101
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Rodon J, Argilés G, Connolly RM, Vaishampayan U, de Jonge M, Garralda E, Giannakis M, Smith DC, Dobson JR, McLaughlin ME, Seroutou A, Ji Y, Morawiak J, Moody SE, Janku F. Phase 1 study of single-agent WNT974, a first-in-class Porcupine inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumours. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:28-37. [PMID: 33941878 PMCID: PMC8257624 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01389-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This Phase 1 study assessed the safety and efficacy of the Porcupine inhibitor, WNT974, in patients with advanced solid tumours. METHODS Patients (n = 94) received oral WNT974 at doses of 5-30 mg once-daily, plus additional dosing schedules. RESULTS The maximum tolerated dose was not established; the recommended dose for expansion was 10 mg once-daily. Dysgeusia was the most common adverse event (50% of patients), likely resulting from on-target Wnt pathway inhibition. No responses were seen by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) v1.1; 16% of patients had stable disease (median duration 19.9 weeks). AXIN2 expression by RT-PCR was reduced in 94% of paired skin biopsies (n = 52) and 74% of paired tumour biopsies (n = 35), confirming inhibition of the Wnt pathway. In an exploratory analysis, an inverse association was observed between AXIN2 change and immune signature change in paired tumour samples (n = 8). CONCLUSIONS Single-agent WNT974 treatment was generally well tolerated. Biomarker analyses suggest that WNT974 may influence immune cell recruitment to tumours, and may enhance checkpoint inhibitor activity. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT01351103.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Rodon
- grid.411083.f0000 0001 0675 8654Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain ,grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Present Address: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Guillem Argilés
- grid.411083.f0000 0001 0675 8654Vall d’Hebron University Hospital and Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roisin M. Connolly
- grid.21107.350000 0001 2171 9311Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA ,grid.7872.a0000000123318773Present Address: CancerResearch@UCC, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ulka Vaishampayan
- grid.477517.70000 0004 0396 4462Department of Oncology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Maja de Jonge
- grid.5645.2000000040459992XDepartment of Medical Oncology, Erasmus Medical Center Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Elena Garralda
- grid.488453.60000000417724902START Madrid, Hospital Universitario Madrid Sanchinarro, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marios Giannakis
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA USA
| | - David C. Smith
- grid.214458.e0000000086837370University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI USA
| | - Jason R. Dobson
- grid.418424.f0000 0004 0439 2056Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Margaret E. McLaughlin
- grid.418424.f0000 0004 0439 2056Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA USA
| | | | - Yan Ji
- grid.418424.f0000 0004 0439 2056Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, East Hanover, NJ USA
| | - Jennifer Morawiak
- grid.418424.f0000 0004 0439 2056Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Susan E. Moody
- grid.418424.f0000 0004 0439 2056Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, MA USA
| | - Filip Janku
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics (Phase 1 Clinical Trials Program), The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
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102
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Pitzer LM, Moroney MR, Nokoff NJ, Sikora MJ. WNT4 Balances Development vs Disease in Gynecologic Tissues and Women's Health. Endocrinology 2021; 162:6272210. [PMID: 33963381 PMCID: PMC8197283 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The WNT family of proteins is crucial in numerous developmental pathways and tissue homeostasis. WNT4, in particular, is uniquely implicated in the development of the female phenotype in the fetus, and in the maintenance of müllerian and reproductive tissues. WNT4 dysfunction or dysregulation can drive sex-reversal syndromes, highlighting the key role of WNT4 in sex determination. WNT4 is also critical in gynecologic pathologies later in life, including several cancers, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and infertility. The role of WNT4 in normal decidualization, implantation, and gestation is being increasingly appreciated, while aberrant activation of WNT4 signaling is being linked both to gynecologic and breast cancers. Notably, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at the WNT4 gene locus are strongly associated with these pathologies and may functionally link estrogen and estrogen receptor signaling to upregulation and activation of WNT4 signaling. Importantly, in each of these developmental and disease states, WNT4 gene expression and downstream WNT4 signaling are regulated and executed by myriad tissue-specific pathways. Here, we review the roles of WNT4 in women's health with a focus on sex development, and gynecologic and breast pathologies, and our understanding of how WNT4 signaling is controlled in these contexts. Defining WNT4 functions provides a unique opportunity to link sex-specific signaling pathways to women's health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren M Pitzer
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Marisa R Moroney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Natalie J Nokoff
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Endocrinology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
| | - Matthew J Sikora
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado 80045, USA
- Correspondence: Matthew J. Sikora, PhD; Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop 8104, Research Complex 1 South, Rm 5117, 12801 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. . Twitter: @mjsikora
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103
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Galli LM, Anderson MO, Gabriel Fraley J, Sanchez L, Bueno R, Hernandez DN, Maddox EU, Lingappa VR, Burrus LW. Determination of the membrane topology of PORCN, an O-acyl transferase that modifies Wnt signalling proteins. Open Biol 2021; 11:200400. [PMID: 34186010 PMCID: PMC8241489 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt gradients elicit distinct cellular responses, such as proliferation, specification, differentiation and survival in a dose-dependent manner. Porcupine (PORCN), a membrane-bound O-acyl transferase (MBOAT) that resides in the endoplasmic reticulum, catalyses the addition of monounsaturated palmitate to Wnt proteins and is required for Wnt gradient formation and signalling. In humans, PORCN mutations are causal for focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH), an X-linked dominant syndrome characterized by defects in mesodermal and endodermal tissues. PORCN is also an emerging target for cancer therapeutics. Despite the importance of this enzyme, its structure remains poorly understood. Recently, the crystal structure of DltB, an MBOAT family member from bacteria, was solved. In this report, we use experimental data along with homology modelling to DltB to determine the membrane topology of PORCN. Our studies reveal that PORCN has 11 membrane domains, comprising nine transmembrane spanning domains and two reentrant domains. The N-terminus is oriented towards the lumen while the C-terminus is oriented towards the cytosol. Like DltB, PORCN has a funnel-like structure that is encapsulated by multiple membrane-spanning helices. This new model for PORCN topology allows us to map residues that are important for biological activity (and implicated in FDH) onto its three-dimensional structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Galli
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Marc O Anderson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - J Gabriel Fraley
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Luis Sanchez
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Raymund Bueno
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - David N Hernandez
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Eva U Maddox
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | | | - Laura W Burrus
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
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Abstract
The liver is uniquely bestowed with an ability to regenerate following a surgical or toxicant insult. One of the most researched models to demonstrate the regenerative potential of this organ is the partial hepatectomy model, where two thirds of the liver is surgically resected. The remnant liver replenishes the lost mass within 1014 days in mice. The distinctive ability of the liver to regenerate has allowed living donor and split liver transplantation. One signaling pathway shown to be activated during the process of regeneration to contribute toward the mass and functional recovery of the liver is the Wnt/-catenin pathway. Very early after any insult to the liver, the cellmolecule circuitry of the Wnt/-catenin pathway is set into motion with the release of specific Wnt ligands from sinusoidal endothelial cells and macrophages, which, in a paracrine manner, engage Frizzled and LDL-related protein-5/6 coreceptors on hepatocytes to stabilize -catenin inducing its nuclear translocation. Nuclear -catenin interacts with T-cell factor family of transcription factors to induce target genes including cyclin D1 for proliferation, and others for regulating hepatocyte function. Working in collaboration with other signaling pathways, Wnt/-catenin signaling contributes to the restoration process without any compromise of function at any stage. Also, stimulation of this pathway through innovative means induces liver regeneration when this process is exhausted or compromised and thus has applications in the treatment of end-stage liver disease and in the field of liver transplantation. Thus, Wnt/-catenin signaling pathway is highly relevant in the discipline of hepatic regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shikai Hu
- *School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- †Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Satdarshan P. Monga
- †Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- ‡Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- §Pittsburgh Liver Research Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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105
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Gai Z, Wang Y, Tian L, Gong G, Zhao J. Whole Genome Level Analysis of the Wnt and DIX Gene Families in Mice and Their Coordination Relationship in Regulating Cardiac Hypertrophy. Front Genet 2021; 12:608936. [PMID: 34168671 PMCID: PMC8217762 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.608936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that plays essential roles in embryonic development, organogenesis, and many other biological activities. Both Wnt proteins and DIX proteins are important components of Wnt signaling. Systematic studies of Wnt and DIX families at the genome-wide level may provide a comprehensive landscape to elucidate their functions and demonstrate their relationships, but they are currently lacking. In this report, we describe the correlations between mouse Wnt and DIX genes in family expansion, molecular evolution, and expression levels in cardiac hypertrophy at the genome-wide scale. We observed that both the Wnt and DIX families underwent more expansion than the overall average in the evolutionarily early stage. In addition, mirrortree analyses suggested that Wnt and DIX were co-evolved protein families. Collectively, these results would help to elucidate the evolutionary characters of Wnt and DIX families and demonstrate their correlations in mediating cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongchao Gai
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Yujiao Wang
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Lu Tian
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Guoli Gong
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Shaanxi University of Science and Technology, Xi'an, China
| | - Jieqiong Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
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106
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miR-802 regulates Paneth cell function and enterocyte differentiation in the mouse small intestine. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3339. [PMID: 34099655 PMCID: PMC8184787 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23298-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium is a complex structure that integrates digestive, immunological, neuroendocrine, and regenerative functions. Epithelial homeostasis is maintained by a coordinated cross-talk of different epithelial cell types. Loss of integrity of the intestinal epithelium plays a key role in inflammatory diseases and gastrointestinal infection. Here we show that the intestine-enriched miR-802 is a central regulator of intestinal epithelial cell proliferation, Paneth cell function, and enterocyte differentiation. Genetic ablation of mir-802 in the small intestine of mice leads to decreased glucose uptake, impaired enterocyte differentiation, increased Paneth cell function and intestinal epithelial proliferation. These effects are mediated in part through derepression of the miR-802 target Tmed9, a modulator of Wnt and lysozyme/defensin secretion in Paneth cells, and the downstream Wnt signaling components Fzd5 and Tcf4. Mutant Tmed9 mice harboring mutations in miR-802 binding sites partially recapitulate the augmented Paneth cell function of mice lacking miR-802. Our study demonstrates a broad miR-802 network that is important for the integration of signaling pathways of different cell types controlling epithelial homeostasis in the small intestine.
