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Yoon B, Basappa B, Basappa S, Nagaraju O, Madegowda M, Rangappa KS, Sethi G, Ahn KS. Thiouracil and triazole conjugate induces autophagy through the downregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in human breast cancer cells. IUBMB Life 2024. [PMID: 39257214 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy is vital for maintaining cellular homeostasis by breaking down unnecessary organelles and proteins within cells. Its activity varies abnormally in several diseases, including cancer, making it a potential target for therapeutic strategies. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway significantly impacts cancer by stabilizing β-catenin protein and promoting the transcription of its target genes. Therefore, we aimed to identify candidate substances targeting this signaling pathway. We designed and tested a thiouracil conjugate, discovering that TTP-8 had anti-tumor effects on human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB231. Our findings showed that TTP-8 upregulated the expression of LC3 protein, a marker of autophagy in breast cancer cells, suggesting that TTP-8 might induce autophagy. Further analysis confirmed an increase in autophagy-related proteins, with consistent results obtained from flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. Interestingly, the induction of LC3 expression by TTP-8 was even more pronounced in MCF-7 and MDA-MB231 cells transfected with β-catenin siRNA. Thus, our research supports the idea that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway influences the regulation of autophagy-related proteins, thereby inducing autophagy. This suggests that TTP-8 could serve as a novel agent for treating breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bada Yoon
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Basappa Basappa
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Studies in Organic Chemistry, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - Shreeja Basappa
- Department of Chemistry, BITS-Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Hyderabad, India
| | | | - Mahendra Madegowda
- Department of Studies in Physics, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - K S Rangappa
- Laboratory of Chemical Biology, Department of Studies in Organic Chemistry, University of Mysore, Mysore, Karnataka, India
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kwang Seok Ahn
- Department of Science in Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
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2
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Yu J, Liao PJ, Keller TH, Cherian J, Virshup DM, Xu W. Ultra-large scale virtual screening identifies a small molecule inhibitor of the Wnt transporter Wntless. iScience 2024; 27:110454. [PMID: 39104418 PMCID: PMC11298631 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Wnts are lipid-modified glycoproteins that play key roles in both embryonic development and adult homeostasis. Wnt signaling is dysregulated in many cancers and preclinical data shows that targeting Wnt biosynthesis and secretion can be effective in Wnt-addicted cancers. An integral membrane protein known as Wntless (WLS/Evi) is essential for Wnt secretion. However, WLS remains undrugged thus far. The cryo-EM structure of WLS in complex with WNT8A shows that WLS has a druggable G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) domain. Using Active Learning/Glide, we performed an ultra-large scale virtual screening from Enamine's REAL 350/3 Lead-Like library containing nearly 500 million compounds. 68 hits were examined after on-demand synthesis in cell-based Wnt reporter and other functional assays. ETC-451 emerged as a potential first-in-class WLS inhibitor. ETC-451 blocked WLS-WNT3A interaction and decreased Wnt-addicted pancreatic cancer cell line proliferation. The current hit provides a starting chemical scaffold for further structure or ligand-based drug discovery targeting WLS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yu
- Programme in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Pei-Ju Liao
- Programme in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Thomas H. Keller
- Experimental Drug Development Centre, 10 Biopolis Road, Chromos, Singapore 138670, Singapore
| | - Joseph Cherian
- Experimental Drug Development Centre, 10 Biopolis Road, Chromos, Singapore 138670, Singapore
| | - David M. Virshup
- Programme in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
- Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Weijun Xu
- Experimental Drug Development Centre, 10 Biopolis Road, Chromos, Singapore 138670, Singapore
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3
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Liu M, Hemba-Waduge RUS, Li X, Huang X, Liu TH, Han X, Wang Y, Ji JY. Wnt/Wingless signaling promotes lipid mobilization through signal-induced transcriptional repression. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322066121. [PMID: 38968125 PMCID: PMC11252803 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322066121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/Wingless signaling pathway plays critical roles in metazoan development and energy metabolism, but its role in regulating lipid homeostasis remains not fully understood. Here, we report that the activation of canonical Wnt/Wg signaling promotes lipolysis while concurrently inhibiting lipogenesis and fatty acid β-oxidation in both larval and adult adipocytes, as well as cultured S2R+ cells, in Drosophila. Using RNA-sequencing and CUT&RUN (Cleavage Under Targets & Release Using Nuclease) assays, we identified a set of Wnt target genes responsible for intracellular lipid homeostasis. Notably, active Wnt signaling directly represses the transcription of these genes, resulting in decreased de novo lipogenesis and fatty acid β-oxidation, but increased lipolysis. These changes lead to elevated free fatty acids and reduced triglyceride (TG) accumulation in adipocytes with active Wnt signaling. Conversely, downregulation of Wnt signaling in the fat body promotes TG accumulation in both larval and adult adipocytes. The attenuation of Wnt signaling also increases the expression of specific lipid metabolism-related genes in larval adipocytes, wing discs, and adult intestines. Taken together, these findings suggest that Wnt signaling-induced transcriptional repression plays an important role in regulating lipid homeostasis by enhancing lipolysis while simultaneously suppressing lipogenesis and fatty acid β-oxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA70112
| | | | - Xiao Li
- Lewis-Sigler Institute of Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ08540
| | - Xiahe Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
| | - Tzu-Hao Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA70112
| | - Xianlin Han
- Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX78229
| | - Yingchun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Department of Molecular Systems Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100101, China
| | - Jun-Yuan Ji
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Louisiana Cancer Research Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA70112
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4
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Abitua PB, Stump LM, Aksel DC, Schier AF. Axis formation in annual killifish: Nodal and β-catenin regulate morphogenesis without Huluwa prepatterning. Science 2024; 384:1105-1110. [PMID: 38843334 DOI: 10.1126/science.ado7604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Axis formation in fish and amphibians typically begins with a prepattern of maternal gene products. Annual killifish embryogenesis, however, challenges prepatterning models as blastomeres disperse and then aggregate to form the germ layers and body axes. We show that huluwa, a prepatterning factor thought to break symmetry by stabilizing β-catenin, is truncated and inactive in Nothobranchius furzeri. Nuclear β-catenin is not selectively stabilized on one side of the blastula but accumulates in cells forming the aggregate. Blocking β-catenin activity or Nodal signaling disrupts aggregate formation and germ layer specification. Nodal signaling coordinates cell migration, establishing an early role for this signaling pathway. These results reveal a surprising departure from established mechanisms of axis formation: Huluwa-mediated prepatterning is dispensable, and β-catenin and Nodal regulate morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip B Abitua
- Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Laura M Stump
- Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98105, USA
| | - Deniz C Aksel
- Biophysics Program, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Alexander F Schier
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Center for Brain Science, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- FAS Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, 4051 Basel, Switzerland
- Allen Discovery Center for Cell Lineage Tracing, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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5
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Guo Q, Chen J, Bu Q, Zhang J, Ruan M, Chen X, Zhao M, Tu X, Zhao C. Establishing stable and highly osteogenic hiPSC-derived MSCs for 3D-printed bone graft through microenvironment modulation by CHIR99021-treated osteocytes. Mater Today Bio 2024; 26:101111. [PMID: 38933413 PMCID: PMC11201125 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived mesenchymal stem cells (iMSCs) are ideal candidates for the production of standardised and scalable bioengineered bone grafts. However, stable induction and osteogenic differentiation of iMSCs pose challenges in the industry. We developed a precise differentiation method to produce homogeneous and fully differentiated iMSCs. In this study, we established a standardised system to prepare iMSCs with increased osteogenic potential and improved bioactivity by introducing a CHIR99021 (C91)-treated osteogenic microenvironment (COOME). COOME enhances the osteogenic differentiation and mineralisation of iMSCs via canonical Wnt signalling. Global transcriptome analysis and co-culturing experiments indicated that COOME increased the pro-angiogenesis/neurogenesis activity of iMSCs. The superior osteogenic differentiation and mineralisation abilities of COOME-treated iMSCs were also confirmed in a Bio3D module generated using a polycaprolactone (PCL) and cell-integrated 3D printing (PCI3D) system, which is the closest model to in vivo research. This COOME-treated iMSCs differentiation system offers a new perspective for generating highly osteogenic, bioactive, and anatomically matched grafts for clinical applications. Statement of significance Although human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived MSCs (iMSCs) are ideal seed cells for synthetic bone implants, the challenges of stable induction and osteogenic differentiation hinder their clinical application. This study established a standardised system for the scalable preparation of iMSCs with improved osteogenic potential by combining our precise iMSC differentiation method with the CHIR99021 (C91)-treated osteocyte osteogenic microenvironment (COOME) through the activation of canonical Wnt signalling. Moreover, COOME upregulated the pro-angiogenic and pro-neurogenic capacities of iMSCs, which are crucial for the integration of implanted bone grafts. The superior osteogenic ability of COOME-treated iMSCs was confirmed in Bio3D modules generated using PCL and cell-integrated 3D printing systems, highlighting their functional potential in vivo. This study contributes to tissue engineering by providing insights into the functional differentiation of iMSCs for bone regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuling Guo
- Laboratory of Skeletal Development and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jingjing Chen
- Laboratory of Skeletal Development and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qiqi Bu
- Laboratory of Skeletal Development and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jinling Zhang
- Laboratory of Skeletal Development and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Minjie Ruan
- Laboratory of Skeletal Development and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xiaoyu Chen
- Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Mingming Zhao
- Center for Medical Epigenetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiaolin Tu
- Laboratory of Skeletal Development and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Chengzhu Zhao
- Laboratory of Skeletal Development and Regeneration, Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics (Ministry of Education), College of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
