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Niu X, Liu W, Zhang Y, Liu J, Zhang J, Li B, Qiu Y, Zhao P, Wang Z, Wang Z. Cancer plasticity in therapy resistance: Mechanisms and novel strategies. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 76:101114. [PMID: 38924995 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101114] [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: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Therapy resistance poses a significant obstacle to effective cancer treatment. Recent insights into cell plasticity as a new paradigm for understanding resistance to treatment: as cancer progresses, cancer cells experience phenotypic and molecular alterations, corporately known as cell plasticity. These alterations are caused by microenvironment factors, stochastic genetic and epigenetic changes, and/or selective pressure engendered by treatment, resulting in tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance. Increasing evidence suggests that cancer cells display remarkable intrinsic plasticity and reversibly adapt to dynamic microenvironment conditions. Dynamic interactions between cell states and with the surrounding microenvironment form a flexible tumor ecosystem, which is able to quickly adapt to external pressure, especially treatment. Here, this review delineates the formation of cancer cell plasticity (CCP) as well as its manipulation of cancer escape from treatment. Furthermore, the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms driving CCP that promote the development of therapy resistance is summarized. Novel treatment strategies, e.g., inhibiting or reversing CCP is also proposed. Moreover, the review discusses the multiple lines of ongoing clinical trials globally aimed at ameliorating therapy resistance. Such advances provide directions for the development of new treatment modalities and combination therapies against CCP in the context of therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Niu
- China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China; Experimental Center of BIOQGene, YuanDong International Academy Of Life Sciences, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Medical Oncology Department of Thoracic Cancer (2), Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Yinling Zhang
- Department of Oncology Radiotherapy 1, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266042, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 101149, China
| | - Yue Qiu
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Medical Imaging, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Zhongmiao Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China.
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China.
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2
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Bhat GR, Sethi I, Sadida HQ, Rah B, Mir R, Algehainy N, Albalawi IA, Masoodi T, Subbaraj GK, Jamal F, Singh M, Kumar R, Macha MA, Uddin S, Akil ASAS, Haris M, Bhat AA. Cancer cell plasticity: from cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms to tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:197-228. [PMID: 38329598 PMCID: PMC11016008 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10172-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a complex disease displaying a variety of cell states and phenotypes. This diversity, known as cancer cell plasticity, confers cancer cells the ability to change in response to their environment, leading to increased tumor diversity and drug resistance. This review explores the intricate landscape of cancer cell plasticity, offering a deep dive into the cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms that underlie this phenomenon. Cancer cell plasticity is intertwined with processes such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the acquisition of stem cell-like features. These processes are pivotal in the development and progression of tumors, contributing to the multifaceted nature of cancer and the challenges associated with its treatment. Despite significant advancements in targeted therapies, cancer cell adaptability and subsequent therapy-induced resistance remain persistent obstacles in achieving consistent, successful cancer treatment outcomes. Our review delves into the array of mechanisms cancer cells exploit to maintain plasticity, including epigenetic modifications, alterations in signaling pathways, and environmental interactions. We discuss strategies to counteract cancer cell plasticity, such as targeting specific cellular pathways and employing combination therapies. These strategies promise to enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments and mitigate therapy resistance. In conclusion, this review offers a holistic, detailed exploration of cancer cell plasticity, aiming to bolster the understanding and approach toward tackling the challenges posed by tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance. As articulated in this review, the delineation of cellular, molecular, and genetic mechanisms underlying tumor heterogeneity and drug resistance seeks to contribute substantially to the progress in cancer therapeutics and the advancement of precision medicine, ultimately enhancing the prospects for effective cancer treatment and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gh Rasool Bhat
- Advanced Centre for Human Genetics, Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Itty Sethi
- Institute of Human Genetics, University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Hana Q Sadida
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Bilal Rah
- Iron Biology Group, Research Institute of Medical and Health Science, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE
| | - Rashid Mir
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Fahad Bin Sultan Chair for Biomedical Research, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naseh Algehainy
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Fahad Bin Sultan Chair for Biomedical Research, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Tariq Masoodi
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Genetics, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Farrukh Jamal
- Dr. Rammanohar, Lohia Avadh University, Ayodhya, India
| | - Mayank Singh
- Department of Medical Oncology (Lab.), Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Dr. BRAIRCH, All India, New Delhi, India
| | - Rakesh Kumar
- School of Biotechnology, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Muzafar A Macha
- Watson-Crick Centre for Molecular Medicine, Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipora, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- Laboratory Animal Research Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ammira S Al-Shabeeb Akil
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohammad Haris
- Laboratory Animal Research Centre, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar.
- Center for Advanced Metabolic Imaging in Precision Medicine, Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA.
| | - Ajaz A Bhat
- Department of Human Genetics-Precision Medicine in Diabetes, Obesity and Cancer Program, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar.
