Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026
09:45
Generation of 3D Whole Lung Organoids from Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Modeling Lung Developmental Biology and Disease
Published on: April 12, 2021
Major enzymes controlling the androgenic pressure in the developing lung
Yves Tremblay1, Pierre R Provost
1Reproduction Axis, Perinatal and Child Health, Rm T-1-49, CHUQ Research Center, Canada; Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology & Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada; Centre de Recherche en Biologie de la Reproduction (CRBR), Laval University, Québec City, Québec, Canada.
Summary
Androgens influence neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The developing lung metabolizes androgens via specific enzymes, offering potential pharmaceutical targets for lung maturation.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal physiology
- Endocrinology
- Pulmonary development
Background:
- Sex differences exist in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) incidence and severity.
- Androgens are implicated in RDS and suspected in BPD, with the developing lung actively metabolizing these hormones.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review major androgen-metabolizing enzymes in the developing lung.
- To explore the role of these enzymes in lung development and potential therapeutic applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of scientific literature on androgen metabolism in developing lungs (human and mouse).
- Focus on key enzymes like AKR1C3/Akr1c6, HSD17B2, and Akr1c14.
- Examination of lung development stages, including canalicular and saccular/alveolar phases.
Main Results:
- The developing lung expresses enzymes for both androgen synthesis (e.g., AKR1C3/Akr1c6) and inactivation (e.g., HSD17B2).
- Akr1c14 (3α-HSD) expression increases significantly with developmental time.
- Androgen metabolism is linked to surfactant synthesis (RDS) and lung structure development (BPD).
Conclusions:
- Androgen-metabolizing enzymes in the developing lung are crucial regulators of lung maturation.
- These enzymes represent potential pharmaceutical targets for accelerating lung maturation and treating neonatal lung diseases.
- Androgens exert both beneficial and detrimental effects on lung development, modulated by steroidogenic enzymes.
Keywords:
3α,17β-diol3β-HSD3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase/Δ(5)–Δ(4) isomerase5α-Reductase5α-androstane-3α,17β-diol5α-dihydrotestosteroneBuddingDHEADHTE(1)E(2)FetalGDIGF-IIHCISHPNPTIISurfactantdehydroepiandrosteroneestradiolestronegestation dayimmunohistochemistryin situ hybridizationinsulin-like growth factor Ipost-natal daytype II pneumonocytes
Related Concept Videos
01:26Testosterone: Functions and Regulation
The intricate hormonal interplay essential for male reproductive health begins with the release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamus. This hormone prompts the pituitary gland to secrete follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). LH targets the Leydig cells in the testes, stimulating them to produce and release testosterone. In concert with testosterone, FSH acts on the Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules to facilitate the release of...
01:24Gonadal and Placental Hormones
The gonads, namely the testes in males and the ovaries in females, are pivotal in producing gonadal hormones that orchestrate the intricate processes of sexual development and reproduction.
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
In males, testosterone is the primary gonadal androgen. It plays a central role in the maturation of male reproductive organs — the penis and testes. Additionally, testosterone is instrumental in the development of secondary sexual characteristics — a deep voice as well as facial and pubic hair growth — and...
01:31Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
Adrenal hormones play a pivotal role in maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and orchestrating responses to stress, showcasing the intricate functions of the adrenal cortex and medulla.
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and corticosterone...
01:33Hormonal Regulation
The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.
01:27Hormones of the Pituitary Gland
The small, pea-sized pituitary gland is located at the base of the brain. It is crucial in regulating various bodily functions, from growth to reproduction. The gland is divided into the anterior lobe and the posterior lobe. The secretory cell clusters in the pars distalis of the anterior pituitary lobe are controlled by hypothalamic regulators and synthesize six primary hormones.
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
The most abundantly secreted hormone from the anterior lobe is the growth hormone, which controls overall growth by...
01:24Regulation of Angiogenesis and Blood Supply
Rapidly dividing tumors, embryos, and wounded tissues require more oxygen than usual, lowering the oxygen concentration in the blood. At low oxygen or hypoxic conditions, an oxygen-sensitive transcription factor called the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 or HIF1 is activated. HIF1 is a dimeric protein of alpha (ɑ) and beta (β) subunits. Under optimal oxygen conditions, HIF1β is present in the nucleus while HIF1ɑ remains in the cytosol. HIF1ɑ is hydroxylated by prolyl hydroxylase and factor...