Steroid Sulfatase Inhibitor Reduces Proliferation of Ishikawa Endometrial Cancer Cells in Co-Culture Systems

Objectives: Estrogens significantly contribute toward the growth and development of endometrial cancers. Two principal pathways have been implicated in the final steps of estrogen synthesis: the steroid sulfatase (STS) and aromatase pathways. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the possible effects of tumor-stromal interactions on local estrogen biosynthesis in endometrial cancer. We also assessed the biological effects of inhibitors of steroid sulfatase and aromatase in the co-culture system compared with usual monocultures. Methods/Materials: We isolated stromal cells from endometrial cancer patients to examine local biosynthesis of estrogens and tumor-stromal interactions. Next we examined the effects of steroid sulfatase inhibitor and aromatase inhibitor in monoculture of endometrial cancer cell line (Ishikawa) and in a co-culture system involving an Ishikawa cells and stromal cells. Results: Estrogen receptor and steroid sulfatase mRNA levels in cancer cells were significantly higher in the co-cultures compared with the monocultures of endometrial cancer cells. Estradiol and androstenediol concentrations were also significantly higher in the co-cultured cells. Proliferation of the cancer cells was significantly increased through the steroid sulfatase pathway, which metabolizes androgens, estrone sulfate, and estradiol sulfate as its substrates. However, its proliferation was significantly decreased by the treatment of steroid sulfatase or aromatase inhibitors. The significant growth inhibition by the steroid sulfatase and aromatase inhibitors were also observed in the co-culture system. Conclusions: We evaluated the effects of STS inhibitor and aromatase inhibitors on the proliferation of estrogen-dependent endometrial cancer cells. Considering that intratumoral estrogen metabolism plays an important role, our co-culture systems provide an environment similar to that of the tumor in living patients in terms of metabolism and synthesis of intratumoral estrogens. The results of this study may aid in achieving improved clinical responses from patients treated with STS inhibitors.

Genome-wide identification and analysis of sulfatase and sulfatase modifying factor genes in Bemisia tabaci (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

The invasive pest whitefly(Bemisia tabaci)is a complex species,of which Middle East-Minor Asia 1(MEAM1)and Mediterranean(MED)are the two most damaging members.Previous research showed that cabbage is frequently infested with MEAM1 but seldomly with MED,and this difference in performance is associated with glucosi-nolate(GS)content.Some insects can modify GS using glucosinolate sulfatase(SULF),the activity of which is regulated by sulfatase modifying factor 1(SUMF1);therefore,to increase our understanding of different performances of MEAM1 and MED on cabbage plants,we identified and compared nine putative SULFs and one SUMF in MEAM1 and MED.We found that the lengths of two genes,BtSulf2 and BtSulf4,differed between MEAM1 and MED.The messenger RNA levels of BtSulf4 increased more than 20-fold after MEAMl and MED adults were exposed to GS,but BtSulJ2 expression was only induced by GS in MEAM1.Knockdown of BtSulf2 and BtSulf4 in MEAM1 resulted in a substantial increase in the mortality of GS-treated adults but not in MED.These results indicate that differences in BtSulJ2 and BtSulf4 sequences and/or expression may explain why MEAM1 performs better than MED on cabbage.Our results provide a basis for future functional research on SULF and SUMF in B.tabaci.

Structure and expression of sulfatase and sulfatase modifying factor genes in the diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella

The diamondback moth,Plutella xylostella (L.),uses sulfatases (SULF)to counteract the glucosinolate-myrosinase defensive system that cruciferous plants have evolved to deter insect feeding.Sulfatase activity is regulated by post-translational modi- fication of a cysteine residue by sulfatase modifying factor 1(SUMF1).We identified 12 SULF genes (PxylSulfs)and two SUMF1 genes (PxylSumfls)in the P.xylostella genome. Phylogenetic analysis of SULFs and SUMFs from P.xylostella,Bombyx mori,Manduca sexta,Heliconius melpomene,Danaus plexippus,Drosophila melanogaster,Tetranychus urticae and Homo sapiens showed that the SULFs were clustered into five groups,and the SUMFs could be divided into two groups.Profiling of the expression of PxylSulfs and Pxyl Sumfs by RNA-seq and by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction showed that two glucosinolate sulfatase genes (GSS),PxylSulf2and PxylSulf3,were primarily expressed in the midgut of 3rd-and 4th-instar larvae.Moreover,expression of sulfatases PxylSulf2, PxylSulf3 and PxylSulf4 were correlated with expression of the sulfatases modifying fac tor PxylSumfla.The findings from this study provide new insights into the structure and expression of SUMF1and PxylSulf genes that are considered to be key factors for the evolutionary success ofP.xylostella as a specialist herbivore of cruciferous plants.

