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Githaka JM, Pirayeshfard L, Goping IS. Cancer invasion and metastasis: Insights from murine pubertal mammary gland morphogenesis. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130375. [PMID: 37150225 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Cancer invasion and metastasis accounts for the majority of cancer related mortality. A better understanding of the players that drive the aberrant invasion and migration of tumors cells will provide critical targets to inhibit metastasis. Postnatal pubertal mammary gland morphogenesis is characterized by highly proliferative, invasive, and migratory normal epithelial cells. Identifying the molecular regulators of pubertal gland development is a promising strategy since tumorigenesis and metastasis is postulated to be a consequence of aberrant reactivation of developmental stages. In this review, we summarize the pubertal morphogenesis regulators that are involved in cancer metastasis and revisit pubertal mammary gland transcriptome profiling to uncover both known and unknown metastasis genes. Our updated list of pubertal morphogenesis regulators shows that most are implicated in invasion and metastasis. This review highlights molecular linkages between development and metastasis and provides a guide for exploring novel metastatic drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Maringa Githaka
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
| | - Leila Pirayeshfard
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
| | - Ing Swie Goping
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada; Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada.
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Li H, Ren C, Lu J, Xu S, Gong X, Zhang W, Yan X, Ye J, Qin P, Liu Y, Li Y, Zhang Y, Fang F. Knockdown of lncRNA Meg3 delays the onset of puberty in female rats. Theriogenology 2023; 207:72-81. [PMID: 37269598 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.05.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated how lncRNA Meg3 affects the onset of puberty in female rats. We determined Meg3 expression in the hypothalamus-pituitary-ovary axis of female rats at the infancy, prepubertal, pubertal, and adult life stages, using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). We also assessed the effects of Meg3 knockdown on the expression levels of puberty-related genes and Wnt/β-catenin proteins in the hypothalamus, time of puberty onset, levels of reproductive genes and hormones, and ovarian morphology in female rats. Meg3 expression in the ovary varied significantly between prepuberty and puberty (P < 0.01). Meg3 knockdown decreased the expression of Gnrh, and Kiss1 mRNA (P < 0.05) and increased the expression of Wnt (P < 0.01) and β-catenin proteins (P < 0.05) in the hypothalamic cells. Onset of puberty in Meg3 knockdown rats was delayed compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Meg3 knockdown decreased Gnrh mRNA levels (P < 0.05) and increased Rfrp-3 mRNA levels (P < 0.05) in the hypothalamus. The serum concentrations of progesterone (P4) and estradiol (E2) of Meg3 knockdown rats were lower than those in the control animals (P < 0.05). Higher longitudinal diameter and ovary weight were found in Meg3 knockdown rats (P < 0.05). These findings suggest that Meg3 regulates the expression of Gnrh, Kiss-1 mRNA and Wnt/β-catenin proteins in the hypothalamic cells, and Gnrh, Rfrp-3 mRNA of the hypothalamus and the serum concentration of P4 and E2, and its knockdown delays the onset of puberty in female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailing Li
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Chunhuan Ren
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Juntai Lu
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Shuangshuang Xu
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Xinbao Gong
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Xu Yan
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Jing Ye
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Ping Qin
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Ya Liu
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Yunsheng Li
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Yunhai Zhang
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China
| | - Fugui Fang
- Department of Animal Veterinary Science, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, 130 Changjiang West Road, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Local Livestock and Poultry, Genetical Resource Conservation and Breeding, College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui, 230036, China.
