Primary Cultures Of Human Thyrocytes Research Articles

Proximity ligation assay to study TSH receptor homodimerization and crosstalk with IGF-1 receptors in human thyroid cells.

Proximity ligation assay (PLA) is a methodology that permits detection of protein-protein closeness, that is, proteins that are within 40 nanometers of each other, in cells or tissues at endogenous protein levels or after exogenous overexpression. It detects the protein(s) with high sensitivity and specificity because it employs a DNA hybridization step followed by DNA amplification. PLA has been used successfully with many types of proteins. In this methods paper, we will describe the workings of PLA and provide examples of its use to study TSH/IGF-1 receptor crosstalk in Graves’ orbital fibroblasts (GOFs) and TSH receptor homodimerization in primary cultures of human thyrocytes.

Oxidative Stress-Induced Sirtuin1 Downregulation Correlates to HIF-1α, GLUT-1, and VEGF-A Upregulation in Th1 Autoimmune Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

In Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT), oxidative stress (OS) is driven by Th1 cytokines’ response interfering with the normal function of thyrocytes. OS results from an imbalance between an excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and a lowering of antioxidant production. Moreover, OS has been shown to inhibit Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), which is able to prevent hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α stabilization. The aims of this study were to determine the involvement of NADPH-oxidases (NOX), SIRT1, and HIF-1α in HT pathophysiology as well as the status of antioxidant proteins such as peroxiredoxin 1 (PRDX1), catalase, and superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1). The protein expressions of NOX2, NOX4, antioxidant enzymes, SIRT1, and HIF-1α, as well as glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), were analyzed by Western blot in primary cultures of human thyrocytes that were or were not incubated with Th1 cytokines. The same proteins were also analyzed by immunohistochemistry in thyroid samples from control and HT patients. In human thyrocytes incubated with Th1 cytokines, NOX4 expression was increased whereas antioxidants, such as PRDX1, catalase, and SOD1, were reduced. Th1 cytokines also induced a significant decrease of SIRT1 protein expression associated with an upregulation of HIF-1α, GLUT-1, and VEGF-A proteins. With the exception of PRDX1 and SOD1, similar results were obtained in HT thyroids. OS due to an increase of ROS produced by NOX4 and a loss of antioxidant defenses (PRDX1, catalase, SOD1) correlates to a reduction of SIRT1 and an upregulation of HIF 1α, GLUT-1, and VEGF-A. Our study placed SIRT1 as a key regulator of OS and we, therefore, believe it could be considered as a potential therapeutic target in HT.

Thyrotropin regulation of differentiated gene transcription in adult human thyrocytes in primary culture

Thyroid transcription factors (TTFs) - NKX2-1, FOXE1, PAX8 and HHEX - regulate multiple genes involved in thyroid development in mice but little is known about TTF regulation of thyroid-specific genes - thyroglobulin (TG), thyroid peroxidase (TPO), deiodinase type 2 (DIO2), sodium/iodide symporter (NIS) and TSH receptor (TSHR) - in adult, human thyrocytes. Thyrotropin (thyroid-stimulating hormone, TSH) regulation of thyroid-specific gene expression in primary cultures of human thyrocytes is biphasic yielding an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve (IUDRC) with upregulation at low doses and decreases at high doses. Herein we show that NKX2-1, FOXE1 and PAX8 are required for TSH-induced upregulation of the mRNA levels of TG, TPO, DIO2, NIS, and TSHR whereas HHEX has little effect on the levels of these thyroid-specific gene mRNAs. We show that TSH-induced upregulation is mediated by changes in their transcription and not by changes in the degradation of their mRNAs. In contrast to the IUDRC of thyroid-specific genes, TSH effects on the levels of the mRNAs for NKX2-1, FOXE1 and PAX8 exhibit monophasic decreases at high doses of TSH whereas TSH regulation of HHEX mRNA levels exhibits an IUDRC that overlaps the IUDRC of thyroid-specific genes. In contrast to findings during mouse development, TTFs do not have major effects on the levels of other TTF mRNAs in adult, human thyrocytes. Thus, we found similarities and important differences in the regulation of thyroid-specific genes in mouse development and TSH regulation of these genes in adult, human thyrocytes.

Thyrotropin, but Not Thyroid-Stimulating Antibodies, Induces Biphasic Regulation of Gene Expression in Human Thyrocytes.

