StAR Protein Research Articles

Proteomics approach to study neuronal regeneration events of the sequenced sea star Patiria miniata (153.7)

Sea stars have long been recognized for their ability to fully regenerate injured tissues as a consequence of predation or amputation. Indeed the ability to regenerate the nervous system is maintained throughout the lifespan of the animal. Since sea stars are distantly related to the chordates, their neuronal regeneration is of potential interest to biomedical applications in regenerative medicine [1‐3].With the advent of sea star (Patiria miniata) genome sequence and gene models we can now effectively study protein expression in sea star neurons using high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Previously, the sparse information on sea star protein sequences limited peptide identification to ca. 15%. This bottleneck was overcome with alignment of peptides to P. miniata genomic sequences. At present, we have over 18,000 peptides identified at identification rates of 60%, results commonly observed in sequenced proteomes. The methods we are developing allow greater sensitivity and unprecedented identification of low abundance proteins in the starfish nervous system This level of sensitivity is crucially important for the study for neuronal regeneration events: Sonic hedgehog protein, Neuromodulin and Piwi‐like protein 1 [4] are among the identified proteins and clearly highlight P. miniata as a promising model to understand protein regulation during neuronal regeneration.Grant Funding Source: Betty and Gordon Moore Foundation, Beckman Institute, Fulbright, PROLAB (ASBMB)

Antioxidant mediated ameliorative steroidogenesis by Commelina benghalensis L. and Cissus quadrangularis L. against quinalphos induced male reproductive toxicity

Quinalphos (QP) is speculated to cause endocrine disruption through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by oxidative stress (OS). Exposure of QP decreased testosterone level considerably which resulted in reduced viable sperms in mice. The QP induced toxicity is initiated by the formation of free radicals as it is evidenced from the increased Lipid peroxidation (LPO) and diminution of antioxidant enzymes in testicular tissue. Increased serum cholesterol and reduced testicular cholesterol indicated the inhibition of cholesterol transport and biosynthesis in testicular tissues. Lack of cholesterol in testicular tissue impaired the steroidogenesis by down-regulating the expression of StAR protein, Cytochrome P450, 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD leading to reduced testosterone level. Treatment of Commelina benganlensis (CBE) and Cissus quadrangularis (CQE) significantly recovered the alterations in antioxidant profiles as well as increased LPO, thereby recovering the decreased mRNA expression levels of intermediate enzymes. However, CQE effectively protected the OS and prevented the inhibition of steroidogenesis thereby preventing male infertility.

Dysferlin is essential for endocytosis in the sea star oocyte

Dysferlin is a calcium-binding transmembrane protein involved in membrane fusion and membrane repair. In humans, mutations in the dysferlin gene are associated with muscular dystrophy. In this study, we isolated plasma membrane-enriched fractions from full-grown immature oocytes of the sea star, and identified dysferlin by mass spectrometry analysis. The full-length dysferlin sequence is highly conserved between human and the sea star. We learned that in the sea star Patiria miniata, dysferlin RNA and protein are expressed from oogenesis to gastrulation. Interestingly, the protein is highly enriched in the plasma membrane of oocytes. Injection of a morpholino against dysferlin leads to a decrease of endocytosis in oocytes, and to a developmental arrest during gastrulation. These results suggest that dysferlin is critical for normal endocytosis during oogenesis and for embryogenesis in the sea star and that this animal may be a useful model for studying the relationship of dysferlin structure as it relates to its function.

Ligand-based virtual screening to predict inhibitors against metastatic lymph node 64

Conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone is the rate-limiting step in steroidogenesis, which is mediated by StAR protein. The mammalian genome contains 15 START domain proteins (StARD1–StARD15) of which C-terminal cytosolic START domain of metastatic lymph node 64 (MLN64 or StARD3), is known to mobilize cholesterol and proposed to participate in steroidogenesis. Being a key in steroidogenesis, it is of interest to identify new inhibitors that are able to bind MLN64 protein. In the present study, we used ligand-based virtual screening approach to identify ligands from the ZINC database with D(−)-Tartaric Acid (TAR) serving as a template.

