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Liu HY, Sun XJ, Xiu SY, Zhang XY, Wang ZQ, Gu YL, Yi CX, Liu JY, Dai YS, Yuan X, Liao HP, Liu ZM, Pang XC, Li TC. Frizzled receptors (FZDs) in Wnt signaling: potential therapeutic targets for human cancers. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1556-1570. [PMID: 38632318 PMCID: PMC11272778 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01270-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Frizzled receptors (FZDs) are key contributors intrinsic to the Wnt signaling pathway, activation of FZDs triggering the Wnt signaling cascade is frequently observed in human tumors and intimately associated with an aggressive carcinoma phenotype. It has been shown that the abnormal expression of FZD receptors contributes to the manifestation of malignant characteristics in human tumors such as enhanced cell proliferation, metastasis, chemotherapy resistance as well as the acquisition of cancer stemness. Given the essential roles of FZD receptors in the Wnt signaling in human tumors, this review aims to consolidate the prevailing knowledge on the specific status of FZD receptors (FZD1-10) and elucidate their respective functions in tumor progression. Furthermore, we delineate the structural basis for binding of FZD and its co-receptors to Wnt, and provide a better theoretical foundation for subsequent studies on related mechanisms. Finally, we describe the existing biological classes of small molecule-based FZD inhibitors in detail in the hope that they can provide useful assistance for design and development of novel drug candidates targeted FZDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yu Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xiao-Jiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Si-Yu Xiu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhi-Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yan-Lun Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Chu-Xiao Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jun-Yan Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yu-Song Dai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xia Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hua-Peng Liao
- Yizhang County People's Hospital, Chenzhou, 424200, China
| | - Zhen-Ming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Xiao-Cong Pang
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
| | - Tian-Cheng Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100034, China.
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Li K, Chen Z, Chang X, Xue R, Wang H, Guo W. Wnt signaling pathway in spinal cord injury: from mechanisms to potential applications. Front Mol Neurosci 2024; 17:1427054. [PMID: 39114641 PMCID: PMC11303303 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2024.1427054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) denotes damage to both the structure and function of the spinal cord, primarily manifesting as sensory and motor deficits caused by disruptions in neural transmission pathways, potentially culminating in irreversible paralysis. Its pathophysiological processes are complex, with numerous molecules and signaling pathways intricately involved. Notably, the pronounced upregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway post-SCI holds promise for neural regeneration and repair. Activation of the Wnt pathway plays a crucial role in neuronal differentiation, axonal regeneration, local neuroinflammatory responses, and cell apoptosis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target for treating SCI. However, excessive activation of the Wnt pathway can also lead to negative effects, highlighting the need for further investigation into its applicability and significance in SCI. This paper provides an overview of the latest research advancements in the Wnt signaling pathway in SCI, summarizing the recent progress in treatment strategies associated with the Wnt pathway and analyzing their advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, we offer insights into the clinical application of the Wnt signaling pathway in SCI, along with prospective avenues for future research direction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Huaibo Wang
- Department of Spine Surgery, The Second Hospital Affiliated to Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
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González-Fernández C, González P, Maqueda A, Pérez V, Rodríguez FJ. Enhancing motor functional recovery in spinal cord injury through pharmacological inhibition of Dickkopf-1 with BHQ880 antibody. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 176:116792. [PMID: 38795645 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mounting experimental evidence has underscored the remarkable role played by the Wnt family of proteins in the spinal cord functioning and therapeutic potential in spinal cord injury (SCI). We aim to provide a therapeutic prospect associated with the modulation of canonical Wnt signaling, examining the spatio-temporal expression pattern of Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1) and its neutralization after SCI. We employ an intraparenchymal injection of the clinically validated Dkk1-blocking antibody, BHQ880, to elucidate its effects in SCI. METHODS A rat model of contusion SCI was used. Histological analyses were performed, wherein Dkk1 protein was sought, and ELISA analyses were employed for Dkk1 detection in cerebrospinal fluid and serum. To ascertain the BHQ880 therapeutic effect, rats were subjected to SCI and then injected with the antibody in the lesion epicenter 24 hours post-injury (hpi). Subsequent evaluation of motor functional recovery extended up to 56 days post-injury (dpi). qRT-PCR and histological analyses were conducted. RESULTS We demonstrate the presence of Dkk1 in the healthy rat spinal cord, with pronounced alterations observed following injury, primarily concentrated in the epicenter regions. Notably, a significative upregulation of Dkk1 was detected at 24 hpi, peaking at 3 dpi and remaining elevated until 42 dpi. Moreover, we revealed that early administration of BHQ880 considerably improved motor functional recovery, promoted preservation of myelinated tissue, and reduced astroglial and microglia/macrophage reactivity. Furthermore, there was a decrease in the acute expression of different inflammatory genes. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of BHQ880 treatment in the context of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos González-Fernández
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fundación Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos Para la Investigación y la Integración, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain.
| | - Pau González
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fundación Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos Para la Investigación y la Integración, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain; Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain
| | - Alfredo Maqueda
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fundación Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos Para la Investigación y la Integración, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain; Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain
| | - Virginia Pérez
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fundación Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos Para la Investigación y la Integración, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain; Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain
| | - Francisco Javier Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fundación Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos Para la Investigación y la Integración, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain; Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, SESCAM, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Castilla-La Mancha (IDISCAM), Carretera Finca la Peraleda, s/n, Toledo 45071, Spain.