Transgenic overexpression of steroid sulfatase alleviates cholestasis

Background and Aim:Sulfotransferase(SULT)-mediated sulfation and steroid sulfatase(STS)-mediated desulfation represent two critical mechanisms that regulate the chemical and functional homeostasis of endogenous and exogenous molecules.STS catalyzes the hydrolysis of steroid sulfates to form hydroxysteroids.Oxygenated cholesterol derivative oxysterols are known to be endogenous ligands of the liver X receptor(LXR),a nuclear receptor with anti-cholestasis activity,whereas the sulfated oxysterols antagonize LXR signaling.The conversion of sulfated oxysterols to their non-sulfated counterparts is catalyzed by STS.The aim of this study is to determine whether STS can alleviate cholestasis by increasing the activity of LXR.Methods:Liver-specific STS transgenic mice were created and subject to the lithocholic acid(LCA)-induced model of cholestasis.Results:Transgenic overexpression of STS in the liver promoted bile acid elimination and alleviated LCAinduced cholestasis.The protective effect of the STS transgene was associated with the activation of LXR and induction of LXR target genes,likely because of the increased conversion of the antagonistic oxysterol sulfates to the agonistic oxysterols.Conclusions:STS has a novel function in controlling the homeostasis of bile acids by regulating endogenous LXR ligands.

Heterogeneity beyond tumor heterogeneity—SULF2 involvement in Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation in a heterogeneous side population of liver cancer cells

Introduction:Sulfatase 2(SULF2),an endogenous extracellular sulfatase,can remove 6-O-sulfate groups of glucosamine residues from heparan sulfate(HS)chains to modulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,which plays an important role in both liver carcinogenesis and embryogenesis.Side population(SP)cells are widely identified as stem-like cancer cells and are closely related to carcinoma metastasis,recurrence,and poor patient prognosis.However,the roles of SULF2 in SP cells of hepatomas are unclear,and the underlying mechanism is undefined.Objectives:This study aimed to compare the heterogeneity between SP cells and non-side population(NSP)cells derived from three different liver cancer cell lines and to elucidate the involvement of the SULF2-Wnt/β-catenin axis in liver cancer stem cells(CSCs)and its impact on the processes of carcinogenesis and invasiveness.Methods:In this work,three different liver cancer SP cells(HepG2,Huh7,and PRC/PRL/5)were sorted by flow cytometry.We also examined the migration and invasion behaviors of SP and NSP cells.To determine if this high tumorigenic potential of SP cells is correlated to SULF2,qPCR,western blotting,and immunofluorescence analysis were conducted.We also performed nude mouse xenograft experiments for in vivo analysis.Results:The results from the in vitro colony formation assay showed that SP cells exhibited a 2-fold higher colony formation efficiency compared to their NSP counterparts.The SP cells exhibited significantly higher potentials in terms of their migratory capacity and invasive ability compared to NSP cells.We found that higher expression of SULF2 in SP cells was associated with greater capabilities for clonogenicity,migration,and invasion.It was also linked to higher activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via stimulation of key downstream factors,particularlyβ-catenin,c-Myc,and cyclin D1.Further,a positive correlation between the upregulated SULF2 expression and tumorigenesis in the in vivo nude mouse xenograft models was demonstrated,highlighting that the potential underlying mechanism was Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activation.Conclusion:Our findings show that variable SULF2 expression was associated with differential activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,which could lead to behavioral differences between SP and NSP cells and also among the SP cells of the three liver cancer cell lines assessed.It was reasonably concluded that the SULF2-Wnt/β-catenin axis could play an important role in the tumorigenicity of liver cancer stem cells.

