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Ghareghomi S, Arghavani P, Mahdavi M, Khatibi A, García-Jiménez C, Moosavi-Movahedi AA. Hyperglycemia-driven signaling bridges between diabetes and cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 229:116450. [PMID: 39059774 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 07/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Growing epidemiological evidence indicates an association between obesity, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers, suggesting the existence of common underlying mechanisms in these diseases. Frequent hyperglycemias in type 2 diabetes promote pro-inflammatory responses and stimulate intracellular metabolic flux which rewires signaling pathways and influences the onset and advancement of different types of cancers. Here, we review the provocative impact of hyperglycemia on a subset of interconnected signalling pathways that regulate (i) cell growth and survival, (ii) metabolism adjustments, (iii) protein function modulation in response to nutrient availability (iv) and cell fate and proliferation and which are driven respectively by PI3K (Phosphoinositide 3-kinase), AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase), O-GlcNAc (O-linked N-acetylglucosamine) and Wnt/β-catenin. Specifically, we will elaborate on their involvement in glucose metabolism, inflammation, and cell proliferation, highlighting their interplay in the pathogenesis of diabetes and cancer. Furthermore, the influence of antineoplastic and antidiabetic drugs on the unbridled cellular pathways will be examined. This review aims to inspire the next molecular studies to understand how type 2 diabetes may lead to certain cancers. This will contribute to personalized medicine and direct better prevention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayyeh Ghareghomi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Payam Arghavani
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Mahdavi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Khatibi
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Custodia García-Jiménez
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University Rey Juan Carlos. Alcorcón, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Ali A Moosavi-Movahedi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; UNESCO Chair on Interdisciplinary Research in Diabetes, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
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Shi Y, Qin L, Wu M, Zheng J, Xie T, Shao Z. Gut neuroendocrine signaling regulates synaptic assembly in C. elegans. EMBO Rep 2022; 23:e53267. [PMID: 35748387 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202153267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Synaptic connections are essential to build a functional brain. How synapses are formed during development is a fundamental question in neuroscience. Recent studies provided evidence that the gut plays an important role in neuronal development through processing signals derived from gut microbes or nutrients. Defects in gut-brain communication can lead to various neurological disorders. Although the roles of the gut in communicating signals from its internal environment to the brain are well known, it remains unclear whether the gut plays a genetically encoded role in neuronal development. Using C. elegans as a model, we uncover that a Wnt-endocrine signaling pathway in the gut regulates synaptic development in the brain. A canonical Wnt signaling pathway promotes synapse formation through regulating the expression of the neuropeptides encoding gene nlp-40 in the gut, which functions through the neuronally expressed GPCR/AEX-2 receptor during development. Wnt-NLP-40-AEX-2 signaling likely acts to modulate neuronal activity. Our study reveals a genetic role of the gut in synaptic development and identifies a novel contribution of the gut-brain axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junyu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiyong Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Department of Neurosurgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Zhang Y, Xiang R, Fang S, Huang K, Fan Y, Liu T. Experimental Study on the Effect of Tibetan Medicine Triphala on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Pancreatic Islet β Cells through Incretin–cAMP Signaling Pathway. Biol Pharm Bull 2020; 43:289-295. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b19-00562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yuan Fan
- Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Tao Liu
- Yunnan Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital
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Han Q, Wang X, Liao X, Han C, Yu T, Yang C, Li G, Han B, Huang K, Zhu G, Liu Z, Zhou X, Su H, Shang L, Gong Y, Song X, Peng T, Ye X. Diagnostic and prognostic value of WNT family gene expression in hepatitis B virus‑related hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Rep 2019; 42:895-910. [PMID: 31322232 PMCID: PMC6667889 DOI: 10.3892/or.2019.7224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the diagnostic and prognostic value of Wingless-type MMTV integration site (WNT) gene family expression in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The clinical data of the patients and gene expression levels were downloaded from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to investigate the diagnostic value of WNT genes. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis were performed to evaluate the association of WNT gene expression level with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). A nomogram was constructed for the prediction of prognosis. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Diagnostic receiver operating characteristic curve analysis suggested that WNT2 had a high diagnostic value, with an area under the curve (AUC) of >0.800 (P<0.0001, AUC=0.810, 95% CI: 0.767–0.852). Survival analysis indicated that the expression level of WNT1 was significantly associated with OS and RFS (adjusted P=0.033, adjusted HR=0.607, 95% CI: 0.384–0.960; and adjusted P=0.007, adjusted HR=0.592, 95% CI: 0.404–0.868, respectively). In the TCGA validation cohort, we also observed that WNT2 was significantly differentially expressed between HCC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues, and WNT1 was associated with both the OS and RFS of HCC. Therefore, through the GSE14520 HBV-related HCC cohort we concluded that WNT2 may serve as a diagnostic biomarker and WNT1 may serve as a prognostic biomarker. These results may also be extended to TCGA HCC verification cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quanfa Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xiangkun Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xiwen Liao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Chuangye Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Tingdong Yu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Chengkun Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Guanghui Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Bowen Han
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Ketuan Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Guangzhi Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Zhengqian Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xin Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Hao Su
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Liming Shang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Yizhen Gong
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xiaowei Song
- Department of Gastrointestinal Gland Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Tao Peng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
| | - Xinping Ye
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region 530021, P.R. China
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Abstract
WNT-β-catenin signalling is involved in a multitude of developmental processes and the maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis by regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, genetic stability and apoptosis, as well as by maintaining adult stem cells in a pluripotent state. Not surprisingly, aberrant regulation of this pathway is therefore associated with a variety of diseases, including cancer, fibrosis and neurodegeneration. Despite this knowledge, therapeutic agents specifically targeting the WNT pathway have only recently entered clinical trials and none has yet been approved. This Review examines the problems and potential solutions to this vexing situation and attempts to bring them into perspective.