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4
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Zhang D, Li D, Wang X, Sui Y, Ma F, Dai Y, Wang M, Qin W. Urine Proteomic Signatures of Mild Hypothermia Treatment in Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2024; 44:49. [PMID: 38836960 PMCID: PMC11153299 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-024-01483-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024]
Abstract
Mild hypothermia (MH) is an effective measure to alleviate cerebral ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the underlying biological mechanisms remain unclear. This study set out to investigate dynamic changes in urinary proteome due to MH in rats with cerebral I/R injury and explore the neuroprotective mechanisms of MH. A Pulsinelli's four-vessel occlusion (4-VO) rat model was used to mimic global cerebral I/R injury. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was employed to profile the urinary proteome of rats with/without MH (32 °C) treatment after I/R injury. Representative differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) associated with MH were validated by western blotting in hippocampus. A total of 597 urinary proteins were identified, among which 119 demonstrated significant changes associated with MH. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation of the DEPs revealed that MH significantly enriched in endopeptidase activity, inflammatory response, aging, response to oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species, blood coagulation, and cell adhesion. Notably, changes in 12 DEPs were significantly reversed by MH treatment. Among them, 8 differential urinary proteins were previously reported to be closely associated with brain disease, including NP, FZD1, B2M, EPCR, ATRN, MB, CA1and VPS4A. Two representative proteins (FZD1, B2M) were further validated by western blotting in the hippocampus and the results were shown to be consistent with urinary proteomic analysis. Overall, this study strengthens the idea that urinary proteome can sensitively reflect pathophysiological changes in the brain, and appears to be the first study to explore the neuroprotective effects of MH by urinary proteomic analysis. FZD1 and B2M may be involved in the most fundamental molecular biological mechanisms of MH neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Dapeng Li
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Xueting Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yanyan Sui
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Fuguo Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Yuting Dai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Mingshan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, 266071, China.
| | - Weiwei Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, China.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Qingdao Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences (Qingdao Municipal Hospital), Qingdao, 266071, China.
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Maiese K. Cornerstone Cellular Pathways for Metabolic Disorders and Diabetes Mellitus: Non-Coding RNAs, Wnt Signaling, and AMPK. Cells 2023; 12:2595. [PMID: 37998330 PMCID: PMC10670256 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Metabolic disorders and diabetes (DM) impact more than five hundred million individuals throughout the world and are insidious in onset, chronic in nature, and yield significant disability and death. Current therapies that address nutritional status, weight management, and pharmacological options may delay disability but cannot alter disease course or functional organ loss, such as dementia and degeneration of systemic bodily functions. Underlying these challenges are the onset of aging disorders associated with increased lifespan, telomere dysfunction, and oxidative stress generation that lead to multi-system dysfunction. These significant hurdles point to the urgent need to address underlying disease mechanisms with innovative applications. New treatment strategies involve non-coding RNA pathways with microRNAs (miRNAs) and circular ribonucleic acids (circRNAs), Wnt signaling, and Wnt1 inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISP1) that are dependent upon programmed cell death pathways, cellular metabolic pathways with AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and nicotinamide, and growth factor applications. Non-coding RNAs, Wnt signaling, and AMPK are cornerstone mechanisms for overseeing complex metabolic pathways that offer innovative treatment avenues for metabolic disease and DM but will necessitate continued appreciation of the ability of each of these cellular mechanisms to independently and in unison influence clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenneth Maiese
- Cellular and Molecular Signaling, New York, NY 10022, USA
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Wong TS, Li G, Li S, Gao W, Chen G, Gan S, Zhang M, Li H, Wu S, Du Y. G protein-coupled receptors in neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:177. [PMID: 37137892 PMCID: PMC10154768 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01427-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders are multifactorial disorders with diverse aetiological factors. Identifying treatment targets is challenging because the diseases are resulting from heterogeneous biological, genetic, and environmental factors. Nevertheless, the increasing understanding of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) opens a new possibility in drug discovery. Harnessing our knowledge of molecular mechanisms and structural information of GPCRs will be advantageous for developing effective drugs. This review provides an overview of the role of GPCRs in various neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. Besides, we highlight the emerging opportunities of novel GPCR targets and address recent progress in GPCR drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thian-Sze Wong
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 518172, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, 100084, Beijing, China
| | - Guangzhi Li
- Institute of Urology, The Affiliated Luohu Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University, 518000, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shiliang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 200237, Shanghai, China
- Innovation Center for AI and Drug Discovery, East China Normal University, 200062, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Gao
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 518172, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Innovation Center for AI and Drug Discovery, East China Normal University, 200062, Shanghai, China
| | - Geng Chen
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 518172, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Shiyi Gan
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 518172, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Manzhan Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 200237, Shanghai, China
- Innovation Center for AI and Drug Discovery, East China Normal University, 200062, Shanghai, China
| | - Honglin Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 200237, Shanghai, China.
