1
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Takahashi F, Baba T, Christianto A, Yanai S, Lee-Okada HC, Ishiwata K, Nakabayashi K, Hata K, Ishii T, Hasegawa T, Yokomizo T, Choi MH, Morohashi KI. Development of sexual dimorphism of skeletal muscles through the adrenal cortex, caused by androgen-induced global gene suppression. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113715. [PMID: 38306273 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113715] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The zona fasciculata (zF) in the adrenal cortex contributes to multiple physiological actions through glucocorticoid synthesis. The size, proliferation, and glucocorticoid synthesis characteristics are all female biased, and sexual dimorphism is established by androgen. In this study, transcriptomes were obtained to unveil the sex differentiation mechanism. Interestingly, both the amount of mRNA and the expressions of nearly all genes were higher in females. The expression of Nr5a1, which is essential for steroidogenic cell differentiation, was also female biased. Whole-genome studies demonstrated that NR5A1 regulates nearly all gene expression directly or indirectly. This suggests that androgen-induced global gene suppression is potentially mediated by NR5A1. Using Nr5a1 heterozygous mice, whose adrenal cortex is smaller than the wild type, we demonstrated that the size of skeletal muscles is possibly regulated by glucocorticoid synthesized by zF. Taken together, considering the ubiquitous presence of glucocorticoid receptors, our findings provide a pathway for sex differentiation through glucocorticoid synthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiya Takahashi
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Takashi Baba
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan.
| | - Antonius Christianto
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Shogo Yanai
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Hyeon-Cheol Lee-Okada
- Department of Biochemistry, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Keisuke Ishiwata
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0074, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakabayashi
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0074, Japan
| | - Kenichiro Hata
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Biology, Research Institute, National Center for Child Health and Development, 2-10-1 Okura, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo 157-0074, Japan; Department of Human Molecular Genetics, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Gunma 371-8511, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ishii
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tomonobu Hasegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takehiko Yokomizo
- Department of Biochemistry, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-8421, Japan
| | - Man Ho Choi
- Center for Advanced Biomolecular Recognition, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Ken-Ichirou Morohashi
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, 67 Asahimachi, Kurume 830-0011, Japan.
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2
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Maharaj AV. Familial Glucocorticoid Deficiency: the changing landscape of an eponymous syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1268345. [PMID: 38189052 PMCID: PMC10771341 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1268345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Familial Glucocorticoid Deficiency encompasses a broad spectrum of monogenic recessive disorders that theoretically solely abrogate cortisol biosynthesis. In reality, delineating clear genotype-phenotype correlations in this disorder is made complicated by marked phenotypic heterogeneity even within kindreds harbouring identical variants. Phenotypes range from isolated glucocorticoid insufficiency to cortisol deficiency plus a variety of superimposed features including salt-wasting and hypoaldosteronism, primary hypothyroidism, hypogonadism and growth defects. Furthermore, mutation type, domain topology and perceived enzyme activity do not always predict disease severity. Given the high burden of disease and implications of a positive diagnosis, genetic testing is crucial in the management of patients warranting detailed delineation of genomic variants including viable functional studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinaash V. Maharaj
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London (QMUL), London, United Kingdom
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3
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Kothandapani A, Larsen MC, Lee J, Jorgensen JS, Jefcoate CR. Distinctive functioning of STARD1 in the fetal Leydig cells compared to adult Leydig and adrenal cells. Impact of Hedgehog signaling via the primary cilium. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 531:111265. [PMID: 33864885 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
STARD1 stimulates cholesterol transfer to mitochondrial CYP11A1 for conversion to pregnenolone. A cholesterol-binding START domain is guided by an N-terminal domain in a cell selective manner. Fetal and adult Leydig cells (FLC, ALC) show distinct Stard1 regulation. sm- FISH microscopy, which resolves individual molecules of Stard1 mRNA, shows uniformly high basal expression in each FLC. In ALC, in vivo, and cultured MA-10 cells, basal Stard1 expression is minimal. PKA activates loci asynchronously, with delayed splicing/export of 3.5 kb mRNA to mitochondria. After 60 min, ALC transition to an integrated mRNA delivery to mitochondria that is seen in FLC. Sertoli cells cooperate in Stard1 stimulation in FLC by delivering DHH to the primary cilium. There PTCH, SMO and cholesterol cooperate to release GLI3 to activate the Stard1 locus, probably by directing histone changes. ALC lack cilia. PKA then primes locus activation. FLC and ALC share similar SIK/CRTC/CREB regulation characterized for adrenal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anbarasi Kothandapani
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Michele Campaigne Larsen
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Jinwoo Lee
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53705, USA
| | - Joan S Jorgensen
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI, 53706, USA
| | - Colin R Jefcoate
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, 53705, USA.
