Detection of Degraded Star Observation Using Singular Values for Improved Attitude Determination

This study introduces an innovative approach aimed at enhancing the accuracy of attitude determination through the computation of star observation quality. The proposed algorithm stems from the inherent invariance of singular values under attitude transformations, leveraging the concept of assessing error magnitude through the deviation of singular values. Quantization becomes imperative to employ this error magnitude as a weighting factor within the attitude determination process. To fulfill this purpose, this study applies p-value hypothesis testing to calculate quantized error levels. Simulation results validate that the calculated weights derived from the proposed algorithm lead to a discernible enhancement in attitude determination performance.

Bioinformation and Neutrino Communication

Communications among civilizations may include self-descriptive bioinformation because pathogen dynamics exist in their astrobiology and astrovirology, which could become pathogenic upon actual contact. This information is of mutual benefit, if reciprocated. However, in contrast, the strategic counter-scenario of self-hidden civilizations is also discussed. Civilizations, including extra-terrestrial civilizations have been divided and stratified into three levels, using a wide non-linear logarithmic scale. The levels are based on their energy expenditures: level 1 is at 4x10^19 erg/sec; level 2 is at 4x10^33 erg/sec; and level 3 is at 4x10^44 erg/sec. Terrestrial civilization is currently below the entry level I. Particularly advanced civilizations, which are above the highest level, may engineer interstellar travel and could move their planets across interstellar distances. Communication among civilizations has always been of keen interest. In terms of ability to communicate among advanced civilizations, neutrinos may be used for galactic and inter-galactic communication, in addition to or instead of using electromagnetic radiation. Thus, at this juncture, deliberation and debate are essential to proceed with development of civilization and communication.

Pentachloronitrobenzene alters progesterone production and primordial follicle recruitment in cultured granulosa cells and rat ovary†

Pentachloronitrobenzene (PCNB) is an organochlorine fungicide widely used for crop production and has become an environmental concern. Little is known about the effect of PCNB on ovarian steroidogenesis and follicular development. We found that PCNB stimulated Star expression and progesterone production in cultured rat granulosa cells in a dose-dependent manner. PCNB activated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK3/1) extracellulat regulated kinase (ERK1/2), thus inhibition of either protein kinase A (PKA) or MAPK3/1 signaling pathway significantly attenuated progesterone biosynthesis caused by PCNB, suggesting that PCNB induced progesterone production by activating the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP/PKA) and MAPK3/1 signaling pathways. Further investigation demonstrated that PCNB induced Star expression and altered MAPK3/1 signaling in ovary tissues of immature SD rats treated with PCNB at the dose of 100, 200, or 300 mg/kg by daily gavage for 7 days, while serum progesterone level was dose-dependently decreased. We demonstrated that PCNB exposure accelerated the recruitment of primordial follicles into the growing follicle pool in ovary tissues, accompanied by increased levels of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) in both ovary tissues and serum. Taken together, our data demonstrate for the first time that PCNB stimulated Star expression, altered MAPK3/1 signaling and progesterone production in vivo and in vitro, and accelerated follicular development with a concomitant increase in AMH in ovary tissues and serum. Our findings provide novel insight into the toxicity of PCNB to animal ovary function.

Shape Matters: Comprehensive Analysis of Star-Shaped Lipid Nanoparticles

The research of lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) has been ongoing for more than three decades, and more research are still being carried out today. Being the first Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved nanomedicine, LNPs not only provide various advantages, but also display some unique properties. The unique lipid bilayer structure of LNPs allows it to encapsulate both fat-soluble and water-soluble molecules, hence enabling a wide range of possibilities for the delivery of therapeutic agents with different physical and chemical properties. The ultra-small size of some LNPs confers them the ability to cross the blood brain barrier (BBB), thus obtaining superiority in the treatment of diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). The ability of tumor targeting is one of the basic requirements to be an excellent delivery system, where the LNPs have to reach the interior of the tumor. Factors that influence tumor extravasation and the permeability of LNPs are size, surface charge, lipid composition, and shape. The effect of size, surface charge, and lipid composition on the cellular uptake of LNPs is no longer recent news, while increasing numbers of researchers are interested in the effect of shape on the uptake of LNPs and its consequential effects. In our study, we prepared three lipid nanostars (LNSs) by mixing phosphatidylcholine (PC) with different backbone lengths (C14:C4 or C16:C6 or C18:C8) at a 3:1 ratio. Although several star-shaped nanocarriers have been reported, these are the first reported star-shaped LNPs. These LNSs were proven to be safe, similar in size with their spherical controls (~100 nm), and stable at 37°C. The release rate of these LNSs are inversely related to the length of the lipid backbone. Most importantly, these LNSs exhibited greatly enhanced cellular uptake and in vivo tumor extravasation compared with their spherical controls. Based on the different uptake and pharmacokinetic characteristics displayed by these LNSs, numerous route formulations could be taken into consideration, such as via injection or transdermal patch. Due to their excellent cellular uptake and in vivo tumor accumulation, these LNSs show exciting potential for application in cancer therapy.

