Filopodia formation mediated by receptor tyrosine kinase Ror2 is required for Wnt5a-induced cell migration

The Wnt pathway and the roles for its antagonists, DKKS, in angiogenesis

The Wnt signaling pathway is involved in a wide range of developmental and physiological processes, such as cell fate specification, tissue morphogenesis, and homeostasis. Thus, its dysregulation has been found in multiple diseases, including some cardiovascular disorders. The loss or gain of function of Wnt pathway components results in abnormal vascular development and angiogenesis. Further study has revealed that Wnt signaling in endothelial cells appears to contribute to vascular morphogenesis and endothelial cell specification. Owing to the significance of Wnt signaling in angiogenesis, Wnt antagonists have been considered potential treatments for neovascular disorders. In line with this, members of the Dkk protein family (Dkks), well-known Wnt antagonists, have been recently found to regulate angiogenesis. This review summarizes our present knowledge of the roles of Wnt signaling and Wnt antagonists, particularly Dkks, in angiogenic regulation and explores the therapeutic potential of Wnt antagonists.

The tangled web of non-canonical Wnt signalling in neural migration

In all multicellular animals, successful embryogenesis is dependent on the ability of cells to detect the status of the local environment and respond appropriately. The nature of the extracellular environment is communicated to the intracellular compartment by ligand/receptor interactions at the cell surface. The Wnt canonical and non-canonical signalling pathways are found in the most primitive metazoans, and they play an essential role in the most fundamental developmental processes in all multicellular organisms. Vertebrates have expanded the number of Wnts and Frizzled receptors and have additionally evolved novel Wnt receptor families (Ryk, Ror). The multiplicity of potential interactions between Wnts, their receptors and downstream effectors has exponentially increased the complexity of the signal transduction network. Signalling through each of the Wnt pathways, as well as crosstalk between them, plays a critical role in the establishment of the complex architecture of the vertebrate central nervous system. In this review, we explore the signalling networks triggered by non-canonical Wnt/receptor interactions, focussing on the emerging roles of the non-conventional Wnt receptors Ryk and Ror. We describe the role of these pathways in neural tube formation and axon guidance where Wnt signalling controls tissue polarity, coordinated cell migration and axon guidance via remodelling of the cytoskeleton.

New insights into the mechanism of Wnt signaling pathway activation

Wnts compromise a large family of secreted, hydrophobic glycoproteins that control a variety of developmental and adult processes in all metazoan organisms. Recent advances in the Wnt-signal studies have revealed that distinct Wnts activate multiple intracellular cascades that regulate cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration, and polarity. Although the mechanism by which Wnts regulate different pathways selectively remains to be clarified, evidence has accumulated that in addition to the formation of ligand-receptor pairs, phosphorylation of receptors, receptor-mediated endocytosis, acidification, and the presence of cofactors, such as heparan sulfate proteoglycans, are also involved in the activation of specific Wnt pathways. Here, we review the mechanism of activation in Wnt signaling initiated on the cell-surface membrane. In addition, the mechanisms for fine-tuning by cross talk between Wnt and other signaling are also discussed.

Neural crest specification by noncanonical Wnt signaling and PAR-1

Neural crest (NC) cells are multipotent progenitors that form at the neural plate border, undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition and migrate to diverse locations in vertebrate embryos to give rise to many cell types. Multiple signaling factors, including Wnt proteins, operate during early embryonic development to induce the NC cell fate. Whereas the requirement for the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in NC specification has been well established, a similar role for Wnt proteins that do not stabilize β-catenin has remained unclear. Our gain- and loss-of-function experiments implicate Wnt11-like proteins in NC specification in Xenopus embryos. In support of this conclusion, modulation of β-catenin-independent signaling through Dishevelled and Ror2 causes predictable changes in premigratory NC. Morpholino-mediated depletion experiments suggest that Wnt11R, a Wnt protein that is expressed in neuroectoderm adjacent to the NC territory, is required for NC formation. Wnt11-like signals might specify NC by altering the localization and activity of the serine/threonine polarity kinase PAR-1 (also known as microtubule-associated regulatory kinase or MARK), which itself plays an essential role in NC formation. Consistent with this model, PAR-1 RNA rescues NC markers in embryos in which noncanonical Wnt signaling has been blocked. These experiments identify novel roles for Wnt11R and PAR-1 in NC specification and reveal an unexpected connection between morphogenesis and cell fate.

Ror-family receptor tyrosine kinases regulate maintenance of neural progenitor cells in the developing neocortex

The Ror-family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), Ror1 and Ror2, have been shown to play crucial roles in the developmental morphogenesis by acting as receptors or co-receptors to mediate Wnt5a-induced signaling. Although Ror1, Ror2, and Wnt5a are expressed in the developing brain, little is known about their roles in the neural development. Here we show that Ror1, Ror2, and their ligand Wnt5a are highly expressed in neocortical neural progenitor cells (NPCs). siRNA-mediated suppression of Ror1, Ror2, or Wnt5a in cultured NPCs isolated from embryonic neocortex results in the reduction of βIII-tubulin-positive neurons that are produced from NPCs possibly through the generation of T-box brain 2 (Tbr2)-positive intermediate progenitors. BrdU-labeling experiments further reveal that proportion of proliferative and neurogenic NPCs, that are positive for neural progenitor cell marker (Pax6), but negative for glial cell marker (glial fibrillary acidic protein; GFAP), is reduced within a few days in culture following knockdown of these molecules, suggesting that Ror1, Ror2, and Wnt5a regulate neurogenesis through the maintenance of NPCs. Moreover, we show that Dishevelled2 (Dvl2) is involved in Wnt5a–Ror1 and Wnt5a–Ror2 signalings in NPCs, and that suppressed expression of Dvl2 indeed reduces the proportion of proliferative and neurogenic NPCs. Interestingly, suppressed or forced expression of either Ror1 or Ror2 in NPCs in the developing neocortex results in their precocious or delayed differentiation into neurons, respectively. Collectively, these results indicate that Wnt5a–Ror1 and Wnt5a–Ror2 signalings play roles in maintaining proliferative and neurogenic NPCs during neurogenesis of the developing neocortex.

Wnt5a: its signalling, functions and implication in diseases

Wnt5a is a representative ligand that activates the β-catenin-independent pathways. Because the β-catenin-independent pathway includes multiple signalling cascades in addition to the planar cell polarity and Ca(2+) pathway, Wnt5a regulates a variety of cellular functions, such as proliferation, differentiation, migration, adhesion and polarity. Consistent with the multiple functions of Wnt5a signalling, Wnt5a knockout mice show various phenotypes, including an inability to extend the embryonic anterior-posterior and proximal-distal axes in outgrowth tissues. Thus, many important roles of Wnt5a in developmental processes have been demonstrated. Moreover, recent reports suggest that the postnatal abnormalities in the Wnt5a signalling are involved in various diseases, such as cancer, inflammatory diseases and metabolic disorders. Therefore, Wnt5a and its signalling pathways could be important targets for the diagnosis and therapy for human diseases.