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107
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Palmitoleate Protects against Zika Virus-Induced Placental Trophoblast Apoptosis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9060643. [PMID: 34200091 PMCID: PMC8226770 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9060643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in pregnancy is associated with the development of microcephaly, intrauterine growth restriction, and ocular damage in the fetus. ZIKV infection of the placenta plays a crucial role in the vertical transmission from the maternal circulation to the fetus. Our previous study suggested that ZIKV induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis of placental trophoblasts. Here, we showed that palmitoleate, an omega-7 monounsaturated fatty acid, prevents ZIKV-induced ER stress and apoptosis in placental trophoblasts. Human trophoblast cell lines (JEG-3 and JAR) and normal immortalized trophoblasts (HTR-8) were used. We observed that ZIKV infection of the trophoblasts resulted in apoptosis and treatment of palmitoleate to ZIKV-infected cells significantly prevented apoptosis. However, palmitate (saturated fatty acid) did not offer protection from ZIKV-induced ER stress and apoptosis. We also observed that the Zika viral RNA copies were decreased, and the cell viability improved in ZIKV-infected cells treated with palmitoleate as compared to the infected cells without palmitoleate treatment. Further, palmitoleate was shown to protect against ZIKV-induced upregulation of ER stress markers, C/EBP homologous protein and X-box binding protein-1 splicing in placental trophoblasts. In conclusion, our studies suggest that palmitoleate protects placental trophoblasts against ZIKV-induced ER stress and apoptosis.
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108
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Zhao Y, Jolly S, Benvegnu S, Jones EY, Fish PV. Small-molecule inhibitors of carboxylesterase Notum. Future Med Chem 2021; 13:1001-1015. [PMID: 33882714 PMCID: PMC8130783 DOI: 10.4155/fmc-2021-0036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Notum has recently been identified as a negative regulator of Wnt signaling through the removal of an essential palmitoleate group from Wnt proteins. There are emerging reports that Notum plays a role in human disease, with published data suggesting that targeting Notum could represent a new therapeutic approach for treating cancer, osteoporosis and neurodegenerative disorders. Complementary hit-finding strategies have been applied with successful approaches that include high-throughput screening, activity-based protein profiling, screening of fragment libraries and virtual screening campaigns. Structural studies are accelerating the discovery of new inhibitors of Notum. Three fit-for-purpose examples are LP-922056, ABC99 and ARUK3001185. The application of these small-molecule inhibitors is helping to further advance an understanding of the role Notum plays in human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuguang Zhao
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Henry Wellcome Building for Genomic Medicine, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Sarah Jolly
- Alzheimer's Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Stefano Benvegnu
- Alzheimer's Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - E Yvonne Jones
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Henry Wellcome Building for Genomic Medicine, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Paul V Fish
- Alzheimer's Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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109
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Nie X, Wei X, Ma H, Fan L, Chen WD. The complex role of Wnt ligands in type 2 diabetes mellitus and related complications. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:6479-6495. [PMID: 34042263 PMCID: PMC8278111 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is one of the major chronic diseases, whose prevalence is increasing dramatically worldwide and can lead to a range of serious complications. Wnt ligands (Wnts) and their activating Wnt signalling pathways are closely involved in the regulation of various processes that are important for the occurrence and progression of T2DM and related complications. However, our understanding of their roles in these diseases is quite rudimentary due to the numerous family members of Wnts and conflicting effects via activating the canonical and/or non-canonical Wnt signalling pathways. In this review, we summarize the current findings on the expression pattern and exact role of each human Wnt in T2DM and related complications, including Wnt1, Wnt2, Wnt2b, Wnt3, Wnt3a, Wnt4, Wnt5a, Wnt5b, Wnt6, Wnt7a, Wnt7b, Wnt8a, Wnt8b, Wnt9a, Wnt9b, Wnt10a, Wnt10b, Wnt11 and Wnt16. Moreover, the role of main antagonists (sFRPs and WIF-1) and coreceptor (LRP6) of Wnts in T2DM and related complications and main challenges in designing Wnt-based therapeutic approaches for these diseases are discussed. We hope a deep understanding of the mechanistic links between Wnt signalling pathways and diabetic-related diseases will ultimately result in a better management of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Nie
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xiaoyun Wei
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Han Ma
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Lili Fan
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Wei-Dong Chen
- Key Laboratory of Receptors-Mediated Gene Regulation and Drug Discovery, School of Basic Medical Sciences, People's Hospital of Hebi, Henan University, Kaifeng, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot, China
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110
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Dhasmana D, Veerapathiran S, Azbazdar Y, Nelanuthala AVS, Teh C, Ozhan G, Wohland T. Wnt3 Is Lipidated at Conserved Cysteine and Serine Residues in Zebrafish Neural Tissue. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:671218. [PMID: 34124053 PMCID: PMC8189181 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.671218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt proteins are a family of hydrophobic cysteine-rich secreted glycoproteins that regulate a gamut of physiological processes involved in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Wnt ligands are post-translationally lipidated in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), a step essential for its membrane targeting, association with lipid domains, secretion and interaction with receptors. However, at which residue(s) Wnts are lipidated remains an open question. Initially it was proposed that Wnts are lipid-modified at their conserved cysteine and serine residues (C77 and S209 in mWnt3a), and mutations in either residue impedes its secretion and activity. Conversely, some studies suggested that serine is the only lipidated residue in Wnts, and substitution of serine with alanine leads to retention of Wnts in the ER. In this work, we investigate whether in zebrafish neural tissues Wnt3 is lipidated at one or both conserved residues. To this end, we substitute the homologous cysteine and serine residues of zebrafish Wnt3 with alanine (C80A and S212A) and investigate their influence on Wnt3 membrane organization, secretion, interaction and signaling activity. Collectively, our results indicate that Wnt3 is lipid modified at its C80 and S212 residues. Further, we find that lipid addition at either C80 or S212 is sufficient for its secretion and membrane organization, while the lipid modification at S212 is indispensable for receptor interaction and signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Divya Dhasmana
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for BioImaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sapthaswaran Veerapathiran
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for BioImaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yagmur Azbazdar
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG-Izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | | | - Cathleen Teh
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for BioImaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gunes Ozhan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, Izmir, Turkey
- Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG-Izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Thorsten Wohland
- Department of Biological Sciences and Center for BioImaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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111
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Hanly JJ, Robertson ECN, Corning OBWH, Martin A. Porcupine/Wntless-dependent trafficking of the conserved WntA ligand in butterflies. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2021; 336:470-481. [PMID: 34010515 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.23046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Wnt ligands are key signaling molecules in animals, but little is known about the evolutionary dynamics and mode of action of the WntA orthologs, which are not present in the vertebrates or in Drosophila. Here we show that the WntA subfamily evolved at the base of the Bilateria + Cnidaria clade, and conserved the thumb region and Ser209 acylation site present in most other Wnts, suggesting WntA requires the core Wnt secretory pathway. WntA proteins are distinguishable from other Wnts by a synapomorphic Iso/Val/Ala216 amino-acid residue that replaces the otherwise ubiquitous Thr216 position. WntA embryonic expression is conserved between beetles and butterflies, suggesting functionality, but the WntA gene was lost three times within arthropods, in podoplean copepods, in the cyclorrhaphan fly radiation, and in ensiferan crickets and katydids. Finally, CRISPR mosaic knockouts (KOs) of porcupine and wntless phenocopied the pattern-specific effects of WntA KOs in the wings of Vanessa cardui butterflies. These results highlight the molecular conservation of the WntA protein across invertebrates, and imply it functions as a typical Wnt ligand that is acylated and secreted through the Porcupine/Wntless secretory pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph J Hanly
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Erica C N Robertson
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Olaf B W H Corning
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Arnaud Martin
- Department of Biological Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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112
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Fan X, Loebel DAF, Bildsoe H, Wilkie EE, Qin J, Wang J, Tam PPL. Tissue interactions, cell signaling and transcriptional control in the cranial mesoderm during craniofacial development. AIMS GENETICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3934/genet.2016.1.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
AbstractThe cranial neural crest and the cranial mesoderm are the source of tissues from which the bone and cartilage of the skull, face and jaws are constructed. The development of the cranial mesoderm is not well studied, which is inconsistent with its importance in craniofacial morphogenesis as a source of precursor tissue of the chondrocranium, muscles, vasculature and connective tissues, mechanical support for tissue morphogenesis, and the signaling activity that mediate interactions with the cranial neural crest. Phenotypic analysis of conditional knockout mouse mutants, complemented by the transcriptome analysis of differentially enriched genes in the cranial mesoderm and cranial neural crest, have identified signaling pathways that may mediate cross-talk between the two tissues. In the cranial mesenchyme, Bmp4 is expressed in the mesoderm cells while its signaling activity could impact on both the mesoderm and the neural crest cells. In contrast, Fgf8 is predominantly expressed in the cranial neural crest cells and it influences skeletal development and myogenesis in the cranial mesoderm. WNT signaling, which emanates from the cranial neural crest cells, interacts with BMP and FGF signaling in monitoring the switch between tissue progenitor expansion and differentiation. The transcription factor Twist1, a critical molecular regulator of many aspects of craniofacial development, coordinates the activity of the above pathways in cranial mesoderm and cranial neural crest tissue compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Fan
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead NSW 2145, Australia
| | - David A F Loebel
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Heidi Bildsoe
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Emilie E Wilkie
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead NSW 2145, Australia
- Bioinformatics Group, Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Jing Qin
- School of Life Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong
| | - Junwen Wang
- Department of Health Sciences Research, Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, and Department of Biomedical Informatics, Arizona State University, Scottsdale AZ 85259, USA
| | - Patrick P L Tam
- Embryology Unit, Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead NSW 2145, Australia
- School of Medical Sciences, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
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113
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Suthon S, Perkins RS, Bryja V, Miranda-Carboni GA, Krum SA. WNT5B in Physiology and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:667581. [PMID: 34017835 PMCID: PMC8129536 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.667581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
WNT5B, a member of the WNT family of proteins that is closely related to WNT5A, is required for cell migration, cell proliferation, or cell differentiation in many cell types. WNT5B signals through the non-canonical β-catenin-independent signaling pathway and often functions as an antagonist of canonical WNT signaling. Although WNT5B has a high amino acid identity with WNT5A and is often assumed to have similar activities, WNT5B often exhibits unique expression patterns and functions. Here, we describe the distinct effects and mechanisms of WNT5B on development, bone, adipose tissue, cardiac tissue, the nervous system, the mammary gland, the lung and hematopoietic cells, compared to WNT5A. We also highlight aberrances in non-canonical WNT5B signaling contributing to diseases such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, neuropathology, and chronic diseases associated with aging, as well as various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarocha Suthon