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4
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Tugaeva KV, Titterington J, Sotnikov DV, Maksimov EG, Antson AA, Sluchanko NN. Molecular basis for the recognition of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein by the 14‐3‐3 protein family. FEBS J 2020; 287:3944-3966. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.15474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kristina V. Tugaeva
- Federal Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.N. Bach Institute of Biochemistry Moscow Russia
- Department of Biochemistry School of Biology M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University Russia
| | - James Titterington
- York Structural Biology Laboratory Department of Chemistry University of York UK
| | - Dmitriy V. Sotnikov
- Federal Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.N. Bach Institute of Biochemistry Moscow Russia
| | - Eugene G. Maksimov
- Federal Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.N. Bach Institute of Biochemistry Moscow Russia
- Department of Biophysics School of Biology M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University Russia
| | - Alfred A. Antson
- York Structural Biology Laboratory Department of Chemistry University of York UK
| | - Nikolai N. Sluchanko
- Federal Research Center of Biotechnology of the Russian Academy of Sciences A.N. Bach Institute of Biochemistry Moscow Russia
- Department of Biophysics School of Biology M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University Russia
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5
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Larsen MC, Lee J, Jorgensen JS, Jefcoate CR. STARD1 Functions in Mitochondrial Cholesterol Metabolism and Nascent HDL Formation. Gene Expression and Molecular mRNA Imaging Show Novel Splicing and a 1:1 Mitochondrial Association. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:559674. [PMID: 33193082 PMCID: PMC7607000 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.559674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STARD1 moves cholesterol (CHOL) from the outer mitochondrial membrane (OMM) to the inner membrane (IMM) in steroidogenic cells. This activity is integrated into CHOL trafficking and synthesis homeostasis, involving uptake through SR-B1 and LDL receptors and distribution through endosomes, ER, and lipid droplets. In adrenal cells, STARD1 is imported into the mitochondrial matrix accompanied by delivery of several hundred CHOL molecules. This transfer limits CYP11A1-mediated generation of pregnenolone. CHOL transfer is coupled to translation of STARD1 mRNA at the OMM. In testis cells, slower CHOL trafficking seems to be limiting. STARD1 also functions in a slower process through ER OMM contacts. The START domain of STARD1 is utilized by a family of genes, which includes additional STARD (forms 3-6) and GRAMD1B proteins that transfer CHOL. STARD forms 2 and 7 deliver phosphatidylcholine. STARD1 and STARD7 target their respective activities to mitochondria, via N-terminal domains (NTD) of over 50 amino acids. The NTD is not essential for steroidogenesis but exerts tissue-selective enhancement (testis>>adrenal). Three conserved sites for cleavage by the mitochondrial processing protease (MPP) generate three forms, each potentially with specific functions, as demonstrated in STARD7. STARD1 is expressed in macrophage and cardiac repair fibroblasts. Additional functions include CHOL metabolism by CYP27A1 that directs activation of LXR and CHOL export processes. STARD1 generates 3.5- and 1.6-kb mRNA from alternative polyadenylation. The 3.5-kb form exclusively binds the PKA-induced regulator, TIS11b, which binds at conserved sites in the extended 3'UTR to control mRNA translation and turnover. STARD1 expression also exhibits a novel, slow splicing that delayed splicing delivery of mRNA to mitochondria. Stimulation of transcription by PKA is directed by suppression of SIK forms that activate a CRTC/CREB/CBP promoter complex. This process is critical to pulsatile hormonal activation in vivo. sm-FISH RNA imaging shows a flow of single STARD1 mRNA particles from asymmetric accumulations of primary transcripts at gene loci to 1:1 complex of 3.5-kb mRNA with peri-nuclear mitochondria. Adrenal cells are similar but distinguished from testis cells by appreciable basal expression prior to hormonal activation. This difference is conserved in culture and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Campaigne Larsen
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Jinwoo Lee
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Joan S. Jorgensen
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Colin R. Jefcoate
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- *Correspondence: Colin R. Jefcoate,
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6
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Tugaeva KV, Sluchanko NN. Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein: Structure, Functioning, and Regulation. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2019; 84:S233-S253. [PMID: 31213205 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297919140141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Steroidogenesis takes place mainly in adrenal and gonadal cells that produce a variety of structurally similar hormones regulating numerous body functions. The rate-limiting stage of steroidogenesis is cholesterol delivery to the inner mitochondrial membrane, where it is converted by cytochrome P450scc into pregnenolone, a common precursor of all steroid hormones. The major role of supplying mitochondria with cholesterol belongs to steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STARD1). STARD1, which is synthesized de novo as a precursor containing mitochondrial localization sequence and sterol-binding domain, significantly accelerates cholesterol transport and production of pregnenolone. Despite a tremendous interest in STARD1 fueled by its involvement in hereditary diseases and extensive efforts of numerous laboratories worldwide, many aspects of STARD1 structure, functioning, and regulation remain obscure and debatable. This review presents current concepts on the structure of STARD1 and other lipid transfer proteins, the role of STARD1 in steroidogenesis, and the mechanism of its functioning, as well as identifies the most controversial and least studied questions related to the activity of this protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- K V Tugaeva
- Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Federal Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia. .,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Biological Faculty, Department of Biochemistry, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - N N Sluchanko
- Bach Institute of Biochemistry, Federal Research Center of Biotechnology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, 119071, Russia. .,Lomonosov Moscow State University, Biological Faculty, Department of Biophysics, Moscow, 119991, Russia
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7