Thermo/pH Responsive Star and Linear Copolymers Containing a Cholic Acid-Derived Monomer, N-Isopropylacrylamide and Acrylic Acid: Synthesis and Solution Properties

In this work three CTAs trithiocarbonate-type were synthesized-bifunctional (with PEG), trifunctional (with glycerol), and tetrafunctional (PERT)-and used in the controlled polymerization of 2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl cholate (CAE) via reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The resulting macroCTAs containing a cholic acid-derived polymer were chain extended with N-isopropylacrylamide with or without acrylic acid. The thermosensitive and/or pH properties of these copolymers were studied in PBS solutions. The copolymers synthesized without poly(acrylic acid) (PAAc) were unstable above the transition temperature. Similar behavior was observed for the copolymer solutions containing PAAc (2% in feed) at lower values of pH showing a faster precipitation above the LCST. On the contrary, copolymer solutions containing PAAc showed great stability at higher pH values for a longer time period at 37 °C. Interestingly, the Dh of the aggregates ranged from 18 to 30 nm in all copolymers (with or without PAAc) below the transition temperature, although the topology and the block sequence in the chain were significantly different.

Biodegradable Redox-Sensitive Star Polymer Nanomicelles for Enhancing Doxorubicin Delivery

A typical amphiphilic star polymer adamantane-[poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-bis(2-carboxyethyl) sulfide-poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether)]₄ with a specific hydrophilic/redox-sensitive/hydrophobic structure was designed and synthesized through ring opening and esterification reactions. The self-assembled nanomicelles were used as doxorubicin (DOX) delivery vehicles with suitable critical micelle concentrations (5.0 mg/L). After the drug being loaded, drug-loaded micelles showed good drug-loading efficiency (10.39%), encapsulation efficiency (58.1%), and drug release (up to 60%) under simulated biological environment conditions. In addition, the backbone structure of the biodegradable polymer was easily hydrolyzed by the action of biological enzymes. As expected, cell-based studies showed that the designed polymer micelles possessed good biocompatibility (a survival rate of 85% for NH-3T3 cells). Moreover, the drug (DOX) still maintained good anti-cancer effects after being loaded, which caused 40% of MCF-7 cells to survive. These redox-sensitive micelles showed anti-tumor therapeutic potential.

Stellar performance: mechanisms underlying Milky Way orientation in dung beetles

Nocturnal dung beetles (Scarabaeus satyrus) are currently the only animals that have been demonstrated to use the Milky Way for reliable orientation. In this study, we tested the capacity of S. satyrus to orient under a range of artificial celestial cues, and compared the properties of these cues with images of the Milky Way simulated for a beetle's visual system. We find that the mechanism that permits accurate stellar orientation under the Milky Way is based on an intensity comparison between different regions of the Milky Way. We determined the beetles' contrast sensitivity for this task in behavioural experiments in the laboratory, and found that the resulting threshold of 13% is sufficient to detect the contrast between the southern and northern arms of the Milky Way under natural conditions. This mechanism should be effective under extremely dim conditions and on nights when the Milky Way forms a near symmetrical band that crosses the zenith. These findings are discussed in the context of studies of stellar orientation in migratory birds and itinerant seals.This article is part of the themed issue 'Vision in dim light'.

Effects of dietary arachidonic acid on the reproductive physiology of female Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.)

