RESUMO
Dexamethasone is a life-saving treatment for severe COVID-19, yet its mechanism of action is unknown, and many patients deteriorate or die despite timely treatment initiation. Here, we identify dexamethasone treatment-induced cellular and molecular changes associated with improved survival in COVID-19 patients. We observed a reversal of transcriptional hallmark signatures in monocytes associated with severe COVID-19 and the induction of a monocyte substate characterized by the expression of glucocorticoid-response genes. These molecular responses to dexamethasone were detected in circulating and pulmonary monocytes, and they were directly linked to survival. Monocyte single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq)-derived signatures were enriched in whole blood transcriptomes of patients with fatal outcome in two independent cohorts, highlighting the potential for identifying non-responders refractory to dexamethasone. Our findings link the effects of dexamethasone to specific immunomodulation and reversal of monocyte dysregulation, and they highlight the potential of single-cell omics for monitoring in vivo target engagement of immunomodulatory drugs and for patient stratification for precision medicine approaches.
Assuntos
Tratamento Farmacológico da COVID-19 , COVID-19 , Dexametasona , Monócitos , SARS-CoV-2 , Análise de Célula Única , Humanos , Dexametasona/farmacologia , Dexametasona/uso terapêutico , Monócitos/metabolismo , Monócitos/efeitos dos fármacos , SARS-CoV-2/efeitos dos fármacos , Masculino , Feminino , Transcriptoma , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Idoso , Glucocorticoides/uso terapêutico , Glucocorticoides/farmacologia , Pulmão/patologia , AdultoRESUMO
Diversity in the genetic lesions that cause cancer is extreme. In consequence, a pressing challenge is the development of drugs that target patient-specific disease mechanisms. To address this challenge, we employed a chemistry-first discovery paradigm for de novo identification of druggable targets linked to robust patient selection hypotheses. In particular, a 200,000 compound diversity-oriented chemical library was profiled across a heavily annotated test-bed of >100 cellular models representative of the diverse and characteristic somatic lesions for lung cancer. This approach led to the delineation of 171 chemical-genetic associations, shedding light on the targetability of mechanistic vulnerabilities corresponding to a range of oncogenotypes present in patient populations lacking effective therapy. Chemically addressable addictions to ciliogenesis in TTC21B mutants and GLUT8-dependent serine biosynthesis in KRAS/KEAP1 double mutants are prominent examples. These observations indicate a wealth of actionable opportunities within the complex molecular etiology of cancer.
Assuntos
Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/patologia , Proliferação de Células/efeitos dos fármacos , Neoplasias Pulmonares/patologia , Bibliotecas de Moléculas Pequenas/farmacologia , Carcinoma Pulmonar de Células não Pequenas/metabolismo , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Família 4 do Citocromo P450/deficiência , Família 4 do Citocromo P450/genética , Descoberta de Drogas , Pontos de Checagem da Fase G1 do Ciclo Celular/efeitos dos fármacos , Glucocorticoides/farmacologia , Proteínas Facilitadoras de Transporte de Glucose/antagonistas & inibidores , Proteínas Facilitadoras de Transporte de Glucose/genética , Proteínas Facilitadoras de Transporte de Glucose/metabolismo , Humanos , Proteína 1 Associada a ECH Semelhante a Kelch/genética , Proteína 1 Associada a ECH Semelhante a Kelch/metabolismo , Neoplasias Pulmonares/metabolismo , Proteínas Associadas aos Microtúbulos/genética , Proteínas Associadas aos Microtúbulos/metabolismo , Mutação , Fator 2 Relacionado a NF-E2/antagonistas & inibidores , Fator 2 Relacionado a NF-E2/genética , Fator 2 Relacionado a NF-E2/metabolismo , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas p21(ras)/genética , Proteínas Proto-Oncogênicas p21(ras)/metabolismo , Interferência de RNA , RNA Interferente Pequeno/metabolismo , Receptor Notch2/genética , Receptor Notch2/metabolismo , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/antagonistas & inibidores , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/genética , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/metabolismo , Bibliotecas de Moléculas Pequenas/química , Bibliotecas de Moléculas Pequenas/metabolismoRESUMO
Childhood neglect and/or abuse can induce mental health conditions with unknown mechanisms. Here, we identified stress hormones as strong inducers of astrocyte-mediated synapse phagocytosis. Using in vitro, in vivo, and human brain organoid experiments, we showed that stress hormones increased the expression of the Mertk phagocytic receptor in astrocytes through glucocorticoid receptor (GR). In post-natal mice, exposure to early social deprivation (ESD) specifically activated the GR-MERTK pathway in astrocytes, but not in microglia. The excitatory post-synaptic density in cortical regions was reduced in ESD mice, and there was an increase in the astrocytic engulfment of these synapses. The loss of excitatory synapses, abnormal neuronal network activities, and behavioral abnormalities in ESD mice were largely prevented by ablating GR or MERTK in astrocytes. Our work reveals the critical roles of astrocytic GR-MERTK activation in evoking stress-induced abnormal behaviors in mice, suggesting GR-MERTK signaling as a therapeutic target for stress-induced mental health conditions.
