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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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Li C, Fang C, Chan M, Chen C, Chang Y, Hsiao M. The cytoplasmic expression of FSTL3 correlates with colorectal cancer progression, metastasis status and prognosis. J Cell Mol Med 2023; 27:672-686. [PMID: 36807490 PMCID: PMC9983317 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17690] [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: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Follistatin-like (FSTL) family members are associated with cancer progression. However, differences between FSTL members with identical cancer types have not been systematically investigated. Among the most malignant tumours worldwide, colorectal cancer (CRC) has high metastatic potential and chemoresistance, which makes it challenging to treat. A systematic examination of the relationship between the expression of FSTL family members in CRC will provide valuable information for prognosis and therapeutic development. Based on large cohort survival analyses, we determined that FSTL3 was associated with a significantly worse prognosis in CRC at the RNA and protein levels. Immunohistochemistry staining of CRC specimens revealed that FSTL3 expression levels in the cytosol were significantly associated with a poor prognosis in terms of overall and disease-free survival. Molecular simulation analysis showed that FSTL3 participated in multiple cell motility signalling pathways via the TGF-β1/TWIST1 axis to control CRC metastasis. The findings provide evidence of the significance of FSTL3 in the oncogenesis and metastasis of CRC. FSTL3 may be useful as a diagnostic or prognostic biomarker, and as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chih‐Yeu Fang
- National Institute of Infectious Diseases and VaccinologyNational Health Research InstitutesMiaoliTaiwan
| | | | - Chi‐Long Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, College of MedicineTaipei Medical UniversityTaipeiTaiwan,Department of PathologyTaipei Medical University HospitalTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Yu‐Chan Chang
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological SciencesNational Yang Ming Chiao Tung UniversityTaipeiTaiwan
| | - Michael Hsiao
- Genomics Research CenterAcademia SinicaTaipeiTaiwan,Department of BiochemistryKaohsiung Medical UniversityKaohsiungTaiwan
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Ozawa T, Miyazono K, Morikawa M. Preparation of monovalent follistatin-like 3-Fc-fusion protein and evaluation of its effects on muscle mass in mice. STAR Protoc 2021; 2:100839. [PMID: 34585166 PMCID: PMC8455479 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2021.100839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3) is an endogenous antagonist against transforming growth factor-β family ligands. Monovalent FSTL3-Fc fusion protein (mono-FSTL3-Fc) generated with knobs-into-holes technology overcomes limitations of current anti-myostatin therapies. We have developed a facile protocol for affinity purification of the Fc-fused protein from the supernatant of HEK293T cells stably expressing the protein. This protocol is advantageous by only requiring readily accessible equipment. We further outline the steps for validation of mono-FSTL3-Fc increasing systemic muscle mass in mice after intraperitoneal administration. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Ozawa et al. (2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Ozawa
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Kohei Miyazono
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
| | - Masato Morikawa
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan
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Mehta N, Zhang D, Li R, Wang T, Gava A, Parthasarathy P, Gao B, Krepinsky JC. Caveolin-1 regulation of Sp1 controls production of the antifibrotic protein follistatin in kidney mesangial cells. Cell Commun Signal 2019; 17:37. [PMID: 30995923 PMCID: PMC6472091 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-019-0351-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously showed that caveolin-1 (cav-1), an integral membrane protein, is required for the synthesis of matrix proteins by glomerular mesangial cells (MC). In a previous study to understand how cav-1 is involved in regulating matrix production, we had identified significant upregulation of the antifibrotic protein follistatin in cav-1 knockout MC. Follistatin inhibits the profibrotic effects of several members of the transforming growth factor beta superfamily, in particular the activins. Here, we characterize the molecular mechanism through which cav-1 regulates the expression of follistatin. METHODS Kidneys from cav-1 wild type and knockout (KO) mice were analyzed and primary cultures of MC from cav-1 wild-type and KO mice were utilized. FST promoter deletion constructs were generated to determine the region of the promoter important for mediating FST upregulation in cav-1 KO MC. siRNA-mediated down-regulation and overexpression of Sp1 in conjunction with luciferase activity assays, immunoprecipitation, western blotting and ChiP was used to assess the role of Sp1 in transcriptionally regulating FST expression. Pharmacologic kinase inhibitors and specific siRNA were used to determine the post-translational mechanism through which cav-1 affects Sp1 activity. RESULTS Our results establish that follistatin upregulation occurs at the transcript level. We identified Sp1 as the critical transcription factor regulating activation of the FST promoter in cav-1 KO MC through binding to a region within 123 bp of the transcription start site. We further determined that the lack of cav-1 increases Sp1 nuclear levels and transcriptional activity. This occurred through increased phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity and downstream protein kinase C (PKC) zeta-mediated phosphorylation and activation of Sp1. CONCLUSIONS These findings shed light on the transcriptional mechanism by which cav-1 represses the expression of a major antifibrotic protein, and can inform the development of novel antifibrotic treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neel Mehta
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Dan Zhang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Renzhong Li
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Tony Wang
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Agata Gava
- Physiological Sciences Graduate Program, Health Sciences Centre, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil
| | | | - Bo Gao
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Joan C Krepinsky
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada. .,St. Joseph's Hospital, 50 Charlton Ave East, Rm T3311, Hamilton, ON, L8N 4A6, Canada.
