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Rey RA, Bergadá I, Ballerini MG, Braslavsky D, Chiesa A, Freire A, Grinspon RP, Keselman A, Arcari A. Diagnosing and treating anterior pituitary hormone deficiency in pediatric patients. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2024; 25:555-573. [PMID: 38112850 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-023-09868-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Hypopituitarism, or the failure to secrete hormones produced by the anterior pituitary (adenohypophysis) and/or to release hormones from the posterior pituitary (neurohypophysis), can be congenital or acquired. When more than one pituitary hormone axis is impaired, the condition is known as combined pituitary hormone deficiency (CPHD). The deficiency may be primarily due to a hypothalamic or to a pituitary disorder, or concomitantly both, and has a negative impact on target organ function. This review focuses on the pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of anterior pituitary hormone deficiency in the pediatric age. Congenital hypopituitarism is generally due to genetic disorders and requires early medical attention. Exposure to toxicants or intrauterine infections should also be considered as potential etiologies. The molecular mechanisms underlying the fetal development of the hypothalamus and the pituitary are well characterized, and variants in the genes involved therein may explain the pathophysiology of congenital hypopituitarism: mutations in the genes expressed in the earliest stages are usually associated with syndromic forms whereas variants in genes involved in later stages of pituitary development result in non-syndromic forms with more specific hormone deficiencies. Tumors or lesions of the (peri)sellar region, cranial radiation therapy, traumatic brain injury and, more rarely, other inflammatory or infectious lesions represent the etiologies of acquired hypopituitarism. Hormone replacement is the general strategy, with critical periods of postnatal life requiring specific attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodolfo A Rey
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, C1425EFD, Argentina.
| | - Ignacio Bergadá
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, C1425EFD, Argentina
| | - María Gabriela Ballerini
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, C1425EFD, Argentina
| | - Débora Braslavsky
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, C1425EFD, Argentina
| | - Ana Chiesa
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, C1425EFD, Argentina
| | - Analía Freire
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, C1425EFD, Argentina
| | - Romina P Grinspon
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, C1425EFD, Argentina
| | - Ana Keselman
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, C1425EFD, Argentina
| | - Andrea Arcari
- Centro de Investigaciones Endocrinológicas "Dr. César Bergadá" (CEDIE), CONICET - FEI - División de Endocrinología, Hospital de Niños Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, C1425EFD, Argentina
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Luppino G, Wasniewska M, Coco R, Pepe G, Morabito LA, Li Pomi A, Corica D, Aversa T. Role of NR5A1 Gene Mutations in Disorders of Sex Development: Molecular and Clinical Features. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:4519-4532. [PMID: 38785542 PMCID: PMC11119465 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050274] [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: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Disorders/differences of sex development (DSDs) are defined as broad, heterogenous groups of congenital conditions characterized by atypical development of genetic, gonadal, or phenotypic sex accompanied by abnormal development of internal and/or external genitalia. NR5A1 gene mutation is one of the principal genetic alterations implicated in causing DSD. This review outlines the role of NR5A1 gene during the process of gonadal development in humans, provides an overview of the molecular and functional characteristics of NR5A1 gene, and discusses potential clinical phenotypes and additional organ diseases due to NR5A1 mutations. NR5A1 mutations were analyzed in patients with 46,XY DSD and 46,XX DSD both during the neonatal and pubertal periods. Loss of function of the NR5A1 gene causes several different phenotypes, including some associated with disease in additional organs. Clinical phenotypes may vary, even among patients carrying the same NR5A1 variant, indicating that there is no specific genotype-phenotype correlation. Genetic tests are crucial diagnostic tools that should be used early in the diagnostic pathway, as early as the neonatal period, when gonadal dysgenesis is the main manifestation of NR5A1 mutation. NR5A1 gene mutations could be mainly associated with amenorrhea, ovarian failure, hypogonadism, and infertility during puberty. Fertility preservation techniques should be considered as early as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Luppino
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (G.P.); (A.L.P.); (D.C.); (T.A.)
| | - Malgorzata Wasniewska
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (G.P.); (A.L.P.); (D.C.); (T.A.)
- Pediatric Unit, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Roberto Coco
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (G.P.); (A.L.P.); (D.C.); (T.A.)
| | - Giorgia Pepe
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (G.P.); (A.L.P.); (D.C.); (T.A.)
- Pediatric Unit, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Letteria Anna Morabito
- Pediatric Unit, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Li Pomi
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (G.P.); (A.L.P.); (D.C.); (T.A.)
| | - Domenico Corica
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (G.P.); (A.L.P.); (D.C.); (T.A.)
- Pediatric Unit, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Tommaso Aversa
- Department of Human Pathology of Adulthood and Childhood, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (G.P.); (A.L.P.); (D.C.); (T.A.)
- Pediatric Unit, AOU Policlinico G. Martino, Via Consolare Valeria 1, 98125 Messina, Italy;
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Bürvenich L, Rössler OG, Thiel G. Stimulus-Induced Activation of the Glycoprotein Hormone α-Subunit Promoter in Human Placental Choriocarcinoma Cells: Major Role of a tandem cAMP Response Element. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:3218-3235. [PMID: 38666932 PMCID: PMC11049346 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46040202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The glycoprotein hormones LH, FSH, TSH and chorionic gonadotropin consist of a common α-subunit and a hormone-specific β-subunit. The α-subunit is expressed in the pituitary and the placental cells, and its expression is regulated by extracellular signal molecules. Much is known about the regulation of the α-subunit gene in the pituitary, but few studies have addressed the regulation of this gene in trophoblasts. The aim of this study was to characterize the molecular mechanism of stimulus-induced α-subunit gene transcription in JEG-3 cells, a cellular model for human trophoblasts, using chromatin-embedded reporter genes under the control of the α-subunit promoter. The results show that increasing the concentration of the second messengers cAMP or Ca2+, or expressing the catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase in the nucleus activated the α-subunit promoter. Similarly, the stimulation of p38 protein kinase activated the α-subunit promoter, linking α-subunit expression to stress response. The stimulation of a Gαq-coupled designer receptor activated the α-subunit promoter, involving the transcription factor CREB, linking α-subunit expression to hormonal stimulation and an increase in intracellular Ca2+. Deletion mutagenesis underscores the importance of a tandem cAMP response element within the glycoprotein hormone α-subunit promoter, which acts as a point of convergence for a multiple signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gerald Thiel
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Saarland University, Building 44, 66421 Homburg, Germany; (L.B.); (O.G.R.)
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Ma YR, Gao W, Wang HQ, Zhao PS, Zhang YX, Wei FH, Jiang H, Zhang JB, Yuan B, Gao F. EGF-driven EGFR/miR-27b-3p/FOXO1 promotes rat FSH synthesis and secretion. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23469. [PMID: 38358361 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301970r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
The adenopituitary secretes follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which plays a crucial role in regulating the growth, development, and reproductive functions of organisms. Investigating the process of FSH synthesis and secretion can offer valuable insights into potential areas of focus for reproductive research. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) is a significant paracrine/autocrine factor within the body, and studies have demonstrated its ability to stimulate FSH secretion in animals. However, the precise mechanisms that regulate this action are still poorly understood. In this research, in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that the activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) by EGF induces the upregulation of miR-27b-3p and that miR-27b-3p targets and inhibits Foxo1 mRNA expression, resulting in increased FSH synthesis and secretion. In summary, this study elucidates the precise molecular mechanism through which EGF governs the synthesis and secretion of FSH via the EGFR/miR-27b-3p/FOXO1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ran Ma
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Wei Gao
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Hao-Qi Wang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Pei-Sen Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Xin Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Fan-Hao Wei
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Bao Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Bao Yuan
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Laboratory Animals, College of Animal Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, P.R. China
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Ruggiero-Ruff RE, Le BH, Villa PA, Lainez NM, Athul SW, Das P, Ellsworth BS, Coss D. Single-Cell Transcriptomics Identifies Pituitary Gland Changes in Diet-Induced Obesity in Male Mice. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqad196. [PMID: 38146776 PMCID: PMC10791142 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad196] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic disease with increasing prevalence worldwide. Obesity leads to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, as well as endocrine alterations, reproductive disorders, changes in basal metabolism, and stress hormone production, all of which are regulated by the pituitary. In this study, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of pituitary glands from male mice fed control and high-fat diet (HFD) to determine obesity-mediated changes in pituitary cell populations and gene expression. We determined that HFD exposure is associated with dramatic changes in somatotrope and lactotrope populations, by increasing the proportion of somatotropes and decreasing the proportion of lactotropes. Fractions of other hormone-producing cell populations remained unaffected. Gene expression changes demonstrated that in HFD, somatotropes became more metabolically active, with increased expression of genes associated with cellular respiration, and downregulation of genes and pathways associated with cholesterol biosynthesis. Despite a lack of changes in gonadotrope fraction, genes important in the regulation of gonadotropin hormone production were significantly downregulated. Corticotropes and thyrotropes were the least affected in HFD, while melanotropes exhibited reduced proportion. Lastly, we determined that changes in plasticity and gene expression were associated with changes in hormone levels. Serum prolactin was decreased corresponding to reduced lactotrope fraction, while lower luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone in the serum corresponded to a decrease in transcription and translation. Taken together, our study highlights diet-mediated changes in pituitary gland populations and gene expression that play a role in altered hormone levels in obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca E Ruggiero-Ruff
- Division of Biomedical Sciences; School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Brandon H Le
- Institute for Integrative Genome Biology Bioinformatics Core Facility, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Pedro A Villa
- Division of Biomedical Sciences; School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Nancy M Lainez
- Division of Biomedical Sciences; School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Sandria W Athul
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Pratyusa Das
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Buffy S Ellsworth
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901, USA
| | - Djurdjica Coss
- Division of Biomedical Sciences; School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
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6
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Campbell AN, Choi WJ, Chi ES, Orun AR, Poland JC, Stivison EA, Kubina JN, Hudson KL, Loi MNC, Bhatia JN, Gilligan JW, Quintanà AA, Blind RD. Steroidogenic Factor-1 form and function: From phospholipids to physiology. Adv Biol Regul 2024; 91:100991. [PMID: 37802761 PMCID: PMC10922105 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2023.100991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
Steroidogenic Factor-1 (SF-1, NR5A1) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-regulated transcription factors, consisting of a DNA-binding domain (DBD) connected to a transcriptional regulatory ligand binding domain (LBD) via an unstructured hinge domain. SF-1 is a master regulator of development and adult function along the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal and gonadal axes, with strong pathophysiological association with endometriosis and adrenocortical carcinoma. SF-1 was shown to bind and be regulated by phospholipids, one of the most interesting aspects of SF-1 regulation is the manner in which SF-1 interacts with phospholipids: SF-1 buries the phospholipid acyl chains deep in the hydrophobic core of the SF-1 protein, while the lipid headgroups remain solvent-exposed on the exterior of the SF-1 protein surface. Here, we have reviewed several aspects of SF-1 structure, function and physiology, touching on other transcription factors that help regulate SF-1 target genes, non-canonical functions of SF-1, the DNA-binding properties of SF-1, the use of mass spectrometry to identify lipids that associate with SF-1, how protein phosphorylation regulates SF-1 and the structural biology of the phospholipid-ligand binding domain. Together this review summarizes the form and function of Steroidogenic Factor-1 in physiology and in human disease, with particular emphasis on adrenal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis N Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Woong Jae Choi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Ethan S Chi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Abigail R Orun
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - James C Poland
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Stivison
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Jakub N Kubina
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Kimora L Hudson
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Mong Na Claire Loi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Jay N Bhatia
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Joseph W Gilligan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Adrian A Quintanà
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Raymond D Blind
- Department of Medicine, Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
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7
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Yoshida T, Fujitani M, Farmer S, Harada A, Shi Z, Lee JJ, Tinajero A, Singha AK, Fujikawa T. VMHdm/c SF-1 neuronal circuits regulate skeletal muscle PGC1-α via the sympathoadrenal drive. Mol Metab 2023; 77:101792. [PMID: 37633515 PMCID: PMC10491730 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To adapt to metabolically challenging environments, the central nervous system (CNS) orchestrates metabolism of peripheral organs including skeletal muscle. The organ-communication between the CNS and skeletal muscle has been investigated, yet our understanding of the neuronal pathway from the CNS to skeletal muscle is still limited. Neurons in the dorsomedial and central parts of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMHdm/c) expressing steroidogenic factor-1 (VMHdm/cSF-1 neurons) are key for metabolic adaptations to exercise, including increased basal metabolic rate and skeletal muscle mass in mice. However, the mechanisms by which VMHdm/cSF-1 neurons regulate skeletal muscle function remain unclear. Here, we show that VMHdm/cSF-1 neurons increase the sympathoadrenal activity and regulate skeletal muscle peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) in mice via multiple downstream nodes. METHODS Optogenetics was used to specifically manipulate VMHdm/cSF-1 neurons combined with genetically-engineered mice and surgical manipulation of the sympathoadrenal activity. RESULTS Optogenetic activation of VMHdm/cSF-1 neurons dramatically elevates mRNA levels of skeletal muscle Pgc-1α, which regulates a spectrum of skeletal muscle function including protein synthesis and metabolism. Mechanistically, the sympathoadrenal drive coupled with β2 adrenergic receptor (β2AdR) is essential for VMHdm/cSF-1 neurons-mediated increases in skeletal muscle PGC1-α. Specifically, both adrenalectomy and β2AdR knockout block augmented skeletal muscle PGC1-α by VMHdm/cSF-1 neuronal activation. Optogenetic functional mapping reveals that downstream nodes of VMHdm/cSF-1 neurons are functionally redundant to increase circulating epinephrine and skeletal muscle PGC1-α. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, we propose that VMHdm/cSF-1 neurons-skeletal muscle pathway, VMHdm/cSF-1 neurons→multiple downstream nodes→the adrenal gland→skeletal muscle β2AdR, underlies augmented skeletal muscle function for metabolic adaptations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Yoshida
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, USA; Department of Clinical Nutrition School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University of Shizuoka, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Mina Fujitani
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA; Laboratory of Nutrition Science, Department of Bioscience, Graduate School of Agriculture, Ehime University, Matsuyama, Japan
| | - Scotlynn Farmer
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
| | - Ami Harada
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, USA; Nara Medical University, Nara, Japan
| | - Zhen Shi
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, USA; Department of Plastic Surgery, Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jenny J Lee
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA
| | - Arely Tinajero
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA
| | - Ashish K Singha
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, USA
| | - Teppei Fujikawa
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, Long School of Medicine, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, USA; Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA.
