Aberrant Cholesterol Metabolism and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Coalesce via Frizzled5 in Supporting Cancer Growth

Structural basis of frizzled 7 activation and allosteric regulation

Frizzleds (ten paralogs: FZD1-10) belong to the class F of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), which remains poorly understood despite its crucial role in multiple key biological functions including embryonic development, stem cell regulation, and homeostasis in the adult. FZD7, one of the most studied members of the family, is more specifically involved in the migration of mesendoderm cells during the development and renewal of intestinal stem cells in adults. Moreover, FZD7 has been highlighted for its involvement in tumor development predominantly in the gastrointestinal tract. This study reports the structure of inactive FZD7, without any stabilizing mutations, determined by cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) at 1.9 Å resolution. We characterize a fluctuating water pocket in the core of the receptor important for FZD7 dynamics. Molecular dynamics simulations are used to investigate the temporal distribution of those water molecules and their importance for potential conformational changes in FZD7. Moreover, we identify lipids interacting with the receptor core and a conserved cholesterol-binding site, which displays a key role in FZD7 association with a transducer protein, Disheveled (DVL), and initiation of downstream signaling and signalosome formation.

Crosstalk between Lipid Metabolism and Bone Homeostasis: Exploring Intricate Signaling Relationships

Bone is a dynamic tissue reshaped by constant bone formation and bone resorption to maintain its function. The skeletal system accounts for approximately 70% of the total volume of the body, and continuous bone remodeling requires quantities of energy and material consumption. Adipose tissue is the main energy storehouse of the body and has a strong adaptive capacity to participate in the regulation of various physiological processes. Considering that obesity and metabolic syndrome have become major public health challenges, while osteoporosis and osteoporotic fractures have become other major health problems in the aging population, it would be interesting to explore these 2 diseases together. Currently, an increasing number of researchers are focusing on the interactions between multiple tissue systems, i.e., multiple organs and tissues that are functionally coordinated together and pathologically pathologically interact with each other in the body. However, there is lack of detailed reviews summarizing the effects of lipid metabolism on bone homeostasis and the interactions between adipose tissue and bone tissue. This review provides a detailed summary of recent advances in understanding how lipid molecules and adipose-derived hormones affect bone homeostasis, how bone tissue, as a metabolic organ, affects lipid metabolism, and how lipid metabolism is regulated by bone-derived cytokines.

The emerging understanding of Frizzled receptors

The Wnt signaling pathway is a huge network governing development and homeostasis, dysregulation of which is associated with a myriad of human diseases. The Frizzled receptor (FZD) family comprises receptors for Wnt ligands, which indispensably mediate Wnt signaling jointly with a variety of co-receptors. Studies of FZDs have revealed that 10 FZD subtypes play diverse roles in physiological processes. At the same time, dysregulation of FZDs is also responsible for various diseases, in particular human cancers. Enormous attention has been paid to the molecular understanding and targeted therapy of FZDs in the past decade. In this review, we summarize the latest research on FZD structure, function, regulation and targeted therapy, providing a basis for guiding future research in this field.

Emerging mechanisms and promising approaches in pancreatic cancer metabolism

Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. Metabolic abnormalities are one of the hallmarks of pancreatic cancer, and pancreatic cancer cells can adapt to biosynthesis, energy intake, and redox needs through metabolic reprogramming to tolerate nutrient deficiency and hypoxic microenvironments. Pancreatic cancer cells can use glucose, amino acids, and lipids as energy to maintain malignant growth. Moreover, they also metabolically interact with cells in the tumour microenvironment to change cell fate, promote tumour progression, and even affect immune responses. Importantly, metabolic changes at the body level deserve more attention. Basic research and clinical trials based on targeted metabolic therapy or in combination with other treatments are in full swing. A more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the metabolic regulation of pancreatic cancer cells will not only enrich the understanding of the mechanisms of disease progression but also provide inspiration for new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

G protein-coupled receptors and traditional Chinese medicine: new thinks for the development of traditional Chinese medicine

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) widely exist in vivo and participate in many physiological processes, thus emerging as important targets for drug development. Approximately 30% of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs target GPCRs. To date, the 'one disease, one target, one molecule' strategy no longer meets the demands of drug development. Meanwhile, small-molecule drugs account for 60% of FDA-approved drugs. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has garnered widespread attention for its unique theoretical system and treatment methods. TCM involves multiple components, targets and pathways. Centered on GPCRs and TCM, this paper discusses the similarities and differences between TCM and GPCRs from the perspectives of syndrome of TCM, the consistency of TCM's multi-component and multi-target approaches and the potential of GPCRs and TCM in the development of novel drugs. A novel strategy, 'simultaneous screening of drugs and targets', was proposed and applied to the study of GPCRs. We combine GPCRs with TCM to facilitate the modernisation of TCM, provide valuable insights into the rational application of TCM and facilitate the research and development of novel drugs. This study offers theoretical support for the modernisation of TCM and introduces novel ideas for development of safe and effective drugs.