The present study was designed to investigate potential effects of arachidonic acid (ARA) on the reproductive physiology of female Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.). Two-year old Atlantic cod of both sexes were equally distributed into eight sea cages after completion of their first spawning in May 2005. Four experimental groups were established and fed diets with different levels of ARA corresponding to 0.5, 1, 2 and 4% of total fatty acid. Ovarian growth and development was documented every month. Fatty acid composition was analysed in ovaries, liver and plasma at the beginning of the experiment, one month prior to spawning, and in spent fish, one month after spawning was completed. Plasma concentrations of estradiol-17β, testosterone and vitellogenin, and ovarian gene transcript levels of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (star), P450aromatase (cyp19a1a) and 20β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (20bhsd/cbr1) were monitored every month in fish fed the experimental diets and related to oocyte stage. Potential fecundity was calculated based on ovarian samples taken one month before onset of spawning. Ovarian and plasma ARA levels were highly correlated to dietary ARA levels. There was a net accumulation of ARA compared to other essential fatty acids in ovarian tissue that was reflected in a decrease in EPA:ARA ratio. Plasma concentrations of vitellogenin, estradiol-17β and testosterone and key gene transcript levels were affected by dietary ARA and stage of maturation. The results show that ARA has a significant influence on the reproductive physiology of female Atlantic cod.

Stereotactic Arrhythmia Radioablation (STAR) of Ventricular Tachycardia: A Treatment Planning Study

Purpose

The first stereotactic arrhythmia radioablation (STAR) of ventricular tachycardia (VT) was delivered at Stanford on a robotic radiosurgery system (CyberKnife® G4) in 2012. The results warranted further investigation of this treatment. Here we compare dosimetrically three possible treatment delivery platforms for STAR.

Methods

The anatomy and target volume of the first treated patient were used for this study. A dose of 25 Gy in one fraction was prescribed to the planning target volume (PTV). Treatment plans were created on three treatment platforms: CyberKnife® G4 system with Iris collimator (Multiplan, V. 4.6)(Plan #1), CyberKnife® M6 system with InCise 2^TM multileaf collimator (Multiplan V. 5.3)(Plan #2) and Varian TrueBeam^TM STx with HD 120^TM MLC and 10MV flattening filter free (FFF) beam (Eclipse planning system, V.11) (Plan #3 coplanar and #4 noncoplanar VMAT plans). The four plans were compared by prescription isodose line, plan conformity index, dose gradient, as well as dose to the nearby critical structures. To assess the delivery efficiency, planned monitor units (MU) and estimated treatment time were evaluated.

Results

Plans #1-4 delivered 25 Gy to the PTV to the 75.0%, 83.0%, 84.3%, and 84.9% isodose lines and with conformity indices of 1.19, 1.16, 1.05, and 1.05, respectively. The dose gradients for plans #1-4 were 3.62, 3.42, 3.93, and 3.73 with the CyberKnife® MLC plan (Plan #2) the best, and the TrueBeam^TM STx co-planar plan (Plan #3) the worst. The dose to nearby critical structures (lung, stomach, bowel, and esophagus) were all well within tolerance. The MUs for plans #1-4 were 27671, 16522, 6275, and 6004 for an estimated total-treatment-time/beam-delivery-time of 99/69, 65/35, 37/7, and 56/6 minutes, respectively, under the assumption of 30 minutes pretreatment setup time. For VMAT gated delivery, a 40% duty cycle, 2400MU/minute dose rate, and an extra 10 minutes per extra arc were assumed.

Conclusion

Clinically acceptable plans were created with all three platforms. Plans with MLC were considerably more efficient in MU. CyberKnife® M6 with InCise 2^TM collimator provided the most conformal plan (steepest dose drop-off) with significantly reduced MU and treatment time. VMAT plans were most efficient in MU and delivery time. Fluoroscopic image guidance removes the need for additional fiducial marker placement; however, benefits may be moderated by worse dose gradient and more operator-dependent motion management by gated delivery.

Quantitative characterization of clumping in Scots pine crowns

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Proper characterization of the clumped structure of forests is needed for calculation of the absorbed radiation and photosynthetic production by a canopy. This study examined the dependency of crown-level clumping on tree size and growth conditions in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), and determined the ability of statistical canopy radiation models to quantify the degree of self-shading within crowns as a result of the clumping effect.

METHODS

Twelve 3-D Scots pine trees were generated using an application of the LIGNUM model, and the crown-level clumping as quantified by the crown silhouette to total needle area ratio (STAR(crown)) was calculated. The results were compared with those produced by the stochastic approach of modelling tree crowns as geometric shapes filled with a random medium.