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Ruiz TFR, Grigio V, Ferrato LJ, de Souza LG, Colleta SJ, Amaro GM, Góes RM, Vilamaior PSL, Leonel ECR, Taboga SR. Impairment of steroidogenesis and follicle development after bisphenol A exposure during pregnancy and lactation in the ovaries of Mongolian gerbils aged females. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2023; 566-567:111892. [PMID: 36813021 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2023.111892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
The ovaries regulate fertility and hormonal control in females, and aging is a crucial factor in this process, when ovarian function is drastically impacted. Exogenous endocrine disruptors may accelerate this process, acting as the main agents in decreased female fertility and hormonal imbalance, since they impact different features related to reproduction. In the present study, we demonstrate the implications of exposure of adult mothers to the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) during pregnancy and lactation on their ovarian function during the transition to later in life (aging). The follicle population of BPA exposed ovaries showed impairment in the development of follicles to the mature stages, with growing follicles being halted in the early stages. Atretic and early-atretic follicles were also enhanced. Expression of estrogen and androgen receptors in the follicle population demonstrated impairment in signaling function: ERβ was highly expressed in follicles from BPA exposed females, which also showed a higher incidence of early atresia of developed follicles. ERβ1 wild-type isoform was also enhanced in BPA-exposed ovaries, compared to its variant isoforms. In addition, steroidogenesis was targeted by BPA exposure: aromatase and 17-β-HSD were reduced, whereas 5-α reductase was enhanced. This modulation was reflected in serum levels of estradiol and testosterone, which decreased in BPA-exposed females. Imbalances in steroidogenesis impair the development of follicles and play an important role in follicular atresia. Our study demonstrated that BPA exposure in two windows of susceptibility - gestation and lactation - had implications during aging, enhancing perimenopausal and infertile features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thalles F R Ruiz
- Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | - Vitor Grigio
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luara J Ferrato
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lorena G de Souza
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Simone J Colleta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gustavo M Amaro
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rejane M Góes
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Patrícia S L Vilamaior
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ellen C R Leonel
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Cell Biology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB III), Federal University of Goiás (UFG), Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil
| | - Sebastião R Taboga
- Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, SP, Brazil; Department of Biological Sciences, Institute of Biosciences, Humanities and Exact Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Comparison of the Toxicological Effects of Pesticides in Non-Tumorigenic MCF-12A and Tumorigenic MCF-7 Human Breast Cells. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084453. [PMID: 35457321 PMCID: PMC9030493 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Humans are exposed to residues of organophosphate and neonicotinoid pesticides, commonly used in agriculture. Children are particularly vulnerable and, among possible adverse outcomes, the increased incidence of premature mammary gland development (thelarche) has raised concern. We evaluated the toxicological effects of chlorpyrifos (CPF), imidacloprid (IMI) and glyphosate (GLY) at exposure concentrations occurring in children on the tumorigenic MCF-7 and non-tumorigenic MCF-12A breast cell lines, as representative of the target organ model, assessing cytotoxicity, apoptosis, necrosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ATP levels, 17β-estradiol secretion and gene expression of nuclear receptors involved in mammary gland development. The pesticides decreased cell vitality in MCF-7 and cell proliferation in MCF-12A cells. ATP levels were decreased in MCF-7 cells by pesticides and apoptosis was increased in MCF-12A cells only by GLY (2.3 nM). ROS production was decreased by pesticides in both cell lines, except IMI (1.6 nM) in MCF-7 cells. Endocrine disrupting activity was highlighted by induction of 17β-estradiol secretion and modulation of the gene expression of estrogen alpha and beta, progesterone, androgen, and aryl hydrocarbon receptors in both cell lines. The use of MCF-7 and MCF-12A cells highlighted dissimilar modes of action of each pesticide at low human relevant concentrations.
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The Other Side of the Coin: May Androgens Have a Role in Breast Cancer Risk? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010424. [PMID: 35008851 PMCID: PMC8745651 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010424] [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] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer prevention is a major challenge worldwide. During the last few years, efforts have been made to identify molecular breast tissue factors that could be linked to an increased risk of developing the disease in healthy women. In this concern, steroid hormones and their receptors are key players since they are deeply involved in the growth, development and lifetime changes of the mammary gland and play a crucial role in breast cancer development and progression. In particular, androgens, by binding their own receptor, seem to exert a dichotomous effect, as they reduce cell proliferation in estrogen receptor α positive (ERα+) breast cancers while promoting tumour growth in the ERα negative ones. Despite this intricate role in cancer, very little is known about the impact of androgen receptor (AR)-mediated signalling on normal breast tissue and its correlation to breast cancer risk factors. Through an accurate collection of experimental and epidemiological studies, this review aims to elucidate whether androgens might influence the susceptibility for breast cancer. Moreover, the possibility to exploit the AR as a useful marker to predict the disease will be also evaluated.