Unraveling the significance of AGPAT4 for the pathogenesis of endometriosis via a multi-omics approach

Endometriosis is characterized by the ectopic proliferation of endometrial cells, posing considerable diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Our study investigates AGPAT4's involvement in endometriosis pathogenesis, aiming to unveil new therapeutic targets. Our investigation by analyzing eQTL data from GWAS for preliminary screening. Subsequently, within the GEO dataset, we utilized four machine learning algorithms to precisely identify risk-associated genes. Gene validity was confirmed through five Mendelian Randomization methods. AGPAT4 expression was measured by Single-Cell Analysis, ELISA and immunohistochemistry. We investigated AGPAT4's effect on endometrial stromal cells using RNA interference, assessing cell proliferation, invasion, and migration with CCK8, wound-healing, and transwell assays. Protein expression was analyzed by western blot, and AGPAT4 interactions were explored using AutoDock. Our investigation identified 11 genes associated with endometriosis risk, with AGPAT4 and COMT emerging as pivotal biomarkers through machine learning analysis. AGPAT4 exhibited significant upregulation in both ectopic tissues and serum samples from patients with endometriosis. Reduced expression of AGPAT4 was observed to detrimentally impact the proliferation, invasion, and migration capabilities of endometrial stromal cells, concomitant with diminished expression of key signaling molecules such as Wnt3a, β-Catenin, MMP-9, and SNAI2. Molecular docking analyses further underscored a substantive interaction between AGPAT4 and Wnt3a.Our study highlights AGPAT4's key role in endometriosis, influencing endometrial stromal cell behavior, and identifies AGPAT4 pathways as promising therapeutic targets for this condition.

DNMT3A-mediated DNA methylation and transcription inhibition of FZD5 suppresses lung carcinogenesis

Background

Based on the bioinformatics prediction, this study investigates the correlation between aberrant transcription factor Frizzled 5 (FZD5) expression and the establishment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods

A mouse model with regard to primary NSCLC was encouraged by intraperitoneal injection of urethane. Lentivirus-based FZD5 silencing was then administrated to examine its role in tumorigenesis in the mouse lung. Silencing of FZD5 was induced in two NSCLC cell lines to examine its function in the malignant behavior pertaining to cells in vitro. Quantitative methylation-specific PCR was employed to assess the DNA methylation level within the NSCLC cells. DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) that administer FZD5 were assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Consequently, overexpression of DNMT3A was introduced in mice and NSCLC cells to verify its regulation on FZD and its biological roles in NSCLC development.

Results

In NSCLC, FZD5 expression is elevated, and its knockdown reduced tumor incidence rate in the urethane-challenged mice. The FZD5 silencing also inhibited proliferation, migration, as well as invasion with regard to Calu-3 and NCI-H1299 cells in vitro. The aberrant upregulation with regard to FZD5 in NSCLC was due to at least partly by reduced promoter methylation level. DNMT3A, which bound to FZD5 promoter to suppress its transcription, was poorly expressed in NSCLC. Artificial upregulation of DNMT3A suppressed urethane-induced lung carcinogenesis in mice and suppressed the malignant phenotype pertaining to NSCLC cells in vitro.

Conclusion

This research demonstrates that the lack of DNA methylation level-induced activation of FZD5 is correlated with NSCLC's onset and progression.

Statins as anti-tumor agents: A paradigm for repurposed drugs

BACKGROUND

Statins, frequently prescribed medications, work by inhibiting the rate-limiting enzyme HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCR) in the mevalonate pathway to reduce cholesterol levels. Due to their multifaceted benefits, statins are being adapted for use as cost-efficient, safe and effective anti-cancer treatments. Several studies have shown that specific types of cancer are responsive to statin medications since they rely on the mevalonate pathway for their growth and survival.