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Transcriptomic Profiles of Normal Pituitary Cells and Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumor Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010110. [PMID: 36612109 PMCID: PMC9817686 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The pituitary gland is one of the most cellularly diverse regions of the brain. Recent advancements in transcriptomic biology, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, bring an unprecedented glimpse into the molecular composition of the pituitary, both in its normal physiological state and in disease. Deciphering the normal pituitary transcriptomic signatures provides a better insight into the ontological origin and development of five types of endocrine cells, a process involving complex cascades of transcription factors that are still being established. In parallel with these observations about normal pituitary development, recent transcriptomic findings on pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) demonstrate both preservations and changes in transcription factor expression patterns compared to those seen during gland development. Furthermore, recent studies also identify differentially expressed genes that drive various tumor behaviors, including hormone hypersecretion and tumor aggression. Understanding the comprehensive multiomic profiles of PitNETs is essential in developing molecular profile-based therapies for PitNETs not curable with current treatment modalities and could eventually help align PitNETs with the breakthroughs being made in applying precision medicine to other tumors.
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Intronic Enhancer Is Essential for Nr5a1 Expression in the Pituitary Gonadotrope and for Postnatal Development of Male Reproductive Organs in a Mouse Model. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010192. [PMID: 36613635 PMCID: PMC9820228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptor subfamily 5 group A member 1 (NR5A1) is expressed in the pituitary gonadotrope and regulates their differentiation. Although several regulatory regions were implicated in Nr5a1 gene expression in the pituitary gland, none of these regions have been verified using mouse models. Furthermore, the molecular functions of NR5A1 in the pituitary gonadotrope have not been fully elucidated. In the present study, we generated mice lacking the pituitary enhancer located in the 6th intron of the Nr5a1 gene. These mice showed pituitary gland-specific disappearance of NR5A1, confirming the functional importance of the enhancer. Enhancer-deleted male mice demonstrated no defects at fetal stages. Meanwhile, androgen production decreased markedly in adult, and postnatal development of reproductive organs, such as the seminal vesicle, prostate, and penis was severely impaired. We further performed transcriptomic analyses of the whole pituitary gland of the enhancer-deleted mice and controls, as well as gonadotropes isolated from Ad4BP-BAC-EGFP mice. These analyses identified several genes showing gonadotrope-specific, NR5A1-dependent expressions, such as Spp1, Tgfbr3l, Grem1, and Nr0b2. These factors are thought to function downstream of NR5A1 and play important roles in reproductive organ development through regulation of pituitary gonadotrope functions.
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10
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Dufour D, Dumontet T, Sahut-Barnola I, Carusi A, Onzon M, Pussard E, Wilmouth JJ, Olabe J, Lucas C, Levasseur A, Damon-Soubeyrand C, Pointud JC, Roucher-Boulez F, Tauveron I, Bossis G, Yeh ET, Breault DT, Val P, Lefrançois-Martinez AM, Martinez A. Loss of SUMO-specific protease 2 causes isolated glucocorticoid deficiency by blocking adrenal cortex zonal transdifferentiation in mice. Nat Commun 2022; 13:7858. [PMID: 36543805 PMCID: PMC9772323 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35526-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
SUMOylation is a dynamic posttranslational modification, that provides fine-tuning of protein function involved in the cellular response to stress, differentiation, and tissue development. In the adrenal cortex, an emblematic endocrine organ that mediates adaptation to physiological demands, the SUMOylation gradient is inversely correlated with the gradient of cellular differentiation raising important questions about its role in functional zonation and the response to stress. Considering that SUMO-specific protease 2 (SENP2), a deSUMOylating enzyme, is upregulated by Adrenocorticotropic Hormone (ACTH)/cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase (PKA) signalling within the zona fasciculata, we generated mice with adrenal-specific Senp2 loss to address these questions. Disruption of SENP2 activity in steroidogenic cells leads to specific hypoplasia of the zona fasciculata, a blunted reponse to ACTH and isolated glucocorticoid deficiency. Mechanistically, overSUMOylation resulting from SENP2 loss shifts the balance between ACTH/PKA and WNT/β-catenin signalling leading to repression of PKA activity and ectopic activation of β-catenin. At the cellular level, this blocks transdifferentiation of β-catenin-positive zona glomerulosa cells into fasciculata cells and sensitises them to premature apoptosis. Our findings indicate that the SUMO pathway is critical for adrenal homeostasis and stress responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damien Dufour
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Typhanie Dumontet
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France ,grid.214458.e0000000086837370Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA ,grid.214458.e0000000086837370Training Program in Organogenesis, Center for Cell Plasticity and Organ Design, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Isabelle Sahut-Barnola
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Aude Carusi
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282IGMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Méline Onzon
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Eric Pussard
- grid.460789.40000 0004 4910 6535Service de Génétique Moléculaire, Pharmacogénétique et Hormonologie, Hôpital de Bicêtre, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (APHP), Physiologie et Physiopathologie Endocriniennes, INSERM, Université Paris-Saclay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - James Jr Wilmouth
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Julie Olabe
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Cécily Lucas
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France ,grid.7849.20000 0001 2150 7757Endocrinologie Moléculaire et Maladies Rares, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, France
| | - Adrien Levasseur
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Christelle Damon-Soubeyrand
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Jean-Christophe Pointud
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Florence Roucher-Boulez
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France ,grid.7849.20000 0001 2150 7757Endocrinologie Moléculaire et Maladies Rares, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Bron, France
| | - Igor Tauveron
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France ,grid.494717.80000000115480420Service d’Endocrinologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Gabriel Montpied, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - Guillaume Bossis
- grid.4444.00000 0001 2112 9282IGMM, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Edward T. Yeh
- grid.241054.60000 0004 4687 1637Department of Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR USA
| | - David T. Breault
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDivision of Endocrinology, Boston Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA ,grid.38142.3c000000041936754XHarvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Pierre Val
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Anne-Marie Lefrançois-Martinez
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
| | - Antoine Martinez
- grid.494717.80000000115480420institut Génétique, Reproduction & Développement (iGReD), CNRS, INSERM, Université Clermont Auvergne, Clermont–Ferrand, F-63000 France
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11
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Lin YF, Schang G, Buddle ERS, Schultz H, Willis TL, Ruf-Zamojski F, Zamojski M, Mendelev N, Boehm U, Sealfon SC, Andoniadou CL, Bernard DJ. Steroidogenic Factor 1 Regulates Transcription of the Inhibin B Coreceptor in Pituitary Gonadotrope Cells. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6661776. [PMID: 35957608 PMCID: PMC9761571 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac131] [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: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The inhibins control reproduction by suppressing follicle-stimulating hormone synthesis in pituitary gonadotrope cells. The newly discovered inhibin B coreceptor, TGFBR3L, is selectively and highly expressed in gonadotropes in both mice and humans. Here, we describe our initial characterization of mechanisms controlling cell-specific Tgfbr3l/TGFBR3L transcription. We identified two steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1 or NR5A1) cis-elements in the proximal Tgfbr3l promoter in mice. SF-1 induction of murine Tgfbr3l promoter-reporter activity was inhibited by mutations in one or both sites in heterologous cells. In homologous cells, mutation of these cis-elements or depletion of endogenous SF-1 similarly decreased reporter activity. We observed nearly identical results when using a human TGFBR3L promoter-reporter. The Tgfbr3l gene was tightly compacted and Tgfbr3l mRNA expression was essentially absent in gonadotropes of SF-1 (Nr5a1) conditional knockout mice. During murine embryonic development, Tgfbr3l precedes Nr5a1 expression, though the two transcripts are fully colocalized by embryonic day 18.5 and thereafter. Collectively, these data indicate that SF-1 directly regulates Tgfbr3l/TGFBR3L transcription and is required for postnatal expression of the gene in gonadotropes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeu-Farn Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Gauthier Schang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Evan R S Buddle
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3G 1Y6, Canada
| | - Hailey Schultz
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec H3A 0C7, Canada
| | - Thea L Willis
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Frederique Ruf-Zamojski
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Michel Zamojski
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Natalia Mendelev
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling, Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg 66421, Germany
| | - Stuart C Sealfon
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Cynthia L Andoniadou
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London SE1 1UL, UK
| | - Daniel J Bernard
- Correspondence: Daniel J. Bernard, PhD, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 3655 Promenade Sir William Osler, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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12
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Zhang YY, Zhang X, Bu SY, Zhang WW, Li TX, Zheng DC, Huang ZX, Wang Q. Sexually dimorphic distribution of kiss1 and kiss2 in the brain of yellowtail clownfish, Amphiprion clarkii. Endocr Connect 2022; 11:EC-22-0136. [PMID: 35904230 PMCID: PMC9346329 DOI: 10.1530/ec-22-0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Kisspeptin system was shown to be a key factor in mediating social stress and reproduction. Yellowtail clownfish, Amphiprion clarkii, is a hermaphrodite fish, whose sex determination and gonadal development are affected by the social status of individuals. The yellowtail clownfish is a fantastic animal model to explore sex determination, but the social status and precise distribution of kiss mRNAs in the brain of this species are unknown. Hererin, a novel in situ hybridization technique, RNAscope, was used to investigate the distribution of kiss1 and kiss2 expressions in the brain of yellowtail clownfish. The coronal planes of brain showed that the kiss1 signal was mainly present in dorsal habenular nucleus (NHd) and kiss2 mRNA was widely expressed in telencephalon, midbrain, and hypothalamus, especially in dorsal part of the nucleus of the lateral recess (NRLd). Additionally, kiss1 and kiss2 signals have sexually dimorphic distribution. The kiss1 mRNA was distributed in NHd, the telencephalon, and lateral part of the diffuse nucleus of the inferior lobe (NDLIl) of females but in NHd and NDLIl of males. kiss2 signals were stronger in females than that in males. The distribution of kiss1 and kiss2 neurons in NHd of habenula and NRLd of hypothalamus may suggest that kiss genes associate environmental signaling and reproductive function in yellowtail clownfish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-yu Zhang
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Shao-yang Bu
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Wei-wei Zhang
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Tian-xiu Li
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - De-cai Zheng
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Ze-xiang Huang
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Aquaculture, College of Marine Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan, China
- Correspondence should be addressed to Q Wang:
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13