Ror2 enhances polarity and directional migration of primordial germ cells

The trafficking of primordial germ cells (PGCs) across multiple embryonic structures to the nascent gonads ensures the transmission of genetic information to the next generation through the gametes, yet our understanding of the mechanisms underlying PGC migration remains incomplete. Here we identify a role for the receptor tyrosine kinase-like protein Ror2 in PGC development. In a Ror2 mouse mutant we isolated in a genetic screen, PGC migration and survival are dysregulated, resulting in a diminished number of PGCs in the embryonic gonad. A similar phenotype in Wnt5a mutants suggests that Wnt5a acts as a ligand to Ror2 in PGCs, although we do not find evidence that WNT5A functions as a PGC chemoattractant. We show that cultured PGCs undergo polarization, elongation, and reorientation in response to the chemotactic factor SCF (secreted KitL), whereas Ror2 PGCs are deficient in these SCF-induced responses. In the embryo, migratory PGCs exhibit a similar elongated geometry, whereas their counterparts in Ror2 mutants are round. The protein distribution of ROR2 within PGCs is asymmetric, both in vitro and in vivo; however, this asymmetry is lost in Ror2 mutants. Together these results indicate that Ror2 acts autonomously to permit the polarized response of PGCs to KitL. We propose a model by which Wnt5a potentiates PGC chemotaxis toward secreted KitL by redistribution of Ror2 within the cell.

Egg and sperm derive from precursors in the early embryo called primordial germ cells (PGCs). The mechanisms underlying the migration of PGCs through the embryo to the forming gonads remain unclear. In a genetic screen, we identified a role for the receptor Ror2 and its ligand Wnt5a in promoting PGC colonization of the embryonic gonads. By ex vivo culture, we show that Ror2 acts autonomously in PGCs to enhance their polarized response to the chemotactic factor SCF. Asymmetric distribution of ROR2 within PGCs in vitro and in vivo suggests that signaling via Ror2 locally amplifies cell polarity in response to other directional cues. These studies identify a novel relationship between Ror2 and cKit signaling in polarized migration.

Dissection of Wnt5a-Ror2 signaling leading to matrix metalloproteinase (MMP-13) expression

It has been shown that constitutively active Wnt5a-Ror2 signaling in osteosarcoma cell lines plays crucial roles in induced expression of matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), required for their invasiveness; however, it remains largely unclear about the molecular basis of MMP-13 gene induction by Wnt5a-Ror2 signaling. Here we show by reporter assay that the activator protein 1 (AP1) (binding site in the promoter region of MMP-13 gene is primarily responsible for its transcriptional activation by Wnt5a-Ror2 signaling in osteosarcoma cell lines SaOS-2 and U2OS. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays revealed that c-Jun and ATF2 are crucial transcription factors recruited to the AP1-binding site in the MMP-13 gene promoter during Wnt5a-Ror2 signaling in SaOS-2 cells. Using siRNA-mediated suppression or specific inhibitors, we also show that Dishevelled2 (Dvl2) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase are required for MMP-13 gene induction presumably via phosphorylation of c-Jun and ATF2 during Wnt5a-Ror2 signaling in SaOS-2 cells. Interestingly, Dvl2 and Rac1, but not Dvl3, are required for MMP-13 expression in SaOS-2 cells, whereas Dvl3, but not Dvl2 and Rac1, is required for its expression in U2OS cells, indicating the presence of distinct intracellular signaling machineries leading to expression of the same gene, in this case MMP-13 gene in different osteosarcoma cell lines. Moreover, we provide evidence suggesting that Wnt5a-Ror2 signaling might also be required for expression of MMP-13 gene during the development of the cartilaginous tissue.

Wnt signalling antagonizes stress granule assembly through a Dishevelled-dependent mechanism

Cells often respond to diverse environmental stresses by inducing stress granules (SGs) as an adaptive mechanism. SGs are generally assembled as a result of aggregation of mRNAs stalled in a translational pre-initiation complex, mediated by a set of RNA-binding proteins such as G3BP and TIA-1. SGs may serve as triage centres for storage, translation re-initiation or degradation of specific mRNAs. However, the mechanism involved in the modulation of their assembly/disassembly is unclear. Here we report that Wnt signalling negatively regulates SG assembly through Dishevelled (Dvl), a cytoplasmic Wnt effector. Overexpression of Dvl2, an isoform of Dvl, leads to impairment of SG assembly through a DEP domain dependent mechanism. Intriguingly, the Dvl2 mutant K446M, which corresponds to an analogous mutation in Drosophila Dishevelled DEP domain (dsh¹) that results in defective PCP pathway, fails to antagonize SG assembly. Furthermore, we show that Dvl2 exerts the antagonistic effect on SG assembly through a mechanism involving Rac1-mediated inhibition of RhoA. Dvl2 interacts with G3BP, a downstream component of Ras signalling involved in SG assembly, and functional analysis suggests a model wherein the Dvl-Rac1-RhoA axis regulates G3BP's SG-nucleating activity. Collectively, these results define an antagonistic effect of Wnt signalling on SG assembly, and reveal a novel role for Wnt/Dvl pathway in the modulation of mRNA functions.

Post-translational modifications regulate signalling by Ror1

AIM

In this study, we analysed the post-translational modification of receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor (Ror1). Ror1 is highly upregulated in B cells of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). Molecularly, Ror1 acts as the Wnt receptor in the non-canonical Wnt pathway.

METHODS

The level of Ror1 glycosylation in HEK293 cells and in primary human CLL cells was analysed by treatment of inhibitors interfering with different steps of glycosylation process and by direct treatment of cell lysates with N-glycosidase. Ror1 ubiquitination was determined by ubiquitination assay. Functional consequences of post-translational modifications were analysed by immunohistochemistry and by analysis of cell surface proteins. Differences in Ror1 glycosylation were confirmed by analysis of 14 samples of B cells from CLL patients.

RESULTS

We demonstrate that Ror1 is extensively modified by N-linked glycosylation. Glycosylation produces several variants of Ror1 with electrophoretic migration of approx. 100, 115 and 130 kDa. Inhibition of glycosylation interferes with cell surface localization of the 130-kDa variant of Ror1 and prevents Ror1-induced formation of filopodia. Moreover, we show that 130-kDa Ror1 is mono-ubiquitinated. Furthermore, individual CLL patients show striking differences in the electrophoretic migration of Ror1, which correspond to the level of glycosylation.

CONCLUSION

Our data show that Ror1 undergoes complex post-translational modifications by glycosylation and mono-ubiquitination. These modifications regulate Ror1 localization and signalling, and are highly variable among individual CLL patients. These may suggest that Ror1 signals only in a subset of CLL patients despite Ror1 levels are ubiquitously high in all CLL patients.