Assuntos
Astrócitos , Fagocitose , Estresse Psicológico , Animais , Criança , Humanos , Camundongos , Astrócitos/metabolismo , c-Mer Tirosina Quinase/genética , Hormônios/metabolismo , Sinapses/metabolismo , Estresse Psicológico/metabolismoRESUMO
The normal stress response in humans is governed by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis through heightened mechanisms during stress, raising blood levels of the glucocorticoid hormone cortisol. Glucocorticoids are quintessential compounds that balance the proper functioning of numerous systems in the mammalian body. They are also generated synthetically and are the preeminent therapy for inflammatory diseases. They act by binding to the nuclear receptor transcription factor glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which has two main isoforms (GRα and GRß). Our classical understanding of glucocorticoid signaling is from the GRα isoform, which binds the hormone, whereas GRß has no known ligands. With glucocorticoids being involved in many physiological and cellular processes, even small disruptions in their release via the HPA axis, or changes in GR isoform expression, can have dire ramifications on health. Long-term chronic glucocorticoid therapy can lead to a glucocorticoid-resistant state, and we deliberate how this impacts disease treatment. Chronic glucocorticoid treatment can lead to noticeable side effects such as weight gain, adiposity, diabetes, and others that we discuss in detail. There are sexually dimorphic responses to glucocorticoids, and women tend to have a more hyperresponsive HPA axis than men. This review summarizes our understanding of glucocorticoids and critically analyzes the GR isoforms and their beneficial and deleterious mechanisms and the sexual differences that cause a dichotomy in responses. We also discuss the future of glucocorticoid therapy and propose a new concept of dual GR isoform agonist and postulate why activating both isoforms may prevent glucocorticoid resistance.
Assuntos
Glucocorticoides , Sistema Hipotálamo-Hipofisário , Masculino , Animais , Feminino , Humanos , Glucocorticoides/metabolismo , Sistema Hipotálamo-Hipofisário/metabolismo , Caracteres Sexuais , Sistema Hipófise-Suprarrenal/metabolismo , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/metabolismo , Isoformas de Proteínas/metabolismo , Mamíferos/metabolismoRESUMO
The hormone-stimulated glucocorticoid receptor (GR) modulates transcription by interacting with thousands of enhancers and GR binding sites (GBSs) throughout the genome. Here, we examined the effects of GR binding on enhancer dynamics and investigated the contributions of individual GBSs to the hormone response. Hormone treatment resulted in genome-wide reorganization of the enhancer landscape in breast cancer cells. Upstream of the DDIT4 oncogene, GR bound to four sites constituting a hormone-dependent super enhancer. Three GBSs were required as hormone-dependent enhancers that differentially promoted histone acetylation, transcription frequency, and burst size. Conversely, the fourth site suppressed transcription and hormone treatment alleviated this suppression. GR binding within the super enhancer promoted a loop-switching mechanism that allowed interaction of the DDIT4 TSS with the active GBSs. The unique functions of each GR binding site contribute to hormone-induced transcriptional heterogeneity and demonstrate the potential for targeted modulation of oncogene expression.