- Innovation Center for AI and Drug Discovery, East China Normal University, 200062, Shanghai, China.
| | - Song Wu
- Institute of Urology, The Affiliated Luohu Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen University, 518000, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
- Department of Urology, South China Hospital, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, 518116, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yang Du
- Kobilka Institute of Innovative Drug Discovery, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Steroid Drug Discovery and Development, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 518172, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
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7
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González P, González-Fernández C, Maqueda A, Pérez V, Escalera-Anzola S, Rodríguez de Lope Á, Arias FJ, Girotti A, Rodríguez FJ. Silk-Elastin-like Polymers for Acute Intraparenchymal Treatment of the Traumatically Injured Spinal Cord: A First Systematic Experimental Approach. Pharmaceutics 2022; 14:pharmaceutics14122713. [PMID: 36559207 PMCID: PMC9784492 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics14122713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the promising potential of hydrogel-based therapeutic approaches for spinal cord injury (SCI), the need for new biomaterials to design effective strategies for SCI treatment and the outstanding properties of silk-elastin-like polymers (SELP), the potential use of SELPs in SCI is currently unknown. In this context, we assessed the effects elicited by the in vivo acute intraparenchymal injection of an SELP named (EIS)2-RGD6 in a clinically relevant model of SCI. After optimization of the injection system, the distribution, structure, biodegradability, and cell infiltration capacity of (EIS)2-RGD6 were assessed. Finally, the effects exerted by the (EIS)2-RGD6 injection-in terms of motor function, myelin preservation, astroglial and microglia/macrophage reactivity, and fibrosis-were evaluated. We found that (EIS)2-RGD6 can be acutely injected in the lesioned spinal cord without inducing further damage, showing a widespread distribution covering all lesioned areas with a single injection and facilitating the formation of a slow-degrading porous scaffold at the lesion site that allows for the infiltration and/or proliferation of endogenous cells with no signs of collapse and without inducing further microglial and astroglial reactivity, as well as even reducing SCI-associated fibrosis. Altogether, these observations suggest that (EIS)2-RGD6-and, by extension, SELPs-could be promising polymers for the design of therapeutic strategies for SCI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau González
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | | | - Alfredo Maqueda
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Virginia Pérez
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, 45071 Toledo, Spain
| | - Sara Escalera-Anzola
- Smart Devices for NanoMedicine Group University of Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
- Unidad de Excelencia Instituto de Biomedicina y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Javier Arias
- Smart Devices for NanoMedicine Group University of Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
- Unidad de Excelencia Instituto de Biomedicina y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 47003 Valladolid, Spain
| | - Alessandra Girotti
- Smart Devices for NanoMedicine Group University of Valladolid, 47003 Valladolid, Spain
- Unidad de Excelencia Instituto de Biomedicina y Genética Molecular (IBGM), Universidad de Valladolid and Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 47003 Valladolid, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (F.J.R.)
| | - Francisco Javier Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, 45071 Toledo, Spain
- Correspondence: (A.G.); (F.J.R.)
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Characterization of Ex Vivo and In Vitro Wnt Transcriptome Induced by Spinal Cord Injury in Rat Microglial Cells. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12060708. [PMID: 35741593 PMCID: PMC9221341 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
It is well known that inflammation is crucial in the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases and traumatic central nervous system (CNS) injuries, and that microglia and monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) play a pivotal role in neuroinflammation. Therefore, the exploration of molecular signaling pathways that are involved in the microglia/macrophage response might help us to shed light on their eventual therapeutic modulation. Interestingly, there is growing evidence showing that the Wnt family of proteins is involved in different neuropathologies that are characterized by a dysregulated neuroinflammatory response, including spinal cord injury (SCI). Here, we aimed to validate a methodology with competence to assess the physiologically relevant Wnt expression patterns of active microglia and MDMs in a rat model of SCI. For that purpose, we have selected and adapted an in vitro system of primary microglia culture that were stimulated with a lesioned spinal cord extract (SCE), together with an ex vivo protocol of flow cytometry sorting of rat microglia/MDMs at different time-points after contusive SCI. Our study demonstrates that the expression profile of Wnt-related genes in microglia/MDM cells exhibit important differences between these particular scenarios which would be in line with previous studies where similar discrepancies have been described for other molecules. Moreover, our results provide for a first experimental report of the Wnt transcriptome in rat microglia and MDMs after SCI which, together with the research platform that was used in the study, and considering its limitations, we expect might contribute to foster the research on Wnt-driven immunomodulatory therapies.