Low Androgen Induced Penile Maldevelopment Involves Altered Gene Expression of Biomarkers of Smooth Muscle Differentiation and a Key Enzyme Regulating Cavernous Smooth Muscle Cell Tone

We determined the effects of low androgens in the neonatal period on biomarkers of smooth muscle cell differentiation, Myh11 and Acta2, and on Pde5A expression in the penis. One-day-old pups were treated daily with the gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist antide with or without dihydrotestosterone for 1 to 6 days. Tissues were collected at age day 7 and at adulthood at age 120 days. Penes were examined by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Testes were assayed for the intratesticular testosterone and steroidogenic enzymes Cyp17α1 and StAR. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist exposure suppressed the neonatal testicular testosterone surge 70% to 80%. Quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction revealed 80% to 90% reductions in Cyp17α1 and StAR protein, and 40% to 60% reductions in Myh11 and ACTA2 as a result of gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist compared to controls. Dihydrotestosterone co-administration mitigated these decreases. Western blot confirmed the Myh11 decrease at the protein level. Immunohistochemistry of Acta2 confirmed cavernous smooth muscle cell loss at the tissue level. Also, gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist exposure decreased Pde5a expression and dihydrotestosterone co-administration mitigated the decrease. Comparison of data between 2 parts of the penis body (corpora cavernosa and corpus spongiosum) showed that antagonist induced decreases in Myh11, Acta2 and Pde5a expression occurred only in the corpora cavernosa, implying that the latter is the target site of low androgen action. As evidenced by gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist induced suppression of the neonatal testosterone surge and reduced steroidogenesis, low androgens in the neonatal period altered gene expression of biomarkers of smooth muscle cell differentiation. This led to loss of cavernous smooth muscle cells and consequently to penile maldevelopment.

Role of Sam68 in Post-Transcriptional Gene Regulation

The STAR family of proteins links signaling pathways to various aspects of post-transcriptional regulation and processing of RNAs. Sam68 belongs to this class of heteronuclear ribonucleoprotein particle K (hnRNP K) homology (KH) single domain-containing family of RNA-binding proteins that also contains some domains predicted to bind critical components in signal transduction pathways. In response to phosphorylation and other post-transcriptional modifications, Sam68 has been shown to have the ability to link signal transduction pathways to downstream effects regulating RNA metabolism, including transcription, alternative splicing or RNA transport. In addition to its function as a docking protein in some signaling pathways, this prototypic STAR protein has been identified to have a nuclear localization and to take part in the formation of both nuclear and cytosolic multi-molecular complexes such as Sam68 nuclear bodies and stress granules. Coupling with other proteins and RNA targets, Sam68 may play a role in the regulation of differential expression and mRNA processing and translation according to internal and external signals, thus mediating important physiological functions, such as cell death, proliferation or cell differentiation.

Acidic Residue Glu199 Increases SUMOylation Level of Nuclear Hormone Receptor NR5A1

Steroidogenic factor 1 (NR5A1/SF1) is a well-known master regulator in controlling adrenal and sexual development, as well as regulating numerous genes involved in adrenal and gonadal steroidogenesis. Several studies including ours have demonstrated that NR5A1 can be SUMOylated on lysine 194 (K194, the major site) and lysine 119 (K119, the minor site), and the cycle of SUMOylation regulates NR5A1’s transcriptional activity. An extended consensus negatively charged amino acid-dependent SUMOylation motif (NDSM) enhances the specificity of substrate modification by SUMO has been reported; however, the mechanism of NDSM for NR5A1 remains to be clarified. In this study, we investigated the functional significance of the acidic residue located downstream from the core consensus SUMO site of NR5A1. Here we report that E199A (glutamic acid was replaced with alanine) of NR5A1 reduced, but not completely abolished, its SUMOylation level. We next characterized the functional role of NR5A1 E199A on target gene expression and protein levels. We found that E199A alone, as well as combination with K194R, increased Mc2r and Cyp19a1 reporter activities. Moreover, E199A alone as well as combination with K194R enhanced NR5A1-mediated STAR protein levels in mouse adrenocortical cancer Y1 cells. We also observed that E199A increased interaction of NR5A1 with CDK7 and SRC1. Overall, we provide the evidence that the acidic residue (E199) located downstream from the core consensus SUMO site of NR5A1 is, at least in part, required for SUMOylation of NR5A1 and for its mediated target gene and protein expression.

