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Karna B, Pellegata NS, Mohr H. Animal and Cell Culture Models of PPGLs - Achievements and Limitations. Horm Metab Res 2024; 56:51-64. [PMID: 38171372 DOI: 10.1055/a-2204-4549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Research on rare tumors heavily relies on suitable models for basic and translational research. Paragangliomas (PPGL) are rare neuroendocrine tumors (NET), developing from adrenal (pheochromocytoma, PCC) or extra-adrenal (PGL) chromaffin cells, with an annual incidence of 2-8 cases per million. While most PPGL cases exhibit slow growth and are primarily treated with surgery, limited systemic treatment options are available for unresectable or metastatic tumors. Scarcity of appropriate models has hindered PPGL research, preventing the translation of omics knowledge into drug and therapy development. Human PPGL cell lines are not available, and few animal models accurately replicate the disease's genetic and phenotypic characteristics. This review provides an overview of laboratory models for PPGLs, spanning cellular, tissue, organ, and organism levels. We discuss their features, advantages, and potential contributions to diagnostics and therapeutics. Interestingly, it appears that in the PPGL field, disease models already successfully implemented in other cancers have not been fully explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhargavi Karna
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Natalia Simona Pellegata
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Hermine Mohr
- Institute for Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Center Munich - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
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Ménard A, Abou Nader N, Levasseur A, St-Jean G, Le Gad-Le Roy M, Boerboom D, Benoit-Biancamano MO, Boyer A. Targeted Disruption of Lats1 and Lats2 in Mice Impairs Adrenal Cortex Development and Alters Adrenocortical Cell Fate. Endocrinology 2020; 161:5815549. [PMID: 32243503 PMCID: PMC7211035 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqaa052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
It has recently been shown that the loss of the Hippo signaling effectors Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in adrenocortical steroidogenic cells impairs the postnatal maintenance of the adrenal gland. To further explore the role of Hippo signaling in mouse adrenocortical cells, we conditionally deleted the key Hippo kinases large tumor suppressor homolog kinases 1 and -2 (Lats1 and Lats2, two kinases that antagonize YAP and TAZ transcriptional co-regulatory activity) in steroidogenic cells using an Nr5a1-cre strain (Lats1flox/flox;Lats2flox/flox;Nr5a1-cre). We report here that developing adrenocortical cells adopt characteristics of myofibroblasts in both male and female Lats1flox/flox;Lats2flox/flox;Nr5a1-cre mice, resulting in a loss of steroidogenic gene expression, adrenal failure and death by 2 to 3 weeks of age. A marked accumulation of YAP and TAZ in the nuclei of the myofibroblast-like cell population with an accompanying increase in the expression of their transcriptional target genes in the adrenal glands of Lats1flox/flox;Lats2flox/flox;Nr5a1-cre animals suggested that the myofibroblastic differentiation could be attributed in part to YAP and TAZ. Taken together, our results suggest that Hippo signaling is required to maintain proper adrenocortical cell differentiation and suppresses their differentiation into myofibroblast-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amélie Ménard
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Nour Abou Nader
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Adrien Levasseur
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Guillaume St-Jean
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Marie Le Gad-Le Roy
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Derek Boerboom
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Marie-Odile Benoit-Biancamano
- Département de Pathologie et Microbiologie Vétérinaire, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
| | - Alexandre Boyer
- Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, Saint-Hyacinthe, Canada
- Correspondence: Alexandre Boyer, Centre de Recherche en Reproduction et Fertilité, Faculté de Médecine Vétérinaire, Université de Montréal, 3200 rue Sicotte, St-Hyacinthe, QC, J2S 7C6, Canada. E-mail:
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Sun N, Meyer LS, Feuchtinger A, Kunzke T, Knösel T, Reincke M, Walch A, Williams TA. Mass Spectrometry Imaging Establishes 2 Distinct Metabolic Phenotypes of Aldosterone-Producing Cell Clusters in Primary Aldosteronism. Hypertension 2020; 75:634-644. [PMID: 31957522 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.119.14041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Aldosterone-producing adenomas (APAs) are one of the main causes of primary aldosteronism and the most prevalent surgically correctable form of hypertension. Aldosterone-producing cell clusters (APCCs) comprise tight nests of zona glomerulosa cells, strongly positive for CYP11B2 (aldosterone synthase) in immunohistochemistry. APCCs have been suggested as possible precursors of APAs because they frequently carry driver mutations for constitutive aldosterone production, and a few adrenal lesions with histopathologic features of both APCCs and APAs have been identified. Our objective was to investigate the metabolic phenotypes of APCCs (n=27) compared with APAs (n=6) using in situ matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry imaging of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded adrenals from patients with unilateral primary aldosteronism. Specific distribution patterns of metabolites were associated with APCCs and classified 2 separate APCC subgroups (subgroups 1 and 2) indistinguishable by CYP11B2 immunohistochemistry. Metabolic profiles of APCCs in subgroup 1 were tightly clustered and distinct from subgroup 2 and APAs. Multiple APCCs from the same adrenal displayed metabolic profiles of the same subgroup. Metabolites of APCC subgroup 2 were highly similar to the APA group and indicated enhanced metabolic pathways favoring cell proliferation compared with APCC subgroup 1. In conclusion, we demonstrate specific subgroups of APCCs with strikingly divergent distribution patterns of metabolites. One subgroup displays a metabolic phenotype convergent with APAs and may represent the progression of APCCs to APAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Sun
- From the Research Unit Analytical Pathology, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum München (N.S., A.F., T. Kunzke, A.W.)
| | - Lucie S Meyer
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Germany (L.S.M., M.R., T.A.W.)
| | - Annette Feuchtinger
- From the Research Unit Analytical Pathology, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum München (N.S., A.F., T. Kunzke, A.W.)
| | - Thomas Kunzke
- From the Research Unit Analytical Pathology, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum München (N.S., A.F., T. Kunzke, A.W.)
| | - Thomas Knösel
- Institute of Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Germany (T. Knösel)
| | - Martin Reincke
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Germany (L.S.M., M.R., T.A.W.)
| | - Axel Walch
- From the Research Unit Analytical Pathology, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Helmholtz Zentrum München (N.S., A.F., T. Kunzke, A.W.)
| | - Tracy Ann Williams
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU München, Germany (L.S.M., M.R., T.A.W.).,Division of Internal Medicine and Hypertension, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Italy (T.A.W.)