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Rabino A, Awadia S, Ali N, Edson A, Garcia-Mata R. The Scribble/SGEF/Dlg1 complex regulates the stability of apical junctions in epithelial cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.26.586884. [PMID: 38585765 PMCID: PMC10996629 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.26.586884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
SGEF, a RhoG specific GEF, can form a ternary complex with the Scribble polarity complex proteins Scribble and Dlg1, which regulates the formation and maintenance of adherens junctions and barrier function of epithelial cells. Notably, silencing SGEF results in a dramatic downregulation of the expression of both E-cadherin and ZO-1. However, the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of this pathway are not known. Here, we describe a novel signaling pathway governed by the Scribble/SGEF/Dlg1 complex. Our results show that an intact ternary complex is required to maintain the stability of the apical junctions, the expression of ZO-1, and TJ permeability. In contrast, only SGEF is necessary to regulate E-cadherin expression. The absence of SGEF destabilizes the E-cadherin/catenin complex at the membrane, triggering a positive feedback loop that exacerbates the phenotype through the repression of E-cadherin transcription in a process that involves the internalization of E-cadherin by endocytosis, β-catenin signaling and the transcriptional repressor Slug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agustin Rabino
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Sahezeel Awadia
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Nabaa Ali
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Amber Edson
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Rafael Garcia-Mata
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, USA
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7
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Wu J, Wu Y, Chen S, Guo Q, Shao Y, Liu C, Lin K, Wang S, Zhu J, Chen X, Ju X, Xia L, Wu X. PARP1-stabilised FOXQ1 promotes ovarian cancer progression by activating the LAMB3/WNT/β-catenin signalling pathway. Oncogene 2024; 43:866-883. [PMID: 38297082 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-02943-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis is an important factor that causes ovarian cancer (OC) to become the most lethal malignancy of the female reproductive system, but its molecular mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, through bioinformatics analysis, as well as analysis of tissue samples and clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients in our centre, it was found that Forkhead box Q1 (FOXQ1) was correlated with metastasis and prognosis of OC. Through cell function experiments and animal experiments, the results show that FOXQ1 can promote the progression of ovarian cancer in vivo and in vitro. Through RNA-seq, chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), Western blotting (WB), quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‒PCR), immunohistochemistry (IHC), luciferase assay, and ChIP-PCR, it was demonstrated that FOXQ1 can mediate the WNT/β-catenin pathway by targeting the LAMB promoter region. Through coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP), mass spectrometry (MS), ubiquitination experiments, and immunofluorescence (IF), the results showed that PARP1 could stabilise FOXQ1 expression via the E3 ubiquitin ligase Hsc70-interacting protein (CHIP). Finally, the whole mechanism pathway was verified by animal drug combination experiments and clinical specimen prognosis analysis. In summary, our results suggest that PARP1 can promote ovarian cancer progression through the LAMB3/WNT/β-catenin pathway by stabilising FOXQ1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangchun Wu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yong Wu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qinhao Guo
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yang Shao
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chaohua Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Kailin Lin
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Simin Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaojun Chen
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xingzhu Ju
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lingfang Xia
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiaohua Wu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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8
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Housini M, Dariya B, Ahmed N, Stevens A, Fiadjoe H, Nagaraju GP, Basha R. Colorectal cancer: Genetic alterations, novel biomarkers, current therapeutic strategies and clinical trials. Gene 2024; 892:147857. [PMID: 37783294 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly detected cancer with a serious global health issue. The rates for incidence and mortality for CRC are alarming, especially since the prognosis is abysmal when the CRC is diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage. Both type of (modifiable/ non-modifiable) types of risk factors are established for CRC. Despite the advances in recent technology and sophisticated research, the survival rate is still meager due to delays in diagnosis. Therefore, there is urgently required to identify critical biomarkers aiming at early diagnosis and improving effective therapeutic strategies. Additionally, a complete understanding of the dysregulated pathways like PI3K/Akt, Notch, and Wnt associated with CRC progression and metastasis is very beneficial in designing a therapeutic regimen. This review article focused on the dysregulated signaling pathways, genetics and epigenetics alterations, and crucial biomarkers of CRC. This review also provided the list of clinical trials targeting signaling cascades and therapies involving small molecules. This review discusses up-to-date information on novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies alongside specific clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Housini
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States
| | - Begum Dariya
- Center for Drug Design, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 5545, United States
| | - Nadia Ahmed
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Alyssa Stevens
- Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
| | - Hope Fiadjoe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States
| | - Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States.
| | - Riyaz Basha
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States.
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9
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Jiang XM, Xin QL, Liu K, Peng XF, Han S, Zhang LY, Liu W, Xiao GF, Li H, Zhang LK. Regulation of the WNT-CTNNB1 signaling pathway by severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus in a cap-snatching manner. mBio 2023; 14:e0168823. [PMID: 37882780 PMCID: PMC10746258 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.01688-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE One of the conserved mechanisms at the stage of genome transcription of segmented negative-strand RNA viruses (sNSVs) is the cap-snatching process, which is vital for sNSVs transcription and provides drugable targets for the development of antivirals. However, the specificity of RNAs snatched by sNSV is still unclear. By transcriptomics analysis of whole blood samples from SFTS patients, we found WNT-CTNNB1 signaling pathway was regulated according to the course of the disease. We then demonstrated that L protein of severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV) could interact with mRNAs of WNT-CTNNB1 signaling pathway-related gene, thus affecting WNT-CTNNB1 signaling pathway through its cap-snatching activity. Activation of WNT-CTNNB1 signaling pathway enhanced SFTSV replication, while inhibition of this pathway decreased SFTSV replication in vitro and in vivo. These findings suggest that WNT-associated genes may be the substrate for SFTSV "cap-snatching", and indicate a conserved sNSVs replication mechanism involving WNT-CTNNB1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia-Ming Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi-Lin Xin
- University of Lyon, INRAE, EPHE, IVPC, Lyon, France
| | - Kai Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Engineering, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- National Engineering Research Center for the Emergency Drug, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Fang Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Han
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Ling-Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Geng-Fu Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, China
| | - Lei-Ke Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China
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10
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Dev A, Vachher M, Prasad CP. β-catenin inhibitors in cancer therapeutics: intricacies and way forward. Bioengineered 2023; 14:2251696. [PMID: 37655825 PMCID: PMC10478749 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2023.2251696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
β-catenin is an evolutionary conserved, quintessential, multifaceted protein that plays vital roles in cellular homeostasis, embryonic development, organogenesis, stem cell maintenance, cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, apoptosis, and pathogenesis of various human diseases including cancer. β-catenin manifests both signaling and adhesive features. It acts as a pivotal player in intracellular signaling as a component of versatile WNT signaling cascade involved in embryonic development, homeostasis as well as in carcinogenesis. It is also involved in Ca2+ dependent cell adhesion via interaction with E-cadherin at the adherens junctions. Aberrant β-catenin expression and its nuclear accumulation promote the transcription of various oncogenes including c-Myc and cyclinD1, thereby contributing to tumor initiation, development, and progression. β-catenin's expression is closely regulated at various levels including its stability, sub-cellular localization, as well as transcriptional activity. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of regulation of β-catenin and its atypical expression will provide researchers not only the novel insights into the pathogenesis and progression of cancer but also will help in deciphering new therapeutic avenues. In the present review, we have summarized the dual functions of β-catenin, its role in signaling, associated mutations as well as its role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression of various cancers. Additionally, we have discussed the challenges associated with targeting β-catenin molecule with the presently available drugs and suggested the possible way forward in designing new therapeutic alternatives against this oncogene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arundhathi Dev
- Department of Medical Oncology (Laboratory), DR BRAIRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Meenakshi Vachher
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Chandra Prakash Prasad
- Department of Medical Oncology (Laboratory), DR BRAIRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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11
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Siak PY, Heng WS, Teoh SSH, Lwin YY, Cheah SC. Precision medicine in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: comprehensive review of past, present, and future prospect. J Transl Med 2023; 21:786. [PMID: 37932756 PMCID: PMC10629096 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04673-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an aggressive malignancy with high propensity for lymphatic spread and distant metastasis. It is prominent as an endemic malignancy in Southern China and Southeast Asia regions. Studies on NPC pathogenesis mechanism in the past decades such as through Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection and oncogenic molecular aberrations have explored several potential targets for therapy and diagnosis. The EBV infection introduces oncoviral proteins that consequently hyperactivate many promitotic pathways and block cell-death inducers. EBV infection is so prevalent in NPC patients such that EBV serological tests were used to diagnose and screen NPC patients. On the other hand, as the downstream effectors of oncogenic mechanisms, the promitotic pathways can potentially be exploited therapeutically. With the apparent heterogeneity and distinct molecular aberrations of NPC tumor, the focus has turned into a more personalized treatment in NPC. Herein in this comprehensive review, we depict the current status of screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in NPC. Subsequently, based on the limitations on those aspects, we look at their potential improvements in moving towards the path of precision medicine. The importance of recent advances on the key molecular aberration involved in pathogenesis of NPC for precision medicine progression has also been reported in the present review. Besides, the challenge and future outlook of NPC management will also be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Yan Siak