Assuntos
Antineoplásicos/farmacologia , Neoplasias da Mama/tratamento farmacológico , Dexametasona/farmacologia , Elementos Facilitadores Genéticos , Regulação Neoplásica da Expressão Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/agonistas , Fatores de Transcrição/metabolismo , Transcrição Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Sítios de Ligação , Neoplasias da Mama/genética , Neoplasias da Mama/metabolismo , Neoplasias da Mama/patologia , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Feminino , Humanos , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/genética , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais , Fatores de Transcrição/genéticaRESUMO
In the eukaryotic cytosol, the Hsp70 and the Hsp90 chaperone machines work in tandem with the maturation of a diverse array of client proteins. The transfer of nonnative clients between these systems is essential to the chaperoning process, but how it is regulated is still not clear. We discovered that NudC is an essential transfer factor with an unprecedented mode of action: NudC interacts with Hsp40 in Hsp40-Hsp70-client complexes and displaces Hsp70. Then, the interaction of NudC with Hsp90 allows the direct transfer of Hsp40-bound clients to Hsp90 for further processing. Consistent with this mechanism, NudC increases client activation in vitro as well as in cells and is essential for cellular viability. Together, our results show the complexity of the cooperation between the major chaperone machineries in the eukaryotic cytosol.
Assuntos
Proteínas de Ciclo Celular/metabolismo , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP40/metabolismo , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP90/metabolismo , Proteínas Nucleares/metabolismo , Sítios de Ligação , Proteínas de Ciclo Celular/genética , Sobrevivência Celular , Células HEK293 , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP40/genética , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP90/genética , Humanos , Células K562 , Cinética , Simulação de Acoplamento Molecular , Proteínas Nucleares/genética , Ligação Proteica , Dobramento de Proteína , Domínios e Motivos de Interação entre Proteínas , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/genética , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/metabolismo , Proteína Supressora de Tumor p53/genética , Proteína Supressora de Tumor p53/metabolismoRESUMO
Folding of stringent clients requires transfer from Hsp70 to Hsp90. The co-chaperone Hop physically connects the chaperone machineries. Here, we define its role from the remodeling of Hsp70/40-client complexes to the mechanism of client transfer and the conformational switching from stalled to active client-processing states of Hsp90. We show that Hsp70 together with Hsp40 completely unfold a stringent client, the glucocorticoid receptor ligand-binding domain (GR-LBD) in large assemblies. Hop remodels these for efficient transfer onto Hsp90. As p23 enters, Hsp70 leaves the complex via switching between binding sites in Hop. Current concepts assume that to proceed to client folding, Hop dissociates and the co-chaperone p23 stabilizes the Hsp90 closed state. In contrast, we show that p23 functionally interacts with Hop, relieves the stalling Hsp90-Hop interaction, and closes Hsp90. This reaction allows folding of the client and is thus the key regulatory step for the progression of the chaperone cycle.
Assuntos
Dobramento de Proteína , Piridinolcarbamato , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP70/genética , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP70/metabolismo , Proteínas de Choque Térmico HSP90/metabolismo , Humanos , Chaperonas Moleculares/genética , Chaperonas Moleculares/metabolismo , Ligação Proteica , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/metabolismoRESUMO
Identifying signals in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that shape CD8+ T cell phenotype can inform novel therapeutic approaches for cancer. Here, we identified a gradient of increasing glucocorticoid receptor (GR) expression and signaling from naïve to dysfunctional CD8+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Conditional deletion of the GR in CD8+ TILs improved effector differentiation, reduced expression of the transcription factor TCF-1, and inhibited the dysfunctional phenotype, culminating in tumor growth inhibition. GR signaling transactivated the expression of multiple checkpoint receptors and promoted the induction of dysfunction-associated genes upon T cell activation. In the TME, monocyte-macrophage lineage cells produced glucocorticoids and genetic ablation of steroidogenesis in these cells as well as localized pharmacologic inhibition of glucocorticoid biosynthesis improved tumor growth control. Active glucocorticoid signaling associated with failure to respond to checkpoint blockade in both preclinical models and melanoma patients. Thus, endogenous steroid hormone signaling in CD8+ TILs promotes dysfunction, with important implications for cancer immunotherapy.
Assuntos
Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos/imunologia , Glucocorticoides/metabolismo , Macrófagos/metabolismo , Melanoma Experimental/patologia , Microambiente Tumoral/imunologia , Animais , Linfócitos T CD8-Positivos/citologia , Linhagem Celular Tumoral , Hematopoese/imunologia , Fator 1-alfa Nuclear de Hepatócito/biossíntese , Inibidores de Checkpoint Imunológico , Ativação Linfocitária/imunologia , Macrófagos/imunologia , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Knockout , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/genética , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/metabolismo , Transdução de Sinais/imunologiaRESUMO
Psychological stress has adverse effects on various human diseases, including those of the cardiovascular system. However, the mechanisms by which stress influences disease activity remain unclear. Here, using vaso-occlusive episodes (VOEs) of sickle cell disease as a vascular disease model, we show that stress promotes VOEs by eliciting a glucocorticoid hormonal response that augments gut permeability, leading to microbiota-dependent interleukin-17A (IL-17A) secretion from T helper 17 (Th17) cells of the lamina propria, followed by the expansion of the circulating pool of aged neutrophils that trigger VOEs. We identify segmented filamentous bacteria as the commensal essential for the stress-induced expansion of aged neutrophils that enhance VOEs in mice. Importantly, the inhibition of glucocorticoids synthesis, blockade of IL-17A, or depletion of the Th17 cell-inducing gut microbiota markedly reduces stress-induced VOEs. These results offer potential therapeutic targets to limit the impact of psychological stress on acute vascular occlusion.