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Vrenken KS, Vervoort BMT, van Ingen Schenau DS, Derks YHW, van Emst L, Grytsenko PG, Middelbeek JAJ, van Leeuwen FN. The transcriptional repressor SNAI2 impairs neuroblastoma differentiation and inhibits response to retinoic acid therapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2019; 1866:165644. [PMID: 31862304 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children and originates from poorly differentiated neural crest progenitors. High-risk neuroblastoma patients frequently present with metastatic disease at diagnosis. Despite intensive treatment, patients often develop refractory disease characterized by poorly differentiated, therapy resistant cells. Although adjuvant therapy using retinoic acid (RA)-induced differentiation may increase event-free survival, in the majority of cases response to RA-therapy is inadequate. Consequently, current research aims to identify novel therapeutic targets that enhance the sensitivity to RA and induce neuroblastoma cell differentiation. The similarities between neural crest development and neuroblastoma progression provide an appealing starting point. During neural crest development the EMT-transcription factor SNAI2 plays an important role in neural crest specification as well as neural crest cell migration and survival. Here, we report that CRISPR/Cas9 mediated deletion as well as shRNA mediated knockdown of the EMT-transcription factor SNAI2 promotes cellular differentiation in a variety of neuroblastoma models. By comparing mRNA expression data from independent patient cohorts, we show that a SNAI2 activity-based gene expression signature significantly correlates with event-free survival. Loss of SNAI2 function reduces self-renewal, 3D invasion as well as metastatic spread in vivo, while strongly sensitizing neuroblastoma cells to RA-induced growth inhibition. Together, our data demonstrate that SNAI2 maintains progenitor-like features in neuroblastoma cells while interfering with RA-induced growth inhibition. We propose that targeting gene regulatory circuits, such as those controlling SNAI2 function, may allow reversion of RA-therapy resistant neuroblastoma cells to a more differentiated and therapy responsive phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsten S Vrenken
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Pediatric Oncology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Britt M T Vervoort
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Pediatric Oncology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Dorette S van Ingen Schenau
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Pediatric Oncology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Yvonne H W Derks
- Laboratory of Pediatric Oncology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Liesbeth van Emst
- Laboratory of Pediatric Oncology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Pavlo G Grytsenko
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Jeroen A J Middelbeek
- Laboratory of Pediatric Oncology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Frank N van Leeuwen
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Pediatric Oncology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
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Retinoic acid receptor α as a novel contributor to adrenal cortex structure and function through interactions with Wnt and Vegfa signalling. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14677. [PMID: 31605007 PMCID: PMC6789122 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50988-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary aldosteronism (PA) is the most frequent form of secondary arterial hypertension. Mutations in different genes increase aldosterone production in PA, but additional mechanisms may contribute to increased cell proliferation and aldosterone producing adenoma (APA) development. We performed transcriptome analysis in APA and identified retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) signaling as a central molecular network involved in nodule formation. To understand how RARα modulates adrenal structure and function, we explored the adrenal phenotype of male and female Rarα knockout mice. Inactivation of Rarα in mice led to significant structural disorganization of the adrenal cortex in both sexes, with increased adrenal cortex size in female mice and increased cell proliferation in males. Abnormalities of vessel architecture and extracellular matrix were due to decreased Vegfa expression and modifications in extracellular matrix components. On the molecular level, Rarα inactivation leads to inhibition of non-canonical Wnt signaling, without affecting the canonical Wnt pathway nor PKA signaling. Our study suggests that Rarα contributes to the maintenance of normal adrenal cortex structure and cell proliferation, by modulating Wnt signaling. Dysregulation of this interaction may contribute to abnormal cell proliferation, creating a propitious environment for the emergence of specific driver mutations in PA.
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Hozumi K, Teranishi Y, Enomoto S, Katagiri F, Kikkawa Y, Nomizu M. Identification of specific integrin cross-talk for dermal fibroblast cell adhesion using a mixed peptide-chitosan matrix. J Biomater Appl 2019; 33:893-902. [PMID: 30638115 DOI: 10.1177/0885328218823457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular matrix molecules are recognized by several integrin subtypes, making identification of cross-talk among different integrin subtypes difficult. Here, we evaluated the cross-talk of integrin subtypes using four different integrin-binding peptides (FIB1; integrin αvβ3/α5β1, A2G10; integrin α6β1, EF1zz; integrin α2β1, or 531; integrin α3β1) derived from extracellular matrix molecules. Various combinations of two different integrin-binding peptides were mixed and conjugated on a chitosan matrix at various molar ratios and were evaluated for cell attachment activity. FIB1/A2G10 (molar ratio 5:5; total 10 nmol/well)-chitosan matrix significantly enhanced cell attachment activity compared with sum of the cell attachment activity on FIB1 (5 nmol/well)-chitosan matrices and A2G10 (5 nmol/well)-chitosan matrices, respectively. However, none of the other peptides showed a significant activity change when they were mixed and conjugated on a chitosan matrix. We investigated the mechanisms of this enhancement. FIB1/A2G10 (8:2 or 6:4)-chitosan matrix increased the cell spreading, phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase at Y397, and slightly decreased phosphorylation of caveolin-1 at Y14 in fibroblasts compared with FIB1-chitosan and A2G10-chitosan matrices. These results indicate that FIB1/A2G10 (8:2 or 6:4)-chitosan matrix synergistically enhances cell attachment, suggesting that integrins αvβ3/α5β1 and α6β1 are involved in a cross-talk and synergistically enhance cell attachment. These findings also suggest that the mixed peptide-chitosan matrix system can regulate the ratio of two different peptides and is useful for evaluating cellular functions through receptor-specific cross-talk. Further, FIB1/A2G10 (8:2 or 6:4)-chitosan matrix could be a useful material for tissue engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Hozumi