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Follistatin N terminus differentially regulates muscle size and fat in vivo. Exp Mol Med 2017; 49:e377. [PMID: 28912572 PMCID: PMC5628274 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2017.135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Delivery of follistatin (FST) represents a promising strategy for both muscular dystrophies and diabetes, as FST is a robust antagonist of myostatin and activin, which are critical regulators of skeletal muscle and adipose tissues. FST is a multi-domain protein, and deciphering the function of different domains will facilitate novel designs for FST-based therapy. Our study aims to investigate the role of the N-terminal domain (ND) of FST in regulating muscle and fat mass in vivo. Different FST constructs were created and packaged into the adeno-associated viral vector (AAV). Overexpression of wild-type FST in normal mice greatly increased muscle mass while decreasing fat accumulation, whereas overexpression of an N terminus mutant or N terminus-deleted FST had no effect on muscle mass but moderately decreased fat mass. In contrast, FST-I-I containing the complete N terminus and double domain I without domain II and III had no effect on fat but increased skeletal muscle mass. The effects of different constructs on differentiated C2C12 myotubes were consistent with the in vivo finding. We hypothesized that ND was critical for myostatin blockade, mediating the increase in muscle mass, and was less pivotal for activin binding, which accounts for the decrease in the fat tissue. An in vitro TGF-beta1-responsive reporter assay revealed that FST-I-I and N terminus-mutated or -deleted FST showed differential responses to blockade of activin and myostatin. Our study provided direct in vivo evidence for a role of the ND of FST, shedding light on future potential molecular designs for FST-based gene therapy.
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Kralisch S, Hoffmann A, Klöting N, Bachmann A, Kratzsch J, Stolzenburg JU, Dietel A, Beige J, Anders M, Bast I, Blüher M, Zhang MZ, Harris RC, Stumvoll M, Fasshauer M, Ebert T. FSTL3 is increased in renal dysfunction. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2017; 32:1637-1644. [DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfw472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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Nam J, Perera P, Gordon R, Jeong YH, Blazek AD, Kim DG, Tee BC, Sun Z, Eubank TD, Zhao Y, Lablebecioglu B, Liu S, Litsky A, Weisleder NL, Lee BS, Butterfield T, Schneyer AL, Agarwal S. Follistatin-like 3 is a mediator of exercise-driven bone formation and strengthening. Bone 2015; 78:62-70. [PMID: 25937185 PMCID: PMC4466155 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2015.04.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [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: 02/23/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Exercise is vital for maintaining bone strength and architecture. Follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3), a member of follistatin family, is a mechanosensitive protein upregulated in response to exercise and is involved in regulating musculoskeletal health. Here, we investigated the potential role of FSTL3 in exercise-driven bone remodeling. Exercise-dependent regulation of bone structure and functions was compared in mice with global Fstl3 gene deletion (Fstl3-/-) and their age-matched Fstl3+/+ littermates. Mice were exercised by low-intensity treadmill walking. The mechanical properties and mineralization were determined by μCT, three-point bending test and sequential incorporation of calcein and alizarin complexone. ELISA, Western-blot analysis and qRT-PCR were used to analyze the regulation of FSTL3 and associated molecules in the serum specimens and tissues. Daily exercise significantly increased circulating FSTL3 levels in mice, rats and humans. Compared to age-matched littermates, Fstl3-/- mice exhibited significantly lower fracture tolerance, having greater stiffness, but lower strain at fracture and yield energy. Furthermore, increased levels of circulating FSTL3 in young mice paralleled greater strain at fracture compared to the lower levels of FSTL3 in older mice. More significantly, Fstl3-/- mice exhibited loss of mechanosensitivity and irresponsiveness to exercise-dependent bone formation as compared to their Fstl3+/+ littermates. In addition, FSTL3 gene deletion resulted in loss of exercise-dependent sclerostin regulation in osteocytes and osteoblasts, as compared to Fstl3+/+ osteocytes and osteoblasts, in vivo and in vitro. The data identify FSTL3 as a critical mediator of exercise-dependent bone formation and strengthening and point to its potential role in bone health and in musculoskeletal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Nam
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California, Riverside, CA 92507, USA.