Assuntos
Anemia Falciforme/patologia , Microbioma Gastrointestinal/imunologia , Interleucina-17/metabolismo , Estresse Psicológico/patologia , Células Th17/imunologia , Anemia Falciforme/psicologia , Animais , Bactérias/imunologia , Linhagem Celular , Vida Livre de Germes , Glucocorticoides/biossíntese , Fator Estimulador de Colônias de Granulócitos/metabolismo , Células HEK293 , Humanos , Sistema Hipotálamo-Hipofisário/metabolismo , Inflamação/imunologia , Inflamação/psicologia , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Knockout , Neutrófilos/imunologiaRESUMO
Transcription factors (TFs) regulate gene expression by binding to specific consensus motifs within the local chromatin context. The mechanisms by which TFs navigate the nuclear environment as they search for binding sites remain unclear. Here, we used single-molecule tracking and machine-learning-based classification to directly measure the nuclear mobility of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in live cells. We revealed two distinct and dynamic low-mobility populations. One accounts for specific binding to chromatin, while the other represents a confinement state that requires an intrinsically disordered region (IDR), implicated in liquid-liquid condensate subdomains. Further analysis showed that the dwell times of both subpopulations follow a power-law distribution, consistent with a broad distribution of affinities on the GR cistrome and interactome. Together, our data link IDRs with a confinement state that is functionally distinct from specific chromatin binding and modulates the transcriptional output by increasing the local concentration of TFs at specific sites.
Assuntos
Proteínas Intrinsicamente Desordenadas/química , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/química , Fatores de Transcrição/química , Animais , Feminino , Proteínas Intrinsicamente Desordenadas/genética , Proteínas Intrinsicamente Desordenadas/metabolismo , Camundongos , Ratos , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/genética , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/metabolismo , Fatores de Transcrição/genética , Fatores de Transcrição/metabolismoRESUMO
Glucocorticoids are steroid hormones with strong anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects that are produced in a diurnal fashion. Although glucocorticoids have the potential to induce interleukin-7 receptor (IL-7R) expression in T cells, whether they control T cell homeostasis and responses at physiological concentrations remains unclear. We found that glucocorticoid receptor signaling induces IL-7R expression in mouse T cells by binding to an enhancer of the IL-7Rα locus, with a peak at midnight and a trough at midday. This diurnal induction of IL-7R supported the survival of T cells and their redistribution between lymph nodes, spleen, and blood by controlling expression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4. In mice, T cell accumulation in the spleen at night enhanced immune responses against soluble antigens and systemic bacterial infection. Our results reveal the immunoenhancing role of glucocorticoids in adaptive immunity and provide insight into how immune function is regulated by the diurnal rhythm.
Assuntos
Ritmo Circadiano/fisiologia , Glucocorticoides/farmacologia , Receptores CXCR4/fisiologia , Receptores de Interleucina-7/fisiologia , Linfócitos T/imunologia , Animais , Células Cultivadas , Quimiocina CXCL12/biossíntese , Feminino , Memória Imunológica , Ativação Linfocitária , Masculino , Camundongos , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/fisiologiaRESUMO
The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a potent metabolic regulator and a major drug target. While GR is known to play integral roles in circadian biology, its rhythmic genomic actions have never been characterized. Here we mapped GR's chromatin occupancy in mouse livers throughout the day and night cycle. We show how GR partitions metabolic processes by time-dependent target gene regulation and controls circulating glucose and triglycerides differentially during feeding and fasting. Highlighting the dominant role GR plays in synchronizing circadian amplitudes, we find that the majority of oscillating genes are bound by and depend on GR. This rhythmic pattern is altered by high-fat diet in a ligand-independent manner. We find that the remodeling of oscillatory gene expression and postprandial GR binding results from a concomitant increase of STAT5 co-occupancy in obese mice. Altogether, our findings highlight GR's fundamental role in the rhythmic orchestration of hepatic metabolism.