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Rachel S Perkins
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Vitezslav Bryja
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia.,Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
| | - Gustavo A Miranda-Carboni
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Susan A Krum
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States.,Center for Cancer Research, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
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114
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Farhadi A, Fang S, Zhang Y, Cui W, Fang H, Ikhwanuddin M, Ma H. The significant sex-biased expression pattern of Sp-Wnt4 provides novel insights into the ovarian development of mud crab (Scylla Paramamosain). Int J Biol Macromol 2021; 183:490-501. [PMID: 33957197 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.04.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The wingless-type MMTV integration site family member-4 (Wnt4), a member of the wingless-related integration site (Wnt) family, is widely accepted as a key regulator of ovarian development in mammals. In this study, a full-length cDNA of Wnt4 (designated as Sp-Wnt4) was cloned, characterized, and functionally studied in mud crab (Scylla paramamosain). The full-length cDNA of Sp-Wnt4 consists of 2659 bp with an open reading frame (ORF) encoding 359 amino acids, a 907 bp 5'-UTR and a 672 bp 3'-UTR. Sp-Wnt4 contains 25 cysteine (Cys) residues and three potential N-glycosylation sites. Sp-Wnt4 protein shared the highest identity (98.9%) to the Wnt4 protein of Portunus trituberculatus. The phylogenetic tree showed that Sp-Wnt4 and Wnt4 protein of Malacostracan crustaceans clustered together, indicating that they had a close genetic distance. Sp-Wnt4 was expressed at a higher level in the ovary compared to other tissues, with the highest expression level at the third stage (O-III) of the ovarian development (P < 0.05). A downward trend was observed in the expression level of Sp-Wnt4 from the embryo stage to crablet stages (P < 0.05). After unilateral eyestalk ablation, the expression level of Sp-Wnt4 significantly increased in testis (14-fold) and downregulated (3.1-fold) in the gill (P < 0.05) of females. In situ hybridization (ISH) assay revealed that Sp-Wnt4 transcripts were mainly localized in the cytoplasm of oocyte cells. These findings showed that Sp-Wnt4 play crucial roles in the ovarian development of S. paramamosain. In conclusion, our study provides novel insights into the evolution and roles of the Wnt4 gene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ardavan Farhadi
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Shaobin Fang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Wenxiao Cui
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Huan Fang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China
| | - Mhd Ikhwanuddin
- STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China; Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Nerus 21030, Malaysia
| | - Hongyu Ma
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China; STU-UMT Joint Shellfish Research Laboratory, Shantou University, Shantou 515063, China.
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115
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Bayle E, Svensson F, Atkinson BN, Steadman D, Willis NJ, Woodward HL, Whiting P, Vincent JP, Fish PV. Carboxylesterase Notum Is a Druggable Target to Modulate Wnt Signaling. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4289-4311. [PMID: 33783220 PMCID: PMC8172013 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway is critically important for a number of cellular processes in both development and adult mammalian biology. This Perspective will provide a summary of current and emerging therapeutic opportunities in modulating Wnt signaling, especially through inhibition of Notum carboxylesterase activity. Notum was recently shown to act as a negative regulator of Wnt signaling through the removal of an essential palmitoleate group. Inhibition of Notum activity may represent a new approach to treat disease where aberrant Notum activity has been identified as the underlying cause. Reliable screening technologies are available to identify inhibitors of Notum, and structural studies are accelerating the discovery of new inhibitors. A selection of these hits have been optimized to give fit-for-purpose small molecule inhibitors of Notum. Three noteworthy examples are LP-922056 (26), ABC99 (27), and ARUK3001185 (28), which are complementary chemical tools for exploring the role of Notum in Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott
D. Bayle
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, Kings Cross, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Fredrik Svensson
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, Kings Cross, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Benjamin N. Atkinson
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - David Steadman
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Nicky J. Willis
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Hannah L. Woodward
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Paul Whiting
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Jean-Paul Vincent
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, Kings Cross, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Paul V. Fish
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, Kings Cross, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
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116
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Liu Z, Wang P, Wold EA, Song Q, Zhao C, Wang C, Zhou J. Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting the Canonical WNT Signaling Pathway for the Treatment of Cancer. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4257-4288. [PMID: 33822624 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Canonical WNT signaling is an important developmental pathway that has attracted increased attention for anticancer drug discovery. From the production and secretion of WNT ligands, their binding to membrane receptors, and the β-catenin destruction complex to the expansive β-catenin transcriptional complex, multiple components have been investigated as drug targets to modulate WNT signaling. Significant progress in developing WNT inhibitors such as porcupine inhibitors, tankyrase inhibitors, β-catenin/coactivators, protein-protein interaction inhibitors, casein kinase modulators, DVL inhibitors, and dCTPP1 inhibitors has been made, with several candidates (e.g., LGK-974, PRI-724, and ETC-159) in human clinical trials. Herein we summarize recent progress in the drug discovery and development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting the canonical WNT pathway, focusing on their specific target proteins, in vitro and in vivo activities, physicochemical properties, and therapeutic potential. The relevant opportunities and challenges toward maintaining the balance between efficacy and toxicity in effectively targeting this pathway are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Liu
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Pingyuan Wang
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Eric A Wold
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Qiaoling Song
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Chenyang Zhao
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Changyun Wang
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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117
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Suazo KF, Park KY, Distefano MD. A Not-So-Ancient Grease History: Click Chemistry and Protein Lipid Modifications. Chem Rev 2021; 121:7178-7248. [PMID: 33821625 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Protein lipid modification involves the attachment of hydrophobic groups to proteins via ester, thioester, amide, or thioether linkages. In this review, the specific click chemical reactions that have been employed to study protein lipid modification and their use for specific labeling applications are first described. This is followed by an introduction to the different types of protein lipid modifications that occur in biology. Next, the roles of click chemistry in elucidating specific biological features including the identification of lipid-modified proteins, studies of their regulation, and their role in diseases are presented. A description of the use of protein-lipid modifying enzymes for specific labeling applications including protein immobilization, fluorescent labeling, nanostructure assembly, and the construction of protein-drug conjugates is presented next. Concluding remarks and future directions are presented in the final section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiall F Suazo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Keun-Young Park
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mark D Distefano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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118
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Junyent S, Reeves J, Gentleman E, Habib SJ. Pluripotency state regulates cytoneme selectivity and self-organization of embryonic stem cells. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:e202005095. [PMID: 33606876 PMCID: PMC7903188 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202005095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To coordinate cell fate with changes in spatial organization, stem cells (SCs) require specific and adaptable systems of signal exchange and cell-to-cell communication. Pluripotent embryonic stem cells (ESCs) use cytonemes to pair with trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) and form synthetic embryonic structures in a Wnt-dependent manner. How these interactions vary with pluripotency states remains elusive. Here we show that ESC transition to an early primed ESC (pESC) state reduces their pairing with TSCs and impairs synthetic embryogenesis. pESCs can activate the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in response to soluble Wnt ligands, but their cytonemes form unspecific and unstable interactions with localized Wnt sources. This is due to an impaired crosstalk between Wnt and glutamate receptor activity and reduced generation of Ca2+ transients on the cytonemes upon Wnt source contact. Induced iGluR activation can partially restore cytoneme function in pESCs, while transient overexpression of E-cadherin improves pESC-TSC pairing. Our results illustrate how changes in pluripotency state alter the mechanisms SCs use to self-organize.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Junyent
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Joshua Reeves
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Eileen Gentleman
- Centre for Craniofacial and Regenerative Biology, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Shukry J. Habib
- Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, King’s College London, London, UK
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119
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Colozza G, Koo BK. Wnt/β-catenin signaling: Structure, assembly and endocytosis of the signalosome. Dev Growth Differ 2021; 63:199-218. [PMID: 33619734 PMCID: PMC8251975 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Wnt/β‐catenin signaling is an ancient pathway that regulates key aspects of embryonic development, cell differentiation, proliferation, and adult stem cell homeostasis. Work from different laboratories has shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the Wnt pathway, including structural details of ligand–receptor interactions. One key aspect that has emerged from multiple studies is that endocytosis of the receptor complex plays a crucial role in fine‐tuning Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Endocytosis is a key process involved in both activation as well as attenuation of Wnt signaling, but how this is regulated is still poorly understood. Importantly, recent findings show that Wnt also regulates central metabolic pathways such as the acquisition of nutrients through actin‐driven endocytic mechanisms. In this review, we propose that the Wnt pathway displays diverse characteristics that go beyond the regulation of gene expression, through a connection with the endocytic machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Colozza
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Bon-Kyoung Koo
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
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120
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Ligand Bound Fatty Acid Binding Protein 7 (FABP7) Drives Melanoma Cell Proliferation Via Modulation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Pharm Res 2021; 38:479-490. [PMID: 33646504 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-021-03009-9] [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: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fatty acid-binding protein 7 (FABP7) involved in intracellular lipid dynamics, is highly expressed in melanomas and associated with decreased patient survival. Several studies put FABP7 at the center of melanoma cell proliferation. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well deciphered. This study examines the effects of FABP7 on Wnt/β-catenin signaling that enhances proliferation in melanoma cells. METHODS Skmel23 cells with FABP7 silencing and Mel2 cells overexpressed with wild-type FABP7 (FABP7wt) and mutated FABP7 (FABP7mut) were used. Cell proliferation and migration were analyzed by proliferation and wound-healing assay, respectively. Transcriptional activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling was measured by luciferase reporter assay. The effects of a specific FABP7 inhibitor, MF6, on proliferation, migration, and modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling were examined. RESULTS FABP7 siRNA knockdown in Skmel23 decreased proliferation and migration, cyclin D1 expression, as well as Wnt/β-catenin activity. Similarly, FABP7wt overexpression in Mel2 cells increased these effects, but FABP7mut abrogated these effects. Pharmacological inhibition of FABP7 function with MF6 suppressed FABP7-regulated proliferation of melanoma cells. CONCLUSION These results suggest the importance of the interaction between FABP7 and its ligands in melanoma proliferation modulation, and the beneficial implications of therapeutic targeting of FABP7 for melanoma treatment.
