前列腺素E分子网络对哺乳动物生殖的调控

磷脂酶A2、环氧合酶以及前列腺素E合成酶是前列腺素E合成途径中顺序起作用的重要酶类,其中前列腺素E合成酶有两种不同的亚型,分别介导不同的前列腺素E合成反应。前列腺素E可与其受体特异性结合,并通过旁分泌和自分泌两种形式调节细胞反应,参与多种生理过程。近来研究发现,前列腺素E受体不仅存于质膜,而在核膜上也大量存在。前列腺素E核受体介导的信号转导途径与膜受体介导的信号途径不同,对于基因转录的调控机制也不同。本文综述并探讨了上述分子所组成的网络系统在哺乳动物生殖,尤其是雌性生殖过程中所发挥的重要作用。     

PGI2-PPARδ信号传导途径与哺乳动物的胚胎着床

前列腺素（PGs）在胚泡着床和子宫的蜕膜化过程中起着重要的调节作用,前列环素(PGI₂)是着床位点表达量最高的PGs.前列环素受体(IP)和过氧化物酶体增殖因子活化受体(PPARs)分别是PGI₂的细胞表面G蛋白偶联的受体和细胞核内受体,IP在胚泡着床位点不表达或检测不到,而PPARδ表达丰富,RXRs（PPARs的异二聚体伴侣）及相应的PPARδ-RXRα复合物、PGI₂合成酶（COX-2/PGIS）也在着床位点表达丰富,因此推测PGI₂在胚泡着床中的作用可能是通过PPARδ受体介导的.利用PGI₂类似物（cPGI）和PPARδ特异性类似物能够恢复COX-2基因敲除小鼠的胚泡着床和蜕膜化.总之,PGI₂通过PPARδ在胚泡着床和蜕膜化过程中起着重要的调节作用.     

γ-氨基丁酸及其受体在家鸽基底视束核中的作用

采用细胞外记录和微量离子电泳技术,研究了γ-氨基丁酸(GABA)及其拮抗剂荷苞牡丹碱和2-hydroxysaclofen对家鸽基底视束核(nBOR)神经元的作用.实验结果表明,GABA是该核团内的一种抑制性递质或调质,且主要通过GABA_A受体起作用,GABA_B受体则起较小作用.另外,GABA通过GABA_A受体参与nBOR部分神经元的方向选择性调制.     

胰岛素及胰高血糖素对HepG2细胞载脂蛋白CⅢ受体功能的影响

为寻求一种可替代人肝细胞研究载脂蛋白（apolipoprotein, apo）CⅢ受体的生理模型,并探讨apoCⅢ受体的生理功能及其在内源性高甘油三酯血症发病机制中的作用,首先以¹²⁵I标记的人apoCⅢ为配体,利用放射性配体结合分析法观察了人肝癌细胞系HepG2细胞是否有apoCⅢ受体存在.结果证实HepG2细胞上存在高亲和力的、可饱和的、特异的apoCⅢ受体结合位点,其受体的亲和力(K_d)和apoCⅢ受体结合容量(B_max)分别为(9.53±1.03)×10^-9 mol/L和(3.28±0.31) μg/g.随后又分别研究了胰岛素及胰高血糖素对HepG2细胞apoCⅢ受体功能的影响,结果表明：胰岛素可使HepG2细胞apoCⅢ受体结合容量（B_max）显著增加,但对受体的亲和力（K_d）无影响;胰高血糖素可使HepG2细胞apoCⅢ受体亲和力显著下降（即K_d值升高）,对受体的结合容量无影响.提示人肝apoCⅢ受体的功能可能受胰岛素及胰高血糖素的不同调节.     

ATP敏感钾通道的研究进展

ATP敏感钾通道（K_ATP）是一组将细胞膜电活动与细胞代谢联系在一起的重要通道.该通道是由磺酰脲受体（SUR）和内向整流钾通道（K_IR6.x）亚单位组成的异源四聚体（SUR/K_IR6.x）₄.SUR与K_IR6.x基因在染色体上配对存在.K_IR6.x亚单位形成通道的电流孔道,SUR使通道对磺酰脲类药物、钾通道开放剂和Mg²⁺-NDPs等调节因子敏感.不同亚型K_ATP通道特性由SUR与K_IR6.x亚单位组成决定.K_ATP通道门控受［ATP］_i和［ADP］_i调节,膜磷脂(PIPs)抑制通道对ATP的敏感性,细胞磷酸转移系统也参与ATP/ADP对通道的调节机制;磺酰脲类复合物（SUs）抑制K_ATP通道,钾通道开放剂（KCOs）激活K_ATP通道;G蛋白以及PKA、PKC、PKG等信使物质也参与通道的调节.K_ATP通道对胰岛素的分泌、心肌缺血预适应以及血管的张力起重要调节作用.     