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Tarulli GA, Laven-Law G, Shehata M, Walters KA, Denis IM, Rahman MM, Handelsman DJ, Dean NR, Tilley WD, Hickey TE. Androgen Receptor Signalling Promotes a Luminal Phenotype in Mammary Epithelial Cells. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2019; 24:99-108. [PMID: 30099649 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-018-9406-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Androgens influence mammary gland development but the specific role of the androgen receptor (AR) in mammary function is largely unknown. We identified cell subsets that express AR in vivo and determined the effect of AR activation and transgenic AR inhibition on sub-populations of the normal mouse mammary epithelium by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry. Immunolocalisation of AR with markers of lineage identity was also performed in human breast tissues. AR activation in vivo significantly decreased the proportion of basal cells, and caused an accumulation of cells that expressed a basal cell marker but exhibited morphological features of luminal identity. Conversely, in AR null mice the proportion of basal mammary epithelial cells was significantly increased. Inhibition of AR increased basal but not luminal progenitor cell activity in vitro. A small population of AR-positive cells in a basal-to-luminal phenotype transition was also evident in human breast lobules. Collectively, these data support a role for AR in promoting a luminal phenotype in mammary epithelial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard A Tarulli
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
- School of BioSciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, 3052, Australia.
| | - Geraldine Laven-Law
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Mona Shehata
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Kirsty A Walters
- Discipline of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, School of Women's & Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, 2052, Australia
| | - Iza M Denis
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Md Mostafizur Rahman
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- Andrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2139, Australia
| | - Nicola R Dean
- Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, Flinders Medical Centre/Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA, 5042, Australia
| | - Wayne D Tilley
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Theresa E Hickey
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
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Vasiliou SK, Diamandis EP. Androgen receptor: A promising therapeutic target in breast cancer. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2019; 56:200-223. [PMID: 30821186 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2019.1575643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BCa) is the second most common cancer worldwide and the most prevalent cancer in women. The majority of BCa cases are positive (+) for the estrogen receptor (ER+, 80%) and progesterone receptor (PR+, 65%). Estrogen and progesterone hormones are known to be involved in cancer progression, and thus hormonal deprivation is used as an effective treatment for ER+PR+ BCa subtypes. However, some ER+PR+ BCa patients develop resistance to such therapies. Meanwhile, chemotherapy is the only available treatment for ER-PR- BCa tumors. Another hormone receptor known as the androgen receptor (AR) has also been found to be widely expressed in human breast carcinomas. However, the mechanisms of AR and its endogenous androgen ligands is not well-understood in BCa and its biological role in this hormone-related disease remains unclear. In this review, we aim to address the importance of the AR in BCa diagnosis and prognosis, current AR-targeting approaches in BCa, and the potential for AR-downstream molecules to serve as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella K Vasiliou
- a Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.,b Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , Mount Sinai Hospital , Toronto , Canada
| | - Eleftherios P Diamandis
- a Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology , University of Toronto , Toronto , Canada.,b Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , Mount Sinai Hospital , Toronto , Canada.,c Department of Clinical Biochemistry , University Health Network , Toronto , Canada
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Pakula H, Xiang D, Li Z. A Tale of Two Signals: AR and WNT in Development and Tumorigenesis of Prostate and Mammary Gland. Cancers (Basel) 2017; 9:E14. [PMID: 28134791 PMCID: PMC5332937 DOI: 10.3390/cancers9020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is one of the most common cancers and among the leading causes of cancer deaths for men in industrialized countries. It has long been recognized that the prostate is an androgen-dependent organ and PCa is an androgen-dependent disease. Androgen action is mediated by the androgen receptor (AR). Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the standard treatment for metastatic PCa. However, almost all advanced PCa cases progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) after a period of ADT. A variety of mechanisms of progression from androgen-dependent PCa to CRPC under ADT have been postulated, but it remains largely unclear as to when and how castration resistance arises within prostate tumors. In addition, AR signaling may be modulated by extracellular factors among which are the cysteine-rich glycoproteins WNTs. The WNTs are capable of signaling through several pathways, the best-characterized being the canonical WNT/β-catenin/TCF-mediated canonical pathway. Recent studies from sequencing PCa genomes revealed that CRPC cells frequently harbor mutations in major components of the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Moreover, the finding of an interaction between β-catenin and AR suggests a possible mechanism of cross talk between WNT and androgen/AR signaling pathways. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of both AR and WNT pathways in prostate development and tumorigenesis, and their interaction during development of CRPC. We also review the possible therapeutic application of drugs that target both AR and WNT/β-catenin pathways. Finally, we extend our review of AR and WNT signaling to the mammary gland system and breast cancer. We highlight that the role of AR signaling and its interaction with WNT signaling in these two hormone-related cancer types are highly context-dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert Pakula
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 466, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Dongxi Xiang
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 466, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Zhe Li
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 77 Avenue Louis Pasteur, Room 466, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW In the last decade, it has been proven that androgens acting via the androgen receptor (AR) play an important role in the regulation of female reproductive function. However, the specific site of action and the precise pathways involved remain to be fully elucidated. This review aims to combine findings from emerging basic research to provide new insights into the roles of AR-mediated actions, and the mechanisms involved, in normal ovarian, uterine, and mammary gland function. RECENT FINDINGS Our understanding of the specific roles of androgens in females has been hindered as females with complete androgen insensitivity cannot be generated by natural breeding, and interpretation of results from pharmacological studies has led to confusion as some androgens can be converted into estrogens, which can mediate actions via estrogen receptors. However, with the creation of global and cell-specific female AR knockout mouse models by Cre-LoxP technology, and the use of aromatizable and nonaromatizable androgens, novel roles for androgens in the regulation of female reproductive physiology have been revealed. SUMMARY AR-mediated mechanisms play important roles in mediating normal ovarian, uterine, and mammary gland function and there is hope that further elucidation of the role of androgens in female reproductive physiology may translate into the development of novel, evidence-based, and targeted treatment for androgen-associated conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsty A Walters
- aAndrology Laboratory, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia bMRC Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The review is targeted at describing the advances in our understanding of androgen actions in the breast over the last 18 months. Androgens are current 'hot topics' in breast cancer because of their potential as therapeutics in situations where we currently do not have good clinical options. This is true for both estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) negative and ERα positive cancers. RECENT FINDINGS The review has focused on examining associations between androgen receptor and patient prognosis and outcomes in different breast cancer subtypes. A logical extension of this is covering the timely topic of the use of androgen-directed therapy in these patients. The principle settings in which this is being considered is in ERα positive cancer with therapeutic resistance to ER-directed therapies and in ERα negative breast cancer that lack current standard targeted therapies. Finally interactions between mutations, and the potential role of androgen in the normal hierarchy of mammary cell differentiation and the relationship of this to cancer, are considered. SUMMARY Androgens are firmly established as important factors across multiple breast cancer subtypes. The future challenge for basic researchers and important development for clinicians is going to be translating this understanding into effective therapeutics for the benefit of breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keely M McNamara
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Tohoku University School of Graduate Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi Aoba-Ku, Sendai, Japan