Separate and distinctive roles for Wnt5a in tongue, lingual tissue and taste papilla development

Although canonical Wnt signaling is known to regulate taste papilla induction and numbers, roles for noncanonical Wnt pathways in tongue and taste papilla development have not been explored. With mutant mice and whole tongue organ cultures we demonstrate that Wnt5a protein and message are within anterior tongue mesenchyme across embryo stages from the initiation of tongue formation, through papilla placode appearance and taste papilla development. The Wnt5a mutant tongue is severely shortened, with an ankyloglossia, and lingual mesenchyme is disorganized. However, fungiform papilla morphology, number and innervation are preserved, as is expression of the papilla marker, Shh. These data demonstrate that the genetic regulation for tongue size and shape can be separated from that directing lingual papilla development. Preserved number of papillae in a shortened tongue results in an increased density of fungiform papillae in the mutant tongues. In tongue organ cultures, exogenous Wnt5a profoundly suppresses papilla formation and simultaneously decreases canonical Wnt signaling as measured by the TOPGAL reporter. These findings suggest that Wnt5a antagonizes canonical Wnt signaling to dictate papilla number and spacing. In all, distinctive roles for Wnt5a in tongue size, fungiform papilla patterning and development are shown and a necessary balance between non-canonical and canonical Wnt paths in regulating tongue growth and fungiform papillae is proposed in a model, through the Ror2 receptor.

Canonical Wnt signaling is involved in switching from cell proliferation to myogenic differentiation of mouse myoblast cells

Background

Wnt/β-catenin signaling is involved in various aspects of skeletal muscle development and regeneration. In addition, Wnt3a and β-catenin are required for muscle-specific gene transcription in embryonic carcinoma cells and satellite-cell proliferation during adult skeletal muscle regeneration. Downstream targets of canonical Wnt signaling are cyclin D1 and c-myc. However both target genes are suppressed during differentiation of mouse myoblast cells, C2C12. Underlying molecular mechanisms of β-catenin signaling during myogenic differentiation remain unknown.

Results

Using C2C12 cells, we examined intracellular signaling and gene transcription during myoblast proliferation and differentiation. We confirmed that several Wnt signaling components, including Wnt9a, Sfrp2 and porcupine, were consistently upregulated in differentiating C2C12 cells. Troponin T-positive myotubes were decreased by Wnt3a overexpression, but not Wnt4. TOP/FOP reporter assays revealed that co-expression with Wnt4 reduced Wnt3a-induced luciferase activity, suggesting that Wnt4 signaling counteracted Wnt3a signaling in myoblasts. FH535, a small-molecule inhibitor of β-catenin/Tcf complex formation, reduced basal β-catenin in the cytoplasm and decreased myoblast proliferation. K252a, a protein kinase inhibitor, increased both cytosolic and membrane-bound β-catenin and enhanced myoblast fusion. Treatments with K252a or Wnt4 resulted in increased cytoplasmic vesicles containing phosphorylated β-catenin (Tyr654) during myogenic differentiation.

Conclusions

These results suggest that various Wnt ligands control subcellular β-catenin localization, which regulate myoblast proliferation and myotube formation. Wnt signaling via β-catenin likely acts as a molecular switch that regulates the transition from cell proliferation to myogenic differentiation.

Wnt/Ca2+ signaling pathway: a brief overview

The non-canonical Wnt/Ca(2+) signaling cascade is less characterized than their canonical counterpart, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways are diverse, defined as planer cell polarity pathway, Wnt-RAP1 signaling pathway, Wnt-Ror2 signaling pathway, Wnt-PKA pathway, Wnt-GSK3MT pathway, Wnt-aPKC pathway, Wnt-RYK pathway, Wnt-mTOR pathway, and Wnt/calcium signaling pathway. All these pathways exhibit a considerable degree of overlap between them. The Wnt/Ca(2+) signaling pathway was deciphered as a crucial mediator in development. However, now there is substantial evidence that the signaling cascade is involved in many other molecular phenomena. Many aspects of Wnt/Ca(2+) pathway are yet enigmatic. This review will give a brief overview of the fundamental and evolving concepts of the Wnt/Ca(2+) signaling pathway.

The role of actin bundling proteins in the assembly of filopodia in epithelial cells

The goal of this review is to highlight how emerging new models of filopodia assembly, which include tissue specific actin-bundling proteins, could provide more comprehensive representations of filopodia assembly that would describe more adequately and effectively the complexity and plasticity of epithelial cells.  This review also describes how the true diversity of actin bundling proteins must be considered to predict the far-reaching significance and versatile functions of filopodia in epithelial cells.

Role of non-canonical Wnt signaling in osteoblast maturation on microstructured titanium surfaces

The Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor Dickkopf-2 (Dkk2) regulates osteoblast differentiation on microstructured titanium (Ti) surfaces, suggesting involvement of Wnt signaling in this process. To test this, human osteoblast-like MG63 cells were cultured on tissue culture polystyrene or Ti (smooth PT (Ra=0.2 μm), sand-blasted and acid-etched SLA (Ra=3.22 μm), modSLA (hydrophilic SLA)). Expression of Wnt pathway receptors, activators and inhibitors was measured by qPCR. Non-canonical pathway ligands, receptors and intracellular signaling molecules, as well as bone morphogenetic proteins BMP2 and BMP4, were upregulated on SLA and modSLA, whereas canonical pathway members were downregulated. To confirm that non-canonical signaling was involved, cells were cultured daily with exogenous Wnt3a (canonical pathway) or Wnt5a (non-canonical pathway). Alternatively, cells were cultured with antibodies to Wnt3a or Wnt5a to validate that Wnt proteins secreted by the cells were mediating cell responses to the surface. Wnt5a, but not Wnt3a, increased MG63 cell differentiation and BMP2 and BMP4 proteins, suggesting Wnt5a promotes osteogenic differentiation through production of BMPs. Effects of exogenous and endogenous Wnt5a were synergistic with surface microstructure, suggesting the response also depends on cell maturation state. These results indicate a major role for the non-canonical, calcium-dependent Wnt pathway in differentiation of osteoblasts on microstructured titanium surfaces during implant osseointegration.

Wnt signaling through T-cell factor phosphorylation

Embryonic signaling pathways often lead to a switch from default repression to transcriptional activation of target genes. A major consequence of Wnt signaling is stabilization of β-catenin, which associates with T-cell factors (TCFs) and 'converts' them from repressors into transcriptional activators. The molecular mechanisms responsible for this conversion remain poorly understood. Several studies have reported on the regulation of TCF by phosphorylation, yet its physiological significance has been unclear: in some cases it appears to promote target gene activation, in others Wnt-dependent transcription is inhibited. This review focuses on recent progress in the understanding of context-dependent post-translational regulation of TCF function by Wnt signaling.