双光子及共聚焦激光扫描显微术研究天花粉蛋白对人绒癌细胞的作用机制

天花粉蛋白(trichosanthin, TCS)是从中草药栝楼根中提取的一种核糖体失活蛋白,具有抗肿瘤和抗HIV功能.应用双光子及共聚焦激光扫描显微术结合特异性荧光探针Hoechst 33342、2′,7′-二氯荧光黄双乙酸酯 (DCFH-DA)、Indo-1和Fluo 3-AM,首次同时观察了TCS诱导人绒癌细胞（JAR细胞）凋亡过程中活性氧自由基（ROS）和细胞内钙离子浓度（［Ca²⁺］_i）的变化,实验结果表明TCS引起的［Ca²⁺］_i升高和ROS形成参与了TCS诱导的JAR细胞凋亡,并且ROS形成和［Ca²⁺］_i升高有关.共聚焦激光扫描显微术的研究结果表明,［Ca²⁺］_i升高不是导致ROS形成的主要原因,TCS诱导产生的ROS可能是通过TCS与JAR细胞膜表面受体作用介导的.     

前列腺素在胚胎着床和蜕膜化中的作用

前列腺素在哺乳动物的雌性生殖过程中起着十分重要的作用.环氧合酶-2 (cyclooxygenase-2, COX-2)主要在子宫着床位点处胚胎周围的基质细胞中表达, 介导着床和蜕膜化过程.由COX-2和微粒体型前列腺素E合成酶-1途径来源的前列腺素E 2 (prostaglandin E2, PGE2)在胚胎着床和蜕膜化过程中起重要作用.子宫中产生的前列腺素I 2 (prostaglandin I2, PGI2)通过核受体过氧化物酶体增殖因子活化受体δ(peroxisome proliferator-activated receptorδ,PPARδ)在胚胎着床过程中起关键作用.质膜上的前列腺素转运蛋白(prostaglandin transporter, PGT)通过转运新合成的前列腺素, 来满足胚胎着床和蜕膜化过程中对前列腺素的需求, 并维持前列腺素的代谢平衡.     

SiO2NPs通过诱导氧化应激激活Fas/FasL通路促进TM4细胞凋亡

目的 探讨纳米二氧化硅（silicon dioxide nanoparticles,SiO₂NPs）对小鼠睾丸支持细胞（TM4）的毒性作用及其分子机制。方法 将TM4细胞暴露于不同浓度的SiO₂NPs（0、1、10、100 mg/L）培养液24 h,处理结束后,采用光学显微镜和CCK-8法检测小鼠睾丸支持细胞的形态和活性。利用荧光探针DCFH-DA检测细胞内活性氧（ROS）水平,MDA和SOD试剂盒检测细胞内的丙二醛（MDA）含量和超氧化物歧化酶（SOD）活性。利用Annexin V-FITC/PI凋亡试剂盒分析TM4细胞的凋亡水平,免疫印迹法检测Fas、FasL、Caspase-8、Caspase-3、Bax和Bcl-2等细胞凋亡信号分子的蛋白质表达水平。结果 研究发现,SiO₂NPs呈剂量依赖性地抑制TM4细胞增殖,降低细胞存活率和数量,并影响细胞的形态结构。此外,SiO₂NPs诱导TM4细胞产生过量ROS,引起脂质过氧化产物MDA含量以及抗氧化酶SOD活性增加导致氧化应激。进一步研究显示,SiO₂NPs显著增加TM4细胞凋亡水平,并激活Fas/FasL死亡受体介导的细胞凋亡信号通路。有意思的是,抗氧化剂NAC可以通过降低氧化应激水平有效缓解SiO₂NPs引起的TM4细胞损伤和细胞凋亡。结论 综上,SiO₂NPs通过诱导氧化应激激活Fas/FasL信号通路促进TM4细胞凋亡。     

