scholarly journals The Glucocorticoid Receptor in Cardiovascular Health and Disease

Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (10) ◽  
pp. 1227 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liu ◽  
Zhang ◽  
Knight ◽  
Goodwin

The glucocorticoid receptor is a member of the nuclear receptor family that controls many distinct gene networks, governing various aspects of development, metabolism, inflammation, and the stress response, as well as other key biological processes in the cardiovascular system. Recently, research in both animal models and humans has begun to unravel the profound complexity of glucocorticoid signaling and convincingly demonstrates that the glucocorticoid receptor has direct effects on the heart and vessels in vivo and in vitro. This research has contributed directly to improving therapeutic strategies in human disease. The glucocorticoid receptor is activated either by the endogenous steroid hormone cortisol or by exogenous glucocorticoids and acts within the cardiovascular system via both genomic and non-genomic pathways. Polymorphisms of the glucocorticoid receptor are also reported to influence the progress and prognosis of cardiovascular disease. In this review, we provide an update on glucocorticoid signaling and highlight the critical role of this signaling in both physiological and pathological conditions of the cardiovascular system. With increasing in-depth understanding of glucocorticoid signaling, the future is promising for the development of targeted glucocorticoid treatments and improved clinical outcomes.

F1000Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 1208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Garabedian ◽  
Charles A. Harris ◽  
Freddy Jeanneteau

Glucocorticoids via the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) have effects on a variety of cell types, eliciting important physiological responses via changes in gene expression and signaling. Although decades of research have illuminated the mechanism of how this important steroid receptor controls gene expression using in vitro and cell culture–based approaches, how GR responds to changes in external signals in vivo under normal and pathological conditions remains elusive. The goal of this review is to highlight recent work on GR action in fat cells and liver to affect metabolism in vivo and the role GR ligands and receptor phosphorylation play in calibrating signaling outputs by GR in the brain in health and disease. We also suggest that both the brain and fat tissue communicate to affect physiology and behavior and that understanding this “brain-fat axis” will enable a more complete understanding of metabolic diseases and inform new ways to target them.


Angiogenesis ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bing Liu ◽  
Han Zhou ◽  
Tiening Zhang ◽  
Xixiang Gao ◽  
Bo Tao ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is a member of the nuclear receptor family that controls key biological processes in the cardiovascular system and has recently been shown to modulate Wnt signaling in endothelial cells. Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been demonstrated to be crucial in the process of angiogenesis. In the current study, we studied whether GR could regulate angiogenesis via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Approach and Resultsa Key components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway were evaluated using quantitative PCR and Western blot in the presence or absence of GR. Enhanced angiogenesis was found in GR deficiency in vitro and confirmed with cell viability assays, proliferation assays and tube formation assays. Consistent with these in vitro findings, endothelial cell-specific GR loss GR in vivo promoted angiogenesis in both a hind limb ischemia model and sponge implantation assay. Results were further verified in a novel mouse model lacking endothelial LRP5/6, a key receptor in canonical Wnt signaling, and showed substantially suppressed angiogenesis using these same in vitro and in vivo assays. To further investigate the mechanism of GR regulation of Wnt signaling, autophagy flux was investigated in endothelial cells by visualizing auto phagolysosomes as well as by assessing P62 degradation and LC3B conversion. Results indicated that potentiated autophagy flux participated in GR-Wnt regulation. Conclusions Lack of endothelial GR triggers autophagy flux, leads to activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and promotes angiogenesis. There may also be a synergistic interaction between autophagy and Wnt/β-catenin signaling.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (9) ◽  
pp. 4446
Author(s):  
Lara Malik Noureddine ◽  
Olivier Trédan ◽  
Nader Hussein ◽  
Bassam Badran ◽  
Muriel Le Romancer ◽  
...  