Wnt5b regulates mesenchymal cell aggregation and chondrocyte differentiation through the planar cell polarity pathway

Although genetic evidence has demonstrated a role for Wnt5b during cartilage and limb development, little is known about the mechanisms underlying Wnt5b-regulated chondrocyte differentiation. We observed that Wnt5b inhibited chondrocyte hypertrophy and expression of type X collagen. In addition, Wnt5b regulated the overall size of chondrogenic cultures, suggesting that Wnt5b regulates other processes involved in cartilage development. We therefore investigated the signaling pathways by which Wnt5b influences differentiation. Wnt5b activated known calcium-dependent signaling pathways and JNK, a component of the planar cell polarity pathway. Since the planar cell polarity pathway regulates process such as cell migration and cell aggregation that are involved in limb development, we assayed for effects of Wnt5b on these processes. We observed a marked increase chondroprogenitor cell migration with Wnt5b expression. This effect was blocked by inhibition of JNK, but not by inhibition of other Wnt5b-responsive factors. Expression of Wnt5b also disrupted the cellular aggregation associated with mesenchymal condensation. Decreased aggregation was associated with reduced cadherin expression as well as increased cadherin receptor turnover. This increase in cadherin receptor turnover was associated with an increase in Src-dependent beta-catenin phosphorylation downstream of Wnt5b. Our data demonstrate that not only does Wnt5b inhibit chondrocyte hypertrophy, but document a novel role for Wnt5b in modulating cellular migration through the JNK-dependent and cell adhesion through an activation of Src and subsequent cadherin receptor turnover.

Adapter protein SH2B1beta binds filamin A to regulate prolactin-dependent cytoskeletal reorganization and cell motility

Prolactin (PRL) regulates cytoskeletal rearrangement and cell motility. PRL-activated Janus tyrosine kinase 2 (JAK2) phosphorylates the p21-activated serine-threonine kinase (PAK)1 and the Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing adapter protein SH2B1β. SH2B1β is an actin-binding protein that cross-links actin filaments, whereas PAK1 regulates the actin cytoskeleton by different mechanisms, including direct phosphorylation of the actin-binding protein filamin A (FLNa). Here, we have used a FLNa-deficient human melanoma cell line (M2) and its derivative line (A7) that stably expresses FLNa to demonstrate that SH2B1β and FLNa are required for maximal PRL-dependent cell ruffling. We have found that in addition to two actin-binding domains, SH2B1β has a FLNa-binding domain (amino acids 200-260) that binds directly to repeats 17-23 of FLNa. The SH2B1β-FLNa interaction participates in PRL-dependent actin rearrangement. We also show that phosphorylation of the three tyrosines of PAK1 by JAK2, as well as the presence of FLNa, play a role in PRL-dependent cell ruffling. Finally, we show that the actin- and FLNa-binding-deficient mutant of SH2B1β (SH2B1β 3Δ) abolished PRL-dependent ruffling and PRL-dependent cell migration when expressed along with PAK1 Y3F (JAK2 tyrosyl-phosphorylation-deficient mutant). Together, these data provide insight into a novel mechanism of PRL-stimulated regulation of the actin cytoskeleton and cell motility via JAK2 signaling through FLNa, PAK1, and SH2B1β. We propose a model for PRL-dependent regulation of the actin cytoskeleton that integrates our findings with previous studies.

Tyrosine phosphorylation-mediated signaling pathways in dictyostelium

While studies on metazoan cell proliferation, cell differentiation, and cytokine signaling laid the foundation of the current paradigms of tyrosine kinase signaling, similar studies using lower eukaryotes have provided invaluable insight for the understanding of mammalian pathways, such as Wnt and STAT pathways. Dictyostelium is one of the leading lower eukaryotic model systems where stress-induced cellular responses, Wnt-like pathways, and STAT-mediated pathways are well investigated. These Dictyostelium pathways will be reviewed together with their mammalian counterparts to facilitate the comparative understanding of these variant and noncanonical pathways.

Critical role of Wnt5a-Ror2 signaling in motility and invasiveness of carcinoma cells following Snail-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Expression of Snail has been shown to mediate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of epithelial cells and carcinomas, characterized by morphological alterations with disappearance and appearance of E-cadherin and vimentin, respectively. Here, we show that ectopic expression of Snail in human epidermoid carcinoma A431 cells (Snail/A431) induces the representative EMT, resulting in remarkable motile and invasive properties of the cells. Expression of Wnt5a, its receptor Ror2 and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 is induced in Snail/A431, but not in control A431 cells. Interestingly, suppressed expression of either Wnt5a or Ror2 in Snail/A431 cells results in the inhibition of in vitro cell motility and invasiveness, at least partly mediated by MMP-2, without affecting characteristics of EMT, i.e., mesenchymal morphology, and down- and up-regulations of E-cadherin and vimentin, respectively. We further show that endogenous Snail is required for sustained expression of Wnt5a, Ror2 and MMP-13 in human osteosarcoma SaOS-2 cells. The results indicate that expression of both Wnt5a and Ror2 is induced during Snail-mediated EMT or malignant progression of cancer cells and that consequently activated Wnt5a-Ror2 signaling confers highly motile and invasive properties on cancer cells. Thus, Wnt5a-Ror2 signaling can be a target of cancer therapies to prevent cancer cells from undergoing invasion and metastasis.

Role of non-canonical Wnt signaling in osteoblast maturation on microstructured titanium surfaces

The Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor Dickkopf-2 (Dkk2) regulates osteoblast differentiation on microstructured titanium (Ti) surfaces, suggesting involvement of Wnt signaling in this process. To test this, human osteoblast-like MG63 cells were cultured on tissue culture polystyrene or Ti (smooth PT (Ra=0.2 μm), sand-blasted and acid-etched SLA (Ra=3.22 μm), modSLA (hydrophilic SLA)). Expression of Wnt pathway receptors, activators and inhibitors was measured by qPCR. Non-canonical pathway ligands, receptors and intracellular signaling molecules, as well as bone morphogenetic proteins BMP2 and BMP4, were upregulated on SLA and modSLA, whereas canonical pathway members were downregulated. To confirm that non-canonical signaling was involved, cells were cultured daily with exogenous Wnt3a (canonical pathway) or Wnt5a (non-canonical pathway). Alternatively, cells were cultured with antibodies to Wnt3a or Wnt5a to validate that Wnt proteins secreted by the cells were mediating cell responses to the surface. Wnt5a, but not Wnt3a, increased MG63 cell differentiation and BMP2 and BMP4 proteins, suggesting Wnt5a promotes osteogenic differentiation through production of BMPs. Effects of exogenous and endogenous Wnt5a were synergistic with surface microstructure, suggesting the response also depends on cell maturation state. These results indicate a major role for the non-canonical, calcium-dependent Wnt pathway in differentiation of osteoblasts on microstructured titanium surfaces during implant osseointegration.

