Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Clara Lazzaretti, Valentina Secco, Elia Paradiso, Samantha Sperduti, Claudia Rutz, Annika Kreuchwig, Gerd Krause, Manuela Simoni, Livio Casarini
Summary: The study focused on identifying key residues in LHCGR that are likely evolved in humans to discriminate between specific binding of LH and hCG. Mutations within the receptor's leucine reach repeat 9 and 10 were found to lead to loss of discrimination ability, resembling the modulation of Lhr-mediated signaling patterns.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Shi-min Wang, Qin Wang, Li-yan Ye, Shao-xia Chen, Liang Tao, Zhao-shou Yang
Summary: Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. This study investigates the potential of luteinizing hormone (LH) in PD treatment. LH acts through the luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor (LHCGR) to regulate dopaminergic (DA) neuronal death. Additionally, LH inhibits glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3b) activation, providing neuroprotective effects in PD.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Lizandra Moura Paravidine Sasaki, Bruno Ramalho de Carvalho, Adelino Amaral Silva, Alberto Moreno Zaconeta, Miriam da Silva Wanderley, Luiz Augusto Casulari Roxo da Motta, Adriana Lofrano-Porto
Summary: Selective LH deficiency has been described in both men and women, serving as a valuable model for studying the regulation of late-stage folliculogenesis and ovulation. A woman with LH deficiency due to a genetic mutation was successfully treated with individualized ovarian induction therapy, resulting in a healthy baby being born after an uneventful pregnancy. This case demonstrates that exogenous LH or hCG can effectively induce late-stage follicular development in women with deficient LH production or performance, once early follicular growth is assured by FSH.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Catalin Gabriel Herghelegiu, Alina Veduta, Miruna Florina Stefan, Stefania Lucia Magda, Iuliana Ionascu, Viorica Elena Radoi, Daniela Nuti Oprescu, Alina Mihaela Calin
Summary: Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a pregnancy-related protein produced by the placenta, with multiple variants and functions. The hyperglycosylated variant (H-hCG) plays a crucial role in trophoblast invasion, placental development, and fetal growth. Impaired H-hCG function may lead to defective perfusion of the placenta and fetal growth restriction. Understanding its role could provide new insights for managing and treating this condition.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Mohammed Saleh, Wolfgang Holtz
Summary: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of GnRH agonist and hCG as ovulation inducing agents for timed artificial insemination in synchronized superovulated goats. The results showed that both treatments had no significant impact on estrus and ovulation response, but the GnRH analog demonstrated better effects. Additionally, the yield of transferable embryos obtained by non-surgical collection was relatively low.
Article
Cell Biology
Silvia Limoncella, Clara Lazzaretti, Elia Paradiso, Sara D'Alessandro, Federica Barbagallo, Salvatore Pacifico, Remo Guerrini, Simonetta Tagliavini, Tommaso Trenti, Daniele Santi, Manuela Simoni, Marco Sola, Giulia Di Rocco, Livio Casarini
Summary: Type 5 phosphodiesterase (PDE5) inhibitors (PDE5i) are commonly used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. This study suggests that PDE5i may also interact with cAMP-specific PDEs, leading to an increase in cAMP and testosterone levels, which could have a positive impact on male reproductive parameters.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Neena Roy, Clara Lazzaretti, Elia Paradiso, Chiara Capponi, Tommaso Ferrari, Francesca Reggianini, Samantha Sperduti, Lara Baschieri, Elisa Mascolo, Carmela Perri, Manuela Varani, Giulia Canu, Tommaso Trenti, Alessia Nicoli, Daria Morini, Francesca Iannotti, Maria Teresa Villani, Elena Vicini, Manuela Simoni, Livio Casarini
Summary: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical that has been proven to have detrimental effects on reproductive health. However, this study found that short-term exposure to BPA at environmental concentrations did not significantly affect the hormone signaling pathways in mouse and human reproductive cells.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Ernesto Bosch, Martin Hund, Reinhard van der Does, Laura Caracena, Silke Ahlers, Elena Labarta
Summary: The study aimed to compare the measurement of hHCG and HCG+beta for early pregnancy detection after IVF and embryo transfer. The results showed that the predictive performance of both biomarkers was similar at different time points, and the diagnostic performance improved from day 4 to day 11.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Charalampos Siristatidis, Sofoklis Stavros, Konstantinos Dafopoulos, Theodoros Sergentanis, Ekaterini Domali, Peter Drakakis, Dimitrios Loutradis
Summary: This study found that adding low-dose hCG to a short GnRH agonist protocol for IVF did not improve the number of high-quality embryos and clinical pregnancy rates in infertile women undergoing IVF treatments. The results suggested that the addition of hCG did not have a significant impact on the outcomes of the IVF treatments.