Assuntos
Cromatina/metabolismo , Relógios Circadianos , Ritmo Circadiano , Dieta Hiperlipídica , Gorduras na Dieta/metabolismo , Metabolismo Energético , Fígado/metabolismo , Obesidade/metabolismo , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/metabolismo , Animais , Glicemia/metabolismo , Relógios Circadianos/genética , Ritmo Circadiano/genética , Gorduras na Dieta/administração & dosagem , Gorduras na Dieta/sangue , Modelos Animais de Doenças , Metabolismo Energético/genética , Jejum/metabolismo , Regulação da Expressão Gênica , Glucocorticoides/metabolismo , Gluconeogênese , Ligantes , Masculino , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Camundongos Knockout , Obesidade/sangue , Obesidade/genética , PPAR alfa/genética , PPAR alfa/metabolismo , Período Pós-Prandial , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/deficiência , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/genética , Fator de Transcrição STAT5/genética , Fator de Transcrição STAT5/metabolismo , Via Secretória , Transdução de Sinais , Fatores de Tempo , Transcrição Gênica , Triglicerídeos/sangueRESUMO
Genes are transcribed in a discontinuous pattern referred to as RNA bursting, but the mechanisms regulating this process are unclear. Although many physiological signals, including glucocorticoid hormones, are pulsatile, the effects of transient stimulation on bursting are unknown. Here we characterize RNA synthesis from single-copy glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-regulated transcription sites (TSs) under pulsed (ultradian) and constant hormone stimulation. In contrast to constant stimulation, pulsed stimulation induces restricted bursting centered around the hormonal pulse. Moreover, we demonstrate that transcription factor (TF) nuclear mobility determines burst duration, whereas its bound fraction determines burst frequency. Using 3D tracking of TSs, we directly correlate TF binding and RNA synthesis at a specific promoter. Finally, we uncover a striking co-bursting pattern between TSs located at proximal and distal positions in the nucleus. Together, our data reveal a dynamic interplay between TF mobility and RNA bursting that is responsive to stimuli strength, type, modality, and duration.
Assuntos
Glucocorticoides/farmacologia , Regiões Promotoras Genéticas , RNA/biossíntese , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/metabolismo , Sítio de Iniciação de Transcrição , Transcrição Gênica/efeitos dos fármacos , Animais , Camundongos , RNA/genéticaRESUMO
BACKGROUND: Ventricular arrhythmias (VAs) demonstrate a prominent day-night rhythm, commonly presenting in the morning. Transcriptional rhythms in cardiac ion channels accompany this phenomenon, but their role in the morning vulnerability to VAs and the underlying mechanisms are not understood. We investigated the recruitment of transcription factors that underpins transcriptional rhythms in ion channels and assessed whether this mechanism was pertinent to the heart's intrinsic diurnal susceptibility to VA. METHODS AND RESULTS: Assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with sequencing performed in mouse ventricular myocyte nuclei at the beginning of the animals' inactive (ZT0) and active (ZT12) periods revealed differentially accessible chromatin sites annotating to rhythmically transcribed ion channels and distinct transcription factor binding motifs in these regions. Notably, motif enrichment for the glucocorticoid receptor (GR; transcriptional effector of corticosteroid signaling) in open chromatin profiles at ZT12 was observed, in line with the well-recognized ZT12 peak in circulating corticosteroids. Molecular, electrophysiological, and in silico biophysically-detailed modeling approaches demonstrated GR-mediated transcriptional control of ion channels (including Scn5a underlying the cardiac Na+ current, Kcnh2 underlying the rapid delayed rectifier K+ current, and Gja1 responsible for electrical coupling) and their contribution to the day-night rhythm in the vulnerability to VA. Strikingly, both pharmacological block of GR and cardiomyocyte-specific genetic knockout of GR blunted or abolished ion channel expression rhythms and abolished the ZT12 susceptibility to pacing-induced VA in isolated hearts. CONCLUSIONS: Our study registers a day-night rhythm in chromatin accessibility that accompanies diurnal cycles in ventricular myocytes. Our approaches directly implicate the cardiac GR in the myocyte excitability rhythm and mechanistically link the ZT12 surge in glucocorticoids to intrinsic VA propensity at this time.