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García-Martínez JM, Chocarro-Calvo A, De la Vieja A, García-Jiménez C. Insulin drives glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide expression via glucose-dependent regulation of FoxO1 and LEF1/β-catenin. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-GENE REGULATORY MECHANISMS 2014; 1839:1141-50. [PMID: 25091498 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagrm.2014.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2014] [Revised: 07/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Minutes after ingestion of fat or carbohydrates, vesicles stored in enteroendocrine cells release their content of incretin peptide hormones that, together with absorbed glucose, enhance insulin secretion by beta-pancreatic cells. Freshly-made incretins must therefore be packed into new vesicles in anticipation of the next meal with cells adjusting new incretin production to be proportional to the level of previous insulin release and absorbed blood glucose. Here we show that insulin stimulates the expression of the major human incretin, glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) in enteroendocrine cells but requires glucose to do it. Akt-dependent release of FoxO1 and glucose-dependent binding of LEF1/β-catenin mediate induction of Gip expression while insulin-induced phosphorylation of β-catenin does not alter its localization or transcriptional activity in enteroendocrine cells. Our results reveal a glucose-regulated feedback loop at the entero-insular axis, where glucose levels determine basal and insulin-induced Gip expression; GIP stimulation of insulin release, physiologically ensures a fine control of glucose homeostasis. How enteroendocrine cells adjust incretin production to replace incretin stores for future use is a key issue because GIP malfunction is linked to all forms of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Manuel García-Martínez
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Alcorcon, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Chocarro-Calvo
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Alcorcon, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio De la Vieja
- Endocrine Tumor Unit (UFIEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Custodia García-Jiménez
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Human Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Rey Juan Carlos University, 28922 Alcorcon, Madrid, Spain.
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García-Jiménez C, García-Martínez JM, Chocarro-Calvo A, De la Vieja A. A new link between diabetes and cancer: enhanced WNT/β-catenin signaling by high glucose. J Mol Endocrinol 2014; 52:R51-66. [PMID: 24049067 DOI: 10.1530/jme-13-0152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Extensive epidemiological studies suggest that the diabetic population is at higher risk of site-specific cancers. The diabetes-cancer link has been hypothesized to rely on various hormonal (insulin, IGF1, adipokines), immunological (inflammation), or metabolic (hyperglycemia) characteristics of the disease and even on certain treatments. Inflammation may have an important but incompletely understood role. As a growth factor, insulin directly, or indirectly through IGF1, has been considered the major link between diabetes and cancer, while high glucose has been considered as a subordinate cause. Here we discuss the evidence that supports a role for insulin/IGF1 in general in cancer, and the mechanism by which hyperglycemia may enhance the appearance, growth and survival of diabetes-associated cancers. High glucose triggers several direct and indirect mechanisms that cooperate to promote cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion and immunological escape. In particular, high glucose enhancement of WNT/β-catenin signaling in cancer cells promotes proliferation, survival and senescence bypass, and represents a previously unrecognized direct mechanism linking diabetes-associated hyperglycemia to cancer. Increased glucose uptake is a hallmark of tumor cells and may ensure enhanced WNT signaling for continuous proliferation. Mechanistically, high glucose unbalances acetylation through increased p300 acetyl transferase and decreased sirtuin 1 deacetylase activity, leading to β-catenin acetylation at lysine K354, a requirement for nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activation of WNT-target genes. The impact of high glucose on β-catenin illustrates the remodeling of cancer-associated signaling pathways by metabolites. Metabolic remodeling of cancer-associated signaling will receive much research attention in the coming years. Future epidemiological studies may be guided and complemented by the identification of these metabolic interplays. Together, these studies should lead to the development of new preventive strategies for diabetes-associated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Custodia García-Jiménez
- Departamento de Fisiología y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, 28922 Alcorcon, Madrid, Spain Unidad Funcional de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónicas (UFIEC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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Abstract
