351
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Gómez-Orte E, Sáenz-Narciso B, Moreno S, Cabello J. Multiple functions of the noncanonical Wnt pathway. Trends Genet 2013; 29:545-53. [PMID: 23846023 DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2013.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Revised: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Thirty years after the identification of WNTs, understanding of their signal transduction pathways continues to expand. Here, we review recent advances in characterizing the Wnt-dependent signaling pathways in Caenorhabditis elegans linking polar signals to rearrangements of the cytoskeleton in different developmental processes, such as proper mitotic spindle orientation, cell migration, and engulfment of apoptotic corpses. In addition to the well-described transcriptional outputs of the canonical and noncanonical Wnt pathways, new branches regulating nontranscriptional outputs that control RAC (Ras related GTPase) activity are also discussed. These findings suggest that Wnt signaling is a master regulator not only of development, but also of cell polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Gómez-Orte
- Center for Biomedical Research of La Rioja (CIBIR), C/Piqueras 98, 26006 Logroño, Spain
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352
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Miao CG, Yang YY, He X, Li XF, Huang C, Huang Y, Zhang L, Lv XW, Jin Y, Li J. Wnt signaling pathway in rheumatoid arthritis, with special emphasis on the different roles in synovial inflammation and bone remodeling. Cell Signal 2013; 25:2069-78. [PMID: 23602936 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2013.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 145] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Revised: 03/30/2013] [Accepted: 04/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic symmetrical autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that affects primarily the diarthrodial joints. Characteristic features of RA pathogenesis are synovial inflammation and proliferation accompanied by cartilage erosion and bone loss. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) display an important role in the pathogenesis of RA. Several lines of evidence show that the Wnt signaling pathway significantly participates in the RA pathogenesis. The Wnt proteins are glycoproteins that bind to the Fz receptors on the cell surface, which leads to several important biological functions, such as cell differentiation, embryonic development, limb development and joint formation. Accumulated evidence has suggested that this signaling pathway plays a key role in the FLS activation, bone resorption and joint destruction during RA development. Greater knowledge of the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in RA could improve understanding of the RA pathogenesis and the differences in RA clinical presentation and prognosis. In this review, new advances of the Wnt signaling pathway in RA pathogenesis are discussed, with special emphasis on its different roles in synovial inflammation and bone remodeling. Further studies are needed to reveal the important role of the members of the Wnt signaling pathway in the RA pathogenesis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-gui Miao
- School of Pharmacy, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Key Laboratory of Bioactivity of Natural Products, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
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353
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Kim JH, Liu X, Wang J, Chen X, Zhang H, Kim SH, Cui J, Li R, Zhang W, Kong Y, Zhang J, Shui W, Lamplot J, Rogers MR, Zhao C, Wang N, Rajan P, Tomal J, Statz J, Wu N, Luu HH, Haydon RC, He TC. Wnt signaling in bone formation and its therapeutic potential for bone diseases. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis 2013; 5:13-31. [PMID: 23514963 DOI: 10.1177/1759720x12466608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role not only in embryonic development but also in the maintenance and differentiation of the stem cells in adulthood. In particular, Wnt signaling has been shown as an important regulatory pathway in the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Induction of the Wnt signaling pathway promotes bone formation while inactivation of the pathway leads to osteopenic states. Our current understanding of Wnt signaling in osteogenesis elucidates the molecular mechanisms of classic osteogenic pathologies. Activating and inactivating aberrations of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway in osteogenesis results in sclerosteosis and osteoporosis respectively. Recent studies have sought to target the Wnt signaling pathway to treat osteogenic disorders. Potential therapeutic approaches attempt to stimulate the Wnt signaling pathway by upregulating the intracellular mediators of the Wnt signaling cascade and inhibiting the endogenous antagonists of the pathway. Antibodies against endogenous antagonists, such as sclerostin and dickkopf-1, have demonstrated promising results in promoting bone formation and fracture healing. Lithium, an inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3β, has also been reported to stimulate osteogenesis by stabilizing β catenin. Although manipulating the Wnt signaling pathway has abundant therapeutic potential, it requires cautious approach due to risks of tumorigenesis. The present review discusses the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in osteogenesis and examines its targeted therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Hwan Kim