Assuntos
Ritmo Circadiano , Miócitos Cardíacos , Receptores de Glucocorticoides , Animais , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/metabolismo , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/genética , Camundongos , Miócitos Cardíacos/metabolismo , Masculino , Arritmias Cardíacas/metabolismo , Arritmias Cardíacas/fisiopatologia , Arritmias Cardíacas/genética , Camundongos Endogâmicos C57BL , Canal de Sódio Disparado por Voltagem NAV1.5/metabolismo , Canal de Sódio Disparado por Voltagem NAV1.5/genética , Conexina 43/metabolismo , Conexina 43/genética , Camundongos Knockout , Potenciais de AçãoRESUMO
Exogenous glucocorticoids are frequently used to treat inflammatory disorders and as adjuncts for the treatment of solid cancers. However, their use is associated with severe side effects and therapy resistance. Novel glucocorticoid receptor (GR) ligands with a patient-validated reduced side effect profile have not yet reached the clinic. GR is a member of the nuclear receptor family of transcription factors and heavily relies on interactions with coregulator proteins for its transcriptional activity. To elucidate the role of the GR interactome in the differential transcriptional activity of GR following treatment with the selective GR agonist and modulator dagrocorat compared to classic (ant)agonists, we generated comprehensive interactome maps by high-confidence proximity proteomics in lung epithelial carcinoma cells. We found that dagrocorat and the antagonist RU486 both reduced GR interaction with CREB-binding protein/p300 and the mediator complex compared to the full GR agonist dexamethasone. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that these changes in GR interactome were accompanied by reduced GR chromatin occupancy with dagrocorat and RU486. Our data offer new insights into the role of differential coregulator recruitment in shaping ligand-specific GR-mediated transcriptional responses.
Assuntos
Benzamidas , Cromatina , Fenantrenos , Receptores de Glucocorticoides , Humanos , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/genética , Mifepristona/farmacologia , Complexo Mediador/metabolismo , Glucocorticoides/farmacologia , Glucocorticoides/metabolismo , Dexametasona/farmacologiaRESUMO
Glucocorticoids (GC) are potent anti-inflammatory agents, broadly used to treat acute and chronic inflammatory diseases, e.g., critically ill COVID-19 patients or patients with chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. GC not only limit inflammation but also promote its resolution although the underlying mechanisms are obscure. Here, we reveal reciprocal regulation of 15-lipoxygenase (LOX) isoform expression in human monocyte/macrophage lineages by GC with respective consequences for the biosynthesis of specialized proresolving mediators (SPM) and their 15-LOX-derived monohydroxylated precursors (mono-15-OH). Dexamethasone robustly up-regulated pre-mRNA, mRNA, and protein levels of ALOX15B/15-LOX-2 in blood monocyte-derived macrophage (MDM) phenotypes, causing elevated SPM and mono-15-OH production in inflammatory cell types. In sharp contrast, dexamethasone blocked ALOX15/15-LOX-1 expression and impaired SPM formation in proresolving M2-MDM. These dexamethasone actions were mimicked by prednisolone and hydrocortisone but not by progesterone, and they were counteracted by the GC receptor (GR) antagonist RU486. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays revealed robust GR recruitment to a putative enhancer region within intron 3 of the ALOX15B gene but not to the transcription start site. Knockdown of 15-LOX-2 in M1-MDM abolished GC-induced SPM formation and mono-15-OH production. Finally, ALOX15B/15-LOX-2 upregulation was evident in human monocytes from patients with GC-treated COVID-19 or patients with IBD. Our findings may explain the proresolving GC actions and offer opportunities for optimizing GC pharmacotherapy and proresolving mediator production.
Assuntos
COVID-19 , Glucocorticoides , Humanos , Glucocorticoides/farmacologia , Araquidonato 15-Lipoxigenase/genética , Inflamação , Dexametasona/farmacologia , LipídeosRESUMO
Many types of differentiated cells can reenter the cell cycle upon injury or stress. The underlying mechanisms are still poorly understood. Here, we investigated how quiescent cells are reactivated using a zebrafish model, in which a population of differentiated epithelial cells are reactivated under a physiological context. A robust and sustained increase in mitochondrial membrane potential was observed in the reactivated cells. Genetic and pharmacological perturbations show that elevated mitochondrial metabolism and ATP synthesis are critical for cell reactivation. Further analyses showed that elevated mitochondrial metabolism increases mitochondrial ROS levels, which induces Sgk1 expression in the mitochondria. Genetic deletion and inhibition of Sgk1 in zebrafish abolished epithelial cell reactivation. Similarly, ROS-dependent mitochondrial expression of SGK1 promotes S phase entry in human breast cancer cells. Mechanistically, SGK1 coordinates mitochondrial activity with ATP synthesis by phosphorylating F1Fo-ATP synthase. These findings suggest a conserved intramitochondrial signaling loop regulating epithelial cell renewal.