RECENT FINDINGS

Statin are a class of drugs known for their potent inhibition of cholesterol production and are typically prescribed to treat high cholesterol levels. Nevertheless, there is growing interest in repurposing statins for the treatment of malignant neoplastic diseases, often in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The mechanism behind statin treatment includes targeting apoptosis through the BCL2 signaling pathway, regulating the cell cycle via the p53-YAP axis, and imparting epigenetic modulations by altering methylation patterns on CpG islands and histone acetylation by downregulating DNMTs and HDACs respectively. Notably, some studies have suggested a potential chemo-preventive effect, as decreased occurrence of tumor relapse and enhanced survival rate were reported in patients undergoing long-term statin therapy. However, the definitive endorsement of statin usage in cancer therapy hinges on population based clinical studies with larger patient cohorts and extended follow-up periods.

CONCLUSIONS

The potential of anti-cancer properties of statins seems to reach beyond their influence on cholesterol production. Further investigations are necessary to uncover their effects on cancer promoting signaling pathways. Given their distinct attributes, statins might emerge as promising contenders in the fight against tumorigenesis, as they appear to enhance the efficacy and address the limitations of conventional cancer treatments.

Abnormal changes in metabolites caused by m6A methylation modification: The leading factors that induce the formation of immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and their promising potential for clinical application

BACKGROUND

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation modifications have been widely implicated in the metabolic reprogramming of various cell types within the tumor microenvironment (TME) and are essential for meeting the demands of cellular growth and maintaining tissue homeostasis, enabling cells to adapt to the specific conditions of the TME. An increasing number of research studies have focused on the role of m6A modifications in glucose, amino acid and lipid metabolism, revealing their capacity to induce aberrant changes in metabolite levels. These changes may in turn trigger oncogenic signaling pathways, leading to substantial alterations within the TME. Notably, certain metabolites, including lactate, succinate, fumarate, 2-hydroxyglutarate (2-HG), glutamate, glutamine, methionine, S-adenosylmethionine, fatty acids and cholesterol, exhibit pronounced deviations from normal levels. These deviations not only foster tumorigenesis, proliferation and angiogenesis but also give rise to an immunosuppressive TME, thereby facilitating immune evasion by the tumor.

AIM OF REVIEW

The primary objective of this review is to comprehensively discuss the regulatory role of m6A modifications in the aforementioned metabolites and their potential impact on the development of an immunosuppressive TME through metabolic alterations.

KEY SCIENTIFIC CONCEPTS OF REVIEW

This review aims to elaborate on the intricate networks governed by the m6A-metabolite-TME axis and underscores its pivotal role in tumor progression. Furthermore, we delve into the potential implications of the m6A-metabolite-TME axis for the development of novel and targeted therapeutic strategies in cancer research.

Cholesterol metabolism in tumor microenvironment: cancer hallmarks and therapeutic opportunities

Cholesterol is crucial for cell survival and growth, and dysregulation of cholesterol homeostasis has been linked to the development of cancer. The tumor microenvironment (TME) facilitates tumor cell survival and growth, and crosstalk between cholesterol metabolism and the TME contributes to tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Targeting cholesterol metabolism has demonstrated significant antitumor effects in preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we discuss the regulatory mechanisms of cholesterol homeostasis and the impact of its dysregulation on the hallmarks of cancer. We also describe how cholesterol metabolism reprograms the TME across seven specialized microenvironments. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of targeting cholesterol metabolism as a therapeutic strategy for tumors. This approach not only exerts antitumor effects in monotherapy and combination therapy but also mitigates the adverse effects associated with conventional tumor therapy. Finally, we outline the unresolved questions and suggest potential avenues for future investigations on cholesterol metabolism in relation to cancer.

SUMOylation-Driven mRNA Circularization Enhances Translation and Promotes Lymphatic Metastasis of Bladder Cancer

Aberrant gene expression is a prominent feature of metastatic cancer. Translational initiation is a vital step in fine-tuning gene expression. Thus, exploring translation initiation regulators may identify therapeutic targets for preventing and treating metastasis. Herein, we identified that DHCR24 was overexpressed in lymph node (LN) metastatic bladder cancer and correlated with poor prognosis of patients. DHCR24 promoted lymphangiogenesis and LN metastasis of bladder cancer in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, DHCR24 mediated and recognized the SUMO2 modification at lysine 108 of hnRNPA2B1 to foster TBK1 mRNA circularization and eIF4F initiation complex assembly by enhancing hnRNPA2B1-eIF4G1 interaction. Moreover, DHCR24 directly anchored to TBK1 mRNA 3'-untranslated region to increase its stability, thus forming a feed forward loop to elevate TBK1 expression. TBK1 activated PI3K/Akt signaling to promote VEGFC secretion, resulting in lymphangiogenesis and LN metastasis. DHCR24 silencing significantly impeded bladder cancer lymphangiogenesis and lymphatic metastasis in a patient-derived xenograft model. Collectively, these findings elucidate DHCR24-mediated translation machinery that promotes lymphatic metastasis of bladder cancer and supports the potential application of DHCR24-targeted therapy for LN-metastatic bladder cancer.