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Choi JP, Zheng Y, Handelsman DJ, Simanainen U. Glandular epithelial AR inactivation enhances PTEN deletion-induced uterine pathology. Endocr Relat Cancer 2016; 23:377-90. [PMID: 26984887 DOI: 10.1530/erc-16-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) deletion induces uterine pathology, whereas androgen actions via androgen receptor (AR) support uterine growth and therefore may modify uterine cancer risk. We hypothesized that the androgen actions mediated via uterine glandular epithelial AR could modify PTEN deletion-induced uterine pathology. To test our hypothesis, we developed uterine glandular epithelium-specific PTEN and/or AR knockout mouse models comparing the uterine pathology among wild-type (WT), glandular epithelium-specific AR inactivation (ugeARKO), PTEN deletion (ugePTENKO), and the combined PTEN and AR knockout (ugePTENARKO) female mice. The double knockout restricted to glandular epithelium showed that AR inactivation enhanced PTEN deletion-induced uterine pathology with development of intraepithelial neoplasia by 20 weeks of age. In ugePTENARKO, 6/10 (60%) developed intraepithelial neoplasia, whereas 3/10 (30%) developed only glandular hyperplasia in ugePTENKO uterus. No uterine pathology was observed in WT (n=8) and ugeARKO (n=7) uteri. Uterine weight was significantly (P=0.002) increased in ugePTENARKO (374±97 mg (mean±s.e.)) compared with WT (97±6 mg), ugeARKO (94±12 mg), and ugePTENKO (205±33 mg). Estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) and P-AKT expression was modified by uterine pathology but did not differ between ugePTENKO and ugePTENARKO, suggesting that its expressions are not directly affected by androgens. However, progesterone receptor (PR) expression was reduced in ugePTENARKO compared to ugePTENKO uterus, suggesting that PR expression could be regulated by glandular epithelial AR inactivation. In conclusion, glandular epithelial AR inactivation (with persistent stromal AR action) enhanced PTEN deletion-induced uterine pathology possibly by downregulating PR expression in the uterus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaesung Peter Choi
- ANZAC Research InstituteUniversity of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yu Zheng
- ANZAC Research InstituteUniversity of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- ANZAC Research InstituteUniversity of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ulla Simanainen
- ANZAC Research InstituteUniversity of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Blacher S, Gérard C, Gallez A, Foidart JM, Noël A, Péqueux C. Quantitative Assessment of Mouse Mammary Gland Morphology Using Automated Digital Image Processing and TEB Detection. Endocrinology 2016; 157:1709-16. [PMID: 26910307 DOI: 10.1210/en.2015-1601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The assessment of rodent mammary gland morphology is largely used to study the molecular mechanisms driving breast development and to analyze the impact of various endocrine disruptors with putative pathological implications. In this work, we propose a methodology relying on fully automated digital image analysis methods including image processing and quantification of the whole ductal tree and of the terminal end buds as well. It allows to accurately and objectively measure both growth parameters and fine morphological glandular structures. Mammary gland elongation was characterized by 2 parameters: the length and the epithelial area of the ductal tree. Ductal tree fine structures were characterized by: 1) branch end-point density, 2) branching density, and 3) branch length distribution. The proposed methodology was compared with quantification methods classically used in the literature. This procedure can be transposed to several software and thus largely used by scientists studying rodent mammary gland morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Blacher
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA-cancer), University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Céline Gérard
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA-cancer), University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Anne Gallez
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA-cancer), University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Jean-Michel Foidart
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA-cancer), University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Agnès Noël
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA-cancer), University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Christel Péqueux
- Laboratory of Tumor and Development Biology, Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA-cancer), University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
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Kumar M, Syed SM, Taketo MM, Tanwar PS. Epithelial Wnt/βcatenin signalling is essential for epididymal coiling. Dev Biol 2016; 412:234-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2016.02.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Choi JP, Zheng Y, Skulte KA, Handelsman DJ, Simanainen U. Development and Characterization of Uterine Glandular Epithelium Specific Androgen Receptor Knockout Mouse Model. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:120. [PMID: 26468082 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.132241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