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Ishii T, Hori N, Amano N, Aya M, Shibata H, Katsumata N, Hasegawa T. Pubertal and Adult Testicular Functions in Nonclassic Lipoid Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia: A Case Series and Review. J Endocr Soc 2019; 3:1367-1374. [PMID: 31286101 PMCID: PMC6608554 DOI: 10.1210/js.2019-00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia (LCAH) is caused by mutations in STAR and characterized by a defect in steroidogenesis and lipid droplet accumulation in steroidogenic cells. Patients with 46,XY and classic LCAH will typically present with female-type external genitalia. However, those with nonclassic LCAH will have masculinized external genitalia. The rarity of the nonclassic form has precluded the clarification of the long-term outcomes of testicular function in nonclassic LCAH. We report the cases of three adult males with nonclassic LCAH in whom primary adrenal insufficiency had been diagnosed at 5 days, 4 years, and 5 years of age. All exhibited complete male external genitalia and had completed pubertal development without androgen replacement. The endocrinological data showed preserved gonadal function in patients 1 and 2 and hypergonadotropic hypogonadism in patient 3. Semen analyses showed normozoospermia in patient 1 and mild oligozoospermia in patient 2. Electron microscopic analysis of a testicular biopsy specimen from patient 2 at 13 years of age revealed prominent lipid accumulation in the cytosol of Leydig cells. Patients 1 and 2 shared the same compound heterozygous mutations in STAR (p.Glu258* and p.Arg272Cys). Patient 3 possessed a heterozygous dominant-negative mutation in STAR (p.Gly22_Leu59del). A functional assay of a variant STAR-Arg272Cys determined the residual activity as 35% of the wild-type STAR. The results from the present case series and a review of four previously reported adult cases indicate that testosterone synthesis can be preserved in most males with nonclassic LCAH to complete pubertal development and induce germ cell maturation despite lipid accumulation in the Leydig cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Ishii
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoaki Hori
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Ota Memorial Hospital, Ota, Japan
| | - Naoko Amano
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Misaki Aya
- Department of Pediatrics, Kitasato University Kitasato Institute Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Shibata
- Department of Endocrinology, Metabolism, Rheumatology and Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, Oita University, Yufu, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Katsumata
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomonobu Hasegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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8
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Maharaj A, Maudhoo A, Chan LF, Novoselova T, Prasad R, Metherell LA, Guasti L. Isolated glucocorticoid deficiency: Genetic causes and animal models. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2019; 189:73-80. [PMID: 30817990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2019.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [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: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Hereditary adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) resistance syndromes encompass the genetically heterogeneous isolated or Familial Glucocorticoid Deficiency (FGD) and the distinct clinical entity known as Triple A syndrome. The molecular basis of adrenal resistance to ACTH includes defects in ligand binding, MC2R/MRAP receptor trafficking, cellular redox balance, cholesterol synthesis and sphingolipid metabolism. Biochemically, this manifests as ACTH excess in the setting of hypocortisolaemia. Triple A syndrome is an inherited condition involving a tetrad of adrenal insufficiency, achalasia, alacrima and neuropathy. FGD is an autosomal recessive condition characterized by the presence of isolated glucocorticoid deficiency, classically in the setting of preserved mineralocorticoid secretion. Primarily there are three established subtypes of the disease: FGD 1, FGD2 and FGD3 corresponding to mutations in the Melanocortin 2 receptor MC2R (25%), Melanocortin 2 receptor accessory protein MRAP (20%), and Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein STAR (5-10%) respectively. Together, mutations in these 3 genes account for approximately half of cases. Whole exome sequencing in patients negative for MC2R, MRAP and STAR mutations, identified mutations in minichromosome maintenance 4 MCM4, nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase NNT, thioredoxin reductase 2 TXNRD2, cytochrome p450scc CYP11A1, and sphingosine 1-phosphate lyase SGPL1 accounting for a further 10% of FGD. These novel genes have linked replicative and oxidative stress and altered redox potential as a mechanism of adrenocortical damage. However, a genetic diagnosis is still unclear in about 40% of cases. We describe here an updated list of FGD genes and provide a description of relevant mouse models that, despite some being flawed, have been precious allies in the understanding of FGD pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avinaash Maharaj
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ashwini Maudhoo
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Li F Chan
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tatiana Novoselova
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rathi Prasad
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louise A Metherell
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary, University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, United Kingdom.
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9
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Mizuno Y, Ishii T, Hasegawa T. In Vivo Verification of the Pathophysiology of Lipoid Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia in the Adrenal Cortex. Endocrinology 2019; 160:331-338. [PMID: 30576426 DOI: 10.1210/en.2018-00777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 12/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
A two-hit hypothesis has been proposed to describe the pathophysiology of lipoid congenital adrenal hyperplasia. In previous studies using conventional steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (Star) gene knockout (KO) mice, adrenocortical lipid accumulation was already prominent at birth. Thus, the two-hit hypothesis was verified in the gonads of Star KO mice but not in the adrenal cortices. We generated time-dependent conditional Star KO mice induced by tamoxifen (TAM) injections and analyzed the adrenal cortices of the mice histologically and endocrinologically before, 24 hours after, and 8 weeks after TAM. We performed RNA sequencing analyses of the adrenal glands before and 8 weeks after TAM and histologically analyzed autologous adrenal cortices of TAM-induced Star KO mice with transplantation of wild-type adrenal gland. Lipid accumulation was scattered 24 hours after TAM and was prominent 8 weeks after TAM. Steroidogenic capacity decreased sequentially after TAM. Gene expression related to steroid biosynthesis significantly decreased 8 weeks after TAM compared with that before TAM. TAM-induced Star KO mice with adrenal transplantation showed normal ACTH levels and mild lipid accumulation. These results showed that the steroidogenic capacity decreased without histological change (the first hit) and declined with histological change (the second hit). Thus, we visualized the two-hit hypothesis in the adrenal cortex. The key feature of the secondary decline of steroidogenic capacity might be the decreased gene expression related to steroid biosynthesis after lipid accumulation exacerbated by ACTH hypersecretion.