- 1 Department of Applied Clinical Dietetics, Kitasato Junior College of Health and Hygienic Sciences, Minamiuonuma, Niigata, Japan.,2 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yui Teranishi
- 2 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sayaka Enomoto
- 2 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Katagiri
- 2 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yamato Kikkawa
- 2 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Motoyoshi Nomizu
- 2 Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Hachioji, Tokyo, Japan
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New insights into morphological, stereological and functional studies of the adrenal gland under exposure to the potent goitrogen thiourea. Interdiscip Toxicol 2018; 11:38-44. [PMID: 30181711 PMCID: PMC6117817 DOI: 10.2478/intox-2018-0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Thiourea (thiophen-3-yl-acetic acid) is a well established antithyroid drug used for treating hyperactivity of the thyroid gland as it blocks the conversion of thyroxine (T4) to triiodothyronine (T3) in peripheral tissues. Human exposures to thiourea include contaminated drinking water and vegetables for its extensive use in fertilizers. Chronic thiourea exposure can cause thyroid dysfunction leading to redox imbalance. However, such effects on morphological, quantitative, functional and hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenocortical axis (HPA) analysis of the adrenal gland are yet to be explored. The aim was to explore the effect of thiourea on structural and functional status of the adrenocortical region with special reference to the HPA axis. Control rats were fed a normal laboratory standardized diet whereas to experimental rats, thiourea at a dose of 0.3 mg/day/Kg body weight was administered orally, once every day for consecutive 28 days. Histology and histometry, including morphometry of the adrenal, adrenal Δ5 3β HSD and 17β HSD activity, LPO level and serum corticosterone profile were assessed. Statistical significance was studied by ‘Mann-Whitney U’ test at p<0.05. Hypertrophy and hyperplasia of the adrenocortical cells was found especially in the layer zona fasciculata (p=0.0027) and enhanced adrenal Δ5 3β HSD activity (p=0.0067) in comparison to that of the control. Increased lipid peroxidation (p=0.0054) and up-regulated corticosterone release (p=0.0064) through adrenocortical stress signalling pathway were also noted. Stereological analysis of the left adrenal gland showed significant increase in volume (p=0.0025) and mass of cells (p=0.0031) in adrenocortical region in comparison to that of control animals. This study concludes that thiourea, in addition to its antithyroidal activity, develops stress in the adrenal as evident by enhanced lipid peroxidation in the gland that in turn through the HPA axis causes hypertrophy and hyperplasia of adrenocortical cells to enhance synthesis and release of corticosterone secretion to counteract the stress developed under the influence of this potent chemical agent.
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Pignatti E, Leng S, Carlone DL, Breault DT. Regulation of zonation and homeostasis in the adrenal cortex. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2017; 441:146-155. [PMID: 27619404 PMCID: PMC5235909 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2016] [Revised: 09/01/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The adult adrenal cortex is organized into concentric zones, each specialized to produce distinct steroid hormones. Cellular composition of the cortex is highly dynamic and subject to diverse signaling controls. Cortical homeostasis and regeneration rely on centripetal migration of steroidogenic cells from the outer to the inner cortex, which is accompanied by direct conversion of zona glomerulosa (zG) into zona fasciculata (zF) cells. Given the important impact of tissue structure and growth on steroidogenic function, it is essential to understand the mechanisms governing adrenal zonation and homeostasis. Towards this end, we review the distinctions between each zone by highlighting their morphological and ultra-structural features, discuss key signaling pathways influencing zonal identity, and evaluate current evidence for long-term self-renewing stem cells in the adult cortex. Finally, we review data supporting zG-to-zF transdifferentiation/direct conversion as a major mechanism of adult cortical renewal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Pignatti
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sining Leng
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Diana L Carlone
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - David T Breault
- Division of Endocrinology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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Lerario AM, Finco I, LaPensee C, Hammer GD. Molecular Mechanisms of Stem/Progenitor Cell Maintenance in the Adrenal Cortex. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2017; 8:52. [PMID: 28386245 PMCID: PMC5362593 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2017.00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The adrenal cortex is characterized by three histologically and functionally distinct zones: the outermost zona glomerulosa (zG), the intermediate zona fasciculata, and the innermost zona reticularis. Important aspects of the physiology and maintenance of the adrenocortical stem/progenitor cells have emerged in the last few years. Studies have shown that the adrenocortical cells descend from a pool of progenitors that are localized in the subcapsular region of the zG. These cells continually undergo a process of centripetal displacement and differentiation, which is orchestrated by several paracrine and endocrine cues, including the pituitary-derived adrenocorticotrophic hormone, and angiotensin II. However, while several roles of the endocrine axes on adrenocortical function are well established, the mechanisms coordinating the maintenance of an undifferentiated progenitor cell pool with self-renewal capacity are poorly understood. Local factors, such as the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) with embedded signaling molecules, and the activity of major paracrine effectors, including ligands of the sonic hedgehog and Wnt signaling pathways, are thought to play a major role. Particularly, the composition of the ECM, which exhibits substantial differences within each of the three histologically distinct concentric zones, has been shown to influence the differentiation status of adrenocortical cells. New data from other organ systems and different experimental paradigms strongly support the conclusion that the interactions of ECM components with cell-surface receptors and secreted factors are key determinants of cell fate. In this review, we summarize established and emerging data on the paracrine and autocrine regulatory loops that regulate the biology of the progenitor cell niche and propose a role for bioengineered ECM models in further elucidating this biology in the adrenal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Marcondes Lerario
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Isabella Finco
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Christopher LaPensee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Gary Douglas Hammer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Endocrine Oncology Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Center for Organogenesis, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- *Correspondence: Gary Douglas Hammer,