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121
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Gu X, Sun R, Chen L, Chu S, Doll MA, Li X, Feng W, Siskind L, McClain CJ, Deng Z. Neutral Ceramidase Mediates Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis by Regulating Monounsaturated Fatty Acids and Gut IgA + B Cells. Hepatology 2021; 73:901-919. [PMID: 33185911 PMCID: PMC8943690 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is associated with obesity and an increased risk for liver cirrhosis and cancer. Neutral ceramidase (NcDase), which is highly expressed in the intestinal brush border of the small intestine, plays a critical role in digesting dietary sphingolipids (ceramide) to regulate the balance of sphingosine and free fatty acids. It remains unresolved whether obesity-associated alteration of NcDase contributes to the manifestation of NASH. Here, we revealed that NcDase deficiency in murine models of NASH prevents hepatic inflammation and fibrosis but not steatosis. APPROACH AND RESULTS NcDase-/- mice display reduced stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD) 1 expression with a compositional decrease of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) under the different dietary conditions. We further found that NcDase is a functional regulator of intestinal B cells and influences the abundance and quality of the secretory IgA response toward commensal bacteria. Analysis of composition of the gut microbiota found that Clostridiales colonization was increased in NcDase-/- mice. The colonization of germ-free mice with gut microbiota from NcDase-/- mice resulted in a greater decrease in the expression of SCD1 and the level of MUFAs in the liver relative to gut microbiota from wild-type littermates, which are associated with the alternation of IgA-bound bacteria, including increase of Ruminococcaceae and reduction of Desulfovibrio. Mechanistically, NcDase is a crucial link that controls the expression of SCD1 and MUFA-mediated activation of the Wnt/β-catenin. Very importantly, our experiments further demonstrated that Wnt3a stimulation can enhance the activity of NcDase in hepatocytes. CONCLUSIONS Thus, the NcDase-SCD1-Wnt feedback loop promotes the diet-induced steatohepatitis and fibrosis through the regulation of intestinal IgA+ immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuemei Gu
- James Graham Brown Cancer CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY.,The First Affiliated HospitalWenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhouChina
| | - Rui Sun
- James Graham Brown Cancer CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Liang Chen
- James Graham Brown Cancer CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Shenghui Chu
- Department of MedicineUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Mark A Doll
- Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Anatomical Sciences and NeurobiologyUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Wenke Feng
- Department of MedicineUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY.,Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY.,Alcohol Research CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY.,Hepatobiology & Toxicology CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Leah Siskind
- James Graham Brown Cancer CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY.,Department of Pharmacology & ToxicologyUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
| | - Craig J McClain
- Department of MedicineUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY.,Alcohol Research CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY.,Hepatobiology & Toxicology CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY.,Robley Rex VA Medical CenterLouisvilleKY
| | - Zhongbin Deng
- James Graham Brown Cancer CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY.,Alcohol Research CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY.,Hepatobiology & Toxicology CenterUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY.,Department of SurgeryUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKY
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122
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Cassaro A, Grillo G, Notaro M, Gliozzo J, Esposito I, Reda G, Trojani A, Valentini G, Di Camillo B, Cairoli R, Beghini A. FZD6 triggers Wnt-signalling driven by WNT10B IVS1 expression and highlights new targets in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Hematol Oncol 2021; 39:364-379. [PMID: 33497493 PMCID: PMC8451758 DOI: 10.1002/hon.2840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Wnt/Fzd signaling has been implicated in hematopoietic stem cell maintenance and in acute leukemia establishment. In our previous work, we described a recurrent rearrangement involving the WNT10B locus (WNT10BR), characterized by the expression of WNT10BIVS1 transcript variant, in acute myeloid leukemia. To determine the occurrence of WNT10BR in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL), we retrospectively analyzed an Italian cohort of patients (n = 20) and detected a high incidence (13/20) of WNT10BIVS1 expression. To address genes involved in WNT10B molecular response, we have designed a Wnt‐targeted RNA sequencing panel. Identifying Wnt agonists and antagonists, it results that the expression of FZD6, LRP5, and PROM1 genes stands out in WNT10BIVS1 positive patients compared to negative ones. Using MOLT4 and MUTZ‐2 as leukemic cell models, which are characterized by the expression of WNT10BIVS1, we have observed that WNT10B drives major Wnt activation to the FZD6 receptor complex through receipt of ligand. Additionally, short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs)‐mediated gene silencing and small molecule‐mediated inhibition of WNTs secretion have been observed to interfere with the WNT10B/FZD6 interaction. We have therefore identified that WNT10BIVS1 knockdown, or pharmacological interference by the LGK974 porcupine (PORCN) inhibitor, reduces WNT10B/FZD6 protein complex formation and significantly impairs intracellular effectors and leukemic expansion. These results describe the molecular circuit induced by WNT10B and suggest WNT10B/FZD6 as a new target in the T‐ALL treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Cassaro
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology, Hematology Unit, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Grillo
- Department of Oncology, Hematology Unit, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Notaro
- Department of Computer Science "Giovanni degli Antoni", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Jessica Gliozzo
- Department of Computer Science "Giovanni degli Antoni", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Esposito
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Reda
- Department of Oncology, Hematology Unit, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandra Trojani
- Department of Oncology, Hematology Unit, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Valentini
- Department of Computer Science "Giovanni degli Antoni", University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Cairoli
- Department of Oncology, Hematology Unit, Niguarda Hospital, Milan, Italy
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123
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Azbazdar Y, Karabicici M, Erdal E, Ozhan G. Regulation of Wnt Signaling Pathways at the Plasma Membrane and Their Misregulation in Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:631623. [PMID: 33585487 PMCID: PMC7873896 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.631623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is one of the key signaling pathways that govern numerous physiological activities such as growth, differentiation and migration during development and homeostasis. As pathway misregulation has been extensively linked to pathological processes including malignant tumors, a thorough understanding of pathway regulation is essential for development of effective therapeutic approaches. A prominent feature of cancer cells is that they significantly differ from healthy cells with respect to their plasma membrane composition and lipid organization. Here, we review the key role of membrane composition and lipid order in activation of Wnt signaling pathway by tightly regulating formation and interactions of the Wnt-receptor complex. We also discuss in detail how plasma membrane components, in particular the ligands, (co)receptors and extracellular or membrane-bound modulators, of Wnt pathways are affected in lung, colorectal, liver and breast cancers that have been associated with abnormal activation of Wnt signaling. Wnt-receptor complex components and their modulators are frequently misexpressed in these cancers and this appears to correlate with metastasis and cancer progression. Thus, composition and organization of the plasma membrane can be exploited to develop new anticancer drugs that are targeted in a highly specific manner to the Wnt-receptor complex, rendering a more effective therapeutic outcome possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagmur Azbazdar
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, İzmir, Turkey.,Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG-Izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Karabicici
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, İzmir, Turkey.,Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG-Izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Esra Erdal
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, İzmir, Turkey.,Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Gunes Ozhan
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Dokuz Eylul University Health Campus, İzmir, Turkey.,Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute (IBG-Izmir), Dokuz Eylul University, İzmir, Turkey
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124
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Wang Z, Li Z, Ji H. Direct targeting of β-catenin in the Wnt signaling pathway: Current progress and perspectives. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:2109-2129. [PMID: 33475177 DOI: 10.1002/med.21787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling circuit is associated with cancer recurrence and relapse, cancer invasion and metastasis, and cancer immune evasion. Direct targeting of β-catenin, the central hub in this signaling pathway, is a promising strategy to suppress the hyperactive β-catenin signaling but has proven to be highly challenging. Substantial efforts have been made to discover compounds that bind with β-catenin, block β-catenin-mediated protein-protein interactions, and suppress β-catenin signaling. Herein, we characterize potential small-molecule binding sites in β-catenin, summarize bioactive small molecules that directly target β-catenin, and review structure-based inhibitor optimization, structure-activity relationship, and biological activities of reported inhibitors. This knowledge will benefit future inhibitor development and β-catenin-related drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Zilu Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Haitao Ji
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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125
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Nygaard R, Yu J, Kim J, Ross DR, Parisi G, Clarke OB, Virshup DM, Mancia F. Structural Basis of WLS/Evi-Mediated Wnt Transport and Secretion. Cell 2021; 184:194-206.e14. [PMID: 33357447 PMCID: PMC7797000 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.11.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Wnts are evolutionarily conserved ligands that signal at short range to regulate morphogenesis, cell fate, and stem cell renewal. The first and essential steps in Wnt secretion are their O-palmitoleation and subsequent loading onto the dedicated transporter Wntless/evenness interrupted (WLS/Evi). We report the 3.2 Å resolution cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structure of palmitoleated human WNT8A in complex with WLS. This is accompanied by biochemical experiments to probe the physiological implications of the observed association. The WLS membrane domain has close structural homology to G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). A Wnt hairpin inserts into a conserved hydrophobic cavity in the GPCR-like domain, and the palmitoleate protrudes between two helices into the bilayer. A conformational switch of highly conserved residues on a separate Wnt hairpin might contribute to its transfer to receiving cells. This work provides molecular-level insights into a central mechanism in animal body plan development and stem cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Nygaard
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jia Yu
- Programme in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Jonathan Kim
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Daniel R Ross
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Giacomo Parisi
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Oliver B Clarke
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Anesthesiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - 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 27705, USA.