The splicing landscape is globally reprogrammed during male meiosis

Meiosis requires conserved transcriptional changes, but it is not known whether there is a corresponding set of RNA splicing switches. Here, we used RNAseq of mouse testis to identify changes associated with the progression from mitotic spermatogonia to meiotic spermatocytes. We identified ∼150 splicing switches, most of which affect conserved protein-coding exons. The expression of many key splicing regulators changed in the course of meiosis, including downregulation of polypyrimidine tract binding protein (PTBP1) and heterogeneous nuclear RNP A1, and upregulation of nPTB, Tra2β, muscleblind, CELF proteins, Sam68 and T-STAR. The sequences near the regulated exons were significantly enriched in target sites for PTB, Tra2β and STAR proteins. Reporter minigene experiments investigating representative exons in transfected cells showed that PTB binding sites were critical for splicing of a cassette exon in the Ralgps2 mRNA and a shift in alternative 5′ splice site usage in the Bptf mRNA. We speculate that nPTB might functionally replace PTBP1 during meiosis for some target exons, with changes in the expression of other splicing factors helping to establish meiotic splicing patterns. Our data suggest that there are substantial changes in the determinants and patterns of alternative splicing in the mitotic-to-meiotic transition of the germ cell cycle.

Controlling Macromolecular Topology with Genetically Encoded SpyTag–SpyCatcher Chemistry

Control of molecular topology constitutes a fundamental challenge in macromolecular chemistry. Here we describe the synthesis and characterization of artificial elastin-like proteins (ELPs) with unconventional nonlinear topologies including circular, tadpole, star, and H-shaped proteins using genetically encoded SpyTag-SpyCatcher chemistry. SpyTag is a short polypeptide that binds its protein partner SpyCatcher and forms isopeptide bonds under physiological conditions. Sequences encoding SpyTag and SpyCatcher can be strategically placed into ELP genes to direct post-translational topological modification in situ. Placement of SpyTag at the N-terminus and SpyCatcher at the C-terminus directs formation of circular ELPs. Induction of expression at 16 °C with 10 μM IPTG yields 80% monomeric cyclic protein. When SpyTag is placed in the middle of the chain, it exhibits an even stronger tendency toward cyclization, yielding up to 94% monomeric tadpole proteins. Telechelic ELPs containing either SpyTag or SpyCatcher can be expressed, purified, and then coupled spontaneously upon mixing in vitro. Block proteins, 3-arm or 4-arm star proteins, and H-shaped proteins have been prepared, with the folded CnaB2 domain that results from the SpyTag-SpyCatcher reaction as the molecular core or branch junction. The modular character of the SpyTag-SpyCatcher strategy should make it useful for preparing nonlinear macromolecules of diverse sequence and structure.

Sex-lethal promotes nuclear retention of msl2 mRNA via interactions with the STAR protein HOW

Female-specific repression of male-specific-lethal-2 (msl2) mRNA in Drosophila melanogaster provides a paradigm for coordinated control of gene expression by RNA-binding complexes. Repression is orchestrated by Sex-lethal (SXL), which binds to the 5' and 3' untranslated regions (UTRs) of the mRNA and inhibits splicing in the nucleus and subsequent translation in the cytoplasm. Here we show that SXL ensures msl2 silencing by yet a third mechanism that involves inhibition of nucleocytoplasmic transport of msl2 mRNA. To identify SXL cofactors in msl2 regulation, we devised a two-step purification method termed GRAB (GST pull-down and RNA affinity binding) and identified Held-Out-Wings (HOW) as a component of the msl2 5' UTR-associated complex. HOW directly interacts with SXL and binds to two sequence elements in the msl2 5' UTR. Depletion of HOW reduces the capacity of SXL to repress the expression of msl2 reporters without affecting SXL-mediated regulation of splicing or translation. Instead, HOW is required for SXL to retain msl2 transcripts in the nucleus. Cooperation with SXL confers a sex-specific role to HOW. Our results uncover a novel function of SXL in nuclear mRNA retention and identify HOW as a mediator of this function.

