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Kremer JL, Auricino TB, Dos Santos Passaia B, Lotfi CFP. Upregulation of TCF21 inhibits migration of adrenocortical carcinoma cells. Discov Oncol 2021; 12:23. [PMID: 35201460 PMCID: PMC8777580 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-021-00417-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC) are rare and aggressive cancer. Our previous study has revealed that the transcription factor 21, TCF21, is downregulated in ACC and regulates steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) binding to the SF-1 E-box promoter. In addition, it could be found that TCF21 is a predictor of overall survival (OS) in adult carcinomas. METHODS In this study, it was investigated the correlation between TCF21 expression and the promoter methylation status in adrenocortical tumor cells, carcinomas and adenoma. The biological function and potential molecular mechanism of TCF21 restoration in migration and invasion of ACC cells was examined. RESULTS We could be demonstrated a negative correlation between the level of TCF21 expression and methylation of its promoter in adenoma and carcinoma cells indicating the epigenetic control of TCF21 expression. It was also demonstrated that the expression of TCF21 inhibits migration and invasion in the ACC cell line, H295R cells, using plasmid transfection to express TCF21. Furthermore, it could be investigated the TCF21 function as tumor suppressor probably through Kisspeptin 1 (KISS-1) expression and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) reversion, as well as the modulation of several metalloproteinases in ACC cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that enhancement of TCF21 expression levels may be a potential strategy to revert invasive abilities in adrenocortical carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Lucas Kremer
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thais Barabba Auricino
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Lotfi CFP, Passaia BS, Kremer JL. Role of the bHLH transcription factor TCF21 in development and tumorigenesis. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 54:e10637. [PMID: 33729392 PMCID: PMC7959166 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x202010637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Transcription factors control, coordinate, and separate the functions of distinct network modules spatially and temporally. In this review, we focus on the transcription factor 21 (TCF21) network, a highly conserved basic-helix-loop-helix (bHLH) protein that functions to integrate signals and modulate gene expression. We summarize the molecular and biological properties of TCF21 control with an emphasis on molecular and functional TCF21 interactions. We suggest that these interactions serve to modulate the development of different organs at the transcriptional level to maintain growth homeostasis and to influence cell fate. Importantly, TCF21 expression is epigenetically inactivated in different types of human cancers. The epigenetic modification or activation and/or loss of TCF21 expression results in an imbalance in TCF21 signaling, which may lead to tumor initiation and, most likely, to progression and tumor metastasis. This review focuses on research on the roles of TCF21 in development and tumorigenesis systematically considering the physiological and pathological function of TCF21. In addition, we focus on the main molecular bases of its different roles whose importance should be clarified in future research. For this review, PubMed databases and keywords such as TCF21, POD-1, capsulin, tumors, carcinomas, tumorigenesis, development, and mechanism of action were utilized. Articles were selected within a historical context as were a number of citations from journals with relevant impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- C F P Lotfi
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Anatomia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - B S Passaia
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Anatomia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
| | - J L Kremer
- Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Departamento de Anatomia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brasil
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Yang Y, Workman S, Wilson M. The molecular pathways underlying early gonadal development. J Mol Endocrinol 2018; 62:JME-17-0314. [PMID: 30042122 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The body of knowledge surrounding reproductive development spans the fields of genetics, anatomy, physiology and biomedicine, to build a comprehensive understanding of the later stages of reproductive development in humans and animal models. Despite this, there remains much to learn about the bi-potential progenitor structure that the ovary and testis arise from, known as the genital ridge (GR). This tissue forms relatively late in embryonic development and has the potential to form either the ovary or testis, which in turn produce hormones required for development of the rest of the reproductive tract. It is imperative that we understand the genetic networks underpinning GR development if we are to begin to understand abnormalities in the adult. This is particularly relevant in the contexts of disorders of sex development (DSDs) and infertility, two conditions that many individuals struggle with worldwide, with often no answers as to their aetiology. Here, we review what is known about the genetics of GR development. Investigating the genetic networks required for GR formation will not only contribute to our understanding of the genetic regulation of reproductive development, it may in turn open new avenues of investigation into reproductive abnormalities and later fertility issues in the adult.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yisheng Yang
