Effect of follicle-stimulating hormone and estrogen on the expression of betaglycan messenger ribonucleic acid levels in cultured rat granulosa cells

17β-Estradiol mediates TGFBR3/Smad2/3 signaling to attenuate the fibrosis of TGF-β1-induced bovine endometrial epithelial cells via GPER

Abnormal function and fibrosis of endometrium caused by cows' endometritis pose difficult implantation of embryos and uterine cavity adhesions. 17β-Estradiol (E2) serves as the most effective aromatized estrogen, and its synthetase and receptors have been detected in the endometrium. Studies have demonstrated the positive role of estrogen in combating pathological fibrosis in diverse diseases. However, it is still unknown whether E2 regulates endometrium fibrosis in bovine endometritis. Herein, we evaluated the expression patterns of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT)-related proteins (α-SMA, vimentin N-cadherin and E-cadherin), cytochrome P450 19A1 (CYP19A1), and G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in bovine healthy endometrium and Inflammatory endometrium. Our data showed that the inflamed endometrium presented low CYP19A1 and GPER expression, and significantly higher EMT process versus the normal tissue. Moreover, we established a TGF-β1-induced fibrosis model in BEND cells, and found that E2 inhibited the EMT process of BEND cells in a dose-dependent manner. The anti-fibrotic effect of E2 was blocked by the GPER inhibitor G15, but not the estrogen nuclear receptors (ERs) inhibitor ICI182780. Moreover, the GPER agonist G1 inhibited fibrosis and Smad2/3 phosphorylation but increased the expression of TGFBR3 in BEND cells. Transfection with TGFBR3 small interfering RNA blocked the effect of G1 on fibrosis of BEND cells and upregulated the expression of P-Smad2/3. Our in vivo data also showed that E2 and G1 affected uterus fibrosis in mice endometritis model caused by LPS, which was associated with the inhibition of TGFBR3/Smad2/3 signaling. In conclusion, our data implied that E2 alleviates the fibrosis of TGF-β1-induced BEND cells, which is associated with the GPER mediation of TGFBR3/Smad2/3 signaling.

Genome-wide interactions between FSH and insulin-like growth factors in the regulation of human granulosa cell differentiation

Study question

Is the genome-wide response of human cumulus cells to FSH and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) comparable to the response observed in undifferentiated granulosa cells (GCs)?

Summary answer

FSH actions in human cumulus cells mimic those observed in preantral undifferentiated GCs from laboratory animals, and approximately half of the regulated genes are dependent on the simultaneous activation of the IGF1 receptor (IGF1R).

What is known already

Animal studies have shown that FSH and the IGFs system are required for follicle growth and maturation. In humans, IGF levels in the follicular fluid correlate with patients' responses to IVF protocols. The main targets of FSH and IGFs in the ovary are the GCs; however, the genomic mechanisms involved in the response of GCs to these hormones are unknown.

Study design, size, duration

Human cumulus cells isolated from IVF patients were cultured for 48 h in serum-free media in the presence of vehicle, FSH, IGF1R inhibitor or their combination.

Participants/materials, setting, methods

Discarded cumulus cells were donated to research by reproductive-aged women undergoing IVF due to non-ovarian etiologies of infertility at a university-affiliated clinic. The effect of FSH and/or IGF1R inhibition on cumulus cell function was evaluated using Affymetrix microarrays, quantitative PCR, western blot, promoter assays and hormone level measurements.

Main results and the role of chance

The findings demonstrate that human cumulus cells from IVF patients respond to FSH with the expression of genes known to be markers of the preantral to preovulatory differentiation of GCs. These results also demonstrate that ~50% of FSH-regulated genes require IGF1R activity and suggest that several aspects of follicle growth are coordinately regulated by FSH and IGFs in humans. This novel approach will allow for future mechanistic and molecular studies on the regulation of human follicle maturation.

Large scale data

Data set can be accessed at Gene Expression Omnibus number GSE86427.

Limitations, reasons for caution

Experiments were performed using primary human cumulus cells. This may not represent the response of intact follicles.