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Bandar Springhill, 71010, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Win Sen Heng
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Bandar Springhill, 71010, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Sharon Siew Hoon Teoh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Bandar Springhill, 71010, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Yu Yu Lwin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Medicine, Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - Shiau-Chuen Cheah
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Bandar Springhill, 71010, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
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12
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Abo H, Sultana MF, Kawashima H. Dual function of angiogenin-4 inducing intestinal stem cells and apoptosis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1181145. [PMID: 38020881 PMCID: PMC10651741 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1181145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium is the first line of host defense, and its homeostasis is dependent on soluble factors that comprise the crypt niche. Antimicrobial proteins are one of the mediators to maintain gut homeostasis. Angiogenin-4 (Ang4) is a member of the ribonuclease A superfamily and plays a pivotal role in antimicrobial activity against gut microbiota. However, the functions of Ang4 within the intestinal crypt niche, particularly its involvement in the development of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs), remain unknown. Here, we demonstrate that Ang4 plays a significant role in maintaining Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and induces apoptosis of IECs in a concentration-dependent manner. We revealed that Ang4 is highly expressed by Paneth cells in the small intestine, as well as regenerating islet-derived family member-4 (Reg4) expressing goblet cells in the colon, and both cell subsets highly contribute to ISC maintenance. Functional analysis using intestinal organoids revealed that Ang4 induces Wnt and Notch signaling, increases Lgr5+ stem cell expansion, and promotes organoid growth. Furthermore, high concentrations of Ang4 induced apoptosis in the IEC cell line and organoids. Collectively, we propose that Ang4 is a dual functional protein and is a novel member of the crypt niche factor that promotes the expansion of ISCs and induces apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hirohito Abo
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Mst. Farzana Sultana
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Pharmacy, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore, Bangladesh
| | - Hiroto Kawashima
- Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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13
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Zhao B, Li Z, Yu S, Li T, Wang W, Liu R, Zhang B, Fang X, Shen Y, Han Q, Xu X, Wang K, Gong W, Li T, Li A, Zhou T, Li W, Li T. LEF1 enhances β-catenin transactivation through IDR-dependent liquid-liquid phase separation. Life Sci Alliance 2023; 6:e202302118. [PMID: 37657935 PMCID: PMC10474303 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a crucial role in cancer development, primarily activated by β-catenin forming a transcription complex with LEF/TCF in the nucleus and initiating the transcription of Wnt target genes. Here, we report that LEF1, a member of the LEF/TCF family, can form intrinsically disordered region (IDR)-dependent condensates with β-catenin both in vivo and in vitro, which is required for β-catenin-dependent transcription. Notably, LEF1 with disrupted IDR lost its promoting activity on tumor proliferation and metastasis, which can be restored by substituting with FUS IDR. Our findings provide new insight into the essential role of liquid-liquid phase separation in Wnt/β-catenin signaling and present a potential new target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Zhao
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuoxin Li
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Shaoqing Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Li
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
- Nanhu Laboratory, Jiaxing, China
| | - Wen Wang
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Liu
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Biyu Zhang
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Xiya Fang
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Yezhuang Shen
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Qiuying Han
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
- Nanhu Laboratory, Jiaxing, China
| | - Xin Xu
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
- Nanhu Laboratory, Jiaxing, China
| | - Kai Wang
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
- Nanhu Laboratory, Jiaxing, China
| | - Weili Gong
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Li
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
- Nanhu Laboratory, Jiaxing, China
| | - Ailing Li
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Zhou
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
- Nanhu Laboratory, Jiaxing, China
| | - Weihua Li
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
| | - Teng Li
- National Center of Biomedical Analysis, Beijing, China
- Nanhu Laboratory, Jiaxing, China
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14
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Xie X, Yu T, Li X, Zhang N, Foster LJ, Peng C, Huang W, He G. Recent advances in targeting the "undruggable" proteins: from drug discovery to clinical trials. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:335. [PMID: 37669923 PMCID: PMC10480221 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01589-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Undruggable proteins are a class of proteins that are often characterized by large, complex structures or functions that are difficult to interfere with using conventional drug design strategies. Targeting such undruggable targets has been considered also a great opportunity for treatment of human diseases and has attracted substantial efforts in the field of medicine. Therefore, in this review, we focus on the recent development of drug discovery targeting "undruggable" proteins and their application in clinic. To make this review well organized, we discuss the design strategies targeting the undruggable proteins, including covalent regulation, allosteric inhibition, protein-protein/DNA interaction inhibition, targeted proteins regulation, nucleic acid-based approach, immunotherapy and others.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Tingting Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Leonard J Foster
- Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Medical Technology and School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 611137, Chengdu, China.
| | - Gu He
- Department of Dermatology and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, 610041, Chengdu, China.
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15
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Gong W, Li M, Zhao L, Wang P, Wang X, Wang B, Liu X, Tu X. Sustained release of a highly specific GSK3β inhibitor SB216763 in the PCL scaffold creates an osteogenic niche for osteogenesis, anti-adipogenesis, and potential angiogenesis. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1215233. [PMID: 37576993 PMCID: PMC10419179 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1215233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The safe and effective use of Wnt signaling is a hot topic in developing osteogenic drugs. SB216763 (S33) is a widely used highly specific GSK3β inhibitor. Here, we show that S33 initiates canonical Wnt signaling by inhibiting GSK3β activity in the bone marrow stromal cell line ST2 and increases osteoblast marker alkaline phosphatase activity, osteoblast marker gene expression including Alpl, Col1α1, and Runx2, promoting osteogenic differentiation and mineralization of ST2 cells. In addition, S33 suppressed the expression of adipogenic transcription factors Pparg and Cebpa in ST2 cells to suppress adipogenesis. ICRT-14, a specific transcriptional inhibitor of Wnt signaling, reversed the effects of S33 on the differentiation of ST2 cells. S33 also increased the expression of osteoclast cytokines RANKL and Opg but decreased the RANKL/Opg ratio and had the potential to inhibit osteoclast differentiation. In addition, we printed the PSCI3D (polycaprolactone, S33, cell-integrated 3D) scaffolds using a newly established integrated 3D printing system for hard materials and cells. S33 sustained release in the hydrogel of the scaffold with 25.4% release on day 1% and 81.7% release over 7 days. Cells in the scaffolds had good cell viability. The ratio of live/dead cells remained above 94% for 7 days, while the cells in the scaffolds proliferated linearly, and the proliferative activity of the PSCI3D scaffold group increased 1.4-fold and 1.7-fold on days 4 and 7, respectively. Similarly, in PSCI3D scaffolds, osteogenic differentiation of st2 cells was increased. The alkaline phosphatase activity increased 1.4- and 4.0-fold on days 7 and 14, respectively, and mineralization increased 1.7-fold at 21 days. In addition, PSCI3D conditioned medium promoted migration and tubulogenesis of HUVECs, and S33 upregulated the expression of Vegfa, a key factor in angiogenesis. In conclusion, our study suggests that S33 functions in osteogenesis, anti-adipogenesis, and potential inhibition of osteoclast differentiation. And the sustained release of S33 in PSCI3D scaffolds creates a safe osteogenic niche, which promotes cell proliferation, osteogenesis, and angiogenesis and has application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Gong
- Laboratory of Skeletal Development and Regeneration, Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Molin Li
- Laboratory of Skeletal Development and Regeneration, Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lizhou Zhao
- Laboratory of Skeletal Development and Regeneration, Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Pengtao Wang
- Laboratory of Skeletal Development and Regeneration, Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaofang Wang
- Laboratory of Skeletal Development and Regeneration, Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Laboratory of Skeletal Development and Regeneration, Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaolin Tu
- Laboratory of Skeletal Development and Regeneration, Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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16
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Zhao P, Sun L, Zhao C. TCF1/LEF1 triggers Wnt-dependent chemokine/cytokine-induced inflammation and cadherin pathways to drive T-ALL cell migration. Biochem Biophys Rep 2023; 34:101457. [PMID: 36942321 PMCID: PMC10024088 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2023.101457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a type of aggressive hematologic malignancy. It progresses quickly and it is likely to be fatal within a few months without treatment. Despite the limitations of current clinical therapies, there is an urgent need for novel and targeted therapies. To explore potential targeted therapies, molecular genetic mechanisms of T-ALL metastasis must be uncovered. However, the genes and mechanisms that mediate T-ALL metastasis are largely unknown. Recent insights into T-ALL biology have identified several genes that can be grouped into several targetable signaling pathways. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is one of the most important pathways. Our work investigated the functions of TCF1 and LEF1 in cell growth and migration mediated by the Wnt signaling pathway. We found that TCF1 and LEF1 knockdown weakly repressed T-ALL cell proliferation but distinctly impaired cell migration. T-ALL metastasis is dependent on cell migration and invasion. Our results displayed that TCF1 and LEF1 regulated T-ALL cell migration by the Wnt-dependent chemokine and cytokine-induced inflammation and cadherin signaling pathways. By transcriptionally regulating these pathways-associated genes, TCF1 and LEF1 inhibited cell adhesion and promoted cell migration and invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The Third People's Hospital of Shenzhen, Southern University of Science and Technology, 29th Bulan Road, Longgang District, Shenzhen, 518112, China
- Corresponding author.