| | - P Perera
- Division of Biosciences, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - R Gordon
- Division of Biosciences, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Y H Jeong
- Division of Orthodontics, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - A D Blazek
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - D G Kim
- Division of Orthodontics, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - B C Tee
- Division of Orthodontics, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Z Sun
- Division of Orthodontics, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - T D Eubank
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Y Zhao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - B Lablebecioglu
- Division of Periodontics, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - S Liu
- Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, MN 55901, USA
| | - A Litsky
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Orthopedics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - N L Weisleder
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - B S Lee
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - T Butterfield
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - A L Schneyer
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Science, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - S Agarwal
- Division of Biosciences, The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; Department of Orthopedics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Gao X, Dong H, Lin C, Sheng J, Zhang F, Su J, Xu Z. Reduction of AUF1-mediated follistatin mRNA decay during glucose starvation protects cells from apoptosis. Nucleic Acids Res 2014; 42:10720-30. [PMID: 25159612 PMCID: PMC4176339 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gku778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Follistatin (FST) performs several vital functions in the cells, including protection from apoptosis during stress. The expression of FST is up-regulated in response to glucose deprivation by an unknown mechanism. We herein showed that the induction of FST by glucose deprivation was due to an increase in the half-life of its mRNA. We further identified an AU-rich element (ARE) in the 3′UTR of FST mRNA that mediated its decay. The expression of FST was elevated after knocking down AUF1 and reduced when AUF1 was further expressed. In vitro binding assays and RNA pull-down assays revealed that AUF1 interacted with FST mRNA directly via its ARE. During glucose deprivation, a majority of AUF1 shuttled from cytoplasm to nucleus, resulting in dissociation of AUF1 from FST mRNA and thus stabilization of FST mRNA. Finally, knockdown of AUF1 decreased whereas overexpression of AUF1 increased glucose deprivation-induced apoptosis. The apoptosis promoting effect of AUF1 was eliminated in FST expressing cells. Collectively, this study provided evidence that AUF1 is a negative regulator of FST expression and participates in the regulation of cell survival under glucose deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangwei Gao
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China Program in Molecular Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Haojie Dong
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China Program in Molecular Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Chen Lin
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China Program in Molecular Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jinghao Sheng
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China Program in Molecular Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jinfeng Su
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Zhengping Xu
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China Program in Molecular Cell Biology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 866 Yuhangtang Road, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Leutner S, Oliveira KC, Rotter B, Beckmann S, Buro C, Hahnel S, Kitajima JP, Verjovski-Almeida S, Winter P, Grevelding CG. Combinatory microarray and SuperSAGE analyses identify pairing-dependently transcribed genes in Schistosoma mansoni males, including follistatin. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2013; 7:e2532. [PMID: 24244773 PMCID: PMC3820750 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0002532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2013] [Accepted: 09/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosomiasis is a disease of world-wide importance and is caused by parasitic flatworms of the genus Schistosoma. These parasites exhibit a unique reproduction biology as the female's sexual maturation depends on a constant pairing-contact to the male. Pairing leads to gonad differentiation in the female, and even gene expression of some gonad-associated genes is controlled by pairing. In contrast, no morphological changes have been observed in males, although first data indicated an effect of pairing also on gene transcription in males. Methodology/Principal Findings To investigate the influence of pairing on males, we performed a combinatory approach applying SuperSAGE and microarray hybridization, generating the most comprehensive data-set on differential transcription available to date. Of 6,326 sense transcripts detected by both analyses, 29 were significantly differentially transcribed. Besides mutual confirmation, the two methods complemented each other as shown by data comparison and real-time PCR, which revealed a number of genes with consistent regulation across all methods. One of the candidate genes, follistatin of S. mansoni (SmFst) was characterized in more detail by in situ hybridization and yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) interaction analyses with potential binding partners. Conclusions/Significance Beyond confirming previously hypothesized differences in metabolic processes between pairing-experienced (EM) and pairing-unexperienced males (UM), our data indicate that neuronal processes are involved in male-female interaction but also TGFβ-signaling. One candidate revealing significant down-regulation in EM was the TGFβ-pathway controlling molecule follistatin (SmFst). First functional analyses demonstrated SmFst interaction with the S. mansoni TGFβ-receptor agonists inhibin/activin (SmInAct) and bone morphogenic protein (SmBMP), and all molecules colocalized in the testes. This indicates a yet unknown role of the TGFβ-pathway for schistosome biology leading to male competence and a possible influence of pairing on the male gonad. Schistosomiasis is an important infectious disease caused by worm parasites of the genus Schistosoma and directly affects more than 240 million people in 78 tropical and sub-tropical countries but also animals. Pathogenesis is triggered by eggs that are produced by paired females and