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Schang G, Ongaro L, Brûlé E, Zhou X, Wang Y, Boehm U, Ruf-Zamojski F, Zamojski M, Mendelev N, Seenarine N, Amper MA, Nair V, Ge Y, Sealfon SC, Bernard DJ. Transcription factor GATA2 may potentiate follicle-stimulating hormone production in mice via induction of the BMP antagonist gremlin in gonadotrope cells. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102072. [PMID: 35643321 PMCID: PMC9251782 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian reproduction depends on the gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone, which are secreted by pituitary gonadotrope cells. The zinc-finger transcription factor GATA2 was previously implicated in FSH production in male mice; however, its mechanisms of action and role in females were not determined. To directly address GATA2 function in gonadotropes, we generated and analyzed gonadotrope-specific Gata2 KO mice using the Cre-lox system. We found that while conditional KO (cKO) males exhibited ∼50% reductions in serum FSH levels and pituitary FSHβ subunit (Fshb) expression relative to controls, FSH production was apparently normal in cKO females. In addition, RNA-seq analysis of purified gonadotropes from control and cKO males revealed a profound decrease in expression of gremlin (Grem1), a bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist. We show Grem1 was expressed in gonadotropes, but not other cell lineages, in the adult male mouse pituitary. Furthermore, Gata2, Grem1, and Fshb mRNA levels were significantly higher in the pituitaries of WT males relative to females but decreased in males treated with estradiol and increased following ovariectomy in control but not cKO females. Finally, we found that recombinant gremlin stimulated Fshb expression in pituitary cultures from WT mice. Collectively, the data suggest that GATA2 promotes Grem1 expression in gonadotropes and that the gremlin protein potentiates FSH production. The mechanisms of gremlin action have not yet been established but may involve attenuation of BMP binding to activin type II receptors in gonadotropes, facilitating induction of Fshb transcription by activins or related ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gauthier Schang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Luisina Ongaro
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Emilie Brûlé
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Ulrich Boehm
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Center for Molecular Signaling, Saarland University School of Medicine, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frederique Ruf-Zamojski
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michel Zamojski
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Natalia Mendelev
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Nitish Seenarine
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Mary Anne Amper
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Venugopalan Nair
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Yongchao Ge
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Stuart C Sealfon
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, USA
| | - Daniel J Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
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14
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Smith OE, Roussel V, Morin F, Ongaro L, Zhou X, Bertucci MC, Bernard DJ, Murphy BD. Steroidogenic Factor 1 Regulation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis of Adult Female Mice. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6542939. [PMID: 35247045 PMCID: PMC8974829 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The orphan nuclear receptor steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1 or NR5A1) is an indispensable regulator of adrenal and gonadal formation, playing roles in sex determination, hypothalamic development, and pituitary function. This study aimed to identify the roles of SF-1 in postnatal female reproductive function. Using a progesterone receptor-driven Cre recombinase, we developed a novel murine model, characterized by conditional depletion of SF-1 [PR-Cre;Nr5a1f/f; conditional knockout (cKO)] in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. Mature female cKO were infertile due to the absence of ovulation. Reduced gonadotropin concentrations in the pituitary gland that were nevertheless sufficient to maintain regular estrous cycles were observed in mature cKO females. The cKO ovaries showed abnormal lipid accumulation in the stroma, associated with an irregular expression of cholesterol homeostatic genes such as Star, Scp2, and Acat1. The depletion of SF-1 in granulosa cells prevented appropriate cumulus oöphorus expansion, characterized by reduced expression of Areg, Ereg, and Ptgs2. Exogenous delivery of gonadotropins to cKO females to induce ovulation did not restore fertility and was associated with impaired formation and function of corpora lutea accompanied by reduced expression of the steroidogenic genes Cyp11a1 and Cyp19a1 and attenuated progesterone production. Surgical transplantation of cKO ovaries to ovariectomized control animals (Nr5a1f/f) resulted in 2 separate phenotypes, either sterility or apparently normal fertility. The deletion of SF-1 in the pituitary and in granulosa cells near the moment of ovulation demonstrated that this nuclear receptor functions across the pituitary-gonadal axis and plays essential roles in gonadotropin synthesis, cumulus expansion, and luteinization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia E Smith
- Centre de recherche en reproduction et fertilité (CRRF), Université de Montréal, Saint Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Vickie Roussel
- Centre de recherche en reproduction et fertilité (CRRF), Université de Montréal, Saint Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Fanny Morin
- Centre de recherche en reproduction et fertilité (CRRF), Université de Montréal, Saint Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
| | - Luisina Ongaro
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Micka C Bertucci
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel J Bernard
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Bruce D Murphy
- Centre de recherche en reproduction et fertilité (CRRF), Université de Montréal, Saint Hyacinthe, Québec, Canada
- Correspondence: Bruce D. Murphy, PhD, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Québec, J2S 7C6, Canada. E-mail:
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15
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Pnueli L, Melamed P. Epigenetic repression of gonadotropin gene expression via a GnRH-mediated DNA delivery system. Gene Ther 2022; 29:294-303. [PMID: 35301447 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-022-00325-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The reproductive axis is activated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gonadotropes to secrete hormones that drive gonadal function and steroidogenesis. Thus repression of this axis, which is conserved across mammals and sexes, can reduce steroid levels and/or prevent reproduction. Steroid-dependent pathologies, including various cancers, are commonly treated with GnRH super-analogs which have long-term side-effects, while humane solutions for controlling reproduction in domestic and wild animal populations are lacking. GnRH-conjugated toxins are undergoing clinical trials for GnRHR-expressing cancer cells, and have been examined for gonadotrope ablation in animals, but showed low and/or transient effects and administration of toxins has many potential complications. Here we exploit GnRH targeting to gonadotropes to deliver DNA encoding an effector that induces gonadotropin gene repressive epigenetic modifications which are perpetuated over time. Several layers of specificity are endowed through targeting to GnRHR-expressing cells and due to local cleavage of the peptide packaging the DNA; the DNA-encoded effector is expressed and directed to the target genes by the DNA binding domain of a highly specific transcription factor. This design has multiple advantages over existing methods of shutting down the reproductive axis, and its modular design should allow adaptation for broad applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilach Pnueli
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel
| | - Philippa Melamed
- Faculty of Biology, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, 32000, Israel.
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16
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Crespo D, Skaftnesmo KO, Kjærner-Semb E, Yilmaz O, Norberg B, Olausson S, Vogelsang P, Bogerd J, Kleppe L, Edvardsen RB, Andersson E, Wargelius A, Hansen TJ, Fjelldal PG, Schulz RW. Pituitary Gonadotropin Gene Expression During Induced Onset of Postsmolt Maturation in Male Atlantic Salmon: In Vivo and Tissue Culture Studies. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:826920. [PMID: 35370944 PMCID: PMC8964956 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.826920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Precocious male maturation causes reduced welfare and increased production costs in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) aquaculture. The pituitary produces and releases follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh), the gonadotropin triggering puberty in male salmonids. However, little is known about how Fsh production is regulated in Atlantic salmon. We examined, in vivo and ex vivo, transcriptional changes of gonadotropin-related genes accompanying the initial steps of testis maturation, in pituitaries of males exposed to photoperiod and temperature conditions promoting maturation (constant light and 16°C). Pituitary fshb, lhb and gnrhr2bba transcripts increased in vivo in maturing males (gonado-somatic index > 0.1%). RNA sequencing (RNAseq) analysis using pituitaries from genetically similar males carrying the same genetic predisposition to mature, but differing by responding or not responding to stimulatory environmental conditions, revealed 144 differentially expressed genes, ~2/3rds being up-regulated in responders, including fshb and other pituitary hormones, steroid-related and other puberty-associated transcripts. Functional enrichment analyses confirmed gene involvement in hormone/steroid production and gonad development. In ex vivo studies, whole pituitaries were exposed to a selection of hormones and growth factors. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (Gnrh), 17β-estradiol (E2) and 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) up-regulated gnrhr2bba and lhb, while fshb was up-regulated by Gnrh but down-regulated by 11-KT in pituitaries from immature males. Also pituitaries from maturing males responded to Gnrh and sex steroids by increased gnrhr2bba and lhb transcript levels, but fshb expression remained unchanged. Growth factors (inhibin A, activin A and insulin-like growth factor 1) did not change gnrhr2bba, lhb or fshb transcript levels in pituitaries either from immature or maturing males. Additional pituitary ex vivo studies on candidates identified by RNAseq showed that these transcripts were preferentially regulated by Gnrh and sex steroids, but not by growth factors, and that Gnrh/sex steroids were less effective when incubating pituitaries from maturing males. Our results suggest that a yet to be characterized mechanism up-regulating fshb expression in the salmon pituitary is activated in response to stimulatory environmental conditions prior to morphological signs of testis maturation, and that the transcriptional program associated with this mechanism becomes unresponsive or less responsive to most stimulators ex vivo once males had entered pubertal developmental in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Crespo
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
- *Correspondence: Diego Crespo,
| | - Kai Ove Skaftnesmo
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Erik Kjærner-Semb
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ozlem Yilmaz
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
| | - Birgitta Norberg
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
| | - Sara Olausson
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Austevoll Research Station, Storebø, Norway
| | - Petra Vogelsang
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lene Kleppe
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Rolf B. Edvardsen
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Eva Andersson
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Anna Wargelius
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
| | - Tom J. Hansen
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Matre Research Station, Matredal, Norway
| | - Per Gunnar Fjelldal
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Matre Research Station, Matredal, Norway
| | - Rüdiger W. Schulz
- Research Group Reproduction and Developmental Biology, Institute of Marine Research, Bergen, Norway
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department Biology, Science Faculty, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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17
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Tebani A, Jotanovic J, Hekmati N, Sivertsson Å, Gudjonsson O, Edén Engström B, Wikström J, Uhlèn M, Casar-Borota O, Pontén F. Annotation of pituitary neuroendocrine tumors with genome-wide expression analysis. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2021; 9:181. [PMID: 34758873 PMCID: PMC8579660 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-021-01284-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) are common, generally benign tumors with complex clinical characteristics related to hormone hypersecretion and/or growing sellar tumor mass. PitNETs can be classified based on the expression pattern of anterior pituitary hormones and three main transcriptions factors (TF), SF1, PIT1 and TPIT that regulate differentiation of adenohypophysial cells. Here, we have extended this classification based on the global transcriptomics landscape using tumor tissue from a well-defined cohort comprising 51 PitNETs of different clinical and histological types. The molecular profiles were compared with current classification schemes based on immunohistochemistry. Our results identified three main clusters of PitNETs that were aligned with the main pituitary TFs expression patterns. Our analyses enabled further identification of specific genes and expression patterns, including both known and unknown genes, that could distinguish the three different classes of PitNETs. We conclude that the current classification of PitNETs based on the expression of SF1, PIT1 and TPIT reflects three distinct subtypes of PitNETs with different underlying biology and partly independent from the expression of corresponding hormones. The transcriptomic analysis reveals several potentially targetable tumor-driving genes with previously unknown role in pituitary tumorigenesis.
