Mechanism of nuclear factor of activated T-cells mediated FasL expression in corticosterone-treated mouse Leydig tumor cells
2008

How Corticosterone Affects FasL Expression in Leydig Cells

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Chai Wei-Ran, Chen Yong, Wang Qian, Gao Hui-Bao

Primary Institution: Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

The study investigates the molecular mechanisms of NFAT-mediated FasL expression in corticosterone-treated Leydig cells.

Conclusion

The study demonstrates that NFAT2 directly stimulates transcription of FasL in high levels of corticosterone-treated Leydig cells.

Supporting Evidence

  • Corticosterone treatment increased FasL expression in Leydig cells.
  • NFAT2 was shown to translocate to the nucleus in response to corticosterone.
  • RNA interference of NFAT2 reduced FasL expression in treated cells.
  • Chromatin immunoprecipitation confirmed NFAT2 binding to the FasL promoter.

Takeaway

When Leydig cells are stressed by corticosterone, a protein called NFAT helps increase the amount of another protein called FasL, which can lead to cell death.

Methodology

The study used Western blot analysis, FACS, RNA interference, and confocal imaging to assess the expression and activity of NFAT2 and FasL in Leydig cells treated with corticosterone.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.01

Statistical Significance

p<0.01

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2121-9-31

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