get trapped in liver and gut causing severe inflammation. While studies have concentrated on the reproductive biology of schistosome females in the past, not much is known about males even though they are indispensable for female sexual development and egg production. Therefore, we studied pairing-dependent processes in S. mansoni males using two independent transcriptomics approaches providing a congruent and most comprehensive data-set on genes being differentially transcribed between pairing-experienced, competent males and pairing-unexperienced, naive males. Besides confirming former studies concerning changes in metabolic processes, our results give new insights into processes leading to male competence indicating among others a potential role of neurotransmitters and TGFβ signal-transduction processes. We especially highlight the follistatin gene SmFst, which codes for an inhibitor of the TGFβ-pathway. SmFst transcription was localized in the testes and found to be down-regulated in pairing-experienced males. This indicates a yet unknown function of pairing on the male gonad and a further role of TGFβ-signaling for schistosome biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Leutner
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Katia C. Oliveira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Química, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | | | - Svenja Beckmann
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christin Buro
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Steffen Hahnel
- Institute of Parasitology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Robertson RD, Mukherjee A. Synexpression group analyses identify new functions of FSTL3, a TGFβ ligand inhibitor. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2012; 427:568-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2012.09.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Shi FT, Cheung AP, Huang HF, Leung PCK. Growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) suppresses follistatin and follistatin-like 3 production in human granulosa-lutein cells. PLoS One 2011; 6:e22866. [PMID: 21829661 PMCID: PMC3148233 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0022866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 02/14/2011] [Accepted: 07/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background We have demonstrated that growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) enhances activin A-induced inhibin βB-subunit mRNA levels in human granulosa-lutein (hGL) cells by regulating receptors and key intracellular components of the activin signaling pathway. However, we could not exclude its effects on follistatin (FST) and follistatin-like 3 (FSTL3), well recognized extracellular inhibitors of activin A. Methodology hGL cells from women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment were cultured with and without siRNA transfection of FST, FSTL3 or GDF9 and then treated with GDF9, activin A, FST, FSTL3 or combinations. FST, FSTL3 and inhibin βB-subunit mRNA, and FST, FSTL3 and inhibin B protein levels were assessed with real-time RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Data were log transformed before ANOVA followed by Tukey's test. Principal Findings GDF9 suppressed basal FST and FSTL3 mRNA and protein levels in a time- and dose-dependent manner and inhibited activin A-induced FST and FSTL3 mRNA and protein expression, effects attenuated by BMPR2 extracellular domain (BMPR2 ECD), a GDF9 antagonist. After GDF9 siRNA transfection, basal and activin A-induced FST and FSTL3 mRNA and protein levels increased, but changes were reversed by adding GDF9. Reduced endogenous FST or FSTL3 expression with corresponding siRNA transfection augmented activin A-induced inhibin βB-subunit mRNA levels as well as inhibin B levels (P values all <0.05). Furthermore, the enhancing effects of GDF9 in activin A-induced inhibin βB-subunit mRNA and inhibin B production were attenuated by adding FST. Conclusion GDF9 decreases basal and activin A-induced FST and FSTL3 expression, and this explains, in part, its enhancing effects on activin A-induced inhibin βB-subunit mRNA expression and inhibin B production in hGL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Tao Shi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Anthony P. Cheung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - He-Feng Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Peter C. K. Leung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Child and Family Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Ciarmela P, Bloise E, Gray PC, Carrarelli P, Islam MS, De Pascalis F, Severi FM, Vale W, Castellucci M, Petraglia F. Activin-A and myostatin response and steroid regulation in human myometrium: disruption of their signalling in uterine fibroid. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2011; 96:755-65. [PMID: 21177794 PMCID: PMC3047220 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2010-0501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Investigation of activin-A (A) and myostatin (M) in human myometrium (HM) and leiomyoma (HL) will explain their involvement in human myometrial pathophysiology. OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate A and M response and steroid regulation in HM. We also evaluated A and M expression and response in HL. DESIGN Tissues were analyzed and cultured. PATIENTS Patients included fertile (in proliferative phase) and menopausal women undergoing hysterectomy. INTERVENTIONS HM explant cultures were treated with A and M (for Smad-7 mRNA quantification) or estrogen and progesterone (for A and M mRNA quantification). A and M expression levels were also evaluated in menopausal (physiological absence of steroids) HM specimens. A and M and their receptors were evaluated in HL (n = 8, diameter 5-8 cm) compared with their matched HM. HL explants cultures were treated with A and M (for Smad7 mRNA quantification), and, to explain the absence of response, the levels of follistatin, follistatin-related gene (FLRG), and Cripto were evaluated. RESULTS A and M increased Smad7 expression in HM explants. A and M mRNAs were both reduced after estradiol treatment, unchanged after progesterone treatment, but were higher in menopausal than fertile (in proliferative phase) specimens. A, M, and FLRG were expressed at higher levels in HL compared with adjacent HM, whereas the receptors, follistatin, and Smad7 mRNAs resulted unchanged. Cripto mRNA was expressed only in HL. CONCLUSIONS A and M act on human HM and are regulated by steroids. In HL there is an increase of A, M, FLRG, and Cripto expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pasquapina Ciarmela
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Innovative Therapies, Faculty of Medicine, Polytechnic University of Marche, via Tronto 10/a, 60020 Ancona, Italy.