FGF and ROR2 receptor tyrosine kinase signaling in human skeletal development

Skeletal malformations are among the most frequent developmental disturbances in humans. In the past years, progress has been made in unraveling the molecular mechanisms that govern skeletal development by the use of animal models as well as by the identification of numerous mutations that cause human skeletal syndromes. Receptor tyrosine kinases have critical roles in embryonic development. During formation of the skeletal system, the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) family plays major roles in the formation of cranial, axial, and appendicular bones. Another player of relevance to skeletal development is the unusual receptor tyrosine kinase ROR2, the function of which is as interesting as it is complex. In this chapter, we review the involvement of FGFR signaling in human skeletal disease and provide an update on the growing knowledge of ROR2.

Ror2 is required for midgut elongation during mouse development

The receptor tyrosine kinase Ror2 acts as a receptor for Wnt5a to mediate noncanonical Wnt signaling, and it plays essential roles in morphogenesis. Ror2-/- embryos exhibit phenotypes similar to, albeit generally milder than, those of Wnt5a-/- embryos. During mouse embryogenesis, Ror2 is expressed in various organs and regions, although little is known about its expression pattern and roles in the developing gut, while Wnt5a is expressed in the developing gut, where its absence causes abnormal phenotypes. Here, we demonstrated that Ror2 was strongly and differentially expressed in the rostral and middle midgut endoderm from embryonic day (E) 10.5 through embryonic day (E) 12.5. At E11.5, Ror2-/- embryos exhibited a shorter middle midgut with a larger diameter and more accumulation of epithelial cells in the middle midgut than control embryos, while the total cell numbers remained unaltered. These findings suggest that Ror2 plays important roles in midgut elongation by means of an epithelial convergent extension mechanism.

Canonical and noncanonical Wnts use a common mechanism to activate completely unrelated coreceptors

Wnt ligands signal through β-catenin and are critically involved in cell fate determination and stem/progenitor self-renewal. Wnts also signal through β-catenin-independent or noncanonical pathways that regulate crucial events during embryonic development. The mechanism of noncanonical receptor activation and how Wnts trigger canonical as opposed to noncanonical signaling have yet to be elucidated. We demonstrate here that prototype canonical Wnt3a and noncanonical Wnt5a ligands specifically trigger completely unrelated endogenous coreceptors-LRP5/6 and Ror1/2, respectively-through a common mechanism that involves their Wnt-dependent coupling to the Frizzled (Fzd) coreceptor and recruitment of shared components, including dishevelled (Dvl), axin, and glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3). We identify Ror2 Ser 864 as a critical residue phosphorylated by GSK3 and required for noncanonical receptor activation by Wnt5a, analogous to the priming phosphorylation of low-density receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) in response to Wnt3a. Furthermore, this mechanism is independent of Ror2 receptor Tyr kinase functions. Consistent with this model of Wnt receptor activation, we provide evidence that canonical and noncanonical Wnts exert reciprocal pathway inhibition at the cell surface by competition for Fzd binding. Thus, different Wnts, through their specific coupling and phosphorylation of unrelated coreceptors, activate completely distinct signaling pathways.

Disruption of PCP signaling causes limb morphogenesis and skeletal defects and may underlie Robinow syndrome and brachydactyly type B

Brachydactyly type B (BDB1) and Robinow syndrome (RRS) are two skeletal disorders caused by mutations in ROR2, a co-receptor of Wnt5a. Wnt5a/Ror2 can activate multiple branches of non-canonical Wnt signaling, but it is unclear which branch(es) mediates Wnt5a/Ror2 function in limb skeletal development. Here, we provide evidence implicating the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway as the downstream component of Wnt5a in the limb. We show that a mutation in the mouse PCP gene Vangl2 causes digit defects resembling the clinical phenotypes in BDB1, including loss of phalanges. Halving the dosage of Wnt5a in Vangl2 mutants enhances the severity and penetrance of the digit defects and causes long bone defects reminiscent of RRS, suggesting that Wnt5a and Vangl2 function in the same pathway and disruption of PCP signaling may underlie both BDB1 and RRS. Consistent with a role for PCP signaling in tissue morphogenesis, mutation of Vangl2 alters the shape and dimensions of early limb buds: the width and thickness are increased, whereas the length is decreased. The digit pre-chondrogenic condensates also become wider, thicker and shorter. Interestingly, altered limb bud dimensions in Vangl2 mutants also affect limb growth by perturbing the signaling network that regulates the balance between Fgf and Bmp signaling. Halving the dosage of Bmp4 partially suppresses the loss of phalanges in Vangl2 mutants, supporting the hypothesis that an aberrant increase in Bmp signaling is the cause of the brachydactyly defect. These findings provide novel insight into the signaling mechanisms of Wnt5a/Ror2 and the pathogenesis in BDB1 and RRS.

Non-canonical Wnt signaling induces ubiquitination and degradation of Syndecan4

Dynamic regulation of cell adhesion receptors is required for proper cell migration in embryogenesis, tissue repair, and cancer. Integrins and Syndecan4 (SDC4) are the main cell adhesion receptors involved in focal adhesion formation and are required for cell migration. SDC4 interacts biochemically and functionally with components of the Wnt pathway such as Frizzled7 and Dishevelled. Non-canonical Wnt signaling, particularly components of the planar cell polarity branch, controls cell adhesion and migration in embryogenesis and metastatic events. Here, we evaluate the effect of this pathway on SDC4. We have found that Wnt5a reduces cell surface levels and promotes ubiquitination and degradation of SDC4 in cell lines and dorsal mesodermal cells from Xenopus gastrulae. Gain- and loss-of-function experiments demonstrate that Dsh plays a key role in regulating SDC4 steady-state levels. Moreover, a SDC4 deletion construct that interacts inefficiently with Dsh is resistant to Wnt5a-induced degradation. Non-canonical Wnt signaling promotes monoubiquitination of the variable region of SDC4 cytoplasmic domain. Mutation of these specific residues abrogates ubiquitination and results in increased SDC4 steady-state levels. This is the first example of a cell surface protein ubiquitinated and degraded in a Wnt/Dsh-dependent manner.

Ror2/Frizzled complex mediates Wnt5a-induced AP-1 activation by regulating Dishevelled polymerization

The receptor tyrosine kinase Ror2 acts as a receptor or coreceptor for Wnt5a to mediate Wnt5a-induced activation of the Wnt/JNK pathway and inhibition of the beta-catenin-dependent canonical Wnt pathway. However, little is known about how Ror2 cooperates with another receptor component(s) to mediate Wnt5a signaling. We show here that Ror2 regulates Wnt5a-induced polymerization of Dishevelled (Dvl) and that this Ror2-mediated regulation of Dvl is independent of the cytoplasmic region of Ror2. Ror2 can associate with Frizzled7 (Fz7) via its extracellular cysteine-rich domain to form a receptor complex that is required for the regulation of Dvl and activation of the AP-1 promoter after Wnt5a stimulation. Suppressed expression of Fz7 indeed results in the inhibition of Wnt5a-induced polymerization of Dvl and AP-1 activation. Interestingly, both the DIX and the DEP domains of Dvl are indispensable for Dvl polymerization and subsequent AP-1 activation after Wnt5a stimulation. We further show that polymerized Dvl is colocalized with Rac1 and that suppressed expression of Rac1 inhibits Wnt5a-induced AP-1 activation. Collectively, our results indicate that Ror2/Fz receptor complex plays an important role in the Wnt5a/Rac1/AP-1 pathway by regulating the polymerization of Dvl.