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MESH Headings
- Adrenal Cortex/metabolism
- Adrenal Cortex/pathology
- Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital/etiology
- Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital/metabolism
- Adrenal Hyperplasia, Congenital/pathology
- Animals
- Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY/etiology
- Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY/metabolism
- Disorder of Sex Development, 46,XY/pathology
- Female
- Male
- Mice, Knockout
- Phosphoproteins/genetics
- Phosphoproteins/metabolism
- Tamoxifen
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Mizuno
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ishii
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomonobu Hasegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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10
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Jefcoate CR, Lee J. Cholesterol signaling in single cells: lessons from STAR and sm-FISH. J Mol Endocrinol 2018; 60:R213-R235. [PMID: 29691317 PMCID: PMC6324173 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol is an important regulator of cell signaling, both through direct impacts on cell membranes and through oxy-metabolites that activate specific receptors (steroids, hydroxy-cholesterols, bile acids). Cholesterol moves slowly through and between cell membranes with the assistance of specific binding proteins and transfer processes. The prototype cholesterol regulator is the Steroidogenesis Acute Regulatory (STAR), which moves cholesterol into mitochondria, where steroid synthesis is initiated by cytochrome P450 11A1 in multiple endocrine cell types. CYP27A1 generates hydroxyl cholesterol metabolites that activate LXR nuclear receptors to control cholesterol homeostatic and transport mechanisms. LXR regulation of cholesterol transport and storage as cholesterol ester droplets is shared by both steroid-producing cells and macrophage. This cholesterol signaling is crucial to brain neuron regulation by astrocytes and microglial macrophage, mediated by ApoE and sensitive to disruption by β-amyloid plaques. sm-FISH delivers appreciable insights into signaling in single cells, by resolving single RNA molecules as mRNA and by quantifying pre-mRNA at gene loci. sm-FISH has been applied to problems in physiology, embryo development and cancer biology, where single cell features have critical impacts. sm-FISH identifies novel features of STAR transcription in adrenal and testis cells, including asymmetric expression at individual gene loci, delayed splicing and 1:1 association of mRNA with mitochondria. This may represent a functional unit for the translation-dependent cholesterol transfer directed by STAR, which integrates into mitochondrial fusion dynamics. Similar cholesterol dynamics repeat with different players in the cycling of cholesterol between astrocytes and neurons in the brain, which may be abnormal in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin R Jefcoate
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology and the Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology ProgramUniversity of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jinwoo Lee
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology and the Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology ProgramUniversity of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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11
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Meimaridou E, Goldsworthy M, Chortis V, Fragouli E, Foster PA, Arlt W, Cox R, Metherell LA. NNT is a key regulator of adrenal redox homeostasis and steroidogenesis in male mice. J Endocrinol 2018; 236:13-28. [PMID: 29046340 PMCID: PMC5744559 DOI: 10.1530/joe-16-0638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinamide nucleotide transhydrogenase, NNT, is a ubiquitous protein of the inner mitochondrial membrane with a key role in mitochondrial redox balance. NNT produces high concentrations of NADPH for detoxification of reactive oxygen species by glutathione and thioredoxin pathways. In humans, NNT dysfunction leads to an adrenal-specific disorder, glucocorticoid deficiency. Certain substrains of C57BL/6 mice contain a spontaneously occurring inactivating Nnt mutation and display glucocorticoid deficiency along with glucose intolerance and reduced insulin secretion. To understand the underlying mechanism(s) behind the glucocorticoid deficiency, we performed comprehensive RNA-seq on adrenals from wild-type (C57BL/6N), mutant (C57BL/6J) and BAC transgenic mice overexpressing Nnt (C57BL/6JBAC). The following results were obtained. Our data suggest that Nnt deletion (or overexpression) reduces adrenal steroidogenic output by decreasing the expression of crucial, mitochondrial antioxidant (Prdx3 and Txnrd2) and steroidogenic (Cyp11a1) enzymes. Pathway analysis also revealed upregulation of heat shock protein machinery and haemoglobins possibly in response to the oxidative stress initiated by NNT ablation. In conclusion, using transcriptomic profiling in adrenals from three mouse models, we showed that disturbances in adrenal redox homeostasis are mediated not only by under expression of NNT but also by its overexpression. Further, we demonstrated that both under expression or overexpression of NNT reduced corticosterone output implying a central role for it in the control of steroidogenesis. This is likely due to a reduction in the expression of a key steroidogenic enzyme, Cyp11a1, which mirrored the reduction in corticosterone output.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Meimaridou
- Centre for EndocrinologyWilliam Harvey Research Institute, John Vane Science Centre, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK
| | - M Goldsworthy
- MRC Harwell InstituteGenetics of Type 2 Diabetes, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - V Chortis
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems ResearchUniversity of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
| | - E Fragouli
- Centre for EndocrinologyWilliam Harvey Research Institute, John Vane Science Centre, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK
| | - P A Foster
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems ResearchUniversity of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
| | - W Arlt
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems ResearchUniversity of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for EndocrinologyDiabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
| | - R Cox
- MRC Harwell InstituteGenetics of Type 2 Diabetes, Mammalian Genetics Unit, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - L A Metherell
- Centre for EndocrinologyWilliam Harvey Research Institute, John Vane Science Centre, Queen Mary, University of London, London, UK
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12