| | - Lanming Sun
- Department of Prevention, Health Care and Fertility, Xinfuli Community Hospital, Linhongnong Road, Dahongmen, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100068, China
| | - Cong Zhao
- Department of Prevention, Health Care and Fertility, Xinfuli Community Hospital, Linhongnong Road, Dahongmen, Fengtai District, Beijing, 100068, China
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17
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Pokharel SM, Mohanty I, Mariasoosai C, Miura TA, Maddison LA, Natesan S, Bose S. Human beta defensin-3 mediated activation of β-catenin during human respiratory syncytial virus infection: interaction of HBD3 with LDL receptor-related protein 5. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1186510. [PMID: 37426017 PMCID: PMC10324619 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1186510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a non-segmented negative-sense RNA virus belonging to the paramyxovirus family. RSV infects the respiratory tract to cause pneumonia and bronchiolitis in infants, elderly, and immunocompromised patients. Effective clinical therapeutic options and vaccines to combat RSV infection are still lacking. Therefore, to develop effective therapeutic interventions, it is imperative to understand virus-host interactions during RSV infection. Cytoplasmic stabilization of β-catenin protein results in activation of canonical Wingless (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathway that culminates in transcriptional activation of various genes regulated by T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) transcription factors. This pathway is involved in various biological and physiological functions. Our study shows RSV infection of human lung epithelial A549 cells triggering β-catenin protein stabilization and induction of β-catenin mediated transcriptional activity. Functionally, the activated β-catenin pathway promoted a pro-inflammatory response during RSV infection of lung epithelial cells. Studies with β-catenin inhibitors and A549 cells lacking optimal β-catenin activity demonstrated a significant loss of pro-inflammatory chemokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) release from RSV-infected cells. Mechanistically, our studies revealed a role of extracellular human beta defensin-3 (HBD3) in interacting with cell surface Wnt receptor LDL receptor-related protein-5 (LRP5) to activate the non-canonical Wnt independent β-catenin pathway during RSV infection. We showed gene expression and release of HBD3 from RSV-infected cells and silencing of HBD3 expression resulted in reduced stabilization of β-catenin protein during RSV infection. Furthermore, we observed the binding of extracellular HBD3 with cell surface localized LRP5 protein, and our in silico and protein-protein interaction studies have highlighted a direct interaction of HBD3 with LRP5. Thus, our studies have identified the β-catenin pathway as a key regulator of pro-inflammatory response during RSV infection of human lung epithelial cells. This pathway was induced during RSV infection via a non-canonical Wnt-independent mechanism involving paracrine/autocrine action of extracellular HBD3 activating cell surface Wnt receptor complex by directly interacting with the LRP5 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swechha M. Pokharel
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Indira Mohanty
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Charles Mariasoosai
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Tanya A. Miura
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Idaho, Moscow, ID, United States
| | - Lisette A. Maddison
- Center for Reproductive Biology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
| | - Senthil Natesan
- College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University, Spokane, WA, United States
| | - Santanu Bose
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA, United States
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18
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Vetrova AA, Kupaeva DM, Kizenko A, Lebedeva TS, Walentek P, Tsikolia N, Kremnyov SV. The evolutionary history of Brachyury genes in Hydrozoa involves duplications, divergence, and neofunctionalization. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9382. [PMID: 37296138 PMCID: PMC10256749 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-35979-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Brachyury, a member of T-box gene family, is widely known for its major role in mesoderm specification in bilaterians. It is also present in non-bilaterian metazoans, such as cnidarians, where it acts as a component of an axial patterning system. In this study, we present a phylogenetic analysis of Brachyury genes within phylum Cnidaria, investigate differential expression and address a functional framework of Brachyury paralogs in hydrozoan Dynamena pumila. Our analysis indicates two duplication events of Brachyury within the cnidarian lineage. The first duplication likely appeared in the medusozoan ancestor, resulting in two copies in medusozoans, while the second duplication arose in the hydrozoan ancestor, resulting in three copies in hydrozoans. Brachyury1 and 2 display a conservative expression pattern marking the oral pole of the body axis in D. pumila. On the contrary, Brachyury3 expression was detected in scattered presumably nerve cells of the D. pumila larva. Pharmacological modulations indicated that Brachyury3 is not under regulation of cWnt signaling in contrast to the other two Brachyury genes. Divergence in expression patterns and regulation suggest neofunctionalization of Brachyury3 in hydrozoans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra A Vetrova
- Laboratory of Morphogenesis Evolution, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology RAS, Vavilova 26, Moscow, 119334, Russia
| | - Daria M Kupaeva
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory 1/12, Moscow, 119234, Russia
| | - Alena Kizenko
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria (ISTA), Am Campus 1, 3400, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Tatiana S Lebedeva
- Department for Molecular Evolution and Development, Centre of Organismal Systems Biology, University of Vienna, Althanstraße 14, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Walentek
- Renal Division, Internal Medicine IV, Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79106, Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS-Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nikoloz Tsikolia
- Institute of Anatomy and Embryology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Kreuzbergring 36, 37085, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stanislav V Kremnyov
- Laboratory of Morphogenesis Evolution, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology RAS, Vavilova 26, Moscow, 119334, Russia.
- Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory 1/12, Moscow, 119234, Russia.
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19
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He K, Gan WJ. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in the Development and Progression of Colorectal Cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2023; 15:435-448. [PMID: 37250384 PMCID: PMC10224676 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s411168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is a growth control pathway involved in various biological processes as well as the development and progression of cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world. The hyperactivation of Wnt signaling is observed in almost all CRC and plays a crucial role in cancer-related processes such as cancer stem cell (CSC) propagation, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), chemoresistance, and metastasis. This review will discuss how the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is involved in the carcinogenesis and progression of CRC and related therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang He
- Department of Pathology, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wen-Juan Gan
- Department of Pathology, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, People’s Republic of China
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20
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Lu K, Wang Q, Jiang H, Li J, Yao Z, Huang Y, Chen J, Zhang Y, Xiao G, Hu X, Luo Z, Yang L, Tong L, Chen D. Upregulation of β-catenin signaling represents a single common pathway leading to the various phenotypes of spinal degeneration and pain. Bone Res 2023; 11:18. [PMID: 37059724 PMCID: PMC10104801 DOI: 10.1038/s41413-023-00253-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Spine degeneration is an aging-related disease, but its molecular mechanisms remain unknown, although elevated β-catenin signaling has been reported to be involved in intervertebral disc degeneration. Here, we determined the role of β-catenin signaling in spinal degeneration and in the homeostasis of the functional spinal unit (FSU), which includes the intervertebral disc, vertebra and facet joint and is the smallest physiological motion unit of the spine. We showed that pain sensitivity in patients with spinal degeneration is highly correlated with β-catenin protein levels. We then generated a mouse model of spinal degeneration by transgenic expression of constitutively active β-catenin in Col2+ cells. We found that β-catenin-TCF7 activated the transcription of CCL2, a known critical factor in osteoarthritic pain. Using a lumbar spine instability model, we showed that a β-catenin inhibitor relieved low back pain. Our study indicates that β-catenin plays a critical role in maintaining spine tissue homeostasis, its abnormal upregulation leads to severe spinal degeneration, and its targeting could be an avenue to treat this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Lu
- Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qingyun Wang
- Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hua Jiang
- Division of Spine Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Zhou Yao
- Institute of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yongcan Huang
- Department of Spine Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianquan Chen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University City College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yejia Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Departments of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Guozhi Xiao
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xueyu Hu
- Institute of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhuojing Luo
- Institute of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Institute of Orthopedics, Xijing Hospital, the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Liping Tong
- Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Di Chen
- Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
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21
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Vélez-Vargas LC, Santa-González GA, Uribe D, Henao-Castañeda IC, Pedroza-Díaz J. In Vitro and In Silico Study on the Impact of Chlorogenic Acid in Colorectal Cancer Cells: Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Interaction with β-Catenin and LRP6. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:276. [PMID: 37259421 PMCID: PMC9960681 DOI: 10.3390/ph16020276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer mortality rate and highly altered proteins from the Wnt/β-catenin pathway increase the scientific community's interest in finding alternatives for prevention and treatment. This study aims to determine the biological effect of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on two colorectal cancer cell lines, HT-29 and SW480, and its interactions with β-catenin and LRP6 to elucidate a possible modulatory mechanism on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. These effects were determined by propidium iodide and DiOC6 for mitochondrial membrane permeability, MitoTracker Red for mitochondrial ROS production, DNA content for cell distribution on cell cycle phases, and molecular docking for protein-ligand interactions and binding affinity. Here, it was found that CGA at 2000 µM significantly affects cell viability and causes DNA fragmentation in SW480 cells rather than in HT-29 cells, but in both cell lines, it induces ROS production. Additionally, CGA has similar affinity and interactions for LRP6 as niclosamide but has a higher affinity for both β-catenin sites than C2 and iCRT14. These results suggest a possible modulatory role of CGA over the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Catalina Vélez-Vargas
- Grupo de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Aplicadas, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellin 050012, Colombia
- Productos Naturales Marinos, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia
| | - Gloria A. Santa-González
- Grupo de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Aplicadas, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellin 050012, Colombia
| | - Diego Uribe
- Grupo de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Aplicadas, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellin 050012, Colombia
| | - Isabel C. Henao-Castañeda
- Productos Naturales Marinos, Facultad de Ciencias Farmacéuticas y Alimentarias, Universidad de Antioquia, Medellin 050010, Colombia
| | - Johanna Pedroza-Díaz
- Grupo de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Aplicadas, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, Medellin 050012, Colombia
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22
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Fruit fly for anticancer drug discovery and repurposing. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:337-342. [PMID: 36845805 PMCID: PMC9949803 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000000222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
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23