Solution Structure of the QUA1 Dimerization Domain of pXqua, the Xenopus Ortholog of Quaking

The STAR protein family member Quaking is essential for early development in vertebrates. For example, in oligodendrocyte cells it regulates the splicing, localization, translation and lifetime of a set of mRNAs that code for crucial components of myelin. The Quaking protein contains three contiguous conserved regions: a QUA1 oligomerization element, followed by a single-stranded RNA binding motif comprising the KH and QUA2 domains. An embryonic lethal point mutation in the QUA1 domain, E48G, is known to affect both the aggregation state and RNA-binding properties of the murine Quaking ortholog (QKI). Here we report the NMR solution structure of the QUA1 domain from the Xenopus laevis Quaking ortholog (pXqua), which forms a dimer composed of two perpendicularly docked α-helical hairpin motifs. Size exclusion chromatography studies of a range of mutants demonstrate that the dimeric state of the pXqua QUA1 domain is stabilized by a network of interactions between side-chains, with significant roles played by an intra-molecular hydrogen bond between Y41 and E72 (the counterpart to QKI E48) and an inter-protomer salt bridge between E72 and R67. These results are compared with recent structural and mutagenesis studies of QUA1 domains from the STAR family members QKI, GLD-1 and Sam68.

Preparation and Characterizations of Polyclonal Antibodies Against STAR Protein QKI7b

Quaking (QKI) proteins are important regulators of RNA metabolism and cellular signal transduction. Recent studies have shown that isoforms of QKI proteins, which include QKI5/6/7/7b in human cells, play important roles in the development of neurological diseases and human cancers. In comparison with QKI5/6/7, however, there are little data on QKI7b due to lack of specific antibodies. Here, we reported the preparation and initial characterizations of polyclonal antibodies against human QKI7b. Utilizing a chemically synthesized C-terminal peptide fragment of human QKI7b, we raised two preparations of rabbit antiserum. We found that these antibodies were able to recognize human QKI7b, but not QKI5/6/7. Our immunofluorescence staining showed that in LO2 hepatocytes, QKI7b localizes predominantly in the perinuclear cytoplasm and less abundantly in the nucleus. In clinical samples, we showed that like QKI5/6/7 proteins, QKI7b protein was also significantly downregulated in most human colorectal cancer tissues. These antibodies, therefore, might be useful in future functional studies of QKI7b.

Pregnane glycosides interfere with steroidogenic enzymes to down‐regulate corticosteroid production in human adrenocortical H295R cells

A group of bioactive steroidal glycosides (pregnanes) with anorectic activity in animals was isolated from several genera of milkweeds including Hoodia and Asclepias. In this study, we investigated the effects, structure-activity relationships, and mechanism of action of pregnane glycosides on steroidogenesis in human adrenocortical H295R cells. Administration of pregnane glycosides for 24 h suppressed the basal and forskolin-stimulated release of androstenedione, corticosterone, and cortisone from H295R cells. The conversion of progesterone to 11-deoxycorticosterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone to either androstenedione or 11-deoxycortisol was most strongly affected, with 12-cinnamoyl-, benzoyl-, and tigloyl-containing pregnanes showing the highest activity. Incubation of pregnane glycosides for 24 h had no effect on mRNA transcripts of CYP11A1, CYP21A1, CYP11B1 cytochrome enzymes and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StaR) protein, yet resulted in twofold decrease in HSD3B1 mRNA levels. At the same time, pregnane glycosides had no effect on the CYP1, 2, or 3 drug and steroid metabolism enzymes and showed weak Na(+) /K(+) ATPase and glucocorticoid receptor binding. Taken together, these data suggest that pregnane glycosides specifically suppress steroidogenesis through strong inhibition of 11β-hydroxylase and steroid 17-alpha-monooxygenase, and weak inhibition of cytochrome P450 side chain cleavage enzyme and 21β-hydroxylase, but not 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/isomerase.