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Choi SC, Han JK. Negative Regulation of Activin Signal Transduction. VITAMINS & HORMONES 2011; 85:79-104. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385961-7.00005-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Novel Concepts About the Role of Lectins in the Plant Cell. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2011; 705:271-94. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4419-7877-6_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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Bloise E, Cassali G, Ferreira M, Ciarmela P, Petraglia F, Reis F. Activin-related proteins in bovine mammary gland: Localization and differential expression during gestational development and differentiation. J Dairy Sci 2010; 93:4592-601. [DOI: 10.3168/jds.jds.2009-2981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2009] [Accepted: 07/02/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Gao X, Wei S, Lai K, Sheng J, Su J, Zhu J, Dong H, Hu H, Xu Z. Nucleolar follistatin promotes cancer cell survival under glucose-deprived conditions through inhibiting cellular rRNA synthesis. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:36857-64. [PMID: 20843798 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.144477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumor development is frequently accompanied by energy-deficient conditions such as glucose deprivation and hypoxia. Follistatin (FST), a secretory protein originally identified from ovarian follicular fluid, has been suggested to be involved in tumor development. However, whether it plays a role in cancer cell survival under energy-deprived conditions remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrated that glucose deprivation markedly enhanced the expression and nucleolar localization of FST in HeLa cells. The nucleolar localization of FST relied on its nuclear localization signal (NLS) comprising the residues 64-87. Localization of FST to the nucleolus attenuated rRNA synthesis, a key process for cellular energy homeostasis and cell survival. Overexpression of FST delayed glucose deprivation-induced apoptosis, whereas down-regulation of FST exerted the opposite effect. These functions depended on the presence of an intact NLS because the NLS-deleted mutant of FST lost the rRNA inhibition effect and the cell protective effect. Altogether, we identified a novel nucleolar function of FST, which is of importance in the modulation of cancer cell survival in response to glucose deprivation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangwei Gao
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310058, China
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Evaluation of systemic follistatin as an adjuvant to stimulate muscle repair and improve motor function in Pompe mice. Mol Ther 2010; 18:1584-91. [PMID: 20551907 DOI: 10.1038/mt.2010.110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to the lack of acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) activity, Pompe mice develop glycogen storage pathology and progressive skeletal muscle dysfunction with age. Applying either gene or enzyme therapy to reconstitute GAA levels in older, symptomatic Pompe mice effectively reduces glycogen storage in skeletal muscle but provides only modest improvements in motor function. As strategies to stimulate muscle hypertrophy, such as by myostatin inhibition, have been shown to improve muscle pathology and strength in mouse models of muscular dystrophy, we sought to determine whether these benefits might be similarly realized in Pompe mice. Administration of a recombinant adeno-associated virus serotype 8 vector encoding follistatin, an inhibitor of myostatin, increased muscle mass and strength but only in Pompe mice that were treated before 10 months of age. Younger Pompe mice showed significant muscle fiber hypertrophy in response to treatment with follistatin, but maximal gains in muscle strength were achieved only when concomitant GAA administration reduced glycogen storage in the affected muscles. Despite increased grip strength, follistatin treatment failed to improve rotarod performance. These findings highlight the importance of treating Pompe skeletal muscle before pathology becomes irreversible, and suggest that adjunctive therapies may not be effective without first clearing skeletal muscle glycogen storage with GAA.
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Kimura F, Sidis Y, Bonomi L, Xia Y, Schneyer A. The follistatin-288 isoform alone is sufficient for survival but not for normal fertility in mice. Endocrinology 2010; 151:1310-9. [PMID: 20032047 PMCID: PMC2840692 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-1176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin (FST) is a natural antagonist of activin and related TGFbeta superfamily ligands that exists as three protein isoforms differing in length at the C terminus. The longest FST315 isoform is found in the circulation, whereas the shortest FST288 isoform is typically found in or on cells and tissues, and the intermediate FST303 isoform is found in gonads. We recently demonstrated that the FST isoforms have distinct biological actions in vitro that, taken together with the differential distribution, suggests they may also have different roles in vivo. To explore the specific role of individual FST isoforms, we created a single-isoform FST288-only mouse. In contrast to the neonatal death of FST global knockout mice, FST288-only mice survive to adulthood. Although they appear normal, FST288-only mice have fertility defects including reduced litter size and frequency. Follicles were counted in ovaries from 8.5- to 400-d-old females. Significantly fewer morphologically healthy antral follicles were found in 100- to 250-d FST288-only ovaries, but there were significantly more secondary, primary, and primordial follicles detected at d 8.5 in FST288-only ovaries. However, depletion of this primordial follicle pool is more rapid in FST288-only females resulting in a deficit by 250 d of age and early cessation of reproduction. Superovulated FST288-only females have fewer ovulated eggs and embryos. These results indicate that the FST isoforms have different activities in vivo, that the FST288-only isoform is sufficient for development, and that loss of FST303 and FST315 isoforms results in fertility defects that resemble activin hyperactivity and premature ovarian failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuminori Kimura
- Pioneer Valley Life Science Institute, 3601 Main Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01107, USA