研究报告: 组织蛋白酶B介导NLRP3小体在砷致小胶质细胞炎症激活中的作用

目的 探究组织蛋白酶B（CTSB）介导NLRP3小体在砷致小胶质细胞（BV-2）炎症激活中的作用。方法 取处于对数生长期的BV-2细胞，分别暴露于终浓度为0、2、4、8 μmol/L亚砷酸钠（NaAsO₂）溶液培养24 h，检测细胞活性，测定各组细胞内CTSB和细胞焦亡相关蛋白NLRP3、Caspase-1、IL-18、IL-1β的表达水平。流式细胞仪检测胞内溶酶体膜稳定性。基于实验结果，增设CTSB抑制剂组（5 μmol/L CA074-Me +8 μmol/L NaAsO₂、10 μmol/L CA074-Me+8 μmol/L NaAsO₂），检测两组细胞内炎症相关蛋白NLRP3、Caspase-1和IL-1β、IL-18的表达水平。结果 与对照组比较，各染砷组细胞抑制率增高，呈现剂量效应关系，溶酶体膜稳定性下降，差异有统计学意义（P<0.01），胞内CTSB、NLRP3、IL-1β、IL-18、Caspase-1表达增高，差异有统计学意义（P<0.01）；与对照组（8 μmol/L NaAsO₂）比较，抑制剂组BV-2细胞胞内CTSB、NLRP3、IL-1β、IL-18、Caspase-1水平均降低，差异有统计学差异（P<0.01）。结论 NaAsO₂通过诱导小胶质细胞内CTSB水平的上升，介导NLRP3炎症小体激活小胶质细胞，促其释放炎性因子，致神经系统损伤。     

NDRG2在老年核性白内障晶状体中的表达变化研究

摘要 目的：探索NDRG2基因在老年核性白内障晶状体组织中,随着核级增加的表达变化及可能的作用机制。方法：纳入2019年9月1日至2021年8月31日于哈尔滨医科大附属第一医院进行手术治疗的老年核性白内障患者的晶状体组织,依据Emery分级进行核分级,去除晶状体囊膜,收集晶状体裂解液,并依据蛋白浓度结果初步调齐各样本浓度。采用Western blot方法检测不同核分级晶状体NDRG2和Laminin γ2蛋白的表达差异。通过1200 μM H₂O₂诱导HLE B-3晶状体上皮细胞96小时,诱导细胞衰老,构建老年性白内障的细胞模型;未经H₂O₂溶液诱导,培养96小时的晶状体上皮细胞作为对照组。收集H₂O₂诱导组及对照组细胞裂解液,Western blot方法检测两组NDRG2和Laminin γ2蛋白的表达差异。进一步构建pcDNA3.1-NDRG2/Laminin γ2质粒,转染入晶状体上皮细胞 B3 (lens epithelial cell,HLE B-3) 细胞系,探索NDRG2参与到不同核级老年性白内障可能的作用机制。结果：老年核性白内障患者的晶状体中,NDRG2和Laminin γ2蛋白表达增加,随着核分级越高表达越多。H₂O₂处理的HLE B-3细胞衰老模型中,NDRG2和Laminin γ2蛋白表达较对照组增加。NDRG2过表达可以上调Laminin γ2蛋白表达,但Laminin γ2过表达对NDRG2蛋白无明显影响。结论：NDRG2在老年核性白内障晶状体组织中表达升高,并与核分级呈正相关,可能Laminin γ2蛋白参与了此过程的发展。     

UTP Controls Cell Surface Distribution and Vasomotor Activity of the Human P2Y2 Receptor through an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-transregulated Mechanism

Extracellular nucleotides transmit signals into the cells through the P2 family of cell surface receptors. These receptors are amply expressed in human blood vessels and participate in vascular tone control; however, their signaling mechanisms remain unknown. Here we show that in smooth muscle cells of isolated human chorionic arteries, the activation of the P2Y₂ receptor (P2Y₂R) induces not only its partition into membrane rafts but also its rapid internalization. Cholesterol depletion with methyl-β-cyclodextrin reduced the association of the agonist-activated receptor into membrane rafts but did not affect either the UTP-mediated vasoconstrictions or the vasomotor responses elicited by both serotonin and KCl. Ex vivo perfusion of human chorionic artery segments with 1–10 μm UTP, a selective P2Y₂R agonist, displaced the P2Y₂R localization into membrane rafts within 1 min, a process preceded by the activation of both RhoA and Rac1 GTPases. AG1478, a selective and potent inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase activity, not only blocked the UTP-induced vasomotor activity but also abrogated both RhoA and Rac1 activation, the P2Y₂R association with membrane rafts, and its internalization. Altogether, these results show for the first time that the plasma membrane distribution of the P2Y₂R is transregulated by the epidermal growth factor receptor, revealing an unsuspected functional interplay that controls both the membrane distribution and the vasomotor activity of the P2Y₂R in intact human blood vessels.     