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Vinson GP. Functional Zonation of the Adult Mammalian Adrenal Cortex. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:238. [PMID: 27378832 PMCID: PMC4908136 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The standard model of adrenocortical zonation holds that the three main zones, glomerulosa, fasciculata, and reticularis each have a distinct function, producing mineralocorticoids (in fact just aldosterone), glucocorticoids, and androgens respectively. Moreover, each zone has its specific mechanism of regulation, though ACTH has actions throughout. Finally, the cells of the cortex originate from a stem cell population in the outer cortex or capsule, and migrate centripetally, changing their phenotype as they progress through the zones. Recent progress in understanding the development of the gland and the distribution of steroidogenic enzymes, trophic hormone receptors, and other factors suggests that this model needs refinement. Firstly, proliferation can take place throughout the gland, and although the stem cells are certainly located in the periphery, zonal replenishment can take place within zones. Perhaps more importantly, neither the distribution of enzymes nor receptors suggest that the individual zones are necessarily autonomous in their production of steroid. This is particularly true of the glomerulosa, which does not seem to have the full suite of enzymes required for aldosterone biosynthesis. Nor, in the rat anyway, does it express MC2R to account for the response of aldosterone to ACTH. It is known that in development, recruitment of stem cells is stimulated by signals from within the glomerulosa. Furthermore, throughout the cortex local regulatory factors, including cytokines, catecholamines and the tissue renin-angiotensin system, modify and refine the effects of the systemic trophic factors. In these and other ways it more and more appears that the functions of the gland should be viewed as an integrated whole, greater than the sum of its component parts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gavin P Vinson
- School of Biological and Chemical Sciences, Queen Mary University of London London, UK
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Gallo-Payet N. 60 YEARS OF POMC: Adrenal and extra-adrenal functions of ACTH. J Mol Endocrinol 2016; 56:T135-56. [PMID: 26793988 DOI: 10.1530/jme-15-0257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) plays a pivotal role in homeostasis and stress response and is thus the major component of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. After a brief summary of ACTH production from proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and on ACTH receptor properties, the first part of the review covers the role of ACTH in steroidogenesis and steroid secretion. We highlight the mechanisms explaining the differential acute vs chronic effects of ACTH on aldosterone and glucocorticoid secretion. The second part summarizes the effects of ACTH on adrenal growth, addressing its role as either a mitogenic or a differentiating factor. We then review the mechanisms involved in steroid secretion, from the classical Cyclic adenosine monophosphate second messenger system to various signaling cascades. We also consider how the interaction between the extracellular matrix and the cytoskeleton may trigger activation of signaling platforms potentially stimulating or repressing the steroidogenic potency of ACTH. Finally, we consider the extra-adrenal actions of ACTH, in particular its role in differentiation in a variety of cell types, in addition to its known lipolytic effects on adipocytes. In each section, we endeavor to correlate basic mechanisms of ACTH function with the pathological consequences of ACTH signaling deficiency and of overproduction of ACTH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Gallo-Payet
- Division of EndocrinologyDepartment of Medicine, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada Division of EndocrinologyDepartment of Medicine, Faculté de médecine et des sciences de la santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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Lotfi CFP, de Mendonca POR. Comparative Effect of ACTH and Related Peptides on Proliferation and Growth of Rat Adrenal Gland. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2016; 7:39. [PMID: 27242663 PMCID: PMC4860745 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2016.00039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is a polypeptide precursor known to yield biologically active peptides related to a range of functions. These active peptides include the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), which is essential for maintenance of adrenal growth and steroidogenesis, and the alpha-melanocyte stimulation hormone, which plays a key role in energy homeostasis. However, the role of the highly conserved N-terminal region of POMC peptide fragments has begun to be unraveled only recently. Here, we review the cascade of events involved in regulation of proliferation and growth of murine adrenal cortex triggered by ACTH and other POMC-derived peptides. Key findings regarding signaling pathways and modulation of genes and proteins required for the regulation of adrenal growth are summarized. We have outlined the known mechanisms as well as future challenges for research on the regulation of adrenal proliferation and growth triggered by these peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudimara Ferini Pacicco Lotfi
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Claudimara Ferini Pacicco Lotfi,
| | - Pedro O. R. de Mendonca
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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13
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Abstract
The human adult adrenal cortex is composed of the zona glomerulosa (zG), zona fasciculata (zF), and zona reticularis (zR), which are responsible for production of mineralocorticoids, glucocorticoids, and adrenal androgens, respectively. The final completion of cortical zonation in humans does not occur until puberty with the establishment of the zR and its production of adrenal androgens; a process called adrenarche. The maintenance of the adrenal cortex involves the centripetal displacement and differentiation of peripheral Sonic hedgehog-positive progenitors cells into zG cells that later transition to zF cells and subsequently zR cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yewei Xing
- Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, 1860 BSRB, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Antonio M Lerario
- Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, 1860 BSRB, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - William Rainey
- Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, 1860 BSRB, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, 2560D MSRB II, 1150 W. Medical Center Dr., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5622, USA
| | - Gary D Hammer
- Endocrine Oncology Program, Center for Organogenesis, University of Michigan, 109 Zina Pitcher Place, 1528 BSRB, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA.
