Glucocorticoid-induced androgen inactivation by aldo-keto reductase 1C2 promotes adipogenesis in human preadipocytes.

Adipogenesis and lipid storage in human adipose tissue are inhibited by androgens such as DHT. Inactivation of DHT to 3α-diol is stimulated by glucocorticoids in human preadipocytes. We sought to characterize glucocorticoid-induced androgen inactivation in human preadipocytes and to establish its role in the antiadipogenic action of DHT. Subcutaneous and omental primary preadipocyte cultures were established from fat samples obtained in subjects undergoing abdominal surgeries. Inactivation of DHT to 3α/ß-diol for 24 h was measured in dexamethasone- or vehicle-treated cells. Specific downregulation of aldo-keto reductase 1C (AKR1C) enzymes in human preadipocytes was achieved using RNA interference. In whole adipose tissue sample, cortisol production was positively correlated with androgen inactivation in both subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue (P < 0.05). Maximal dexamethasone (1 µM) stimulation of DHT inactivation was higher in omental compared with subcutaneous fat from men as well as subcutaneous and omental fat from women (P < 0.05). A significant positive correlation was observed between BMI and maximal dexamethasone-induced DHT inactivation rates in subcutaneous and omental adipose tissue of men and women (r = 0.24, n = 26, P < 0.01). siRNA-induced downregulation of AKR1C2, but not AKR1C1 or AKR1C3, significantly reduced basal and glucocorticoid-induced androgen inactivation rates (P < 0.05). The inhibitory action of DHT on preadipocyte differentiation was potentiated following AKR1C2 but not AKR1C1 or AKR1C3 downregulation. Specifically, lipid accumulation, G3PDH activity, and FABP4 mRNA expression in differentiated preadipocytes exposed to DHT were reduced further upon AKR1C2 siRNA transfection. We conclude that glucocorticoid-induced androgen inactivation is mediated by AKR1C2 and is particularly effective in omental preadipocytes of obese men. The interplay between glucocorticoids and AKR1C2-dependent androgen inactivation may locally modulate adipogenesis and lipid accumulation in a depot-specific manner.

Specific transcriptional response of four blockers of estrogen receptors on estradiol-modulated genes in the mouse mammary gland.

Novel agents for the endocrine therapy of breast cancer are needed, especially in order to take advantage of the multiple consecutive responses observed in metastatic progressing breast cancer following previous hormone therapy, thus delaying the use of cytotoxic chemotherapy with its frequent poor tolerance and serious side effects. Acolbifene (ACOL) is a novel and unique antiestrogen which represents a unique opportunity to achieve the most potent and specific blockade of estrogen action in the mammary gland and uterus while exerting estrogen-like beneficial effects in other tissues, especially the bones. To better understand the specificity of action of ACOL, we have used Affymetrix GeneChips containing 45,000 probe sets to analyze 34,000 genes to determine the specificity of this compound compared to the pure antiestrogen fulvestrant, as well as to the mixed antagonists/agonists tamoxifen and raloxifene to block the effect of estradiol (E(2)) and to induce effects of their own on the genomic profile in the mouse mammary gland. The genes modulated by E(2) were those identified in two separate experiments and validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). Three hours after the single subcutaneous injection of E(2) (0.05 µg), the simultaneous administration of ACOL, fulvestrant, tamoxifen, and raloxifene blocked by 98, 61, 43, and 92 % the number of E(2)-upregulated genes, respectively. On the other hand, 70, 10, 25, and 55 % of the genes down-regulated by E(2) were blocked by the same compounds. Of the 128 genes modulated by E(2), 49 are associated with tumorigenesis while 22 are known to be associated with breast cancer. When used alone, ACOL modulated the smallest number of genes also influenced by E(2), namely 4 %, thus possibly explaining potential utilities of this compound in breast cancer prevention and therapy.

Neurosteroid biosynthesis: enzymatic pathways and neuroendocrine regulation by neurotransmitters and neuropeptides.