Wider implications of the findings

Understanding the mechanisms involved in the regulation of GC differentiation by FSH and IGF in humans will contribute to improving treatments for infertility.

Study funding/competing interest(s)

The project was financed by the National Instituted of Health grant number R56HD086054 and R01HD057110 (C.S.). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish or preparation of the manuscript. We have no competing interests to declare.

Two Affinity Sites of the Cannabinoid Subtype 2 Receptor Identified by a Novel Homogeneous Binding Assay

Endocannabinoids act on G protein-coupled receptors that are considered potential targets for a variety of diseases. There are two different cannabinoid receptor types: ligands for cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2Rs) show more promise than those for cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1Rs) because they lack psychotropic actions. However, the complex pharmacology of these receptors, coupled with the lipophilic nature of ligands, is delaying the translational success of medications targeting the endocannabinoid system. We here report the discovery and synthesis of a fluorophore-conjugated CB2R-selective compound, CM-157 (3-[[4-[2-tert-butyl-1-(tetrahydropyran-4-ylmethyl)benzimidazol-5-yl]sulfonyl-2-pyridyl]oxy]propan-1-amine), which was useful for pharmacological characterization of CB2R by using a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay. This methodology does not require radiolabeled compounds and may be undertaken in homogeneous conditions and in living cells (i.e., without the need to isolate receptor-containing membranes). The affinity of the labeled compound was similar to that of the unlabeled molecule. Time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer assays disclosed a previously unreported second affinity site and showed conformational changes in CB2R forming receptor heteromers with G protein-coupled receptor GPR55, a receptor for l-α-lysophosphatidylinositol. The populations displaying subnanomolar and nanomolar affinities were undisclosed in competitive assays using a well known cannabinoid receptor ligand, AM630 (1-[2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl]-2-methyl-3-(4-methoxybenzoyl)-6-iodoindole), and TH-chrysenediol, not previously tested on binding to cannabinoid receptors. Variations in binding parameters upon formation of dimers with GPR55 may reflect decreases in binding sites or alterations of the quaternary structure of the macromolecular G protein-coupled receptor complexes. In summary, the homogeneous binding assay described here may serve to better characterize agonist binding to CB2R and to identify specific properties of CB2R on living cells.

Downregulation of the expression of inhibin α subunit and betaglycan in porcine cystic follicles

Inhibins, as members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) superfamily, downregulate the synthesis and secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in an endocrine manner. The role of inhibin/betaglycan in the ovary regulation recently gained attention. To date, no data exist on the function of inhibin α subunit and betaglycan in cystic follicles. In this study, the expressions of inhibin α subunit and betaglycan in cystic follicles were investigated using immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR and Western blot analysis. Both inhibin α subunit and betaglycan immunoreactivities were mainly localized in the granulosa cells of follicles. Expression of inhibin α subunit and betaglycan was inferior in cystic follicles compared with that in normal large follicles. However, the result of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay showed no significant difference in the decreasing in concentration of inhibin α subunit in cystic follicular fluid compared with the control (P>0.05). In this study, we explored the effects of FSH on betaglycan expression in granulosa cells in vitro. As expected, a significant increase in the expressions of betaglycan mRNA and protein in granulosa cells was observed in response to exogenous FSH (30 ng/ml) (P<0.05) compared with the control. Consequently, this study provides evidence that the expressions of inhibin α subunit and betaglycan are inferior in cystic follicles, and this may be caused by the decrease in FSH in the presence of a cystic follicle.

Reprint of: Betaglycan: a multifunctional accessory

Betaglycan is a co-receptor for the TGFβ superfamily, particularly important in establishing the potency of its ligands on their target cells. In recent years, new insights have been gained into the structure and function of betaglycan, expanding its role from that of a simple co-receptor to include additional ligand-dependent and ligand-independent roles. This review focuses on recent advances in the betaglycan field, with a particular emphasis on its newly discovered actions in mediating the trafficking of TGFβ superfamily receptors and as a determinant of the functional output of TGFβ superfamily signalling. In addition, this review encompasses a discussion of the emerging roles of the betaglycan/inhibin pathway in reproductive cancers and disease.