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Abstract
The purpose of this article is to review fundamentals in adrenal gland histophysiology. Key findings regarding the important signaling pathways involved in the regulation of steroidogenesis and adrenal growth are summarized. We illustrate how adrenal gland morphology and function are deeply interconnected in which novel signaling pathways (Wnt, Sonic hedgehog, Notch, β-catenin) or ionic channels are required for their integrity. Emphasis is given to exploring the mechanisms and challenges underlying the regulation of proliferation, growth, and functionality. Also addressed is the fact that while it is now well-accepted that steroidogenesis results from an enzymatic shuttle between mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum, key questions still remain on the various aspects related to cellular uptake and delivery of free cholesterol. The significant progress achieved over the past decade regarding the precise molecular mechanisms by which the two main regulators of adrenal cortex, adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) and angiotensin II act on their receptors is reviewed, including structure-activity relationships and their potential applications. Particular attention has been given to crucial second messengers and how various kinases, phosphatases, and cytoskeleton-associated proteins interact to ensure homeostasis and/or meet physiological demands. References to animal studies are also made in an attempt to unravel associated clinical conditions. Many of the aspects addressed in this article still represent a challenge for future studies, their outcome aimed at providing evidence that the adrenal gland, through its steroid hormones, occupies a central position in many situations where homeostasis is disrupted, thus highlighting the relevance of exploring and understanding how this key organ is regulated. © 2014 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 4:889-964, 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Gallo-Payet
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, and Centre de Recherche Clinique Étienne-Le Bel of the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Sherbrooke (CHUS), Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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15
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de Mendonca POR, Costa IC, Lotfi CFP. The involvement of Nek2 and Notch in the proliferation of rat adrenal cortex triggered by POMC-derived peptides. PLoS One 2014; 9:e108657. [PMID: 25279464 PMCID: PMC4184836 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0108657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The adrenal gland is a dynamic organ that undergoes constant cell turnover. This allows for rapid organ remodeling in response to the physiological demands of the HPA axis, which is controlled by proopiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides, such as adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and N-Terminal peptides (N-POMC). In the rat adrenal cortex, POMC-derived peptides trigger a mitogenic effect, and this process increases cyclins D and E, while inhibiting p27Kip1. The goal of the present study was to further explore the mitogenic effect of ACTH and synthetic N-POMC1–28 peptides by investigating the differences in the expression of key genes involved in the cell cycle of the rat adrenal cortex, following inhibition of the HPA axis. Moreover, we evaluated the differences between the inner and outer fractions of the adrenal cortex (ZF-fraction and ZG-fraction) in terms of their response patterns to different stimuli. In the current study, the inhibition of the HPA axis repressed the expression of Ccnb2, Camk2a, and Nek2 genes throughout the adrenal cortex, while treatments with POMC-derived peptides stimulated Nek2, gene and protein expression, and Notch2 gene expression. Furthermore, Notch1 protein expression was restricted to the subcapsular region of the cortex, an area of the adrenal cortex that is well-known for proliferation. We also showed that different regions of the adrenal cortex respond to HPA-axis inhibition and to induction with POMC-derived peptides at different times. These results suggest that cells in the ZG and ZF fractions could be at different phases of the cell cycle. Our results contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms involved in cell cycle regulation in adrenocortical cells triggered by N-POMC peptides and ACTH, and highlight the involvement of genes such as Nek2 and Notch.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ismael Cabral Costa
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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16
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Bozzo AA, Soñez CA, Monedero Cobeta I, Rolando A, Romanini MC, Cots D, Lazarte MA, Gauna HF, Mugnaini MT. Chronic stress and its effects on adrenal cortex apoptosis in pregnant rats. Biotech Histochem 2013; 89:296-303. [DOI: 10.3109/10520295.2013.846478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Short AD, Boag A, Catchpole B, Kennedy LJ, Massey J, Rothwell S, Husebye E, Ollier B. A candidate gene analysis of canine hypoadrenocorticism in 3 dog breeds. J Hered 2013; 104:807-20. [PMID: 23997205 DOI: 10.1093/jhered/est051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Canine hypoadrenocorticism is believed to be an immune-related condition. It is rare in the overall dog population but shows a breed-related predisposition with Standard poodles and Portuguese water dogs having a greater prevalence of the condition. It shares many similarities with human primary adrenal insufficiency and is believed to be a naturally occurring, spontaneous model for the human condition. Short haplotype blocks and low levels of linkage disequilibrium in the human genome mean that the identification of genetic contributors to the condition requires large sample numbers. Pedigree dogs have high linkage disequilibrium and long haplotypes within a breed, increasing the potential of identifying novel genes that contribute to canine genetic disease. We investigated 222 SNPs from 42 genes that have been associated or may be implicated in human Addison's disease. We conducted case-control analyses in 3 pedigree dog breeds (Labrador retriever: affected n = 30, unaffected = 76; Cocker Spaniel: affected n = 19, unaffected = 53; Springer spaniel: affected n = 26, unaffected = 46) and identified 8 associated alleles in genes COL4A4, OSBPL9, CTLA4, PTPN22, and STXBP5 in 3 pedigree breeds. Association with immune response genes PTPN22 and CTLA4 in certain breeds suggests an underlying immunopathogenesis of the disease. These results suggest that canine hypoadrenocorticism could be a useful model for studying comparative genetics relevant to human Addison's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea D Short
- the Centre for Integrated Genomic Medical Research, The University of Manchester, Stopford Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
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Nishimoto K, Rainey WE, Bollag WB, Seki T. Lessons from the gene expression pattern of the rat zona glomerulosa. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2013; 371:107-13. [PMID: 23287491 PMCID: PMC3625490 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2012.12.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2012] [Revised: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
We recently identified hundreds of transcripts with differential expression in rat zona glomerulosa (zG) and zona fasciculata. Although the genes up-regulated in the zG may be playing important roles in aldosterone production, the relationship between most of these genes and aldosterone production has not been uncovered. Because aldosterone, in the presence of a high sodium diet, is now considered a significant cardiovascular risk factor, in this review we performed gene ontology and pathway analyses on the same microarray data to better define the genes that may influence zG function. Overall, we identified a number of genes that may be involved in aldosterone production through transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), WNT, calcium, potassium, and ACTH signaling pathways. The list of genes we present in the current report may become an important tool for researchers working on primary aldosteronism and aldosterone-related cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koshiro Nishimoto
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Health Sciences University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
- Department of Urology, Tachikawa Hospital, Tokyo 190-8531, Japan
| | - William E. Rainey
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Health Sciences University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
| | - Wendy B. Bollag
