Sheng Cui

MicroRNA-34c Enhances Murine Male Germ Cell Apoptosis through Targeting ATF1

Background MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play vital regulatory roles in many cellular processes. The expression of miRNA (miR)-34c is highly enriched in adult mouse testis, but its roles and underlying mechanisms of action are not well understood. Methodology/Principal Findings In the present study, we show that miR-34c is detected in mouse pachytene spermatocytes and continues to be highly expressed in spermatids. To explore the specific functions of miR-34c, we have established an in vivo model by transfecting miR-34c inhibitors into primary spermatocytes to study the loss-of-function of miR-34c. The results show that silencing of miR-34c significantly increases the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and prevents germ cell from apoptosis induced by deprivation of testosterone. Moreover, ectopic expression of the miR-34c in GC-2 cell trigger the cell apoptosis with a decreased Bcl-2/Bax ratio and miR-34c inhibition lead to a low spontaneous apoptotic ratio and an increased Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Furthermore, ectopic expression of miR-34c reduces ATF1 protein expression without affecting ATF1 mRNA level via directly binding to ATF1s 3′UTR, indicating that ATF1 is one of miR-34cs target genes. Meanwhile, the knockdown of ATF1 significantly decreases the Bcl-2/Bax ratio and triggers GC-2 cell apoptosis. Inhibition of miR-34c does not decrease the GC-2 cell apoptosis ratio in ATF1 knockdown cells. Conclusions/Significance Our study shows for the first time that miR-34c functions, at least partially, by targeting the ATF1 gene in germ cell apoptosis, providing a novel mechanism with involvement of miRNA in the regulation of germ cell apoptosis.

MicroRNA 375 Mediates the Signaling Pathway of Corticotropin-releasing Factor (CRF) Regulating Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) Expression by Targeting Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase 8

Background: MicroRNA 375 (miR-375) is expressed in the pituitary gland, but its functions and the related mechanisms have not been studied. Results: miR-375 mediates the signaling pathway of CRF regulating POMC expression by targeting MAP3K8. Conclusion: miR-375 negatively regulates POMC expression and related hormone secretion. Significance: These new data suggest that miRNAs play important roles in regulating pituitary hormone secretion. Pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) is a common precursor of melanocortin-related peptides in the pituitary and primarily regulated by corticotropin- releasing factor (CRF). Our results show that miR-375 is highly expressed in the mouse pituitary gland and located specifically in the intermediate lobe of pituitary. The functional studies show that the forced inhibition of endogenous miR-375 in AtT-20 mouse pituitary tumor cells and in the intermediate lobe of the pituitary gland significantly increases POMC expression, whereas miR-375 overexpression down-regulates POMC expression and ACTH secretion stimulated by CRF. This function of miR-375 is accomplished by its binding to the 3′-UTR of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase-8. Our results here have demonstrated that miR-375 acts as a negative regulating molecule mediating the signaling pathway of CRF and affecting POMC expression by targeting mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase-8, which subsequently down-regulates ERK1/2 phosphorylation and nerve growth factor-induced clone B (NGFI-B) transcription activity. Taken together, our results show that miR-375 is a novel negative regulator of POMC expression and related hormone secretion.

miR-143 is critical for the formation of primordial follicles in mice.

Although microRNAs (miRNAs) have been implicated in fine-tuning gene networks, the roles of mmu-mir-143 (miR-143) in mammalian ovary development have not been studiedxa0in vitro. We investigated the expression and function of miR-143 in the mouse ovary during primordial follicle formation. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that miR-143 expression increased during primordial follicle formation from 15.5 days post-coitus to 4 days post-partum. miR-143 was located in pregranulosa cells byxa0in situxa0hybridization. To study the function of miR-143 in primordial follicle formation we established an electroporation transfection modelxa0in vitroxa0that allowed miR-143 expression to be efficiently upregulated and inhibited in cultured ovaries. Further studies showed that miR-143 inhibited the formation of primordial follicles by suppressing pregranulosa cell proliferation and downregulating the expression of genes related to the cell cycle. These findings suggest that miR-143 is critical for the formation of primordial follicles and regulates ovarian development and function.

Novel evidence that testosterone promotes cell proliferation and differentiation via G protein-coupled receptors in the rat L6 skeletal muscle myoblast cell line.