Neuroactive steroids synthesized in neuronal tissue, referred to as neurosteroids, are implicated in proliferation, differentiation, activity and survival of nerve cells. Neurosteroids are also involved in the control of a number of behavioral, neuroendocrine and metabolic processes such as regulation of food intake, locomotor activity, sexual activity, aggressiveness, anxiety, depression, body temperature and blood pressure. In this article, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the existence, neuroanatomical distribution and biological activity of the enzymes responsible for the biosynthesis of neurosteroids in the brain of vertebrates, and we review the neuronal mechanisms that control the activity of these enzymes. The observation that the activity of key steroidogenic enzymes is finely tuned by various neurotransmitters and neuropeptides strongly suggests that some of the central effects of these neuromodulators may be mediated via the regulation of neurosteroid production.

Effects of androgens on adipocyte differentiation and adipose tissue explant metabolism in men and women.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of aromatizable or nonaromatizable androgens on abdominal subcutaneous (SC) and omental (OM) adipose tissue lipid metabolism and adipogenesis in men and women. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: Primary organ and preadipocyte cultures were established from surgical samples obtained in men (n = 22) and women undergoing biliopancreatic diversions (n = 12) or gynaecological surgeries (n = 8). Cultures were treated with testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and methyltrienolone (R1881). MEASUREMENTS: Heparin-releasable lipoprotein lipase (HR-LPL) activity, glycerol release, adiponectin secretion, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase activity and lipid accumulation were measured. RESULTS: In organ cultures from men, DHT had a statistically significant inhibitory effect on HR-LPL activity in the OM compartment. Testosterone significantly inhibited HR-LPL activity in SC and OM cultures. In women, high DHT concentrations tended to inhibit HR-LPL activity in OM cultures. Minor androgenic effects were observed for basal and isoproterenol-stimulated lipolysis as well as adiponectin release in men. On the other hand, adipocyte differentiation was significantly and dose-dependently inhibited by DHT, testosterone and R1881 in SC and OM cultures from both sexes. These effects did not differ according to adipose tissue depot but appeared to be more pronounced in women than in men. CONCLUSIONS: Androgens slightly decreased HR-LPL activity in adipose tissue organ cultures, but markedly inhibited adipogenesis in SC and OM primary preadipocyte cultures in both sexes. Androgenic effects on adipose tissue in men vs. women may not differ in terms of direction but in the magnitude of their negative impact on adipogenesis and lipid synthesis.

Gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists in the treatment of prostate cancer.

In 1979, the first prostate cancer patient was treated with a GnRH agonist at the Laval University Medical Center in Quebec City, Canada, thus rapidly leading to the worldwide replacement of surgical castration and high doses of estrogens. The discovery of medical castration with GnRH agonists was soon followed by fundamental changes in the endocrine therapy of prostate cancer. Most importantly, the excellent tolerance accompanying the treatment with GnRH agonists has been a key factor that permitted a series of studies demonstrating a major reduction in the death rate from prostate cancer ranging from 31 to 87% at 5 yr of follow-up in patients with localized or locally advanced prostate cancer. In fact, a one third reduction in prostate cancer deaths has been calculated in the metaanalysis of all available studies. The general acceptance of this discovery by patients and physicians is illustrated by world sales above 3.0 billion U.S. dollars in 2003. Although extremely efficient in achieving complete medical castration and well tolerated, with no other side effects than the expected hypoandrogenicity, GnRH agonists should not be administered alone. In fact, shortly after discovery of the castration effects of GnRH agonists, we observed that approximately 50% of androgens remain in the prostate after castration, thus leading to the recognition of the role of adrenal dehydroepiandrosterone as an important source of the androgens synthesized locally in the prostate and in many peripheral target tissues. We therefore developed combined androgen blockade (CAB), whereby the androgens of both testicular and adrenal origins are blocked simultaneously at start of treatment with the combination of a GnRH agonist to block the testis and a pure antiandrogen to block the action of the androgens produced locally. CAB, first used in advanced metastatic disease, has been the first treatment shown to prolong life in prostate cancer. Most interestingly, in 2002, we made the observation that CAB alone given continuously for 6.5 yr or more leads to cure of the disease in at least 90% of cases, thus suggesting that androgen blockade combining a GnRH agonist and a pure antiandrogen could well be the most efficient treatment of localized prostate cancer, and thus offering the possibility of practically eliminating death from prostate cancer.

Androgen metabolism in adipose tissue: recent advances.