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Health Sciences University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA 30904
| | - Tsugio Seki
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Health Sciences University, Augusta, Georgia 30912
- Corresponding author: Tsugio Seki, Department of Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Georgia Health Sciences University, 1120 15th Street, CA3064, Augusta, GA 30912; Tel., +1-706-721-1321; Fax., +1-706-721-7299
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19
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Wang E, Chong K, Yu M, Akhoundsadegh N, Granville DJ, Shapiro J, McElwee KJ. Development of autoimmune hair loss disease alopecia areata is associated with cardiac dysfunction in C3H/HeJ mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e62935. [PMID: 23658656 PMCID: PMC3637254 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0062935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Alopecia areata (AA) is a chronic autoimmune hair loss disease that affects several million men, women and children worldwide. Previous studies have suggested a link between autoimmunity, stress hormones, and increased cardiovascular disease risk. In the current study, histology, immunohistology, quantitative PCR (qPCR) and ELISAs were used to assess heart health in the C3H/HeJ mouse model for AA and heart tissue response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) exposure. Mice with AA exhibited both atrial and ventricular hypertrophy, and increased collagen deposition compared to normal-haired littermates. QPCR revealed significant increases in Il18 (4.6-fold), IL18 receptor-1 (Il18r1; 2.8-fold) and IL18 binding protein (Il18bp; 5.2-fold) in AA hearts. Time course studies revealed a trend towards decreased Il18 in acute AA compared to controls while Il18r1, Il18bp and Casp1 showed similar trends to those of chronic AA affected mice. Immunohistochemistry showed localization of IL18 in chronic AA mouse atria. ELISA indicated cardiac troponin-I (cTnI) was elevated in the serum and significantly increased in AA heart tissue. Cultures of heart atria revealed differential gene expression between AA and control mice in response to ACTH. ACTH treatment induced significant increase in cTnI release into the culture medium in a dose-dependent manner for both AA and control mice. In conclusion, murine AA is associated with structural, biochemical, and gene expression changes consistent with cardiac hypertrophy in response to ACTH exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eddy Wang
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Katy Chong
- University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mei Yu
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Noushin Akhoundsadegh
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David J. Granville
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, James Hogg Research Centre, Institute for Heart and Lung Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jerry Shapiro
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kevin J. McElwee
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- * E-mail:
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20
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Development and fibronectin signaling requirements of the zebrafish interrenal vessel. PLoS One 2012; 7:e43040. [PMID: 22937010 PMCID: PMC3428036 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0043040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/16/2012] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The early morphogenetic steps of zebrafish interrenal tissue, the teleostean counterpart of the mammalian adrenal gland, are modulated by the peri-interrenal angioblasts and blood vessels. While an organized distribution of intra-adrenal vessels and extracellular matrix is essential for the fetal adrenal cortex remodeling, whether and how an intra-interrenal buildup of vasculature and extracellular matrix forms and functions during interrenal organogenesis in teleosts remains unclear. Methodology and Principal Findings We characterized the process of interrenal gland vascularization by identifying the interrenal vessel (IRV); which develops from the axial artery through angiogenesis and is associated with highly enriched Fibronectin (Fn) accumulation at its microenvironment. The loss of Fn1 by either antisense morpholino (MO) knockdown or genetic mutation inhibited endothelial invasion and migration of the steroidogenic tissue. The accumulation of peri-IRV Fn requires Integrin α5 (Itga5), with its knockdown leading to interrenal and IRV morphologies phenocopying those in the fn1 morphant and mutant. fn1b, another known fn gene in zebrafish, is however not involved in the IRV formation. The distribution pattern of peri-IRV Fn could be modulated by the blood flow, while a lack of which altered angiogenic direction of the IRV as well as its ability to integrate with the steroidogenic tissue. The administration of Fn antagonist through microangiography exerted reducing effects on both interrenal vessel angiogenesis and steroidogenic cell migration. Conclusions and Significance This work is the first to identify the zebrafish IRV and to characterize how its integration into the developing interrenal gland requires the Fn-enriched microenvironment, which leads to the possibility of using the IRV formation as a platform for exploring organ-specific angiogenesis. In the context of other developmental endocrinology studies, our results indicate a highly dynamic interrenal-vessel interaction immediately before the onset of stress response in the zebrafish embryo.
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21
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Mattos GE, Jacysyn JF, Amarante-Mendes GP, Lotfi CFP. Comparative effect of FGF2, synthetic peptides 1-28 N-POMC and ACTH on proliferation in rat adrenal cell primary cultures. Cell Tissue Res 2011; 345:343-56. [PMID: 21866314 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-011-1220-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2011] [Accepted: 07/17/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence that pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived peptides other than adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) have a role in adrenal cell proliferation. We compared the activity of synthetic rat N-terminal POMC fragment 1-28 with disulfide bridges (N-POMC(w)) and without disulfide bridges (N-POMC(w/o)), with the activity of fibroblast growth factor (FGF2), a widely studied adrenal growth factor, and ACTH, in well-characterized pure cultures of both isolated adrenal Glomerulosa (G) and Fasciculata/Reticularis (F/R) cells. Three days of FGF2-treatment had a proliferative effect similar to serum, and synthetic peptide N-POMC(w) induced proliferation more efficiently than N-POMC(w/o). Moreover, both induced proliferation via the ERK1/2 pathway. In contrast, sustained ACTH treatment decreased proliferation and viability through apoptosis induction, but not necrosis, and independently of PKA and PKC pathways. Further elucidation of 1-28 POMC signal transduction is of interest, and primary cultures of adrenal cells were found to be useful for examining the trophic activity of this peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele E Mattos
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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22
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Guasti L, Paul A, Laufer E, King P. Localization of Sonic hedgehog secreting and receiving cells in the developing and adult rat adrenal cortex. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 336:117-22. [PMID: 21094676 PMCID: PMC3063526 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2010] [Revised: 11/10/2010] [Accepted: 11/11/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog signaling was recently demonstrated to play an important role in murine adrenal cortex development. The organization of the rat adrenal differs from that of the mouse, with the zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata separated by an undifferentiated zone in the rat, but not in the mouse. In the present study we aimed to determine the mRNA expression patterns of Sonic hedgehog and the hedgehog signaling pathway components Patched-1 and Gli1 in the developing and adult rat adrenal. Sonic hedgehog expression was detected at the periphery of the cortex in cells lacking CYP11B1 and CYP11B2 expression, while signal-receiving cells were localized in the overlying capsule mesenchyme. Using combined in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry we found that the cells expressing Sonic hedgehog lie between the CYP11B2 and CYP11B1 layers, and thus Sonic hedgehog expression defines one cell population of the undifferentiated zone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonardo Guasti
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK.
