51
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Ho SY, Keller TH. The use of porcupine inhibitors to target Wnt-driven cancers. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2015; 25:5472-6. [PMID: 26522946 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2015.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Revised: 10/05/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Over the past decade, academic groups and pharmaceutical companies have uncovered several components and targets for intervention in the Wnt pathway. One approach is to block Wnt signalling through the use of orally bioavailable small molecules that prevent Wnt ligand secretion. In recent years, the membrane bound O-acyl transferase (MBOAT) porcupine (PORCN) has emerged as a molecular target of interest in the search for clinical options to treat Wnt-driven cancers. This review shall provide an overview of the reported small molecule inhibitors for PORCN and discuss the progress made in identifying human disease models that are responsive to PORCN inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Yei Ho
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, 31 Biopolis Way, #03-01 Nanos, Singapore 138669, Singapore.
| | - Thomas H Keller
- Experimental Therapeutics Centre, 31 Biopolis Way, #03-01 Nanos, Singapore 138669, Singapore
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52
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Hannoush RN. Synthetic protein lipidation. Curr Opin Chem Biol 2015; 28:39-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2015.05.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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53
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Schade
- Department
of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, TU Dortmund University, Otto-Hahn-Strasse
6, 44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Alleyn T. Plowright
- Department
of Medicinal Chemistry, Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases Innovative
Medicines, AstraZeneca, Pepparedsleden 1, Mölndal, 43183, Sweden
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54
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Zhang X, Hao J. Development of anticancer agents targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Am J Cancer Res 2015; 5:2344-2360. [PMID: 26396911 PMCID: PMC4568771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Accepted: 06/04/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays indispensable roles in both embryonic development and adult homeostasis. Abnormal regulation of this pathway is implicated in many types of cancer. Consequently, substantial efforts have made to develop therapeutic agents as anticancer drugs by specifically targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Here we systematically review the potential therapeutic agents that have been developed to date for inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin cascade as well as current status of clinical trials of some of these agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangqian Zhang
- College of Life Science, Yan’an UniversityYan’an 716000, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jijun Hao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Western University of Health SciencesPomona, CA 91766, USA
- Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health SciencesPomona, CA, 91766, USA
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55
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Melotti A, Mas C, Kuciak M, Lorente-Trigos A, Borges I, Ruiz i Altaba A. The river blindness drug Ivermectin and related macrocyclic lactones inhibit WNT-TCF pathway responses in human cancer. EMBO Mol Med 2015; 6:1263-78. [PMID: 25143352 PMCID: PMC4287931 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201404084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Constitutive activation of canonical WNT-TCF signaling is implicated in multiple diseases, including intestine and lung cancers, but there are no WNT-TCF antagonists in clinical use. We have performed a repositioning screen for WNT-TCF response blockers aiming to recapitulate the genetic blockade afforded by dominant-negative TCF. We report that Ivermectin inhibits the expression of WNT-TCF targets, mimicking dnTCF, and that its low concentration effects are rescued by direct activation by TCF(VP16). Ivermectin inhibits the proliferation and increases apoptosis of various human cancer types. It represses the levels of C-terminal β-CATENIN phosphoforms and of CYCLIN D1 in an okadaic acid-sensitive manner, indicating its action involves protein phosphatases. In vivo, Ivermectin selectively inhibits TCF-dependent, but not TCF-independent, xenograft growth without obvious side effects. Analysis of single semi-synthetic derivatives highlights Selamectin, urging its clinical testing and the exploration of the macrocyclic lactone chemical space. Given that Ivermectin is a safe anti-parasitic agent used by > 200 million people against river blindness, our results suggest its additional use as a therapeutic WNT-TCF pathway response blocker to treat WNT-TCF-dependent diseases including multiple cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Melotti
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Christophe Mas
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Monika Kuciak
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Aiala Lorente-Trigos
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Isabel Borges
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ariel Ruiz i Altaba
- Department of Genetic Medicine and Development, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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56
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Masumoto N, Lanyon-Hogg T, Rodgers UR, Konitsiotis AD, Magee AI, Tate EW. Membrane bound O-acyltransferases and their inhibitors. Biochem Soc Trans 2015; 43:246-52. [PMID: 25849925 DOI: 10.1042/bst20150018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Since the identification of the membrane-bound O-acyltransferase (MBOATs) protein family in the early 2000s, three distinct members [porcupine (PORCN), hedgehog (Hh) acyltransferase (HHAT) and ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT)] have been shown to acylate specific proteins or peptides. In this review, topology determination, development of assays to measure enzymatic activities and discovery of small molecule inhibitors are compared and discussed for each of these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Masumoto