- Y Yang, Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | | | - Megan Wilson
- M Wilson , Anatomy, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Wu PL, Zhou Y, Zeng C, Li X, Dong ZT, Zhou YF, Bulun SE, Xue Q. Transcription factor 21 regulates expression of ERβ and SF-1 via upstream stimulatory factor-2 in endometriotic tissues. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2018; 1861:706-717. [PMID: 30018006 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Revised: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Steroidogenic factor-1 (SF-1, encoded by NR5A1) and estrogen receptor beta (ERβ, encoded by ESR2), which are highly expressed in endometriotic stromal cells (ESCs), contribute to the pathogenesis of endometriosis, but the regulation mechanism remains largely unknown. Transcription factor 21 (TCF21) belongs to the helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family characterized by regulating gene expression via binding to E-box element. Here, we attempted to determine the molecular mechanism of TCF21 on SF-1 and ERβ expression in endometriosis. We found that TCF21 expression in ESCs was higher than that in endometrial stromal cells (EMs), and positively correlated with SF-1 and ERβ expression in ESCs. Since the importance of E-box element for NR5A1 promoter activity has been previously reported, we performed site-mutation and luciferase assay, revealing that the E-box sequence in the ESR2 promoter is also a critical element modulating ERβ expression. Upstream stimulatory factor 2 (USF2) is another bHLH factor implicated in transcriptional regulation. Further analyses elucidated that it is not TCF21, but USF2 exhibited higher binding affinities in ESCs to NR5A1 and ESR2 promoters than in EMs. Additionally, TCF21 knockdown significantly decreased the binding activities of USF2 to NR5A1 and ESR2 promoters via disruption of the TCF21-USF2 complex. Meanwhile, manipulating TCF21 expression significantly affected MMP9 and cyclinD1 expression, as wells as proliferation and invasion of ESCs. Moreover, TCF21 depletion in endometriotic xenografts reduced SF-1 and ERβ expression, abrogating ectopic lesion growth in mice. Cumulatively, a critical role of TCF21 in the pathogenesis of endometriosis is demonstrated, suggesting a potential druggable target for future therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Li Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Cheng Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Zhao-Tong Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Ying-Fang Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China
| | - Serdar E Bulun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Qing Xue
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034, China.
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Molecular characterization of Pod1 during sex development in Chinese tongue sole (Cynoglossus semilaevis). Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 494:714-718. [PMID: 29106955 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.10.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pod1 encodes a Class II bHLH transcription factor involved in the development of a number of tissues such as gonad, spleen, lungs and heart. However, to date, little is known about its function in teleosts. In this study, we cloned and characterized Pod1 gene from Cynoglossus semilaevis. This gene contains three exons and two introns, with the full-length cDNA of 918 nucleotides that encodes a 183 amino acid protein with a conserved bHLH domain. Realtime quantitative PCR revealed that Pod1 was predominantly expressed in the testes of C. semilaevis. In different stages of testes development, Pod1 expression was undetectable up to 120 days after hatching (dah), and then increased at 210 dah and 1 year after hatching (yah). Furthermore, in situ hybridization (ISH) analysis revealed that Pod1 was mainly localized in the germ cells of testes, but was not detected in ovarian cells; which suggested its possible functions in spermatogenesis of C. semilaevis. The methylation profile analysis of Pod1 genomic sequence in the gonads showed that the differences in their putative promoter regions of Pod1 among ovary, male and pseudo-male testes were not obvious. Thus, further research might be needed to evaluate whether Pod1 expression is regulated by epigenetic level.