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Mendonça PORD, Lotfi CFP. The proliferative effect of synthetic N-POMC(1-28) peptides in rat adrenal cortex: a possible role for cyclin E. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 336:156-61. [PMID: 21167253 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2010] [Revised: 12/07/2010] [Accepted: 12/07/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Modified synthetic N-POMC(1-28) without disulfide bridges has been shown to act as an adrenal mitogen. Cyclins and their inhibitors are the major cell cycle controls, but in the adrenal cortex the effect of ACTH and N-POMC on the expression of these proteins remains unclear. In this work, we evaluate the effect of different synthetic N-POMC peptides on the S-phase of the cell cycle. In addition, we examine the cyclin E expression in rat adrenal cortex. Rats treated with dexamethasone were injected with ACTH and/or synthetic modified N-POMC and/or synthetic N-POMC with disulfide bridges. DNA synthesis was determined by BrdU incorporation and protein expression was analyzed by immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry. The results showed that similarly to modified N-POMC without disulfide bridges, administration of synthetic N-POMC with disulfide bridges and the combination of ACTH and N-POMC promoted an increase of BrdU-positive nuclei in adrenal cortex. However, the proliferative effect of N-POMC was comparable to that of ACTH only in the zona glomerulosa. An increase in cyclin E expression was observed 6 h after N-POMC treatment in the outer fraction of the adrenal cortex, in agreement with immunohistochemical findings in the zona glomerulosa. In summary, the effect of synthetic N-POMC with disulfide bridges was similar to modified synthetic N-POMC, increasing proliferation in the adrenal cortex, confirming previous evidence that disulfide bridges are not essential to the N-POMC mitogenic effect. Moreover, cyclin E appears to be involved in the N-POMC- and ACTH-stimulated proliferation in the zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro O R de Mendonça
- Department of Anatomy, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Av. Prof. Lineu Prestes, 2415, São Paulo 05508-000, SP, Brazil
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Roy S, Pinard S, Chouinard L, Gallo-Payet N. Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) effects on MAPK phosphorylation in human fasciculata cells and in embryonic kidney 293 cells expressing human melanocortin 2 receptor (MC2R) and MC2R accessory protein (MRAP)β. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 336:31-40. [PMID: 21195128 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2010.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Revised: 12/20/2010] [Accepted: 12/21/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) exerts trophic effects on adrenocortical cells. We studied the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated proteins kinases (MAPKs) in human embryonic kidney cells stably expressing the ACTH receptor, MC2R, and its accessory protein MRAPβ and in primary cultures of human adrenal fasciculata cells. ACTH induced a maximal increase in p44/p42(mapk) and of p38 MAPK phosphorylation after 5min. Neither the overexpression of wild-type arrestin2, arrestin3 or their respective dominant negative forms affected p44/p42(mapk) phosphorylation. However, preincubation with the recycling inhibitors brefeldin A and monensin attenuated both cAMP accumulation and p44/p42(mapk) phosphorylation proportionally. Cyclic AMP-related PKA inhibitors (H89, KI(6-22)) and Rp-cAMPS decreased p44/p42(mapk) phosphorylation but not ACTH-mediated cAMP production. The selective Epac1/2 activator, 8-pCPT-2'-O-MecAMP, did not modify the effect of ACTH. Thus, cAMP/PKA, but not cAMP/Epac1/2 pathways, or arrestin-coupled internalization of MC2R is involved in ACTH-induced p44/p42(mapk) phosphorylation by human MC2R. Together, ACTH binding to MC2R stimulates PKA-dependent p44/p42(mapk) phosphorylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Roy
- Service d'Endocrinologie, Département de Médecine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Québec, Canada J1H 5N4
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Allen RA, Seltz LM, Jiang H, Kasick RT, Sellaro TL, Badylak SF, Ogilvie JB. Adrenal extracellular matrix scaffolds support adrenocortical cell proliferation and function in vitro. Tissue Eng Part A 2010; 16:3363-74. [PMID: 20528677 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2010.0005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Transplantation of functional adrenal cortex cells could reduce morbidity and increase the quality of life of patients with adrenal insufficiency. Our aim was to determine whether adrenal extracellular matrix (ECM) scaffolds promote adrenocortical cell endocrine function and proliferation in vitro. We seeded decellularized porcine adrenal ECM with primary human fetal adrenocortical (HFA) cells. Adrenocortical function was quantified by cortisol secretion of HFA-ECM constructs after stimulation with adrenocorticotropic hormone. Proliferation was assessed by adenosine triphosphate assay. HFA-ECM construct morphology was evaluated by immunofluorescence microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Adrenal HFA-ECM constructs coated with laminin were compared to uncoated constructs. Laminin coating did not significantly affect HFA morphology, proliferation, or function. We demonstrated HFA cell attachment to adrenal ECM scaffolds. Cortisol production and HFA cell proliferation were significantly increased in HFA-ECM constructs compared to controls (p < 0.05), and cortisol secretion rate per cell is comparable to that of human adult and fetal explants. We conclude that adrenal ECM supports endocrine function and proliferation of adrenocortical cells in vitro. Adrenal ECM scaffolds may form the basis for biocompatible tissue-engineered adrenal replacements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Allen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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26
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Battista MC, Roberge C, Martinez A, Gallo-Payet N. 24-dehydrocholesterol reductase/seladin-1: a key protein differentially involved in adrenocorticotropin effects observed in human and rat adrenal cortex. Endocrinology 2009; 150:4180-90. [PMID: 19520779 DOI: 10.1210/en.2009-0410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