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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354
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Jiang W, Crossman DK, Mitchell EH, Sohn P, Crowley MR, Serra R. WNT5A inhibits metastasis and alters splicing of Cd44 in breast cancer cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e58329. [PMID: 23484019 PMCID: PMC3590134 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2012] [Accepted: 02/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt5a is a non-canonical signaling Wnt. Low expression of WNT5A is correlated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. The highly invasive breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 and 4T1, express very low levels of WNT5A. To determine if enhanced expression of WNT5A would affect metastatic behavior, we generated WNT5A expressing cells from the 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 parental cell lines. WNT5A expressing cells demonstrated cobblestone morphology and reduced in vitro migration relative to controls. Cell growth was not altered. Metastasis to the lung via tail vein injection was reduced in the 4T1-WNT5A expressing cells relative to 4T1-vector controls. To determine the mechanism of WNT5A action on metastasis, we performed microarray and whole-transcriptome sequence analysis (RNA-seq) to compare gene expression in 4T1-WNT5A and 4T1-vector cells. Analysis indicated highly significant alterations in expression of genes associated with cellular movement. Down-regulation of a subset of these genes, Mmp13, Nos2, Il1a, Cxcl2, and Lamb3, in WNT5A expressing cells was verified by semi-quantitative RT-PCR. Significant differences in transcript splicing were also detected in cell movement associated genes including Cd44. Cd44 is an adhesion molecule with a complex genome structure. Variable exon usage is associated with metastatic phenotype. Alternative spicing of Cd44 in WNT5A expressing cells was confirmed using RT-PCR. We conclude that WNT5A inhibits metastasis through down-regulation of multiple cell movement pathways by regulating transcript levels and splicing of key genes like Cd44.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Jiang
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - David K. Crossman
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth H. Mitchell
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Philip Sohn
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Michael R. Crowley
- Department of Genetics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Rosa Serra
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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355
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Canonical WNT signaling regulates development of bovine embryos to the blastocyst stage. Sci Rep 2013; 3:1266. [PMID: 23405280 PMCID: PMC3569626 DOI: 10.1038/srep01266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 01/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives were to evaluate the role of canonical WNT signaling in development of the preimplantation embryo. Signaling was activated with 2-Amino-4-(3,4-(methylenedioxy)benzylamino)-6-(3-methoxyphenyl)pyrimidine (AMBMP) and inhibited with Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1). Treatment of bovine embryos with AMBMP at day 5 after insemination decreased development to the blastocyst stage at day 7 and reduced numbers of trophectoderm and inner cell mass cells. At high concentrations, AMBMP caused disorganization of the inner cell mass. DKK1 blocked actions of AMBMP but did not affect development in the absence of AMBMP. Examination of gene expression in day 6 morulae by microarray revealed expression of 16 WNT genes and other genes involved in WNT signaling; differences in relative expression were confirmed by PCR for 7 genes. In conclusion, the preimplantation embryo possesses a functional WNT signaling system and activation of the canonical pathway can inhibit embryonic development.
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356
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The WNT signaling pathway from ligand secretion to gene transcription: molecular mechanisms and pharmacological targets. Pharmacol Ther 2013; 138:66-83. [PMID: 23328704 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2013.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 12/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Wingless/integrase-1 (WNT) signaling is a key pathway regulating various aspects of embryonic development; however it also underlies several pathological conditions in man, including various cancers and fibroproliferative diseases in several organs. Investigating the molecular processes involved in (canonical) WNT signaling will open new avenues for generating new therapeutics to specifically target diseases in which WNT signaling is aberrantly regulated. Here we describe the complexity of WNT signal transduction starting from the processes involved in WNT ligand biogenesis and secretion by WNT producing cells followed by a comprehensive overview of the molecular signaling events ultimately resulting in enhanced transcription of specific genes in WNT receiving cells. Finally, the possible targets for therapeutic intervention and the available pharmacological inhibitors for this complex signaling pathway are discussed.