- *Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Thomas Lanyon-Hogg
- *Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Ursula R Rodgers
- ‡Molecular Medicine Section, National Lung & Heart Institute, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, South Kensington Campus, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Antonios D Konitsiotis
- ‡Molecular Medicine Section, National Lung & Heart Institute, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, South Kensington Campus, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Anthony I Magee
- †Institute of Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
| | - Edward W Tate
- *Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, SW7 2AZ, U.K
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57
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Van B, Nishi M, Komazaki S, Ichimura A, Kakizawa S, Nakanaga K, Aoki J, Park KH, Ma J, Ueyama T, Ogata T, Maruyama N, Takeshima H. Mitsugumin 56 (hedgehog acyltransferase-like) is a sarcoplasmic reticulum-resident protein essential for postnatal muscle maturation. FEBS Lett 2015; 589:1095-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2015.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Revised: 03/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/26/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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58
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Tomao F, Papa A, Zaccarelli E, Rossi L, Caruso D, Minozzi M, Vici P, Frati L, Tomao S. Triple-negative breast cancer: new perspectives for targeted therapies. Onco Targets Ther 2015; 8:177-93. [PMID: 25653541 PMCID: PMC4303459 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s67673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, encompassing a large number of entities showing different morphological features and having clinical behaviors. It has became apparent that this diversity may be justified by distinct patterns of genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptomic aberrations. The identification of gene-expression microarray-based characteristics has led to the identification of at least five breast cancer subgroups: luminal A, luminal B, normal breast-like, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, and basal-like. Triple-negative breast cancer is a complex disease diagnosed by immunohistochemistry, and it is characterized by malignant cells not expressing estrogen receptors or progesterone receptors at all, and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2. Along with this knowledge, recent data show that triple-negative breast cancer has specific molecular features that could be possible targets for new biological targeted drugs. The aim of this article is to explore the use of new drugs in this particular setting, which is still associated with poor prognosis and high risk of distant recurrence and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Tomao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico “Umberto I”, Rome, Italy
| | - Anselmo Papa
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Oncology Unit, Istituto Chirurgico Ortopedico Traumatologico, Latina, Italy
| | - Eleonora Zaccarelli
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Oncology Unit, Istituto Chirurgico Ortopedico Traumatologico, Latina, Italy
| | - Luigi Rossi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Oncology Unit, Istituto Chirurgico Ortopedico Traumatologico, Latina, Italy
| | - Davide Caruso
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Oncology Unit, Istituto Chirurgico Ortopedico Traumatologico, Latina, Italy
| | - Marina Minozzi
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Oncology Unit, Istituto Chirurgico Ortopedico Traumatologico, Latina, Italy
| | - Patrizia Vici
- Division of Medical Oncology B, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Frati
- Department of Molecular Medicine, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Policlinico “Umberto I”, Rome, Italy
| | - Silverio Tomao
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, “Sapienza” University of Rome, Oncology Unit, Istituto Chirurgico Ortopedico Traumatologico, Latina, Italy
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59
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Miranda M, Galli LM, Enriquez M, Szabo LA, Gao X, Hannoush RN, Burrus LW. Identification of the WNT1 residues required for palmitoylation by Porcupine. FEBS Lett 2014; 588:4815-24. [PMID: 25451226 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2014] [Revised: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The post-translational palmitoylation of WNT morphogens is critical for proper signaling during embryogenesis and adult homeostasis. The addition of palmitoyl groups to WNT proteins is catalyzed by Porcupine (PORCN). However, the Wnt amino acid residues required for recognition and palmitoylation by PORCN have not been fully characterized. We show that WNT1 residues 214-234 are sufficient for PORCN-dependent palmitoylation of Ser224. Substitution of Ser224 with Thr, but not Cys, is tolerated in palmitoylation and biological assays. Our data highlight the importance of palmitoylation for WNT1 activity and establish PORCN as an O-acyl transferase for WNT1.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Miranda
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - L M Galli
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - M Enriquez
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - L A Szabo
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - X Gao
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - R N Hannoush
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - L W Burrus
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA.