| | - Filippo Mancia
- Department of Physiology and Cellular Biophysics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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126
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Ahangarpour M, Kavianinia I, Harris PWR, Brimble MA. Photo-induced radical thiol-ene chemistry: a versatile toolbox for peptide-based drug design. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:898-944. [PMID: 33404559 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs00354a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
While the global market for peptide/protein-based therapeutics is witnessing significant growth, the development of peptide drugs remains challenging due to their low oral bioavailability, poor membrane permeability, and reduced metabolic stability. However, a toolbox of chemical approaches has been explored for peptide modification to overcome these obstacles. In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in photoinduced radical thiol-ene chemistry as a powerful tool for the construction of therapeutic peptides.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Ahangarpour
- School of Chemical Sciences, The University of Auckland, 23 Symonds Street, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
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127
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Urbauer E, Rath E, Haller D. Mitochondrial Metabolism in the Intestinal Stem Cell Niche-Sensing and Signaling in Health and Disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:602814. [PMID: 33469536 PMCID: PMC7813778 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.602814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial metabolism, dynamics, and stress responses in the intestinal stem cell niche play a pivotal role in regulating intestinal epithelial cell homeostasis, including self-renewal and differentiation. In addition, mitochondria are increasingly recognized for their involvement in sensing the metabolic environment and their capability of integrating host and microbial-derived signals. Gastrointestinal diseases such as inflammatory bowel diseases and colorectal cancer are characterized by alterations of intestinal stemness, the microbial milieu, and mitochondrial metabolism. Thus, mitochondrial function emerges at the interface of determining health and disease, and failure to adapt mitochondrial function to environmental cues potentially results in aberrant tissue responses. A mechanistic understanding of the underlying role of mitochondrial fitness in intestinal pathologies is still in its infancy, and therapies targeting mitochondrial (dys)function are currently lacking. This review discusses mitochondrial signaling and metabolism in intestinal stem cells and Paneth cells as critical junction translating host- and microbe-derived signals into epithelial responses. Consequently, we propose mitochondrial fitness as a hallmark for intestinal epithelial cell plasticity, determining the regenerative capacity of the epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Urbauer
- Chair of Nutrition and Immunology, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Eva Rath
- Chair of Nutrition and Immunology, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany
| | - Dirk Haller
- Chair of Nutrition and Immunology, Technische Universität München, Freising-Weihenstephan, Germany.,ZIEL Institute for Food & Health, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
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128
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Sonavane PR, Willert K. Controlling Wnt Signaling Specificity and Implications for Targeting WNTs Pharmacologically. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 269:3-28. [PMID: 34463853 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling is critical for proper development of the embryo and for tissue homeostasis in the adult. Activation of this signaling cascade is initiated by binding of the secreted Wnts to their receptors. With the mammalian genome encoding multiple Wnts and Wnt receptors, a longstanding question in the field has been how Wnt-receptor specificities are achieved. Emerging from these studies is a picture of exquisite control over Wnt protein production, secretion, distribution, and receptor interactions, culminating in activation of downstream signaling cascades that control a myriad of biological processes. Here we discuss mechanisms by which Wnt protein activities are tuned and illustrate how the multiple layers of regulation can be leveraged for therapeutic interventions in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja R Sonavane
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Karl Willert
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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129
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Lai KKY, Kahn M. Pharmacologically Targeting the WNT/β-Catenin Signaling Cascade: Avoiding the Sword of Damocles. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 269:383-422. [PMID: 34463849 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
WNT/β-catenin signaling plays fundamental roles in numerous developmental processes and in adult tissue homeostasis and repair after injury, by controlling cellular self-renewal, activation, division, differentiation, movement, genetic stability, and apoptosis. As such, it comes as no surprise that dysregulation of WNT/β-catenin signaling is associated with various diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, neurodegeneration, etc. Although multiple agents that specifically target the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway have been studied preclinically and a number have entered clinical trials, none has been approved by the FDA to date. In this chapter, we provide our insights as to the reason(s) it has been so difficult to safely pharmacologically target the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway and discuss the significant efforts undertaken towards this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keane K Y Lai
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Michael Kahn
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA.
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130
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Abstract
Members of the Hedgehog family of morphogens mediate the intercellular communication necessary for the organisation and development of many animal tissues. They are modified by various lipid adducts, rendering them insoluble in hydrophilic environments and leading to the contentious question of how these molecules travel in the aqueous extracellular space. Seminal work carried out by Suzanne Eaton and her colleagues has shed light on how these morphogens can spread over long distances through their association with lipoprotein particles. In this Spotlight article, we discuss Suzanne's pioneering work and her contribution to our understanding of the transport and activity of morphogens, in particular Hedgehog. We also describe two other essential aspects of her work: the discovery and characterisation of endogenously present Hedgehog variants, as well as her proposition that, in addition to its role as a morphogen, Hedgehog acts as an endocrine hormone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Prince
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, iBV, Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice Cedex 2, France
| | - Julien Marcetteau
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, iBV, Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice Cedex 2, France
| | - Pascal P Thérond
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, iBV, Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice Cedex 2, France
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131
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Gumber D, Do M, Suresh Kumar N, Sonavane PR, Wu CCN, Cruz LS, Grainger S, Carson D, Gaasterland T, Willert K. Selective activation of FZD7 promotes mesendodermal differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells. eLife 2020; 9:e63060. [PMID: 33331818 PMCID: PMC7759383 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
WNT proteins are secreted symmetry breaking signals that interact with cell surface receptors of the FZD family to regulate a multitude of developmental processes. Studying selectivity between WNTs and FZDs has been hampered by the paucity of purified WNT proteins and by their apparent non-selective interactions with the FZD receptors. Here, we describe an engineered protein, called F7L6, comprised of antibody-derived single-chain variable fragments, that selectively binds to human FZD7 and the co-receptor LRP6. F7L6 potently activates WNT/β-catenin signaling in a manner similar to Wnt3a. In contrast to Wnt3a, F7L6 engages only FZD7 and none of the other FZD proteins. Treatment of human pluripotent stem (hPS) cells with F7L6 initiates transcriptional programs similar to those observed during primitive streak formation and subsequent gastrulation in the mammalian embryo. This demonstrates that selective engagement and activation of FZD7 signaling is sufficient to promote mesendodermal differentiation of hPS cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Gumber
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California San DiegoSan DiegoUnited States
| | - Myan Do
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California San DiegoSan DiegoUnited States
| | - Neya Suresh Kumar
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California San DiegoSan DiegoUnited States
| | - Pooja R Sonavane
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California San DiegoSan DiegoUnited States
| | - Christina C N Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San DiegoSan DiegoUnited States
| | - Luisjesus S Cruz
- Department of Biology, San Diego State UniversitySan DiegoUnited States
| | | | - Dennis Carson
- Department of Medicine, University of California San DiegoSan DiegoUnited States
| | - Terry Gaasterland
- University of California San Diego and Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Scripps Genome CenterLa JollaUnited States
| | - Karl Willert
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California San DiegoSan DiegoUnited States
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132
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Zacharias AO, Fang Z, Rahman A, Talukder A, Cornelius S, Chowdhury SM. Affinity and chemical enrichment strategies for mapping low‐abundance protein modifications and protein‐interaction networks. J Sep Sci 2020; 44:310-322. [DOI: 10.1002/jssc.202000930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Adway O. Zacharias
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Texas at Arlington Arlington Texas USA
| | - Zixiang Fang
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Texas at Arlington Arlington Texas USA
| | - Aurchie Rahman
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Texas at Arlington Arlington Texas USA
| | - Akash Talukder
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Texas at Arlington Arlington Texas USA
| | - Sharel Cornelius
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Texas at Arlington Arlington Texas USA
| | - Saiful M. Chowdhury
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry University of Texas at Arlington Arlington Texas USA
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133
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Zhu GX, Gao D, Shao ZZ, Chen L, Ding WJ, Yu QF. Wnt/β‑catenin signaling: Causes and treatment targets of drug resistance in colorectal cancer (Review). Mol Med Rep 2020; 23:105. [PMID: 33300082 PMCID: PMC7723170 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common malignant tumor in humans. Chemotherapy is used for the treatment of CRC. However, the effect of chemotherapy remains unsatisfactory due to drug resistance. Growing evidence has shown that the presence of highly metastatic tumor stem cells, regulation of non-coding RNAs and the tumor microenvironment contributes to drug resistance mechanisms in CRC. Wnt/β-catenin signaling mediates the chemoresistance of CRC in these three aspects. Therefore, the present study analyzed the abundant evidence of the contribution of Wnt/β-catenin signaling to the development of drug resistance in CRC and discussed its possible role in improving the chemosensitivity of CRC, which may provide guidelines for its clinical treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Xian Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Dian Gao
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Zhao-Zhao Shao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Jie Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Qiong-Fang Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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134
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Lin YC, Haas A, Bufe A, Parbin S, Hennecke M, Voloshanenko O, Gross J, Boutros M, Acebron SP, Bastians H. Wnt10b-GSK3β-dependent Wnt/STOP signaling prevents aneuploidy in human somatic cells. Life Sci Alliance 2020; 4:4/1/e202000855. [PMID: 33257473 PMCID: PMC7723298 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202000855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is crucial for proper development, tissue homeostasis and cell cycle regulation. A key role of Wnt signaling is the GSK3β-mediated stabilization of β-catenin, which mediates many of the critical roles of Wnt signaling. In addition, it was recently revealed that Wnt signaling can also act independently of β-catenin. In fact, Wnt mediated stabilization of proteins (Wnt/STOP) that involves an LRP6-DVL-dependent signaling cascade is required for proper regulation of mitosis and for faithful chromosome segregation in human somatic cells. We show that inhibition of Wnt/LRP6 signaling causes whole chromosome missegregation and aneuploidy by triggering abnormally increased microtubule growth rates in mitotic spindles, and this is mediated by increased GSK3β activity. We demonstrate that proper mitosis and maintenance of numerical chromosome stability requires continuous basal autocrine Wnt signaling that involves secretion of Wnts. Importantly, we identified Wnt10b as a Wnt ligand required for the maintenance of normal mitotic microtubule dynamics and for proper chromosome segregation. Thus, a self-maintaining Wnt10b-GSK3β-driven cellular machinery ensures the proper execution of mitosis and karyotype stability in human somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chih Lin
- Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB) and University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Institute of Molecular Oncology, Section for Cellular Oncology, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alexander Haas
- Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB) and University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Institute of Molecular Oncology, Section for Cellular Oncology, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Anja Bufe
- University of Heidelberg, Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sabnam Parbin
- University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Hematology and Oncology and Developmental Biochemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Magdalena Hennecke
- Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB) and University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Institute of Molecular Oncology, Section for Cellular Oncology, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Oksana Voloshanenko
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Signaling and Functional Genomics and Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Gross
- University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Hematology and Oncology and Developmental Biochemistry, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Michael Boutros
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Signaling and Functional Genomics and Heidelberg University, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sergio P Acebron
- University of Heidelberg, Centre for Organismal Studies (COS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Holger Bastians
- Georg-August University Göttingen, Göttingen Center for Molecular Biosciences (GZMB) and University Medical Center Göttingen (UMG), Institute of Molecular Oncology, Section for Cellular Oncology, Göttingen, Germany
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135
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Mukherjee A, Stathos ME, Varner C, Arsiwala A, Frey S, Hu Y, Smalley DM, Schaffer DV, Kane RS. One-pot synthesis of heterodimeric agonists that activate the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Chem Commun (Camb) 2020; 56:3685-3688. [PMID: 32119023 DOI: 10.1039/d0cc00920b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fragment antigen-binding domains (Fabs) from anti-Frizzled and anti-LRP6 monoclonal antibodies were conjugated using SpyTag-SpyCatcher chemistry via a one-pot reaction. The resulting synthetic heterodimeric agonist outperformed the natural ligand, Wnt-3a, in activating canonical Wnt signaling in mammalian cells. This approach should be broadly applicable to activate receptor-mediated cellular signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhirup Mukherjee
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Mark E Stathos
- Bioengineering Graduate Program, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - Chad Varner
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Ammar Arsiwala
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Steven Frey
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - Yuge Hu
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
| | - David M Smalley
- Petit Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA
| | - David V Schaffer
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering, and Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Ravi S Kane
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332, USA.
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136
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Kleeman SO, Leedham SJ. Not All Wnt Activation Is Equal: Ligand-Dependent versus Ligand-Independent Wnt Activation in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3355. [PMID: 33202731 PMCID: PMC7697568 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is ubiquitously activated in colorectal tumors and driver mutations are identified in genes such as APC, CTNNB1, RNF43 and R-spondin (RSPO2/3). Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and CTNNB1 mutations lead to downstream constitutive activation (ligand-independent), while RNF43 and RSPO mutations require exogenous Wnt ligand to activate signaling (ligand-dependent). Here, we present evidence that these mutations are not equivalent and that ligand-dependent and ligand-independent tumors differ in terms of underlying Wnt biology, molecular pathogenesis, morphology and prognosis. These non-overlapping characteristics can be harnessed to develop biomarkers and targeted treatments for ligand-dependent tumors, including porcupine inhibitors, anti-RSPO3 antibodies and asparaginase. There is emerging evidence that these therapies may synergize with immunotherapy in ligand-dependent tumors. In summary, we propose that ligand-dependent tumors are an underappreciated separate disease entity in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam O. Kleeman
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA;
- Intestinal Stem Cell Biology Lab, Wellcome Trust Centre Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Simon J. Leedham
- Intestinal Stem Cell Biology Lab, Wellcome Trust Centre Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
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137
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Han C, Yu G, Mao Y, Song S, Li L, Zhou L, Wang Z, Liu Y, Li M, Xu B. LPCAT1 enhances castration resistant prostate cancer progression via increased mRNA synthesis and PAF production. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240801. [PMID: 33137125 PMCID: PMC7605678 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previously study shown that Lysophosphatidylcholine Acyltransferase1 (LPCAT1) is overexpressed in castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) relative to primary prostate cancer (PCa), and androgen controls its expression via the Wnt signaling pathway. While highly expressed in CRPC, the role of LPCAT1 remains unclear. In vitro cell experiments referred to cell transfection, mutagenesis, proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle progression and apoptosis, Western blotting, Pulse-chase RNA labeling. BALB/c nude mice were used for in vivo experiments. We found that LPCAT1 overexpression enhanced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRPC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Silencing of LPCAT1 reduced the proliferation and the invasive capabilities of CRPC cells. Providing exogenous PAF to LPCAT1 knockdown cells increased their invasive capabilities; however platelet activating factor acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) and the PAFR antagonist ABT-491 both reversed this phenotype; proliferation of CRPC cells was not affected in either model. LPCAT1 was found to mediate CRPC growth via nuclear re-localization and Histone H4 palmitoylation in an androgen-dependent fashion, increasing mRNA synthesis rates. We also found that LPCAT1 overexpression led to CRPC cell resistance to treatment with paclitaxel. LPCAT1 overexpression in CRPC cells drives tumor progression via increased mRNA synthesis and PAF production. Our results highlight LPCAT1 as a viable therapeutic target in the context of CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Han
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guopeng Yu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanshen Mao
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shangqing Song
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Long Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhong Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yushan Liu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (BX); (YL); (ML)
| | - Minglun Li
- Urologic and Hematologic Oncology, Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- * E-mail: (BX); (YL); (ML)
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (BX); (YL); (ML)
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138
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Yu J, Yusoff PAM, Woutersen DTJ, Goh P, Harmston N, Smits R, Epstein DM, Virshup DM, Madan B. The Functional Landscape of Patient-Derived RNF43 Mutations Predicts Sensitivity to Wnt Inhibition. Cancer Res 2020; 80:5619-5632. [PMID: 33067269 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-0957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 08/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A subset of Wnt-addicted cancers are sensitive to targeted therapies that block Wnt secretion or receptor engagement. RNF43 loss-of-function (LOF) mutations that increase cell surface Wnt receptor abundance cause sensitivity to Wnt inhibitors. However, it is not clear which of the clinically identified RNF43 mutations affect its function in vivo. We assayed 119 missense and 45 truncating RNF43 mutations found in human cancers using a combination of cell-based reporter assays, genome editing, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence microscopy. Five common germline variants of RNF43 exhibited wild-type activity. Cancer-associated missense mutations in the RING ubiquitin ligase domain and a subset of mutations in the extracellular domain hyperactivate Wnt/β-catenin signaling through formation of inactive dimers with endogenous RNF43 or ZNRF3. RNF43 C-terminal truncation mutants, including the common G659fs mutant are LOF specifically when endogenous mutations are examined, unlike their behavior in transient transfection assays. Patient-derived xenografts and cell lines with C-terminal truncations showed increased cell surface Frizzled and Wnt/β-catenin signaling and were responsive to porcupine (PORCN) inhibition in vivo, providing clear evidence of RNF43 impairment. Our study provides potential guidelines for patient assignment, as virtually all RNF43 nonsense and frameshift mutations, including those in the C-terminal domain and a large number of patient-associated missense mutations in the RING domain and N-terminal region compromise its activity, and therefore predict response to upstream Wnt inhibitors in cancers without microsatellite instability. This study expands the landscape of actionable RNF43 mutations, extending the benefit of these therapies to additional patients. SIGNIFICANCE: Systematic examination of patient-derived RNF43 mutations identifies rules to guide patient selection, including that truncation or point mutations in well-defined functional domains sensitize cancers to PORCN inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Yu
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Daniëlle T J Woutersen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pamela Goh
- Center for Technology and Development, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nathan Harmston
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Science Division, Yale-NUS College, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ron Smits
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - David M Epstein
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.,Center for Technology and Development, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - David M Virshup
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore. .,Department of Pediatrics, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Babita Madan
- Program in Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
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139
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The struggle to equilibrate outer and inner milieus: Renal evolution revisited. Ann Anat 2020; 233:151610. [PMID: 33065247 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2020.151610] [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: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The journey of life, from primordial protoplasm to a complex vertebrate form, is a tale of survival against incessant alterations in climate, surface topography, food chain, and chemistry of the external environment. Kidneys present with an ensemble embodiment of the adaptations devised by diverse life-forms to cope with such challenges and maintain a chemical equilibrium of water and solutes, both in and outside the body. This minireview revisits renal evolution utilizing the classic: From Fish to Philosopher; the story of our internal environment, by Prof. Homer W. Smith (1895-1962) as a template. Prof. Smith's views exemplified the invention of glomeruli, or its abolishment, as a mechanism to filter water. Moreover, with the need to preserve water, as in reptiles, the loop of Henle was introduced to concentrate urine. When compared to smaller mammals, the larger ones, albeit having loops of Henle of similar lengths, demonstrated a distinct packing of the nephrons in kidneys. Moreover, the renal portal system degenerated in mammals, while still present in other vertebrates. This account will present with a critique of the current concepts of renal evolution while examining how various other factors, including the ones that we know more about now, such as genetic factors, synchronize to achieve renal development. Finally, it will try to assess the validity of ideas laid by Prof. Smith with the knowledge that we possess now, and understand the complex architecture that evolution has imprinted on the kidneys during its struggle to survive over epochs.