Long-term clinical data and molecular defects in the STAR gene in five Greek patients

Steroidogenic acute regulatory (STAR) gene mutations lead to adrenal and gonadal failure. Interesting, though as yet unexplained, features are the formation of ovarian cysts and the potential presence of CNS findings. To report biochemical, genetic, and long-term clinical data in five Greek patients from four different families with STAR gene defects (three 46,XX and two 46,XY). All patients presented in early infancy with adrenal insufficiency. The STAR gene mutation c.834del11bp, detected in three of our patients, completely alters the carboxyl end of the STAR protein and has not thus far been described in other population groups. These three patients belong to three separate families, possibly genetically related, as they live in different villages located in a small region of a Greek island. However, their interrelationship has not been proven. A second mutation, p.W250X, detected in our fourth family, was previously described only in two Serbian patients. Ovarian cysts were detected ultrasonographically in our 46,XX patients and seemed to respond to a low dose of a contraceptive. The histology of an excised ovarian cyst was diagnosed as a corpus luteum (CL) cyst. In two out of the four patients who had undergone brain magnetic resonance imaging, asymptomatic Chiari-1 malformation was observed. The occurrence of STAR gene mutation c.834del11bp in three families living in a restricted geographic region could indicate either a founder effect or simply reflect a spread of this defect in a highly related population. The ovarian histological findings suggest that ovarian cysts detected ultrasonographically in 46,XX individuals with STAR gene defects may be CL cysts. The Chiari-1 malformation in two of our patients may be part of the STAR gene mutation phenotype. Nevertheless, more data are needed to confirm or disprove the existence of specific CNS pathology in patients with STAR gene mutations.

Reduction of polyglutamine toxicity by TDP-43, FUS and progranulin in Huntington's disease models

The DNA/RNA binding proteins TAR DNA-binding protein 43 (TDP-43) and fused-in-sarcoma (FUS) are genetically linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and frontotemporal lobar dementia, while the inappropriate cytoplasmic accumulations of TDP-43 and FUS are observed in a growing number of late-onset pathologies including spinocerebellar ataxia 3, Alzheimer's and Huntington's diseases (HD). To investigate if TDP-43 and FUS contribute to neurodegenerative phenotypes, we turned to a genetically accessible Caenorhabditis elegans model of polyglutamine toxicity. In C. elegans, we observe that genetic loss-of-function mutations for nematode orthologs of TDP-43 or FUS reduced behavioral defects and neurodegeneration caused by huntingtin exon-1 with expanded polyglutamines. Furthermore, using striatal cells from huntingtin knock-in mice we observed that small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) against TDP-43 or FUS reduced cell death caused by mutant huntingtin. Moreover, we found that TDP-43 and the survival factor progranulin (PGRN) genetically interact to regulate polyglutamine toxicity in C. elegans and mammalian cells. Altogether our data point towards a conserved function for TDP-43 and FUS in promoting polyglutamine toxicity and that delivery of PGRN may have therapeutic benefits.

Induction of Ovarian Maturation in Penaeus monodon by Molecular Signal Interventional Approach

Vitellogenin (VTG) synthesis in the hepatopancreas and ovary is negatively regulated by vitellogenesis-inhibiting hormone (VIH) produced in the neurosecretory cell of X-organ/sinus gland complex of the eyestalks of penaeid shrimp. Eyestalk ablation is used commercially to induce ovarian maturation in shrimps which leads to an eventual loss of the spawner. The aim of the present study was to understand the molecular mechanism of VIH regulation in ovarian development and its inhibition of VTG gene expression by using a MEK-specific inhibitor (U0126). The real-time quantitative PCR results showed VTG mRNA level was progressively increased in the ovary and hepatopancreas of unilateral eyestalk-ablated and inhibitor-treated shrimps. Western blot analysis also showed that phosphoMEK was detected only in the unilateral eyestalk-ablated and control shrimp, whereas phospho-MEK was not detected in inhibitor-treated shrimp. DAX-1, SF-1, and StAR expression correlated with changes in VIH mRNA and altered phospho-ERK levels. This is consistent with the hypothesis that suppression of DAX-1 results in SF-1-mediated StAR protein upregulation of estradiol that is implicated in vitellogenesis. This is the first report that demonstrates the molecular mechanism of VIH suppression via MEK pathway to induce ovarian maturation in female Penaeus monodon by molecular signal intervention, a less-invasive method than traditional eyestalk ablation.