SIGNIFICANCE

DHCR24 is a SUMOylation regulator that controls translation initiation complex assembly and orchestrates TBK1 mRNA circularization to activate Akt/VEGFC signaling, which stimulates lymphangiogenesis and promotes lymph node metastasis in bladder cancer.

Loss of Sc5d results in micrognathia due to a failure in osteoblast differentiation

INTRODUCTION

Mutations in genes related to cholesterol metabolism, or maternal diet and health status, affect craniofacial bone formation. However, the precise role of intracellular cholesterol metabolism in craniofacial bone development remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine how cholesterol metabolism aberrations affect craniofacial bone development.

METHODS

Mice with a deficiency in Sc5d, which encodes an enzyme involved in cholesterol synthesis, were analyzed with histology, micro computed tomography (microCT), and cellular and molecular biological methods.

RESULTS

Sc5d null mice exhibited mandible hypoplasia resulting from defects in osteoblast differentiation. The activation of the hedgehog and WNT/β-catenin signaling pathways, which induce expression of osteogenic genes Col1a1 and Spp1, was compromised in the mandible of Sc5d null mice due to a failure in the formation of the primary cilium, a cell surface structure that senses extracellular cues. Treatments with an inducer of hedgehog or WNT/β-catenin signaling or with simvastatin, a drug that restores abnormal cholesterol production, partially rescued the defects in osteoblast differentiation seen in Sc5d mutant cells.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that loss of Sc5d results in mandibular hypoplasia through defective primary cilia-mediated hedgehog and WNT/β-catenin signaling pathways.

The combined characteristics of cholesterol metabolism and the immune microenvironment may serve as valuable biomarkers for both the prognosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) being a complex disease, commonly exhibits multifaceted presentations, rendering its treatment challenging and necessitating specific approaches. The tumor immune microenvironment is crucial in cancer treatment, and cholesterol metabolism is a key component that helps cells grow and produce vital metabolites. However, the reprogramming of cholesterol metabolism in the tumor microenvironment (TME) can promote HCC development, and cancer classifiers relating to cholesterol metabolism are currently limited. Despite significant progress, further research is needed to improve early detection, liver function, and treatment options to improve patient outcomes.

Methods

To evaluate the expression abundance of tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and cholesterol metabolism in 8 types of liver cancer cells, we comprehensively evaluated the immune cell composition, extracellular matrix alterations, and activity of relevant signaling pathways in the TIME through nine liver cancer patients, stromal scoring, immune scoring, tumor purity scoring, immune infiltration analysis, and pathway enrichment. Subsequently, we utilized machine learning techniques to construct prognostic models for both cholesterol metabolism and the tumor immune microenvironment, further exploring the tumor mutation burden, immune infiltration levels, and drug sensitivity in different subtypes of HCC patients.

Results

Our study constructed three cancer screening models to identify HCC patients with high cholesterol metabolism and low TIME, who have a poorer prognosis. On the contrary, patients with low cholesterol metabolism and high TIME often have better prognosis. Furthermore, we identified chemical compounds, such as BPD-00008900, ML323, Doramapimod, and AZD2014, which display better chemotherapy results for high-risk patients in specific sub-groups.

Acetyl-CoA is a key molecule for nephron progenitor cell pool maintenance

Nephron endowment at birth impacts long-term renal and cardiovascular health, and it is contingent on the nephron progenitor cell (NPC) pool. Glycolysis modulation is essential for determining NPC fate, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Combining RNA sequencing and quantitative proteomics we identify 267 genes commonly targeted by Wnt activation or glycolysis inhibition in NPCs. Several of the impacted pathways converge at Acetyl-CoA, a co-product of glucose metabolism. Notably, glycolysis inhibition downregulates key genes of the Mevalonate/cholesterol pathway and stimulates NPC differentiation. Sodium acetate supplementation rescues glycolysis inhibition effects and favors NPC maintenance without hindering nephrogenesis. Six2Cre-mediated removal of ATP-citrate lyase (Acly), an enzyme that converts citrate to acetyl-CoA, leads to NPC pool depletion, glomeruli count reduction, and increases Wnt4 expression at birth. Sodium acetate supplementation counters the effects of Acly deletion on cap-mesenchyme. Our findings show a pivotal role of acetyl-CoA metabolism in kidney development and uncover new avenues for manipulating nephrogenesis and preventing adult kidney disease.