Association of glypican-3 expression with growth signaling molecules in hepatocellular carcinoma

AIM:To clarify the association of glypican-3(GPC3)expression with Wnt and other growth signaling molecules in hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC). METHODS:Expression of GPC3,Wnt,matrix metalloproteinases(MMPs),sulfatase(SULF)1,SULF2,and other growth signaling molecules was analyzed in HCC cell lines and tissue samples by real-time reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction,immunoblotting,and/or immunostaining.Expression of various genes in GPC3 siRNA-transfected HCC cells was analyzed. RESULTS:GPC3 was overexpressed in most HCCs at mRNA and protein levels and its serum levels weresignificantly higher in patients with HCC than in non- HCC subjects(P<0.05).Altered expressions of various MMPs and growth signaling molecules,some of which were correlated with GPC3 expression,were observed in HCCs.Down-regulation of GPC3 expression by siRNA in GPC3-overexpressing HCC cell lines resulted in a significant decrease in expressions of MMP2,MMP14,fibroblast growth factor receptor 1,insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor.GPC3 expression was significantly correlated with nuclear/cytoplasmic localization ofβ-catenin. CONCLUSION:These results suggest that GPC3,in conjunction with MMPs and growth signaling molecules, might play an important role in the progression of HCC.

Understanding the pathophysiology of postpartum psychosis: Challenges and new approaches

Postpartum psychosis is a severe psychiatric condition which affects 1-2 of every 1000 mothers shortly after childbirth. Whilst there is convincing evidence that the condition is precipitated by a complex combination of biological and environmental factors, as yet the pathophysiological mechanisms remain extremely poorly defined. Here, I critically review approaches that have been, or are being, employed to identify and characterise such mechanisms; I also review a recent animal model approach, and describe a novel biological risk model that it suggests. Clarification of biological risk mechanisms underlying disorder risk should permit the identification of relevant predictive biomarkers which will ensure that "at risk" subjects receive prompt clinical intervention if required.

Suppressed estrogen supply via extra-ovarian progesterone receptor membrane component 1 in menopause

In post-menopausal women,intra-mammary estrogen,which is converted from extra-ovarian estrone(E1),promotes the growth of breast cancer.Since the aromatase inhibitor letrozole does not suppress 17β-estradiol(E2)production from E1,high intra-mammary E1 concentrations impair letrozole's therapeutic efficacy.Progesterone receptor membrane component 1(Pgrmc1)is a non-classical progesterone receptor associated with breast cancer progression.In the present study,we introduced a Pgrmc1 heterozygous knockout(hetero KO)murine model exhibiting low Pgrmc1 expression,and observed estrogen levels and steroidogenic gene expression.Naïve Pgrmc1 hetero KO mice exhibited low estrogen(E2 and E1)levels and low progesterone receptor(PR)expression,compared to wild-type mice.In contrast,Pgrmc1 hetero KO mice that have been ovariectomized(OVX),including letrozole-treated OVX mice(OVX-letrozole),exhibited high estrogen levels and PR expression.Increased extra-ovarian estrogen production in Pgrmc1 hetero KO mice was observed with the induction of steroid sulfatase(STS).In MCF-7 cell,letrozole suppressed PR expression,but PGRMC1 knockdown increased PR and STS expression.Our presented results highlight the important role of Pgrmc1 in modulating estrogen production when ovary-derived estrogen is limited,thereby suggesting a potential therapeutic approach for letrozole resistance.