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18
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Li X, Tian E, Wang Y, Wen Z, Lei Z, Zhong Y, Ge RS. Stem Leydig cells: Current research and future prospects of regenerative medicine of male reproductive health. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 121:63-70. [PMID: 34001436 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells are specialized cells that can renew themselves through cell division and can differentiate into multi-lineage cells. Mesenchymal stem cells are adult stem cells that exist in animal and human tissues. Mesenchymal stem cells have the ability to differentiate into mesodermal lineages, such as Leydig cells, adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. Mesenchymal stem cells express cell surface markers, such as cluster of differentiation (CD) 29, CD44, CD73, CD90, CD105, and lack the expression of CD14, CD34, CD45 and HLA (human leukocyte antigen)-DR. Stem Leydig cells are one kind of mesenchymal stem cells, which are present in the interstitial compartment of testis. Stem Leydig cells are multipotent and can differentiate into Leydig cells, adipocytes, osteocytes, and chondrocytes. Stem Leydig cells have been isolated from rodent and human testes. Stem Leydig cells may have potential therapeutic values in several clinical applications, such as the treatment of male hypogonadism and infertility. In this review, we focus on the latest research on stem Leydig cells of both rodents and human, the expression of cell surface markers, culture, differentiation potential, and their applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoheng Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Erpo Tian
- Xi'nan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yiyan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China
| | - Zina Wen
- Xi'nan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhen Lei
- Xi'nan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Zhong
- Xi'nan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 109 Xueyuan West Road, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325027, China; Xi'nan Gynecological Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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19
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Ruf-Zamojski F, Zhang Z, Zamojski M, Smith GR, Mendelev N, Liu H, Nudelman G, Moriwaki M, Pincas H, Castanon RG, Nair VD, Seenarine N, Amper MAS, Zhou X, Ongaro L, Toufaily C, Schang G, Nery JR, Bartlett A, Aldridge A, Jain N, Childs GV, Troyanskaya OG, Ecker JR, Turgeon JL, Welt CK, Bernard DJ, Sealfon SC. Single nucleus multi-omics regulatory landscape of the murine pituitary. Nat Commun 2021; 12:2677. [PMID: 33976139 PMCID: PMC8113460 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-22859-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
To provide a multi-omics resource and investigate transcriptional regulatory mechanisms, we profile the transcriptome, chromatin accessibility, and methylation status of over 70,000 single nuclei (sn) from adult mouse pituitaries. Paired snRNAseq and snATACseq datasets from individual animals highlight a continuum between developmental epigenetically-encoded cell types and transcriptionally-determined transient cell states. Co-accessibility analysis-based identification of a putative Fshb cis-regulatory domain that overlaps the fertility-linked rs11031006 human polymorphism, followed by experimental validation illustrate the use of this resource for hypothesis generation. We also identify transcriptional and chromatin accessibility programs distinguishing each major cell type. Regulons, which are co-regulated gene sets sharing binding sites for a common transcription factor driver, recapitulate cell type clustering. We identify both cell type-specific and sex-specific regulons that are highly correlated with promoter accessibility, but not with methylation state, supporting the centrality of chromatin accessibility in shaping cell-defining transcriptional programs. The sn multi-omics atlas is accessible at snpituitaryatlas.princeton.edu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederique Ruf-Zamojski
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), New York, NY, USA.
| | - Zidong Zhang
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, and Graduate Program in Quantitative and Computational Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Michel Zamojski
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), New York, NY, USA
| | - Gregory R Smith
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), New York, NY, USA
| | - Natalia Mendelev
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), New York, NY, USA
| | - Hanqing Liu
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - German Nudelman
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), New York, NY, USA
| | - Mika Moriwaki
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Hanna Pincas
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), New York, NY, USA
| | - Rosa Gomez Castanon
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Venugopalan D Nair
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), New York, NY, USA
| | - Nitish Seenarine
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), New York, NY, USA
| | - Mary Anne S Amper
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), New York, NY, USA
| | - Xiang Zhou
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Luisina Ongaro
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Chirine Toufaily
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gauthier Schang
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Joseph R Nery
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Anna Bartlett
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Andrew Aldridge
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nimisha Jain
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), New York, NY, USA
| | - Gwen V Childs
- University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | - Olga G Troyanskaya
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, and Graduate Program in Quantitative and Computational Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
- Flatiron Institute, Simons Foundation, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph R Ecker
- Genomic Analysis Laboratory, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Judith L Turgeon
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Corrine K Welt
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Daniel J Bernard
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stuart C Sealfon
- Department of Neurology, Center for Advanced Research on Diagnostic Assays, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS), New York, NY, USA.
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20
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Scagliotti V, Esse R, Willis TL, Howard M, Carrus I, Lodge E, Andoniadou CL, Charalambous M. Dynamic Expression of Imprinted Genes in the Developing and Postnatal Pituitary Gland. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040509. [PMID: 33808370 PMCID: PMC8066104 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, imprinted genes regulate many critical endocrine processes such as growth, the onset of puberty and maternal reproductive behaviour. Human imprinting disorders (IDs) are caused by genetic and epigenetic mechanisms that alter the expression dosage of imprinted genes. Due to improvements in diagnosis, increasing numbers of patients with IDs are now identified and monitored across their lifetimes. Seminal work has revealed that IDs have a strong endocrine component, yet the contribution of imprinted gene products in the development and function of the hypothalamo-pituitary axis are not well defined. Postnatal endocrine processes are dependent upon the production of hormones from the pituitary gland. While the actions of a few imprinted genes in pituitary development and function have been described, to date there has been no attempt to link the expression of these genes as a class to the formation and function of this essential organ. This is important because IDs show considerable overlap, and imprinted genes are known to define a transcriptional network related to organ growth. This knowledge deficit is partly due to technical difficulties in obtaining useful transcriptomic data from the pituitary gland, namely, its small size during development and cellular complexity in maturity. Here we utilise high-sensitivity RNA sequencing at the embryonic stages, and single-cell RNA sequencing data to describe the imprinted transcriptome of the pituitary gland. In concert, we provide a comprehensive literature review of the current knowledge of the role of imprinted genes in pituitary hormonal pathways and how these relate to IDs. We present new data that implicate imprinted gene networks in the development of the gland and in the stem cell compartment. Furthermore, we suggest novel roles for individual imprinted genes in the aetiology of IDs. Finally, we describe the dynamic regulation of imprinted genes in the pituitary gland of the pregnant mother, with implications for the regulation of maternal metabolic adaptations to pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Scagliotti
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK; (V.S.); (R.C.F.E.); (I.C.)
| | - Ruben Esse
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK; (V.S.); (R.C.F.E.); (I.C.)
| | - Thea L. Willis
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK; (T.L.W.); (E.L.); (C.L.A.)
| | - Mark Howard
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK;
| | - Isabella Carrus
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK; (V.S.); (R.C.F.E.); (I.C.)
| | - Emily Lodge
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK; (T.L.W.); (E.L.); (C.L.A.)
| | - Cynthia L. Andoniadou
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK; (T.L.W.); (E.L.); (C.L.A.)
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Marika Charalambous
- Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King’s College London, London SE19RT, UK; (V.S.); (R.C.F.E.); (I.C.)
- Correspondence:
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21
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Zhang S, Cui Y, Ma X, Yong J, Yan L, Yang M, Ren J, Tang F, Wen L, Qiao J. Single-cell transcriptomics identifies divergent developmental lineage trajectories during human pituitary development. Nat Commun 2020; 11:5275. [PMID: 33077725 PMCID: PMC7572359 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-19012-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
The anterior pituitary gland plays a central role in regulating various physiological processes, including body growth, reproduction, metabolism and stress response. Here, we perform single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) of 4113 individual cells from human fetal pituitaries. We characterize divergent developmental trajectories with distinct transitional intermediate states in five hormone-producing cell lineages. Corticotropes exhibit an early intermediate state prior to full differentiation. Three cell types of the PIT-1 lineage (somatotropes, lactotropes and thyrotropes) segregate from a common progenitor coexpressing lineage-specific transcription factors of different sublineages. Gonadotropes experience two multistep developmental trajectories. Furthermore, we identify a fetal gonadotrope cell subtype expressing the primate-specific hormone chorionic gonadotropin. We also characterize the cellular heterogeneity of pituitary stem cells and identify a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal state and an early-to-late state transition. Here, our results provide insights into the transcriptional landscape of human pituitary development, defining distinct cell substates and subtypes and illustrating transcription factor dynamics during cell fate commitment. Editor’s summary_NCOMMS-19-41732B The anterior pituitary gland controls body growth and reproduction but how early development is dynamically regulated is unclear. Here, the authors use scRNA-seq of human fetal pituitaries to identify different developmental routes and state transitions of five hormone-producing cell lineages, and a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal state of pituitary stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Yueli Cui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Xinyi Ma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jun Yong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Liying Yan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Jie Ren
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Fuchou Tang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.,Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Lu Wen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China. .,Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Jie Qiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics, School of Life Sciences, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China. .,Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, School of Life Sciences, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, 100871, China. .,Key Laboratory of Assisted Reproduction, Ministry of Education, Beijing, 100191, China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Reproductive Endocrinology and Assisted Reproductive Technology, Beijing, 100191, China.