While estrogen action is the major driver of uterine development, androgens acting via the androgen receptor (AR) may also promote uterine growth as suggested by uterine phenotypes in global AR knockout (ARKO) female mice. Because AR is expressed in uterine endometrial glands, we generated (Cre/loxP) uterine gland epithelium-specific ARKO (ugeARKO) to determine the role of endometrial gland-specific androgen actions. However, AR in uterine gland epithelium may not be required for normal uterine development and function because ugeARKO females had normal uterine development and fertility. To determine if exogenous androgens acting via AR can fully support uterine growth in the absence of estrogens, the ARKO and ugeARKO females were ovariectomized and treated with supraphysiological doses of testosterone or dihydrotestosterone (nonaromatizable androgen). Both dihydrotestosterone and testosterone supported full uterine regrowth in wild-type females while ARKO females had no regrowth (comparable to ovariectomized only). These findings suggest that androgens acting via AR can promote full uterine regrowth in the absence of estrogens. The ugeARKO had 50% regrowth when compared to intact uterine glands, and histomorphologically, both the endometrial and myometrial areas were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced, suggesting glandular epithelial AR located in the endometrium may indirectly modify myometrial development. Additionally, to confirm Cre function in endometrial glands, we generated uge-specific PTEN knockout mouse model. The ugePTEN knockout females developed severe endometrial hyperplasia and therefore present a novel model for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaesung Peter Choi
- Department of Andrology, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital New South Wales, Australia
| | - Yu Zheng
- Department of Bone Biology, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital New South Wales, Australia
| | - Katherine A Skulte
- Department of Andrology, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital New South Wales, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- Department of Andrology, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ulla Simanainen
- Department of Andrology, ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital New South Wales, Australia
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Choi JP, Desai R, Zheng Y, Yao M, Dong Q, Watson G, Handelsman DJ, Simanainen U. Androgen actions via androgen receptor promote PTEN inactivation induced uterine cancer. Endocr Relat Cancer 2015; 22:687-701. [PMID: 26285813 DOI: 10.1530/erc-15-0203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Haploinsufficient inactivating phosphatase and tensin homolog (Pten) mutations cause Cowden syndrome, an autosomal dominant risk genotype for hormone dependent reproductive cancers. As androgen actions mediated via the androgen receptor (AR) supports uterine growth and may modify uterine cancer risk, we hypothesized that a functional AR may increase PTEN inactivation induced uterine cancer. To test the hypothesis, we compared the PTEN knockout (PTENKO) induced uterine pathology in heterozygous PTENKO and combined heterozygous PTEN and complete AR knockout (PTENARKO) female mice. PTENKO induced uterine pathology was significantly reduced by AR inactivation with severe macroscopic uterine pathology present in 21% of PTENARKO vs 46% of PTENKO at a median age of 45 weeks. This could be due to reduced stroma ERα expression in PTENARKO compared to PTENKO uterus, while AR inactivation did not modify PTEN or P-AKT levels. Unexpectedly, while progesterone (P4) is assumed protective in uterine cancers, serum P4 was significantly higher in PTENKO females compared to WT, ARKO, and PTENARKO females consistent with more corpora lutea in PTENKO ovaries. Serum testosterone and ovarian estradiol were similar between all females. Hence, our results demonstrated AR inactivation mediated protection against PTENKO induced uterine pathology and suggests a potential role for antiandrogens in uterine cancer prevention and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaesung Peter Choi
- ANZAC Research InstituteUniversity of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, AustraliaDiscipline of EndocrinologyCentral Clinical School, Bosch Institute, Charles Perkins Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, AustraliaDepartment of Anatomical PathologyRoyal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Reena Desai
- ANZAC Research InstituteUniversity of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, AustraliaDiscipline of EndocrinologyCentral Clinical School, Bosch Institute, Charles Perkins Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, AustraliaDepartment of Anatomical PathologyRoyal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Yu Zheng
- ANZAC Research InstituteUniversity of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, AustraliaDiscipline of EndocrinologyCentral Clinical School, Bosch Institute, Charles Perkins Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, AustraliaDepartment of Anatomical PathologyRoyal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Mu Yao
- ANZAC Research InstituteUniversity of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, AustraliaDiscipline of EndocrinologyCentral Clinical School, Bosch Institute, Charles Perkins Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, AustraliaDepartment of Anatomical PathologyRoyal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Qihan Dong
- ANZAC Research InstituteUniversity of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, AustraliaDiscipline of EndocrinologyCentral Clinical School, Bosch Institute, Charles Perkins Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, AustraliaDepartment of Anatomical PathologyRoyal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Geoff Watson
- ANZAC Research InstituteUniversity of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, AustraliaDiscipline of EndocrinologyCentral Clinical School, Bosch Institute, Charles Perkins Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, AustraliaDepartment of Anatomical PathologyRoyal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - David J Handelsman