Intra-ovarian roles of activins and inhibins

Granulosa cells are the main ovarian source of inhibins, activins and activin-binding protein (follistatin) while germ (oogonia, oocytes) and somatic (theca, granulosa, luteal) cells express activin receptors, signaling components and inhibin co-receptor (betaglycan). Activins are implicated in various intra-ovarian roles including germ cell survival and primordial follicle assembly; follicle growth from preantral to mid-antral stages; suppression of thecal androgen production; promotion of granulosa cell proliferation, FSHR and CYP19A1 expression; enhancement of oocyte developmental competence; retardation of follicle luteinization and/or atresia and involvement in luteolysis. Inhibins (primarily inhibin A) are produced in greatest amounts by preovulatory follicles (and corpus luteum in primates) and suppress FSH secretion through endocrine negative feedback. Together with follistatin, inhibins act locally to oppose auto-/paracrine activin (and BMP) signaling thus modulating many of the above processes. The balance between activin-inhibin shifts during follicle development with activin signalling prevailing at earlier stages but declining as inhibin and betaglycan expression rise.

Polymorphisms in the potential functional regions of the TGF-β 1 and TGF-β receptor genes and disease susceptibility in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma patients

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a disease of multiple etiologies caused by the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic defects. Current evidence indicates that the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling pathway has a significant impact on different cellular process. Members of the TGF-β superfamily (TGF-β1, the type I TGF-β receptor [TβRI], type II TGF-β receptor [TβRII], and type III TGF-β receptor]) play an important role in tumorigenesis. Numerous studies show that genetic polymorphisms in TGF-β superfamily genes are associated with HCC in East Asian populations. We studied 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in four genes (TGF-β1, TβRI, TβRII, and TβRIII) to examine their associations with hepatocarcinogenesis. A total of 1228 Chinese Han participants were enrolled in the study (881 control participants who were negative for all hepatitis B virus [HBV] serum markers and 347 case participants with HBV-related HCC). Genotyping was conducted using the TaqMan method. The results showed that the frequency of the rs1805110 T allele was significantly higher in the case group than in the control group (P = 0.034). After stratification, the results for rs1805110 remained significant in male participants (P = 0.005), but there was no statistical difference in females. In males, the frequency of the C-C-G-C-A haplotype resulting from SNPs rs1805110, rs2810904, rs1805112, rs284878, and rs1804506 in TβRIII was significantly lower in the case group than in the control group (P = 0.001), whereas the reverse was true for the T-C-G-C-A haplotype (P = 0.036). We conclude that the rs1805110T allele is associated with susceptibility to HBV-related HCC in males.

Betaglycan: a multifunctional accessory

Betaglycan is a co-receptor for the TGFβ superfamily, particularly important in establishing the potency of its ligands on their target cells. In recent years, new insights have been gained into the structure and function of betaglycan, expanding its role from that of a simple co-receptor to include additional ligand-dependent and ligand-independent roles. This review focuses on recent advances in the betaglycan field, with a particular emphasis on its newly discovered actions in mediating the trafficking of TGFβ superfamily receptors and as a determinant of the functional output of TGFβ superfamily signalling. In addition, this review encompasses a discussion of the emerging roles of the betaglycan/inhibin pathway in reproductive cancers and disease.

Roles for the type III TGF-beta receptor in human cancer

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) superfamily ligands have important roles in regulating cellular homeostasis, embryonic development, differentiation, proliferation, immune surveillance, angiogenesis, motility, and apoptosis in a cell type and context specific manner. TGF-beta superfamily signaling pathways also have diverse roles in human cancer, functioning to either suppress or promote cancer progression. The TGF-beta superfamily co-receptor, the type III TGF-beta receptor (TbetaRIII, also known as betaglycan) mediates TGF-beta superfamily ligand dependent as well as ligand independent signaling to both Smad and non-Smad signaling pathways. Loss of TbetaRIII expression during cancer progression and direct effects of TbetaRIII on regulating cell migration, invasion, proliferation, and angiogenesis support a role for TbetaRIII as a suppressor of cancer progression and/or as a metastasis suppressor. Defining the physiological function and mechanism of TbetaRIII action and alterations in TbetaRIII function during cancer progression should enable more effective targeting of TbetaRIII and TbetaRIII mediated functions for the diagnosis and treatment of human cancer.