Assuntos
Mitocôndrias , Peixe-Zebra , Animais , Humanos , Espécies Reativas de Oxigênio/metabolismo , Peixe-Zebra/genética , Peixe-Zebra/metabolismo , Mitocôndrias/genética , Mitocôndrias/metabolismo , Células Epiteliais/metabolismo , Trifosfato de Adenosina/metabolismoRESUMO
Because of their ability to induce lymphocyte apoptosis, glucocorticoids (GC) are widely used to treat hematological malignancies such as lymphomas and multiple myeloma. Their effectiveness is often limited, however, due to the development of glucocorticoid resistance by a variety of molecular mechanisms. Here we performed an unbiased genome-wide CRISPR screen with the human T-cell leukemia cell line Jurkat to find previously unidentified genes required for GC-induced apoptosis. One such gene was KMT2D (also known as MLL2 or MLL4), which encodes a histone lysine methyltransferase whose mutations are associated with a variety of cancers, blood malignancies in particular, and are considered markers of poor prognosis. Knockout of KMT2D by CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in Jurkat and several multiple myeloma cell lines downregulated GR protein expression. Surprisingly, this was not due to a reduction in GR transcripts, but rather to a decrease in the protein's half-life, primarily due to proteasomal degradation. Reconstitution of KMT2D expression restored GR levels. In contrast to the known ability of KMT2D to control gene transcription through covalent histone methylation, KMT2D-mediated upregulation of GR levels did not require its methyltransferase activity. Co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays found constitutive binding of KMT2D to the GR, which was enhanced in the presence of GC. These observations reveal KMT2D to be essential for the stabilization of cellular GR levels, and suggest a possible mechanism by which KMT2D mutations may lead to GC resistance in some malignancies.
RESUMO
Recent therapeutic advances have significantly uplifted the quality of life in breast cancer patients, yet several impediments block the road to disease-free survival. This involves unresponsiveness towards administered therapy, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and metastatic progression with the eventual appearance of recurrent disease. Attainment of such characteristics is a huge adaptive challenge to which tumour cells respond by acquiring diverse phenotypically plastic states. Several signalling networks and mediators are involved in such a process. Glucocorticoid receptor being a mediator of stress response imparts prognostic significance in the context of breast carcinoma. Involvement of the glucocorticoid receptor in the signalling cascade of breast cancer phenotypic plasticity needs further elucidation. This review attempted to shed light on the inter-regulatory interactions of the glucocorticoid receptor with the mediators of the plasticity program in breast cancer; which may provide a hint for strategizing therapeutics against the glucocorticoid/glucocorticoid receptor axis so as to modulate phenotypic plasticity in breast carcinoma.
Assuntos
Neoplasias da Mama , Feminino , Humanos , Neoplasias da Mama/patologia , Plasticidade Celular , Transição Epitelial-Mesenquimal , Qualidade de Vida , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/antagonistas & inibidores , Receptores de Glucocorticoides/metabolismoRESUMO
Over the past two decades, there has been increasing evidence for the importance of rapid-onset actions of corticosteroid hormones in the brain. Here, we highlight the distinct rapid corticosteroid actions that regulate excitatory and inhibitory synaptic transmission in the hypothalamus, the hippocampus, basolateral amygdala, and prefrontal cortex. The receptors that mediate rapid corticosteroid actions are located at or close to the plasma membrane, though many of the receptor characteristics remain unresolved. Rapid-onset corticosteroid effects play a role in fast neuroendocrine feedback as well as in higher brain functions, including increased aggression and anxiety, and impaired memory retrieval. The rapid non-genomic corticosteroid actions precede and complement slow-onset, long-lasting transcriptional actions of the steroids. Both rapid and slow corticosteroid actions appear to be indispensable to adapt to a continuously changing environment, and their imbalance can increase an individual's susceptibility to psychopathology.