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357
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Cain CJ, Manilay JO. Hematopoietic stem cell fate decisions are regulated by Wnt antagonists: Comparisons and current controversies. Exp Hematol 2013; 41:3-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2012.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2012] [Revised: 08/31/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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358
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Abstract
30 years after the identification of WNTs, their signal transduction has become increasingly complex, with the discovery of more than 15 receptors and co-receptors in seven protein families. The recent discovery of three receptor classes for the R-spondin family of WNT agonists further adds to this complexity. What emerges is an intricate network of receptors that form higher-order ligand-receptor complexes routing downstream signalling. These are regulated both extracellularly by agonists such as R-spondin and intracellularly by post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, proteolytic processing and endocytosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christof Niehrs
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, DKFZ, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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359
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Shaukat Z, Wong HWS, Nicolson S, Saint RB, Gregory SL. A screen for selective killing of cells with chromosomal instability induced by a spindle checkpoint defect. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47447. [PMID: 23077619 PMCID: PMC3471812 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 09/17/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spindle assembly checkpoint is crucial for the maintenance of a stable chromosome number. Defects in the checkpoint lead to Chromosomal INstability (CIN), which is linked to the progression of tumors with poor clinical outcomes such as drug resistance and metastasis. As CIN is not found in normal cells, it offers a cancer-specific target for therapy, which may be particularly valuable because CIN is common in advanced tumours that are resistant to conventional therapy. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Here we identify genes that are required for the viability of cells with a CIN phenotype. We have used RNAi knockdown of the spindle assembly checkpoint to induce CIN in Drosophila and then screened the set of kinase and phosphatase genes by RNAi knockdown to identify those that induce apoptosis only in the CIN cells. Genes identified include those involved in JNK signaling pathways and mitotic cytoskeletal regulation. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE The screen demonstrates that it is feasible to selectively kill cells with CIN induced by spindle checkpoint defects. It has identified candidates that are currently being pursued as cancer therapy targets (e.g. Nek2: NIMA related kinase 2), confirming that the screen is able to identify promising drug targets of clinical significance. In addition, several other candidates were identified that have no previous connection with mitosis or apoptosis. Further screening and detailed characterization of the candidates could potentially lead to the therapies that specifically target advanced cancers that exhibit CIN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeeshan Shaukat
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Heidi W. S. Wong
- Department of Genetics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Shannon Nicolson
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Robert B. Saint
- Department of Genetics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen L. Gregory
- School of Molecular and Biomedical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- * E-mail:
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360
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Kondratov AG, Kvasha SM, Stoliar LA, Romanenko AM, Zgonnyk YM, Gordiyuk VV, Kashuba EV, Rynditch AV, Zabarovsky ER, Kashuba VI. Alterations of the WNT7A gene in clear cell renal cell carcinomas. PLoS One 2012; 7:e47012. [PMID: 23056560 PMCID: PMC3466251 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0047012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2012] [Accepted: 09/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
WNT7A (wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 7A) is a known tumor suppressor gene of non-small cell lung carcinomas (NSCLC) and is frequently inactivated due to CpG-island hypermethylation in human cancers. The members of WNT family are involved in cell signaling and play crucial roles in cancer development. In the present work hypermethylation of the WNT7A gene was detected in 66% (29/44) of analyzed clear cell renal cell carcinomas (RCCs) using methyl-specific PCR (MSP). Moreover, bisulfite sequencing confirmed intensive hypermethylation of the 5'-CpG island of the WNT7A gene. Methylation analysis revealed positive correlations between tumor stage, Fuhrman nuclear grade and WNT7A hypermethylation. Additionally, restoration of WNT7A gene expression in the A498 cell line by 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment confirmed a direct contribution of hypermethylation in silencing of the WNT7A gene. High frequency of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) was demonstrated on chromosome 3p25 in regions surrounding the WNT7A gene. The frequent down-regulation of WNT7A gene expression was detected in 88% (15/17) of clear cell RCCs. We have also shown that the WNT7A gene possesses tumor suppression function by colony-formation and cell proliferation assays in RCC cell lines. In summary, the WNT7A gene is inactivated by genetic/epigenetic alterations in clear cell RCC and demonstrates tumor suppressor properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandr G Kondratov
- Department of Molecular Oncogenetics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Science, Kyiv, Ukraine.
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361
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The importance of Wnt signalling for neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease. Biochem Soc Trans 2012; 40:1123-8. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20120122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PD (Parkinson's disease) is a devastating progressive motor disorder with no available cure. Over the last two decades, an increasing number of genetic defects have been found that cause familial and idiopathic forms of PD. In parallel, the importance of Wnt signalling pathways for the healthy functioning of the adult brain and the dysregulation of these pathways in neurodegenerative disease has become apparent. Cell biological functions disrupted in PD are partially controlled by Wnt signalling pathways and proteins encoded by PARK genes have been shown to modify Wnt signalling. This suggests the prospect of targeting Wnt signalling pathways to modify PD progression.
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362
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Mill C, George SJ. Wnt signalling in smooth muscle cells and its role in cardiovascular disorders. Cardiovasc Res 2012; 95:233-40. [PMID: 22492675 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvs141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are the major cell type within blood vessels. SMCs exhibit low rates of proliferation, migration, and apoptosis in normal blood vessels. However, increased SMC proliferation, migration, and apoptosis rates radically alter the composition and structure of the blood vessel wall and contribute to cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, and restenosis that occur after coronary artery vein grafting and stent implantation. Consequently, therapies that modulate SMC proliferation, migration, and apoptosis may be useful for treating cardiovascular diseases. The family of Wnt proteins, which were first identified in the wingless drosophila, has a well-established role in embryogenesis and development. It is now emerging that Wnt proteins also regulate SMC proliferation, migration, and survival. In this review article, we discuss recently emerging research that has revealed that Wnt proteins are important regulators of SMC behaviour via activation of β-catenin-dependent and β-catenin-independent Wnt signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Mill
- Bristol Heart Institute, School of Clinical Sciences, Research Floor Level 7, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Upper Maudlin St, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK
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