A novel role for Wnt/Ca2+ signaling in actin cytoskeleton remodeling and cell motility in prostate cancer

Wnt signaling is a critical regulatory pathway in development and disease. Very little is known about the mechanisms of Wnt signaling in prostate cancer, a leading cause of death in men. A quantitative analysis of the expression of Wnt5A protein in human tissue arrays, containing 600 prostate tissue cores, showed >50% increase in malignant compared to benign cores (p<0.0001). In a matched pair of prostate cancer and normal cell line, expression of Wnt5A protein was also increased. Calcium waves were induced in prostate cells in response to Wnt5A with a 3 fold increase in Flou-4 intensity. The activity of Ca²⁺/calmodulin dependent protein kinase (CaMKII), a transducer of the non-canonical Wnt/Ca²⁺ signaling, increased by 8 fold in cancer cells; no change was observed in β-catenin expression, known to activate the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Mining of publicly available human prostate cancer oligoarray datasets revealed that the expression of numerous genes (e.g., CCND1, CD44) under the control of β-catenin transcription is down-regulated. Confocal and quantitative electron microscopy showed that specific inhibition of CaMKII in cancer cells causes remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton, irregular wound edges and loose intercellular architecture and a 6 and 8 fold increase in the frequency and length of filopodia, respectively. Conversely, untreated normal prostate cells showed an irregular wound edge and loose intercellular architecture; incubation of normal prostate cells with recombinant Wnt5A protein induced actin remodeling with a regular wound edge and increased wound healing capacity. Live cell imaging showed that a functional consequence of CaMKII inhibition was 80% decrease in wound healing capacity and reduced cell motility in cancer cells. We propose that non-canonical Wnt/Ca²⁺ signaling via CaMKII acts as a novel regulator of structural plasticity and cell motility in prostate cancer.

Ror-family receptor tyrosine kinases in noncanonical Wnt signaling: their implications in developmental morphogenesis and human diseases

The Ror-family receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) play crucial roles in the development of various organs and tissues. In mammals, Ror2, a member of the Ror-family RTKs, has been shown to act as a receptor or coreceptor for Wnt5a to mediate noncanonical Wnt signaling. Ror2- and Wnt5a-deficient mice exhibit similar abnormalities during developmental morphogenesis, reflecting their defects in convergent extension movements and planar cell polarity, characteristic features mediated by noncanonical Wnt signaling. Furthermore, mutations within the human Ror2 gene are responsible for the genetic skeletal disorders dominant brachydactyly type B and recessive Robinow syndrome. Accumulating evidence demonstrate that Ror2 mediates noncanonical Wnt5a signaling by inhibiting the beta-catenin-TCF pathway and activating the Wnt/JNK pathway that results in polarized cell migration. In this article, we review recent progress in understanding the roles of noncanonical Wnt5a/Ror2 signaling in developmental morphogenesis and in human diseases, including heritable skeletal disorders and tumor invasion.

Striking the target in Wnt-y conditions: intervening in Wnt signaling during cancer progression

Wnt signaling can be divided into three pathways, namely the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin pathway, and the non-canonical (or heretical) Wnt/Ca(2+) and planar cell polarity (PCP) pathways. Although the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is the best described in cancer, increasing data points to the importance of the heretical Wnt pathways in several aspects of tumor progression. The recent advances in understanding the players and mechanisms by which these Wnt pathways contribute to cancer progression have led to the identification of numerous molecules that are already, or could be considered, targets for cancer therapy.

WNT5A expression in ameloblastoma and its roles in regulating enamel epithelium tumorigenic behaviors

Odontogenic tumors originate from the remains of migrating enamel epithelium after the completion of normal tooth genesis. These enamel epithelium remnants exhibit the ability to recapitulate the events that occur during tooth formation. Several lines of evidence suggest that aberrance in the signaling pathways similar to the ones that are used during tooth development, including the WNT pathway, might be the cause of odontogenic tumorigenesis and maintenance. In this study we demonstrated that WNT5A expression was intense in both the epithelial component of ameloblastomas, the most common epithelial odontogenic tumor, and in this tumor's likely precursor cell, the enamel epithelium located at the cervical loop of normal developing human tooth buds. Additionally, when WNT5A was overexpressed in enamel epithelium cells (LS-8), the clones expressing high levels of WNT5A (S) exhibited characteristics of tumorigenic cells, including growth factor independence, loss of anchorage dependence, loss of contact inhibition, and tumor formation in immunocompromised mice. Moreover, overexpression of WNT5A drastically increased LS-8 cell migration and actin reorganization when compared with controls. Suppression of endogenous WNT5A in LS-8 cells (AS) greatly impaired their migration and AS cells failed to form significant actin reorganization and membrane protrusion was rarely seen. Taken together, our data indicate that WNT5A signaling is important in modulating tumorigenic behaviors of enamel epithelium cells in ameloblastomas.

Recent advances in BMP receptor signaling

Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMPs) play an important role during organ development and during regeneration after tissue damage. BMPs signal via transmembrane serine/threonine kinase receptors. From our current understanding heteromeric complexes of type I and type II receptors are required for signal propagation. Presently, three type I and three type II receptors are known to bind BMPs with different affinities. Ligands and receptors eventually oligomerize via defined modes into signaling complexes. Co-receptors recruit into these complexes to either inhibit or to promote signaling. The Smad pathway, initiated by phosphorylation through the activated type I receptors, results in transcriptional regulation of early target genes. However, on its way to the nucleus, Smads represent signaling platforms for other pathways, which eventually finetune BMP signal transduction. We also describe BMP-induced signaling cascades leading to cytoskeletal rearrangements, non-transcriptional and non-Smad pathways. BMPs induce a plethora of different cellular effects ranging from stem cell maintenance, migration, differentiation, proliferation to apoptosis. The molecular mechanism, by which the same ligand induces these manifold effects, depends on the cellular context. Here we try to give a current picture of the most important players in regulating and directing BMP signaling towards the desired cellular outcome. Examples of BMP action during development, but also physiological and pathophysiological conditions in the adult organism are presented.