Background: Thyrotropin (TSH) and thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAbs) activate TSH receptor (TSHR) signaling by binding to its extracellular domain. TSHR signaling has been studied extensively in animal thyrocytes and in engineered cell lines, and differences in signaling have been observed in different cell systems. We, therefore, decided to characterize and compare TSHR signaling mediated by TSH and monoclonal TSAbs in human thyrocytes in primary culture. Methods: We used quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction to measure mRNA levels of thyroid-specific genes thyroglobulin (TG), thyroperoxidase (TPO), iodothyronine deiodinase type 2 (DIO2), sodium-iodide symporter (NIS), and TSHR after stimulation by TSH or two monoclonal TSAbs, KSAb1 and M22. We also compared secreted TG protein after TSHR activation by TSH and TSAbs using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. TSHR cell surface expression was determined using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS). Results: We found that TSH at low doses increases and at high doses (>1 mU/mL) decreases levels of gene expression for TSHR, TG, TPO, NIS, and DIO2. The biphasic effect of TSH on signaling was not caused by downregulation of cell surface TSHRs. This bell-shaped biphasic dose-response curve has been termed an inverted U-shaped dose-response curve (IUDRC). An IUDRC was also found for TSH-induced regulation of TG secretion. In contrast, KSAb1- and M22-induced regulation of TSHR, TG, TPO, NIS, and DIO2 gene expression, and secreted TG followed a monotonic dose-response curve that plateaus at high doses of activating antibody. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that the physiological activation of TSHRs by TSH in primary cultures of human thyrocytes is characterized by a regulatory mechanism that may inhibit thyrocyte overstimulation. In contrast, TSAbs do not exhibit biphasic regulation. Although KSAb1 and M22 may not be representative of all TSAbs found in patients with Graves' disease, we suggest that persistent robust stimulation of TSHRs by TSAbs, unrelieved by a decrease at high TSAb levels, fosters chronic stimulation of thyrocytes in Graves' hyperthyroidism.

Thyrotropin Stimulates Differentiation Not Proliferation of Normal Human Thyrocytes in Culture.

Although TSH has been suggested to be a proliferative agent for thyrocytes, the effect of TSH on human thyroid cells remains controversial. In particular, most of the reported studies relied primarily on changes in DNA synthesis but have not included measurement of the number of cells. We argue that only a direct count of cell number, demonstrating classical exponential expansion, serves as a valid measurement of proliferation. Thus, although some data support TSH as a proliferative agent, most do not provide conclusive evidence. To generate conclusive evidence with regard to a proliferative effect of TSH in human thyrocytes, we performed various experiments using primary cultures of human thyrocytes. In contrast to previous reports, TSH [±insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)] did not induce proliferation of thyrocytes under a variety of different conditions. However, TSH/IGF-1 cotreatment did upregulate thyroid-specific gene expression including thyroglobulin (TG) and TSHR in a manner consistent with cellular differentiation. Evidence for a proliferative effect of TSH has been used to inform the American Thyroid Association’s guidelines for the management of thyroid cancer patients, which include TSH suppression. While these recommendations are admittedly based on low- to moderate-quality evidence, TSH suppression is still widely used. We present data that question the consensus view that TSH promotes proliferation of human thyrocytes (upon which the American Thyroid Association’s guidelines are based) and suggest that additional studies, including randomized controlled trials, are warranted to address this important clinical question.

Thyrotropin and Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Receptor Crosstalk Upregulates Sodium-Iodide Symporter Expression in Primary Cultures of Human Thyrocytes.