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most common cancers in women worldwide. Even though the role of estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) is extensively documented in the development of breast tumors, other members of the nuclear receptor family have emerged as important players. Synthetic glucocorticoids (GCs) such as dexamethasone (dex) are commonly used in BC for their antiemetic, anti-inflammatory, as well as energy and appetite stimulating properties, and to manage the side effects of chemotherapy. However, dex triggers different effects depending on the BC subtype. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is also an important marker in BC, as high GR expression is correlated with a poor and good prognosis in ERα-negative and ERα-positive BCs, respectively. Indeed, though it drives the expression of pro-tumorigenic genes in ERα-negative BCs and is involved in resistance to chemotherapy and metastasis formation, dex inhibits estrogen-mediated cell proliferation in ERα-positive BCs. Recently, a new natural ligand for GR called OCDO was identified. OCDO is a cholesterol metabolite with oncogenic properties, triggering mammary cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo. In this review, we summarize recent data on GR signaling and its involvement in tumoral breast tissue, via its different ligands.


2016 ◽  
Vol 119 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhi Yang ◽  
Minzhen He ◽  
Danish Sayed

Congestive heart failure is one of the leading causes of mortality in US. With persistent work overload, pathological hypertrophy progresses into an irreversible state of dysfunction and failure. Understanding the mechanisms involved in these advances is crucial to prevent adverse changes in the heart. Studies show that Glucocorticoid (Gc) signaling and -dependent gene transcription promotes cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis. High serum cortisol levels have been shown as independent risk factor for increased mortality in patients with cardiac failure. Gc activates cytosolic Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) that translocates to nucleus and regulates gene transcription by binding to genomic GR-response element (GRE). We confirmed nuclear translocation of GR in hypertrophing cardiac myocytes in vitro and in vivo . Our aim was to examine GR signaling in cardiac myocytes. Using in vitro biotin labeling and RNA immunoprecipitation we show that a non-coding RNA Gas5, which harbors decoy GRE sequence associates with GR in cardiac myocytes and competes with genomic GRE for DNA binding domain of GR, thus inhibiting the transcriptional effects of activated GR. Interestingly, this association decreases with hypertrophy or Gc agonist (dexamethasone) stimulation. Conversely, Gas5 association with G3bp1, a RNA binding protein increases in cardiac myocytes with similar stimulations, suggesting that increase in G3bp1-Gas5 binding might play a role in release of activated GR from Gas5. In accordance, expression of exogenous Gas5 in vitro and in vivo restricted hypertrophy, suggesting critical role in progression of hypertrophy. We recently reported that G3bp1 is required for development of cardiac hypertrophy. Moreover, in situ hybridization revealed sequestration of Gas5 transcripts to perinuclear focal regions with growth stimulus, which resemble cytoplasmic protein-RNA aggregates seen with hypertrophic stimulation or G3bp1 over expression in cardiac myocytes. These results suggest that G3bp1 regulates Gas5 cellular compartmental dynamics and hence its GR-repressor function in cardiac myocytes. Thus, we conclude that G3bp1-Gas5 axis regulates GR -dependent gene transcription and progression of pathological cardiac hypertrophy and onset of failure


2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Peng Yu ◽  
Ming Liu ◽  
Baoli Zhang ◽  
Ying Yu ◽  
Enyong Su ◽  
...  

Abstract Cardiac growth and remodelling are key biological processes influencing the physiological performance of the heart, and a previous study showed a critical role for intracellular HMGB1 in vitro. However, the in vivo study, which used conditional Hmgb1 ablation, did not show a significant effect on cellular or organic function. We have demonstrated the extracellular effect of HMGB1 as a pro-inflammatory molecule on cardiac remodelling. In this study, we found that HMGB1 deletion by cTnT-Cre in mouse hearts altered glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function and glycolipid metabolism, eventually leading to growth retardation, small heart and heart failure. The subcellular morphology did not show a significant change caused by HMGB1 knockout. The heart showed significant elevation of glycolysis, free fatty acid deposition and related enzyme changes. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a list of differentially expressed genes that coincide with glucocorticoid receptor function in neonatal mice and a significant increase in inflammatory genes in adult mice. Cardiac HMGB1 knockout led to a series of changes in PGC-1α, UCP3 and GyK, which were the cause of metabolic changes and further impacted cardiac function. Ckmm-Cre Hmgb1fl/fl mice did not show a specific phenotype, which was consistent with the reported negative result of cardiomyocyte-specific Hmgb1 deletion via MHC-Cre. We concluded that HMGB1 plays essential roles in maintaining normal cardiac growth, and different phenotype from cardiac-specific HMGB1-deficient mice may be caused by the cross with mice of different Cre strains.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (8) ◽  
pp. 1253-1261
Author(s):  
Mourad Akdad ◽  
Mohamed Eddouks