Androgens modulate adipocyte function and affect the size of adipose tissue compartments in humans. Aldo-keto reductase 1C (AKR1C) enzymes, especially AKR1C2 and AKR1C3, through local synthesis and inactivation of androgens, may be involved in the fine regulation of androgen availability in adipose tissue. This review article summarizes recent findings on androgen metabolism in adipose tissue. Primary culture models and whole tissue specimens of human adipose tissue obtained from the abdominal subcutaneous and intra-abdominal (omental) fat compartments were used in our studies. The non-aromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT) inhibits adipocyte differentiation in subcutaneous and omental adipocytes in humans. This inhibitory effect is partially reversed by anti-androgens. Activity and mRNA expression of AKR1C1, 2 and 3 were detected in SC and OM adipose tissue, in men and women, with higher levels in the SC depot than the omental depot of both sexes. The abundance of AKR1C enzyme mRNAs was particularly elevated compared to other steroid-converting enzymes. Significant positive associations were observed between AKR1C enzyme mRNA levels or DHT inactivation rates and visceral fat accumulation as well as OM adipocyte size in women and in men, at least in the normal weight to moderately obese range. Mature adipocytes had significantly higher DHT inactivation rates compared to preadipocytes. Accordingly, adipocyte differentiation significantly increased AKR1C enzyme expression and DHT inactivation rates. Treatment of preadipocytes with dexamethasone alone led to significant increases in the formation of 5alpha-androstan-3alpha,17beta-diol. This stimulation was completely abolished by RU486, suggesting that androgen inactivation is stimulated by a glucocorticoid receptor-dependent mechanism. In conclusion, higher AKR1C activity and expression in mature adipocytes may explain the associations between these enzymes and obesity. We speculate that glucocorticoid-induced androgen inactivation could locally decrease the exposure of adipose cells to active androgens and partially remove their inhibitory effect on adipogenesis. We hypothesize that body fat distribution patterns likely emerge from the local adipose tissue balance between active androgens and glucocorticoids in each fat compartment.

Progesterone metabolism in adipose cells.

The aim of the present study was to investigate pathways of progesterone metabolism in human adipose cells. Adipose tissue samples from the omental (OM) and subcutaneous (SC) fat compartments were surgically obtained in women. In isolated mature adipocytes, progesterone was converted to 20alpha-hydroxyprogesterone as the main metabolite, most likely through the activity of aldo-keto reductases 1C1, 2 and 3 (20alpha-HSD, 3alpha-HSD type 3 and 17beta-HSD type 5, respectively). In cultured preadipocytes, progesterone was converted to several metabolites identified using bidimensional thin layer chromatography, with or without the dual inhibitor of 5alpha-reductase type 1 and 2 (17beta-N,N-diethylcarbamoyl-4-methyl-4-aza-5alpha-androstan-3-one (4-MA)). Major metabolites identified in OM and SC preadipocytes which were incubated for 24h with (14)C-labelled progesterone were 20alpha-hydroxyprogesterone, 5alpha-pregnane-3alpha/beta-ol-20-one, 5alpha- and 5beta-pregnanedione, 5alpha- and 5beta-pregnane-20alpha-ol-3-one, 5alpha-pregnane-3alpha/beta-ol-20-one and 5beta-pregnane-3alpha/beta-20alpha-diol. Induction of preadipocyte differentiation increased expression levels of AKR1C1 and modified the pattern of progesterone metabolism substantially, leaving 20alpha-hydroxyprogesterone as the main metabolite generated. On the other hand, progesterone itself showed no consistent effect on adipocyte differentiation. In conclusion, preadipocytes and lipid-storing, mature adipocytes efficiently generate progesterone metabolites in women, which is consistent with rather modest effects progesterone on abdominal fat cell differentiation.

Crystal structures of human Delta4-3-ketosteroid 5beta-reductase (AKR1D1) reveal the presence of an alternative binding site responsible for substrate inhibition.