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22
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Kikusui T, Shima Y, Sonobe M, Yoshida Y, Nagasawa M, Nomoto K, Mogi K. Testosterone regulates the emission of ultrasonic vocalizations and mounting behavior during different developmental periods in mice. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 63:725-733. [PMID: 33070342 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Testosterone masculinizes male sexual behavior by providing organizational and activational effects during the perinatal and peripubertal periods and during adulthood, respectively. We revealed that the emission of ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) and mounting behavior was regulated by different neural circuits. However, the detailed testosterone effects on these two behaviors have not been fully elucidated. Here, we evaluated the time-dependent effects of testosterone on USVs and mounting behavior in mice using a testosterone treatment model, in which females were treated with testosterone to assess the "gain-of-function" and a "loss-of-function" model. In the loss-of-function model, we used Ad4BP/SF-1ΔFLC/- male mice, in which testosterone production was abolished in prenatal and postnatal stages, and Ad4BP/SF-1ΔFLC/ΔFLC mice, in which testosterone production was markedly reduced only in prenatal stages. When testosterone was administered to female mice during the neonatal and peripubertal periods, but not during adulthood, USV emissions increased. Conversely, testosterone treatment in adult female mice increased the mounting behavior, but not USVs. In Ad4BP/SF-1ΔFLC/- mice, USVs and mounting behavior was completely absent. Ad4BP/SF-1ΔFLC/ΔFLC male mice displayed equivalent levels of USVs but less mounting behavior. Collectively, these results suggest that testosterone has dual regulatory roles in USV emissions and mounting behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takefumi Kikusui
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University. Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuichi Shima
- Department of Anatomy, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Japan
| | - Miku Sonobe
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University. Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuuki Yoshida
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University. Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Miho Nagasawa
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University. Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kensaku Nomoto
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University. Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Mogi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University. Sagamihara, Kanagawa, Japan
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23
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Abstract
The development of the anterior pituitary gland occurs in distinct sequential developmental steps, leading to the formation of a complex organ containing five different cell types secreting six different hormones. During this process, the temporal and spatial expression of a cascade of signaling molecules and transcription factors plays a crucial role in organ commitment, cell proliferation, patterning, and terminal differentiation. The morphogenesis of the gland and the emergence of distinct cell types from a common primordium are governed by complex regulatory networks involving transcription factors and signaling molecules that may be either intrinsic to the developing pituitary or extrinsic, originating from the ventral diencephalon, the oral ectoderm, and the surrounding mesenchyme. Endocrine cells of the pituitary gland are organized into structural and functional networks that contribute to the coordinated response of endocrine cells to stimuli; these cellular networks are formed during embryonic development and are maintained or may be modified in adulthood, contributing to the plasticity of the gland. Abnormalities in any of the steps of pituitary development may lead to congenital hypopituitarism that includes a spectrum of disorders from isolated to combined hormone deficiencies including syndromic disorders such as septo-optic dysplasia. Over the past decade, the acceleration of next-generation sequencing has allowed for rapid analysis of the patient genome to identify novel mutations and novel candidate genes associated with hypothalmo-pituitary development. Subsequent functional analysis using patient fibroblast cells, and the generation of stem cells derived from patient cells, is fast replacing the need for animal models while providing a more physiologically relevant characterization of novel mutations. Furthermore, CRISPR-Cas9 as the method for gene editing is replacing previous laborious and time-consuming gene editing methods that were commonly used, thus yielding knockout cell lines in a fraction of the time. © 2020 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 10:389-413, 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriaki S Alatzoglou
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Louise C Gregory
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London (UCL), London, UK
| | - Mehul T Dattani
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Programme, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London (UCL), London, UK
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24
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Shima Y. Development of fetal and adult Leydig cells. Reprod Med Biol 2019; 18:323-330. [PMID: 31607792 PMCID: PMC6780029 DOI: 10.1002/rmb2.12287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In mammals, two distinct Leydig cell populations, fetal Leydig cells (FLCs) and adult Leydig cells (ALCs), appear in the prenatal and postnatal testis, respectively. Although the functional differences between these cell types have been well described, the developmental relationship between FLCs and ALCs has not been fully understood. In this review, I focus on the cellular origins of FLCs and ALCs as well as the developmental and functional links between them. METHODS I surveyed previous reports about FLC and/or ALC development and summarized the findings. MAIN FINDINGS Fetal Leydig cells and ALCs were identified to have separate origins in the fetal and neonatal testis, respectively. However, several studies suggested that FLCs and ALCs share a common progenitor pool. Moreover, perturbation of FLC development at the fetal stage induces ALC dysfunction in adults, suggesting a functional link between FLCs and ALCs. Although the lineage relationship between FLCs and ALCs remains controversial, a recent study suggested that some FLCs dedifferentiate at the fetal stage, and that these cells serve as ALC stem cells. CONCLUSION Findings obtained from animal studies might provide clues to the causative mechanisms of male reproductive dysfunctions such as testicular dysgenesis syndrome in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Shima
- Department of AnatomyKawasaki Medical SchoolKurashikiOkayamaJapan
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25
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Edwards W, Raetzman LT. Complex integration of intrinsic and peripheral signaling is required for pituitary gland development. Biol Reprod 2019; 99:504-513. [PMID: 29757344 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioy081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The coordination of pituitary development is complicated and requires input from multiple cellular processes. Recent research has provided insight into key molecular determinants that govern cell fate specification in the pituitary. Moreover, increasing research aimed to identify, characterize, and functionally describe the presumptive pituitary stem cell population has allowed for a better understanding of the processes that govern endocrine cell differentiation in the developing pituitary. The culmination of this research has led to the ability of investigators to recapitulate some of embryonic pituitary development in vitro, the first steps to developing novel regenerative therapies for pituitary diseases. In this current review, we cover the major players in pituitary stem/progenitor cell function and maintenance, and the key molecular determinants of endocrine cell specification. In addition, we discuss the contribution of peripheral hormonal regulation of pituitary gland development, an understudied area of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Edwards
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
| | - Lori T Raetzman
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, Illinois, USA
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26
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Manojlovic-Gacic E, Bollerslev J, Casar-Borota O. Invited Review: Pathology of pituitary neuroendocrine tumours: present status, modern diagnostic approach, controversies and future perspectives from a neuropathological and clinical standpoint. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2019; 46:89-110. [PMID: 31112312 DOI: 10.1111/nan.12568] [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] [Received: 01/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumours of the adenohypophysis have traditionally been designated as pituitary adenomas to underline their usually indolent growth and lack of metastatic potential. However, they may demonstrate a huge spectrum of growth patterns and endocrine disturbances, some of them significantly affecting health and quality of life. To predict tumour growth, risk of postoperative recurrence and response to medical therapy in patients with pituitary neuroendocrine tumours is challenging. A thorough histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnostic work-up is an obligatory part of a multidisciplinary effort to precisely define the tumour type and assess prognostic and predictive factors on an individual basis. In this review, we have summarized the current status in the pathology in pituitary neuroendocrine tumours based on the selection of references from the PubMed database. We have presented possible diagnostic approaches according to the current pituitary cell lineage-based classification. The importance of recognizing histological subtypes with potentially aggressive behaviour and identification of prognostic and predictive tissue biomarkers have been highlighted. Controversies related to particular subtypes of pituitary tumours and a still limited prognostic impact of the current classification indicate the need for further refinement. Multidisciplinary approach including clinical, pathological and molecular genetic characterization will be essential for improved personalized therapy and the search for novel therapeutic targets in patients with pituitary neuroendocrine tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Manojlovic-Gacic
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - J Bollerslev
- Section of Specialized Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology, Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - O Casar-Borota
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Pathology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
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Anamthathmakula P, Miryala CSJ, Moreci RS, Kyathanahalli C, Hassan SS, Condon JC, Jeyasuria P. Steroidogenic Factor 1 (Nr5a1) is Required for Sertoli Cell Survival Post Sex Determination. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4452. [PMID: 30872705 PMCID: PMC6418149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-41051-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The elevated level of Steroidogenic Factor 1 (Nr5a1, Sf-1) expression in the male gonadal development pathway, post sex determination, implies a vital role in testis gonadal differentiation. In this study we generated Sertoli cell-specific Nr5a1 KO mice (SC-SF-1-/-) at E14.5, which coincides with testis development post sex determination, using the Amh-Cre mouse model. Analysis of SC-SF-1-/- (Sertoli cell specific Nr5a1 knockout) testes demonstrated apoptosis as early as E15. Further analysis revealed that SC-SF-1-/- gonads displayed lower MDM2 levels resulting in elevated TP53 levels, which we believe may lead to apoptosis of the Sertoli cell population, inferring the possibility that NR5A1 directly regulates MDM2 expression. By E15.5, the Sertoli cell and germ cell population declined in SC-SF-1-/- mice resulting in the disruption of seminiferous cords with limited cord structure remaining at E18.5. Due to the loss of Sertoli and germ cells, the testis weights of SC-SF-1-/- mice at 6-weeks were much reduced; however, SC-SF-1-/- seminal vesicles weights were comparable suggesting intact Leydig cell androgen production. We conclude that NR5A1 regulates the TP53 pathway during development, is essential for fetal Sertoli cell survival and controls the cell cycle of Sertoli cells during differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prashanth Anamthathmakula
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University Perinatal Initiative, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Mott Center for Growth and Development, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Chandra Suma Johnson Miryala
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University Perinatal Initiative, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Mott Center for Growth and Development, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Rebecca S Moreci
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Chandrashekara Kyathanahalli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University Perinatal Initiative, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Mott Center for Growth and Development, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sonia S Hassan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University Perinatal Initiative, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Mott Center for Growth and Development, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Jennifer C Condon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University Perinatal Initiative, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Mott Center for Growth and Development, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Pancharatnam Jeyasuria
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University Perinatal Initiative, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Mott Center for Growth and Development, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Gergics P. Pituitary Transcription Factor Mutations Leading to Hypopituitarism. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2019; 111:263-298. [PMID: 31588536 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-25905-1_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Congenital pituitary hormone deficiency is a disabling condition. It is part of a spectrum of disorders including craniofacial midline developmental defects ranging from holoprosencephaly through septo-optic dysplasia to combined and isolated pituitary hormone deficiency. The first genes discovered in the human disease were based on mouse models of dwarfism due to mutations in transcription factor genes. High-throughput DNA sequencing technologies enabled clinicians and researchers to find novel genetic causes of hypopituitarism for the more than three quarters of patients without a known genetic diagnosis to date. Transcription factor (TF) genes are at the forefront of the functional analysis of novel variants of unknown significance due to the relative ease in in vitro testing in a research lab. Genetic testing in hypopituitarism is of high importance to the individual and their family to predict phenotype composition, disease progression and to avoid life-threatening complications such as secondary adrenal insufficiency.This chapter aims to highlight our current understanding about (1) the contribution of TF genes to pituitary development (2) the diversity of inheritance and phenotype features in combined and select isolated pituitary hormone deficiency and (3) provide an initial assessment on how to approach variants of unknown significance in human hypopituitarism. Our better understanding on how transcription factor gene variants lead to hypopituitarism is a meaningful step to plan advanced therapies to specific genetic changes in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Gergics
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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Shima Y, Miyabayashi K, Sato T, Suyama M, Ohkawa Y, Doi M, Okamura H, Suzuki K. Fetal Leydig cells dedifferentiate and serve as adult Leydig stem cells. Development 2018; 145:145/23/dev169136. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.169136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Previous studies have established that fetal Leydig cells (FLCs) and adult Leydig cells (ALCs) show distinct functional characteristics. However, the lineage relationship between FLCs and ALCs has not been clarified yet. Here, we reveal that a subset of FLCs dedifferentiate at fetal stages to give rise to ALCs at the pubertal stage. Moreover, the dedifferentiated cells contribute to the peritubular myoid cell and vascular pericyte populations in the neonatal testis, and these non-steroidogenic cells serve as potential ALC stem cells. We generated FLC lineage-specific Nr5a1 (Ad4BP/SF-1) gene-disrupted mice and mice lacking the fetal Leydig enhancer (FLE) of the Nr5a1 gene. Phenotypes of these mice support the conclusion that most of the ALCs arise from dedifferentiated FLCs, and that the FLE of the Nr5a1 gene is essential for both initial FLC differentiation and pubertal ALC redifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuichi Shima
- Department of Anatomy, Kawasaki Medical School, 577 Matsushima, Kurashiki, Okayama 701-0192, Japan
| | - Kanako Miyabayashi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Sato
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences and Division of Bioinformatics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Fukuoka
| | - Mikita Suyama
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences and Division of Bioinformatics, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
- AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Fukuoka
| | - Yasuyuki Ohkawa
- AMED-CREST, Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development, Fukuoka
- Department of Systems Life Sciences, Graduate School of Systems Life Sciences and Research Center for Transomics Medicine, Medical Institute of Bioregulation, Kyushu University, 3-1-1 Maidashi, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Masao Doi
- Department of Systems Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Okamura
- Department of Systems Biology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyoto University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University (WMU), Kimiidera, Wakayama 641-8509, Japan
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Stamatiades GA, Kaiser UB. Gonadotropin regulation by pulsatile GnRH: Signaling and gene expression. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 463:131-141. [PMID: 29102564 PMCID: PMC5812824 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/27/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The precise orchestration of hormonal regulation at all levels of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis is essential for normal reproductive function and fertility. The pulsatile secretion of hypothalamic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulates the synthesis and release of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) by pituitary gonadotropes. GnRH acts by binding to its high affinity seven-transmembrane receptor (GnRHR) on the cell surface of anterior pituitary gonadotropes. Different signaling cascades and transcriptional mechanisms are activated, depending on the variation in GnRH pulse frequency, to stimulate the synthesis and release of FSH and LH. While changes in GnRH pulse frequency may explain some of the differential regulation of FSH and LH, other factors, such as activin, inhibin and sex steroids, also contribute to gonadotropin production. In this review, we focus on the transcriptional regulation of the gonadotropin subunit genes and the signaling pathways activated by pulsatile GnRH.