REPRODUCTIVE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zhenghui Liu, Mark Larsen, Zhenmin Lei, C. V. Rao, T. Rajendra Kumar
Summary: In the mouse testis, there are two distinct populations of Leydig cells that arise during development, fetal Leydig cells and adult Leydig cells. This study provides genetic evidence that fetal Leydig cells do not require LH-LHR signaling pathway, but a one-to-one LH ligand-LHR signaling pathway exists in vivo to regulate adult Leydig cell lineage and spermatogenesis.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Sukhjashanpreet Singh, Mandeep Kaur, Ratneev Kaur, Archana Beri, Anupam Kaur
Summary: This study found that LHCGR gene variants are associated with the development of PCOS and can be used to assess the risk of PCOS in women of reproductive age. PCOS patients had elevated levels of cholesterol and triglycerides, lower levels of HDL, and higher levels of total testosterone and luteinizing hormone.
BMC ENDOCRINE DISORDERS
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Xue-Fei Li, Qiao-Feng Wang, Qi-Qi He, Xue-Jiao Wang, Xing-Yu Lv, Xiao-Jun Tang, Zhao-Hui Zhong, Yu-Bin Ding, Qi Wan
Summary: There were no significant differences in IVF/ICSI cycle outcomes between patients with low and normal LH levels after GnRH-a trigger. Patients with low LH levels had a higher risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome. The hCG retrigger did not have any significant effect on cycle outcomes in patients with low LH levels.
BMC PREGNANCY AND CHILDBIRTH
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Takeshi Kitano, Tomoaki Takenaka, Hisanori Takagi, Yasutoshi Yoshiura, Yukinori Kazeto, Toshiaki Hirai, Koki Mukai, Ryo Nozu
Summary: In medaka fish, FSH is necessary for follicle development while LH is required for oocyte maturation. However, neither FSH nor LH is essential for spermatogenesis.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Minghai Chen, Chuang Yan, Luping Zheng, Xian-En Zhang
Summary: The study developed near-infrared BiFC and TriFC systems using miRFP670nano, enabling efficient visualization of protein interactions. The sensor system showed faster maturation rate, higher photostability, and cellular stability compared to existing systems, demonstrating its potential for various applications in cell imaging studies.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Kosuke Ishikawa, Sakura Tamamura, Kentaro Semba, Shinya Watanabe
Summary: By screening reporter cells under specific conditions, the study identified PKP2 as a novel gene responding to glucocorticoids, potentially supplementing the current GRE-based reporter systems. Due to differences in responses to steroids among different clones, using these clones can provide more information.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Christoph Mueller, Jakob Gleixner, Maris-Johanna Tahk, Sergei Kopanchuk, Tonis Laasfeld, Michael Weinhart, Dieter Schollmeyer, Martin U. Betschart, Steffen Luedeke, Pierre Koch, Ago Rinken, Max Keller
Summary: The recent crystallization of the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor(Y1R) in complex with the selective antagonist UR-MK299 has allowed for the design of novel fluorescent probes with high binding affinity and selectivity for Y1R.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sergei Kopanchuk, Edijs Vavers, Santa Veiksina, Kadri Ligi, Liga Zvejniece, Maija Dambrova, Ago Rinken
Summary: The study used super-resolution imaging microscopy to investigate the intracellular dynamics of Sig1R. It was found that Sig1R is mainly located in the nuclear envelope and tubular/vesicular structures of the ER, but not in the plasma membrane. Activation of Sig1R reduced its colocalization with a marker of vesicular ER.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Darja Lavogina, Helen Lust, Maris-Johanna Tahk, Tonis Laasfeld, Hans Vellama, Naila Nasirova, Markus Vardja, Kattri-Liis Eskla, Andres Salumets, Ago Rinken, Jana Jaal
Summary: Since 1991, the method of converting resazurin to resorufin has been widely used to measure viability in mammalian cell culture and primary cells. However, there have been variations in the assay protocols used by different research groups, and systematic optimization of the assay has been lacking. In this study, we conducted extensive research to optimize the experimental protocols for resazurin-based viability sensing. The optimization guidelines provided in this study are useful for beginners and experienced scientists in the field.