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Wang Y, Chen F, Ye L, Zirkin B, Chen H. Steroidogenesis in Leydig cells: effects of aging and environmental factors. Reproduction 2017; 154:R111-R122. [PMID: 28747539 DOI: 10.1530/rep-17-0064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Serum testosterone (TS) levels decrease with aging in both humans and rodents. Using the rat as a model system, it was found that age-related reductions in serum TS were not due to loss of Leydig cells, but rather to the reduced ability of the Leydig cells to produce TS in response to luteinizing hormone (LH). Detailed analyses of the steroidogenic pathway have suggested that two defects along the pathway, LH-stimulated cAMP production and cholesterol transport to and into the mitochondria, are of particular importance in age-related reductions in TS production. Although the mechanisms involved in these defects are far from certain, increasing oxidative stress appears to play a particularly important role. Interestingly, increased oxidative stress also appears to be involved in the suppressive effects of endocrine disruptors on Leydig cell TS production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyan Wang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Fenfen Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Leping Ye
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Barry Zirkin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Haolin Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, Zhejiang, China .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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13
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Lee J, Yamazaki T, Dong H, Jefcoate C. A single cell level measurement of StAR expression and activity in adrenal cells. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 441:22-30. [PMID: 27521960 PMCID: PMC5896326 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) directs mitochondrial cholesterol uptake through a C-terminal cholesterol binding domain (CBD) and a 62 amino acid N-terminal regulatory domain (NTD) that contains an import sequence and conserved sites for inner membrane metalloproteases. Deletion of the NTD prevents mitochondrial import while maintaining steroidogenesis but with compromised cholesterol homeostasis. The rapid StAR-mediated cholesterol transfer in adrenal cells depends on concerted mRNA translation, p37 StAR phosphorylation and controlled NTD cleavage. The NTD controls this process with two cAMP-inducible modulators of, respectively, transcription and translation SIK1 and TIS11b/Znf36l1. High-resolution fluorescence in situ hybridization (HR-FISH) of StAR RNA resolves slow RNA splicing at the gene loci in cAMP-induced Y-1 cells and transfer of individual 3.5 kB mRNA molecules to mitochondria. StAR transcription depends on the CREB coactivator CRTC2 and PKA inhibition of the highly inducible suppressor kinase SIK1 and a basal counterpart SIK2. PKA-inducible TIS11b/Znf36l1 binds specifically to highly conserved elements in exon 7 thereby suppressing formation of mRNA and subsequent translation. Co-expression of SIK1, Znf36l1 with 3.5 kB StAR mRNA may limit responses to pulsatile signaling by ACTH while regulating the transition to more prolonged stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwoo Lee
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States
| | - Takeshi Yamazaki
- Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Cellular Biology and Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University, Miami, FL 33199, United States
| | - Colin Jefcoate
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States; Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI 53706, United States.
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14
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Abstract
Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) produced by the anterior pituitary stimulates glucocorticoid synthesis by the adrenal cortex. The first step in glucocorticoid synthesis is the delivery of cholesterol to the mitochondrial matrix where the first enzymatic reaction in the steroid hormone biosynthetic pathway occurs. A key response of adrenal cells to ACTH is activation of the cAMP-protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway. PKA activation results in an acute increase in expression and function of the Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory protein (StAR). StAR plays an essential role in steroidogenesis- it controls the hormone-dependent movement of cholesterol across the mitochondrial membranes. Currently StAR's mechanism of action remains a major unanswered question in the field. However, some insight may be gained from understanding the mechanism(s) controlling the PKA-dependent phosphorylation of StAR at S194/195 (mouse/human StAR), a modification that is required for function. This mini-review provides a background on StAR's biology with a focus on StAR phosphorylation. The model for StAR translation and phosphorylation at the outer mitochondrial membrane, the location for StAR function, is presented to highlight a unifying theme emerging from diverse studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Louisville Louisville, KY, USA
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15
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Elustondo P, Martin LA, Karten B. Mitochondrial cholesterol import. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2016; 1862:90-101. [PMID: 27565112 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2016.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
All animal subcellular membranes require cholesterol, which influences membrane fluidity and permeability, fission and fusion processes, and membrane protein function. The distribution of cholesterol among subcellular membranes is highly heterogeneous and the cholesterol content of each membrane must be carefully regulated. Compared to other subcellular membranes, mitochondrial membranes are cholesterol-poor, particularly the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM). As a result, steroidogenesis can be controlled through the delivery of cholesterol to the IMM, where it is converted to pregnenolone. The low basal levels of cholesterol also make mitochondria sensitive to changes in cholesterol content, which can have a relatively large impact on the biophysical and functional characteristics of mitochondrial membranes. Increased mitochondrial cholesterol levels have been observed in diverse pathological conditions including cancer, steatohepatitis, Alzheimer disease and Niemann-Pick Type C1-deficiency, and are associated with increased oxidative stress, impaired oxidative phosphorylation, and changes in the susceptibility to apoptosis, among other alterations in mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are not included in the vesicular trafficking network; therefore, cholesterol transport to mitochondria is mostly achieved through the activity of lipid transfer proteins at membrane contact sites or by cytosolic, diffusible lipid transfer proteins. Here we will give an overview of the main mechanisms involved in mitochondrial cholesterol import, focusing on the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein StAR/STARD1 and other members of the StAR-related lipid transfer (START) domain protein family, and we will discuss how changes in mitochondrial cholesterol levels can arise and affect mitochondrial function. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Lipids of Mitochondria edited by Guenther Daum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Elustondo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Laura A Martin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Barbara Karten
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada.