The 5beta-reductases (AKR1D1-3) are unique enzymes able to catalyze efficiently and in a stereospecific manner the 5beta-reduction of the C4-C5 double bond found in Delta4-3-ketosteroids, including steroid hormones and bile acids precursors such as 7alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one and 7alpha,12alpha-dihydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one. In order to elucidate the binding mode and substrate specificity in detail, biochemical and structural studies on human 5beta-reductase (h5beta-red; AKR1D1) have been recently undertaken. The crystal structure of a h5beta-red binary complex provides a complete picture of the NADPH-enzyme interactions involving the flexible loop B, which contributes to the maintenance of the cofactor in its binding site by acting as a "safety belt". Structural comparison with binary complexes of AKR1C enzymes, specifically the human type 3 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (AKR1C2) and the mouse 17alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (AKR1C21), also revealed particularities in loop B positioning that make the steroid-binding cavity of h5beta-red substantially larger than those of the two other enzymes. Kinetic characterization of the purified recombinant h5beta-red has shown that this enzyme exerts a strong activity toward progesterone (Prog) and androstenedione (Delta4) but is rapidly inhibited by these substrates once their concentrations reach 2-times their K(m) value. A crystal structure of the h5beta-red in ternary complex with NADPH and Delta4 has revealed that the large steroid-binding site of this enzyme also contains a subsite in which the Delta4 molecule is found. When bound in this subsite, Delta4 completely impedes the passage of another substrate molecule toward the catalytic site. The importance of this alternative binding site for the inhibition of h5beta-red was finally proven by site-directed mutagenesis, which demonstrated that the replacement of one of the residues delineating this site (Val(309)) by a phenylalanine completely abolishes the substrate inhibition. The results of this report provide structural insights into the substrate inhibition of h5beta-red by C19- and C21-steroids.

The crystal structure of human Delta4-3-ketosteroid 5beta-reductase defines the functional role of the residues of the catalytic tetrad in the steroid double bond reduction mechanism.

The 5beta-reductases (AKR1D1-3) are unique enzymes able to catalyze efficiently and in a stereospecific manner the 5beta-reduction of the C4-C5 double bond found into Delta4-3-ketosteroids, including steroid hormones and bile acids. Multiple-sequence alignments and mutagenic studies have already identified one of the residues presumably located at their active site, Glu 120, as the major molecular determinant for the unique activity displayed by 5beta-reductases. To define the exact role played by this glutamate in the catalytic activity of these enzymes, biochemical and structural studies on human 5beta-reductase (h5beta-red) have been undertaken. The crystal structure of h5beta-red in a ternary complex with NADP (+) and 5beta-dihydroprogesterone (5beta-DHP), the product of the 5beta-reduction of progesterone (Prog), revealed that Glu 120 does not interact directly with the other catalytic residues, as previously hypothesized, thus suggesting that this residue is not directly involved in catalysis but could instead be important for the proper positioning of the steroid substrate in the catalytic site. On the basis of our structural results, we thus propose a realistic scheme for the catalytic mechanism of the C4-C5 double bond reduction. We also propose that bile acid precursors such as 7alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one and 7alpha,12alpha-dihydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, when bound to the active site of h5beta-red, can establish supplementary contacts with Tyr 26 and Tyr 132, two residues delineating the steroid-binding cavity. These additional contacts very likely account for the higher activity of h5beta-red toward the bile acid intermediates versus steroid hormones. Finally, in light of the structural data now available, we attempt to interpret the likely consequences of mutations already identified in the gene encoding the h5beta-red enzyme which lead to a reduction of its enzymatic activity and which can progress to severe liver function failure.

Response of the adipose tissue transcriptome to dihydrotestosterone in mice.

Androgens have been postulated to be important modulators of adipose tissue metabolism and fat cell function. In the present study, we investigated the response of male and female mice retroperitoneal adipose tissue to the nonaromatizable androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Adipose tissue samples were obtained in gonadectomized animals treated with vehicle (control group), or injected with 0.1 mg DHT 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h prior to necropsy. Fourteen animals were pooled at each time point (total 196 animals). Transcripts that were significantly modulated were considered as androgen-responsive genes. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR was used to confirm results from the microarray analysis in a subset of 46 probe sets in male mice and 98 probe sets in female mice. Considering peak time vs. control, we confirmed 74.0 and 63.3% of the modulated genes by PCR in males and females, respectively. Four genes were significantly stimulated in a similar manner by DHT in both sexes, namely metallothionein 1, growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible 45 gamma, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A, and fk506-binding protein 5. All these genes appear to be involved in the regulation of adipocyte differentiation/proliferation and adipogenesis. In conclusion, this study, which evaluated the acute transcriptome response of adipose tissue to DHT in male and female mice, suggests that DHT consistently modulates genes involved in the regulation of adipogenesis in retroperitoneal adipose tissue of both male and female animals.

