O corpo lúteo (CL) canino é responsável pela síntese de E2 durante o diestro. O E2 atua de forma autócrina e/ou parácrina sobre essa glândula. O mecanismo de atuação do E2 depende da razão entre receptor alfa (ERα) e receptor beta (ERβ). A ligação ao ERα tem efeito proliferativo e ao ERβ antiproliferativo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi entender a sinalização mediada pelo ERα e ERβ no processo de formação e regressão do CL. CLs foram obtidos de cadelas não prenhes (n=30) nos dias 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 e 60 (n=5/grupo) após a ovulação (po). No dia da ovariossalpingohisterectomia foi colhido sangue para mensuração das concentrações de P4 e E2. Dezoito CLs (n=3/grupo) foram submetidos ao sequenciamento de RNA (RNAseq). Os genes diferencialmente expressos (DE) identificados pelo RNAseq foram submetidos ao software oPOSSUM3 para identificação das regiões de ligação mais representadas nos fatores de transcrição relacionados aos genes do ERα (ESR1) e ERβ (ESR2). A análise de expressão temporal revelou a presença de 5.116 diferencialmente expressos (DE) em pelo menos uma comparação e 1.106 não foram anotados ainda no genoma canino, destes genes DE 295 apresentavam regiões de ligação de fatores de transcrição em comum com ESR1 e ESR2. Dez genes DE foram selecionados para validação dos resultados de RNAseq através do qPCR; usando o GAPDH como gene de referência. Desses genes, quatro apresentaram regioes em comum com ESR2 (LEF-1; PAPPA; NDGR2 ATP1A1) e um com ESR1 (CAV1) e os demais controlam proliferação celular (CTNNB1; CCND1; IGFBP 3, 4 e 5). A expressão proteíca de PAPPA e IGFBP 3, 4 e 5 (componentes do sistema IGF) foi avaliada também por imunohistoquímica. Durante a primeira metade do diestro, nossos resultados indicam que a sinalização mediada pelo E2 ocorre via interação do ERα com CAV-1 (sinalização não genômica), ativando as vias de sinalização IGF e WNT/βcatenina, regulando o processo de proliferação celular. Enquanto na segunda metade, o ERβ regularia a expressão gênica de NDGR2 e ATP1A1, contribuindo para a regressão do CL. Assim nos resultados sugerem que o E2 atue tanto como um fator luteotrófico e quanto regulador da regressão do CL canino. / The canine corpus luteum (CL) is responsible for E2 synthesis during diestrus, which acts in an autocrine and / or paracrine manner in this gland. The E2 mechanism of action depends on the ratio between alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) receptor The binding to ERα has a proliferative effect whereas to ERβ an antiproliferative. The objective of this study was to understand the signaling mediated by ERα and ERβ in the formation and regression of the CL. CLs were obtained from non-pregnant bitches (n = 30) on days 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 (n = 5 / group) post-ovulation (po). On the day of ovariohysterectomy blood was collected for measurement of P4 and E2 concentrations. Eighteen CLs (n = 3 / group) were subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Genes differentially expressed (DE) identified by RNA-Seq were submitted to oPOSSUM3 software for detection of over-represented transcription factors binding sites (TFBS) related to the ERα (ESR1) and ERβ (ESR2) genes. The temporal expression analysis revealed the presence of 5116 differentially expressed (DE) genes in at least one comparison, and 1106 genes, which have not been recorded to the canine genome yet From these, 295 genes showed TFBS in common with ESR1 and ESR2. Ten DE genes were selected to validate the results of RNA-Seq by qPCR; using GAPDH as reference gene. Of these genes, four had TFBS in common with ESR2 (LEF-1; PAPPA; NDGR2; ATP1A1) and one with ESR1 (CAV1) and others genes were chosen because they control cell proliferation (CTNNB1; CCND1, IGFBP 3, 4 and 5). Protein expression of the IGF related genes (PAPPA and IGFBP 3, 4 and 5) was also evaluated by immunohistochemistry. During the first half of diestrus, it appears that E2 mediated signaling occurs via interaction of ERα with CAV-1 (non-genomic signaling), activating signaling pathways of IGF and WNT / βcatenin, then regulating the cell proliferation process. Whereas in the second half, ERβ appears to regulate NDGR2 and ATP1A1 gene expression, contributing to the regression of the CL. Thus our results suggest that E2 may act as a luteotrophic and also a luteolytic factor in the canine CL.

