Membrane progesterone receptor gamma: Tissue distribution and expression in ciliated cells in the fallopian tube

Abstract

Non-genomic, rapid actions of steroids have long been known, suggesting the possible presence of non-classical steroid receptors. A membrane receptor for progestins (mPR) was recently described in the spotted seatrout, and transcripts of three related receptors (alpha, beta, and gamma) were subsequently identified in other species including human and mouse. To begin exploring the roles of mPRgamma in mammals, we have generated an antibody against this receptor. The specificity of the antibody was demonstrated by both overexpression and RNA interference experiments. Using the antibody, we show that mPRgamma is expressed in female mouse reproductive tissues such as ovary and fallopian tube, and also in the lung and liver of both sexes. Immunohistochemical studies revealed that mPRgamma is associated with the apical membrane of ciliated cells facing the lumen of the fallopian tube. The presence of mPRgamma in ciliated cells of the fallopian tube was also demonstrated in human samples. Rapid effects of progesterone on ciliary beat frequency in the fallopian tube have recently been reported. Together, this suggests a common role for mPRgamma in the regulation of ciliary activity in the fallopian tube and thus gamete transport in mammals. The presence of mPRgamma in lung and liver of mice suggests that the receptor mediates the actions of progesterone outside the reproductive tract as well.

Internalisation of membrane progesterone receptor-α after treatment with progesterone: Potential involvement of a clathrin-dependent pathway

“…in agreement with these results, membrane localisation of mPrs has been demonstrated by several research groups in a variety of cell types (1,10,(18)(19)(20)(21)(22). other researchers have reported mPrs to be localised intracellularlly in the endoplasmic reticulum (23)(24)(25).…”

Expression of membrane progesterone receptors on human T lymphocytes and Jurkat cells and activation of G-proteins by progesterone

“…Putative mPRs have been identified in tissues such as human sperm (Luconi et al 1998, rat brain (Krebs et al 2000), rat granulosa cells (Peluso et al 2004), porcine liver (Meyer et al 1996), human liver, kidney, and placenta (Meyer et al 1998). Members of the mPR family described in this study have previously been identified in fish oocytes (Zhu et al 2003b), fish sperm (Thomas et al 2005b), various human tissues (Zhu et al 2003a, Chapman et al 2006, Karteris et al 2006, Dressing & Thomas 2007, Nutu et al 2007, rat corpus luteum (Cai & Stocco 2005), and sheep ovary (Ashley et al 2006). This is the first report showing that mPRs are expressed in the human immune system and mediate progesterone activation of G i -proteins.…”

Estrogen and progesterone receptors: from molecular structures to clinical targets

“…In MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells transfected with either mPRa or mPRb and treated with the progesterone agonist 4-pregnen-17,20b-diol-3-one (17,20b-DHP), a significant activation of MAPK was found, thus demonstrating direct signal transduction via mPRs [140]. Concerning mPRc, Nutu et al [141] suggested a common role of this receptor in the regulation of ciliary activity during gamete transport in mammals as well as demonstrated its expression outside the reproductive tract of mice, e.g. in lung and liver.…”