HIF1α is a direct regulator of steroidogenesis in the adrenal gland

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Endogenous steroid hormones, especially glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, derive from the adrenal cortex, and drastic or sustained changes in their circulatory levels affect multiple organ systems. Although hypoxia signaling in steroidogenesis has been suggested, knowledge on the true impact of the HIFs (Hypoxia-Inducible Factors) in the adrenocortical cells of vertebrates is scant. By creating a unique set of transgenic mouse lines, we reveal a prominent role for HIF1α in the synthesis of virtually all steroids in vivo. Specifically, mice deficient in HIF1α in adrenocortical cells displayed enhanced levels of enzymes responsible for steroidogenesis and a cognate increase in circulatory steroid levels. These changes resulted in cytokine alterations and changes in the profile of circulatory mature hematopoietic cells. Conversely, HIF1α overexpression resulted in the opposite phenotype of insufficient steroid production due to impaired transcription of necessary enzymes. Based on these results, we propose HIF1α to be a vital regulator of steroidogenesis as its modulation in adrenocortical cells dramatically impacts hormone synthesis with systemic consequences. In addition, these mice can have potential clinical significances as they may serve as essential tools to understand the pathophysiology of hormone modulations in a number of diseases associated with metabolic syndrome, auto-immunity or even cancer.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)3577-3590
Number of pages14
JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences
Volume78
Issue number7
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2021
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

PubMed 33464382
ORCID /0000-0002-6932-333X/work/142239672
ORCID /0000-0003-2514-9429/work/148606798

Keywords

Sustainable Development Goals

Keywords

  • Adrenocortical steroids, Cytokines, Hypoxia-inducible factor, Oxygen sensors

Library keywords