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140
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Igal RA, Sinner DI. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 5 (SCD5), a Δ-9 fatty acyl desaturase in search of a function. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2020; 1866:158840. [PMID: 33049404 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2020.158840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A large body of research has demonstrated that human stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), a universally expressed fatty acid Δ9-desaturase that converts saturated fatty acids (SFA) into monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), is a central regulator of metabolic and signaling pathways involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Unlike SCD1, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 5 (SCD5), a second SCD isoform found in a variety of vertebrates, including humans, has received considerably less attention but new information on the catalytic properties, regulation and biological functions of this enzyme has begun to emerge. This review will examine the new evidence that supports key metabolic and biological roles for SCD5, as well as the potential implication of this desaturase in the mechanisms of human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ariel Igal
- Institute of Human Nutrition and Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 West 168th Street, PH 1501 East, New York City, NY 10032, United States of America.
| | - Débora I Sinner
- Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Lab: R4447, Office: R4445, MLC 7009, 3333 Burnet Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45229, United States of America.
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141
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Matusek T, Marcetteau J, Thérond PP. Functions of Wnt and Hedgehog-containing extracellular vesicles in development and disease. J Cell Sci 2020; 133:133/18/jcs209742. [PMID: 32989011 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.209742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted morphogens play a major role in the intercellular communication necessary for animal development. It was initially thought that, in order to organize tissue morphogenesis and control cell fate and proliferation, morphogens diffused freely in the extracellular space. This view has since changed following the discovery that morphogens of the Wnt and Hedgehog (Hh) families are modified by various lipid adducts during their biosynthesis, providing them with high affinity for the membrane bilayer. Recent work performed in model organisms suggests that Wnt and Hh proteins are carried on extracellular vesicles. In this Review, we provide our perspectives on the mechanisms of formation of Wnt- and Hh-containing extracellular vesicles, and discuss their functions during animal development, as well as in various human physiopathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Matusek
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice Cedex 2, France
| | - Julien Marcetteau
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice Cedex 2, France
| | - Pascal P Thérond
- Université Côte d'Azur, CNRS, INSERM, Institut de Biologie Valrose (iBV), Parc Valrose, 06108 Nice Cedex 2, France
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142
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Hebert L, Hillman P, Baker C, Brown M, Ashley-Koch A, Hixson JE, Morrison AC, Northrup H, Au KS. Burden of rare deleterious variants in WNT signaling genes among 511 myelomeningocele patients. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0239083. [PMID: 32970752 PMCID: PMC7514064 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Genes in the noncanonical WNT signaling pathway controlling planar cell polarity have been linked to the neural tube defect myelomeningocele. We hypothesized that some genes in the WNT signaling network have a higher mutational burden in myelomeningocele subjects than in reference subjects in gnomAD. Exome sequencing data from 511 myelomeningocele subjects was obtained in-house and data from 29,940 ethnically matched subjects was provided by version 2 of the publicly available Genome Aggregation Database. To compare mutational burden, we collapsed rare deleterious variants across each of 523 human WNT signaling genes in case and reference populations. Ten WNT signaling genes were disrupted with a higher mutational burden among Mexican American myelomeningocele subjects compared to reference subjects (Fishers exact test, P ≤ 0.05) and seven different genes were disrupted among individuals of European ancestry compared to reference subjects. Gene ontology enrichment analyses indicate that genes disrupted only in the Mexican American population play a role in planar cell polarity whereas genes identified in both populations are important for the regulation of canonical WNT signaling. In summary, evidence for WNT signaling genes that may contribute to myelomeningocele in humans is presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Hebert
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Paul Hillman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Craig Baker
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Michael Brown
- Human Genetics Center, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Allison Ashley-Koch
- Department of Medicine and Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - James E. Hixson
- Human Genetics Center, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Alanna C. Morrison
- Human Genetics Center, Department of Epidemiology, Human Genetics and Environmental Sciences, School of Public Health at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Hope Northrup
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States of America
| | - Kit Sing Au
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Medical Genetics, McGovern Medical School at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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143
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McCarthy N, Kraiczy J, Shivdasani RA. Cellular and molecular architecture of the intestinal stem cell niche. Nat Cell Biol 2020; 22:1033-1041. [PMID: 32884148 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-020-0567-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal stem and progenitor cells replicate and differentiate in distinct compartments, influenced by Wnt, BMP, and other subepithelial cues. The cellular sources of these signals were long obscure because intestinal mesenchyme was insufficiently characterised. In this Review, we discuss how recent mRNA profiles of mouse and human intestinal submucosa, coupled with fine-resolution microscopy and gene and cell disruptions, reveal a coherent picture of an organised tissue carrying cells with distinct molecular properties and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil McCarthy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Judith Kraiczy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ramesh A Shivdasani
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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144
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McGough IJ, Vecchia L, Bishop B, Malinauskas T, Beckett K, Joshi D, O'Reilly N, Siebold C, Jones EY, Vincent JP. Glypicans shield the Wnt lipid moiety to enable signalling at a distance. Nature 2020; 585:85-90. [PMID: 32699409 PMCID: PMC7610841 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-020-2498-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
A relatively small number of proteins have been suggested to act as morphogens-signalling molecules that spread within tissues to organize tissue repair and the specification of cell fate during development. Among them are Wnt proteins, which carry a palmitoleate moiety that is essential for signalling activity1-3. How a hydrophobic lipoprotein can spread in the aqueous extracellular space is unknown. Several mechanisms, such as those involving lipoprotein particles, exosomes or a specific chaperone, have been proposed to overcome this so-called Wnt solubility problem4-6. Here we provide evidence against these models and show that the Wnt lipid is shielded by the core domain of a subclass of glypicans defined by the Dally-like protein (Dlp). Structural analysis shows that, in the presence of palmitoleoylated peptides, these glypicans change conformation to create a hydrophobic space. Thus, glypicans of the Dlp family protect the lipid of Wnt proteins from the aqueous environment and serve as a reservoir from which Wnt proteins can be handed over to signalling receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Vecchia
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Benjamin Bishop
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Tomas Malinauskas
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | | | - Christian Siebold
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - E Yvonne Jones
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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145
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Bagchi DP, Li Z, Corsa CA, Hardij J, Mori H, Learman BS, Lewis KT, Schill RL, Romanelli SM, MacDougald OA. Wntless regulates lipogenic gene expression in adipocytes and protects against diet-induced metabolic dysfunction. Mol Metab 2020; 39:100992. [PMID: 32325263 PMCID: PMC7264081 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2020.100992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obesity is a key risk factor for many secondary chronic illnesses, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling is established as an important endogenous inhibitor of adipogenesis. This pathway is operative in mature adipocytes; however, its roles in this context remain unclear due to complexities of Wnt signaling and differences in experimental models. In this study, we used novel cultured cell and mouse models to investigate functional roles of Wnts secreted from adipocytes. METHODS We generated adipocyte-specific Wntless (Wls) knockout mice and cultured cell models to investigate molecular and metabolic consequences of disrupting Wnt secretion from mature adipocytes. To characterize Wls-deficient cultured adipocytes, we evaluated the expression of Wnt target and lipogenic genes and the downstream functional effects on carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. We also investigated the impact of adipocyte-specific Wls deletion on adipose tissues and global glucose metabolism in mice fed normal chow or high-fat diets. RESULTS Many aspects of the Wnt signaling apparatus are expressed and operative in mature adipocytes, including the Wnt chaperone Wntless. Deletion of Wntless in cultured adipocytes results in the inhibition of de novo lipogenesis and lipid monounsaturation, likely through repression of Srebf1 (SREBP1c) and Mlxipl (ChREBP) and impaired cleavage of immature SREBP1c into its active form. Adipocyte-specific Wls knockout mice (Wls-/-) have lipogenic gene expression in adipose tissues and isolated adipocytes similar to that of controls when fed a normal chow diet. However, closer investigation reveals that a subset of Wnts and downstream signaling targets are upregulated within stromal-vascular cells of Wls-/- mice, suggesting that adipose tissues defend loss of Wnt secretion from adipocytes. Interestingly, this compensation is lost with long-term high-fat diet challenges. Thus, after six months of a high-fat diet, Wls-/- mice are characterized by decreased adipocyte lipogenic gene expression, reduced visceral adiposity, and improved glucose homeostasis. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these studies demonstrate that adipocyte-derived Wnts regulate de novo lipogenesis and lipid desaturation and coordinate the expression of lipogenic genes in adipose tissues. In addition, we report that Wnt signaling within adipose tissues is defended, such that a loss of Wnt secretion from adipocytes is sensed and compensated for by neighboring stromal-vascular cells. With chronic overnutrition, this compensatory mechanism is lost, revealing that Wls-/- mice are resistant to diet-induced obesity, adipocyte hypertrophy, and metabolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devika P Bagchi
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Ziru Li
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Callie A Corsa
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Julie Hardij
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Hiroyuki Mori
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Brian S Learman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Kenneth T Lewis
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Rebecca L Schill
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Steven M Romanelli
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Ormond A MacDougald
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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146
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Wnt/β-catenin Signaling in Tissue Self-Organization. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11080939. [PMID: 32823838 PMCID: PMC7464740 DOI: 10.3390/genes11080939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Across metazoans, animal body structures and tissues exist in robust patterns that arise seemingly out of stochasticity of a few early cells in the embryo. These patterns ensure proper tissue form and function during early embryogenesis, development, homeostasis, and regeneration. Fundamental questions are how these patterns are generated and maintained during tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Though fascinating scientists for generations, these ideas remain poorly understood. Today, it is apparent that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays a central role in tissue patterning. Wnt proteins are small diffusible morphogens which are essential for cell type specification and patterning of tissues. In this review, we highlight several mechanisms described where the spatial properties of Wnt/β-catenin signaling are controlled, allowing them to work in combination with other diffusible molecules to control tissue patterning. We discuss examples of this self-patterning behavior during development and adult tissues' maintenance. The combination of new physiological culture systems, mathematical approaches, and synthetic biology will continue to fuel discoveries about how tissues are patterned. These insights are critical for understanding the intricate interplay of core patterning signals and how they become disrupted in disease.