KEY RESULTS

Crown clumping was independent of tree height, needle area and growth conditions. The results supported the capability of the stochastic approach in characterizing clumping in crowns given that the outer shell of the tree crown is well represented.

CONCLUSIONS

Variation in the whole-stand clumping index is induced by differences in the spatial pattern of trees as a function of, for example, stand age rather than by changes in the degree of self-shading within individual crowns as they grow bigger.

Influence of the variation of geometrical and topological traits on light interception efficiency of apple trees: sensitivity analysis and metamodelling for ideotype definition

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The impact of a fruit tree's architecture on its performance is still under debate, especially with regard to the definition of varietal ideotypes and the selection of architectural traits in breeding programmes. This study aimed at providing proof that a modelling approach can contribute to this debate, by using in silico exploration of different combinations of traits and their consequences on light interception, here considered as one of the key parameters to optimize fruit tree production.

METHODS

The variability of organ geometrical traits, previously described in a bi-parental population, was used to simulate 1- to 5-year-old apple trees (Malus × domestica). Branching sequences along trunks observed during the first year of growth of the same hybrid trees were used to initiate the simulations, and hidden semi-Markov chains previously parameterized were used in subsequent years. Tree total leaf area (TLA) and silhouette to total area ratio (STAR) values were estimated, and a sensitivity analysis was performed, based on a metamodelling approach and a generalized additive model (GAM), to analyse the relative impact of organ geometry and lateral shoot types on STAR.

KEY RESULTS

A larger increase over years in TLA mean and variance was generated by varying branching along trunks than by varying organ geometry, whereas the inverse was observed for STAR, where mean values stabilized from year 3 to year 5. The internode length and leaf area had the highest impact on STAR, whereas long sylleptic shoots had a more significant effect than proleptic shoots. Although the GAM did not account for interactions, the additive effects of the geometrical factors explained >90% of STAR variation, but much less in the case of branching factors.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that the proposed modelling approach could contribute to screening architectural traits and their relative impact on tree performance, here viewed through light interception. Even though trait combinations and antagonism will need further investigation, the approach opens up new perspectives for breeding and genetic selection to be assisted by varietal ideotype definition.

Exposure to DEHP and MEHP from hatching to adulthood causes reproductive dysfunction and endocrine disruption in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma)

Concern has increased regarding the adverse effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (DEHP) on reproduction. However, limited information is available on the effects of DEHP in marine organisms. The aim of the present study was to examine whether long-term exposure to DEHP and its active metabolite mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (MEHP) disrupts endocrine function in marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma). Marine medaka larvae were exposed to either DEHP (0.1 and 0.5mg/L) or MEHP (0.1 and 0.5mg/L) for 6 months, and the effects on reproduction, sex steroid hormones, liver vitellogenin (VTG), gonad histology and the expression of genes involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonad (HPG) axis were investigated. Exposure to DEHP, but not MEHP, from hatching to adulthood accelerated the start of spawning and decreased the egg production of exposed females. Moreover, exposure to both DEHP and MEHP resulted in a reduction in the fertilization rate of oocytes spawned by untreated females paired with treated males. A significant increase in plasma 17β-estradiol (E2) along with a significant decrease in testosterone (T)/E2 ratios was observed in males, which was accompanied by the upregulation of ldlr, star, cyp17a1, 17βhsd, and cyp19a transcription in the testis. Increased concentrations of T and E2 were observed in females, which was consistent with the upregulation of ldlr. The expression of brain gnrhr2, fshβ, cyp19b and steroid hormone receptor genes also corresponded well with hormonal and reproductive changes. The liver VTG level was significantly increased after DEHP and MEHP exposure in males. DEHP induced histological changes in the testes and ovaries: the testes displayed a reduced number of spermatozoa, and the ovaries displayed an increased number of atretic follicles. In addition, the tissue concentrations of MEHP, MEHHP and MEOHP in DEHP-exposed groups were much higher than those in MEHP-exposed groups, and there were no dose- or sex-specific effects. Thus, DEHP exerts more obvious toxic effects compared with MEHP. There were some commonalities in the toxic effects and molecular mechanisms of DEHP and MEHP, suggesting that some of the toxic effects of DEHP may be induced by both DEHP itself and DEHP metabolites (including MEHP). Taken together, these results indicate that exposure to DEHP and MEHP from hatching to adulthood causes endocrine disruption with sex-specific effects in marine medaka, with males being more sensitive than females.