Major regulation of thyroid gland function is mediated by thyrotropin (TSH) activating the TSH receptor (TSHR) and inducing upregulation of genes involved in thyroid hormone synthesis. Evidence suggests that the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) receptor (IGF-1R) may play a role in regulating TSHR functional effects. This study examined the potential role of TSHR/IGF-1R crosstalk in primary cultures of human thyrocytes. TSH/IGF-1 co-treatment elicited additive effects on thyroglobulin (TG), thyroperoxidase (TPO), and deiodinase type 2 (DIO2) mRNA levels but synergistic effects on sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) mRNA. Similar cooperativity was seen on the level of TG protein secretion (additive) and NIS protein expression (synergistic). The IGF-1R tyrosine kinase inhibitor linsitinib inhibited TSH-stimulated upregulation of NIS but not TG, indicating that NIS regulation is in part IGF-1R dependent and occurs via receptor crosstalk. Cooperativity was not seen at the level of cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling, IGF-1R phosphorylation, or Akt activation. However, TSH and IGF-1 synergistically activated ERK1/2. Pharmacological inhibition of ERK1/2 by the MEK1/2 inhibitor U0126 and of Akt by MK-2206 virtually abolished NIS stimulation by TSH and the synergistic effect of IGF-1. As linsitinib inhibited upregulation of NIS stimulated by TSH alone, it is concluded that crosstalk between TSHR and IGF-1R, without agonist activation of IGF-1R, plays a role in NIS regulation in human thyrocytes via a mechanism involving ERK1/2 and/or Akt. Fully understanding the nature of this crosstalk has clinical implications for the treatment of thyroid diseases, including thyroid cancer.

An Enantiomer of an Oral Small-Molecule TSH Receptor Agonist Exhibits Improved Pharmacologic Properties.

We are developing an orally available small-molecule, allosteric TSH receptor (TSHR) agonist for follow-up diagnostics of patients with thyroid cancer. The agonist C2 (NCGC00161870) that we have studied so far is a racemic mixture containing equal amounts of two enantiomers, E1 and E2. As enantiomers of many drugs exhibit different pharmacologic properties, we assessed the properties of E1 and E2. We separated the two enantiomers by chiral chromatography and determined E2 as the (S)-(+) isomer via crystal structure analysis. E1 and E2 were shown to bind differently to a homology model of the transmembrane domain of TSHR in which E2 was calculated to exhibit lower binding energy than E1 and was, therefore, predicted to be more potent than E1. In HEK293 cells expressing human TSHRs, C2, E1, and E2 were equally efficacious in stimulating cAMP production, but their potencies were different. E2 was more potent (EC50 = 18 nM) than C2 (EC50 = 46 nM), which was more potent than E1 (EC50 = 217 nM). In primary cultures of human thyrocytes, C2, E1, and E2 stimulated increases in thyroperoxidase mRNA of 92-, 55-, and 137-fold and in sodium–iodide symporter mRNA of 20-, 4-, and 121-fold above basal levels, respectively. In mice, C2 stimulated an increase in radioactive iodine uptake of 1.5-fold and E2 of 2.8-fold above basal level, whereas E1 did not have an effect. C2 stimulated an increase in serum T4 of 2.4-fold, E1 of 1.9-fold, and E2 of 5.6-fold above basal levels, and a 5-day oral dosing regimen of E2 increased serum T4 levels comparable to recombinant human TSH (rhTSH, Thyrogen®). Thus, E2 is more effective than either C2 or E1 in stimulating thyroid function and as efficacious as rhTSH in vivo. E2 represents the next step toward developing an oral drug for patients with thyroid cancer.

Involvement of nitric oxide in iodine deficiency-induced microvascular remodeling in the thyroid gland: role of nitric oxide synthase 3 and ryanodine receptors.

Iodine deficiency (ID) induces microvascular changes in the thyroid gland via a TSH-independent reactive oxygen species-hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-1α-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. The involvement of nitric oxide (NO) in this pathway and the role of calcium (Ca(2+)) and of ryanodine receptors (RYRs) in NO synthase 3 (NOS3) activation were investigated in a murine model of goitrogenesis and in 3 in vitro models of ID, including primary cultures of human thyrocytes. ID activated NOS3 and the production of NO in thyrocytes in vitro and increased the thyroid blood flow in vivo. Using bevacizumab (a blocking antibody against VEGF-A) in mice, it appeared that NOS3 is activated upstream of VEGF-A. L-nitroarginine methyl ester (a NOS inhibitor) blocked the ID-induced increase in thyroid blood flow in vivo and NO production in vitro, as well as ID-induced VEGF-A mRNA and HIF-1α expression in vitro, whereas S-nitroso-acetyl-penicillamine (a NO donor) did the opposite. Ca(2+) is involved in this pathway as intracellular Ca(2+) flux increased after ID, and thapsigargin activated NOS3 and increased VEGF-A mRNA expression. Two of the 3 known mammalian RYR isoforms (RYR1 and RYR2) were shown to be expressed in thyrocytes. RYR inhibition using ryanodine at 10μM decreased ID-induced NOS3 activation, HIF-1α, and VEGF-A expression, whereas RYR activation with ryanodine at 1nM increased NOS3 activation and VEGF-A mRNA expression. In conclusion, during the early phase of TSH-independent ID-induced microvascular activation, ID sequentially activates RYRs and NOS3, thereby supporting ID-induced activation of the NO/HIF-1α/VEGF-A pathway in thyrocytes.

