
- Medical Record Department, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hanwang Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Hanwang Zhang,
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2
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Abstract
Uterine fibroids, also known as uterine leiomyoma (UL), are monoclonal tumors of the smooth muscle tissue layer (myometrium) of the uterus. Although ULs are considered benign, uterine fibroids are the source of major quality-of-life issues for approximately 25% of all women, who suffer from clinically significant symptoms of UL. Despite the prevalence of UL, there is no treatment option for UL which is long term, cost-effective, and leaves fertility intact. The lack of understanding about the etiology of UL contributes to the scarcity of medical therapies available. Studies have identified an important role for sex steroid hormones in the pathogenesis of UL, and have driven the use of hormonal treatment for fibroids, with mixed results. Dysregulation of cell signaling pathways, miRNA expression, and cytogenetic abnormalities have also been implicated in UL etiology. Recent discoveries on the etiology of UL and the development of relevant genetically modified rodent models of UL have started to revitalize UL research. This review outlines the major characteristics of fibroids; major contributors to UL etiology, including steroid hormones; and available preclinical animal models for UL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle M McWilliams
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Center for Reproductive Sciences, IRHRM, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas
| | - Vargheese M Chennathukuzhi
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Center for Reproductive Sciences, IRHRM, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas
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3
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Chegini N, Kornberg L. Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Analogue Therapy Alters Signal Transduction Pathways Involving Mitogen-Activated Protein and Focal Adhesion Kinases in Leiomyoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1177/107155760301000105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nasser Chegini
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Otolaryngology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida; Department of OB/GYN, University of Florida, Box 100294, Gainesville, FL 32610
| | - Lori Kornberg
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Otolaryngology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Borahay MA, Asoglu MR, Mas A, Adam S, Kilic GS, Al-Hendy A. Estrogen Receptors and Signaling in Fibroids: Role in Pathobiology and Therapeutic Implications. Reprod Sci 2016; 24:1235-1244. [PMID: 27872195 DOI: 10.1177/1933719116678686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are the most common gynecologic tumors with a significant medical and financial burden. Several genetic, hormonal, and biological factors have been shown to contribute to the development and growth of fibroid tumors. Of these factors, estrogen is particularly critical since fibroids are considered estrogen dependent because no prepubertal cases have been described in the literature and tumors tend to regress after menopause. Understanding the role of estrogen in fibroids is not only important for understanding the pathobiology of fibroids but also for the development of successful therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the types and structure of estrogen receptors (nuclear and membrane bound, including α and β receptors and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor 1 GPER1). Estrogen-signaling pathways in fibroids include genomic (direct and indirect) and nongenomic including Ras-Raf-MEK (MAPK/Erk Kinase)-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3)-Akt (Protein kinase B)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways; shortly Ras-Raf-MEK-MAPK and PI3K-PIP3-Akt-mTOR pathways. Several aberrations in estrogen receptors and signaling pathways are implicated in fibroid pathobiology. Current therapeutic and research agents targeting ERs/signaling include gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, GnRH antagonists, aromatase inhibitors, selective ER modulators, gene therapy, and others. Future research can identify potential targets for the development of novel treatments. In particular, epigenomics of estrogen activity and individualized (precision) medicine appear to be attractive areas for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa A Borahay
- 1 Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,2 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Mehmet R Asoglu
- 2 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Aymara Mas
- 3 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Sarah Adam
- 4 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Mercer University, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Gokhan S Kilic
- 2 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- 3 Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, GA, USA
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5
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Katz TA, Yang Q, Treviño LS, Walker CL, Al-Hendy A. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals and uterine fibroids. Fertil Steril 2016; 106:967-77. [PMID: 27553264 PMCID: PMC5051569 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2016.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Uterine fibroids are the most frequent gynecologic tumor, affecting 70% to 80% of women over their lifetime. Although these tumors are benign, they can cause significant morbidity and may require invasive treatments such as myomectomy and hysterectomy. Many risk factors for these tumors have been identified, including environmental exposures to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) such as genistein and diethylstilbestrol. Uterine development may be a particularly sensitive window to environmental exposures, as some perinatal EDC exposures have been shown to increase tumorigenesis in both rodent models and human epidemiologic studies. The mechanisms by which EDC exposures may increase tumorigenesis are still being elucidated, but epigenetic reprogramming of the developing uterus is an emerging hypothesis. Given the remarkably high incidence of uterine fibroids and their significant impact on women's health, understanding more about how prenatal exposures to EDCs (and other environmental agents) may increase fibroid risk could be key to developing prevention and treatment strategies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany A Katz
- Health Science Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia
| | - Lindsey S Treviño
- Health Science Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Cheryl Lyn Walker
- Health Science Center, Institute of Biotechnology, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Texas A&M University, Houston, Texas
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, Georgia.
