Similarities and differences of X and Y chromosome homologous genes, SRY and SOX3, in regulating the renin-angiotensin system promoters.

The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is subject to sex-specific modulation by hormones and gene products. However, sex differences in the balance between the vasoconstrictor/proliferative ACE/ANG II/AT1 axis, and the vasodilator/antiproliferative ACE2/ANG-(1-7)/MAS axis are poorly known. Data in the rat have suggested the male-specific Y-chromosome gene Sry to contribute to balance between these two axes, but why the testis-determining gene has these functions remains unknown.

Structural libraries of protein models for multiple species to understand evolution of the renin-angiotensin system.

The details of protein pathways at a structural level provides a bridge between genetics/molecular biology and physiology. The renin-angiotensin system is involved in many physiological pathways with informative structural details in multiple components. Few studies have been performed assessing structural knowledge across the system.

MAS promoter regulation: a role for Sry and tyrosine nitration of the KRAB domain of ZNF274 as a feedback mechanism.

The ACE2 (angiotensin-converting enzyme 2)/Ang-(1-7) [angiotensin-(1-7)]/MAS axis of the RAS (renin-angiotensin system) has emerged as a pathway of interest in treating both cardiovascular disorders and cancer. The MAS protein is known to bind to and be activated by Ang-(1-7); however, the mechanisms of this activation are just starting to be understood. Although there are strong biochemical data regarding the regulation and activation of the AT1R (angiotensin II type 1 receptor) and the AT2R (angiotensin II type 2 receptor), with models of how AngII (angiotensin II) binds each receptor, fewer studies have characterized MAS.

Angiotensin (1-7) and its receptor Mas are expressed in the human testis: implications for male infertility.

The presence of classical components of the renin-angiotensin system has been demonstrated in the male reproductive tract, mainly in the testes and epididymis. The objective of this study was to verify the localization of angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7) and its receptor Mas in human testis. The study included 12 men with previously proven fertility submitted to orchiectomy for prostate cancer and 20 infertile men submitted to testicular biopsy for infertility work-up, comprising a subgroup with obstructive azoospermia/normal spermatogenesis (n = 8) and another with non-obstructive azoospermia and severely impaired spermatogenesis (n = 12).

c-fos gene and protein expression in pelvic endometriosis: a local marker of estrogen action.

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease, causing pelvic pain and infertility. c-fos is an early transcription factor that has been reported to be related to estradiol-dependent cell proliferation. The aim of the present study was to assess the c-fos gene and protein expression in pelvic endometriotic implants in comparison to normal endometrium from infertile women.