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Wadey KS, Somos A, Leyden G, Blythe H, Chan J, Hutchinson L, Poole A, Frankow A, Johnson JL, George SJ. Pro-inflammatory role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in endothelial dysfunction. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 9:1059124. [PMID: 36794234 PMCID: PMC9923234 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1059124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Endothelial dysfunction is a critical component of both atherosclerotic plaque formation and saphenous vein graft failure. Crosstalk between the pro-inflammatory TNF-α-NFκB signaling axis and the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway potentially plays an important role in regulating endothelial dysfunction, though the exact nature of this is not defined. Results In this study, cultured endothelial cells were challenged with TNF-α and the potential of a Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitor, iCRT-14, in reversing the adverse effects of TNF-α on endothelial physiology was evaluated. Treatment with iCRT-14 lowered nuclear and total NFκB protein levels, as well as expression of NFκB target genes, IL-8 and MCP-1. Inhibition of β-catenin activity with iCRT-14 suppressed TNF-α-induced monocyte adhesion and decreased VCAM-1 protein levels. Treatment with iCRT-14 also restored endothelial barrier function and increased levels of ZO-1 and focal adhesion-associated phospho-paxillin (Tyr118). Interestingly, inhibition of β-catenin with iCRT-14 enhanced platelet adhesion in cultured TNF-α-stimulated endothelial cells and in an ex vivo human saphenous vein model, most likely via elevating levels of membrane-tethered vWF. Wound healing was moderately retarded by iCRT-14; hence, inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling may interfere with re-endothelialisation in grafted saphenous vein conduits. Conclusion Inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway with iCRT-14 significantly recovered normal endothelial function by decreasing inflammatory cytokine production, monocyte adhesion and endothelial permeability. However, treatment of cultured endothelial cells with iCRT-14 also exerted a pro-coagulatory and moderate anti-wound healing effect: these factors may affect the suitability of Wnt/β-catenin inhibition as a therapy for atherosclerosis and vein graft failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry S. Wadey
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Kerry S. Wadey,
| | - Alexandros Somos
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Genevieve Leyden
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Hazel Blythe
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy Chan
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Lawrence Hutchinson
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair Poole
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Aleksandra Frankow
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Jason L. Johnson
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah J. George
- Bristol Medical School, Translational Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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24
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Zhang H, Liu C, Zhu D, Zhang Q, Li J. Medicinal Chemistry Strategies for the Development of Inhibitors Disrupting β-Catenin's Interactions with Its Nuclear Partners. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1-31. [PMID: 36583662 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is strongly associated with various aspects of cancer, including tumor initiation, proliferation, and metastasis as well as antitumor immunity, and presents a promising opportunity for cancer therapy. Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation increases nuclear dephosphorylated β-catenin levels, resulting in β-catenin binding to TCF and additional cotranscription factors, such as BCL9, CBP, and p300. Therefore, directly disrupting β-catenin's interactions with these nuclear partners holds promise for the effective and selective suppression of the aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Herein, we summarize recent advances in biochemical techniques and medicinal chemistry strategies used to identify potent peptide-based and small-molecule inhibitors that directly disrupt β-catenin's interactions with its nuclear binding partners. We discuss the challenges involved in developing drug-like inhibitors that target the interactions of β-catenin and its nuclear binding partner into therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.,Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chenglong Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Di Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Qingwei Zhang
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jianqi Li
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
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25
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Singh A, Yeates C, Deshpande P, Kango-Singh M. Signaling interactions among neurons impact cell fitness and death in Alzheimer’s disease. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:784-789. [DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.354516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Abstract
Deregulation of transcription factors is critical to hallmarks of cancer. Genetic mutations, gene fusions, amplifications or deletions, epigenetic alternations, and aberrant post-transcriptional modification of transcription factors are involved in the regulation of various stages of carcinogenesis, including cancer initiation, progression, and metastasis. Thus, targeting the dysfunctional transcription factors may lead to new cancer therapeutic strategies. However, transcription factors are conventionally considered as "undruggable." Here, we summarize the recent progresses in understanding the regulation of transcription factors in cancers and strategies to target transcription factors and co-factors for preclinical and clinical drug development, particularly focusing on c-Myc, YAP/TAZ, and β-catenin due to their significance and interplays in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhipeng Tao
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA.
| | - Xu Wu
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, USA.
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27
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Wnt signaling and the regulation of pluripotency. Curr Top Dev Biol 2023; 153:95-119. [PMID: 36967203 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
The role of Wnt signaling in stem cells has been mired in seemingly contradictory findings. On one hand, Wnt has been heralded as a self-renewal factor. On the other hand, Wnt's association with differentiation and lineage commitment is indisputable. This apparent contradiction is particularly evident in pluripotent stem cells, where Wnt promotes self-renewal as well as differentiation. To resolve this discrepancy one must delve into fundamental principles of pluripotency and gain an appreciation for the concept of pluripotency states, which exist in a continuum with intermediate metastable states, some of which have been stabilized in vitro. Wnt signaling is a critical regulator of transitions between pluripotent states. Here, we will discuss Wnt's roles in maintaining pluripotency, promoting differentiation, as well as stimulating reprogramming of somatic cells to an induced pluripotent state.
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28
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Hsieh CC, Yen BL, Chang CC, Hsu PJ, Lee YW, Yen ML, Yet SF, Chen L. Wnt antagonism without TGFβ induces rapid MSC chondrogenesis via increasing AJ interactions and restricting lineage commitment. iScience 2022; 26:105713. [PMID: 36582823 PMCID: PMC9792887 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.105713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) remain one of the best cell sources for cartilage, a tissue without regenerative capacity. However, MSC chondrogenesis is commonly induced through TGFβ, a pleomorphic growth factor without specificity for this lineage. Using tissue- and induced pluripotent stem cell-derived MSCs, we demonstrate an efficient and precise approach to induce chondrogenesis through Wnt/β-catenin antagonism alone without TGFβ. Compared to TGFβ, Wnt/β-catenin antagonism more rapidly induced MSC chondrogenesis without eliciting off-target lineage specification toward smooth muscle or hypertrophy; this was mediated through increasing N-cadherin levels and β-catenin interactions-key components of the adherens junctions (AJ)-and increasing cytoskeleton-mediated condensation. Validation with transcriptomic analysis of human chondrocytes compared to MSCs and osteoblasts showed significant downregulation of Wnt/β-catenin and TGFβ signaling along with upregulation of α-catenin as an upstream regulator. Our findings underscore the importance of understanding developmental pathways and structural modifications in achieving efficient MSC chondrogenesis for translational application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Chan Hsieh
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County35053, Taiwan
| | - B. Linju Yen
- Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County35053, Taiwan
- Corresponding author
| | - Chia-Chi Chang
- Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County35053, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center (NDMC), Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Ju Hsu
- Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County35053, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Wei Lee
- Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County35053, Taiwan
| | - Men-Luh Yen
- Department of Obstetrics/Gynecology, National Taiwan University (NTU) Hospital and College of Medicine, NTU, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shaw-Fang Yet
- Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Institute of Cellular and System Medicine, National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), 35 Keyan Road, Zhunan, Miaoli County35053, Taiwan
| | - Linyi Chen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
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Yang P, Zhu Y, Zheng Q, Meng S, Wu Y, Shuai W, Sun Q, Wang G. Recent advances of β-catenin small molecule inhibitors for cancer therapy: Current development and future perspectives. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 243:114789. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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30
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Nalli M, Masci D, Urbani A, La Regina G, Silvestri R. Emerging Direct Targeting β-Catenin Agents. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27227735. [PMID: 36431838 PMCID: PMC9698307 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant accumulation of β-catenin in the cell nucleus as a result of deregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is found in various types of cancer. Direct β-catenin targeting agents are being researched despite obstacles; however, specific β-catenin drugs for clinical treatments have not been approved so far. We focused on direct β-catenin targeting of potential therapeutic value as anticancer agents. This review provides recent advances on small molecule β-catenin agents. Structure-activity relationships and biological activities of reported inhibitors are discussed. This work provides useful knowledge in the discovery of β-catenin agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Nalli
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Domiziana Masci
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Department of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Largo Francesco Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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31
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Patel SB, Kuznetsova V, Matkins VR, Franceski AM, Bassal MA, Welner RS. Ex Vivo Expansion of Phenotypic and Transcriptomic Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cells. Exp Hematol 2022; 115:1-13. [PMID: 36115580 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite decades of research, standard therapies remain ineffective for most leukemias, pushing toward an essential unmet need for targeted drug screens. Moreover, preclinical drug testing is an important consideration for success of clinical trials without affecting non-transformed stem cells. Using the transgenic chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) mouse model, we determine that leukemic stem cells (LSCs) are transcriptionally heterogenous with a preexistent drug-insensitive signature. To test targeting of potentially important pathways, we establish ex vivo expanded LSCs that have long-term engraftment and give rise to multilineage hematopoiesis. Expanded LSCs share transcriptomic signatures with primary LSCs including enrichment in Wnt, JAK-STAT, MAPK, mTOR and transforming growth factor β signaling pathways. Drug testing on expanded LSCs show that transforming growth factor β and Wnt inhibitors had significant effects on the viability of LSCs, but not leukemia-exposed healthy HSCs. This platform allows testing of multiple drugs at the same time to identify vulnerabilities of LSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sweta B Patel
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL; Division of Hematology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO
| | - Valeriya Kuznetsova
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL
| | - Victoria R Matkins
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL
| | - Alana M Franceski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL
| | - Mahmoud A Bassal
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; Cancer Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Robert S Welner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama, Birmingham, AL.