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3
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Zhang M, Liu Q, Meng H, Duan H, Liu X, Wu J, Gao F, Wang S, Tan R, Yuan J. Ischemia-reperfusion injury: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:12. [PMID: 38185705 PMCID: PMC10772178 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01688-x] [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: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury paradoxically occurs during reperfusion following ischemia, exacerbating the initial tissue damage. The limited understanding of the intricate mechanisms underlying I/R injury hinders the development of effective therapeutic interventions. The Wnt signaling pathway exhibits extensive crosstalk with various other pathways, forming a network system of signaling pathways involved in I/R injury. This review article elucidates the underlying mechanisms involved in Wnt signaling, as well as the complex interplay between Wnt and other pathways, including Notch, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, transforming growth factor-β, nuclear factor kappa, bone morphogenetic protein, N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor-Ca2+-Activin A, Hippo-Yes-associated protein, toll-like receptor 4/toll-interleukine-1 receptor domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β, and hepatocyte growth factor/mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor. In particular, we delve into their respective contributions to key pathological processes, including apoptosis, the inflammatory response, oxidative stress, extracellular matrix remodeling, angiogenesis, cell hypertrophy, fibrosis, ferroptosis, neurogenesis, and blood-brain barrier damage during I/R injury. Our comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms involved in Wnt signaling during I/R reveals that activation of the canonical Wnt pathway promotes organ recovery, while activation of the non-canonical Wnt pathways exacerbates injury. Moreover, we explore novel therapeutic approaches based on these mechanistic findings, incorporating evidence from animal experiments, current standards, and clinical trials. The objective of this review is to provide deeper insights into the roles of Wnt and its crosstalk signaling pathways in I/R-mediated processes and organ dysfunction, to facilitate the development of innovative therapeutic agents for I/R injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- The Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, China
| | - Qian Liu
- Clinical Medical College, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, China
| | - Hui Meng
- Clinical Medical College, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, China
| | - Hongxia Duan
- Clinical Medical College, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Second Clinical Medical College, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Gao
- The Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, China
- Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shijun Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Rubin Tan
- Department of Physiology, Basic medical school, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, 221004, China.
| | - Jinxiang Yuan
- The Collaborative Innovation Center, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, 272067, China.
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Li S, Xin Q, Fang G, Deng Y, Yang F, Qiu C, Yang Y, Lan C. Upregulation of mitochondrial telomerase reverse transcriptase mediates the preventive effect of physical exercise on pathological cardiac hypertrophy via improving mitochondrial function and inhibiting oxidative stress. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2024; 1870:166859. [PMID: 37643691 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166859] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Physical exercise is a non-pharmacological intervention that helps prevent pathological cardiac hypertrophy. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) has non-telomeric functions such as protection against mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, and its myocardial expression is upregulated by physical exercise. Here, we found that physical exercise caused myocardial upregulation of mitochondrial TERT and sustenance during transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Overexpression of mitochondrial-targeted TERT (mito-TERT) via adeno-associated virus serotype 9 carrying the TERT-coding sequence fused with N-terminal mitochondrial-targeting sequence improved cardiac function and attenuated cardiac hypertrophy. Mechanistically, mito-TERT ameliorated mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, which were associated with improving the activity and subunit composition of complex I. Remarkably, the telomerase activator TA-65 also exhibited an antihypertrophic effect. Collectively, our results reveal a significant role for mito-TERT in mediating the antihypertrophic effect of physical exercise and demonstrate that TERT is a potential drug target for treating cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Li
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China; School of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Qian Xin
- Department of Cardiology, Sixth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, PR China
| | - Guangyao Fang
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China; School of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yi Deng
- Department of General Practice, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Fengyuan Yang
- Department of Nephrology, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Chenming Qiu
- Department of Burn and Plastic Surgery, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China
| | - Yongjian Yang
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China; School of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
| | - Cong Lan
- Department of Cardiology, General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, PR China; School of Medicine, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, PR China.
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5
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Liu YJ, Xu JJ, Yang C, Li YL, Chen MW, Liu SX, Zheng XH, Luo P, Li R, Xiao D, Shan ZG. Muscone inhibits angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy through the STAT3, MAPK and TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathways. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 51:39. [PMID: 38158445 PMCID: PMC10756871 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08916-1] [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: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Muscone is a chemical monomer derived from musk. Although many studies have confirmed the cardioprotective effects of muscone, the effects of muscone on cardiac hypertrophy and its potential mechanisms are unclear.The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of muscone on angiotensin (Ang) II-induced cardiac hypertrophy. METHODS AND RESULTS In the present study, we found for the first time that muscone exerted inhibitory effects on Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac injury in mice. Cardiac function was analyzed by echocardiography measurement, and the degree of cardiac fibrosis was determined by the quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Masson trichrome staining and western blot assay. Secondly, qRT-PCR experiment showed that muscone attenuated cardiac injury by reducing the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and promoting the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, western blot analysis found that muscone exerted cardio-protective effects by inhibiting phosphorylation of key proteins in the STAT3, MAPK and TGF-β/SMAD pathways. In addition, CCK-8 and determination of serum biochemical indexes showed that no significant toxicity or side effects of muscone on normal cells and organs. CONCLUSIONS Muscone could attenuate Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy, in part, by inhibiting the STAT3, MAPK, and TGF-β/SMAD signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Jiang Liu
- School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Jia-Jia Xu
- School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Cui Yang
- School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Yan-Lin Li
- School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Min-Wei Chen
- School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Shi-Xiao Liu
- School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Xiang-Hui Zheng
- School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fujian, China
| | - Ping Luo
- School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Rui Li
- School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Di Xiao
- School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China
| | - Zhong-Gui Shan
- School of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361003, China.