Aims: The present study was performed in order to analyze the antihypertensive activity of Micromeria graeca (L.) Benth. ex Rchb. Background: Micromeria graeca (L.) Benth. ex Rchb is an aromatic and medicinal plant belonging to the Lamiaceae family. This herb is used to treat various pathologies such as cardiovascular disorders. Meanwhile, its pharmacological effects on the cardiovascular system have not been studied. Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of aqueous extract of aerial parts of Micromeria graeca (AEMG) on the cardiovascular system in normotensive and hypertensive rats. Methods: In this study, the cardiovascular effect of AEMG was evaluated using in vivo and in vitro investigations. In order to assess the acute effect of AEMG on the cardiovascular system, anesthetized L-NAME-hypertensive and normotensive rats received AEMG (100 mg/kg) orally and arterial blood pressure parameters were monitored during six hours. In the sub-chronic study, rats were orally treated for one week, followed by blood pressure assessment during one week of treatment. Blood pressure was measured using a tail-cuff and a computer-assisted monitoring device. In the second experiment, isolated rat aortic ring pre-contracted with Epinephrine (EP) or KCl was used to assess the vasorelaxant effect of AEMG. Results: Oral administration of AEMG (100 mg/kg) provoked a decrease of arterial blood pressure parameters in hypertensive rats. In addition, AEMG induced a vasorelaxant effect in thoracic aortic rings pre-contracted with EP (10 μM) or KCl (80 mM). This effect was attenuated in the presence of propranolol and methylene blue. While in the presence of glibenclamide, L-NAME, nifedipine or Indomethacin, the vasorelaxant effect was not affected. Conclusion: This study showed that Micromeria graeca possesses a potent antihypertensive effect and relaxes the vascular smooth muscle through β-adrenergic and cGMP pathways.


Oncogene ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiuna Zhang ◽  
Xiaoyu Jiang ◽  
Jie Yin ◽  
Shiying Dou ◽  
Xiaoli Xie ◽  
...  

AbstractRING finger proteins (RNFs) play a critical role in cancer initiation and progression. RNF141 is a member of RNFs family; however, its clinical significance, roles, and mechanism in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain poorly understood. Here, we examined the expression of RNF141 in 64 pairs of CRC and adjacent normal tissues by real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemical analysis. We found that there was more expression of RNF141 in CRC tissue compared with its adjacent normal tissue and high RNF141 expression associated with T stage. In vivo and in vitro functional experiments were conducted and revealed the oncogenic role of RNF141 in CRC. RNF141 knockdown suppressed proliferation, arrested the cell cycle in the G1 phase, inhibited migration, invasion and HUVEC tube formation but promoted apoptosis, whereas RNF141 overexpression exerted the opposite effects in CRC cells. The subcutaneous xenograft models showed that RNF141 knockdown reduced tumor growth, but its overexpression promoted tumor growth. Mechanistically, liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry indicated RNF141 interacted with KRAS, which was confirmed by Co-immunoprecipitation, Immunofluorescence assay. Further analysis with bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and Glutathione-S-transferase (GST) pull-down assays showed that RNF141 could directly bind to KRAS. Importantly, the upregulation of RNF141 increased GTP-bound KRAS, but its knockdown resulted in a reduction accordingly. Next, we demonstrated that RNF141 induced KRAS activation via increasing its enrichment on the plasma membrane not altering total KRAS expression, which was facilitated by the interaction with LYPLA1. Moreover, KRAS silencing partially abolished the effect of RNF141 on cell proliferation and apoptosis. In addition, our findings presented that RNF141 functioned as an oncogene by upregulating KRAS activity in a manner of promoting KRAS enrichment on the plasma membrane in CRC.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 668
Author(s):  
Concetta Altamura ◽  
Maria Raffaella Greco ◽  
Maria Rosaria Carratù ◽  
Rosa Angela Cardone ◽  
Jean-François Desaphy