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60
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Wnt secretion is required to maintain high levels of Wnt activity in colon cancer cells. Nat Commun 2014; 4:2610. [PMID: 24162018 PMCID: PMC3826636 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms3610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 194] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 09/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway has an important role during the onset and progression of colorectal cancer, with over 90% of cases of sporadic colon cancer featuring mutations in APC or β-catenin. However, it has remained a point of controversy whether these mutations are sufficient to activate the pathway or require additional upstream signals. Here we show that colorectal tumours express elevated levels of Wnt3 and Evi/Wls/GPR177. We found that in colon cancer cells, even in the presence of mutations in APC or β-catenin, downstream signalling remains responsive to Wnt ligands and receptor proximal signalling. Furthermore, we demonstrate that truncated APC proteins bind β-catenin and key components of the destruction complex. These results indicate that cells with mutations in APC or β-catenin depend on Wnt ligands and their secretion for a sufficient level of β-catenin signalling, which potentially opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions by targeting Wnt secretion via Evi/Wls. Activating mutations in the Wnt signalling pathway are associated with colon cancer. Here the authors show that tumour cells carrying mutations in APC and β-catenin are still regulated by Wnt ligands, suggesting that Wnt secretion and receptor signalling remains important to control downstream signalling.
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61
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Rios-Esteves J, Haugen B, Resh MD. Identification of key residues and regions important for porcupine-mediated Wnt acylation. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:17009-19. [PMID: 24798332 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.561209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnts comprise a family of lipid-modified, secreted signaling proteins that control embryogenesis, as well as tissue homeostasis in adults. Post-translational attachment of palmitoleate (C16:1) to a conserved Ser in Wnt proteins is catalyzed by Porcupine (Porcn), a member of the membrane bound O-acyltransferase (MBOAT) family, and is required for Wnt secretion and signaling. Moreover, genetic alterations in the PORCN gene lead to focal dermal hypoplasia, an X-linked developmental disorder. Despite its physiological importance, the biochemical mechanism governing Wnt acylation by Porcn is poorly understood. Here, we use a cell-based fatty acylation assay that is a direct readout of Porcn acyltransferase activity to perform structure-function analysis of highly conserved residues in Porcn and Wnt3a. In total, 16-point mutations in Porcn and 13 mutations in Wnt3a were generated and analyzed. We identified key residues within Porcn required for enzymatic activity, stability, and Wnt3a binding and mapped these active site residues to predicted transmembrane domain 9. Analysis of focal dermal hypoplasia-associated mutations in Porcn revealed that loss of enzymatic activity arises from altered stability. A consensus sequence within Wnt3a was identified (CXCHGXSXXCXXKXC) that contains residues that mediate Porcn binding, fatty acid transfer, and Wnt signaling. We also showed that Ser or Thr, but not Cys, can serve as a fatty acylation site in Wnt, establishing Porcn as an O-acyltransferase. This analysis sheds light into the mechanism by which Porcn transfers fatty acids to Wnt proteins and provides insight into the mechanisms of fatty acid transfer by MBOAT family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Rios-Esteves
- From the Cell Biology Program and the Gerstner Sloan-Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065
| | - Brittany Haugen
- From the Cell Biology Program and the Gerstner Sloan-Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065
| | - Marilyn D Resh
- From the Cell Biology Program and the Gerstner Sloan-Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065
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62
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Abstract
Wnt signaling is one of the key oncogenic pathways in multiple cancers, and targeting this pathway is an attractive therapeutic approach. However, therapeutic success has been limited because of the lack of therapeutic agents for targets in the Wnt pathway and the lack of a defined patient population that would be sensitive to a Wnt inhibitor. We developed a screen for small molecules that block Wnt secretion. This effort led to the discovery of LGK974, a potent and specific small-molecule Porcupine (PORCN) inhibitor. PORCN is a membrane-bound O-acyltransferase that is required for and dedicated to palmitoylation of Wnt ligands, a necessary step in the processing of Wnt ligand secretion. We show that LGK974 potently inhibits Wnt signaling in vitro and in vivo, including reduction of the Wnt-dependent LRP6 phosphorylation and the expression of Wnt target genes, such as AXIN2. LGK974 is potent and efficacious in multiple tumor models at well-tolerated doses in vivo, including murine and rat mechanistic breast cancer models driven by MMTV-Wnt1 and a human head and neck squamous cell carcinoma model (HN30). We also show that head and neck cancer cell lines with loss-of-function mutations in the Notch signaling pathway have a high response rate to LGK974. Together, these findings provide both a strategy and tools for targeting Wnt-driven cancers through the inhibition of PORCN.