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Bloise E, Couto HL, Massai L, Ciarmela P, Mencarelli M, Borges LE, Muscettola M, Grasso G, Amaral VF, Cassali GD, Petraglia F, Reis FM. Differential expression of follistatin and FLRG in human breast proliferative disorders. BMC Cancer 2009; 9:320. [PMID: 19740438 PMCID: PMC2749060 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-9-320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2009] [Accepted: 09/09/2009] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Activins are growth factors acting on cell growth and differentiation. Activins are expressed in high grade breast tumors and they display an antiproliferative effect inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest in breast cancer cell lines. Follistatin and follistatin- related gene (FLRG) bind and neutralize activins. In order to establish if these activin binding proteins are involved in breast tumor progression, the present study evaluated follistatin and FLRG pattern of mRNA and protein expression in normal human breast tissue and in different breast proliferative diseases. Methods Paraffin embedded specimens of normal breast (NB - n = 8); florid hyperplasia without atypia (FH - n = 17); fibroadenoma (FIB - n = 17); ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS - n = 10) and infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC - n = 15) were processed for follistatin and FLRG immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. The area and intensity of chromogen epithelial and stromal staining were analyzed semi-quantitatively. Results Follistatin and FLRG were expressed both in normal tissue and in all the breast diseases investigated. Follistatin staining was detected in the epithelial cytoplasm and nucleus in normal, benign and malignant breast tissue, with a stronger staining intensity in the peri-alveolar stromal cells of FIB at both mRNA and protein levels. Conversely, FLRG area and intensity of mRNA and protein staining were higher both in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus of IDC epithelial cells when compared to NB, while no significant changes in the stromal intensity were observed in all the proliferative diseases analyzed. Conclusion The present findings suggest a role for follistatin in breast benign disease, particularly in FIB, where its expression was increased in stromal cells. The up regulation of FLRG in IDC suggests a role for this protein in the progression of breast malignancy. As activin displays an anti-proliferative effect in human mammary cells, the present findings indicate that an increased FST and FLRG expression in breast proliferative diseases might counteract the anti-proliferative effects of activin in human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrrico Bloise
- Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Physiology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
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Abstract
Activin was discovered in the 1980s as a gonadal protein that stimulated FSH release from pituitary gonadotropes and was thought of as a reproductive hormone. In the ensuing decades, many additional activities of activin were described and it was found to be produced in a wide variety of cell types at nearly all stages of development. Its signaling and actions are regulated intracellularly and by extracellular antagonists. Over the past 5 years, a number of important advances have been made that clarify our understanding of the structural basis for signaling and regulation, as well as the biological roles of activin in stem cells, embryonic development and in adults. These include the crystallization of activin in complex with the activin type II receptor ActRIIB, or with the binding proteins follistatin and follistatin-like 3, as well as identification of activin's roles in gonadal sex development, follicle development, luteolysis, beta-cell proliferation and function in the islet, stem cell pluripotency and differentiation into different cell types and in immune cells. These advances are reviewed to provide perspective for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Xia
- Program in Membrane Biology and Division of Nephrology, Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
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Tsuchida K, Nakatani M, Hitachi K, Uezumi A, Sunada Y, Ageta H, Inokuchi K. Activin signaling as an emerging target for therapeutic interventions. Cell Commun Signal 2009; 7:15. [PMID: 19538713 PMCID: PMC2713245 DOI: 10.1186/1478-811x-7-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2009] [Accepted: 06/18/2009] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
After the initial discovery of activins as important regulators of reproduction, novel and diverse roles have been unraveled for them. Activins are expressed in various tissues and have a broad range of activities including the regulation of gonadal function, hormonal homeostasis, growth and differentiation of musculoskeletal tissues, regulation of growth and metastasis of cancer cells, proliferation and differentiation of embryonic stem cells, and even higher brain functions. Activins signal through a combination of type I and II transmembrane serine/threonine kinase receptors. Activin receptors are shared by multiple transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) ligands such as myostatin, growth and differentiation factor-11 and nodal. Thus, although the activity of each ligand is distinct, they are also redundant, both physiologically and pathologically in vivo. Activin receptors activated by ligands phosphorylate the receptor-regulated Smads for TGF-β, Smad2 and 3. The Smad proteins then undergo multimerization with the co-mediator Smad4, and translocate into the nucleus to regulate the transcription of target genes in cooperation with nuclear cofactors. Signaling through receptors and Smads is controlled by multiple mechanisms including phosphorylation and other posttranslational modifications such as sumoylation, which affect potein localization, stability and transcriptional activity. Non-Smad signaling also plays an important role in activin signaling. Extracellularly, follistatin and related proteins bind to activins and related TGF-β ligands, and control the signaling and availability of ligands. The functions of activins through activin receptors are pleiotrophic, cell type-specific and contextual, and they are involved in the etiology and pathogenesis of a variety of diseases. Accordingly, activin signaling may be a target for therapeutic interventions. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on activin signaling and discuss the potential roles of this pathway as a molecular target of therapy for metabolic diseases, musculoskeletal disorders, cancers and neural damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunihiro Tsuchida
- Division for Therapies against Intractable Diseases, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science (ICMS), Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Aichi 470-1192, Japan.