MiRNA expression may account for chronic but not for acute regulation of mRNA expression in human thyroid tumor models.

BackgroundFor thyroid tumorigenesis, two main human in vitro models are available: primary cultures of human thyrocytes treated with TSH or EGF/serum as models for autonomous adenomas (AA) or papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTC) respectively, and human thyroid tumor derived cell lines. Previous works of our group have assessed properties of those models, with a special emphasis on mRNA regulations. It is often assumed that miRNA may be one of the primary events inducing these mRNA regulations.MethodsThe purpose of this study was to investigate the representativity of those models to study microRNA regulations and their relation with mRNA expression. To achieve this aim, the miRNA expressions profiles of primary cultures treated with TSH or EGF/serum and of 6 thyroid cancer cell lines were compared to the expression profiles of 35 tumor tissues obtained by microarrays.ResultsOur data on primary cultures have shown that the TSH or EGF/serum treatment did not greatly modify the microRNA expression profiles, which is contrary to what is observed for mRNA expression profiles, although they still evolved differently according to the treatment. The analysis of miRNA and mRNA expressions profiles in the cell lines has shown that they have evolved into a common, dedifferentiated phenotype, closer to ATC than to the tumors they are derived from.ConclusionsLong-terms TSH or EGF/serum treatments do not mimic AA or PTC respectively in terms of miRNA expression as they do for mRNA, suggesting that the regulations of mRNA expression induced by these physiological agents occur independently of miRNA. The general patterns of miRNA expression in the cell lines suggest that they represent a useful model for undifferentiated thyroid cancer. Mirna probably do not mediate the rapid changes in gene expression in rapid cell biology regulation.

Type I and Type II Interferons Inhibit Both Basal and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α-Induced CXCL8 Secretion in Primary Cultures of Human Thyrocytes

Interferons (IFNs) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) cooperate in activating several inflammation-related genes, which sustain chronic inflammation in autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD). Much is known about the positive signaling of IFNs to activate gene expression in AITD, while the mechanisms by which IFNs negatively regulate genes remain less studied. While IFNs inhibit CXCL8 secretion in several human cell types, their effects on thyroid cells were not evaluated. Our aim was to study the interplay between TNF-α and type I or type II IFNs on CXCL8 secretion by human thyroid cells. CXCL8 was measured in supernatants of primary cultures of thyroid cells basally and after a 24-h incubation with TNF-α. CXCL8 was detected in thyroid cell supernatants in basal conditions (96.2±23.5 pg/mL) being significantly increased (784.7±217.3 pg/mL; P<0.0001 vs. basal) by TNF-α. Twenty-four hour incubation with IFN-γ or IFN-β or IFN-α dose dependently and significantly inhibited both basal and TNF-α-induced CXCL8 secretion. The degree of the inhibitory effect was IFN-γ>IFN-β>IFN-α. This study demonstrates that type I and type II IFNs downregulate both basal and TNF-α-induced CXCL8 secretion by human thyrocytes, IFN-γ being the most powerful inhibitor. Future studies aimed at a better comprehension of the interplay between CXCL8 and thyroid diseases appear worthwhile.

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor – Marker for Proliferation in Thyroid Diseases?

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical regulator of angiogenesis and is involved in tumor development. To date, the role of VEGF in benign diseases of the thyroid is not well known. The purpose of the present study is to determine the expression of VEGF and its receptors in primary cultures of human thyrocytes. 50 patients with uninodular (n=11), multinodular (n=15), recurrent goiter (n=14) and Graves' disease (n=10) were enrolled. Nodular and corresponding paranodular tissue was obtained after surgery and investigated. RNA and protein were extracted from primary thyrocyte cultures. PCR, western blot and ELISA were performed to evaluate VEGF isoforms and VEGF receptor 1 and 2. Significantly increased transcription and protein expression of VEGF and its receptors were detected in nodular tissue of uninodular and recurrent goiter compared to the corresponding normal tissue. Active secretion of VEGF by thyrocytes was confirmed by ELISA. In multinodu-lar goiter, no difference could be found between nodular and corresponding paranodular tissue in terms of expression of VEGF or its receptors. Furthermore, we found the highest levels of VEGF and its receptors in tissue obtained from patients with Graves' disease. Increased expression of VEGF and its receptors might be crucial in the proliferation of thyrocytes and therefore may contribute to the development of goiter and goiter recurrence.