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63
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Rios-Esteves J, Resh MD. Stearoyl CoA desaturase is required to produce active, lipid-modified Wnt proteins. Cell Rep 2013; 4:1072-81. [PMID: 24055053 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2013] [Revised: 06/25/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt proteins contain palmitoleic acid, an unusual lipid modification. Production of an active Wnt signal requires the acyltransferase Porcupine and depends on the attachment of palmitoleic acid to Wnt. The source of this monounsaturated fatty acid has not been identified, and it is not known how Porcupine recognizes its substrate and whether desaturation occurs before or after fatty acid transfer to Wnt. Here, we show that stearoyl desaturase (SCD) generates a monounsaturated fatty acid substrate that is then transferred by Porcupine to Wnt. Treatment of cells with SCD inhibitors blocked incorporation of palmitate analogs into Wnt3a and Wnt5a and reduced Wnt secretion as well as autocrine and paracrine Wnt signaling. The SCD inhibitor effects were rescued by exogenous addition of monounsaturated fatty acids. We propose that SCD is a key molecular player responsible for Wnt biogenesis and processing and that SCD inhibition provides an alternative mechanism for blocking Wnt pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Rios-Esteves
- Cell Biology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Gerstner Sloan-Kettering Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
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64
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Moro E, Vettori A, Porazzi P, Schiavone M, Rampazzo E, Casari A, Ek O, Facchinello N, Astone M, Zancan I, Milanetto M, Tiso N, Argenton F. Generation and application of signaling pathway reporter lines in zebrafish. Mol Genet Genomics 2013; 288:231-42. [PMID: 23674148 PMCID: PMC3664755 DOI: 10.1007/s00438-013-0750-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In the last years, we have seen the emergence of different tools that have changed the face of biology from a simple modeling level to a more systematic science. The transparent zebrafish embryo is one of the living models in which, after germline transformation with reporter protein-coding genes, specific fluorescent cell populations can be followed at single-cell resolution. The genetically modified embryos, larvae and adults, resulting from the transformation, are individuals in which time lapse analysis, digital imaging quantification, FACS sorting and next-generation sequencing can be performed in specific times and tissues. These multifaceted genetic and cellular approaches have permitted to dissect molecular interactions at the subcellular, intercellular, tissue and whole-animal level, thus allowing integration of cellular and developmental genetics with molecular imaging in the resulting frame of modern biology. In this review, we describe a new step in the zebrafish road to system biology, based on the use of transgenic biosensor animals expressing fluorescent proteins under the control of signaling pathway-responsive cis-elements. In particular, we provide here the rationale and details of this powerful tool, trying to focus on its huge potentialities in basic and applied research, while also discussing limits and potential technological evolutions of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Moro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, via Ugo Bassi 58/b, 35131 Padua, Italy.
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65
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Wang X, Moon J, Dodge ME, Pan X, Zhang L, Hanson JM, Tuladhar R, Ma Z, Shi H, Williams NS, Amatruda JF, Carroll TJ, Lum L, Chen C. The development of highly potent inhibitors for porcupine. J Med Chem 2013; 56:2700-4. [PMID: 23477365 DOI: 10.1021/jm400159c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Porcupine is a member of the membrane-bound O-acyltransferase family of proteins. It catalyzes the palmitoylation of Wnt proteins, a process required for their secretion and activity. We recently disclosed a class of small molecules (IWPs) as the first reported Porcn inhibitors. We now describe the structure-activity relationship studies and the identification of subnanomolar inhibitors. We also report herein the effects of IWPs on Wnt-dependent developmental processes, including zebrafish posterior axis formation and kidney tubule formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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66
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Mo ML, Li MR, Chen Z, Liu XW, Sheng Q, Zhou HM. Inhibition of the Wnt palmitoyltransferase porcupine suppresses cell growth and downregulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in gastric cancer. Oncol Lett 2013; 5:1719-1723. [PMID: 23761839 PMCID: PMC3678880 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2013.1256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2012] [Accepted: 02/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Similarly to the Wnt protein palmitoyltransferase, porcupine (PPN) is essential to the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. However, little is known about the role of PPN activity in human gastric cancer, one of the most common causes of cancer-related mortality. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression levels of PPN in paired gastric cancer tissues. Cell proliferation, migration and invasion assays were performed following treatment using a newly developed small molecule PPN inhibitor (inhibitors of Wnt production, IWP-2) in the gastric cancer MKN28 cell line. Expression of downstream target genes and transcriptional activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway were examined following IWP-2 treatment in MKN28. We identified that PPN was overexpressed in human gastric cancer tissue samples and cell lines. Following treatment of the gastric cancer cell line MKN28 with IWP-2, we detected that IWP-2 decreased MKN28 cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and elevated caspase 3/7 activity. Further analysis demonstrated that IWP-2 downregulated the transcriptional activity of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and downregulated the expression levels of downstream Wnt/β-catenin target genes in MKN28 cells. As current Wnt pathway-targeting strategies used for anticancer therapy have mainly focused on Wnt-receiving cells, our data shed light on the potential use of Wnt palmitoyltransferase PPN inhibitors to abrogate Wnt production in Wnt-producing cells, thus providing a potential therapeutic option for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Li Mo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Protein Therapeutics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084
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67
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Voronkov A, Krauss S. Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and small molecule inhibitors. Curr Pharm Des 2013; 19:634-64. [PMID: 23016862 PMCID: PMC3529405 DOI: 10.2174/138161213804581837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a branch of a functional network that dates back to the first metazoans and it is involved in a broad range of biological systems including stem cells, embryonic development and adult organs. Deregulation of components involved in Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been implicated in a wide spectrum of diseases including a number of cancers and degenerative diseases. The key mediator of Wnt signaling, β-catenin, serves several cellular functions. It functions in a dynamic mode at multiple cellular locations, including the plasma membrane, where β-catenin contributes to the stabilization of intercellular adhesive complexes, the cytoplasm where β-catenin levels are regulated and the nucleus where β-catenin is involved in transcriptional regulation and chromatin interactions. Central effectors of β-catenin levels are a family of cysteine-rich secreted glycoproteins, known as Wnt morphogens. Through the LRP5/6-Frizzled receptor complex, Wnts regulate the location and activity of the destruction complex and consequently intracellular β- catenin levels. However, β-catenin levels and their effects on transcriptional programs are also influenced by multiple other factors including hypoxia, inflammation, hepatocyte growth factor-mediated signaling, and the cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin. The broad implications of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in development, in the adult body and in disease render the pathway a prime target for pharmacological research and development. The intricate regulation of β-catenin at its various locations provides alternative points for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey Voronkov
- SFI-CAST Biomedical Innovation Center, Unit for Cell Signaling, Oslo University Hospital, Forskningsparken, Gaustadalleén 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stefan Krauss
- SFI-CAST Biomedical Innovation Center, Unit for Cell Signaling, Oslo University Hospital, Forskningsparken, Gaustadalleén 21, 0349, Oslo, Norway
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68
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Proffitt KD, Madan B, Ke Z, Pendharkar V, Ding L, Lee MA, Hannoush RN, Virshup DM. Pharmacological inhibition of the Wnt acyltransferase PORCN prevents growth of WNT-driven mammary cancer. Cancer Res 2012. [PMID: 23188502 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-2258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 284] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Porcupine (PORCN) is a membrane bound O-acyltransferase that is required for Wnt palmitoylation, secretion, and biologic activity. All evaluable human Wnts require PORCN for their activity, suggesting that inhibition of PORCN could be an effective treatment for cancers dependent on excess Wnt activity. In this study, we evaluated the PORCN inhibitor Wnt-C59 (C59), to determine its activity and toxicity in cultured cells and mice. C59 inhibits PORCN activity in vitro at nanomolar concentrations, as assessed by inhibition of Wnt palmitoylation, Wnt interaction with the carrier protein Wntless/WLS, Wnt secretion, and Wnt activation of β-catenin reporter activity. In mice, C59 displayed good bioavailability, as once daily oral administration was sufficient to maintain blood concentrations well above the IC(50). C59 blocked progression of mammary tumors in MMTV-WNT1 transgenic mice while downregulating Wnt/β-catenin target genes. Surprisingly, mice exhibit no apparent toxicity, such that at a therapeutically effective dose there were no pathologic changes in the gut or other tissues. These results offer preclinical proof-of-concept that inhibiting mammalian Wnts can be achieved by targeting PORCN with small-molecule inhibitors such as C59, and that this is a safe and feasible strategy in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle David Proffitt
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
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