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Chegini N, Verala J, Luo X, Xu J, Williams RS. Gene Expression Profile of Leiomyoma and Myometrium and the Effect of Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone Analogue Therapy. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/s1071-55760300004-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nasser Chegini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida; Department of OB/GYN, University of Florida, Box 100294, Gainesville FL 32610
| | | | | | | | - R. Stan Williams
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida
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7
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Borahay MA, Al-Hendy A, Kilic GS, Boehning D. Signaling Pathways in Leiomyoma: Understanding Pathobiology and Implications for Therapy. Mol Med 2015; 21:242-56. [PMID: 25879625 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2014.00053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas are the most common tumors of the female genital tract, affecting 50% to 70% of females by the age of 50. Despite their prevalence and enormous medical and economic impact, no effective medical treatment is currently available. This is, in part, due to the poor understanding of their underlying pathobiology. Although they are thought to start as a clonal proliferation of a single myometrial smooth muscle cell, these early cytogenetic alterations are considered insufficient for tumor development and additional complex signaling pathway alterations are crucial. These include steroids, growth factors, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Smad; wingless-type (Wnt)/β-catenin, retinoic acid, vitamin D, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). An important finding is that several of these pathways converge in a summative way. For example, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Akt pathways seem to act as signal integrators, incorporating input from several signaling pathways, including growth factors, estrogen and vitamin D. This underlines the multifactorial origin and complex nature of these tumors. In this review, we aim to dissect these pathways and discuss their interconnections, aberrations and role in leiomyoma pathobiology. We also aim to identify potential targets for development of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa A Borahay
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Regents University, Augusta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Gokhan S Kilic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Darren Boehning
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas, United States of America
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Islam MS, Protic O, Stortoni P, Grechi G, Lamanna P, Petraglia F, Castellucci M, Ciarmela P. Complex networks of multiple factors in the pathogenesis of uterine leiomyoma. Fertil Steril 2013; 100:178-93. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2013.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Revised: 03/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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9
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Ball A, Wang JW, Wong S, Zielnik B, Mitchell J, Wang N, Stemerman MB, Mitchell BF. Phorbol ester treatment of human myometrial cells suppresses expression of oxytocin receptor through a mechanism that does not involve activator protein-1. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2006; 291:E922-8. [PMID: 16757545 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00602.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) is a potent uterine agonist. Its receptor (OTR) is a G protein-coupled receptor that is downregulated by prolonged exposure to OT. We hypothesized that activation of PKC mediated this OT-induced decrease in OTR expression. Diminished PKC activity in late pregnancy could underlie the increased expression of uterine OTR preceding labor onset. Using cell cultures of transformed human uterine myocytes, we determined the effects of PKC agonists and antagonists on the expression of OTR. We also explored the effects of overexpression of activator protein-1 (AP-1, a mediator of many PKC- and phorbol ester-induced effects) using adenoviral expression vectors for the AP-1 subunits c-Jun and c-Fos. Stimulation of PKC using the phorbol ester 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate caused a rapid, significant (P < or = 0.05) increase in c-Jun and c-Fos concentrations but a significant decrease in mRNA for OTR within 6 h followed by a significant decrease in OT binding by 24 h. Adenoviral infection of the cells with expression vectors for c-Jun and c-Fos increased the AP-1 subunits but had no effect on OTR expression. Furthermore, there were no changes in c-Fos or c-Jun levels in human intrauterine tissues around the time of labor onset, as measured by Western analyses. We conclude that phorbol ester treatment decreases OTR expression, likely through a mechanism that does not involve AP-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Ball
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perinatal Research Centre, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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10
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Sandberg AA. Updates on the cytogenetics and molecular genetics of bone and soft tissue tumors: leiomyoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2005; 158:1-26. [PMID: 15771900 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergencyto.2004.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2004] [Revised: 08/11/2004] [Accepted: 08/11/2004] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Avery A Sandberg
- Department of DNA Diagnostics, St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, 350 West Thomas Road, Phoenix, AZ 85013, USA.