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Forissier S, Razanajaona D, Ay AS, Martel S, Bartholin L, Rimokh R. AF10-dependent transcription is enhanced by its interaction with FLRG. Biol Cell 2008; 99:563-71. [PMID: 17868029 DOI: 10.1042/bc20060131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND INFORMATION FLRG (follistatin-related gene) is a secreted glycoprotein which is very similar to follistatin. As observed for follistatin, FLRG is involved in the regulation of various biological processes through its binding to members of the TGFbeta (transforming growth factor beta) superfamily, activin, BMPs (bone morphogenetic proteins) and myostatin. Unlike follistatin, FLRG has been found to be both secreted and localized within the nucleus of many FLRG-producing cells, suggesting the existence of specific intracellular functions of the protein. RESULTS In order to analyse the function of the nuclear form of FLRG, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen, in which we identified AF10 [ALL1 (acute lymphoblastic leukaemia) fused gene from chromosome 10], a translocation partner of the MLL (mixed-lineage leukaemia) oncogene in human leukaemia, as a FLRG-interacting protein. This interaction was confirmed by far-Western-blot analysis and co-immunoprecipitation with transfected COS-7 cells. The N-terminal region of AF10, including the PHD (plant homeodomain), is sufficient to mediate this interaction, and has been shown to be involved in AF10 homo-oligomerization. By immunoprecipitation experiments, we showed that FLRG enhances the homo-oligomerization of AF10. Functional studies demonstrated that FLRG enhances the transactivation properties of the AF10 protein fused to Gal4 DNA-binding domains in transient transfection assays. CONCLUSIONS Our present study provides novel insights into the function of the nuclear form of the FLRG protein, which is revealed as a novel regulator of transcription. The nuclear isoform of FLRG lacks an intrinsic transactivation domain, but enhances AF10-mediated transcription, probably through promoting the homo-oligomerization of AF10, thus facilitating the recruitment of co-activators.
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Funkenstein B, Rebhan Y, Skopal T. Molecular cloning and characterization of follistatin in the gilthead sea bream, Sparus aurata. Mol Biol Rep 2008; 36:501-11. [PMID: 18167029 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-007-9207-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2007] [Accepted: 12/20/2007] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Follistatin (FST) is an activin-binding protein that neutralizes the activity of activin. FST also binds other members of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) superfamily, including myostatin (MSTN). We report herein on the isolation and characterization of a full-length cDNA sequence predicted to encode FST in a marine fish, the gilthead sea bream Sparus aurata. The deduced amino acid sequence of sea bream FST (saFST) is highly conserved to the counterpart sequences in other vertebrates and contains the N-terminal domain and three FST domains. The deduced mature saFST shows 81-86% identity with FSTs from other vertebrates. It is 290 amino acids long, similar to other fish FSTs and the short isoform of Xenopus FST but longer by two residues than mammalian FST288. Ontogeny of MSTN (a TGF-beta superfamily member and a negative growth regulator of skeletal muscle in mammals), and FST (known to bind MSTN) gene expression revealed the presence of both transcripts throughout larval development. However, a different expression pattern was found in earlier developmental stages; while MSTN could not be detected prior to the day of hatching, FST transcript was detected in embryos 12 h post-fertilization, confirming its role during vertebrate embryonic development. Both FST and MSTN were expressed in many adult tissues, with variable levels of expression, including muscle. Recombinant saFST inhibited saMSTN activity in a reporter gene assay, indicating a similar effect to that reported in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruria Funkenstein
- Department of Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research, National Institute of Oceanography, Haifa, Israel.
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Abstract
Myostatin is a member of the transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta superfamily, known for its ability to inhibit muscle growth. It can also regulate metabolism and glucose uptake in a number of tissues. To determine the mechanism of myostatin's effect on glucose uptake, we evaluated its actions using choriocarcinoma cell lines that are widely used as models for placental cells. Protein and mRNA were determined using immunoblotting and RT-PCR/PCR, respectively. Glucose uptake was assessed by uptake of radiolabeled deoxyglucose in vitro. All choriocarcinoma cell lines tested i.e., BeWo, JEG, and Jar, are used as models of placental cells, and all expressed myostatin protein and mRNA. Treatment of BeWo cells with myostatin resulted in inhibition of glucose uptake in a concentration-dependent manner (P < 0.01). At all concentrations tested, follistatin, a functional inhibitor of myostatin, completely blocked the inhibitory effect of myostatin (40 nM) on glucose uptake by BeWo cells (0.4 nM, P < 0.05). Follistatin treatment alone also increased glucose uptake (0.4 and 4 nM, P < 0.001; 40 nM, P < 0.05). Because BeWo cells proliferated and greater cell densities were achieved, glucose uptake declined irrespective of treatment. Myostatin treatment of BeWo cells did not alter the levels of myostatin receptor, ActRII A/B proteins. The levels of glucose transport proteins also remained unaltered in BeWo cells with myostatin treatment. This study has shown that myostatin specifically inhibits glucose uptake into BeWo cells, suggesting that locally produced myostatin may control glucose metabolism within the placenta.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Antony