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32
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Development of a Penetratin-Conjugated Stapled Peptide that Inhibits Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 73:117021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.117021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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33
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Munnik C, Xaba MP, Malindisa ST, Russell BL, Sooklal SA. Drosophila melanogaster: A platform for anticancer drug discovery and personalized therapies. Front Genet 2022; 13:949241. [PMID: 36003330 PMCID: PMC9393232 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.949241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease whereby multiple genetic aberrations, epigenetic modifications, metabolic reprogramming, and the microenvironment contribute to the development of a tumor. In the traditional anticancer drug discovery pipeline, drug candidates are usually screened in vitro using two-dimensional or three-dimensional cell culture. However, these methods fail to accurately mimic the human disease state. This has led to the poor success rate of anticancer drugs in the preclinical stages since many drugs are abandoned due to inefficacy or toxicity when transitioned to whole-organism models. The common fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has emerged as a beneficial system for modeling human cancers. Decades of fundamental research have shown the evolutionary conservation of key genes and signaling pathways between flies and humans. Moreover, Drosophila has a lower genetic redundancy in comparison to mammals. These factors, in addition to the advancement of genetic toolkits for manipulating gene expression, allow for the generation of complex Drosophila genotypes and phenotypes. Numerous studies have successfully created Drosophila models for colorectal, lung, thyroid, and brain cancers. These models were utilized in the high-throughput screening of FDA-approved drugs which led to the identification of several compounds capable of reducing proliferation and rescuing phenotypes. More noteworthy, Drosophila has also unlocked the potential for personalized therapies. Drosophila ‘avatars’ presenting the same mutations as a patient are used to screen multiple therapeutic agents targeting multiple pathways to find the most appropriate combination of drugs. The outcomes of these studies have translated to significant responses in patients with adenoid cystic carcinoma and metastatic colorectal cancers. Despite not being widely utilized, the concept of in vivo screening of drugs in Drosophila is making significant contributions to the current drug discovery pipeline. In this review, we discuss the application of Drosophila as a platform in anticancer drug discovery; with special focus on the cancer models that have been generated, drug libraries that have been screened and the status of personalized therapies. In addition, we elaborate on the biological and technical limitations of this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chamoné Munnik
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Malungi P. Xaba
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Sibusiso T. Malindisa
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Bonnie L. Russell
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
- Buboo (Pty) Ltd, The Innovation Hub, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Selisha A. Sooklal
- Department of Life and Consumer Sciences, University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Selisha A. Sooklal,
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Koelman EMR, Yeste-Vázquez A, Grossmann TN. Targeting the interaction of β-catenin and TCF/LEF transcription factors to inhibit oncogenic Wnt signaling. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 70:116920. [PMID: 35841828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is crucially involved in embryonic development, stem cell maintenance and tissue renewal. Hyperactivation of this pathway is associated with the development and progression of various types of cancers. The transcriptional coactivator β-catenin represents a pivotal component of the pathway and its interaction with transcription factors of the TCF/LEF family is central to pathway activation. Inhibition of this crucial protein-protein interaction via direct targeting of β-catenin is considered a promising strategy for the inactivation of oncogenic Wnt signaling. This review summarizes advances in the development of Wnt antagonists that have been shown to directly bind β-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M R Koelman
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Yeste-Vázquez
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands
| | - Tom N Grossmann
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands.
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35
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Weina T, Ying L, Yiwen W, Huan-Huan Q. What we have learnt from Drosophila model organism: the coordination between insulin signaling pathway and tumor cells. Heliyon 2022; 8:e09957. [PMID: 35874083 PMCID: PMC9304707 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer development is related to a variety of signaling pathways which mediate various cellular processes including growth, survival, division and competition of cells, as well as cell-cell interaction. The insulin signaling pathway interacts with different pathways and plays a core role in the regulations of all these processes. In this study, we reviewed recent studies on the relationship between the insulin signaling pathway and tumors using the Drosophila melanogaster model. We found that on one hand, the insulin pathway is normally hyperactive in tumor cells, which promotes tumor growth, and on the other hand, tumor cells can suppress the growth of healthy tissues via inhibition of their insulin pathway. Moreover, systematic disruption in glucose homeostasis also facilitates cancer development by different mechanisms. The studies on how the insulin network regulates the behaviors of cancer cells may help to discover new therapeutic treatments for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tang Weina
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Ying
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, China
| | - Wang Yiwen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiao Huan-Huan
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, China
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36
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Kadian LK, Arora M, Prasad CP, Pramanik R, Chauhan SS. Signaling pathways and their potential therapeutic utility in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:1014-1032. [PMID: 34990001 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02763-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is a complex gastrointestinal malignancy with an extremely poor outcome. Approximately 80% of cases of this malignancy in Asian countries including India are of squamous cell origin, termed Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC).The five-year survival rate in ESCC patients is less than 20%. Neo-adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (NACRT) followed by surgical resection remains the major therapeutic strategy for patients with operable ESCC. However, resistance to NACRT and local recurrence after initial treatment are the leading cause of dismal outcomes in these patients. Therefore, an alternative strategy to promote response to the therapy and reduce the post-operative disease recurrence is highly needed. At the molecular level, wide variations have been observed in tumor characteristics among different populations, nevertheless, several common molecular features have been identified which orchestrate disease progression and clinical outcome in the malignancy. Therefore, determination of candidate molecular pathways for targeted therapy remains the mainstream idea of focus in ESCC research. In this review, we have discussed the key signaling pathways associated with ESCC, i.e., Notch, Wnt, and Nrf2 pathways, and their crosstalk during disease progression. We further discuss the recent developments of novel agents to target these pathways in the context of targeted cancer therapy. In-depth research of the signaling pathways, gene signatures, and a combinatorial approach may help in discovering targeted therapy for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- L K Kadian
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - M Arora
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - C P Prasad
- Department of Medical Oncology (Lab), Dr. B. R. Ambedkar-IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - R Pramanik
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar-IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - S S Chauhan
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
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Goswami P, Ives AM, Abbott ARN, Bertke AS. Stress Hormones Epinephrine and Corticosterone Selectively Reactivate HSV-1 and HSV-2 in Sympathetic and Sensory Neurons. Viruses 2022; 14:1115. [PMID: 35632856 PMCID: PMC9147053 DOI: 10.3390/v14051115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2 (HSV-1 and HSV-2) establish latency in sensory and autonomic neurons, from which they can reactivate to cause recurrent disease throughout the life of the host. Stress is strongly associated with HSV recurrences in humans and animal models. However, the mechanisms through which stress hormones act on the latent virus to cause reactivation are unknown. We show that the stress hormones epinephrine (EPI) and corticosterone (CORT) induce HSV-1 reactivation selectively in sympathetic neurons, but not sensory or parasympathetic neurons. Activation of multiple adrenergic receptors is necessary for EPI-induced HSV-1 reactivation, while CORT requires the glucocorticoid receptor. In contrast, CORT, but not EPI, induces HSV-2 reactivation in both sensory and sympathetic neurons through either glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid receptors. Reactivation is dependent on different transcription factors for EPI and CORT, and coincides with rapid changes in viral gene expression, although genes differ for HSV-1 and HSV-2, and temporal kinetics differ for EPI and CORT. Thus, stress-induced reactivation mechanisms are neuron-specific, stimulus-specific and virus-specific. These findings have implications for differences in HSV-1 and HSV-2 recurrent disease patterns and frequencies, as well as development of targeted, more effective antivirals that may act on different responses in different types of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Poorna Goswami
- Translational Biology Medicine and Health, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA;
| | - Angela M. Ives
- Biomedical and Veterinary Science, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA;
| | - Amber R. N. Abbott
- Department of Biology, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA;
| | - Andrea S. Bertke
- Population Health Sciences, Center for Emerging Zoonotic and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24060, USA
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McCoy MA, Spicer D, Wells N, Hoogewijs K, Fiedler M, Baud MGJ. Biophysical Survey of Small-Molecule β-Catenin Inhibitors: A Cautionary Tale. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7246-7261. [PMID: 35581674 PMCID: PMC9150122 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The canonical Wingless-related
integration site signaling pathway
plays a critical role in human physiology, and its dysregulation can
lead to an array of diseases. β-Catenin is a multifunctional
protein within this pathway and an attractive yet challenging therapeutic
target, most notably in oncology. This has stimulated the search for
potent small-molecule inhibitors binding directly to the β-catenin
surface to inhibit its protein–protein interactions and downstream
signaling. Here, we provide an account of the claimed (and some putative)
small-molecule ligands of β-catenin from the literature. Through
in silico analysis, we show that most of these molecules contain promiscuous
chemical substructures notorious for interfering with screening assays.
Finally, and in line with this analysis, we demonstrate using orthogonal
biophysical techniques that none of the examined small molecules bind
at the surface of β-catenin. While shedding doubts on their
reported mode of action, this study also reaffirms β-catenin
as a prominent target in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A McCoy
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
| | - Dominique Spicer
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
| | - Neil Wells
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
| | - Kurt Hoogewijs
- National University of Ireland, University Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Marc Fiedler
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, U.K
| | - Matthias G J Baud
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
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Wnt/β-Catenin Signalling and Its Cofactor BCL9L Have an Oncogenic Effect in Bladder Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105319. [PMID: 35628130 PMCID: PMC9141496 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is characterised by a high recurrence and progression rate. However, the molecular mechanisms of BC progression remain poorly understood. BCL9L, a coactivator of β-catenin was mutated in the 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs). We assessed the influence of UTRs mutations on BCL9L, and the role of BCL9L and Wnt/β-catenin signalling in BC cells. UTR mutations were analysed by a luciferase reporter. BCL9L protein was assessed by immunohistochemistry in BC tissues. Cell proliferation was examined by crystal violet staining and by the spheroid model. Moreover, migration and invasion were analysed in real-time using the xCelligence RTCA system. The A > T mutation at 3′ UTR of BCL9L reduces the luciferase reporter mRNA expression and activity. BCL9L is predominantly increased in dysplastic urothelial cells and muscle-invasive BC. Knockdown of BCL9L and inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signalling significantly repress the proliferation, migration and invasion of Cal29 and T24. In addition, BCL9L knockdown reduces mRNA level of Wnt/β-catenin target genes in Cal29 but not in T24 cells. BCL9L and Wnt/β-catenin signalling play an oncogenic role in bladder cancer cells and seems to be associated with BC progression. Nevertheless, the involvement of BCL9L in Wnt/β-catenin signalling is cell-line specific.