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França MM, Lerario AM, Fragoso MCBV, Lotfi CFP. New evidences on the regulation of SF-1 expression by POD1/TCF21 in adrenocortical tumor cells. Clinics (Sao Paulo) 2017; 72:391-394. [PMID: 28658440 PMCID: PMC5463254 DOI: 10.6061/clinics/2017(06)10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Transcription Factor 21 represses steroidogenic factor 1, a nuclear receptor required for gonadal development, sex determination and the regulation of adrenogonadal steroidogenesis. The aim of this study was to investigate whether silencing or overexpression of the gene Transcription Factor 21 could modulate the gene and protein expression of steroidogenic factor 1 in adrenocortical tumors. METHODS: We analyzed the gene expression of steroidogenic factor 1 using qPCR after silencing endogenous Transcription Factor 21 in pediatric adrenal adenoma-T7 cells through small interfering RNA. In addition, using overexpression of Transcription Factor 21 in human adrenocortical carcinoma cells, we analyzed the protein expression of steroidogenic factor 1 using Western blotting. RESULTS: Transcription Factor 21 knockdown increased the mRNA expression of steroidogenic factor 1 by 5.97-fold in pediatric adrenal adenoma-T7 cells. Additionally, Transcription Factor 21 overexpression inhibited the protein expression of steroidogenic factor 1 by 0.41-fold and 0.64-fold in two different adult adrenocortical carcinoma cell cultures, H295R and T36, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Transcription Factor 21 is downregulated in adrenocortical carcinoma cells. Taken together, these findings support the hypothesis that Transcription Factor 21 is a regulator of steroidogenic factor 1 and is a tumor suppressor gene in pediatric and adult adrenocortical tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Malheiros França
- Departamento de Anatomia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Antonio M Lerario
- Laboratorio de Hormonio e Genetica Molecular (LIM-42), Unidade Adrenal, Divisao de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicine, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
| | - Maria Candida B V Fragoso
- Laboratorio de Hormonio e Genetica Molecular (LIM-42), Unidade Adrenal, Divisao de Endocrinologia, Faculdade de Medicine, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, SP, BR
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Zhang LH, Luo Z, Song YF, Shi X, Pan YX, Fan YF, Xu YH. Effects and mechanisms of waterborne copper exposure influencing ovary development and related hormones secretion in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2016; 178:88-98. [PMID: 27472784 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2016.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The present study was conducted to determine the effects and mechanism of waterborne copper (Cu) exposure influencing ovary development and related hormones secretion in yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. To this end, two experiments were conducted. In Exp. 1, the partial cDNA sequences of three steroidogenesis-related genes (androgen receptor (ar), steroidogenic factor 1 (sf-1) and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (star)) were firstly characterized from P. fulvidraco. The predicted amino acid sequences for the P. fulvidraco ar, sf-1 and star contained the main structural features characteristic in other species. In Exp. 2, P. fulvidraco were exposed to three waterborne Cu concentrations (control, 30μg/l and 60μg/l, respectively) for 56days. Sampling occurred on day 28 and day 56, respectively. On day 28, the levels of serum sex-steroid hormones (FSH and LH) and the mRNA levels of steroidogenesis-related genes (3β-hsd, cyp11a1, cyp17, cyp19a, sf-1 and star) were significantly increased in ovary of P. fulvidraco exposed to 30μg Cu/l. The immunohistochemical analysis showed the positive reaction of ER, VTG and aromatase in low dose exposure group. These indicated that in low dose and relative short-term exposure, Cu was beneficial. In contrast, 60μg Cu/l exposure significantly reduced the levels of serum FSH, LH, E2 and P, and the mRNA levels of ovarian 20β-hsd, cyp19a and erα in P. fulvidraco. On day 56, waterborne Cu concentration exposure reduced the levels of serum gonadotropins and sex hormones, and down-regulated the mRNA levels of steroidogenesis-related genes, indicating long-term Cu exposure had toxic effect on the secretion of sex-steroid hormone in P. fulvidraco. For the first time, our study cloned cDNA sequences of ar, sf-1 and star in P. fulvidraco, and demonstrated the effects and mechanism of waterborne Cu exposure influencing hormones secretion and synthesis in dose- and time-dependent manner in P. fulvidraco, which will help to understand the Cu-induced reproductive toxicity at both protein and transcriptional levels in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Han Zhang
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Feed for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovative Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Zhi Luo
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Feed for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovative Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China; Hubei Provincial Engineering Laboratory for Pond Aquaculture, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Yu-Feng Song
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Feed for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovative Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xi Shi
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Feed for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovative Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Ya-Xiong Pan
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Feed for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovative Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yao-Fang Fan
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Feed for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovative Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Yi-Huan Xu
- Laboratory of Nutrition and Feed for Aquatic Economic Animals, Fishery College, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China; Freshwater Aquaculture Collaborative Innovative Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan 430070, China
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