Mitotane exhibits dual effects on steroidogenic enzymes gene transcription under basal and cAMP-stimulating microenvironments in NCI-H295 cells

Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is an extremely rare and aggressive endocrine malignancy with a poor prognosis. The most common symptom of ACC is hypercortisolism (Cushing's syndrome), which has the highest mortality. Mitotane is used as a steroidogenesis inhibitor for Cushing's syndrome or as a chemical adrenalectomy drug for ACC. Mitotane induces adrenal cortex necrosis, mitochondrial membrane impairment, and irreversible binding to CYP proteins. In this study, we explored the molecular effect of mitotane on steroidogenesis in human adrenocortical cancer NCI-H295 cells. Mitotane (10–40μM) inhibited basal and cAMP-induced cortisol secretion but did not cause cell death. Mitotane exhibited an inhibitory effect on the basal expression of StAR and P450scc protein. Furthermore, 40μM of mitotane significantly diminished StAR, CYP11A1 and CYP21 mRNA expression. HSD3B2 and CYP17 seem to be insensitive to mitotane. The stimulatory effects of mitotane on CYP11B1 were more remarkable than its inhibitory effects. In contrast, the activation of cAMP signaling strongly elevated the expression of all these genes. Mitotane (40μM) almost completely neutralized this positive effect and returned 8-Br-cAMP-induced StAR, CYP11A1, CYP17 and CYP21 mRNA to control levels. After cAMP activation, mitotane did not change the levels of CYP11B1 mRNA. The present study demonstrates that mitotane can inhibit cortisol biosynthesis due to a non-specific interference with the gene transcription of steroidogenic enzymes under both basal and 8-Br-cAMP-activated conditions in NCI-H295 cells. We also identified that StAR and CYP11A1 key enzymes that participate in the rate-limiting step of steroidogenesis, were more sensitive to mitotane. In addition, the biphasic effect of mitotane on CYP11B1 was also elucidated.

Exogenous Arachidonate Restores the Dimethoate‐Induced Inhibition of Steroidogenesis in Rat Interstitial Cells

The present work studies the potential restorative effect of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, 5 μM/24 h) on the dimethoate (DMT)-induced inhibition of testosterone biosynthesis in Leydig cells isolated from rat testes. Various fatty acids (FA) from the n-6 (18:2, 20:3, 20:4, 22:4 and 22:5) and n-3 (18.3, 20:5, 22:5, 22:6) series were assayed in Leydig cells, alone (as delipidated BSA complexes) and in combination with DMT (1 ppm). The n-6 FA stimulated lipid peroxidation (LPO) and inhibited the activities of steroidogenic enzymes (3β- and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases). The n-3 FA exerted an anti-oxidant effect, decreasing the production of thiobarbituric-acid reactive substances (TBARS) and inhibiting phospholipase A(2) activity. The biosynthesis of testosterone in DMT-treated cultures was completely normalized by ARA (20:4n-6) and partially restored by the addition of 20:3n-6, increasing ARA content inside the mitochondria. The other FA assayed failed to restore androgenesis. COX-2 protein and prostaglandin F2α and E2 production were stimulated by 20:3n-6, ARA, 18:3n-3 and 20:5 n-3. COX-2 protein decreased upon addition of 22:5n-3 and 22:6n-3. StAR protein was increased by ARA and partially increased by 20:3n-6, likely due to its metabolic conversion into ARA. Both FA increased the mitochondrial cholesterol pool available for testosterone biosynthesis. The rate of androgenesis is likely the result of various regulatory factors acting concomitantly on the physiology of Leydig cells.