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40
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Kocagöz Y, Demirler MC, Eski SE, Güler K, Dokuzluoglu Z, Fuss SH. Disparate progenitor cell populations contribute to maintenance and repair neurogenesis in the zebrafish olfactory epithelium. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 388:331-358. [PMID: 35266039 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03597-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) undergo constant turnover under physiological conditions but also regenerate efficiently following tissue injury. Maintenance and repair neurogenesis in the olfactory epithelium (OE) have been attributed to the selective activity of globose (GBCs) and horizontal basal cells (HBCs), respectively. In zebrafish, cells with GBC-like properties are localized to the peripheral margins of the sensory OE and contribute to OSN neurogenesis in the intact OE, while cells that resemble HBCs at the morphological and molecular level are more uniformly distributed. However, the contribution of these cells to the restoration of the injured OE has not been demonstrated. Here, we provide a detailed cellular and molecular analysis of the tissue response to injury and show that a dual progenitor cell system also exists in zebrafish. Zebrafish HBCs respond to the structural damage of the OE and generate a transient population of proliferative neurogenic progenitors that restores OSNs. In contrast, selective ablation of OSNs by axotomy triggers neurogenic GBC proliferation, suggesting that distinct signaling events activate GBC and HBC responses. Molecular analysis of differentially expressed genes in lesioned and regenerating OEs points toward an involvement of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Activation of Wnt signaling appears to be sufficient to stimulate mitotic activity, while inhibition significantly reduces, but does not fully eliminate, HBC responses. Zebrafish HBCs are surprisingly active even under physiological conditions with a strong bias toward the zones of constitutive OSN neurogenesis, suggestive of a direct lineage relationship between progenitor cell subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yigit Kocagöz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Bogazici University, Kuzey Park 319, 34342, Bebek - Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Can Demirler
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Bogazici University, Kuzey Park 319, 34342, Bebek - Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sema Elif Eski
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Bogazici University, Kuzey Park 319, 34342, Bebek - Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Research in Human and Molecular Biology, Free University of Brussels, Campus Erasme, 1070, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Kardelen Güler
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Bogazici University, Kuzey Park 319, 34342, Bebek - Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Zeynep Dokuzluoglu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Bogazici University, Kuzey Park 319, 34342, Bebek - Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Stefan H Fuss
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Bogazici University, Kuzey Park 319, 34342, Bebek - Istanbul, Turkey.
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41
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Qiao L, Chen Y, Liang N, Xie J, Deng G, Chen F, Wang X, Liu F, Li Y, Zhang J. Targeting Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Radioresistance: Crosslinked Mechanisms and Strategies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:775238. [PMID: 35251963 PMCID: PMC8888452 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.775238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy exerts a crucial role in curing cancer, however, its treatment efficiency is mostly limited due to the presence of radioresistance. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biological process that endows the cancer cells with invasive and metastatic properties, as well as radioresistance. Many potential mechanisms of EMT-related radioresistance being reported have broaden our cognition, and hint us the importance of an overall understanding of the relationship between EMT and radioresistance. This review focuses on the recent progresses involved in EMT-related mechanisms in regulating radioresistance, irradiation-mediated EMT program, and the intervention strategies to increase tumor radiosensitivity, in order to improve radiotherapy efficiency and clinical outcomes of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Qiao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yanfei Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ning Liang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jian Xie
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Guodong Deng
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Fangjie Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaojuan Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Fengjun Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Yupeng Li
- Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.,Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Jiandong Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Province Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China.,Department of Oncology, Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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42
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Koushyar S, Meniel VS, Phesse TJ, Pearson HB. Exploring the Wnt Pathway as a Therapeutic Target for Prostate Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:309. [PMID: 35204808 PMCID: PMC8869457 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt pathway is emerging as a frequent event during prostate cancer that can facilitate tumor formation, progression, and therapeutic resistance. Recent discoveries indicate that targeting the Wnt pathway to treat prostate cancer may be efficacious. However, the functional consequence of activating the Wnt pathway during the different stages of prostate cancer progression remains unclear. Preclinical work investigating the efficacy of targeting Wnt signaling for the treatment of prostate cancer, both in primary and metastatic lesions, and improving our molecular understanding of treatment responses is crucial to identifying effective treatment strategies and biomarkers that help guide treatment decisions and improve patient care. In this review, we outline the type of genetic alterations that lead to activated Wnt signaling in prostate cancer, highlight the range of laboratory models used to study the role of Wnt genetic drivers in prostate cancer, and discuss new mechanistic insights into how the Wnt cascade facilitates prostate cancer growth, metastasis, and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Koushyar
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Valerie S. Meniel
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
| | - Toby J. Phesse
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Helen B. Pearson
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
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43
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Wnt/β-catenin signalling: function, biological mechanisms, and therapeutic opportunities. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:3. [PMID: 34980884 PMCID: PMC8724284 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00762-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 615] [Impact Index Per Article: 307.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin pathway comprises a family of proteins that play critical roles in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. The deregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling often leads to various serious diseases, including cancer and non-cancer diseases. Although many articles have reviewed Wnt/β-catenin from various aspects, a systematic review encompassing the origin, composition, function, and clinical trials of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway in tumour and diseases is lacking. In this article, we comprehensively review the Wnt/β-catenin pathway from the above five aspects in combination with the latest research. Finally, we propose challenges and opportunities for the development of small-molecular compounds targeting the Wnt signalling pathway in disease treatment.
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Xie R, Yi D, Zeng D, Jie Q, Kang Q, Zhang Z, Zhang Z, Xiao G, Chen L, Tong L, Chen D. Specific deletion of Axin1 leads to activation of β-catenin/BMP signaling resulting in fibular hemimelia phenotype in mice. eLife 2022; 11:80013. [PMID: 36541713 PMCID: PMC9815809 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Axin1 is a key regulator of canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Roles of Axin1 in skeletal development and in disease occurrence have not been fully defined. Here, we report that Axin1 is essential for lower limb development. Specific deletion of Axin1 in limb mesenchymal cells leads to fibular hemimelia (FH)-like phenotype, associated with tarsal coalition. Further studies demonstrate that FH disease is associated with additional defects in Axin1 knockout (KO) mice, including decreased osteoclast formation and defects in angiogenesis. We then provide in vivo evidence showing that Axin1 controls limb development through both canonical β-catenin and BMP signaling pathways. We demonstrate that inhibition of β-catenin or BMP signaling could significantly reverse the FH phenotype in mice. Together, our findings reveal that integration of β-catenin and BMP signaling by Axin1 is required for lower limb development. Defect in Axin1 signaling could lead to the development of FH disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Xie
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical CenterChicagoUnited States
| | - Dan Yi
- Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Daofu Zeng
- Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Qiang Jie
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an JiaoTong University, College of MedicineXi'anChina
| | - Qinglin Kang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People’s HospitalShanghaiChina
| | - Zeng Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People’s HospitalShanghaiChina
| | - Zhenlin Zhang
- Department of Osteoporosis and Bone Diseases, Shanghai Jiaotong University Affiliated Sixth People’s HospitalShanghaiChina
| | - Guozhi Xiao
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and TechnologyShenzhenChina
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of Wound Repair and Rehabilitation, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, Army Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Liping Tong
- Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
| | - Di Chen
- Research Center for Computer-aided Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina,Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of SciencesShenzhenChina
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45
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Tripathi D, Sodani M, Gupta PK, Kulkarni S. Host directed therapies: COVID-19 and beyond. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2021; 2:100058. [PMID: 34870156 PMCID: PMC8464038 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2021.100058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The global spread of SARS-CoV-2 has necessitated the development of novel, safe and effective therapeutic agents against this virus to stop the pandemic, however the development of novel antivirals may take years, hence, the best alternative available, is to repurpose the existing antiviral drugs with known safety profile in humans. After more than one year into this pandemic, global efforts have yielded the fruits and with the launch of many vaccines in the market, the world is inching towards the end of this pandemic, nonetheless, future pandemics of this magnitude or even greater cannot be denied. The preparedness against viruses of unknown origin should be maintained and the broad-spectrum antivirals with activity against range of viruses should be developed to curb future viral pandemics. The majority of antivirals developed till date are pathogen specific agents, which target critical viral pathways and lack broad spectrum activity required to target wide range of viruses. The surge in drug resistance among pathogens has rendered a compelling need to shift our focus towards host directed factors in the treatment of infectious diseases. This gains special relevance in the case of viral infections, where the pathogen encodes a handful of genes and predominantly depends on host factors for their propagation and persistence. Therefore, future antiviral drug development should focus more on targeting molecules of host pathways that are often hijacked by many viruses. Such cellular proteins of host pathways offer attractive targets for the development of broad-spectrum anticipatory antivirals. In the present article, we have reviewed the host directed therapies (HDTs) effective against viral infections with a special focus on COVID-19. This article also discusses the strategies involved in identifying novel host targets and subsequent development of broad spectrum HDTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devavrat Tripathi
- Radiation Medicine Centre, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, C/O Tata Memorial Hospital Annexe, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Megha Sodani
- Radiation Medicine Centre, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, C/O Tata Memorial Hospital Annexe, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
| | - Pramod Kumar Gupta
- Radiation Medicine Centre, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, C/O Tata Memorial Hospital Annexe, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
- Corresponding author.