O corpo lúteo (CL) canino é responsável pela síntese de E2 durante o diestro. O E2 atua de forma autócrina e/ou parácrina sobre essa glândula. O mecanismo de atuação do E2 depende da razão entre receptor alfa (ERα) e receptor beta (ERβ). A ligação ao ERα tem efeito proliferativo e ao ERβ antiproliferativo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi entender a sinalização mediada pelo ERα e ERβ no processo de formação e regressão do CL. CLs foram obtidos de cadelas não prenhes (n=30) nos dias 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 e 60 (n=5/grupo) após a ovulação (po). No dia da ovariossalpingohisterectomia foi colhido sangue para mensuração das concentrações de P4 e E2. Dezoito CLs (n=3/grupo) foram submetidos ao sequenciamento de RNA (RNAseq). Os genes diferencialmente expressos (DE) identificados pelo RNAseq foram submetidos ao software oPOSSUM3 para identificação das regiões de ligação mais representadas nos fatores de transcrição relacionados aos genes do ERα (ESR1) e ERβ (ESR2). A análise de expressão temporal revelou a presença de 5.116 diferencialmente expressos (DE) em pelo menos uma comparação e 1.106 não foram anotados ainda no genoma canino, destes genes DE 295 apresentavam regiões de ligação de fatores de transcrição em comum com ESR1 e ESR2. Dez genes DE foram selecionados para validação dos resultados de RNAseq através do qPCR; usando o GAPDH como gene de referência. Desses genes, quatro apresentaram regioes em comum com ESR2 (LEF-1; PAPPA; NDGR2 ATP1A1) e um com ESR1 (CAV1) e os demais controlam proliferação celular (CTNNB1; CCND1; IGFBP 3, 4 e 5). A expressão proteíca de PAPPA e IGFBP 3, 4 e 5 (componentes do sistema IGF) foi avaliada também por imunohistoquímica. Durante a primeira metade do diestro, nossos resultados indicam que a sinalização mediada pelo E2 ocorre via interação do ERα com CAV-1 (sinalização não genômica), ativando as vias de sinalização IGF e WNT/βcatenina, regulando o processo de proliferação celular. Enquanto na segunda metade, o ERβ regularia a expressão gênica de NDGR2 e ATP1A1, contribuindo para a regressão do CL. Assim nos resultados sugerem que o E2 atue tanto como um fator luteotrófico e quanto regulador da regressão do CL canino. / The canine corpus luteum (CL) is responsible for E2 synthesis during diestrus, which acts in an autocrine and / or paracrine manner in this gland. The E2 mechanism of action depends on the ratio between alpha (ERα) and beta (ERβ) receptor The binding to ERα has a proliferative effect whereas to ERβ an antiproliferative. The objective of this study was to understand the signaling mediated by ERα and ERβ in the formation and regression of the CL. CLs were obtained from non-pregnant bitches (n = 30) on days 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 (n = 5 / group) post-ovulation (po). On the day of ovariohysterectomy blood was collected for measurement of P4 and E2 concentrations. Eighteen CLs (n = 3 / group) were subjected to RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq). Genes differentially expressed (DE) identified by RNA-Seq were submitted to oPOSSUM3 software for detection of over-represented transcription factors binding sites (TFBS) related to the ERα (ESR1) and ERβ (ESR2) genes. The temporal expression analysis revealed the presence of 5116 differentially expressed (DE) genes in at least one comparison, and 1106 genes, which have not been recorded to the canine genome yet From these, 295 genes showed TFBS in common with ESR1 and ESR2. Ten DE genes were selected to validate the results of RNA-Seq by qPCR; using GAPDH as reference gene. Of these genes, four had TFBS in common with ESR2 (LEF-1; PAPPA; NDGR2; ATP1A1) and one with ESR1 (CAV1) and others genes were chosen because they control cell proliferation (CTNNB1; CCND1, IGFBP 3, 4 and 5). Protein expression of the IGF related genes (PAPPA and IGFBP 3, 4 and 5) was also evaluated by immunohistochemistry. During the first half of diestrus, it appears that E2 mediated signaling occurs via interaction of ERα with CAV-1 (non-genomic signaling), activating signaling pathways of IGF and WNT / βcatenin, then regulating the cell proliferation process. Whereas in the second half, ERβ appears to regulate NDGR2 and ATP1A1 gene expression, contributing to the regression of the CL. Thus our results suggest that E2 may act as a luteotrophic and also a luteolytic factor in the canine CL.