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16
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Ishii T, Fukuzawa R, Sato T, Muroya K, Adachi M, Ihara K, Igaki J, Hasegawa Y, Sato S, Mitsui T, Hasegawa T. Gonadal macrophage infiltration in congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia. Eur J Endocrinol 2016; 175:127-32. [PMID: 27190208 DOI: 10.1530/eje-16-0194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia (lipoid CAH) results in impairment of adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis caused by STAR mutations. Our previous study revealed upregulation of genes associated with inflammatory or immune response and macrophage infiltration in the adrenal cortex of Star-knockout mice. This study aimed at investigating macrophage infiltration in the gonads from human patients with lipoid CAH. DESIGN This study includes seven patients with lipoid CAH who underwent gonadectomy: two XX women (age, 22 and 40 years) and five XY boys (1 year). Two women with ovarian cysts (32 and 40 years) and six boys with autopsy or tumor (1 year) were examined as controls. Immunohistochemical analysis of their gonads was performed to determine steroidogenic cells by NR5A1 or CYP17A1 and macrophages by IBA1 or CD68. RESULTS An increased number of macrophages infiltrated into the ovaries of lipoid CAH and consisted of two subpopulations: one scattered within and around a layer of theca cells of maturing follicles and the other massively aggregated in the stroma. Abundant cytoplasmic lipid droplets were observed not only in the theca cells but also in the stromal macrophages. There was no significant difference in the number of macrophages in the testicular interstitium between lipoid CAH (95% confidence interval (95% CI: 19.3-47.7 per 0.2mm(2)) and controls (95% CI: 13.3-25.8 per 0.2mm(2)) (P=0.10). CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that macrophages infiltrate the ovaries of lipoid CAH, where the theca cells and the stromal macrophages have abundant cytoplasmic lipid droplets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Ishii
- Department of PediatricsKeio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryuji Fukuzawa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory MedicineTokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Sato
- Department of PediatricsKeio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismKanagawa Children's Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Koji Muroya
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismKanagawa Children's Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masanori Adachi
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismKanagawa Children's Medical Center, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kenji Ihara
- Department of PediatricsGraduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan, and
| | - Junko Igaki
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismTokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukihiro Hasegawa
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismTokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiji Sato
- Department of PediatricsSaitama Municipal Hospital, Saitama, Japan
| | - Toshikatsu Mitsui
- Department of PediatricsKeio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomonobu Hasegawa
- Department of PediatricsKeio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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17
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Lee J, Tong T, Duan H, Foong YH, Musaitif I, Yamazaki T, Jefcoate C. Regulation of StAR by the N-terminal Domain and Coinduction of SIK1 and TIS11b/Znf36l1 in Single Cells. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:107. [PMID: 27531991 PMCID: PMC4969582 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The cholesterol transfer function of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) is uniquely integrated into adrenal cells, with mRNA translation and protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation occurring at the mitochondrial outer membrane (OMM). The StAR C-terminal cholesterol-binding domain (CBD) initiates mitochondrial intermembrane contacts to rapidly direct cholesterol to Cyp11a1 in the inner membrane (IMM). The conserved StAR N-terminal regulatory domain (NTD) includes a leader sequence targeting the CBD to OMM complexes that initiate cholesterol transfer. Here, we show how the NTD functions to enhance CBD activity delivers more efficiently from StAR mRNA in adrenal cells, and then how two factors hormonally restrain this process. NTD processing at two conserved sequence sites is selectively affected by StAR PKA phosphorylation. The CBD functions as a receptor to stimulate the OMM/IMM contacts that mediate transfer. The NTD controls the transit time that integrates extramitochondrial StAR effects on cholesterol homeostasis with other mitochondrial functions, including ATP generation, inter-organelle fusion, and the major permeability transition pore in partnership with other OMM proteins. PKA also rapidly induces two additional StAR modulators: salt-inducible kinase 1 (SIK1) and Znf36l1/Tis11b. Induced SIK1 attenuates the activity of CRTC2, a key mediator of StAR transcription and splicing, but only as cAMP levels decline. TIS11b inhibits translation and directs the endonuclease-mediated removal of the 3.5-kb StAR mRNA. Removal of either of these functions individually enhances cAMP-mediated induction of StAR. High-resolution fluorescence in situ hybridization (HR-FISH) of StAR RNA reveals asymmetric transcription at the gene locus and slow RNA splicing that delays mRNA formation, potentially to synchronize with cholesterol import. Adrenal cells may retain slow transcription to integrate with intermembrane NTD activation. HR-FISH resolves individual 3.5-kb StAR mRNA molecules via dual hybridization at the 3'- and 5'-ends and reveals an unexpectedly high frequency of 1:1 pairing with mitochondria marked by the matrix StAR protein. This pairing may be central to translation-coupled cholesterol transfer. Altogether, our results show that adrenal cells exhibit high-efficiency StAR activity that needs to integrate rapid cholesterol transfer with homeostasis and pulsatile hormonal stimulation. StAR NBD, the extended 3.5-kb mRNA, SIK1, and Tis11b play important roles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinwoo Lee
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Tiegang Tong
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Haichuan Duan
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Yee Hoon Foong
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ibrahim Musaitif
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Takeshi Yamazaki
- Graduate School of Integrated Arts and Sciences, Hiroshima University, Higashi-Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Colin Jefcoate
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Endocrinology and Reproductive Physiology Program, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- *Correspondence: Colin Jefcoate,
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18