Study on Mechanism of Cholesterol Metabolism in Leydig's Cells of Rats with Lower Serum Testosterone due to Intermittent Anaerobic Swimming Training

The effect of cholesterol metabolic block of leydig's cell on the testosterone production during is still not well known.PurposeTo compare the effect of different intermittent anaerobic swimming training time on the mRNA expression of HMG‐CoA reductase, SR‐BI, LDL‐R, StAR .MethodsAfter the five‐week intermittent anaerobic swimming training(1 hour per day, with 5% body weight load, TA), TC group stopped training for one week, TD group continue one week training. TE group was trained 2 times per day. TF group was trained with 6% body‐weight load. The serum testosterone (T), the mRNA expression of HMG‐CoA reductase, LDL‐R, SR‐BI and StAR protein in Leydig's cells were examined by the real‐time PCR.ResultThe results showed that the serum T of TA group decreased significantly (1.44±0.42 vs. 8.83±4.57 ng/ml, p<0.01) due to the five‐week training, the LDL‐R mRNA in Leydig's cells increased significantly (p<0.05). Compared with TA group, TC group serum T (4.54±1.60 ng/ml, p<0.01) was increased significantly, but still under the normal level, the SR‐BI mRNA expression in Leydig's cells increased significantly too (p<0.01)l. After one week training, the serum T in TD and TF groups had a further decrease, but their were no significant difference between TA, TD (1.05±0.36 ng/ml) and TF(1.10±0.27, ng/ml) groups. In TE group, there was a further significant decrease in serum T (0.99±0. 29 ng/ml, p<0.05). The LDL‐R mRNA expression, in TD group, had a significantly decrease (p<0.05). In TE, TF groups, the mRNA expression of LDL‐R, SR‐BI, HMG‐CoA reductase in Leydig's cells, were also decreased significantly(p<0.01).ConclusionThe cholesterol metabolic block in Leydig's cells was not the original reason of exercise inducing lower serum testosterone. The decrease of mRNA level of HMG‐CoA reductase, LDL‐R, SR‐BI and StAR in Leydig's cells would accelerate the decrease of serum T due to exercise.

Phosphorylation of the Drosophila melanogaster RNA–Binding Protein HOW by MAPK/ERK Enhances Its Dimerization and Activity

Drosophila melanogaster Held Out Wings (HOW) is a conserved RNA–binding protein (RBP) belonging to the STAR family, whose closest mammalian ortholog Quaking (QKI) has been implicated in embryonic development and nervous system myelination. The HOW RBP modulates a variety of developmental processes by controlling mRNA levels and the splicing profile of multiple key regulatory genes; however, mechanisms regulating its activity in tissues have yet to be elucidated. Here, we link receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling to the regulation of QKI subfamily of STAR proteins, by showing that HOW undergoes phosphorylation by MAPK/ERK. Importantly, we show that this modification facilitates HOW dimerization and potentiates its ability to bind RNA and regulate its levels. Employing an antibody that specifically recognizes phosphorylated HOW, we show that HOW is phosphorylated in embryonic muscles and heart cardioblasts in vivo, thus documenting for the first time Serine/Threonine (Ser/Thr) phosphorylation of a STAR protein in the context of an intact organism. We also identify the sallimus/D-titin (sls) gene as a novel muscle target of HOW–mediated negative regulation and further show that this regulation is phosphorylation-dependent, underscoring the physiological relevance of this modification. Importantly, we demonstrate that HOW Thr phosphorylation is reduced following muscle-specific knock down of Drosophila MAPK rolled and that, correspondingly, Sls is elevated in these muscles, similarly to the HOW RNAi effect. Taken together, our results provide a coherent mechanism of differential HOW activation; MAPK/ERK-dependent phosphorylation of HOW promotes the formation of HOW dimers and thus enhances its activity in controlling mRNA levels of key muscle-specific genes. Hence, our findings bridge between MAPK/ERK signaling and RNA regulation in developing muscles.