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Affiliation(s)
- George A Stamatiades
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Ursula B Kaiser
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States.
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31
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Pedroso JAB, de Mendonca POR, Fortes MAS, Tomaz I, Pecorali VL, Auricino TB, Costa IC, Lima LB, Furigo IC, Bueno DN, Ramos-Lobo AM, Lotfi CFP, Donato J. SOCS3 expression in SF1 cells regulates adrenal differentiation and exercise performance. J Endocrinol 2017; 235:207-222. [PMID: 28899903 DOI: 10.1530/joe-17-0255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Many hormones/cytokines are secreted in response to exercise and cytokine signaling may play a pivotal role in the training adaptations. To investigate the importance of cytokine signaling during vertical ladder climbing, a resistance exercise model, we produced mice lacking SOCS3 protein exclusively in steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1) cells (SF1 Socs3 KO mice). SF1 expression is found in steroidogenic cells of the adrenal cortex and gonads, as well as in neurons of the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus. Histological markers of the fetal adrenal zone (or X-zone in rodents) were still present in adult males and postpartum SF1 Socs3 KO females, suggesting a previously unrecognized effect of SOCS3 on the terminal differentiation of the adrenal gland. This change led to a distinct distribution of lipid droplets along the adrenal cortex. Under basal conditions, adult SF1 Socs3 KO mice exhibited similar adrenal weight, and plasma ACTH and corticosterone concentrations. Nonetheless, SF1 Socs3 KO mice exhibited a blunted ACTH-induced corticosterone secretion. The overall metabolic responses induced by resistance training remained unaffected in SF1 Socs3 KO mice, including changes in body adiposity, glucose tolerance and energy expenditure. However, training performance and glucose control during intense resistance exercise were impaired in SF1 Socs3 KO mice. Furthermore, a reduced counter-regulatory response to 2-deoxy-d-glucose was observed in mutant mice. These findings revealed a novel participation of SOCS3 regulating several endocrine and metabolic aspects. Therefore, cytokine signaling in SF1 cells exerts an important role to sustain training performance possibly by promoting the necessary metabolic adjustments during exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- João A B Pedroso
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsInstitute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro O R de Mendonca
- Department of AnatomyInstitute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marco A S Fortes
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsInstitute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Igor Tomaz
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsInstitute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vitor L Pecorali
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsInstitute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thais B Auricino
- Department of AnatomyInstitute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ismael C Costa
- Department of AnatomyInstitute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro B Lima
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsInstitute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isadora C Furigo
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsInstitute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Debora N Bueno
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsInstitute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Angela M Ramos-Lobo
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsInstitute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudimara F P Lotfi
- Department of AnatomyInstitute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsInstitute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Ye L, Li X, Li L, Chen H, Ge RS. Insights into the Development of the Adult Leydig Cell Lineage from Stem Leydig Cells. Front Physiol 2017; 8:430. [PMID: 28701961 PMCID: PMC5487449 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2017.00430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult Leydig cells (ALCs) are the steroidogenic cells in the testes that produce testosterone. ALCs develop postnatally from a pool of stem cells, referred to as stem Leydig cells (SLCs). SLCs are spindle-shaped cells that lack steroidogenic cell markers, including luteinizing hormone (LH) receptor and 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. The commitment of SLCs into the progenitor Leydig cells (PLCs), the first stage in the lineage, requires growth factors, including Dessert Hedgehog (DHH) and platelet-derived growth factor-AA. PLCs are still spindle-shaped, but become steroidogenic and produce mainly androsterone. The next transition in the lineage is from PLC to the immature Leydig cell (ILC). This transition requires LH, DHH, and androgen. ILCs are ovoid cells that are competent for producing a different form of androgen, androstanediol. The final stage in the developmental lineage is ALC. The transition to ALC involves the reduced expression of 5α-reductase 1, a step that is necessary to make the cells to produce testosterone as the final product. The transitions along the Leydig cell lineage are associated with the progressive down-regulation of the proliferative activity, and the up-regulation of steroidogenic capacity, with each step requiring unique regulatory signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leping Ye
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, China
| | - Xiaoheng Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, China
| | - Linxi Li
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, China
| | - Haolin Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, China
| | - Ren-Shan Ge
- The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou, China
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33
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Fan Y, Zhang X, Wang L, Wang R, Huang Z, Sun Y, Yao R, Huang X, Ye J, Han L, Qiu W, Zhang H, Liang L, Gu X, Yu Y. Diagnostic Application of Targeted Next-Generation Sequencing of 80 Genes Associated with Disorders of Sexual Development. Sci Rep 2017; 7:44536. [PMID: 28295047 PMCID: PMC5353765 DOI: 10.1038/srep44536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Disorders of sexual development (DSD) are estimated to occur in 1 of 4500 births. Since the genetic etiology of DSD is highly heterogeneous, obtaining a definitive molecular diagnosis by single gene test is challenging. Utilizing a high-throughput sequencing upfront is proposed as an efficient approach to aid in the diagnosis. This study aimed to examine the diagnostic yield of next-generation sequencing in DSD. 32 DSD patients that previously received clinical examinations and single gene tests were selected, with or without a diagnosis. Prior single gene tests were masked, and then samples went through targeted next-generation sequencing of 80 genes from which the diagnostic yield was assessed. A likely diagnosis, with pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants identified, was obtained from nine of the 32 patients (i.e., 28.1%, versus 10% by single gene tests). In another five patients (15.6%), variants of uncertain significance were found. Among 18 variants identified (i.e., 17 single nucleotide variants and one small deletion), eight had not been previously reported. This study supports the notion that next-generation sequencing can be an efficient tool in the clinical diagnosis and variant discovery in DSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjie Fan
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology/Genetics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xia Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology/Genetics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Lili Wang
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology/Genetics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ruifang Wang
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology/Genetics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhuo Huang
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology/Genetics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology/Genetics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Ruen Yao
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Xiaodong Huang
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jun Ye
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology/Genetics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Lianshu Han
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology/Genetics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Wenjuan Qiu
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology/Genetics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Huiwen Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology/Genetics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Lili Liang
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology/Genetics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xuefan Gu
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology/Genetics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yongguo Yu
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology/Genetics, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai Institute for Pediatric Research, Shanghai, 200092, China
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Xu Y, O'Malley BW, Elmquist JK. Brain nuclear receptors and body weight regulation. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:1172-1180. [PMID: 28218618 DOI: 10.1172/jci88891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural pathways, especially those in the hypothalamus, integrate multiple nutritional, hormonal, and neural signals, resulting in the coordinated control of body weight balance and glucose homeostasis. Nuclear receptors (NRs) sense changing levels of nutrients and hormones, and therefore play essential roles in the regulation of energy homeostasis. Understanding the role and the underlying mechanisms of NRs in the context of energy balance control may facilitate the identification of novel targets to treat obesity. Notably, NRs are abundantly expressed in the brain, and emerging evidence indicates that a number of these brain NRs regulate multiple aspects of energy balance, including feeding, energy expenditure and physical activity. In this Review we summarize some of the recent literature regarding effects of brain NRs on body weight regulation and discuss mechanisms underlying these effects.
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Mortensen AH, Camper SA. Cocaine-and Amphetamine Regulated Transcript (CART) Peptide Is Expressed in Precursor Cells and Somatotropes of the Mouse Pituitary Gland. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0160068. [PMID: 27685990 PMCID: PMC5042496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0160068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cocaine-and Amphetamine Regulated Transcript (CART) peptide is expressed in the brain, endocrine and neuroendocrine systems and secreted into the serum. It is thought to play a role in regulation of hypothalamic pituitary functions. Here we report a spatial and temporal analysis of Cart expression in the pituitaries of adult and developing normal and mutant mice with hypopituitarism. We found that Prop1 is not necessary for initiation of Cart expression in the fetal pituitary at e14.5, but it is required indirectly for maintenance of Cart expression in the postnatal anterior pituitary gland. Pou1f1 deficiency has no effect on Cart expression before or after birth. There is no 1:1 correspondence between CART and any particular cell type. In neonates, CART is detected primarily in non-proliferating, POU1F1-positive cells. CART is also found in some cells that express TSH and GH suggesting a correspondence with committed progenitors of the POU1F1 lineage. In summary, we have characterized the normal temporal and cell specific expression of CART in mouse development and demonstrate that postnatal CART expression in the pituitary gland requires PROP1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda H. Mortensen
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109–5618, United States of America
| | - Sally A. Camper
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109–5618, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Mouse Models for the Study of Synthesis, Secretion, and Action of Pituitary Gonadotropins. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2016; 143:49-84. [PMID: 27697204 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2016.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Gonadotropins play fundamental roles in reproduction. More than 30years ago, Cga transgenic mice were generated, and more than 20years ago, the phenotypes of Cga null mice were reported. Since then, numerous mouse strains have been generated and characterized to address several questions in reproductive biology involving gonadotropin synthesis, secretion, and action. More recently, extragonadal expression, and in some cases, functions of gonadotropins in nongonadal tissues have been identified. Several genomic and proteomic approaches including novel mouse genome editing tools are available now. It is anticipated that these and other emerging technologies will be useful to build an integrated network of gonadotropin signaling pathways in various tissues. Undoubtedly, research on gonadotropins will continue to provide new knowledge and allow us transcend from benchside to the bedside.