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11
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Luo X, Ding L, Xu J, Williams RS, Chegini N. Leiomyoma and myometrial gene expression profiles and their responses to gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog therapy. Endocrinology 2005; 146:1074-96. [PMID: 15604208 DOI: 10.1210/en.2004-1384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Gene microarray was used to characterize the molecular environment of leiomyoma and matched myometrium during growth and in response to GnRH analog (GnRHa) therapy as well as GnRHa direct action on primary cultures of leiomyoma and myometrial smooth muscle cells (LSMC and MSMC). Unsupervised and supervised analysis of gene expression values and statistical analysis in R programming with a false discovery rate of P < or = 0.02 resulted in identification of 153 and 122 differentially expressed genes in leiomyoma and myometrium in untreated and GnRHa-treated cohorts, respectively. The expression of 170 and 164 genes was affected by GnRHa therapy in these tissues compared with their respective untreated group. GnRHa (0.1 microm), in a time-dependent manner (2, 6, and 12 h), targeted the expression of 281 genes (P < or = 0.005) in LSMC and MSMC, 48 of which genes were found in common with GnRHa-treated tissues. Functional annotations assigned these genes as key regulators of processes involving transcription, translational, signal transduction, structural activities, and apoptosis. We validated the expression of IL-11, early growth response 3, TGF-beta-induced factor, TGF-beta-inducible early gene response, CITED2 (cAMP response element binding protein-binding protein/p300-interacting transactivator with ED-rich tail), Nur77, growth arrest-specific 1, p27, p57, and G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5, representing cytokine, common transcription factors, cell cycle regulators, and signal transduction, at tissue levels and in LSMC and MSMC in response to GnRHa time-dependent action using real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, using different, complementary approaches, we characterized leiomyoma and myometrium molecular fingerprints and identified several previously unrecognized genes as targets of GnRHa action, implying that local expression and activation of these genes may represent features differentiating leiomyoma and myometrial environments during growth and GnRHa-induced regression.
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MESH Headings
- Active Transport, Cell Nucleus
- Blotting, Western
- Cluster Analysis
- Cohort Studies
- DNA, Complementary/metabolism
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Down-Regulation
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone/analogs & derivatives
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Leiomyoma/metabolism
- Models, Biological
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology
- Myometrium/metabolism
- Nuclear Receptor Subfamily 4, Group A, Member 1
- Oligonucleotide Array Sequence Analysis
- Premenopause
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear
- Receptors, Steroid
- Repressor Proteins/metabolism
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Time Factors
- Trans-Activators/metabolism
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Up-Regulation
- Uterine Neoplasms/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Luo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Florida, Box 100294, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA
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12
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Lee TK, Cho HL, Kim DI, Lee YC, Kim CH. Scutellaria barbata D. Don induces c-fos gene expression in human uterine leiomyomal cells by activating beta2-adrenergic receptors. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2004; 14:526-31. [PMID: 15228428 DOI: 10.1111/j.1048-891x.2004.014315.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Scutellaria barbata D. Don (Lamiaceae; SB) inhibited the growth of uterine leiomyomal (LM) cells with unknown actions. The expression patterns of beta-adrenergic receptors (beta-ARs) in human uterine LM cells and functional coupling to gene expression have also been investigated. Northern blot analysis showed that beta-AR subtypes are expressed at different levels in the uterine LM cells and myometrial smooth muscle cells (SMCs). beta1-AR expression was to be found approximately at the same level in the two cell types. beta2-ARs were expressed at higher levels in uterine LM cells than that in myometrial SMCs. beta3-AR expression was not found in both the cells. c-fos gene expression was induced by SB in uterine LM cells via increases in adenosine-3',5', cyclic monophosphate (cAMP), which in turn activated the cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) pathway. The PKA inhibitor, H89, inhibited c-fos gene expression induced by SB. It seems that the mechanism of proto-oncogenes c-fos different leiomyoma from other myometrial cancer. Further studies are necessary to elucidate whether c-fos induction by SB in uterine LM cells influences a regression of leiomyoma or induces other differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- T-K Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Gynecology, Dongguk University College of Oriental Medicine, and National Research Laboratory for Glycobiology, Korean Ministry of Science and Technology, Kyungju City, Kyungbuk, Korea
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13
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Abstract