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147
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Yuan M, Song ZH, Ying MD, Zhu H, He QJ, Yang B, Cao J. N-myristoylation: from cell biology to translational medicine. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:1005-1015. [PMID: 32203082 PMCID: PMC7468318 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0388-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Various lipids and lipid metabolites are bound to and modify the proteins in eukaryotic cells, which are known as ‘protein lipidation’. There are four major types of the protein lipidation, i.e. myristoylation, palmitoylation, prenylation, and glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. N-myristoylation refers to the attachment of 14-carbon fatty acid myristates to the N-terminal glycine of proteins by N-myristoyltransferases (NMT) and affects their physiology such as plasma targeting, subcellular tracking and localization, thereby influencing the function of proteins. With more novel pathogenic N-myristoylated proteins are identified, the N-myristoylation will attract great attentions in various human diseases including infectious diseases, parasitic diseases, and cancers. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of N-myristoylation in physiological processes and discuss the hitherto implication of crosstalk between N-myristoylation and other protein modification. Furthermore, we mention several well-studied NMT inhibitors mainly in infectious diseases and cancers and generalize the relation of NMT and cancer progression by browsing the clinic database. This review also aims to highlight the further investigation into the dynamic crosstalk of N-myristoylation in physiological processes as well as the potential application of protein N-myristoylation in translational medicine.
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148
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Dattilo R, Mottini C, Camera E, Lamolinara A, Auslander N, Doglioni G, Muscolini M, Tang W, Planque M, Ercolani C, Buglioni S, Manni I, Trisciuoglio D, Boe A, Grande S, Luciani AM, Iezzi M, Ciliberto G, Ambs S, De Maria R, Fendt SM, Ruppin E, Cardone L. Pyrvinium Pamoate Induces Death of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Stem-Like Cells and Reduces Metastases through Effects on Lipid Anabolism. Cancer Res 2020; 80:4087-4102. [PMID: 32718996 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-1184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells (CSC) induce aggressive tumor phenotypes such as metastasis formation, which is associated with poor prognosis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Repurposing of FDA-approved drugs that can eradicate the CSC subcompartment in primary tumors may prevent metastatic disease, thus representing an effective strategy to improve the prognosis of TNBC. Here, we investigated spheroid-forming cells in a metastatic TNBC model. This strategy enabled us to specifically study a population of long-lived tumor cells enriched in CSCs, which show stem-like characteristics and induce metastases. To repurpose FDA-approved drugs potentially toxic for CSCs, we focused on pyrvinium pamoate (PP), an anthelmintic drug with documented anticancer activity in preclinical models. PP induced cytotoxic effects in CSCs and prevented metastasis formation. Mechanistically, the cell killing effects of PP were a result of inhibition of lipid anabolism and, more specifically, the impairment of anabolic flux from glucose to cholesterol and fatty acids. CSCs were strongly dependent upon activation of lipid biosynthetic pathways; activation of these pathways exhibited an unfavorable prognostic value in a cohort of breast cancer patients, where it predicted high probability of metastatic dissemination and tumor relapse. Overall, this work describes a new approach to target aggressive CSCs that may substantially improve clinical outcomes for patients with TNBC, who currently lack effective targeted therapeutic options. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings provide preclinical evidence that a drug repurposing approach to prevent metastatic disease in TNBC exploits lipid anabolism as a metabolic vulnerability against CSCs in primary tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Dattilo
- Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovations, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Mottini
- Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovations, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Camera
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center for Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute (ISG)-IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessia Lamolinara
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, CAST, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Noam Auslander
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ginevra Doglioni
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Wei Tang
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Melanie Planque
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Cristiana Ercolani
- S.C. Anatomia Patologica, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Simonetta Buglioni
- S.C. Anatomia Patologica, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Isabella Manni
- Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovations, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Trisciuoglio
- Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovations, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, CNR National Research Council, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Boe
- Core Facilities, Italian National Institute of Health, Rome, Italy
| | - Sveva Grande
- Centro Nazionale per le Tecnologie Innovative in Sanità Pubblica, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare INFN Sez. di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Luciani
- Centro Nazionale per le Tecnologie Innovative in Sanità Pubblica, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Nazionale di Fisica Nucleare INFN Sez. di Roma, Rome, Italy
| | - Manuela Iezzi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Science, CAST, "G. D'Annunzio" University, Chieti-Pescara, Italy
| | - Gennaro Ciliberto
- Scientific Directorate, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefan Ambs
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Ruggero De Maria
- Dipartimento di Medicina e Chirurgia traslazionale, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario "A. Gemelli" - IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Sarah-Maria Fendt
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, VIB, Leuven, Belgium
- Laboratory of Cellular Metabolism and Metabolic Regulation, Department of Oncology, KU Leuven and Leuven Cancer Institute (LKI), Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eytan Ruppin
- Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Luca Cardone
- Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics, and Technological Innovations, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy.
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cellular Biology, CNR National Research Council, Rome, Italy
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Modzelewska K, Brown L, Culotti J, Moghal N. Sensory regulated Wnt production from neurons helps make organ development robust to environmental changes in C. elegans. Development 2020; 147:dev186080. [PMID: 32586974 DOI: 10.1242/dev.186080] [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: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Long-term survival of an animal species depends on development being robust to environmental variations and climate changes. We used C. elegans to study how mechanisms that sense environmental changes trigger adaptive responses that ensure animals develop properly. In water, the nervous system induces an adaptive response that reinforces vulval development through an unknown backup signal for vulval induction. This response involves the heterotrimeric G-protein EGL-30//Gαq acting in motor neurons. It also requires body-wall muscle, which is excited by EGL-30-stimulated synaptic transmission, suggesting a behavioral function of neurons induces backup signal production from muscle. We now report that increased acetylcholine during liquid growth activates an EGL-30-Rho pathway, distinct from the synaptic transmission pathway, that increases Wnt production from motor neurons. We also provide evidence that this neuronal Wnt contributes to EGL-30-stimulated vulval development, with muscle producing a parallel developmental signal. As diverse sensory modalities stimulate motor neurons via acetylcholine, this mechanism enables broad sensory perception to enhance Wnt-dependent development. Thus, sensory perception improves animal fitness by activating distinct neuronal functions that trigger adaptive changes in both behavior and developmental processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Modzelewska
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Louise Brown
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Joseph Culotti
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Nadeem Moghal
- Department of Oncological Sciences, Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre/University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1L7, Canada
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150
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Mii Y, Takada S. Heparan Sulfate Proteoglycan Clustering in Wnt Signaling and Dispersal. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:631. [PMID: 32760727 PMCID: PMC7371957 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt, a family of secreted signal proteins, serves diverse functions in animal development, stem cell systems, and carcinogenesis. Although Wnt is generally considered a morphogen, the mechanism by which Wnt ligands disperse is still debated. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are extracellular regulators involved in Wnt ligand dispersal. Drosophila genetics have revealed that HSPGs participate in accumulation and transport of Wnt ligands. Based on these findings, a "restricted diffusion" model, in which Wnt ligands are gradually transferred by repetitive binding and dissociation to HSPGs, has been proposed. Nonetheless, we recently found that HSPGs are not uniformly distributed, but are locally clustered on cell surfaces in Xenopus embryos. HSPGs with N-sulfo-rich HS chains and those with N-acetyl-rich unmodified HS chains form different clusters. Furthermore, endogenous Wnt8 ligands are discretely accumulated in a punctate fashion, colocalized with the N-sulfo-rich clusters. Based on these lines of evidence, here we reconsider the classical view of morphogen spreading controlled by HSPGs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Mii
- National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki, Japan
- Japan Science and Technology Agency, PRESTO, Saitama, Japan
| | - Shinji Takada
- National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), Okazaki, Japan
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