DHCR24 (24-dehydrocholesterol reductase), or seladin-1, is one of the most expressed genes in the adrenal gland. Because the rat and human adult adrenal cortex differ in their respective functional properties, the aim of the present study was to verify whether seladin-1 may be differentially involved in basal and ACTH-stimulated steroidogenesis and oxidative stress management. Seladin-1 expression was predominantly observed in both human and rat zona fasciculata, with a predominant cytoplasmic localization in human cells and a nucleo-cytoplasmic distribution in rat cells. In human fasciculata cells, localization of the protein was primarily associated with the endoplasmic reticulum. Although its expression was increased by ACTH, its intracellular localization was not altered by ACTH treatment (10 nm) or by the seladin-1 inhibitor U18666A (75 nm). Preincubation with U18666A did not modify the ACTH-induced increase in cortisol secretion but abolished the ACTH-induced increase in dehydroepiandrosterone secretion. In rat fasciculata cells, ACTH induced a massive redistribution of seladin-1 from the cytoplasm (cis-Golgi apparatus) to the nucleus, which was inhibited by preincubation with U18666A. Preincubation with U18666A also decreased ACTH-induced seladin-1 and 11beta-hydroxylase protein expression as well as corticosterone production, increased ACTH-induced ROS production but decreased ACTH-induced expression of the detoxifying protein aldo-ketoreductase 1b7. Thus, protection against acutely elevated ACTH-induced oxidative stress in rat fasciculata cells is correlated with nuclear relocalization of seladin-1 and its effects on cellular detoxifying machinery. Altogether, these results indicate that seladin-1 expression and intracellular localization are correlated with both the intensity and nature of ACTH-induced steroidogenesis and resultant oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Claude Battista
- Service d'Endocrinologie, Department of Medicine, Faculté de Médecine et des Sciences de la Santé, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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Kim AC, Barlaskar FM, Heaton JH, Else T, Kelly VR, Krill KT, Scheys JO, Simon DP, Trovato A, Yang WH, Hammer GD. In search of adrenocortical stem and progenitor cells. Endocr Rev 2009; 30:241-63. [PMID: 19403887 PMCID: PMC2726842 DOI: 10.1210/er.2008-0039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Scientists have long hypothesized the existence of tissue-specific (somatic) stem cells and have searched for their location in different organs. The theory that adrenocortical organ homeostasis is maintained by undifferentiated stem or progenitor cells can be traced back nearly a century. Similar to other organ systems, it is widely believed that these rare cells of the adrenal cortex remain relatively undifferentiated and quiescent until needed to replenish the organ, at which time they undergo proliferation and terminal differentiation. Historical studies examining cell cycle activation by label retention assays and regenerative potential by organ transplantation experiments suggested that the adrenocortical progenitors reside in the outer periphery of the adrenal gland. Over the past decade, the Hammer laboratory, building on this hypothesis and these observations, has endeavored to understand the mechanisms of adrenocortical development and organ maintenance. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of adrenal organogenesis. We present evidence for the existence and location of adrenocortical stem/progenitor cells and their potential contribution to adrenocortical carcinomas. Data described herein come primarily from studies conducted in the Hammer laboratory with incorporation of important related studies from other investigators. Together, the work provides a framework for the emerging somatic stem cell field as it relates to the adrenal gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex C Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109-2200, USA
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Otis M, Campbell S, Payet MD, Gallo-Payet N. In adrenal glomerulosa cells, angiotensin II inhibits proliferation by interfering with fibronectin-integrin signaling. Endocrinology 2008; 149:3435-45. [PMID: 18388189 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Angiotensin II (Ang II), through the Ang II type 1 receptor subtype, inhibits basal proliferation of adrenal glomerulosa cells by inducing the disruption of actin stress fiber organization. This effect is observed in cells cultured on plastic or on fibronectin. The aim of the present study was to investigate how Ang II may interfere with extracellular matrix/integrin signaling. In cells treated for 3 d with echistatin (EC) (a snake-venom RGD-containing protein that abolishes fibronectin binding to alpha(5)beta(1) or alpha(v)beta(3) integrins), basal proliferation decreased by 38%, whereas Ang II was unable to abolish basal proliferation. In cells grown on fibronectin, Ang II decreased binding of paxillin to focal adhesions and, similarly to EC, induced a rapid dephosphorylation of paxillin (1 min), followed by an increase after 15 min. Fibronectin enhanced RhoA/B and Rac activation induced by Ang II, an effect abolished by EC. Under basal conditions, paxillin was more readily associated with RhoA/B than with Rac. Stimulation with Ang II induced a transient decrease in RhoA/B-associated paxillin (after 5 min), with a return to basal levels after 10 min, while increasing Rac-associated paxillin. Finally, results reveal that glomerulosa cells are able to synthesize and secrete fibronectin, a process by which cells can stimulate their own proliferative activity when cultured on plastic. Together, these results suggest that Ang II acts at the level of integrin-paxillin complexes to disrupt the well- developed microfilament network, a condition necessary for the inhibition of cell proliferation and initiation of steroidogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélissa Otis
- Service of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, 3001 12th Avenue North, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
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Otis M, Campbell S, Payet MD, Gallo-Payet N. The growth-promoting effects of angiotensin II in adrenal glomerulosa cells: an interactive tale. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2007; 273:1-5. [PMID: 17587492 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2007.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2007] [Revised: 05/11/2007] [Accepted: 05/14/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The zona glomerulosa of the adrenal cortex is well-known for its high level of proliferation, compared to the adjacent zona fasciculata, both in in vivo and in vitro conditions. Angiotensin II (Ang II) is a potent growth factor for glomerulosa cells, appearing as a proliferative factor in vivo, under sodium-deficient diet conditions, as well as in vitro, in studies conducted with whole zona glomerulosa. However, in cells maintained in primary culture for 3 days, Ang II rather promotes cellular hypertrophy with a concomitant arrest in basal cell proliferation. The present essay aims at providing experimental arguments supporting such unexpected observations, with particular focus on the modulatory impact of the extracellular environment on Ang II action, namely AT(1) receptor-induced signaling pathways and cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélissa Otis
- Service of Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada J1H 5N4
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