BACKGROUND Leiomyosarcomas (LMS) are a common subtype of soft tissue sarcoma. The molecular causes of the disease remain unclear. METHODS In the current study, gene expression in LMS, leiomyomas, and normal myometrium was examined. RNA was prepared and gene expression was determined using microarray analysis arrays containing approximately 12,000 known genes and 48,000 expressed sequence tags (ESTs). RESULTS A number of genes were found to be differentially expressed in these sample sets, and six genes including cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A, diaphanous (Drosophila homolog) 3, doublecortin, calpain 6, interleukin-17B, and proteolipid 1 were found to be overexpressed in LMS compared with normal myometrium and 18 other tissues. Sets of genes were identified whose expression could be used to cluster samples with either LMS, leiomyomas, or normal myometrium. CONCLUSIONS The authors concluded that differences in gene expression can be detected between LMS and leiomyomas, normal myometrium, and other tissues, and that these changes in gene expression may yield clues with regard to the pathophysiology of leiomyosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith M Skubitz
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School and the Masonic Cancer Center, MMC 286, University Hospital, 420 Delaware Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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Skubitz KM, Skubitz APN. Differential gene expression in uterine leiomyoma. THE JOURNAL OF LABORATORY AND CLINICAL MEDICINE 2003; 141:297-308. [PMID: 12761473 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-2143(03)00007-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas are the most common tumor of the genitourinary system in women and are a major cause of morbidity. The molecular causes of the disease remain unclear. In this study, we examined gene expression in leiomyomas and normal myometrium. RNA was prepared and gene expression determined with the use of Affymetrix GeneChip U_95 arrays containing approximately 12,000 known genes and 48,000 expression sequence tags. Several genes were found to be differentially expressed in these two sample sets, and these genes were analyzed for their expression in a variety of other normal and diseased tissues. Four genes--doublecortin, calpain 6, interleukin-17B, and proteolipid protein 1--were found to be overexpressed in leiomyomas compared with normal myometrium and eighteen other tissues. Sets of genes were identified whose expression could be used to cluster samples with leiomyomas or normal myometrium with the use of Eisen Cluster software. We conclude that differences in gene expression can be detected between leiomyomas and normal myometrium and that these changes in gene expression may yield clues to the pathophysiology of this common tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith M Skubitz
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, USA.
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15
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Condon J, Yin S, Mayhew B, Word RA, Wright WE, Shay JW, Rainey WE. Telomerase immortalization of human myometrial cells. Biol Reprod 2002; 67:506-14. [PMID: 12135889 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod67.2.506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Several strategies have been described for the primary culture of human myometrial cells. However, primary cultures of myometrial cells have a limited life span, making continual tissue acquisition and cell isolation necessary. Recent studies have demonstrated that cell culture life span is related to chromosomal telomere length, and cellular senescence results from progressive telomere shortening and the lack of telomerase expression. Transfection of cells with expression vectors containing the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) maintains telomere length and effectively gives normal cells an unlimited life span in culture. In addition, hTERT extends the life span of cultured cells far beyond normal senescence without causing neoplastic transformation. In the present study, we developed a cell line from hTERT-infected myometrial cells (hTERT-HM). Cells were isolated from myometrial tissue obtained from women undergoing hysterectomy, and retroviral infection was used to express the catalytic subunit of telomerase in myometrial cells. Cells expressing hTERT have been in continuous culture for >10 mo, whereas the control culture senesced after approximately 2 mo. Telomerase activity was monitored in cells with a polymerase chain reaction-based telomerase activity assay. Telomerase-expressing cells contained mRNA for alpha smooth muscle actin, smoothelin, oxytocin receptor, and estrogen receptor alpha, but the estrogen receptor beta receptor was lost. Immunoblotting analysis identified the expression of calponin, caldesmon, alpha smooth muscle actin, and oxytocin receptor. Although estrogen receptor expression was below the level of detection with immunoblotting, transfection experiments performed with reporter constructs driven by estrogen response elements demonstrated estrogen responsiveness in the hTERT-HM. In addition, treatment of hTERT-HM with oxytocin caused a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular calcium levels, confirming the presence of functional oxytocin receptors. Myometrial cells immortalized with hTERT retained markers of differentiation that are observed in primary cultures of smooth muscle cells. The expression of various smooth muscle/myometrium cell markers suggests that these cells may be an appropriate model system to study certain aspects of human myometrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Condon
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75390-9032, USA
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16
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Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas or fibroids are classified as a benign uterine disease in that the polyps display no malignant growth. However, uterine leiomyomas are a leading cause of morbidity, infertility, and hysterectomy in women. Since leiomyomas are known to be sensitive to estrogen for their growth, we have examined uterine genes known to be estrogen responsive in affected and unaffected uterine tissue. This information will be useful in determining the contribution, if any, of hormonally active environmental chemicals to this highly prevalent reproductive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Tulane University, and Center for Bioenvironmental Research at Tulane & Xavier Universities, New Orleans, Louisiana 70112-2699, USA
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