Approximately 70% of breast cancers are estrogen receptor positive, of which 40% have ER mutations. Some of these mutations occur in the three intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) of estrogen receptor-α (ERα). It is not fully understood how these mutations affect the function of ERα, however they have been suggested to affect DNA and ligand binding, transcriptional activation and dimerization. In this study, we used mammalian one-hybrid (M1H) assays to determine the effect of deletions and mutations in the IDRs on the activation of ERα. We found that deletions in the N- and C-terminal IDRs and 7/11 patient mutations tested decreased the transcriptional activation of ERα in the presence of 17β-estradiol (E2). Interestingly, a 23x glycine-serine replacement of the hinge IDR replacement resulted in a 7-fold increase in activation. Our results show that IDRs are important for full transcriptional activation and regulation of ERα. / 2025-06-23T00:00:00Z

No description available.

Craniofacial asymmetry is a dentofacial deformity with genetic influences. The genes PITX2, ENPP1 and ESR1 have multiple genetic associations with functional properties in muscle and bone. The objectives of this study are to investigate how PITX2, ENPP1 and ESR1 gene expression associates with four subclassifications of craniofacial asymmetry, temporomandibular disorders and fiber type differences compared between right and left masseter muscles. We developed an asymmetry classification that diagnosed four types of asymmetry with distinctive growth patterns: Group 1 – menton deviation without ramal difference (“mandibular body asymmetry”); Group 2 –menton deviation with shorter ramal height on the deviated side (“typical asymmetry”); Group 3 – shorter ramal height on the opposite side of menton deviation (“atypical asymmetry”); Group 4 – menton deviation with shorter ramal height and maxillary canting on the deviated side (“C-shaped asymmetry”). Some of these patients are at high risk for TMD; therefore, temporomandibular joint functioning is assessed as a routine part of the pre-surgical evaluation. TMD was diagnosed using the Diagnostic Criteria for TMD (DC/TMD). The clinical examination includes mandibular range of motion, palpation for pain, joint noise and bruxism. In addition, the Jaw Pain and Function (JPF) questionnaire was used to assess patient reported symptoms as an indication of perceived severity before and one year after orthognathic surgery. Masseter muscle samples were collected from 174 subjects undergoing surgical treatment for correction of malocclusion. Muscle serial cross-sections were mounted for immunostaining with five antibodies specific for myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform. We classified masseter fibers into 4 fiber type groups: type I, type I/II hybrid, type IIA and/or IIX, neonatal and atrial. With the remaining muscle samples, total RNA was isolated and PITX2, ENPP1, and ESR1 expression was quantified using TaqMan qRT-PCR. Average relative quantity gene expression values and percent differences between left and right masseter samples were calculated. In this population, there is a high prevalence of facial asymmetry (48%). Pre-surgical mean JPF scores are significantly different between symmetric (JPF=1.97) and asymmetric (JPF=6.9; p<0.001) patients; with scores ≥ 6 diagnostic for presence of TMD. ENPP1 and ESR1 expression is differentially expressed between right and left masseter muscle in patients with asymmetry. ENPP1 is differentially expressed in asymmetry group 4 (p=0.01) and ESR1 is differentially expressed in asymmetry group 1 (p=0.048), group 2 (p=0.004) and group 4 (p=0.02). Masseter fiber type properties of type I, type I/II hybrid and type II fibers associate with facial asymmetry and specific subclassifications, suggesting functional differences between type I, type I/II and type II fibers may be important factors in the development of symmetry between facial sides. There are significant differences in the left-right percent differences of fiber area of type I fibers in asymmetry group 3 (p=0.05), type I/II hybrid fibers in group 3 (p=0.02), and type II fibers in asymmetric patients (p=0.03), asymmetry group 2 (p=0.05) and group 4 (p=0.005). Additionally, there are significant differences in the left-right percent differences of percent occupancy of type I fibers in asymmetric patients (p=0.04), asymmetry group 2 (p=0.01) and group 3 (p=0.05) and type II fibers in asymmetry group 2 (p=0.04). By comparing gene expression with masseter muscle fiber type properties, we found significant results for PITX2 and ENPP1 suggesting their roles as genetic factors influencing jaw bone length and masticatory muscle strength in malocclusion. There are significant positive correlations between left-right percent differences of PITX2 and type I fiber area (r=0.86; p=0.03), type I/II hybrid fiber area (r=0.94; p=0.006), and type I/II hybrid fiber percent occupancy (r=0.90; p=0.01). Also, there are positive correlations approaching significance between left-right percent differences of ENPP1 and type I fiber area (r=0.80; p=0.06) and type I/II hybrid fiber area (r=0.75; p=0.09). Given the high prevalence of TMD in a population of patients with facial asymmetry, we compared differences in gene expression in masseter muscle of patients with specific TMD diagnostic conditions. Average PITX2 expression is significantly increased (p=0.0375) and average ENPP1 is increased, but not significantly, in all TMD patients diagnosed by the clinician. Average ESR1 is slightly increased compared to JPF scores and may be an essential factor for patient reported TMD symptoms. With these results, PITX2, ENPP1, and ESR1 should be considered biomarkers for asymmetry and TMD; however, further studies are needed to provide a more thorough understanding of the genetic influences on the craniofacial complex. / Oral Biology