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9
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Cheng P, Liao HY, Zhang HH. The role of Wnt/mTOR signaling in spinal cord injury. J Clin Orthop Trauma 2022; 25:101760. [PMID: 35070684 PMCID: PMC8762069 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcot.2022.101760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is the most common disabling spinal injury, a complex pathologic process that can eventually lead to severe neurological dysfunction. The Wnt/mTOR signaling pathway is a pervasive signaling cascade that regulates a wide range of physiological processes during embryonic development, from stem cell pluripotency to cell fate. Numerous studies have reported that Wnt/mTOR signaling pathway plays an important role in neural development, synaptogenesis, neuron growth, differentiation and survival after the central nervous system (CNS) is damaged. Wnt/mTOR also plays an important role in regulating various pathophysiological processes after spinal cord injury (SCI). After SCI, Wnt/mTOR signal regulates the physiological and pathological processes of neural stem cell proliferation and differentiation, neuronal axon regeneration, neuroinflammation and pain through multiple pathways. Due to the characteristics of the Wnt signal in SCI make it a potential therapeutic target of SCI. In this paper, the characteristics of Wnt/mTOR signal, the role of Wnt/mTOR pathway on SCI and related mechanisms are reviewed, and some unsolved problems are discussed. It is hoped to provide reference value for the research field of the role of Wnt/mTOR pathway in SCI, and provide a theoretical basis for biological therapy of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Cheng
- Department of Spine Surgery, LanZhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Hai-Yang Liao
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou, 342800, PR China
| | - Hai-Hong Zhang
- Department of Spine Surgery, LanZhou University Second Hospital, 82 Cuiying Men, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
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10
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Larasati Y, Boudou C, Koval A, Katanaev VL. Unlocking the Wnt pathway: Therapeutic potential of selective targeting FZD 7 in cancer. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:777-792. [PMID: 34915171 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The Wnt signaling is of paramount pathophysiological importance. Despite showing promising anticancer activities in pre-clinical studies, current Wnt pathway inhibitors face complications in clinical trials resulting from on-target toxicity. Hence, the targeting of pathway component(s) that are essential for cancer but dispensable for normal physiology is key to the development of a safe Wnt signaling inhibitor. Frizzled7 (FZD7) is a Wnt pathway receptor that is redundant in healthy tissues but crucial in various cancers. FZD7 modulates diverse aspects of carcinogenesis, including cancer growth, metastasis, maintenance of cancer stem cells, and chemoresistance. In this review, we describe state-of-the-art knowledge of the functions of FZD7 in carcinogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis. Next, we overview the development of small molecules and biomolecules that target FZD7. Finally, we discuss challenges and possibilities in developing FZD7-selective antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonika Larasati
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cédric Boudou
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alexey Koval
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vladimir L Katanaev
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland; School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia.
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González P, González-Fernández C, Javier Rodríguez F. Effects of Wnt5a overexpression in spinal cord injury. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:5150-5163. [PMID: 33939286 PMCID: PMC8178287 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accordingly to its known function in corticospinal tract (CST) developmental growth, previous reports have shown an inhibitory role of Wnt5a in CST regeneration after spinal cord injury (SCI). Interestingly, it has been subsequently demonstrated that Wnt5a also modulates the developmental growth of non‐CST axons and that different Wnt5a receptors are expressed in neurons, oligodendrocytes, NG2+ glial precursors and reactive microglia/macrophages and astrocytes after SCI. However, the role of Wnt5a in the response of these cell types, in the regeneration of non‐CST axons and in functional recovery after SCI is currently unknown. To evaluate this, rats were subjected to spinal cord contusion and injected with a lentiviral vector generated to overexpress Wnt5a. Histological analyses were performed in spinal cord sections processed for the visualization of myelin, oligodendrocytes, neurons, microglia/macrophages, astrocytes, NG2+ glial precursors and serotonergic axons. Motor and bladder function recovery were also assessed. Further advancing our knowledge on the role of Wnt5a in SCI, we found that, besides its previously reported functions, Wnt5a overexpression elicits a reduction on neuronal cell density, the accumulation of NG2+ glial precursors and the descending serotonergic innervation in the affected areas, along with impairment of motor and bladder function recovery after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau González
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Hospital Nacional de Parapléjicos, Toledo, Spain
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