| | - Savita Kulkarni
- Radiation Medicine Centre, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, C/O Tata Memorial Hospital Annexe, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai, 400094, India
- Corresponding author. Radiation Medicine Centre, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, C/O Tata Memorial Hospital Annexe, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
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Giacomelli C, Jung J, Wachter A, Ibing S, Will R, Uhlmann S, Mannsperger H, Sahin Ö, Yarden Y, Beißbarth T, Korf U, Körner C, Wiemann S. Coordinated regulation of WNT/β-catenin, c-Met, and integrin signalling pathways by miR-193b controls triple negative breast cancer metastatic traits. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:1296. [PMID: 34863149 PMCID: PMC8642942 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08955-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer (BC). Treatment options for TNBC patients are limited and further insights into disease aetiology are needed to develop better therapeutic approaches. microRNAs’ ability to regulate multiple targets could hold a promising discovery approach to pathways relevant for TNBC aggressiveness. Thus, we address the role of miRNAs in controlling three signalling pathways relevant to the biology of TNBC, and their downstream phenotypes. Methods To identify miRNAs regulating WNT/β-catenin, c-Met, and integrin signalling pathways, we performed a high-throughput targeted proteomic approach, investigating the effect of 800 miRNAs on the expression of 62 proteins in the MDA-MB-231 TNBC cell line. We then developed a novel network analysis, Pathway Coregulatory (PC) score, to detect miRNAs regulating these three pathways. Using in vitro assays for cell growth, migration, apoptosis, and stem-cell content, we validated the function of candidate miRNAs. Bioinformatic analyses using BC patients’ datasets were employed to assess expression of miRNAs as well as their pathological relevance in TNBC patients. Results We identified six candidate miRNAs coordinately regulating the three signalling pathways. Quantifying cell growth of three TNBC cell lines upon miRNA gain-of-function experiments, we characterised miR-193b as a strong and consistent repressor of proliferation. Importantly, the effects of miR-193b were stronger than chemical inhibition of the individual pathways. We further demonstrated that miR-193b induced apoptosis, repressed migration, and regulated stem-cell markers in MDA-MB-231 cells. Furthermore, miR-193b expression was the lowest in patients classified as TNBC or Basal compared to other subtypes. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis showed that miR-193b expression was significantly associated with reduced activity of WNT/β-catenin and c-Met signalling pathways in TNBC patients. Conclusions Integrating miRNA-mediated effects and protein functions on networks, we show that miRNAs predominantly act in a coordinated fashion to activate or repress connected signalling pathways responsible for metastatic traits in TNBC. We further demonstrate that our top candidate, miR-193b, regulates these phenotypes to an extent stronger than individual pathway inhibition, thus emphasizing that its effect on TNBC aggressiveness is mediated by the coordinated repression of these functionally interconnected pathways. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-021-08955-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Giacomelli
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany. .,Present address: CRUK Beatson Institute, Bearsden, Glasgow, UK.
| | - Janine Jung
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Astrid Wachter
- Medical Bioinformatics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Susanne Ibing
- Division of Applied Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rainer Will
- Genomics and Proteomics Core Facility, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Uhlmann
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heiko Mannsperger
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Özgür Sahin
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Present address: Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Yosef Yarden
- Department of Biological Regulation, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tim Beißbarth
- Medical Bioinformatics, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Ulrike Korf
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cindy Körner
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Wiemann
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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Cui J, Chen H, Zhang K, Li X. Targeting the Wnt signaling pathway for breast cancer bone metastasis therapy. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 100:373-384. [PMID: 34821953 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02159-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Osteolytic bone destruction is found in approximately 60% of advanced breast cancer patients. With the pathogenesis of bone metastasis being unclear, traditional antiresorptive therapeutic strategies might not be ideal for treatment. The Wnt pathway is a highly organized cascade involved in multiple stages of cancer bone metastasis, and Wnt-targeted therapeutic strategies have shown promise in achieving favorable outcomes. In this review, we summarize the current progress of pharmacological Wnt modulators against breast cancer bone metastasis, discuss emerging therapeutic strategies based on Wnt pathway-related targets for bone therapy, and highlight opportunities to better harness the Wnt pathway for bone metastasis therapeutics to further reveal the implications of the Wnt pathway in bone metastasis pathology and provide new ideas for the development of Wnt-based intervention strategies against breast cancer bone metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyao Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Haoran Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Kaiwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, China.
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48
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Liu Y, Debo B, Li M, Shi Z, Sheng W, Shi Y. LSD1 inhibition sustains T cell invigoration with a durable response to PD-1 blockade. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6831. [PMID: 34819502 PMCID: PMC8613218 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27179-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Exhausted CD8+ T cells are key targets of immune checkpoint blockade therapy and their ineffective reinvigoration limits the durable benefit in some cancer patients. Here, we demonstrate that histone demethylase LSD1 acts to enforce an epigenetic program in progenitor exhausted CD8+ T cells to antagonize the TCF1-mediated progenitor maintenance and to promote terminal differentiation. Consequently, genetic perturbation or small molecules targeting LSD1 increases the persistence of the progenitor exhausted CD8+ T cells, which provide a sustained source for the proliferative conversion to numerically larger terminally exhausted T cells with tumor-killing cytotoxicity, thereby leading to effective and durable responses to anti-PD1 therapy. Collectively, our findings provide important insights into epigenetic mechanisms that regulate T cell exhaustion and have important implications for durable immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDivision of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Brian Debo
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDivision of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA ,grid.4991.50000 0004 1936 8948Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ UK
| | - Mingfeng Li
- grid.47100.320000000419368710Department of Neuroscience and Kavli Institute for Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510 USA
| | - Zhennan Shi
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDivision of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115 USA
| | - Wanqiang Sheng
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Institute of Immunology, and Department of Respiratory Disease of The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, China.
| | - Yang Shi
- Division of Newborn Medicine and Epigenetics Program, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. .,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7DQ, UK.
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49
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Vetrova AA, Lebedeva TS, Saidova AA, Kupaeva DM, Kraus YA, Kremnyov SV. From apolar gastrula to polarized larva: Embryonic development of a marine hydroid, Dynamena pumila. Dev Dyn 2021; 251:795-825. [PMID: 34787911 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In almost all metazoans examined to this respect, the axial patterning system based on canonical Wnt (cWnt) signaling operates throughout the course of development. In most metazoans, gastrulation is polar, and embryos develop morphological landmarks of axial polarity, such as blastopore under control/regulation from cWnt signaling. However, in many cnidarian species, gastrulation is morphologically apolar. The question remains whether сWnt signaling providing the establishment of a body axis controls morphogenetic processes involved in apolar gastrulation. RESULTS In this study, we focused on the embryonic development of Dynamena pumila, a cnidarian species with apolar gastrulation. We thoroughly described cell behavior, proliferation, and ultrastructure and examined axial patterning in the embryos of this species. We revealed that the first signs of morphological polarity appear only after the end of gastrulation, while molecular prepatterning of the embryo does exist during gastrulation. We have shown experimentally that in D. pumila, the direction of the oral-aboral axis is highly robust against perturbations in cWnt activity. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that morphogenetic processes are uncoupled from molecular axial patterning during gastrulation in D. pumila. Investigation of D. pumila might significantly expand our understanding of the ways in which morphological polarization and axial molecular patterning are linked in Metazoa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra A Vetrova
- Laboratory of Morphogenesis Evolution, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana S Lebedeva
- Department of Neurosciences and Developmental Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aleena A Saidova
- Department of Cell Biology and Histology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Daria M Kupaeva
- Laboratory of Morphogenesis Evolution, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yulia A Kraus
- Laboratory of Morphogenesis Evolution, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology RAS, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Stanislav V Kremnyov
- Laboratory of Morphogenesis Evolution, Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology RAS, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Embryology, Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
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50
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Trujano-Camacho S, Cantú-de León D, Delgado-Waldo I, Coronel-Hernández J, Millan-Catalan O, Hernández-Sotelo D, López-Camarillo C, Pérez-Plasencia C, Campos-Parra AD. Inhibition of Wnt-β-Catenin Signaling by ICRT14 Drug Depends of Post-Transcriptional Regulation by HOTAIR in Human Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:729228. [PMID: 34778043 PMCID: PMC8580948 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.729228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Cervical cancer (CC), in addition to HPV infection, the most relevant alteration during CC initiation and progression is the aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Several inhibitory drugs of this pathway are undergoing preclinical and clinical studies. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are associated with resistance to treatments. In this regard, understanding the efficiency of drugs that block the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in CC is of relevance to eventually propose successful target therapies in patients with this disease. METHODS We analyzed the levels of expression of 249 components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in a group of 109 CC patients. Three drugs that blocking specific elements of Wnt/β-catenin pathway (C59, NSC668036 and ICRT14) by TOP FLASH assays and qRT-PCR were tested in vitro in CC cells. RESULTS 137 genes of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway were up-regulated and 112 down-regulated in CC patient's samples, demonstrating that this pathway is dysregulated. C59 was an efficient drug to inhibit Wnt/β-catenin pathway in CC cells. NSC668036, was not able to inhibit the transcriptional activity of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Strikingly, ICRT14 was neither able to inhibit this pathway in HeLa cells, due to HOTAIR interaction with β-catenin, maintaining the Wnt/β-catenin pathway activated. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate a mechanism by which HOTAIR evades the effect of ICRT14, a Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitory drug, in HeLa cell line. The emergence of these mechanisms reveals new scenarios in the design of target therapies used in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Trujano-Camacho
- Postgraduate in Experimental Biology, DCBS, Autonomous Metropolitan University-Iztapalapa, Iztapalapa, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - David Cantú-de León
- Unidad de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Cancerología, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Izamary Delgado-Waldo
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Oliver Millan-Catalan
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Daniel Hernández-Sotelo
- Laboratorio de Epigenética del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo, Mexico
| | - César López-Camarillo
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Carlos Pérez-Plasencia
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - Alma D. Campos-Parra
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Ciudad de México, Mexico
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