Knockdown of SF-1 and RNF31 Affects Components of Steroidogenesis, TGFβ, and Wnt/β-catenin Signaling in Adrenocortical Carcinoma Cells

The orphan nuclear receptor Steroidogenic Factor-1 (SF-1, NR5A1) is a critical regulator of development and homeostasis of the adrenal cortex and gonads. We recently showed that a complex containing E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF31 and the known SF-1 corepressor DAX-1 (NR0B1) interacts with SF-1 on target promoters and represses transcription of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and aromatase (CYP19) genes. To further evaluate the role of SF-1 in the adrenal cortex and the involvement of RNF31 in SF-1-dependent pathways, we performed genome-wide gene-expression analysis of adrenocortical NCI-H295R cells where SF-1 or RNF31 had been knocked down using RNA interference. We find RNF31 to be deeply connected to cholesterol metabolism and steroid hormone synthesis, strengthening its role as an SF-1 coregulator. We also find intriguing evidence of negative crosstalk between SF-1 and both transforming growth factor (TGF) β and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. This crosstalk could be of importance for adrenogonadal development, maintenance of adrenocortical progenitor cells and the development of adrenocortical carcinoma. Finally, the SF-1 gene profile can be used to distinguish malignant from benign adrenocortical tumors, a finding that implicates SF-1 in the development of malignant adrenocortical carcinoma

CSR and related terms in SME owner-managers' mental models in six European countries: national context matters

As a contribution to the emerging field of corporate social responsibility (CSR) cognition, this article reports on the findings of an exploratory study that compares SME owner–managers’ mental models with regard to CSR and related concepts across six European countries (Belgium, Italy, Norway, France, UK, Spain). Utilising Repertory Grid Technique, we found that the SME owner–managers’ mental models show a few commonalities as well as a number of differences across the different country samples. We interpret those differences by linking individual cognition to macro-environmental variables, such as language, national traditions and dissemination mechanisms. The results of our exploratory study show that nationality matters but that classifications of countries as found in the comparative capitalism literature do not exactly mirror national differences in CSR cognition and that these classifications need further differentiation. The findings from our study raise questions on the universality of cognition of academic management concepts and warn that promotion of responsible business practice should not rely on the use of unmediated US American management terminology

Sunken CSR and SMEs

Summary Despite the increased recognition and emphasis attributed to CSR, numerous problems and scandals involving large corporations continue to emerge. This contradiction nurtures a growing interest in intrinsic CSR rooted in ethical concerns spread among the company’s culture. While larger companies have to consider the expectations of shareholders and multiple stakeholders, SMEs do not need to be accountable to stakeholders through a systematic and formalized approach grounded on the adoption of sustainability reports useful to assess and demonstrate their CSR performance. However, the difference between extrinsic and intrinsic CSR is often very difficult (first) to understand and (second) to bridge and some authors advocate that the extrinsic and the intrinsic motive for CSR could evolve and be integrate

Ad4BP/SF-1 regulates cholesterol synthesis to boost the production of steroids

Takashi Baba and colleagues show that the steroidogenic cell-specific nuclear receptor Ad4BP/SF-1 targets cholesterogenic genes. Given that cholesterol is a precursor of the steroid hormones, this study suggests that Ad4BP/SF-1 regulates the synthesis of cholesterol to boost the production of steroids