Ovarian cancer (OC) is the deadliest gynecologic cancer, due to late diagnosis, development of platinum resistance, and inadequate alternative therapy. It has been demonstrated that membrane ion channels play important roles in cancer processes, including cell proliferation, apoptosis, motility, and invasion. Here, we review the contribution of ion channels in the development and progression of OC, evaluating their potential in clinical management. Increased expression of voltage-gated and epithelial sodium channels has been detected in OC cells and tissues and shown to be involved in cancer proliferation and invasion. Potassium and calcium channels have been found to play a critical role in the control of cell cycle and in the resistance to apoptosis, promoting tumor growth and recurrence. Overexpression of chloride and transient receptor potential channels was found both in vitro and in vivo, supporting their contribution to OC. Furthermore, ion channels have been shown to influence the sensitivity of OC cells to neoplastic drugs, suggesting a critical role in chemotherapy resistance. The study of ion channels expression and function in OC can improve our understanding of pathophysiology and pave the way for identifying ion channels as potential targets for tumor diagnosis and treatment.


Membranes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 411
Author(s):  
Nader Kameli ◽  
Anya Dragojlovic-Kerkache ◽  
Paul Savelkoul ◽  
Frank R. Stassen

In recent years, plant-derived extracellular vesicles (PDEVs) have gained the interest of many experts in fields such as microbiology and immunology, and research in this field has exponentially increased. These nano-sized particles have provided researchers with a number of interesting findings, making their application in human health and disease very promising. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments have shown that PDEVs can exhibit a multitude of effects, suggesting that these vesicles may have many potential future applications, including therapeutics and nano-delivery of compounds. While the preliminary results are promising, there are still some challenges to face, such as a lack of protocol standardization, as well as knowledge gaps that need to be filled. This review aims to discuss various aspects of PDEV knowledge, including their preliminary findings, challenges, and future uses, giving insight into the complexity of conducting research in this field.


Author(s):  
Wen-Dai Bao ◽  
Pei Pang ◽  
Xiao-Ting Zhou ◽  
Fan Hu ◽  
Wan Xiong ◽  
...  

AbstractIron homeostasis disturbance has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and excess iron exacerbates oxidative damage and cognitive defects. Ferroptosis is a nonapoptotic form of cell death dependent upon intracellular iron. However, the involvement of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of AD remains elusive. Here, we report that ferroportin1 (Fpn), the only identified mammalian nonheme iron exporter, was downregulated in the brains of APPswe/PS1dE9 mice as an Alzheimer’s mouse model and Alzheimer’s patients. Genetic deletion of Fpn in principal neurons of the neocortex and hippocampus by breeding Fpnfl/fl mice with NEX-Cre mice led to AD-like hippocampal atrophy and memory deficits. Interestingly, the canonical morphological and molecular characteristics of ferroptosis were observed in both Fpnfl/fl/NEXcre and AD mice. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) of ferroptosis-related RNA-seq data showed that the differentially expressed genes were highly enriched in gene sets associated with AD. Furthermore, administration of specific inhibitors of ferroptosis effectively reduced the neuronal death and memory impairments induced by Aβ aggregation in vitro and in vivo. In addition, restoring Fpn ameliorated ferroptosis and memory impairment in APPswe/PS1dE9 mice. Our study demonstrates the critical role of Fpn and ferroptosis in the progression of AD, thus provides promising therapeutic approaches for this disease.


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