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
M. Peters, I Mikeltadze, H. Karro, M. Saare, Andres Metspalu, Andres Metspalu, Mari Nelis, Lili Milani, Georgi Hudjashov, Tonu Esko, A. Salumets, R. Magi, T. Laisk
Summary: Despite overlapping symptoms, endometriosis and IBS have different significantly associated comorbidities, related to the organ systems primarily involved in the index diagnosis.
HUMAN REPRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Merli Saare, Ankita Lawarde, Vijayachitra Modhukur, Iveta Mikeltadze, Helle Karro, Ave Minajeva, Andres Salumets, Maire Peters
Summary: The study found that there is no synchronicity between paired samples of endometrium and ovarian endometriomas throughout the menstrual cycle, suggesting a need to revise the concept of cycling endometrial tissue inside the endometriomas.
REPRODUCTIVE BIOMEDICINE ONLINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Darja Lavogina, Naila Nasirova, Tanel Sormus, Taavo Tahtjarv, Erki Enkvist, Kaido Viht, Toiv Haljasorg, Koit Herodes, Jana Jaal, Asko Uri
Summary: In this research, we designed a series of ARCs and their fluorescent derivatives to investigate their interactions with members of the protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) family. Our results showed that ARCs and arginine-rich peptides could serve as high-affinity ligands for PRMT1, and the equilibrium dissociation constant values were dependent on the number of arginine residues within the compounds.
JOURNAL OF PEPTIDE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Tanel Sormus, Darja Lavogina, Erki Enkvist, Asko Uri, Kaido Viht
Summary: Bivalent ligands, such as bisubstrate inhibitors, can simultaneously target two binding sites of a biomolecule and their ability to bind to the biological target can be modulated by an external trigger. This study constructed deactivatable bisubstrate inhibitors of basophilic protein kinases by conjugating pharmacophores via linkers that can be cleaved in response to external stimuli. The inhibitors exhibited high affinity and inhibitory potency towards cAMP-dependent PK (PKAc alpha), which could be reduced by specific external stimuli. These deactivatable inhibitors are valuable tools for the inhibition or capture of pharmacologically important enzymes.
Article
Cell & Tissue Engineering
Yafei Wang, Shrinidhi Madhusudan, Ludovica Cotellessa, Jouni Kvist, Nazli Eskici, Venkatram Yellapragada, Kristiina Pulli, Carina Lund, Kirsi Vaaralahti, Timo Tuuri, Paolo Giacobini, Taneli Raivio
Summary: This study decodes the cellular heterogeneity, migration pathways, and gene regulatory network during human GnRH neuron differentiation using a human pluripotent stem cell model. The research also reveals that Wnt inhibition improves the efficiency of GnRH neuron differentiation.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hannu Koistinen, Ruusu-Maaria Kovanen, Morley D. Hollenberg, Antoine Dufour, Evette S. Radisky, Ulf-Hakan Stenman, Jyotsna Batra, Judith Clements, John D. Hooper, Eleftherios Diamandis, Oliver Schilling, Antti Rannikko, Tuomas Mirtti
Summary: Since the proposition of the pro-invasive activity of proteolytic enzymes over 70 years ago, several roles for proteases in cancer progression have been established. About half of the 473 active human proteases are expressed in the prostate and many of the most well-characterized members of this enzyme family are regulated by androgens, hormones essential for development of prostate cancer. Most notably, several kallikrein-related peptidases, including KLK3 (prostate-specific antigen, PSA), the most well-known prostate cancer marker, and type II transmembrane serine proteases, such as TMPRSS2 and matriptase, have been extensively studied and found to promote prostate cancer progression. Recent findings also suggest a critical role for proteases in the development of advanced and aggressive castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Perhaps the most intriguing evidence for this role comes from studies showing that the protease-activated transmembrane proteins, Notch and CDCP1, are associated with the development of CRPC.