Fatty acids abrogate the growth-suppressive effects induced by inhibition of cholesterol flux in pancreatic cancer cells

BACKGROUND

Despite therapeutic advances, the prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains extremely poor. Metabolic reprogramming is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to tumor progression and therapy resistance in PDAC. One of the main metabolic changes essential for tumor growth is altered cholesterol flux. Targeting cholesterol flux appears an attractive therapeutic approach, however, the complex regulation of cholesterol balance in PDAC cells remains poorly understood.

METHODS

The lipid content in human pancreatic duct epithelial (HPDE) cells and human PDAC cell lines (BxPC-3, MIA PaCa-2, and PANC-1) was determined. Cells exposed to eight different inhibitors targeting different regulators of lipid flux, in the presence or absence of oleic acid (OA) stimulation were assessed for changes in viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion. Intracellular content and distribution of cholesterol was assessed. Lastly, proteome profiling of PANC-1 exposed to the sterol O-acyltransferase 1 (SOAT1) inhibitor avasimibe, in presence or absence of OA, was performed.

RESULTS

PDAC cells contain more free cholesterol but less cholesteryl esters and lipid droplets than HPDE cells. Exposure to different lipid flux inhibitors increased cell death and suppressed proliferation, with different efficiency in the tested PDAC cell lines. Avasimibe had the strongest ability to suppress proliferation across the three PDAC cell lines. All inhibitors showing cell suppressive effect disturbed intracellular cholesterol flux and increased cholesterol aggregation. OA improved overall cholesterol balance, reduced free cholesterol aggregation, and reversed cell death induced by the inhibitors. Treatment with avasimibe changed the cellular proteome substantially, mainly for proteins related to biosynthesis and metabolism of lipids and fatty acids, apoptosis, and cell adhesion. Most of these changes were restored by OA.

CONCLUSIONS

The study reveals that disturbing the cholesterol flux by inhibiting the actions of its key regulators can yield growth suppressive effects on PDAC cells. The presence of fatty acids restores intracellular cholesterol balance and abrogates the alternations induced by cholesterol flux inhibitors. Taken together, targeting cholesterol flux might be an attractive strategy to develop new therapeutics against PDAC. However, the impact of fatty acids in the tumor microenvironment must be taken into consideration.

Dysregulation of cholesterol metabolism in cancer progression

Cholesterol homeostasis has been implicated in the regulation of cellular and body metabolism. Hence, deregulated cholesterol homeostasis leads to the development of many diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative diseases, among others. Recent studies have unveiled the connection between abnormal cholesterol metabolism and cancer development. Cholesterol homeostasis at the cellular level dynamically circulates between synthesis, influx, efflux, and esterification. Any dysregulation of this dynamic process disrupts cholesterol homeostasis and its derivatives, which potentially contributes to tumor progression. There is also evidence that cancer-related signals, which promote malignant progression, also regulate cholesterol metabolism. Here, we described the relationship between cholesterol metabolism and cancer hallmarks, with particular focus on the molecular mechanisms, and the anticancer drugs that target cholesterol metabolism.

Aspartoacylase promotes the process of tumour development and is associated with immune infiltrates in gastric cancer

BACKGROUND

Aspartoacylase (ASPA) is a gene that plays an important role in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer. However, the clinical relevance of ASPA in gastric cancer (GC) has not been demonstrated.

METHODS

The link between ASPA and the clinical features of GC was determined using two public genomic databases. The multivariate Cox proportional hazard model and generalised linear regression model were applied to examine whether the ASPA level is associated with the prognosis and other pathological factors. In addition, the role of specific genes in the infiltration of immune cells in the setting of GC was investigated using a further immunological database. The expression level of various proteins was detected using a western blotting assay. Transwell and methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium tests were applied for the detection of cellular invasion and proliferation, with small hairpin ribonucleic acid used to knockdown ASPA.