Endocrine and intracrine sources of androgens in women: inhibition of breast cancer and other roles of androgens and their precursor dehydroepiandrosterone.

Serum androgens as well as their precursors and metabolites decrease from the age of 30-40 yr in women, thus suggesting that a more physiological hormone replacement therapy at menopause should contain an androgenic compound. It is important to consider, however, that most of the androgens in women, especially after menopause, are synthesized in peripheral intracrine tissues from the inactive precursors dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) of adrenal origin. Much progress in this new area of endocrine physiology called intracrinology has followed the cloning and characterization of most of the enzymes responsible for the transformation of DHEA and DHEA-S into androgens and estrogens in peripheral target tissues, where the locally produced sex steroids are exerting their action in the same cells in which their synthesis takes place without significant diffusion into the circulation, thus seriously limiting the interpretation of serum levels of active sex steroids. The sex steroids made in peripheral tissues are then inactivated locally into more water-soluble compounds that diffuse into the general circulation where they can be measured. In a series of animal models, androgens and DHEA have been found to inhibit breast cancer development and growth and to stimulate bone formation. In clinical studies, DHEA has been found to increase bone mineral density and to stimulate vaginal maturation without affecting the endometrium, while improving well-being and libido with no significant side effects. The advantage of DHEA over other androgenic compounds is that DHEA, at physiological doses, is converted into androgens and/or estrogens only in the specific intracrine target tissues that possess the appropriate physiological enzymatic machinery, thus limiting the action of the sex steroids to those tissues possessing the tissue-specific profile of expression of the genes responsible for their formation, while leaving the other tissues unaffected and thus minimizing the potential side effects observed with androgens or estrogens administered systemically.

Mouse 17alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (AKR1C21) binds steroids differently from other aldo-keto reductases: identification and characterization of amino acid residues critical for substrate binding.

The mouse 17alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (m17alpha-HSD) is the unique known member of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily able to catalyze efficiently and in a stereospecific manner the conversion of androstenedione (Delta4) into epi-testosterone (epi-T), the 17alpha-epimer of testosterone. Structural and mutagenic studies had already identified one of the residues delineating the steroid-binding cavity, A24, as the major molecular determinant for the stereospecificity of m17alpha-HSD. We report here a ternary complex crystal structure (m17alpha-HSD:NADP(+):epi-T) determined at 1.85 A resolution that confirms this and reveals a unique steroid-binding mode for an AKR enzyme. Indeed, in addition to the interactions found in all other AKRs (van der Waals contacts stabilizing the core of the steroid and the hydrogen bonds established at the catalytic site by the Y55 and H117 residues with the oxygen atom of the ketone group to be reduced), m17alpha-HSD establishes with the other extremity of the steroid nucleus an additional interaction involving K31. By combining direct mutagenesis and kinetic studies, we found that the elimination of this hydrogen bond did not affect the affinity of the enzyme for its steroid substrate but led to a slight but significant increase of its catalytic efficiency (k(cat)/K(m)), suggesting a role for K31 in the release of the steroidal product at the end of the reaction. This previously unobserved steroid-binding mode for an AKR is similar to that adopted by other steroid-binding proteins, the hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases of the short-chain dehydrogenases/reductases (SDR) family and the steroid hormone nuclear receptors. Mutagenesis and structural studies made on the human type 3 3alpha-HSD, a closely related enzyme that shares 73% amino acids identity with the m17alpha-HSD, also revealed that the residue at position 24 of these two enzymes directly affects the binding and/or the release of NADPH, in addition to its role in their 17alpha/17beta stereospecificity.

Androgen biosynthetic pathways in the human prostate.