Testosterone implants modify the steroid hormone balance and the gonadal physiology of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata L.) males

Androgens can induce complete spermatogenesis in immature or prepubertal teleost fish; however, many aspects of the role of androgens in adult teleost spermatogenesis remain elusive. We used the in situ forming microparticle (ISM) system containing 1mg of testosterone (T)/kg body weight (T-ISM) in a homogenous population of gilthead seabream at testicular involution stage to study in vivo the effects of T on the sex steroid hormone balance and on the physiology of the gilthead seabream gonad. The levels of T, 11-ketotestosterone (11KT) and 17β-estradiol (E2) in plasma, gonad and liver were determined in T-ISM implanted specimens after 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The effect of T-ISM was evaluated on (i) de novo synthesis and metabolism of T in the gonad and liver by measuring the gene expression levels of the main steroidogenic proteins involved, (ii) the progress of spermatogenesis, (iii) the presence of different leukocyte cell types in the gonad, and (iv) the mRNA expression of some genes involved in the leukocyte migratory influx into the gonad and of some immune-relevant molecules. T-ISM implants promote an increase of T up to supra-physiological levels which induce a depletion of E2 levels and maintain the 11KT levels at physiological concentrations. The gene expression profile of some steroidogenic enzymes in gonad and liver ruled out the transformation of T into estrogenic compounds following T-ISM implantation. Moreover, androgens may also be involved in the leukocyte migratory influx, which occurred even when cytokine, chemokine and cell adhesion molecule gene expressions were down-regulated. Moreover, T-ISM implants block germ cell proliferation, although increased dmrt1 gene expression may prevent the complete depletion of germ cells in the gonad. Furthermore, T down-regulated the expression of several tlr genes, which may result in the inhibition of the immune response in the gonad through the impaired ability to recognize and respond to pathogens.

Sphingosine-1-phosphate rapidly increases cortisol biosynthesis and the expression of genes involved in cholesterol uptake and transport in H295R adrenocortical cells

In the acute phase of adrenocortical steroidogenesis, adrenocorticotrophin (ACTH) activates a cAMP/PKA-signaling pathway that promotes the transport of free cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane. We have previously shown that ACTH rapidly stimulates the metabolism of sphingolipids and the secretion of sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) in H295R cells. In this study, we examined the effect of S1P on genes involved in the acute phase of steroidogenesis. We show that S1P increases the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR), and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI). S1P-induced StAR mRNA expression requires Gα(i) signaling, phospholipase C (PLC), Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CamKII), and ERK1/2 activation. S1P also increases intracellular Ca(2+), the phosphorylation of hormone sensitive lipase (HSL) at Ser(563), and cortisol secretion. Collectively, these findings identify multiple roles for S1P in the regulation of glucocorticoid biosynthesis.

Data entry errors and design for model-based tight glycemic control in critical care

INTRODUCTION

Tight glycemic control (TGC) has shown benefits but has been difficult to achieve consistently. Model-based methods and computerized protocols offer the opportunity to improve TGC quality but require human data entry, particularly of blood glucose (BG) values, which can be significantly prone to error. This study presents the design and optimization of data entry methods to minimize error for a computerized and model-based TGC method prior to pilot clinical trials.

METHOD

To minimize data entry error, two tests were carried out to optimize a method with errors less than the 5%-plus reported in other studies. Four initial methods were tested on 40 subjects in random order, and the best two were tested more rigorously on 34 subjects. The tests measured entry speed and accuracy. Errors were reported as corrected and uncorrected errors, with the sum comprising a total error rate. The first set of tests used randomly selected values, while the second set used the same values for all subjects to allow comparisons across users and direct assessment of the magnitude of errors. These research tests were approved by the University of Canterbury Ethics Committee.

RESULTS

The final data entry method tested reduced errors to less than 1-2%, a 60-80% reduction from reported values. The magnitude of errors was clinically significant and was typically by 10.0 mmol/liter or an order of magnitude but only for extreme values of BG < 2.0 mmol/liter or BG > 15.0-20.0 mmol/liter, both of which could be easily corrected with automated checking of extreme values for safety.

CONCLUSIONS

The data entry method selected significantly reduced data entry errors in the limited design tests presented, and is in use on a clinical pilot TGC study. The overall approach and testing methods are easily performed and generalizable to other applications and protocols.