Androgens are known to modulate the skeletal muscle proliferation and differentiation processes. Recent in vitro studies have shown that dihydrotestosterone and anabolic steroids have functions in promoting the proliferation and differentiation of the mouse skeletal muscle myoblast C2C12 cell line through the classical androgen receptor (AR) signaling pathway. But there are contradictory reports that androgen plays its roles through the membrane signaling pathways. In the present study, we show that there is no expression of the classical AR in L6 cells both at gene and protein levels. We then investigated the effects of testosterone (T) on L6 cell proliferation and differentiation. The results show that T promotes L6 cell proliferation after a 24u2009h treatment, which followed by enhancing L6 cell differentiation, but these effects are not inhibited by flutamide (F), an antagonist of intracellular AR. Further, we tested the effect of testosterone covalently bounding to albumin (T‐BSA), which does not cross the plasma membrane. The results demonstrate that T‐BSA and free T have similar effects on L6 cell proliferation and differentiation, and that these effects involve G protein‐coupled receptors and different downstream pathways. The L6 cell proliferation induced by T involves PKC and ERK1/2 signaling pathways and cell differentiation happens via the PKA signaling pathway. These results suggest that T promotes cell proliferation and differentiation via G protein‐coupled receptors and different downstream pathways in the L6 cell line, although the related molecular mechanisms need to be elucidated in future studies. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 98–107, 2012.

LIM homeodomain transcription factor Isl1 directs normal pyloric development by targeting Gata3

BackgroundAbnormalities in pyloric development or in contractile function of the pylorus cause reflux of duodenal contents into the stomach and increase the risk of gastric metaplasia and cancer. Abnormalities of the pyloric region are also linked to congenital defects such as the relatively common neonatal hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, and primary duodenogastric reflux. Therefore, understanding pyloric development is of great clinical relevance. Here, we investigated the role of the LIM homeodomain transcription factor Isl1 in pyloric development.ResultsExamination of Isl1 expression in developing mouse stomach by immunohistochemistry, whole mount in situ hybridization and real-time quantitative PCR demonstrated that Isl1 is highly expressed in developing mouse stomach, principally in the smooth muscle layer of the pylorus. Isl1 expression was also examined by immunofluorescence in human hypertrophic pyloric stenosis where the majority of smooth muscle cells were found to express Isl1. Isl1 function in embryonic stomach development was investigated utilizing a tamoxifen-inducible Isl1 knockout mouse model. Isl1 deficiency led to nearly complete absence of the pyloric outer longitudinal muscle layer at embryonic day 18.5, which is consistent with Gata3 null mouse phenotype. Chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase assays, and electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that Isl1 ensures normal pyloric development by directly targeting Gata3.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates that the Isl1-Gata3 transcription regulatory axis is essential for normal pyloric development. These findings are highly clinically relevant and may help to better understand pathways leading to pyloric disease.

Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase 8 (MAP3K8) Mediates the Signaling Pathway of Estradiol Stimulating Progesterone Production Through G Protein-Coupled Receptor 30 (GPR30) in Mouse Corpus Luteum

The corpus luteum (CL) is a transient endocrine gland developed from the ovulated follicles, and the most important function is to synthesize and secrete progesterone (P(4)), a key hormone to maintain normal pregnancy and estrous cycle in most mammals. It is known that estrogen has a vital role in stimulating P(4) synthesis in CL, but it still remains unclear about the mechanism of estradiol (E(2)) regulating P(4) production in CL. Our results here first show that all of the CL cells express MAPK 8 (MAP3K8), and the MAP3K8 level is much higher at the midstage than at the early and late stages during CL development. The further functional studies show that the forced inhibition of endogenous MAP3K8 by using MAP3K8 small interfering RNA and MAP3K8 signaling inhibitor (MAP3K8i) in the luteal cells significantly block the P(4) synthesis and neutralize the enhancing effect of E(2) on P(4) production in the CL. In addition, our results here demonstrate that the stimulating effect of E(2) on P(4) synthesis relies on the estrogen no-classical protein-coupled receptor 30, and MAP3K8 is involved in mediating the protein-coupled receptor 30signaling of E(2) affecting P(4) synthesis via stimulating ERK phosphorylation. These novel findings are critical for our understanding the ovary physiology and pathological mechanism.

All-Trans-Retinoic Acid Ameliorates the Inflammation by Inducing Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 and Interleukin 10 in Mouse Epididymitis

Epididymitis, one of the most common urological diseases, can lead to the destruction of the epididymal duct and cause transient or permanent sterility. The aim of this study was to investigate the functions and related mechanisms of all trans retinoic acid (atRA) in alleviating the acute inflammation of epididymitis.