IL-1β and TSH disturb thyroid epithelium integrity in autoimmune thyroid diseases

Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNFα are known to affect thyroid function. They stimulate IL-6 secretion and modify epithelium integrity by altering junction proteins. To study the role of cytokines on thyroid epithelia tightness in autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), we analyzed the expression profiles of junction proteins (ZO-1, Claudin, JAM-A) and cytokines in human thyroid slices and also investigated the effect of IL-1β on the epithelium integrity in primary cultures of human thyrocytes. Junction proteins expression (ZO-1, Claudin, JAM-A) has been analyzed by immunohistochemistry on thyroid slices and by Western blot on membrane proteins extracted from thyrocytes of patients suffering from Graves and Hashimoto diseases. The high expression of junction proteins we found on Graves’ disease thyroid slices as well as in cell membrane extracts acknowledges the tightness of thyroid follicular cells in this AITD. In contrast, the reduced expression of JAM and ZO-1 in thyroid cells from patients suffering from Hashimoto thyroiditis is in agreement with the loss of thyroid follicular cell integrity that occurs in this pathology. Concerning the effects on epithelium integrity of TSH and of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β in primary cultures of human thyroid cells, TSH appeared able to modify JAM-A localization but without any change in the expression levels of JAM-A, Claudin and ZO-1. Inversely, IL-1β provoked a decrease in the expression of- and a redistribution of both, Claudin and ZO-1 without modifying the expression and sub-cellular distribution patterns of JAM-A in thyroid cells. These results demonstrate (i) that Hashimoto's- and Graves’ diseases display different junction proteins expression patterns with a loss of epithelium integrity in the former and (ii) that IL-1β modifies thyroid epithelial tightness of human thyrocytes by altering the expression and localization of junction proteins. Therefore, IL-1β could play a role in the pathogenesis of thyroid autoimmunity.

Small molecule TSHR agonists and antagonists

TSH activates the TSH receptor (TSHR) thereby stimulating the function of thyroid follicular cells (thyrocytes) leading to biosynthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones. Because TSHR is involved in several thyroid pathologies, there is a strong rationale for the design of small molecule “drug-like” ligands. Recombinant human TSH (rhTSH, Thyrogen ®) has been used in the follow-up of patients with thyroid cancer to increase the sensitivity for detection of recurrence or metastasis. rhTSH is difficult to produce and must be administered by injection. A small molecule TSHR agonist could produce the same beneficial effects as rhTSH but with greater ease of oral administration. We developed a small molecule ligand that is a full agonist at TSHR. Importantly for its clinical potential, this agonist elevated serum thyroxine and stimulated thyroidal radioiodide uptake in mice after its absorption from the gastrointestinal tract following oral administration. Graves’ disease (GD) is caused by persistent, unregulated stimulation of thyrocytes by thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAbs) that activate TSHR. We identified the first small molecule TSHR antagonists that inhibited TSH- and TSAb-stimulated signalling in primary cultures of human thyrocytes. Our results provide proof-of-principle for effectiveness of small molecule agonists and antagonists for TSHR. We suggest that these small molecule ligands are lead compounds for the development of higher potency ligands that can be used as probes of TSHR biology with therapeutic potential.