Short-term effects of thyroid hormones during development: Focus on signal transduction

Extranuclear or nongenomic effects of thyroid hormones are mediated by receptors located at the plasma membrane or inside cells, and are independent of protein synthesis. Recently the αVβ3 integrin was identified as a cell membrane receptor for thyroid hormones, and a wide variety of nongenomic effects have now been shown to be induced through binding of thyroid hormones to this receptor. However, also other thyroid hormone receptors can produce nongenomic effects, including the cytoplasmic TRα and TRβ receptors and probably also a G protein-coupled membrane receptor, and increasing importance is now given to thyroid hormone metabolites like 3,5-diiodothyronine and reverse T₃ that can mimick some nongenomic effects of T₃ and T₄. Signal transduction from the αVβ3 integrin may proceed through at least three independent pathways (protein kinase C, Src or mitogen-activated kinases) but the details are still unknown. Thyroid hormones induce nongenomic effects on at least three important Na⁺-dependent transport systems, the Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase, the Na⁺/H⁺ exchanger, and amino acid transport System A, leading to a mitogenic response in embryo cells; but modulation of the same transport systems may have different roles in other cells and at different developmental stages. It seems that thyroid hormones in many cases can modulate nongenomically the same targets affected by the nuclear receptors through long-term mechanisms. Recent results on nongenomic effects confirm the old theory that the primary role of thyroid hormones is to keep the steady-state level of functioning of the cell, but more and more mechanisms are discovered by which this goal can be achieved.     

Intracrine action of angiotensin II in mesangial cells: subcellular distribution of angiotensin II receptor subtypes AT1 and AT2

Biological effects of angiotensin II (AngII) such as regulation of AngII target genes may be triggered by interaction of AngII with intracellular AngII receptor types 1 and 2 (AT₁ and AT₂), defined as intracrine response. The aim of this study was to examine the presence of AT₁ and AT₂ receptors in nuclear membrane of human mesangial cells (HMCs) and evaluate the possible biological effects mediated by intracellular AT₁ through an intracrine mechanism. Subcellular distribution of AT₁ and AT₂ was evaluated by immunofluorescence and by western blot in isolated nuclear extract. Endogenous intracellular synthesis of AngII was stimulated by high glucose (HG). Effects of HG were analyzed in the presence of candesartan, which prevents AngII internalization. Both receptors were found in nuclear membrane. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-labeled AngII added to isolated nuclei produced a fluorescence that was reduced in the presence of losartan or PD-123319 and quenched in the presence of both inhibitors simultaneously. HG induced overexpression of fibronectin and increased cell proliferation in the presence of candesartan, indicating an intracrine action of AngII induced by HG. Results showed the presence of nuclear receptors in HMCs that can be activated by AngII through an intracrine response independent of cytoplasmic membrane AngII receptors.

     

Progesterone triggers rapid transmembrane calcium influx and/or calcium mobilization from endoplasmic reticulum,via a pertussis-insensitive G-protein in granulosa cells in relation to luteinization process

We investigated the early effects (5–60 s) of progesterone (1 pM–0.1 μM) on cytosolic free calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (InsP₃) formation in nonluteinized and in vitro luteinized porcine granulosa cells (pGCs). Progesterone increased [Ca²⁺]_i and InsP₃ formation within 5 s in both cell types. Progesterone induced calcium mobilization from the endoplasmic reticulum via the activation of a phospholipase C linked to a pertussis-insensitive G-protein. This process was controlled by protein kinases C and A. In contrast, only nonluteinized pGCs showed a Ca²⁺ influx via dihydropyridine-insensitive calcium channel. In both cell types, the nuclear progesterone receptor antagonist RU-38486 did not inhibit the progesterone-induced increase in [Ca²⁺]_i; progesterone immobilized on bovine serum albumin, which did not enter the cell, increased [Ca²⁺]_i within 5 s and was a full agonist, but less potent than the free progesterone; pertussis toxin did not inhibit progesterone effect on InsP₃. In conclusion, progesterone may interact with membrane unconventional receptors that belong to the class of membrane receptors coupled to a phospholipase C via a pertussis toxin-insensitive G-protein. The source of the Ca²⁺ for the progesterone-induced increase in [Ca²⁺]_i also depends on the stage of cell luteinization. © 1996 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