LIM-homeodomain Transcription Factor Isl-1 Mediates the Effect of Leptin on Insulin Secretion in Mice

Background: Leptin and Isl-1 have functions to regulate the insulin secretion, but the interaction between Leptin and Isl-1 remains unknown. Results: Isl-1 mediates the signaling pathway of leptin affecting insulin secretion. Conclusion: Isl-1 and STAT3 are the keynote proteins linking the leptin and insulin signaling networks. Significance: These findings are crucial for understanding the mechanisms of insulin secretion and metabolism. In addition to the well known regulating effects of leptin on energy balance and glucose homeostasis through the central nervous system, circulating leptin has a direct effect on pancreatic islet and insulin secretion through its receptor (OBRb). The LIM-homeodomain transcription factor Isl-1 is expressed in all classes of pancreatic endocrine cells and is involved in regulating both islet development and insulin secretion. Both OBRb and Isl-1 mutations result in obesity-related diabetes. However, the interactions and physiological significance of leptin and Isl-1 in pancreatic islets remain to be established. Here, we show that most of leptin target cells in pancreatic islets and NIT beta cells express Isl-1. Both in vivo and in vitro results demonstrate that leptin suppresses Isl-1 expression and insulin secretion in islet in physiological and pathophysiological conditions, e.g. high fat diet. This effect of leptin on insulin secretion is lost in leptin receptor-defective db/db and Isl-1-inducible knock-out mice. We conclude that the action of leptin on insulin secretion is at least partly mediated by Isl-1. Another new finding of this study is that Isl-1 acts as a direct downstream target of leptin signaling molecule STAT3 to influence the effect of leptin on insulin secretion, whereas inversely, insulin has feedback regulating effects on Isl-1 expression through JAK-STAT3 pathway. These findings are crucial for understanding the mechanisms regulating insulin secretion and metabolism in related diseases, such as obesity and type 2 diabetes.

LIM-Homeodomain Transcription Factor Isl-1 Mediates Kisspeptin's Effect on Insulin Secretion in Mice

Kisspeptin and the G protein-coupled receptor 54 (GPR54) are highly abundant in the pancreas. In addition, circulating kisspeptin directly influences insulin secretion through GPR54. However, the mechanisms by which kisspeptin affects insulin release are unclear. The LIM-homeodomain transcription factor, Isl-1, is expressed in all pancreatic islet cells and is involved in regulating both islet development and insulin secretion. We therefore investigated potential interactions between kisspeptin and Isl-1. Our results demonstrate that Isl-1 and GPR54 are coexpressed in mouse pancreatic islet β-cells and NIT cells. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that kisspeptin-54 (KISS-54) inhibits Isl-1 expression and insulin secretion and both the in vivo and in vitro effects of KISS-54 on insulin gene expression and secretion are abolished when an Isl-1-inducible knockout model is used. Moreover, our results demonstrate that the direct action of KISS-54 on insulin secretion is mediated by Isl-1. Our results further show that KISS-54 influences Isl-1 expression and insulin secretion through the protein kinase C-ERK1/2 pathway. Conversely, insulin has a feedback loop via the Janus kinase-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathway regulating kisspeptin expression and secretion. These findings are important in understanding mechanisms of insulin secretion and metabolism in diabetes.

Estradiol decreases taurine level by reducing cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase via the estrogen receptor-α in female mice liver

Cysteine sulfinic acid decarboxylase (CSAD) and cysteine dioxygenase (CDO) are two rate-limiting enzymes in taurine de novo synthesis, and their expressions are associated with estrogen concentration. The present study was designed to determine the relationship between 17β-estradiol (E₂) and taurine in female mice liver. We initially observed the mice had lower levels of CSAD, CDO, and taurine during estrus than diestrus. We then, respectively, treated the ovariectomized mice, the cultured hepatocytes, and Hep G2 cells with different doses of E₂, and the CSAD and CDO expressions and taurine levels were analyzed. The results showed that E₂ decreased taurine level in the serum and the cultured cells by inhibiting CSAD and CDO expressions. Furthermore, we identified the molecular receptor types through which E₂ plays its role in regulating taurine synthesis, and our results showed that estrogen receptor-α (ERα) expression was much higher than estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) in the liver and hepatocytes, and the inhibiting effects of E₂ on CSAD, CDO, and taurine level were partially abrogated in the ICI-182,780-pretreated liver and hepatocytes, and in ERα knockout mice. These results indicate that estradiol decreases taurine content by reducing taurine biosynthetic enzyme expression in mice liver.