- ANZAC Research InstituteUniversity of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, AustraliaDiscipline of EndocrinologyCentral Clinical School, Bosch Institute, Charles Perkins Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, AustraliaDepartment of Anatomical PathologyRoyal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
| | - Ulla Simanainen
- ANZAC Research InstituteUniversity of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2139, AustraliaDiscipline of EndocrinologyCentral Clinical School, Bosch Institute, Charles Perkins Centre, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, AustraliaDepartment of Anatomical PathologyRoyal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales 2050, Australia
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16
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Tarulli GA, Laven-Law G, Shakya R, Tilley WD, Hickey TE. Hormone-sensing mammary epithelial progenitors: emerging identity and hormonal regulation. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2015; 20:75-91. [PMID: 26390871 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-015-9344-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The hormone-sensing mammary epithelial cell (HS-MEC-expressing oestrogen receptor-alpha (ERα) and progesterone receptor (PGR)) is often represented as being terminally differentiated and lacking significant progenitor activity after puberty. Therefore while able to profoundly influence the proliferation and function of other MEC populations, HS-MECs are purported not to respond to sex hormone signals by engaging in significant cell proliferation during adulthood. This is a convenient and practical simplification that overshadows the sublime, and potentially critical, phenotypic plasticity found within the adult HS-MEC population. This concept is exemplified by the large proportion (~80 %) of human breast cancers expressing PGR and/or ERα, demonstrating that HS-MECs clearly proliferate in the context of breast cancer. Understanding how HS-MEC proliferation and differentiation is driven could be key to unraveling the mechanisms behind uncontrolled HS-MEC proliferation associated with ERα- and/or PGR-positive breast cancers. Herein we review evidence for the existence of a HS-MEC progenitor and the emerging plasticity of the HS-MEC population in general. This is followed by an analysis of hormones other than oestrogen and progesterone that are able to influence HS-MEC proliferation and differentiation: androgens, prolactin and transforming growth factor-beta1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard A Tarulli
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories (DRMCRL), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia.
| | - Geraldine Laven-Law
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories (DRMCRL), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Reshma Shakya
- Breast Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Centre for Personalised Cancer Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Wayne D Tilley
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories (DRMCRL), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
| | - Theresa E Hickey
- Dame Roma Mitchell Cancer Research Laboratories (DRMCRL), School of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, 5005, Australia
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Brisken C, Ataca D. Endocrine hormones and local signals during the development of the mouse mammary gland. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2015; 4:181-95. [PMID: 25645332 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 12/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Most of mammary gland development occurs postnatally under the control of female reproductive hormones, which in turn interact with other endocrine factors. While hormones impinge on many tissues and trigger very complex biological responses, tissue recombination experiments with hormone receptor-deficient mammary epithelia revealed eminent roles for estrogens, progesterone, and prolactin receptor (PrlR) signaling that are intrinsic to the mammary epithelium. A subset of the luminal mammary epithelial cells expresses the estrogen receptor α (ERα), the progesterone receptor (PR), and the PrlR and act as sensor cells. These cells convert the detected systemic signals into local signals that are developmental stage-dependent and may be direct, juxtacrine, or paracrine. This setup ensures that the original input is amplified and that the biological responses of multiple cell types can be coordinated. Some key mediators of hormone action have been identified such as Wnt, EGFR, IGFR, and RANK signaling. Multiple signaling pathways such as FGF, Hedgehog, and Notch signaling participate in driving different aspects of mammary gland development locally but how they link to the hormonal control remains to be elucidated. An increasing number of endocrine factors are appearing to have a role in mammary gland development, the adipose tissue is increasingly recognized to play a role in endocrine regulation, and a complex role of the immune system with multiple different cell types is being revealed. For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cathrin Brisken
- ISREC - Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
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