Article
Medical Laboratory Technology
Cristina Collazo Abal, Maria Covadonga Fernandez Marcos, Pedro Casado Rey, Maria Pia Vazquez Caamano, Henrik Alfthan, Hannu Koistinen, Ulf-Hakan Stenman
Summary: This article describes a woman with constantly elevated levels of hCG in serum. Specific assays were used to measure the concentrations of hCG, its beta subunit (hCG beta), and its core fragment (hCG beta cf) in serum and urine. The laboratory findings suggest the presence of familial hCG syndrome, but further investigation is needed to confirm this in other family members.
CLINICAL CHEMISTRY AND LABORATORY MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Timo-Pekka K. Lehto, Ruusu-Maaria Kovanen, Susanna Lintula, Adrian Malen, Carolin Sturenberg, Andrew Erickson, Olli-Pekka Pulkka, Ulf-Hakan Stenman, Eleftherios P. Diamandis, Antti Rannikko, Tuomas Mirtti, Hannu Koistinen
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the mRNA levels and prognostic impact of all 15 human kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) and their targets, proteinase-activated receptors (PARs), in surgically treated prostate cancer (PCa). The results showed that the expression of KLK2, KLK3, KLK4, and KLK15 was closely associated with tumor aggressiveness and prognosis, suggesting their potential as prognostic biomarkers for PCa.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER
(2023)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Marika Saar, Jana Jaal, Alvin Meltsov, Tonis Laasfeld, Helen Lust, Sergo Kasvandik, Darja Lavogina
Summary: Immune checkpoint inhibitors are used in combination with chemotherapy for non-small cell lung cancer treatment. However, the success rate of combination therapies is limited. This study explored the proteome of lung adenocarcinoma cell lines treated with chemotherapy and the addition of durvalumab, identifying potential markers of chemosensitivity or resistance. The study showed cell line- and chemotherapeutic agent-dependent responses and confirmed the involvement of DNA repair in the chemotherapy effect. Further validation also indicated the role of RB-1 in the potentiation of cisplatin treatment and identified ALDH1A3 as a general putative resistance marker.
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Xiaodan Ouyang, Paul M. D'Agostino, Matti Wahlsten, Endrews Delbaje, Jouni Jokela, Perttu Permi, Greta Gaiani, Antti Poso, Piia Bartos, Tobias A. M. Gulder, Hannu Koistinen, David P. Fewer
Summary: In this study, a comparative bioinformatic analysis was used to identify radiosumin biosynthetic gene clusters in the genomes of 13 filamentous cyanobacteria. The entire biosynthetic gene cluster was captured and expressed in Escherichia coli. High-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and chemical degradation analysis revealed the chemical structure of novel radiosumins produced by cyanobacteria. Radiosumin C was found to inhibit human trypsin isoforms selectively.
ORGANIC & BIOMOLECULAR CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Darja Lavogina, Nadja Visser, Kulli Samuel, Eva Davey, Richelle D. Bjorvang, Jasmin Hassan, Jani Koponen, Panu Rantakokko, Hannu Kiviranta, Ago Rinken, Matts Olovsson, Andres Salumets, Pauliina Damdimopoulou
Summary: Multiple studies have shown that exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can reduce female fertility. This study found that certain common EDCs can reduce decidualization in vitro, potentially affecting the functional capacity and implantation ability of the endometrium.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Meeting Abstract
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ago Rinken, Edijs Vavers, Santa Veiksina, Kadri Ligi, Liga Zvejniece, Sergei Kopanchuk
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Karina A. Pena, Sofya Savransky, Breanna Lewis
Summary: Compartmentalization of GPCR signaling is an emerging topic that emphasizes the importance of spatial bias in signaling for physiological relevance. PTH1R was the first GPCR discovered to signal via cAMP from endosomes, challenging the conventional model of GPCR signaling. The location of cAMP generation determines the physiological outcomes of GPCR signaling.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cell Biology
Cheng-Xu Ma, Xiao-Ni Ma, Jin-Jin Liu, Cong-Hui Guan, Ying-Dong Li, Nan Zhao, Didac Mauricio, Song-Bo Fu
Summary: The downregulation of primary cilia (PCs) due to BRAFV600E mutation contributes to the aggressiveness and lymph node metastasis of Papillary Thyroid Cancer (PTC).