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Midzak A, Papadopoulos V. Adrenal Mitochondria and Steroidogenesis: From Individual Proteins to Functional Protein Assemblies. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:106. [PMID: 27524977 PMCID: PMC4965458 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The adrenal cortex is critical for physiological function as the central site of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid synthesis. It possesses a great degree of specialized compartmentalization at multiple hierarchical levels, ranging from the tissue down to the molecular levels. In this paper, we discuss this functionalization, beginning with the tissue zonation of the adrenal cortex and how this impacts steroidogenic output. We then discuss the cellular biology of steroidogenesis, placing special emphasis on the mitochondria. Mitochondria are classically known as the "powerhouses of the cell" for their central role in respiratory adenosine triphosphate synthesis, and attention is given to mitochondrial electron transport, in both the context of mitochondrial respiration and mitochondrial steroid metabolism. Building on work demonstrating functional assembly of large protein complexes in respiration, we further review research demonstrating a role for multimeric protein complexes in mitochondrial cholesterol transport, steroidogenesis, and mitochondria-endoplasmic reticulum contact. We aim to highlight with this review the shift in steroidogenic cell biology from a focus on the actions of individual proteins in isolation to the actions of protein assemblies working together to execute cellular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Midzak
- Research Institute of the McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Andrew Midzak, ; Vassilios Papadopoulos,
| | - Vassilios Papadopoulos
- Research Institute of the McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Andrew Midzak, ; Vassilios Papadopoulos,
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19
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Dihazi GH, Mueller GA, Asif AR, Eltoweissy M, Wessels JT, Dihazi H. Proteomic characterization of adrenal gland embryonic development reveals early initiation of steroid metabolism and reduction of the retinoic acid pathway. Proteome Sci 2015; 13:6. [PMID: 25694770 PMCID: PMC4331441 DOI: 10.1186/s12953-015-0063-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adrenal glands are essential endocrine organs composed of two embryological distinct tissues. Morphological changes during their development are well described, but less understood with regard to their molecular mechanisms. To identify proteins and pathways, which drive the initial steps of the specification of the endocrine function of the adrenal gland, rat’s adrenal glands were isolated at different embryonic days (E): E14, E16, E18, E19 and postnatal day 1 (P1). Results The alteration of the proteome during the stages E16, E19 and P1 was investigated by combining two dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometric analysis. Out of 594 excised protein spots, 464 spots were identified, resulting in 203 non-redundant proteins. The ontogenic classification of the identified proteins according to their molecular function resulted in 10 different categories, whereas the classification of their biological processes resulted in 19 different groups. This gives an insight into the complex mechanisms underlying adrenal gland development. Interestingly, the expression of retinoic acid pathway proteins was decreased during the development of the adrenal gland, suggesting that this pathway is only important at early stages. On the other hand, key proteins of the cholesterol synthesis increased their expression significantly at E19 revealing the initiation of the endocrine specialization of the adrenal glands. Conclusions This study presents the first comprehensive wide proteome analysis of three different stages of embryonic adrenal gland development. The identified proteins, which were expressed in early stages of development, will shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying embryonic development of the adrenal gland. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12953-015-0063-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gry H Dihazi
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August University Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, D-37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Gerhard A Mueller
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August University Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, D-37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Abdul R Asif
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Georg-August University Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, D-37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Marwa Eltoweissy
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August University Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, D-37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Johannes T Wessels
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August University Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, D-37075 Goettingen, Germany
| | - Hassan Dihazi
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Goettingen, Georg-August University Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Strasse 40, D-37075 Goettingen, Germany
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20
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Midzak A, Papadopoulos V. Binding domain-driven intracellular trafficking of sterols for synthesis of steroid hormones, bile acids and oxysterols. Traffic 2014; 15:895-914. [PMID: 24890942 DOI: 10.1111/tra.12177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 05/28/2014] [Accepted: 05/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Steroid hormones, bioactive oxysterols and bile acids are all derived from the biological metabolism of lipid cholesterol. The enzymatic pathways generating these compounds have been an area of intense research for almost a century, as cholesterol and its metabolites have substantial impacts on human health. Owing to its high degree of hydrophobicity and the chemical properties that it confers to biological membranes, the distribution of cholesterol in cells is tightly controlled, with subcellular organelles exhibiting highly divergent levels of cholesterol. The manners in which cells maintain such sterol distributions are of great interest in the study of steroid and bile acid synthesis, as limiting cholesterol substrate to the enzymatic pathways is the principal mechanism by which production of steroids and bile acids is regulated. The mechanisms by which cholesterol moves within cells, however, remain poorly understood. In this review, we examine the subcellular machinery involved in cholesterol metabolism to steroid hormones and bile acid, relating it to both lipid- and protein-based mechanisms facilitating intracellular and intraorganellar cholesterol movement and delivery to these pathways. In particular, we examine evidence for the involvement of specific protein domains involved in cholesterol binding, which impact cholesterol movement and metabolism in steroidogenesis and bile acid synthesis. A better understanding of the physical mechanisms by which these protein- and lipid-based systems function is of fundamental importance to understanding physiological homeostasis and its perturbation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Midzak
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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21
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Sasaki G, Zubair M, Ishii T, Mitsui T, Hasegawa T, Auchus RJ. The contribution of serine 194 phosphorylation to steroidogenic acute regulatory protein function. Mol Endocrinol 2014; 28:1088-96. [PMID: 24850413 DOI: 10.1210/me.2014-1028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) facilitates the delivery of cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane, where the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme catalyzes the initial step of steroid hormone biosynthesis. StAR was initially identified in adrenocortical cells as a phosphoprotein, the expression and phosphorylation of which were stimulated by corticotropin. A number of in vitro studies have implicated cAMP-dependent phosphorylation at serine 194 (S194, S195 in human StAR) as an important residue for StAR activity. To explore the importance of S194 phosphorylation in StAR function in vivo, we developed a transgenic model using a bacterial artificial chromosome expressing either wild-type (WT) StAR or StAR mutation S194A to rescue StAR knockout (KO) mice. Despite StAR protein expression comparable to or higher than amounts seen with control animals or rescue with WT StAR, S194A StAR did not rescue the neonatal lethality and only partially rescued the sex reversal in male mice observed uniformly in StAR KO mice. Like the StAR KO mice, the adrenal cortex and testicular Leydig cells contained abundant lipid deposits when stained with oil red O. Adrenal StAR from S194A rescue animals lacks an acidic species, which appears upon corticotropin stimulation in animals rescued with WT StAR, consistent with defective StAR phosphorylation. These findings demonstrate that S194 is an essential residue for normal StAR function in the adrenal cortex and testes of mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Goro Sasaki