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Stallings CE, Kapali J, Ellsworth BS. Mouse Models of Gonadotrope Development. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2016; 143:1-48. [PMID: 27697200 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2016.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The pituitary gonadotrope is central to reproductive function. Gonadotropes develop in a systematic process dependent on signaling factors secreted from surrounding tissues and those produced within the pituitary gland itself. These signaling pathways are important for stimulating specific transcription factors that ultimately regulate the expression of genes and define gonadotrope identity. Proper gonadotrope development and ultimately gonadotrope function are essential for normal sexual maturation and fertility. Understanding the mechanisms governing differentiation programs of gonadotropes is important to improve treatment and molecular diagnoses for patients with gonadotrope abnormalities. Much of what is known about gonadotrope development has been elucidated from mouse models in which important factors contributing to gonadotrope development and function have been deleted, ectopically expressed, or modified. This chapter will focus on many of these mouse models and their contribution to our current understanding of gonadotrope development.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Stallings
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States
| | - J Kapali
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States
| | - B S Ellsworth
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, United States.
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PI3K in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus mediates estrogenic actions on energy expenditure in female mice. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23459. [PMID: 26988598 PMCID: PMC4796901 DOI: 10.1038/srep23459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens act in the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) to regulate body weight homeostasis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these estrogenic effects are unknown. We show that activation of estrogen receptor-α (ERα) stimulates neural firing of VMH neurons expressing ERα, and these effects are blocked with intracellular application of a pharmacological inhibitor of the phosphatidyl inositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Further, we demonstrated that mice with genetic inhibition of PI3K activity in VMH neurons showed a sexual dimorphic obese phenotype, with only female mutants being affected. In addition, inhibition of VMH PI3K activity blocked effects of 17β-estradiol to stimulate energy expenditure, but did not affect estrogen-induced anorexia. Collectively, our results indicate that PI3K activity in VMH neurons plays a physiologically relevant role in mediating estrogenic actions on energy expenditure in females.
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Yazawa T, Imamichi Y, Miyamoto K, Khan MRI, Uwada J, Umezawa A, Taniguchi T. Regulation of Steroidogenesis, Development, and Cell Differentiation by Steroidogenic Factor-1 and Liver Receptor Homolog-1. Zoolog Sci 2015; 32:323-30. [PMID: 26245218 DOI: 10.2108/zs140237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1) and liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1) belong to the nuclear receptor superfamily and are categorized as orphan receptors. In addition to other nuclear receptors, these play roles in various physiological phenomena by regulating the transcription of target genes. Both factors share very similar structures and exhibit common functions. Of these, the roles of SF-1 and LRH-1 in steroidogenesis are the most important, especially that of SF-1, which was originally discovered and named to reflect such roles. SF-1 and LRH-1 are essential for steroid hormone production in gonads and adrenal glands through the regulation of various steroidogenesis-related genes. As SF-1 is also necessary for the development of gonads and adrenal glands, it is also considered a master regulator of steroidogenesis. Recent studies have clearly demonstrated that LRH-1 also represents another master regulator of steroidogenesis, which similarly to SF-1, can induce differentiation of non-steroidogenic stem cells into steroidogenic cells. Here, we review the functions of both factors in these steroidogenesis-related phenomena.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takashi Yazawa
- 1 Department of Biochemistry, Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Imamichi
- 2 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Kaoru Miyamoto
- 2 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Fukui, Fukui 910-1193, Japan
| | - Md Rafiqul Islam Khan
- 1 Department of Biochemistry, Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan
| | - Junsuke Uwada
- 1 Department of Biochemistry, Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan
| | - Akihiro Umezawa
- 3 National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo 157-8535, Japan
| | - Takanobu Taniguchi
- 1 Department of Biochemistry, Asahikawa Medical University, Hokkaido 078-8510, Japan
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Castinetti F, Brinkmeier ML, Mortensen AH, Vella KR, Gergics P, Brue T, Hollenberg AN, Gan L, Camper SA. ISL1 Is Necessary for Maximal Thyrotrope Response to Hypothyroidism. Mol Endocrinol 2015; 29:1510-21. [PMID: 26296153 DOI: 10.1210/me.2015-1192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
ISLET1 is a homeodomain transcription factor necessary for development of the pituitary, retina, motor neurons, heart, and pancreas. Isl1-deficient mice (Isl1(-/-)) die early during embryogenesis at embryonic day 10.5 due to heart defects, and at that time, they have an undersized pituitary primordium. ISL1 is expressed in differentiating pituitary cells in early embryogenesis. Here, we report the cell-specific expression of ISL1 and assessment of its role in gonadotropes and thyrotropes. Isl1 expression is elevated in pituitaries of Cga(-/-) mice, a model of hypothyroidism with thyrotrope hypertrophy and hyperplasia. Thyrotrope-specific disruption of Isl1 with Tshb-cre is permissive for normal serum TSH, but T4 levels are decreased, suggesting decreased thyrotrope function. Inducing hypothyroidism in normal mice causes a reduction in T4 levels and dramatically elevated TSH response, but mice with thyrotrope-specific disruption of Isl1 have a blunted TSH response. In contrast, deletion of Isl1 in gonadotropes with an Lhb-cre transgene has no obvious effect on gonadotrope function or fertility. These results show that ISL1 is necessary for maximal thyrotrope response to hypothyroidism, in addition to its role in development of Rathke's pouch.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Castinetti
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
| | - M L Brinkmeier
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
| | - A H Mortensen
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
| | - K R Vella
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
| | - P Gergics
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
| | - T Brue
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
| | - A N Hollenberg
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
| | - L Gan
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
| | - S A Camper
- Human Genetics, University of Michigan (F.C., M.L.B., A.H.M., P.G., S.A.C.), Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109; Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (K.R.V., A.N.H.), Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215; Aix-Marseille University (F.C., T.B.), Centre de Recherche en Neurobiologie et Neurophysiologie de Marseille, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté de Médecine de Marseille, and Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Marseille, Department of Endocrinology, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France 13000; and University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry (L.G.), Rochester, New York 14642
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Horie Y, Kobayashi T. Gonadotrophic cells and gonadal sex differentiation in medaka: Characterization of several northern and southern strains. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 323:392-7. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.1932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Horie
- Laboratory of Molecular Reproductive Biology; Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences; University of Shizuoka; Shizuoka Japan
| | - Tohru Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Molecular Reproductive Biology; Institute for Environmental Sciences; University of Shizuoka; Shizuoka Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Reproductive Biology; Graduate Division of Nutritional and Environmental Sciences; University of Shizuoka; Shizuoka Japan
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Wijeweera A, Haj M, Feldman A, Pnueli L, Luo Z, Melamed P. Gonadotropin gene transcription is activated by menin-mediated effects on the chromatin. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2015; 1849:328-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2015.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Revised: 12/08/2014] [Accepted: 01/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Luongo C, Martin C, Vella K, Marsili A, Ambrosio R, Dentice M, Harney JW, Salvatore D, Zavacki AM, Larsen PR. The selective loss of the type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase in mouse thyrotrophs increases basal TSH but blunts the thyrotropin response to hypothyroidism. Endocrinology 2015; 156:745-54. [PMID: 25456070 PMCID: PMC4298316 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 11/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The type 2 iodothyronine deiodinase (D2) is essential for feedback regulation of TSH by T4. We genetically inactivated in vivo D2 in thyrotrophs using a mouse model of Cga-driven cre recombinase. Pituitary D2 activity was reduced 90% in the Cga-cre D2 knockout (KO) mice compared with control Dio2(fl/fl) mice. There was no growth or reproductive phenotype. Basal TSH levels were increased 1.5- to 1.8-fold, but serum T4 and T3 were not different from the controls in adult mice. In hypothyroid adult mice, suppression of TSH by T4, but not T3, was impaired. Despite mild basal TSH elevation, the TSH increase in response to hypothyroidism was 4-fold reduced in the Cga-cre D2KO compared with control mice despite an identical level of pituitary TSH α- and β-subunit mRNAs. In neonatal Cga-cre D2KO mice, TSH was also 2-fold higher than in the controls, but serum T4 was elevated. Despite a constant TSH, serum T4 increased 2-3-fold between postnatal day (P) 5 and P15 in both genotypes. The pituitary, but not cerebrocortical, D2 activity was markedly elevated in P5 mice decreasing towards adult levels by P17. In conclusion, a congenital severe reduction of thyrotroph D2 causes a major impairment of the TSH response to hypothyroidism. This would be deleterious to the compensatory adaptation of the thyroid gland to iodine deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Luongo
- Thyroid Section, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Hypertension, Department of Medicine (C.L., C.M., A.M., J.W.H., A.M.Z., P.R.L.), Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, and Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism (K.V.), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115; Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico Fondazione Studio di Diagnostica Nucleare "SDN" (R.A.), 80142 Naples, Italy; and Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery (M.D., D.S.), University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
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Bagchi D, Andrade J, Shupnik MA. A new role for wilms tumor protein 1: differential activities of + KTS and -KTS variants to regulate LHβ transcription. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0116825. [PMID: 25617744 PMCID: PMC4305298 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0116825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 12/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Luteinizing hormone (LH) is synthesized and secreted throughout the reproductive cycle from gonadotrope cells in the anterior pituitary, and is required for steroidogenesis and ovulation. LH contains an α-subunit common with FSH, and a unique LHβ subunit that defines biological activity. Basal LHβ transcription is low and stimulated by hypothalamic GnRH, which induces synthesis of early growth response protein-1 (Egr1), and stimulates binding of transcription factors Egr1 and steroidogenic factor-1 (SF1) on the promoter. WT1 (Wilms tumor protein1) is a zinc finger transcription factor with an essential role in urogenital system development, and which regulates several reproductive genes via interactions with SF1 or binding to GC-rich elements such as Egr1 binding sites. We investigated a potential role for WT1 in LHβ transcription in clonal mouse gonadotrope LβT2 cells. WT1 was present in LβT2 and mouse pituitary cells, and protein bound to the endogenous LHβ promoter. Interestingly, mRNAs for WT1(+KTS), which contains a three amino-acid insertion between the 3rd and 4th zinc fingers, and the WT1 (-KTS) variant were both expressed at significant levels. WT1 mRNAs and protein were decreased approximately 50% by GnRH treatment, under conditions where Egr1 mRNA and protein, and LHβ transcription, were stimulated. Decreasing expression of mRNA for WT1 (-KTS) decreased stimulation of LHβ and Egr1 by GnRH, whereas decreasing both WT1 (-KTS) and (+KTS) increased endogenous LHβ transcription, and prevented LHβ but not Egr1 stimulation by GnRH, suggesting differing biological activities for the WT1 isoforms. Overexpression of WT1 showed that WT1(-KTS) enhanced LHβ promoter GnRH stimulation 2-to-3-fold and required the 3'Egr1 site, but WT1(+KTS) repressed both basal and GnRH-stimulated LHβ promoter activity by approximately 70%. Our data suggest that WT1 can modulate LHβ transcription, with differential roles for the two WT1 variants; WT1 (-KTS) enhances and WT1 (+KTS) suppresses transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debalina Bagchi