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cell Biology
Kejun Wu, Cuihua Huang, Wenrong Zheng, Yubin Wu, Qintao Huang, Menghua Lin, Ruonan Gao, Liqin Qi, Guanlian He, Xiaoying Liu, Xiaohong Liu, Linxi Wang, Zhou Chen, Libin Liu
Summary: Recurrent non-severe hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes is associated with cognitive impairment. This study found that this condition is associated with reduced mitophagy in the hippocampus, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and neurological impairment.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cell Biology
Yifei Lv, Yizhou Huang, Huiyu Fan, Yunxiu Zhao, Linjuan Ma, Yibing Lan, Chunming Li, Peiqiong Chen, Zheng Lou, Jianhong Zhou
Summary: Before menopause, females have a lower incidence of cardiovascular disease than age-matched males, possibly due to the protective effects of sex hormones. 17 beta-E2 inhibits THBS1 expression, preventing cell senescence and apoptosis, and counteracts oxidative stress by suppressing the TGF-beta/Smad signaling pathway.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cell Biology
Ana C. L. Camargo, Flavia B. Constantino, Sergio A. A. Santos, Ketlin T. Colombelli, Luiz M. F. Portela, Matheus N. Fioretto, Luisa A. Barata, Guilherme T. Valente, Carlos S. Moreno, Luis A. Justulin
Summary: This study examined the effects of maternal malnutrition on the transcriptomic landscape of the ventral prostate in rats. It found that changes in molecular pathways related to cellular development and tissue morphogenesis were associated with maternal malnutrition. The Abcg1 gene was found to be deregulated in both malnourished rats and prostate cancer models and patients.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cell Biology
Sandra Romero-Cordoba, Mayel Chirinos, Nancy Noyola-Martinez, Nayeli Torres-Ramirez, Mitzi Garcia-Olivares, Juan Pablo Aragon-Hernandez, Ixchel Ramirez-Camacho, Rosa Zuniga, Fernando Larrea, Ali Halhali, David Barrera
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of calcitriol, TGF-131, and their combination on human trophoblast cells. The results showed that the combination treatment modified the transcriptional landscape and mainly affected the storage, activity, and metabolism of lipids, which may have an impact on placental development.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cell Biology
Traver J. Wright, Richard B. Pyles, Melinda Sheffield-Moore, Rachel R. Deer, Kathleen M. Randolph, Kristen A. Mcgovern, Christopher P. Danesi, Charles R. Gilkison, Weston W. Ward, Jayson A. Vargas, Peyton A. Armstrong, Sarah E. Lindsay, Mohammed F. Zaidan, Justin Seashore, Tamara L. Wexler, Brent E. Masel, Randall J. Urban
Summary: This study investigates the persistent neurologic symptoms in COVID-19 patients after recovery and explores the association between these symptoms and disrupted growth hormone secretion and gastrointestinal discomfort.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)
Article
Cell Biology
Li-Li Chen, Ya-Qin Li, Zhi-Hui Kang, Xuan Zhang, Su-Yan Gu, Na Wang, Xue-Yan Shen
Summary: Defects in trophoblastic EMT caused by dysregulation of circTNRC18's interaction with LIN28A play a vital role in the development of preeclampsia. LIN28A overexpression suppresses circTNRC18-mediated inhibition of trophoblast migration, invasion, and EMT, while LIN28A knockdown promotes them. Furthermore, circTNRC18 regulates the intracellular distribution of LIN28A and the expression of insulin-like growth factor II, affecting cell migration and invasion. Targeting the circTNRC18-LIN28A regulatory axis may provide a novel treatment approach for preeclampsia.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2024)