Hepatocellular accumulation of free fatty acids (FFAs) in the form of triglycerides constitutes the metabolic basis for the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Recent data demonstrate that excess FFA hepatocyte storage is likely to lead to lipotoxicity and hepatocyte apoptosis. Hence, FFA-mediated hepatocyte injury is a key contributor to the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, obesity, type 2 diabetes, essential hypertension, and other common medical problems together comprise metabolic syndrome. Evidence suggests that peptide hormones from the L cells of the distal small intestine, which comprise the core of the enteroendocrine system (EES), play two key roles, serving either as incretins, or as mediators of appetite and satiety in the central nervous system. Recent data related to glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and other known L-cell hormones have accumulated due to the increasing frequency of bariatric surgery, which increase delivery of bile salts to the hindgut. Bile acids are a key stimulus for the TGR5 receptor of the L cells. Enhanced bile-salt flow and subsequent EES stimulation may be central to elimination of hepatic steatosis following bariatric surgery. Although GLP-1 is a clinically relevant pharmacological analogue that drives pancreatic β-cell insulin output, GLP-1 analogues also have independent benefits via their effects on hepatocellular FFA metabolism. The authors also discuss recent data regarding the role of the major peptides released by the EES, which promote satiety and modulate energy homeostasis and utilization, as well as those that control fat absorption and intestinal permeability. Taken together, elucidating novel functions for EES-related peptides and pharmacologic development of peptide analogues offer potential far-ranging treatment for obesity-related human disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie Eugene Mells
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Frank A. Anania
- Division of Digestive Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
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Shao W, Wang Z, Ip W, Chiang YT, Xiong X, Chai T, Xu C, Wang Q, Jin T. GLP-1(28-36) improves β-cell mass and glucose disposal in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice and activates cAMP/PKA/β-catenin signaling in β-cells in vitro. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2013; 304:E1263-72. [PMID: 23571712 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.00600.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies have demonstrated that the COOH-terminal fragment of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), a nonapeptide GLP-1(28-36)amide, attenuates diabetes and hepatic steatosis in diet-induced obese mice. However, the effect of this nonapeptide in pancreatic β-cells remains largely unknown. Here, we show that in a streptozotocin-induced mouse diabetes model, GLP-1(28-36)amide improved glucose disposal and increased pancreatic β-cell mass and β-cell proliferation. An in vitro investigation revealed that GLP-1(28-36)amide stimulates β-catenin (β-cat) Ser(675) phosphorylation in both the clonal INS-1 cell line and rat primary pancreatic islet cells. In INS-1 cells, the stimulation was accompanied by increased nuclear β-cat content. GLP-1(28-36)amide was also shown to increase cellular cAMP levels, PKA enzymatic activity, and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and cyclic AMP-dependent transcription factor-1 (ATF-1) phosphorylation. Furthermore, GLP-1(28-36)amide treatment enhanced islet insulin secretion and increased the growth of INS-1 cells, which was associated with increased cyclin D1 expression. Finally, PKA inhibition attenuated the effect of GLP-1(28-36)amide on β-cat Ser(675) phosphorylation and cyclin D1 expression in the INS-1 cell line. We have thus revealed the beneficial effect of GLP-1(28-36)amide in pancreatic β-cells in vitro and in vivo. Our observations suggest that GLP-1(28-36)amide may exert its effect through the PKA/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijuan Shao
- Division of Advanced Diagnostics, Toronto General Research Institutes, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Chocarro-Calvo A, García-Martínez J, Ardila-González S, De la Vieja A, García-Jiménez C. Glucose-Induced β-Catenin Acetylation Enhances Wnt Signaling in Cancer. Mol Cell 2013; 49:474-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2012.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2012] [Revised: 10/23/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Ip W, Chiang YTA, Jin T. The involvement of the wnt signaling pathway and TCF7L2 in diabetes mellitus: The current understanding, dispute, and perspective. Cell Biosci 2012; 2:28. [PMID: 22892353 PMCID: PMC3468386 DOI: 10.1186/2045-3701-2-28] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2012] [Accepted: 06/19/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway was initially discovered for its role in tumorigenesis and the development of Drosophila and other eukaryotic organisms. The key effector of this pathway, the bipartite transcription factor β-cat/TCF, is formed by free β-catenin (β-cat) and a TCF protein, including TCF7L2. Extensive recent investigations have highlighted the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in metabolic homeostasis and its implication in diabetes and other metabolic diseases. Genome-wide association studies have shown that several key components of the Wnt signaling pathway are implicated in metabolic homeostasis and the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Despite controversial observations regarding the role of Wnt signaling in the development and function of pancreatic islets, the discovery of the association between certain single nucleotide polymorphisms of TCF7L2 and T2D susceptibility has fueled great efforts to explore the role of Wnt signaling in the function of pancreatic β-cells and glucose homeostasis. Here we have introduced our basic understanding of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, summarized our current knowledge on its implication in metabolic homeostasis and T2D, discussed the work on TCF7L2 as a T2D susceptibility gene, and presented the controversial role of Wnt signaling and TCF7L2 in pancreatic islets as well as their potential metabolic function in other organs. We then expanded our view into the crosstalk among Wnt, insulin and FOXO signaling cascades, which further illustrates the complexity of the Wnt signaling pathway in metabolic homeostasis. Finally, we have presented our perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilfred Ip
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
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