A New Small-Molecule Antagonist Inhibits Graves' Disease Antibody Activation of the TSH Receptor

Graves' disease (GD) is caused by persistent, unregulated stimulation of thyrocytes by thyroid-stimulating antibodies (TSAbs) that activate the TSH receptor (TSHR). We previously reported the first small-molecule antagonist of human TSHR and showed that it inhibited receptor signaling stimulated by sera from four patients with GD. Our objective was to develop a better TSHR antagonist and use it to determine whether inhibition of TSAb activation of TSHR is a general phenomenon. We aimed to chemically modify a previously reported small-molecule TSHR ligand to develop a better antagonist and determine whether it inhibits TSHR signaling by 30 GD sera. TSHR signaling was measured in two in vitro systems: model HEK-EM293 cells stably overexpressing human TSHRs and primary cultures of human thyrocytes. TSHR signaling was measured as cAMP production and by effects on thyroid peroxidase mRNA. We tested analogs of a previously reported small-molecule TSHR inverse agonist and selected the best NCGC00229600 for further study. In the model system, NCGC00229600 inhibited basal and TSH-stimulated cAMP production. NCGC00229600 inhibition of TSH signaling was competitive even though it did not compete for TSH binding; that is, NCGC00229600 is an allosteric inverse agonist. NCGC00229600 inhibited cAMP production by 39 ± 2.6% by all 30 GD sera tested. In primary cultures of human thyrocytes, NCGC00229600 inhibited TSHR-mediated basal and GD sera up-regulation of thyroperoxidase mRNA levels by 65 ± 2.0%. NCGC00229600, a small-molecule allosteric inverse agonist of TSHR, is a general antagonist of TSH receptor activation by TSAbs in GD patient sera.

A Small Molecule Inverse Agonist for the Human Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Receptor

ABSTRACT Small molecule inverse agonists for the TSH receptor (TSHR) may be used as probes of the role of basal (or agonist-independent or constitutive) signaling and may have therapeutic potential as orally active drugs to inhibit basal signaling in patients with thyroid cancer and in some patients with hyperthyroidism. We describe the first small-molecule ligand [1, 2-(3-((2,6-dimethylphenoxy)methyl)-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(furan-2-ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one] that exhibits inverse agonist properties at TSHR. 1 inhibits basal and TSH-stimulated signaling, measured as cAMP production, by TSHRs in HEK-EM 293 cells stably expressing wild-type TSHRs; the antagonism of TSH-mediated signaling is competitive. 1 also inhibits basal signaling by wild-type TSHRs, and four constitutively active mutants of TSHR expressed transiently in HEK-EM 293 cells. 1 was active under more physiologically relevant conditions in primary cultures of human thyrocytes expressing endogenous TSHRs where it inhibited basal levels of mRNA transcripts for thyroglobulin, thyroperoxidase, sodium iodide symporter, and TSHR. These data serve as proof of principle that small, drug-like molecules can inhibit basal signaling by TSHR. We suggest that this small molecule is a lead compound for the development of higher-potency inverse agonists that can be used as probes of TSHR biology with therapeutic potential.

A Small Molecule Inverse Agonist for the Human Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone Receptor

Small molecule inverse agonists for the TSH receptor (TSHR) may be used as probes of the role of basal (or agonist-independent or constitutive) signaling and may have therapeutic potential as orally active drugs to inhibit basal signaling in patients with thyroid cancer and in some patients with hyperthyroidism. We describe the first small-molecule ligand [1;2-(3-((2,6-dimethylphenoxy)methyl)-4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(furan-2-ylmethyl)-2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one] that exhibits inverse agonist properties at TSHR. 1 inhibits basal and TSH-stimulated signaling, measured as cAMP production, by TSHRs in HEK-EM 293 cells stably expressing wild-type TSHRs; the antagonism of TSH-mediated signaling is competitive. 1 also inhibits basal signaling by wild-type TSHRs, and four constitutively active mutants of TSHR expressed transiently in HEK-EM 293 cells. 1 was active under more physiologically relevant conditions in primary cultures of human thyrocytes expressing endogenous TSHRs where it inhibited basal levels of mRNA transcripts for thyroglobulin, thyroperoxidase, sodium iodide symporter, and TSHR. These data serve as proof of principle that small, drug-like molecules can inhibit basal signaling by TSHR. We suggest that this small molecule is a lead compound for the development of higher-potency inverse agonists that can be used as probes of TSHR biology with therapeutic potential.