Stochastic targeted (STAR) glycemic control: design, safety, and performance

INTRODUCTION

Tight glycemic control (TGC) has shown benefits but has been difficult to achieve consistently. STAR (Stochastic TARgeted) is a flexible, model-based TGC approach that directly accounts for intra- and interpatient variability with a stochastically derived maximum 5% risk of blood glucose (BG) below 72 mg/dl. This research assesses the safety, efficacy, and clinical burden of a STAR TGC controller modulating both insulin and nutrition inputs in virtual and clinical pilot trials.

METHODS

Clinically validated virtual trials using data from 370 patients in the SPRINT (Specialized Relative Insulin and Nutrition Titration) study were used to design the STAR protocol and test its safety, performance, and required clinical effort prior to clinical pilot trials. Insulin and nutrition interventions were given every 1-3 h as chosen by the nurse to allow them to manage workload. Interventions were designed to maximize the overlap of the model-predicted (5-95(th) percentile) range of BG outcomes with the 72-117 mg/dl band and thus provide a maximum 5% risk of BG <72 mg/dl. Interventions were calculated using clinically validated computer models of human metabolism and its variability in critical illness. Carbohydrate intake (all sources) was selected to maximize intake up to 100% of the American College of Chest Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine (ACCP/SCCM) goal (25 kg/kcal/h). Insulin doses were limited (8 U/h maximum), with limited increases based on current rate (0.5-2.0 U/h). Initial clinical pilot trials involved 3 patients covering ~450 h. Approval was granted by the Upper South A Regional Ethics Committee.

RESULTS

Virtual trials indicate that STAR provides similar glycemic control performance to SPRINT with 2-3 h (maximum) measurement intervals. Time in the 72-126 mg/dl and 72-145 mg/dl bands was equivalent for all controllers, indicating that glycemic outcome differences between protocols were only shifted in this range. Safety from hypoglycemia was improved. Importantly, STAR using 2-3 h (maximum) intervention intervals reduced clinical burden up to 30%, which is clinically very significant. Initial clinical trials showed glycemic performance, safety, and management of inter- and intrapatient variability that matched or exceeded the virtual trial results.

CONCLUSIONS

In virtual trials, STAR TGC provided tight control that maximized the likelihood of BG in a clinically specified glycemic band and reduced hypoglycemia with a maximum 5% (or lower) expected risk of light hypoglycemia (BG <72 mg/dl) via model-based management of intra- and interpatient variability. Clinical workload was self-managed and reduced up to 30% compared with SPRINT. Initial pilot clinical trials matched or exceeded these virtual results.

Subcellular localization and regulation of StarD4 protein in macrophages and fibroblasts

StarD4 is a member of the StarD4 subfamily of START domain proteins with a characteristic lipid binding pocket specific for cholesterol. The objective of this study was to define StarD4 subcellular localization, regulation, and function. Immunobloting showed that StarD4 is highly expressed in the mouse fibroblast cell line 3T3-L1, in human THP-1 macrophages, Kupffer cells (liver macrophages), and hepatocytes. In 3T3-L1 cells and THP-1 macrophages, StarD4 protein appeared localized to the cytoplasm and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). More specifically, in THP-1 macrophages StarD4 co-localized to areas of the ER enriched in Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-1 (ACAT-1), and was closely associated with budding lipid droplets. The addition of purified StarD4 recombinant protein to an in vitro assay increased ACAT activity 2-fold, indicating that StarD4 serves as a rate-limiting step in cholesteryl ester formation by delivering cholesterol to ACAT-1-enriched ER. In addition, StarD4 protein was found to be highly regulated and to redistribute in response to sterol levels. In summary, these observations, together with our previous findings demonstrating the ability of increased StarD4 expression to increase bile acid synthesis and cholesteryl ester formation, provide strong evidence for StarD4 as a highly regulated, non-vesicular, directional, intracellular transporter of cholesterol which plays a key role in the maintenance of intracellular cholesterol homeostasis.

cAMP stimulation of StAR expression and cholesterol metabolism is modulated by co-expression of labile suppressors of transcription and mRNA turnover

The steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) protein is generated in rodents from 1.6 kb and 3.5 kb mRNA formed by alternative polyadenylation. The zinc finger protein, TIS11B (also Znf36L1), is elevated by cAMP in adrenal cells in parallel with StAR mRNA. TIS11b selectively destabilizes the 3.5 kb mRNA through AU-rich sequences at the end of the 3'UTR. siRNA suppression shows that TIS11b surprisingly increases StAR protein and cholesterol metabolism. StAR transcription is directly activated by PKA phosphorylation. cAMP responsive element binding (CREB) protein 1 phosphorylation is a key step leading to recruitment of the co-activator, CREB binding protein (CBP). A second protein, CREB regulated transcription coactivator (TORC/CRTC), enhances this recruitment, but is inhibited by salt inducible kinase (SIK). Basal StAR transcription is constrained through this phosphorylation of TORC. PKA provides an alternative stimulation by phosphorylating SIK, which prevents TORC inactivation. PKA stimulation of StAR nuclear transcripts substantially precedes TORC recruitment to the StAR promoter, which may, therefore, mediate a later step in mRNA production. Inhibition of SIK by staurosporine elevates StAR transcription and TORC recruitment to maximum levels, but without CREB phosphorylation. TORC suppression by SIK evidently limits basal StAR transcription. Staurosporine and cAMP stimulate synergistically. SIK targets the phosphatase, PP2a (activation), and Type 2 histone de-acetylases (inhibition), which may each contribute to suppression. Staurosporine stimulation through SIK inhibition is repeated in cAMP stimulation of many steroidogenic genes regulated by steroidogenic factor 1 (SF-1) and CREB. TIS11b and SIK may combine to attenuate StAR expression when hormonal stimuli decline.

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-mediated expression and function of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in granulosa cells

VIP is a peptide hormone capable of activating the cAMP/PKA pathway and modifying gonadal steroidogenic capacity. Less is known about the molecular mechanisms of VIP-mediated steroidogenesis and its role in regulating the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR). We examined the impact of VIP on STAR expression and function in immortalized (KK1) and primary mouse granulosa cells, where VIP strongly upregulated STAR expression and steroidogenesis. Inhibitors of the PKA and PKC pathways suggested that both are activated by VIP. VIP did not efficiently phosphorylate STAR (P-STAR); however, VIP together with cAMP-analogs that activate Type II PKA increased P-STAR and further increased steroidogenesis. Our results suggest that VIP-induced STAR expression and function in granulosa cells result from the preferential activation of Type I PKA. Furthermore, the PKA and PKC pathways appear to converge at regulating VIP-mediated Star transcription and translation.

Blocking L-type calcium channels reduced the threshold of cAMP-induced steroidogenic acute regulatory gene expression in MA-10 mouse Leydig cells

Previous studies have reported the roles of Ca(2+) in steroidogenesis. The present study has investigated an inhibitory effect of Ca(2+) influx through L-type Ca(2+) channels on gene expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (STAR) protein that regulates the transfer of substrate cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane for steroidogenesis. Blocking Ca(2+) influx through L-type Ca(2+) channels using the selective Ca(2+) channel blocker, nifedipine, markedly enhanced cAMP-induced STAR protein expression and progesterone production in MA-10 mouse Leydig cells. This was confirmed by utilization of different L-type Ca(2+) channel blockers. Reverse transcription-PCR analyses of Star mRNA and luciferase assays of Star promoter activity indicated that blocking Ca(2+) influx through L-type Ca(2+) channels acted at the level of Star gene transcription. Further studies showed that blocking the Ca(2+) channel enhanced Star gene transcription by depressing the expression of DAX-1 (NR0B1 as listed in the MGI Database) protein, a transcriptional repressor of Star gene expression. It was also observed that there is a synergistic interaction between nifedipine and cAMP. Normally, sub-threshold levels of cAMP are unable to induce steroidogenesis, but in the presence of the L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker, they increased STAR protein and steroid hormone to the maximal levels. However, in the absence of minimal levels of cAMP, none of the L-type Ca(2+) channel blockers are able to induce Star gene expression. These observations indicate that Ca(2+) influx through L-type Ca(2+) channels is involved in an inhibitory effect on Star gene expression. Blocking L-type Ca(2+) channel attenuated the inhibition and reduced the threshold of cAMP-induced Star gene expression in Leydig cells.