Enzymatic Hydrolysis of an Organic Sulfur Compound

Sulfatases which cleave sulfate esters in biological systems are key enzymes that deserve special attention due to their significant roles in organic sulfur (OS) mineralization and inorganic sulfur () release. In this study, in-vitro experiments were conducted to evaluate S bonded substrate hydrolysis by a commercially available arylsulfatase (EC 3.1.6.1) from Aerobacter aerogenes. The enzyme-substrate interactions were assessed to determine: 1) rate of hydrolysis, 2) catalytic efficiency, 3) thermal stability, and 4) optimal pH of this enzyme. Arylsulfatase exhibited substrate hydrolysis with a high affinity for p-nitrophenyl sulfate (potassium 4-nitrophenyl sulfate (pNPS)). The optimum activity for the enzyme was observed to occur at a pH of 7.1. The optimal temperature was 37°C but ranged from 35°C - 45°C. The apparent Km and Kcat of the enzyme for pNPS hydrolysis at the optimal pH, and temperature were determined to be 1.03 mM and 75.73 μM/min, respectively. This work defines the catalytic and kinetic properties of arylsulfatase (EC 3.1.6.1) and confirms the optimal conditions for sulfatase activity testing. The resulting information is useful in elucidating the contributions that individual enzymes have for specific reactions rather than relying on traditional total enzyme activity measurements.

X linked recessive ichthyosis: Current concepts

In the present review, we describe the most importantaspects of the X-linked ichthyosis(XLI) and make a compilation of the some historic details of the disease. The aim of the present study is an update of the XLI. Historical, clinical, epidemiological, and molecular aspects are described through the text. Recessive XLI is a relatively common genodermatosis affecting different ethnic groups. With a high spectrum of the clinical manifestations due to environmental factors, the disease has a genetic heterogeneity that goes from a point mutation to a large deletion involving several genes to produce a contiguous gene syndrome. Most XLI patients harbor complete STS gene deletion and flanked sequences; seven intragenic deletions and 14 point mutations with a complete loss of the steroid sulfatase activity have been reported worldwide. In this study, we review current knowledge about the disease.

Cell Iines from diamondback moth exhibiting differential susceptibility to baculovirus infection and expressing midgut genes

Abstract Six new cell lines were established from embryonic tissues of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (L.). The cell lines showed differential characteristics, including growth in attachment or in suspension, susceptibility to a baculovirus infection and expression of genes involved in the glucosinolate detoxification pathway in R xylostella larvae. Five of the cell lines grew attached to the culture flask and one cell line grew unattached as a suspension cell line. The cell lines had population doubling times ranging from IS to 23 h. Among five of the P. xylostella cell lines examined for infection of a nucleopolyhe. drovirus from Autographa californica, AcMNPV four cell lines were highly susceptible to AcMNPV infection, but one was only semi-permissive to AcMNPV infection. The production of two recombinant proteins, a β-galactosidase of bacterial origin and a secreted alkaline phosphatase of eukaryotic origin, in the R xylostella cell lines was examined in comparison with that in the cell line Sf9 which is commonly used for recombinant protein production. In the P. xylostella cell lines, expression of three important midgut genes involved in the glucosinolate detoxification pathway, including the glucosinolate sulfatase genes GSS1 and GSS2 and the sulfatase modifying factor gene SUMF1、was detected. The R xylostella cell lines developed in this study could be useful in in vitro research systems for studying insec-virus interactions and complex molecular mechanisms in glucosinolate detoxification and insect-plant interactions.

Genetics and pathophysiology of mammalian sulfate biology

Nutrient sulfate is essential for numerous physiological functions in mammalian growth and development. Accordingly, disruptions to any of the molecular processes that maintain the required biological ratio of sulfonated and unconjugated substrates are likely to have detrimental consequences for mammalian physiology. Molecular processes of sulfate biology can be broadly grouped into four categories： firstly, intracellular sulfate levels are maintained by intermediary metabolism and sulfate transporters that mediate the transfer of sulfate across the plasma membrane; secondly, sulfate is converted to 3＇-phosphoadenosine 5＇-phosphosulfate （PAPS）, which is the universal sulfonate donor for all sulfonation reactions; thirdly, sulfotransferases mediate the intracellular sulfonation of endogenous and exogenous substrates; fourthly, sulfate is removed from substrates via sulfatases. From the literature, we curated 91 human genes that encode all known sulfate transporters, enzymes in pathways of sulfate generation, PAPS synthetases and transporters, sulfotransferases and sulfatases, with a focus on genes that are linked to human and animal pathophysiology. The predominant clinical features linked to these genes include neurological dysfunction, skeletal dysplasias, reduced fecundity and reproduction, and cardiovascular pathologies. Collectively, this review provides reference information for genetic investigations of perturbed mammalian sulfate biology.