In-frame fusion of SUMO1 enhances βarrestin2's association with activated GPCRs as well as with nuclear pore complexes

Small ubiquitin like modifier (SUMO) conjugation or SUMOylation of βarrestin2 promotes its association with the clathrin adaptor protein AP2 and facilitates rapid β₂ adrenergic receptor (β₂AR) internalization. However, disruption of the consensus SUMOylation site in βarrestin2, did not prevent βarrestin2's association with activated β₂ARs, dopamine D₂ receptors (D₂Rs), angiotensin type 1a receptors (AT_1aRs) and V₂ vasopressin receptors (V₂Rs). To address the role of SUMOylation in the trafficking of βarrestin and GPCR complexes, we generated and characterized a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) tagged βarrestin2-SUMO1 chimeric protein, which is resistant to de-SUMOylation. In HEK-293 cells, YFP-SUMO1 predominantly localized in the nucleus, whereas YFP-βarrestin2 is cytoplasmic. YFP-βarrestin2-SUMO1 in addition to being cytoplasmic, is localized at the nuclear membrane. Nonetheless, βarrestin2-SUMO1 associated robustly with agonist-activated β₂ARs as evaluated by co-immunoprecipitation, confocal microscopy and bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). βarrestin2-SUMO1 associated strongly with the D₂R, which forms transient complexes with βarrestin2. But, βarrestin2-SUMO1 and βarrestin2 showed equivalent binding with the V₂R, which forms stable complexes with βarrestin2. βarrestin2 expression level directly correlated with the steady state levels of the unmodified form of RanGAP1, which upon SUMOylation associates with nuclear membrane. On the other hand, βarrestin2-SUMO1 not only localized at the nuclear membrane, but also formed a macromolecular complex with RanGAP1. Taken together, our data suggest that SUMOylation of βarrestin2 promotes its protein interactions at both cell and nuclear membranes. Furthermore, βarrestin2-SUMO1 presents as a useful tool to characterize βarrestin2 recruitment to GPCRs, which form transient and unstable complex with βarrestin2.     

Endosomal location of dopamine receptors in neuronal cell cytoplasm

Five subtypes of dopamine receptor exist in two subfamilies: two D₁-like (D₁ and D₅) and three D₂-like (D₂, D₃ and D₄). We produced novel monoclonal antibodies against all three D₂-like receptors and used them to localize receptors in Ntera-2 (NT-2) cells, the human neuronal precursor cell line. Most of the immunostaining for all three receptors colocalized with mannose-6-phosphate receptor, a marker for late endosomes formed by internalization of the plasma membrane. This result was obtained with antibodies against three different epitopes on the D₃ receptor, to rule out the possibility of cross-reaction with another protein, and controls without primary antibody or in the presence of competitor antigen were completely negative. In rat cerebral cortex and hippocampus, some of the dopamine receptor staining was found in similar structures in neuronal cell cytoplasm. Only some of the neurons were positive for dopamine receptors and the pattern was consistent with previously-reported patterns of innervation by dopamine-producing neurons. Endosomal dopamine receptors may provide a useful method for identifying cell bodies of dopamine-responsive neurons to complement methods that detect only active receptors in the neuronal cell membrane.     

Plasma-activated medium induces A549 cell injury via a spiral apoptotic cascade involving the mitochondrial–nuclear network

Plasma medicine is a rapidly expanding new field of interdisciplinary research that combines physics, chemistry, biology, and medicine. Nonthermal atmospheric pressure plasma can be applied to living cells and tissues and has emerged as a novel technology for cancer therapy. Plasma has recently been shown to affect cells not only directly, but also by indirect treatment with previously prepared plasma-activated medium (PAM). The objective of this study was to demonstrate the inhibitory effects of PAM on A549 cell survival and elucidate the signaling mechanisms responsible for cell death. PAM maintained its ability to suppress cell viability for at least 1 week when stored at −80 °C. The severity of PAM-triggered cell injury depended on the kind of culture medium used to prepare the PAM, especially that with or without pyruvate. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and/or its derived or cooperating reactive oxygen species reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential, downregulated the expression of the antiapoptotic protein Bcl₂, activated poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1, and released apoptosis-inducing factor from mitochondria with endoplasmic reticulum stress. However, the activation of caspase 3/7 and attenuation of cell viability by the addition of caspase inhibitor were not observed. The accumulation of adenine 5′-diphosphoribose as a product of the above reactions activated transient receptor potential melastatin 2, which elevated intracellular Ca²⁺ levels and subsequently led to cell death. These results demonstrated that H₂O₂ and/or other reactive species in PAM disturbed the mitochondrial–nuclear network in cancer cells through a caspase-independent apoptotic pathway. Moreover, damage to the plasma membrane by H₂O₂-cooperating charged species not only induced apoptosis, but also increased its permeability to extracellular reactive species. These phenomena were also detected in PAM-treated HepG2 and MCF-7 cells.     