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Josefa Andrade
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Margaret A. Shupnik
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Zheng W, Grafer CM, Kim J, Halvorson LM. Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone and Gonadal Steroids Regulate Transcription Factor mRNA Expression in Primary Pituitary and Immortalized Gonadotrope Cells. Reprod Sci 2015; 22:285-99. [DOI: 10.1177/1933719114565031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Zheng
- Core Laboratories, St. Paul University Hospital, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Constance M. Grafer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Green Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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Diaz-Rodriguez E, Garcia-Rendueles AR, Ibáñez-Costa A, Gutierrez-Pascual E, Garcia-Lavandeira M, Leal A, Japon MA, Soto A, Venegas E, Tinahones FJ, Garcia-Arnes JA, Benito P, Angeles Galvez M, Jimenez-Reina L, Bernabeu I, Dieguez C, Luque RM, Castaño JP, Alvarez CV. Somatotropinomas, but not nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas, maintain a functional apoptotic RET/Pit1/ARF/p53 pathway that is blocked by excess GDNF. Endocrinology 2014; 155:4329-40. [PMID: 25137025 DOI: 10.1210/en.2014-1034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Acromegaly is caused by somatotroph cell adenomas (somatotropinomas [ACROs]), which secrete GH. Human and rodent somatotroph cells express the RET receptor. In rodents, when normal somatotrophs are deprived of the RET ligand, GDNF (Glial Cell Derived Neurotrophic Factor), RET is processed intracellularly to induce overexpression of Pit1 [Transcription factor (gene : POUF1) essential for transcription of Pituitary hormones GH, PRL and TSHb], which in turn leads to p19Arf/p53-dependent apoptosis. Our purpose was to ascertain whether human ACROs maintain the RET/Pit1/p14ARF/p53/apoptosis pathway, relative to nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFPAs). Apoptosis in the absence and presence of GDNF was studied in primary cultures of 8 ACROs and 3 NFPAs. Parallel protein extracts were analyzed for expression of RET, Pit1, p19Arf, p53, and phospho-Akt. When GDNF deprived, ACRO cells, but not NFPAs, presented marked level of apoptosis that was prevented in the presence of GDNF. Apoptosis was accompanied by RET processing, Pit1 accumulation, and p14ARF and p53 induction. GDNF prevented all these effects via activation of phospho-AKT. Overexpression of human Pit1 (hPit1) directly induced p19Arf/p53 and apoptosis in a pituitary cell line. Using in silico studies, 2 CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha (cEBPα) consensus-binding sites were found to be 100% conserved in mouse, rat, and hPit1 promoters. Deletion of 1 cEBPα site prevented the RET-induced increase in hPit1 promoter expression. TaqMan qRT-PCR (real time RT-PCR) for RET, Pit1, Arf, TP53, GDNF, steroidogenic factor 1, and GH was performed in RNA from whole ACRO and NFPA tumors. ACRO but not NFPA adenomas express RET and Pit1. GDNF expression in the tumors was positively correlated with RET and negatively correlated with p53. In conclusion, ACROs maintain an active RET/Pit1/p14Arf/p53/apoptosis pathway that is inhibited by GDNF. Disruption of GDNF's survival function might constitute a new therapeutic route in acromegaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Diaz-Rodriguez
- Centre for Investigations in Medicine of the USC (E.D.-R., A.R.G.-G., M.G.-L., C.D., C.V.A.), University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain 15782; Department of Endocrinology (I.B.), University Hospital (University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela), Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria, Santiago de Compostela, Spain 15706; Departments of Cell Biology, Physiology, and Immunology (A.I.-C., E.G.-P., R.M.L., J.P.C.), and Morphological Sciences (L.J.-R.), University of Cordoba, and Reina Sofia University Hospital (P.B., M.A.G.), Maimonides Institute for Research in Biomedicine of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain 14014; Departments of Endocrinology and Pathology (A.L., M.A.J., A.S., E.V.), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, University of Sevilla, Sevilla, Spain 41013; Department of Endocrinology (F.J.T.), Hospital Virgen de la Victoria, and Department of Endocrinology (J.A.G.-A.), Hospital Carlos Haya, Malaga, Spain 29010; and CIBER Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBERobn) 15706, spain (A.I.-C., F.J.T., P.B., I.B., C.D., R.M.L., J.P.C., C.V.A.), Spain 15706
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Jin JM, Yang WX. Molecular regulation of hypothalamus-pituitary-gonads axis in males. Gene 2014; 551:15-25. [PMID: 25168889 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2014.08.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2014] [Revised: 07/24/2014] [Accepted: 08/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG) plays vital roles in reproduction and steroid hormone production in both sexes. The focus of this review is upon gene structures, receptor structures and the signaling pathways of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The hormones' functions in reproduction as well as consequences resulting from mutations are also summarized. Specific characteristics of hormones such as the pulsatile secretions of GnRH are also covered. The different regulators of the HPG axis are introduced including kisspeptin, activin, inhibin, follistatin, androgens and estrogen. This review includes not only their basic information, but also their unique function in the HPG axis. Here we view the HPG axis as a whole, so relations between ligands and receptors are well described crossing different levels of the HPG axis. Hormone interactions and transformations are also considered. The major information of this article is depicted in three figures summarizing the current discoveries on the HPG axis. This article systematically introduces the basic knowledge of the HPG axis and provides information of the current advances relating to reproductive hormones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Min Jin
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China.
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Malikova J, Camats N, Fernández-Cancio M, Heath K, González I, Caimarí M, del Campo M, Albisu M, Kolouskova S, Audí L, Flück CE. Human NR5A1/SF-1 mutations show decreased activity on BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), an important regulator of energy balance: testing impact of novel SF-1 mutations beyond steroidogenesis. PLoS One 2014; 9:e104838. [PMID: 25122490 PMCID: PMC4133263 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0104838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Context Human NR5A1/SF-1 mutations cause 46,XY disorder of sex development (DSD) with broad phenotypic variability, and rarely cause adrenal insufficiency although SF-1 is an important transcription factor for many genes involved in steroidogenesis. In addition, the Sf-1 knockout mouse develops obesity with age. Obesity might be mediated through Sf-1 regulating activity of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an important regulator of energy balance in the ventromedial hypothalamus. Objective To characterize novel SF-1 gene variants in 4 families, clinical, genetic and functional studies were performed with respect to steroidogenesis and energy balance. Patients 5 patients with 46,XY DSD were found to harbor NR5A1/SF-1 mutations including 2 novel variations. One patient harboring a novel mutation also suffered from adrenal insufficiency. Methods SF-1 mutations were studied in cell systems (HEK293, JEG3) for impact on transcription of genes involved in steroidogenesis (CYP11A1, CYP17A1, HSD3B2) and in energy balance (BDNF). BDNF regulation by SF-1 was studied by promoter assays (JEG3). Results Two novel NR5A1/SF-1 mutations (Glu7Stop, His408Profs*159) were confirmed. Glu7Stop is the 4th reported SF-1 mutation causing DSD and adrenal insufficiency. In vitro studies revealed that transcription of the BDNF gene is regulated by SF-1, and that mutant SF-1 decreased BDNF promoter activation (similar to steroid enzyme promoters). However, clinical data from 16 subjects carrying SF-1 mutations showed normal birth weight and BMI. Conclusions Glu7Stop and His408Profs*159 are novel SF-1 mutations identified in patients with 46,XY DSD and adrenal insufficiency (Glu7Stop). In vitro, SF-1 mutations affect not only steroidogenesis but also transcription of BDNF which is involved in energy balance. However, in contrast to mice, consequences on weight were not found in humans with SF-1 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Malikova
- Department of Pediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic; Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Department of Clinical Research, University Children's Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Núria Camats
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Department of Clinical Research, University Children's Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mónica Fernández-Cancio
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute VHIR, CIBERER, Autonomous University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Karen Heath
- Institute of Medical and Molecular Genetics INGEMM, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel González
- Pediatric Endocrinology Service, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Caimarí
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Son Espases University Hospital, Palma de Mallorca, Spain
| | | | - Marian Albisu
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute VHIR, CIBERER, Autonomous University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Stanislava Kolouskova
- Department of Pediatrics, 2nd Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague and University Hospital Motol, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Laura Audí
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Vall d'Hebron Research Institute VHIR, CIBERER, Autonomous University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Christa E Flück
- Pediatric Endocrinology, Department of Pediatrics and Department of Clinical Research, University Children's Hospital Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Horie Y, Kobayashi T. Relationships between gonadal and gonadotrophic differentiation during early gonadal sex differentiation in several strains from the Southern population of Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes). ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 321:472-7. [DOI: 10.1002/jez.1879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshifumi Horie
- Laboratory of Molecular Reproductive Biology; Graduate School of Integrated Pharmaceutical and Nutritional Sciences; University of Shizuoka; Shizuoka Japan
| | - Tohru Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Molecular Reproductive Biology; Institute for Environmental Sciences; University of Shizuoka; Shizuoka Japan
- Laboratory of Molecular Reproductive Biology; Graduate Division of Nutritional and Environmental Sciences; University of Shizuoka; Shizuoka Japan
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50
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Muriach B, Carrillo M, Zanuy S, Cerdá-Reverter JM. Characterization of sea bass FSHβ 5' flanking region: transcriptional control by 17β-estradiol. FISH PHYSIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY 2014; 40:849-864. [PMID: 24271878 DOI: 10.1007/s10695-013-9891-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 11/13/2013] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The sea bass follicle-stimulating hormone 5' flanking region (sbFSHβ 5' FR) was cloned and characterized in order to study the molecular mechanisms underlying transcriptional regulation of the sbFSHβ gene. Analysis of the ~3.5 kb of this region revealed the presence of several putative cis-acting elements, including steroid hormone response elements, cAMP response elements, pituitary-specific transcription factor response elements, activator protein-1 response elements and TATA sequence. Deleted constructs containing ~3.5 kb of the sbFSHβ 5' FR fused to a luciferase reporter gene were transiently transfected into human embryonic kidney (HEK 293) and mouse mature gonadotrope (LβT2) cell lines. The sbFSHβ 5' FR was efficiently expressed under basal conditions in LβT2 but not in HEK 293, pointing to both positive and negative regulatory elements. In order to elucidate the estrogen-mediated sbFSHβ transcriptional activity, in vitro treatments with 17β-estradiol were carried out on primary cultures of pituitary cells and LβT2 cells transiently expressing luciferase under the control of sbFSHβ 5' FR. Overall, these results demonstrate that 17β-estradiol inhibits sbFSHβ gene expression directly at the level of the pituitary. However, it was also shown that estrogen did not induce changes of the sbFSH promoter-directed luciferase activity, suggesting that sbFSHβ 5'FR (~3.5 kb) activity is cell type dependent and its estrogen regulation could require cis-acting elements located upstream of the promoter region, which is characterized in this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borja Muriach
- Department of Fish Physiology and Biotechnology, Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal (IATS), CSIC, Torre de la Sal, 12595 Ribera de Cabanes, Castellón, Spain
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