It is well recognized that there are two androgens, namely testosterone (T) and dihydrotestosterone (DHT); T plays an important role in the testis and muscle, and DHT is crucial for the development, function and pathology of the prostate. It is generally thought that DHT is produced from the 5alpha-reduction of circulating T before being inactivated by 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3alpha-HSD) that converts DHT into 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol (3alpha-diol). However, the presence of various steroidogenic enzymes in the prostate as well as the availability at high levels of various steroid precursors such as dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and 4-androstenedione (4-dione) strongly suggest the existence of additional pathways involved in the biosynthesis and metabolism of DHT. Because steroidogenesis could be different in different species, data from the literature obtained from various human, dog, rat and mouse prostate tissues, as well as primary cells and prostatic cancer cell lines, provide a somewhat confusing picture. In the present chapter, we review the data in order to provide a clearer picture of the pathways involved in DHT biosynthesis and metabolism in the human prostate.

Vasotocin and mesotocin stimulate the biosynthesis of neurosteroids in the frog brain.

The neurohypophysial nonapeptides vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) modulate a broad range of cognitive and social activities. Notably, in amphibians, vasotocin (VT), the ortholog of mammalian VP, plays a crucial role in the control of sexual behaviors. Because several neurosteroids also regulate reproduction-related behaviors, we investigated the possible effect of VT and the OT ortholog mesotocin (MT) in the control of neurosteroid production. Double immunohistochemical labeling of frog brain sections revealed the presence of VT/MT-positive fibers in close proximity of neurons expressing the steroidogenic enzymes 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/delta5-delta4 isomerase (3beta-HSD) and cytochrome P450 17alpha-hydroxylase/c17, 20-lyase (P450(C17)). High concentrations of VT and MT receptor mRNAs were observed in diencephalic nuclei containing the 3beta-HSD and P450(C17) neuronal populations. Exposure of frog hypothalamic explants to graded concentrations of VT or MT produced a dose-dependent increase in the formation of progesterone, 17-hydroxypregnenolone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone. The stimulatory effect of VT and MT on neurosteroid biosynthesis was mimicked by VP and OT, as well as by a selective V1b receptor agonist, whereas V2 and OT receptor agonists had no effect. VT-induced neurosteroid production was completely suppressed by selective V1a receptor antagonists and was not affected by V2 and OT receptor antagonists. Concurrently, the effect of MT on neurosteroidogenesis was markedly attenuated by selective OT and V1a receptor antagonists but not by a V2 antagonist. The present study provides the first evidence for a regulatory effect of VT and MT on neurosteroid biosynthesis. These data suggest that neurosteroids may mediate some of the behavioral actions of VT and MT.

Temporal analysis of E2 transcriptional induction of PTP and MKP and downregulation of IGF-I pathway key components in the mouse uterus.

17beta-Estradiol (E2) is well known to be associated with uterine cancer, endometriosis, and leiomyomas. Although insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) has been identified as a mediator of the uterotrophic effect of E2 in several studies, this mechanism is still not well understood. In the present study, identification of the genes modulated by a physiological dose of E2, in the uterus, has been done in ovariectomized mice using Affymetrix microarrays. The E2-induced genomic profile shows that multiple genes belonging to the IGF-I pathway are affected after exposure to E2. Two phases of regulation could be identified. First, from 0 to 6 h, the expression of genes involved in the cell cycle, growth factors, protein tyrosine phosphatases, and MAPK phosphatases is quickly upregulated by E2, while IGF-I receptor and several genes of the MAPK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways are downregulated. Later, i.e., from 6 to 24 h, transporters and peptidases/proteases are stimulated, whereas defense-related genes are differentially regulated by E2. Finally, cytoarchitectural genes are modulated later. The present data show that a physiological dose of E2 induces, within 24 h, a series of transcriptional events that promote the uterotrophic effect. Among these, the E2-mediated activation of the IGF-I pathway seems to play a pivotal role in the uterotrophic effect. Furthermore, the protein tyrosine phosphatases and MAPK phosphatases are likely to modulate the estrogenic uterotrophic action by targeting, at different steps, the IGF-I pathway.

Crystal structures of mouse 17alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (apoenzyme and enzyme-NADP(H) binary complex): identification of molecular determinants responsible for the unique 17alpha-reductive activity of this enzyme.