- Liggins Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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Pryor-Koishi K, Nishizawa H, Kato T, Kogo H, Murakami T, Tsuchida K, Kurahashi H, Udagawa Y. Overproduction of the follistatin-related gene protein in the placenta and maternal serum of women with pre-eclampsia. BJOG 2007; 114:1128-37. [PMID: 17617189 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.2007.01425.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterise the follistatin-related gene (FLRG) in pre-eclampsia, one of the differentially expressed genes in pre-eclamptic placenta. DESIGN AND METHODS We examined and compared the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels of FLRG in placentas and maternal sera from women with uncomplicated pregnancy, and those with pre-eclampsia using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. SETTING Antenatal clinics in a teaching hospital. POPULATION Women with uncomplicated pregnancy (n = 21) and those with pre-eclampsia (n = 21). RESULTS FLRG mRNA is overexpressed in pre-eclamptic placental tissues (P < 0.01). Upregulated FLRG protein consists of both an immature 28-kDa cellular product and a mature 33-kDa secretory form, which are differentially glycosylated. FLRG is normally produced at its highest levels in endothelial cells and at moderate amounts in syncytiotrophoblast cells, but in pre-eclampsia, the syncytiotrophoblast FLRG levels are dramatically increased. We also determined the maternal serum concentrations of FLRG in our uncomplicated pregnancy subjects and in our pre-eclamptic groups, and found that they are significantly elevated in pre-eclampsia in a similar manner to activin A and inhibin A. However, the increase in FLRG in these cases is independent of activin A or inhibin A, and is associated with low-birthweight outcomes. CONCLUSION Our current data show the placental and secretory changes of FLRG protein in pre-eclampsia, and also indicate the potential usefulness of FLRG as an additional diagnostic marker for pre-eclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Pryor-Koishi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake, Japan
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Shu Y, Rintala-Maki ND, Wall VE, Wang K, Goard CA, Langdon CE, Sutherland LC. The apoptosis modulator and tumour suppressor protein RBM5 is a phosphoprotein. Cell Biochem Funct 2007; 25:643-53. [PMID: 16927403 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.1366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
RBM5/LUCA-15/H37 is a nuclear SR-related RNA binding protein with the ability to modulate both apoptosis and the cell cycle, and retard tumour formation. How RBM5 functions to carry out these, potentially interrelated, biological activities is unknown. Since reversible phosphorylation has been shown to play an important role in the regulation of SR protein function, apoptosis and cell cycle control, in an attempt to elucidate the underlying mechanisms regulating RBM5 function, the phosphorylation status of RBM5 was investigated. Whole cell lysate from growing cell cultures was treated with the broad phosphatase spectrum of CIP, resulting in a decrease in the molecular mass of RBM5. A similar decrease in molecular mass, of a subset of RBM5 proteins, was observed during growth factor deprivation, in a manner consistent with partial dephosphorylation of RBM5. Molecular mass increased upon growth factor addition, demonstrating that this apoptosis-associated alteration in molecular mass was a reversible process. Immunoprecipitation and mutagenesis experiments strongly suggested that phosphotyrosines are not present in RBM5 under normal growth conditions, and that serine 69 is phosphorylated, but not by Akt kinase. Taken together, these results suggest that reversible phosphorylation of RBM5 is a mechanism capable of regulating RBM5 participation in modulating apoptosis, and perhaps tumour suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Shu
- Tumour Biology Group, Regional Cancer Program of the Hôpital régional de Sudbury Regional Hospital, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
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Rodgarkia-Dara C, Vejda S, Erlach N, Losert A, Bursch W, Berger W, Schulte-Hermann R, Grusch M. The activin axis in liver biology and disease. Mutat Res 2006; 613:123-37. [PMID: 16997617 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2006.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2006] [Revised: 07/27/2006] [Accepted: 07/27/2006] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Activins are a closely related subgroup within the TGFbeta superfamily of growth and differentiation factors. They consist of two disulfide-linked beta subunits. Four mammalian activin beta subunits termed beta(A), beta(B), beta(C), and beta(E), respectively, have been identified. Activin A, the homodimer of two beta(A) subunits, has important regulatory functions in reproductive biology, embryonic development, inflammation, and tissue repair. Several intra- and extracellular antagonists, including the activin-binding proteins follistatin and follistatin-related protein, serve to fine-tune activin A activity. In the liver there is compelling evidence that activin A is involved in the regulation of cell number by inhibition of hepatocyte replication and induction of apoptosis. In addition, activin A stimulates extracellular matrix production in hepatic stellate cells and tubulogenesis of sinusoidal endothelial cells, and thus contributes to restoration of tissue architecture during liver regeneration. Accumulating evidence from animal models and from patient data suggests that deregulation of activin A signaling contributes to pathologic conditions such as hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, acute liver failure, and development of liver cancer. Increased production of activin A was suggested to be a contributing factor to impaired hepatocyte regeneration in acute liver failure and to overproduction of extracellular matrix in liver fibrosis. Recent evidence suggests that escape of (pre)neoplastic hepatocytes from growth control by activin A through overexpression of follistatin and reduced activin production contributes to hepatocarcinogenesis. The role of the activin subunits beta(C) and beta(E), which are both highly expressed in hepatocytes, is still quite incompletely understood. Down-regulation in liver tumors and a growth inhibitory function similar to that of beta(A) has been shown for beta(E). Contradictory results with regard to cell proliferation have been reported for beta(C). The profound involvement of the activin axis in liver biology and in the pathogenesis of severe hepatic diseases suggests activin as potential target for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chantal Rodgarkia-Dara
- Department of Medicine I, Division: Institute of Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Borschkegasse 8a, A-1090 Vienna, Austria
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