- Department of Pediatrics (G.S.), Tokyo Dental College Ichikawa General Hospital, Ichikawa, Chiba, 272-8513, Japan; Department of Internal Medicine (G.S., M.Z., R.J.A.), University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390; Department of Pediatrics (T.I., T.M., T.H.), Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan; PAPRSB Institute of Health Science (M.Z.), University of Brunei Darussalam, Brunei; and Department of Internal Medicine (R.J.A.), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109
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22
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Alpy F, Tomasetto C. START ships lipids across interorganelle space. Biochimie 2014; 96:85-95. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2013.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2013] [Accepted: 09/17/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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23
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary Johnson
- Synatom Research, Princeton, New Jersey, United States
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24
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Ishii T, Mitsui T, Suzuki S, Matsuzaki Y, Hasegawa T. A genome-wide expression profile of adrenocortical cells in knockout mice lacking steroidogenic acute regulatory protein. Endocrinology 2012; 153:2714-23. [PMID: 22529212 DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-1627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) facilitates cholesterol transfer into the inner mitochondrial membrane in the acute phase of steroidogenesis. Mice lacking StAR (Star(-/-)) share phenotypes with human individuals having congenital lipoid adrenal hyperplasia including compromised production of steroid hormones and florid accumulation of cholesterol esters in adrenal glands and gonads. To define a specific pattern of molecular changes with StAR deficiency, we performed transcriptome analysis of adrenal cells selectively isolated by fluorescent-activated cell sorting at embryonic d 17.5 or 18.5 in seven wild-type (Star(+/+)) or four Star(-/-) mice having the transgene targeting the enhanced green fluorescent protein to cell lineages that express StAR. A gene expression profile was obtained by whole-mouse genome microarray and confirmed by quantitative real-time PCR, identifying 1206 and 767 significantly up-regulated and down-regulated genes, respectively, in Star(-/-) mice compared with Star(+/+) mice (fold difference ≥ 2 and P value < 0.05 with false discovery rate < 0.2). In Star(-/-) mice, expression levels of genes involved in cholesterol efflux and the inflammatory response were significantly up-regulated, whereas those related to steroid hormone biosynthesis or cholesterol biosynthesis and influx were not significantly changed. Immunoreactive Iba1 or F4/80 (macrophage marker) in adrenal glands of Star(-/-) mice was detected not only in an increased number of resident macrophages but also in most adrenocortical cells. These findings expand our understanding of the pathophysiology of adrenal glands with the disruption of StAR and propose a reciprocal interaction between adrenocortical cells and resident macrophages inside adrenal glands of Star(-/-) mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomohiro Ishii
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
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25
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Abstract
Lipid transfer proteins of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein-related lipid transfer (START) domain family are defined by the presence of a conserved ∼210 amino acid sequence that folds into an α/β helix-grip structure forming a hydrophobic pocket for ligand binding. The mammalian START proteins bind diverse ligands, such as cholesterol, oxysterols, phospholipids, sphingolipids, and possibly fatty acids, and have putative roles in non-vesicular lipid transport, thioesterase enzymatic activity, and tumor suppression. However, the biological functions of many members of the START domain protein family are not well established. Recent research has focused on characterizing the cell-type distribution and regulation of the START proteins, examining the specificity and directionality of lipid transport, and identifying disease states associated with dysregulation of START protein expression. This review summarizes the current concepts of the proposed physiological and pathological roles for the mammalian START domain proteins in cholesterol and lipid trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara J Clark
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center for Genetics and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky 40292, USA.
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Current world literature. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2009; 16:260-77. [PMID: 19390324 DOI: 10.1097/med.0b013e32832c937e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
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Manna PR, Dyson MT, Stocco DM. Regulation of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein gene expression: present and future perspectives. Mol Hum Reprod 2009; 15:321-33. [PMID: 19321517 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gap025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 212] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Steroid hormones are synthesized in the adrenal gland, gonads, placenta and brain and are critical for normal reproductive function and bodily homeostasis. The steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein regulates the rate-limiting step in steroid biosynthesis, i.e. the delivery of cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane. The expression of the StAR protein is predominantly regulated by cAMP-dependent mechanisms in the adrenal and gonads. Whereas StAR plays an indispensable role in the regulation of steroid biosynthesis, a complete understanding of the regulation of its expression and function in steroidogenesis is not available. It has become clear that the regulation of StAR gene expression is a complex process that involves the interaction of a diversity of hormones and multiple signaling pathways that coordinate the cooperation and interaction of transcriptional machinery, as well as a number of post-transcriptional mechanisms that govern mRNA and protein expression. However, information is lacking on how the StAR gene is regulated in vivo such that it is expressed at appropriate times during development and is confined to the steroidogenic cells. Thus, it is not surprising that the precise mechanism involved in the regulation of StAR gene has not yet been established, which is the key to understanding the regulation of steroidogenesis in the context of both male and female development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pulak R Manna
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX 79430, USA
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