El carcinoma infiltrante de mama constituye una entidad biológicamente heterogénea cuya subclasificación se ha establecido en base al estudio inmunohistoquímico y molecular. Sin embargo, los criterios de subclasificación todavía no están definidos para el subgrupo luminal, caracterizado por expresar receptores de estrógenos (RE) y progesterona (RP). Los luminales representan el fenotipo predominante (aproximadamente el 65% de los carcinomas infiltrantes de mama) y presentan niveles de respuesta variable a hormonoterapia (tamoxifeno) y características patológicas heterogéneas. La mayor actividad proliferativa, el nivel de positividad para receptores hormonales, la expresión de p53 o la positividad para Her-2 se han señalado como posibles factores relacionados con la respuesta a hormonoterapia y el pronóstico de estos tumores, si bien, no han permitido establecer estrategias claras de tratamiento entre los distintos subgrupos luminales. La determinación de factores moleculares que permitan identificar a las pacientes con mayor riesgo dentro del grupo luminal es de gran importancia ya que evitaría sobretratar a pacientes con tumores de buen pronóstico y pobre respuesta a quimioterapia, susceptibles de recibir únicamente tratamiento hormonal. Además, un mejor conocimiento de las vías implicadas en este grupo de cáncer de mama abriría la posibilidad de describir nuevas dianas terapéuticas. En la presente tesis doctoral se han estudiado 220 tumores de mama luminales en los que se ha evaluado la presencia de mutaciones “hotspot” en PI3KCA por genotipado con sondas de hidrólisis, y la expresión génica del ESR1, de los receptores tirosinaquinasa IGF1R y EGFR, de la quinasa citosólica c-Src y del mediador MED1 y de algunos de los microARNs relacionados con la señalización estrogénicas y más señalados por su participación en las neoplasias humanas (pri-miR-17~92, miR-21, miR-206, miR-222 y miR-Let-7a) por PCR cuantitativa a tiempo real. Se han estudiado las alteraciones de estas variables moleculares, su convivencia y su relación con las variables clínico-patológicas clásicas. Así mismo, se ha investigado el valor pronóstico de estos factores moleculares frente a la supervivencia libre de enfermedad y a la supervivencia global. Aunque la única variable capaz de discriminar entre los subtipos luminales fue el microARN Let-7a, se han observado distintas relaciones entre las variables moleculares estudiadas en función del subtipo y sobre todo ha destacado la influencia de la mutación de PI3K en estas relaciones. Nuestros resultados apuntan a que la oncogénesis de los luminales A está dirigida por la señalización estrogénica, mientras que otras vías con mayor potencial oncogénico intervienen en los luminales B, siendo responsables de su peor pronóstico. El EGFR, el miR-222 y el miR-21 podrían ser útiles marcadores pronóstico de estos tumores, si bien son necesarios más estudios sobre series más amplias de Luminales B para establecer los parámetros útiles para el seguimiento de estos pacientes.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune rheumatic disease with systemic manifestations characterized by auto-antibodies directed against different parts of the cell nucleus including DNA, histones and ribosomes. The systemic inflammation can cause damage to multiple organs, e.g., kidneys, skin, heart, lungs and the nervous system. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is another autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by auto-antibodies, mainly directed against the Fc-part of immunoglobulin G (rheumatoid factor (RF)) but also against citrullinated peptides/proteins (ACPAs). The inflammation in RA primarily involves the joints resulting in inflamed synovial tissue and destruction of cartilage. The aetiology of both SLE and RA is unclear but there is a genetic contribution predominantly of genes involved in inflammation. The diseases are believed to be multifactorial, or complex, meaning that multiple genes interact with environmental, infectious and hormonal factors, thus increasing the risk of developing disease. The aim of this study was to investigate different candidate genes involved in functions of the immune system and their relationship with SLE and RA susceptibility and severity. The patients and controls were from the four northernmost counties of Sweden, which is a fairly homogenous population well suited for genetic studies. Two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the oestrogen receptor α (ESR1) gene were analysed in SLE. No association was found between the SNPs and SLE per se however the minor alleles (PvuII C and XbaI G) were associated with skin manifestations and later disease onset, thus representing a milder form of the disease. A SNP in the programmed cell-death 1 (PDCD1) gene, which codes for PD-1, an inhibitory molecule involved in T-cell activation, was