Yeast Ste2 receptors as tools for study of mammalian protein kinases and adaptors involved in receptor trafficking

Background

Mammalian receptors that couple to effectors via heterotrimeric G proteins (e.g., beta ₂-adrenergic receptors) and receptors with intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity (e.g., insulin and IGF-I receptors) constitute the proximal points of two dominant cell signaling pathways. Receptors coupled to G proteins can be substrates for tyrosine kinases, integrating signals from both pathways. Yeast cells, in contrast, display G protein-coupled receptors (e.g., alpha-factor pheromone receptor Ste2) that have evolved in the absence of receptor tyrosine kinases, such as those found in higher organisms. We sought to understand the motifs in G protein-coupled receptors that act as substrates for receptor tyrosine kinases and the functional consequence of such phosphorylation on receptor biology. We expressed in human HEK 293 cells yeast wild-type Ste2 as well as a Ste2 chimera engineered with cytoplasmic domains of the beta₂-adrenergic receptor and tested receptor sequestration in response to activation of the insulin receptor tyrosine kinase.

Results

The yeast Ste2 was successfully expressed in HEK 293 cells. In response to alpha-factor, Ste2 signals to the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway and internalizes. Wash out of agonist and addition of antagonist does not lead to Ste2 recycling to the cell membrane. Internalized Ste2 is not significantly degraded. Beta₂-adrenergic receptors display internalization in response to agonist (isoproterenol), but rapidly recycle to the cell membrane following wash out of agonist and addition of antagonist. Beta₂-adrenergic receptors display internalization in response to activation of insulin receptors (i.e., cross-regulation), whereas Ste2 does not. Substitution of the cytoplasmic domains of the β₂-adrenergic receptor for those of Ste2 creates a Ste2/beta₂-adrenergic receptor chimera displaying insulin-stimulated internalization.

Conclusion

Chimera composed of yeast Ste2 into which domains of mammalian G protein-coupled receptors have been substituted, when expressed in animal cells, provide a unique tool for study of the regulation of G protein-coupled receptor trafficking by mammalian receptor tyrosine kinases and adaptor proteins.     

Sex-specific effects of 17β-estradiol and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on growth plate chondrocytes are dependent on both ERα and ERβ and require palmitoylation to translocate the receptors to the plasma membrane

Rat costochondral cartilage growth plate chondrocytes exhibit cell sex-specific responses to 17β-estradiol (E₂), testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Mechanistically, E₂ and DHT stimulate proliferation and extracellular matrix synthesis in chondrocytes from female and male rats, respectively, by signaling through protein kinase C (PKC) and phospholipase C (PLC). Estrogen receptors (ERα; ERβ) and androgen receptors (ARs) are present in both male and female cells, but it is not known whether they interact to elicit sex-specific signaling. We used specific agonists and antagonists of these receptors to examine the relative contributions of ERs and ARs in membrane-mediated E₂ signaling in female chondrocytes and DHT signaling in male chondrocytes. PKC activity in female chondrocytes was stimulated by agonists of ERα and ERβ and required intact caveolae; PKC activity was inhibited by the E₂ enantiomer and by an inhibitor of ERβ. Western blots of cell lysates co-immunoprecipitated for ERα suggested the formation of a complex containing both ERα and ERß with E₂ treatment. DHT and DHT agonists activated PKC in male cells, while AR inhibition blocked the stimulatory effect of DHT on PKC. Inhibition of ERα and ERβ also blocked PKC activation by DHT. Western blots of whole-cell lysates, plasma membranes, and caveolae indicated the translocation of AR to the plasma membrane and specifically to caveolae with DHT treatment. These results suggest that E₂ and DHT promote chondrocyte differentiation via the ability of ARs and ERs to form a complex. The results also indicate that intact caveolae and palmitoylation of the membrane receptor(s) or membrane receptor complex containing ERα and ERβ is required for E₂ and DHT membrane-associated PKC activity in costochondral cartilage cells.