The orphan tyrosine kinase receptor, ROR2, mediates Wnt5A signaling in metastatic melanoma

Tyrosine kinase receptors represent targets of great interest for cancer therapy. Here we demonstrate, for the first time, the importance of the orphan tyrosine kinase receptor, ROR2, in melanoma progression. Using melanoma tissue microarrays we show that ROR2 is expressed predominantly in metastatic melanoma. Because ROR2 has been shown to specifically interact with the non-canonical Wnt ligand, Wnt5A, this corroborates our previous data implicating Wnt5A as a mediator of melanoma metastasis. We show here that increases in Wnt5A cause increases in ROR2 expression, as well as the PKC-dependent, clathrin-mediated internalization of ROR2. WNT5A knockdown by siRNA decreases ROR2 expression, but silencing of ROR2 has no effect on WNT5A levels. ROR2 knockdown does, however, result in a decrease in signaling downstream of Wnt5A. Using in vitro and in vivo metastasis assays we demonstrate that ROR2 is necessary for the Wnt5A-mediated metastasis of melanoma cells. These data imply that ROR2 may represent a novel target for melanoma therapy.

Hear the Wnt Ror: how melanoma cells adjust to changes in Wnt

The interplay between canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathways in development and tumorigenesis is tightly regulated. In this review we will describe the yin and the yang of canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways during melanocyte development, and melanoma genesis. Canonical Wnt signaling, represented by Wnts such as Wnt1 and Wnt3A, signals via beta-catenin to promote melanocyte differentiation and tumor development. Non-canonical Wnt signaling, specifically Wnt5A, regulates canonical pathways, and signals to induce melanoma metastasis. This review will focus on the role of Wnt5A during melanoma progression, and its relationship to canonical Wnt signaling.

Crystal structure of the frizzled-like cysteine-rich domain of the receptor tyrosine kinase MuSK

Muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) is an essential receptor tyrosine kinase for the establishment and maintenance of the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). Activation of MuSK by agrin, a neuronally derived heparan-sulfate proteoglycan, and LRP4 (low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-4), the agrin receptor, leads to clustering of acetylcholine receptors on the postsynaptic side of the NMJ. The ectodomain of MuSK comprises three immunoglobulin-like domains and a cysteine-rich domain (Fz-CRD) related to those in Frizzled proteins, the receptors for Wnts. Here, we report the crystal structure of the MuSK Fz-CRD at 2.1 A resolution. The structure reveals a five-disulfide-bridged domain similar to CRDs of Frizzled proteins but with a divergent C-terminal region. An asymmetric dimer present in the crystal structure implicates surface hydrophobic residues that may function in homotypic or heterotypic interactions to mediate co-clustering of MuSK, rapsyn, and acetylcholine receptors at the NMJ.

Random versus directionally persistent cell migration

Directional migration is an important component of cell motility. Although the basic mechanisms of random cell movement are well characterized, no single model explains the complex regulation of directional migration. Multiple factors operate at each step of cell migration to stabilize lamellipodia and maintain directional migration. Factors such as the topography of the extracellular matrix, the cellular polarity machinery, receptor signalling, integrin trafficking, integrin co-receptors and actomyosin contraction converge on regulation of the Rho family of GTPases and the control of lamellipodial protrusions to promote directional migration.

Autonomous regulation of osteosarcoma cell invasiveness by Wnt5a/Ror2 signaling

The receptor tyrosine kinase Ror2 regulates cell migration by acting as a receptor or co-receptor for Wnt5a. Although Wnt5a has been implicated in the invasiveness of several types of tumors, the role of Ror2 in tumor invasion remains elusive. Here we show that osteosarcoma cell lines SaOS-2 and U2OS show invasive properties in vitro by activating Wnt5a/Ror2 signaling in a cell-autonomous manner. The suppressed expression of either Wnt5a or Ror2 in osteosarcoma cells inhibits cell invasiveness accompanying decreased invadopodia formation. Gene-expression profiling identified matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13) as one of the genes whose expression is downregulated in SaOS-2 cells following suppression of Ror2 expression. Reduced expression or activity of MMP-13 suppresses invasiveness of SaOS-2 cells. Moreover, expression of MMP-13 and cell invasiveness by Wnt5a/Ror2 signaling can be abrogated by an inhibitor of the Src-family protein tyrosine kinases (SFKs), suggesting the role of the SFKs in MMP-13 expression through Wnt5a/Ror2 signaling. We further show that activation of an SFK is inhibited by the suppressed expression of Ror2. Collectively, these results indicate that Wnt5a/Ror2 signaling involves the activation of a SFK, leading to MMP-13 expression, and that constitutively active Wnt5a/Ror2 signaling confers invasive properties on osteosarcoma cells in a cell-autonomous manner.

Ror2 expression in squamous cell carcinoma and epithelial dysplasia of the oral cavity

In this study, the expressions of Ror2 in the normal mucosa, the epithelium dysplasia, and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity were investigated, and possible differences in the expression patterns of Ror2 and of p53, Ki67, or PCNA were examined. In Western blotting analyses, Ror2 expression in oral cancer was significantly higher than that in the normal oral mucosa. Immunohistochemically, Ror2 was localized on the plasmalemma and in the rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER). The tissue area with an Ror2-positive expression tended to differ from the area with a positive expression of p53, ki67, or PCNA, and the number of cells with an Ror2 expression tended to increase as the degree of malignancy rose in the epithelial tissues. These results suggest that Ror2 was not related to cell proliferation, but rather associated with cell polarity and cell motility, and that it was also closely associated with the degree of malignancy in oral epithelial tissue.

Wnt signaling pathways meet Rho GTPases

Wnt ligands and their receptors orchestrate many essential cellular and physiological processes. During development they control differentiation, proliferation, migration, and patterning, while in the adult, they regulate tissue homeostasis, primarily through their effects on stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Underpinning these diverse biological activities is a complex set of intracellular signaling pathways that are still poorly understood. Rho GTPases have emerged as key mediators of Wnt signals, most notably in the noncanonical pathways that involve polarized cell shape changes and migrations, but also more recently in the canonical pathway leading to beta-catenin-dependent transcription. It appears that Rho GTPases integrate Wnt-induced signals spatially and temporally to promote morphological and transcriptional changes affecting cell behavior.

Wnt activity guides facial branchiomotor neuron migration, and involves the PCP pathway and JNK and ROCK kinases

Background

Wnt proteins play roles in many biological processes, including axon guidance and cell migration. In the mammalian hindbrain, facial branchiomotor (FBM) neurons undergo a striking rostral to caudal migration, yet little is known of the underlying molecular mechanisms. In this study, we investigated a possible role of Wnts and the planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway in this process.

Results

Here we demonstrate a novel role for Wnt proteins in guiding FBM neurons during their rostral to caudal migration in the hindbrain. We found that Wnt5a is expressed in a caudal^high to rostral^low gradient in the hindbrain. Wnt-coated beads chemoattracted FBM neurons to ectopic positions in an explant migration assay. The rostrocaudal FBM migration was moderately perturbed in Wnt5a mutant embryos and severely disrupted in Frizzled3 mutant mouse embryos, and was aberrant following inhibition of Wnt function by secreted Frizzled-related proteins. We also show the involvement of the Wnt/PCP pathway in mammalian FBM neuron migration. Thus, mutations in two PCP genes, Vangl2 and Scribble, caused severe defects in FBM migration. Inhibition of JNK and ROCK kinases strongly and specifically reduced the FBM migration, as well as blocked the chemoattractant effects of ectopic Wnt proteins.