studied. No association was seen between the risk allele (PD-1.3A) and SLE susceptibility but a strong association was found with renal disease. A risk allele of the protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 22 (PTPN22) gene that codes for a protein called Lyp which acts as a negative regulator of T-cell receptor (TCR) signalling was significantly associated with SLE in three different case-control sets across Sweden. Both PDCD1 and PTPN22 were independently associated with renal disease. The PTPN22 gene has been associated with numerous autoimmune diseases and was evaluated in another auto-antibody producing disease, RA. From the Medical Biobank of northern Sweden samples donated before the development of symptoms of RA were identified. In these individuals, who subsequently developed RA, the 1858T risk allele in combination with ACPAs gave a high relative risk (>132) for developing RA. The association between PTPN22 and RA was confirmed in a larger material of patients with early RA. The 1858T allele, of the three SNPs investigated, was shown to be the true risk allele associated with auto-antibody positive RA. A functional role of PTPN22 in TCR-mediated activation of T cells from patients with SLE and RA was not demonstrated. In conclusion, minor alleles of two SNPs in the ESR1 gene were associated with a milder form of SLE. The risk allele in the PDCD1 gene was associated with renal disorder in SLE. The risk allele 1858T of the PTPN22 gene was associated with SLE, particularly with renal disease. The 1858T allele in combination with auto-antibodies was a risk factor for developing RA. In early diagnosed RA, the 1858T allele was highly associated with RA and in particular with auto-antibody positive RA.

<p>Most human traits and common diseases have a complex genetic makeup involving more than one gene. The work presented in this thesis investigates standing body height and the common disease type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In study I we analyzed two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TCF7L2 gene that had been shown to be associated with T2DM. Analysis was performed in the ULSAM population cohort of ~1500 males. We were able to replicate the association to type 2 diabetes and in addition to that we made a novel find, showing association between the risk alleles and increased proinsulin levels. In study II we analyzed four genes identified to be associated with T2DM in a genome-wide association study. We analyzed SNPs in these genes in the ULSAM population cohort and found an association between SNPs in the HHEX gene and insulin responses and insulin levels. </p><p>The aim of studies III-V was to identify genes affecting normal variation in standing body height. Using a candidate gene approach in study III, 17 genes were screened in the ULSAM population cohort using SNPs. A suggestive association of the ESR1 gene with height was found and confirmed as significant in males from the PIVUS population cohort. In study IV, as a part of the GenomEUtwin project, we performed genetic fine mapping of a linked locus for body height on the X-chromosome. By analyzing 1377 SNPs in 780 Finnish twins, we mapped a region spanning 65kb of this locus with linkage to body height in males. This region contains the GPC3 and PHF6 genes that have known connections to syndromes were standing body height is affected. In study V significant linkage and association to standing body height in males was found for the COL1A11 gene, using population cohorts from Finland and Iceland. </p>

Most human traits and common diseases have a complex genetic makeup involving more than one gene. The work presented in this thesis investigates standing body height and the common disease type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In study I we analyzed two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TCF7L2 gene that had been shown to be associated with T2DM. Analysis was performed in the ULSAM population cohort of ~1500 males. We were able to replicate the association to type 2 diabetes and in addition to that we made a novel find, showing association between the risk alleles and increased proinsulin levels. In study II we analyzed four genes identified to be associated with T2DM in a genome-wide association study. We analyzed SNPs in these genes in the ULSAM population cohort and found an association between SNPs in the HHEX gene and insulin responses and insulin levels. The aim of studies III-V was to identify genes affecting normal variation in standing body height. Using a candidate gene approach in study III, 17 genes were screened in the ULSAM population cohort using SNPs. A suggestive association of the ESR1 gene with height was found and confirmed as significant in males from the PIVUS population cohort. In study IV, as a part of the GenomEUtwin project, we performed genetic fine mapping of a linked locus for body height on the X-chromosome. By analyzing 1377 SNPs in 780 Finnish twins, we mapped a region spanning 65kb of this locus with linkage to body height in males. This region contains the GPC3 and PHF6 genes that have known connections to syndromes were standing body height is affected. In study V significant linkage and association to standing body height in males was found for the COL1A11 gene, using population cohorts from Finland and Iceland.

No description available.