Loss of betaglycan contributes to the malignant properties of human granulosa tumor cells

Betaglycan is a type III TGFbeta receptor that modulates cellular sensitivity to inhibins and TGFbeta. Previous studies have suggested that betaglycan acts as a tumor suppressor in certain human epithelial cancers. However, the roles of betaglycan in ovarian granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) are poorly understood. The objective of this study was to determine whether human GCTs exhibit betaglycan expression and, if so, what impact this receptor has on tumor biology. Real-time PCR was used to quantify betaglycan transcripts in human GCTs (n = 17) and normal premenopausal ovaries (n = 11). This analysis established that GCTs exhibited a significant 2-fold lower mean betaglycan mRNA level as compared with the normal ovary (P < 0.05). Similarly, two human GCT cell lines, KGN and COV434, exhibited low betaglycan expression and poor responsiveness to TGFbeta and inhibin A in luciferase reporter assays, which was restored by stable transfection of wild-type betaglycan. Betaglycan significantly increased the adhesion of COV434 (P < 0.05) and KGN (P < 0.0001) cells, decreased cellular invasion through Matrigel, and inhibited wound healing. Expression of mutant forms of betaglycan that are defective in TGFbeta and/or inhibin binding in each GCT cell line revealed that the inhibitory effects of betaglycan on wound healing were most strongly linked to the inhibin-binding region of betaglycan. Furthermore, knockdown of INHA mRNA expression abrogated the betaglycan-mediated inhibition of wound healing and invasion, whereas both INHA silencing and TGFbeta neutralization abolished the betaglycan-mediated increase in adhesion to substrate. These data suggest that loss of betaglycan contributes to the pathogenesis of GCTs.

Effect of estrogen on the expression of luteinizing hormone-human chorionic gonadotropin receptor messenger ribonucleic acid in cultured rat granulosa cells

Estrogen has been considered to enhance FSH actions in the ovary, including the induction of the LH receptor (LHR). In this study, we elucidated the mechanism underlying the effect of estrogen on the induction of LHR by FSH in rat granulosa cells. Estradiol clearly enhanced the FSH-induced LHR mRNA increase in a time- and dose-dependent manner, with a maximum increase of approximately 3.5-fold at 72 h, compared with the level of LHR mRNA solely induced by FSH. We then investigated whether the effect of estrogen on LHR mRNA was due to increased transcription and/or altered mRNA stability. A luciferase assay with the plasmid containing the LHR 5'-flanking region did not show that estradiol increased the promoter activity induced by FSH. In contrast, the decay curves for LHR mRNA showed a significant increase in half-life with FSH and estradiol, suggesting that the increased stability of LHR mRNA is at least responsible for the regulation of LHR mRNA by estrogen. Recently mevalonate kinase (Mvk) was identified as a trans-factor that binds to LHR mRNA and alters LHR mRNA stability in the ovary. We found that estradiol, with FSH, decreased Mvk mRNA levels in rat granulosa cell culture, resulting in up-regulation of LHR mRNA that was inversely correlated to Mvk mRNA expression. Furthermore, the augmentation of FSH-induced LHR expression in the presence of estrogen was erased with the overexpression of Mvk by transient transfection. Taken together, these data indicate that LHR mRNA is up-regulated due to increased stability when estrogen negatively controls Mvk.