Conclusion

These results provide in vivo evidence that Wnts chemoattract mammalian FBM neurons and that Wnt5a is a candidate to mediate this process. Molecules of the PCP pathway and the JNK and ROCK kinases also play a role in the FBM migration and are likely mediators of Wnt signalling.

Selective activation mechanisms of Wnt signaling pathways

Wnts comprise a large family of secreted, hydrophobic glycoproteins that control a variety of developmental and adult processes in all metazoan organisms, including cellular proliferation, differentiation, migration and polarity. Wnts have many receptors that are present on a variety of cell types, partly specifying which Wnt pathways are activated. Recently, evidence has been accumulating that specificity of activation downstream of Wnt is also regulated by receptor-mediated endocytosis and the presence of cofactors such as heparan sulfate proteoglycans, in addition to the formation of specific ligand-receptor pairs. Here, we describe how the different endocytic routes of Wnt receptors through caveolin and clathrin determine specificity of Wnt signaling in vertebrates.

A Wnt survival guide: from flies to human disease

It has been two decades since investigators discovered the link between the Drosophila wingless (Wg) gene and the vertebrate oncogene int-1, thus establishing the family of signaling proteins known as Wnts. Since the inception of the Wnt signaling field, there have been 19 Wnt isoforms identified in humans. These secreted glycoproteins can activate at least two distinct signaling pathways in vertebrate cells, leading to cellular changes that regulate a vast array of biological processes, including embryonic development, cell fate, cell proliferation, cell migration, stem cell maintenance, tumor suppression, and oncogenesis. In certain contexts, one subset of Wnt isoforms activates the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin pathway that is characterized by the activation of certain beta-catenin-responsive target genes in response to the binding of Wnt ligand to its cognate receptors. Similarly, a second subset of Wnt isoforms activates beta-catenin-independent pathways, including the Wnt/calcium (Wnt/Ca) pathway and the Wnt/planar cell polarity (Wnt/PCP) pathway, in certain cellular contexts. In addition, research has identified several secreted proteins known to regulate Wnt signaling, including the Dickkopf (DKK) family, secreted Frizzled-related proteins (sFRPs), and Wnt inhibitory factor-1 (WIF-1). The advent of technologies that can provide genome-wide expression data continues to implicate Wnts and proteins that regulate Wnt signaling pathways in a growing number of disease processes. The aim of this review is to provide a context on the Wnt field that will facilitate the interpretation and study of Wnt signaling in the context of human disease.

Wnt5A activates the calpain-mediated cleavage of filamin A

We have previously shown that Wnt5A and ROR2, an orphan tyrosine kinase receptor, interact to mediate melanoma cell motility. In other cell types, this can occur through the interaction of ROR2 with the cytoskeletal protein filamin A. Here, we found that filamin A protein levels correlated with Wnt5A levels in melanoma cells. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) knockdown of WNT5A decreased filamin A expression. Knockdown of filamin A also corresponded to a decrease in melanoma cell motility. In metastatic cells, filamin A expression was predominant in the cytoplasm, which western analysis indicated was due to the cleavage of filamin A in these cells. Treatment of nonmetastatic melanoma cells with recombinant Wnt5A increased filamin A cleavage, and this could be prevented by the knockdown of ROR2 expression. Further, BAPTA-AM chelation of intracellular calcium also inhibited filamin A cleavage, leading to the hypothesis that Wnt5A/ROR2 signaling could cleave filamin A through activation of calcium-activated proteases, such as calpains. Indeed, WNT5A knockdown decreased calpain 1 expression, and by inhibiting calpain 1 either pharmacologically or using siRNA, it decreased cell motility. Our results indicate that Wnt5A activates calpain-1, leading to the cleavage of filamin A, which results in a remodeling of the cytoskeleton and an increase in melanoma cell motility.

The role of formins in filopodia formation

Filopodia are highly dynamic cell-surface protrusions used by cells to sense their external environment. At the core of the filopodium is a bundle of actin filaments. These give form to the filopodia and also drive the cycle of elongation and retraction. Recent studies have shown that two very different actin nucleating proteins control the formation of filopodial actin filaments - Arp2/3 and Formins. Although the actin filaments produced by these two nucleators have very different structures and properties, recent work has begun to piece together evidence for co-operation between Arp2/3 and formins in filopodia formation, leading to a deeper understanding of these sensory organelles.

Transcriptional outcome of Wnt-Frizzled signal transduction in inflammation: evolving concepts

Wnt-Frizzled signaling was first identified as a key event in Drosophila development. Over the years, ample evidence has accumulated regarding the multiple roles of Wnt-Frizzled signaling in mammalian cell differentiation and tissue/organ morphogenesis. It is thus not surprising that variations in the regulatory network of the Wnt signaling scheme would lead to alterations in cellular organization and cell activation and to the development of pathogenic conditions. Several reports have accordingly implied the involvement of Wnt-Frizzled signaling in the activation of proinflammatory mediators in inflammatory disorders. We will discuss how Wnt-Frizzled signaling may initiate/augment inflammation, focusing on its transcriptional outcome.

The Wnt-5a-derived hexapeptide Foxy-5 inhibits breast cancer metastasis in vivo by targeting cell motility

PURPOSE

An inherent problem in breast cancer treatment is that current therapeutic approaches fail to specifically target the dissemination of breast cancer cells from the primary tumor. Clinical findings show that the loss of Wnt-5a protein expression in the primary breast tumor predicts a faster tumor spread, and in vitro analyses reveal that it does so by inhibiting tumor cell migration. Therefore, we hypothesized that the reconstitution of Wnt-5a signaling could be a novel therapeutic strategy to inhibit breast cancer metastasis.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

We used in vitro techniques to show that 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells responded to the reconstitution of Wnt-5a signaling using our novel Wnt-5a mimicking hexapeptide, Foxy-5, in the same way as human breast cancer cells. Therefore, we could subsequently study its effect in vivo on the metastatic spread of cancer following the inoculation of 4T1 cells into mice.

RESULTS

In vitro analyses revealed that both recombinant Wnt-5a and the Wnt-5a-derived Foxy-5 peptide impaired migration and invasion without affecting apoptosis or proliferation of 4T1 breast cancer cells. The in vivo experiments show that i.p. injections of Foxy-5 inhibited metastasis of inoculated 4T1 breast cancer cells from the mammary fat pad to the lungs and liver by 70% to 90%.

CONCLUSIONS

These data provide proof of principle that the reconstitution of Wnt-5a signaling in breast cancer cells is a novel approach to impair breast tumor metastasis by targeting cell motility. In combination with existing therapies, this approach represents a potential novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of breast cancer patients.