First Author | Yan M | Year | 2007 |
Journal | Steroids | Volume | 72 |
Issue | 5 | Pages | 415-21 |
PubMed ID | 17418878 | Mgi Jnum | J:124565 |
Mgi Id | MGI:3721865 | Doi | 10.1016/j.steroids.2007.02.004 |
Citation | Yan M, et al. (2007) The glucocorticoid receptor is increased in Atm-/- thymocytes and in Atm-/- thymic lymphoma cells, and its nuclear translocation counteracts c-myc expression. Steroids 72(5):415-21 |
abstractText | We have previously demonstrated that spontaneous DNA synthesis in immature thymocytes of Atm-/- mice is elevated, and that treatment with the glucocorticoid dexamethasone (Dex) attenuates this increased DNA synthesis and prevents the development of thymic lymphomas. Deregulation of c-myc may drive the uncontrolled proliferation of Atm-/- thymocytes, since upregulation of c-myc parallels the elevated DNA synthesis in the cells. In this study, we show that the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is expressed at high levels in Atm-/- thymocytes and in Atm-/- thymic lymphoma cells, although serum glucocorticoid (GC) levels in Atm-/- mice are similar to those in Atm+/+ mice. In cultured Atm-/- thymic lymphoma cells treated with Dex, GR nuclear translocation occurs, resulting in suppression of DNA synthesis and c-myc expression at both the mRNA and protein levels. Interestingly, the GR antagonist RU486 also causes GR nuclear translocation, but does not affect DNA synthesis and c-myc expression in Atm-/- thymic lymphoma cells. As expected, RU486 reverses the suppressive effects of Dex on DNA synthesis and c-myc expression. Administration of Dex to Atm-/- mice decreases the elevated c-Myc protein levels in their thymocytes. These findings suggest that GC/GR signaling plays an important role in regulating c-myc expression in Atm-/- thymocytes and thymic lymphoma cells. |