Differential expression of TGFBR3 (betaglycan) in mouse ovary and testis during gonadogenesis

TGFBR3 is an accessory receptor that binds to and modulates the activities of both transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta) and inhibin, two members of the TGFbeta superfamily of growth factors that regulate many aspects of reproductive biology. Tgfbr3 is known to be expressed in adult testis and ovary, but little is known about this receptor during gonadogenesis. Herein, we describe Tgfbr3 expression in the male and female fetal and neonatal murine gonad. Real-time PCR analysis revealed that Tgfbr3 mRNA was expressed at higher levels in the developing testis compared to ovary. TGFBR3 was expressed within the fetal testis interstitium, predominantly by Leydig cells, but expression shifted inside the seminiferous cords at birth. In contrast, TGFBR3 was detected in both the somatic and germ cell lineages in the fetal and neonatal ovary. This differential expression pattern suggests divergent roles for this TGFBR3 in developing testis and ovary.

Prostaglandin E2 increases transforming growth factor-beta type III receptor expression through CCAAT enhancer-binding protein delta in osteoblasts

Variations in individual TGF-beta receptors (TbetaRs) may modify TGF-beta activity and significantly alter its effects on connective tissue growth or repair. Differences in the amount of TbetaR type III (TbetaRIII) relative to signal transducing TbetaRI occur on bone cells during differentiation or in response to other growth regulators. Here we investigated prostaglandin (PG) E2, a potent effector during trauma, inflammation, or mechanical load, on TbetaR expression in primary osteoblast-enriched cultures. PGE2 rapidly increased TbetaRIII mRNA and protein expression and enhanced TbetaRIII gene promoter activity through a discrete region within 0.4 kb of the transcription start site. PGE2 alters osteoblast function through multiple signal-inducing pathways. In this regard, protein kinase A (PKA) activators, PGE1 and forskolin, also enhanced gene expression through the TbetaRIII gene promoter, whereas protein kinase C activators, PGF2alpha and phorbol myristate acetate, did not. The stimulatory effect of PGE2 on TbetaRIII promoter activity was suppressed by a dominant negative PKA-regulatory subunit, but not by dominant negative protein kinase C. PGE2 specifically increased nuclear factor CCAAT enhancer-binding protein delta (C/EBPdelta) binding to a half-binding site upstream of the basal TbetaRIII promoter region, and promoter activity was sensitive to C/EBPdelta overexpression and to dominant-negative C/EBPdelta competition. In parallel with their effect on TbetaRIII expression, activators of PKA decreased TGF-beta-induced activity. In summary, high levels of PGE2 that occur with inflammation or trauma may, through PKA-activated C/EBPdelta, preferentially increase TbetaRIII expression and in this way delay TGF-beta-dependent activation of osteoblasts during the early stabilization phase of bone repair.

Mutational analysis of the betaglycan gene-coding region in susceptibility for ovarian failure

BACKGROUND

Elevation of FSH is frequently a consequence of impaired ovarian follicle growth. Down-regulation of the FSH levels by inhibins is mediated through its receptor betaglycan in the gonadotrophs. Understanding of germline status of the betaglycan gene (TGFBR3) is essential for ovarian failure pathophysiology.

METHODS

Sequence analysis was performed for the coding region of TGFBR3 gene in a cohort of 196 ovarian failure cases that include 133 premature ovarian failure (POF) cases, 63 primary amenorrhoea (PA) cases compared with 200 controls.

RESULTS

Forty-six variants including six novel exonic variants and 16 novel intronic variants were revealed. Two variants were missense: (i) p.Iso184Val in a control and (ii) p.Pro775Ser in a POF case. Genotypic distribution of three variants (c.382-81C>T, c.382-77T>C and c.1200G>A) was significantly different in the patients as compared with the controls. Five variants c.382-81C>T, c.382-77T>C, c.566-216G>A, c.1200G>A and c.2022T>C were chosen for haplotyping. The CCAAT haplotype was significantly higher in the patient population as compared with the controls (P = 0.00007).

CONCLUSION

This study establishes the first mutational report of the TGFBR3 gene in correlation with ovarian failure. Significant diversity of genotype distribution and haplotype analysis suggested susceptibility of the TGFBR3 gene for ovarian failure aetiology.