Very recently, the mouse 17alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (m17alpha-HSD), a member of the aldo-keto reductase (AKR) superfamily, has been characterized and identified as the unique enzyme able to catalyze efficiently and in a stereospecific manner the conversion of androstenedione (Delta4) into epitestosterone (epi-T), the 17alpha-epimer of testosterone. Indeed, the other AKR enzymes that significantly reduce keto groups situated at position C17 of the steroid nucleus, the human type 3 3alpha-HSD (h3alpha-HSD3), the human and mouse type 5 17beta-HSD, and the rabbit 20alpha-HSD, produce only 17beta-hydroxy derivatives, although they possess more than 70% amino acid identity with m17alpha-HSD. Structural comparisons of these highly homologous enzymes thus offer an excellent opportunity of identifying the molecular determinants responsible for their 17alpha/17beta-stereospecificity. Here, we report the crystal structure of the m17alpha-HSD enzyme in its apo-form (1.9 A resolution) as well as those of two different forms of this enzyme in binary complex with NADP(H) (2.9 A and 1.35 A resolution). Interestingly, one of these binary complex structures could represent a conformational intermediate between the apoenzyme and the active binary complex. These structures provide a complete picture of the NADP(H)-enzyme interactions involving the flexible loop B, which can adopt two different conformations upon cofactor binding. Structural comparison with binary complexes of other AKR1C enzymes has also revealed particularities of the interaction between m17alpha-HSD and NADP(H), which explain why it has been possible to crystallize this enzyme in its apo form. Close inspection of the m17alpha-HSD steroid-binding cavity formed upon cofactor binding leads us to hypothesize that the residue at position 24 is of paramount importance for the stereospecificity of the reduction reaction. Mutagenic studies have showed that the m17alpha-HSD(A24Y) mutant exhibited a completely reversed stereospecificity, producing testosterone only from Delta4, whereas the h3alpha-HSD3(Y24A) mutant acquires the capacity to metabolize Delta4 into epi-T.

Structure-activity relationships of a series of analogs of the endozepine octadecaneuropeptide (ODN(11)(-)(18)) on neurosteroid biosynthesis by hypothalamic explants.

We have previously shown that the endozepine octadecaneuropeptide (ODN) stimulates the biosynthesis of neurosteroids from frog hypothalamic explants. In the present study, we have investigated the structure-activity relationships of a series of analogs of the C-terminal octapeptide of ODN (OP) on neurosteroid formation. We found that OP and its cyclic analog cyclo1-8OP stimulate in a concentration-dependent manner the synthesis of various steroids including 17-hydroxypregnenolone, progesterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and dehydroepiandrosterone. Deletion or Ala-substitution of the Arg1 or Pro2 residues of OP did not affect the activity of the peptide. In contrast, deletion or replacement of any of the amino acids of the C-terminal hexapeptide fragment totally abolished the effect of OP on neurosteroid biosynthesis. The present study indicates that the C-terminal hexapeptide of ODN/OP is the minimal sequence retaining full biological activity on steroid-producing neurons.

Differential androgen and estrogen substrates specificity in the mouse and primates type 12 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.

Recently, we have shown that human and monkey type 12 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (17beta-HSD12) are estrogen-specific enzymes catalyzing the transformation of estrone (E(1)) into estradiol (E(2)). To further characterize this novel steroidogenic enzyme in an animal model, we have isolated a cDNA fragment encoding mouse 17beta-HSD12 and characterized its enzymatic activity. Using human embryonic kidney cells (HEK)-293 cells stably expressing mouse 17beta-HSD12, we found that in contrast with the human and monkey enzymes, which are specific for the transformation of E(1) to E(2), mouse 17beta-HSD12 also catalyzes the transformation of 4-androstenedione into testosterone (T), dehydroepiandroster-one (DHEA) into 5-androstene-3beta,17beta-diol (5-diol), as well as androsterone into 5alpha-androstane-3alpha,17beta-diol (3alpha-diol). Previously, we have shown that the specificity of human and monkey 17beta-HSD12s for C18-steroid is due to the presence of a bulky phenylalanine (F) at position 234 creating steric hindrance, preventing the entrance of C19-steroids into the active site. To determine whether the smaller size of the corresponding leucine (L) in the mouse sequence is responsible for the entrance of androgenic substrates, we performed site-directed mutagenesis to substitute Leu 234 for Phe in the mouse enzyme. In agreement with our hypothesis, the mutated enzyme has a highly reduced ability to metabolize androgens. mRNA quantification in several mouse tissues using real-time PCR shows that mouse 17beta-HSD12 mRNA is highly expressed in the female clitoral gland, male preputial gland, as well as in retroperitoneal fat and adrenal of both sexes. The differential androgenic/estrogenic substrate specificity of type 12 17beta-HSD in the mouse and primates seems to agree with the observation that androgen and estrogen in the mouse are provided almost exclusively by gonads, while in primates an important part of these steroid hormones are produced locally from adrenal precursors.