RESULTS

According to the multivariate Cox regression results, the down-regulated ASPA expression is a distinct prognostic factor. Furthermore, ASPA has significant positive correlations with the infiltration of immune cells in GC lesions. Compared to the non-cancer tissues, the GC tissues had a significantly lower level of ASPA expression (p < 0.05). Using knockdown and overexpression techniques, it was demonstrated that ASPA affects the capacity of cell lines for GC to both proliferate and invade.

CONCLUSION

Overall, ASPA could promote the occurrence and development of GC and presents a promising predictive biomarker for the disease since it is favourably connected with immune infiltrates and negatively correlated with prognosis.

Pan-cancer analysis identifies LPCATs family as a prognostic biomarker and validation of LPCAT4/WNT/β-catenin/c-JUN/ACSL3 in hepatocellular carcinoma

Lipid remodeling regulators are now being investigated as potential therapeutic targets for cancer therapy as a result of their involvement, which includes promoting cancer cells' adaptation to the restricted environment. Lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferases (LPCATs, LPCAT1-4) are enzymes that regulate the remodeling of bio-membranes. The functions of these enzymes in cancer are largely unknown. In the current study, we found that genes belonging to the LPCAT family participated in tumor advancement and were strongly linked to dismal prognosis in many different malignancies. We constructed the LPCATs scores model and explored this model in pan-cancer. Malignant pathways in pan-cancer were positively related to LPCATs scores, and all pathways had strong links to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Multiple immune-associated features of the TME in pan-cancer were likewise associated with higher LPCATs scores. In addition, the LPCATs score functioned as a prognostic marker for immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapies in patients with cancer. LPCAT4 enhanced cell growth and cholesterol biosynthesis by up-regulating ACSL3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). WNT/β-catenin/c-JUN signaling pathway mediated LPCAT4's regulation on ACSL3. These findings demonstrated that genes in the LPCAT family might be used as cancer immunotherapy and prognosis-related biomarkers. Specifically, LPCAT4 could be a treatment target of HCC.

Wnt 2022 EMBO | the Company of Biologists workshop and Yamada conference

Wnt2022 was held on November 15th-19th, 2022, in Awaji Yumebutai International Conference Center, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, as an in-person meeting for the first time in last 3 years. Wnt signaling is a highly conserved pathway among various species. Since Wnt1 was discovered in 1982, a number of studies using many model animals and human samples have revealed that Wnt signaling plays crucial roles in embryonic development, tissue morphogenesis, and regeneration, as well as many other physiological and pathological processes. Since the year 2022 marks the 40th anniversary of Wnt research, we aimed to look back at our research progress and discuss the future direction of this field. The scientific program consisted of plenary lectures, invited talks, short talks selected from abstracts, and poster sessions. Whereas several different Wnt meetings have been held almost every year in Europe and the United States, this was the first Wnt meeting convened in Asia. Therefore, Wnt2022 was highly anticipated to bring together leaders and young scientists from Europe, the United States, and especially Asia and Oceania. In fact, 148 researchers from 21 countries attended this meeting. Although there were travel and administrative restrictions due to COVID-19, the meeting was highly successful in enabling face-to-face discussions.

SGLT2 Inhibitors May Restore Endothelial Barrier Interrupted by 25-Hydroxycholesterol

SGLT2 (Sodium-glucose Cotransporter-2) inhibitors are newer glucose-lowering drugs with many cardiovascular benefits that are not fully understood yet. Endothelial integrity plays a key role in cardiovascular homeostasis. 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OHC), which is a proatherogenic stimuli that impairs endothelial barrier functions. VE-cadherin is an endothelial-specific protein crucial in maintaining endothelial integrity. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of SGLT2i on the integrity of endothelial cells interrupted by 25-OHC. We also aimed to evaluate whether this effect is associated with changes in the levels of VE-cadherin. We pre-incubated HUVECs with 10 μg/mL of 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-OHC) for 4 h and then removed it and incubated endothelial cells with 1 μM of empagliflozin, 1 μM canagliflozin, or 1 μM dapagliflozin for 24 h. The control group included HUVECs cultured with the medium or with 25-OHC 10 μg/mL. The integrity of endothelial cells was measured by the RTCA-DP xCELLigence system, and VE-cadherin was assessed in confocal microscopy. Our results show that SGLT2 inhibitors significantly increase endothelial integrity in comparison to medium controls, and they improve endothelial cell integrity interrupted by 25-OHC. This effect is associated with significant improvements in VE-cadherin levels. SGLT2i: empagliflozin, canagliflozin, and dapagliflozin have a beneficial effect on the endothelial cell integrity and VE-cadherin levels reduced by 25-OHC.