The differential regulation of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein-mediated steroidogenesis by type I and type II PKA in MA-10 cells

Following tropic hormone challenge, steroidogenic tissues utilize PKA to phosphorylate unique subsets of proteins necessary to facilitate steroidogenesis. This includes the PKA-dependent expression and activation of the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (STAR), which mediates the rate-limiting step of steroidogenesis by inducing the transfer of cholesterol from the outer to the inner mitochondrial membrane. Since both type I and type II PKA are present in steroidogenic tissues, we have utilized cAMP analog pairs that preferentially activate each PKA subtype in order to examine their impact on STAR synthesis and activity. In MA-10 mouse Leydig tumor cells Star gene expression is more dependent upon type I PKA, while the post-transcriptional regulation of STAR appears subject to type II PKA. These experiments delineate the discrete effects that type I and type II PKA exert on STAR-mediated steroidogenesis, and suggest complimentary roles for each subtype in coordinating steroidogenesis.

Regulation of Kruppel-like factor 4, 9, and 13 genes and the steroidogenic genes LDLR, StAR, and CYP11A in ovarian granulosa cells

Kruppel-like factors (KLFs) are important Sp1-like eukaryotic transcriptional proteins. The LDLR, StAR, and CYP11A genes exhibit GC-rich Sp1-like sites, which have the potential to bind KLFs in multiprotein complexes. We now report that KLF4, KLF9, and KLF13 transcripts are expressed in and regulate ovarian cells. KLF4 and 13, but not KLF9, mRNA expression was induced and then repressed over time (P < 0.001). Combined LH and IGF-I stimulation increased KLF4 mRNA at 2 h (P < 0.01), whereas LH decreased KLF13 mRNA at 6 h (P < 0.05), and IGF-I reduced KLF13 at 24 h (P < 0.01) compared with untreated control. KLF9 was not regulated by either hormone. Transient transfection of KLF4, KLF9, and KLF13 suppressed LDLR/luc, StAR/luc, and CYP11A/luc by 80-90% (P < 0.001). Histone-deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors stimulated LDLR/luc five- to sixfold and StAR/luc and CYP11A/luc activity twofold (P < 0.001) and partially reversed suppression by all three KLFs (P < 0.001). Deletion of the zinc finger domain of KLF13 abrogated repression of LDLR/luc. Lentiviral overexpression of the KLF13 gene suppressed LDLR mRNA (P < 0.001) and CYP11A mRNA (P = 0.003) but increased StAR mRNA (P = 0.007). Collectively, these data suggest that KLFs may recruit inhibitory complexes containing HDAC corepressors, thereby repressing LDLR and CYP11A transcription. Conversely, KLF13 may recruit unknown coactivators or stabilize StAR mRNA, thereby explaining enhancement of in situ StAR gene expression. These data introduce new potent gonadal transregulators of genes encoding proteins that mediate sterol uptake and steroid biosynthesis.

An essential component in steroid synthesis, the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, is expressed in discrete regions of the brain

Recent data implicate locally produced steroids, termed neurosteroids, as regulators of neuronal function. Adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis is controlled by changes in the steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR); however, little is known about the regulation of neurosteroid production. We now demonstrate unequivocally that StAR mRNA and protein are expressed within glia and neurons in discrete regions of the mouse brain, and that glial StAR expression is inducible. Consistent with a role in de novo neurosteroidogenesis, StAR colocalizes with the cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme P450(scc) in both mouse and human brains. These data support a role for StAR in the production of neurosteroids and identify potential sites of active de novo steroid synthesis in the brain.

Intracellular trafficking by Star regulates cleavage of the Drosophila EGF receptor ligand Spitz

Spitz (Spi) is a TGFalpha homolog that is a cardinal ligand for the Drosophila EGF receptor throughout development. Cleavage of the ubiquitously expressed transmembrane form of Spi (mSpi) precedes EGF receptor activation. We show that the Star and Rhomboid (Rho) proteins are necessary for Spi cleavage in Drosophila cells. Complexes between the Spi and Star proteins, as well as between the Star and Rho proteins were identified, but no Spi-Star-Rho triple complex was detected. This observation suggests a sequential activity of Star and Rho in mSpi processing. The interactions between Spi and Star regulate the intracellular trafficking of Spi. The Spi precursor is retained in the periphery of the nucleus. Coexpression of Star promotes translocation of Spi to a compartment where Rho is present both in cells and in embryos. A Star deletion construct that maintains binding to Spi and Rho, but is unable to facilitate Spi translocation, lost biological activity. These results underscore the importance of regulated intracellular trafficking in processing of a TGFalpha family ligand.