Molecular characterization of the cynomolgus monkey Macaca fascicularis steroidogenic enzymes belonging to the aldo-keto reductase family.

Steroidogenic enzymes belonging to the aldo-keto reductase family (AKR) possess highly homologous sequences while having different activities. To gain further knowledge about the function as well as the regulation of these enzymes in the monkey, we have isolated cDNA sequences encoding monkey type 5 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, and characterized their enzymatic activity and mRNA tissue distribution. Sequence analysis indicates that these enzymes share approximately 94 and 76% amino acid identity with human and mouse homologs, respectively. Monkey type 5 17beta-HSD possesses 95.9% amino acid sequence identity with human type 5 17beta-HSD. It catalyzes the transformation of 4-androstenedione into testosterone, but it lacks 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity that is present in the human enzyme. This activity seems to be specific to human, since mouse type 5 17beta-HSD does not show significant 20alpha-HSD activity. In addition, monkey and mouse 20alpha-HSD possess relatively high 20alpha-, 3alpha-, and 17beta-HSD activities, while their human counterpart is confined to 20alpha-HSD activity. The monkey 3alpha-HSD possesses relatively high 3alpha-, 17beta-, and 20alpha-HSD activities; human type 1 3alpha-HSD exerts 3alpha- and 20alpha-HSD activities; the mouse 3alpha-HSD displays a unique 3alpha-HSD activity. Quantification of mRNA expression shows that the monkey 3alpha-HSD is exclusively expressed in the liver, while the type 5 17beta-HSD is predominately found in the kidney, with lower levels observed in the stomach, liver, and colon. Monkey 20alpha-HSD mRNA is highly expressed in the kidney, stomach, and liver. Our study provides the basis for future investigations on the regulation and function of these enzymes in the monkey.

Steroid metabolism and profile of steroidogenic gene expression in Episkin: high similarity with human epidermis.

The skin is a well-recognized site of steroid formation and metabolism. Episkin is a cultured human epidermis. In this report, we investigate whether Episkin possesses a steroidogenic machinery able to metabolize adrenal steroid precursors into active steroids. Episkin was incubated with [14C]-dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and 4-androstenedione (4-dione) and their metabolites were analyzed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). The results show that the major product of DHEA metabolism in Episkin is DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) (88% of the metabolites) while the other metabolites are 7alpha-OH-DHEA (8.2%), 4-dione (1.3%), 5-androstenediol (1.3%), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) (1.4%) and androsterone (ADT) (2.3%). When 4-dione is used as substrate, much higher levels of C19-steroids are produced with ADT representing 77% of the metabolites. These data indicate that 5alpha-reductase, 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17beta-HSD) and 3alpha-hydroxysteroid dehdyrogenase (3alpha-HSD) activities are present at moderate levels in Episkin, while 3beta-HSD activity is low and represents a rate-limiting step in the conversion of DHEA into C19-steroids. Using realtime PCR, we have measured the level of mRNAs encoding the steroidogenic enzymes in Episkin. A good agreement is found between the mRNAs expression in Episkin and the metabolic profile. High expression levels of steroid sulfotransferase SULT2B1B and type 3 3alpha-HSD (AKR1C2) correspond to the high levels of DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) and ADT formed from DHEA and 4-dione, respectively. 3beta-HSD is almost undetectable while the other enzymes such as type 1 5alpha-reductase, types 2, 4, 5, 7, 8, and 10 17beta-HSD and 20alpha-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (20alpha-HSD) (AKR1C1) are highly expressed. Except for UGT-glucuronosyl transferase, similar mRNA expression profiles between Episkin and human epidermis are observed.