Small-molecule agonists for the thyrotropin receptor stimulate thyroid function in human thyrocytes and mice

Seven-transmembrane-spanning receptors (7TMRs) are prominent drug targets. However, small-molecule ligands for 7-transmembrane-spanning receptors for which the natural ligands are large, heterodimeric glycoprotein hormones, like thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH; thyrotropin), have only recently been reported, and none are approved for human use. We have used quantitative high-throughput screening to identify a small-molecule TSH receptor (TSHR) agonist that was modified to produce a second agonist with increased potency. We show that these agonists are highly selective for human TSHR versus other glycoprotein hormone receptors and interact with the receptor's serpentine domain. A binding pocket within the transmembrane domain was defined by docking into a TSHR homology model and was supported by site-directed mutagenesis. In primary cultures of human thyrocytes, both TSH and the agonists increase mRNA levels for thyroglobulin, thyroperoxidase, sodium iodide symporter, and deiodinase type 2, and deiodinase type 2 enzyme activity. Moreover, oral administration of the agonist stimulated thyroid function in mice, resulting in increased serum thyroxine and thyroidal radioiodide uptake. Thus, we discovered a small molecule that activates human TSHR in vitro, is orally active in mice, and could be a lead for development of drugs to use in place of recombinant human TSH in patients with thyroid cancer.

A Low-Molecular-Weight Antagonist for the Human Thyrotropin Receptor with Therapeutic Potential for Hyperthyroidism

Low-molecular-weight (LMW) antagonists for TSH receptor (TSHR) may have therapeutic potential as orally active drugs to block stimulating antibodies (TsAbs) in Graves' hyperthyroidism. We describe an approach to identify LMW ligands for TSHR based on Org41841, a LMW partial agonist for the LH/choriogonadotropin receptor and TSHR. We used molecular modeling and functional experiments to guide the chemical modification of Org41841. We identified an antagonist (NIDDK/CEB-52) that selectively inhibits activation of TSHR by both TSH and TsAbs. Whereas initially characterized in cultured cells overexpressing TSHRs, the antagonist was also active under more physiologically relevant conditions in primary cultures of human thyrocytes expressing endogenous TSHRs in which it inhibited TSH- and TsAb-induced up-regulation of mRNA transcripts for thyroperoxidase. Our results establish this LMW compound as a lead for the development of higher potency antagonists and serve as proof of principle that LMW ligands that target TSHR could serve as drugs in patients with Graves' disease.

Long-term EGF/serum-treated human thyrocytes mimic papillary thyroid carcinomas with regard to gene expression

Constitutive activation of the RAS/RAF/MAPK pathway has been found in different tumor types including papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). To get more insight into genes primarily regulated in the human tumor cells, an in vitro model was developed in which primary cultures of human thyrocytes were treated for different times with epidermal growth factor and serum (EGF/serum), which stimulate the MAPK cascade. Gene expression profiles were obtained by microarrays and compared to the expression profiles of PTCs. An evolution from short-term to long-term EGF/serum-treated cells was found, i.e., a program change showing a distinction between gene expression profiles of short-term and long-term EGF/serum-treated cells. The late pattern of EGF/serum stimulated cells converges to the pattern of PTCs. Comparison of these two types of cells with cAMP activated cells, from thyroid-stimulating hormone-treated thyrocytes and autonomous adenomas, showed distinct gene expression profiles for the two pathways. For the two models, an overlap was found in a number of genes which were early induced in vitro but down-regulated later in vitro and in the in vivo tumors. Thus, long-term stimulated human primary cultures demonstrate a clear relation with the tumor in vivo and could therefore be used as models for the disease.

TSH-Dependent Expression of the LDL Receptor–Associated Protein (RAP) in Thyroid Epithelial Cells

The low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-associated protein (RAP) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident molecular chaperone for several LDL receptor family members and it also binds to thyroglobulin (Tg), the thyroid hormone precursor. Disruption of the RAP gene in thyrocytes results in impaired Tg secretion. To gain further insights into the function of RAP in the thyroid, we investigated whether its expression in thyrocytes is regulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), a feature common to all proteins involved in thyroid hormone secretion. We found by immunofluorescence that in FRTL-5 cells cultured in the presence of TSH, RAP is expressed intracellularly. The levels of expression increased after exposure to TSH, beginning at 48 hours, in a concentration-dependent manner as observed by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. Expression of RAP was also increased by TSH in primary cultures of human thyrocytes as observed by Western blotting. In hypothyroid mice with high serum TSH, RAP was markedly increased compared with euthyroid mice as observed by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Based on these findings, we concluded that RAP is expressed by thyrocytes in a TSH-dependent manner, both in cultured thyroid cells and in vivo.