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6
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Wu H, Tang LX, Wang XM, Li LP, Chen XK, He YJ, Yang DZ, Shi Y, Shou JL, Zhang ZS, Wang L, Lu BJ, An SM, Zeng CY, Wang WE. Porcupine inhibitor CGX1321 alleviates heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in mice by blocking WNT signaling. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:1149-1160. [PMID: 36473990 PMCID: PMC10203103 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-01025-y] [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: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is highly prevalent, and lacks effective treatment. The aberration of WNT pathway underlies many pathological processes including cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy, while porcupine is an acyltransferase essential for the secretion of WNT ligands. In this study we investigated the role of WNT signaling pathway in HFpEF as well as whether blocking WNT signaling by a novel porcupine inhibitor CGX1321 alleviated HFpEF. We established two experimental HFpEF mouse models, namely the UNX/DOCA model and high fat diet/L-NAME ("two-hit") model. The UNX/DOCA and "two-hit" mice were treated with CGX1321 (3 mg·kg-1·d-1) for 4 and 10 weeks, respectively. We showed that CGX1321 treatment significantly alleviated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, thereby improving cardiac diastolic function and exercise performance in both models. Furthermore, both canonical and non-canonical WNT signaling pathways were activated, and most WNT proteins, especially WNT3a and WNT5a, were upregulated during the development of HEpEF in mice. CGX1321 treatment inhibited the secretion of WNT ligands and repressed both canonical and non-canonical WNT pathways, evidenced by the reduced phosphorylation of c-Jun and the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and NFATc3. In an in vitro HFpEF model, MCM and ISO-treated cardiomyocytes, knockdown of porcupine by siRNA leads to a similar inhibitory effect on WNT pathways, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and cardiac fibroblast activation as CGX1321 did, whereas supplementation of WNT3a and WNT5a reversed the anti-hypertrophy and anti-fibrosis effect of CGX1321. We conclude that WNT signaling activation plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of HFpEF, and porcupine inhibitor CGX1321 exerts a therapeutic effect on HFpEF in mice by attenuating cardiac hypertrophy, alleviating cardiac fibrosis and improving cardiac diastolic function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Lu-Xun Tang
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command PLA, Chengdu, 610083, China
| | - Xue-Mei Wang
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China
| | - Liang-Peng Li
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Xiao-Kang Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Yan-Ji He
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - De-Zhong Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Yu Shi
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Jia-Ling Shou
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Zong-Shu Zhang
- Guangzhou Curegenix Co. Ltd., International Business Incubator, Guangzhou Science City, Guangzhou, 510663, China
| | - Liang Wang
- Guangzhou Curegenix Co. Ltd., International Business Incubator, Guangzhou Science City, Guangzhou, 510663, China
| | - Bing-Jun Lu
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Songzhu Michael An
- Guangzhou Curegenix Co. Ltd., International Business Incubator, Guangzhou Science City, Guangzhou, 510663, China
- Curegenix, Inc., Burlingame, CA, 94010, USA
| | - Chun-Yu Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, 400042, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China.
- Heart Center of Fujian Province, Union Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
- Department of Cardiology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing, 401147, China.
- Cardiovascular Research Center of Chongqing College, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400722, China.
| | - Wei Eric Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Military Medical University), Chongqing, 400042, China.
- Chongqing Key Laboratory for Hypertension Research, Chongqing Cardiovascular Clinical Research Center, Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, 400042, China.
- Department of Geriatrics, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, 400038, China.
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7
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Flanagan DJ, Woodcock SA, Phillips C, Eagle C, Sansom OJ. Targeting ligand-dependent wnt pathway dysregulation in gastrointestinal cancers through porcupine inhibition. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 238:108179. [PMID: 35358569 PMCID: PMC9531712 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers are responsible for more cancer deaths than any other system of the body. This review summarises how Wnt pathway dysregulation contributes to the development of the most common gastrointestinal cancers, with a particular focus on the nature and frequency of upstream pathway aberrations. Tumors with upstream aberrations maintain a dependency on the presence of functional Wnt ligand, and are predicted to be tractable to inhibitors of Porcupine, an enzyme that plays a key role in Wnt secretion. We summarise available pre-clinical efficacy data from Porcupine inhibitors in vitro and in vivo, as well as potential toxicities and the data from early phase clinical trials. We appraise the rationale for biomarker-defined targeted approaches, as well as outlining future opportunities for combination with other therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin J Flanagan
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK; Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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8
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Halmetoja E, Nagy I, Szabo Z, Alakoski T, Yrjölä R, Vainio L, Viitavaara E, Lin R, Rahtu-Korpela L, Vainio S, Kerkelä R, Magga J. Wnt11 in regulation of physiological and pathological cardiac growth. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22544. [PMID: 36098469 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101856rrrr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Wnt11 regulates early cardiac development and left ventricular compaction in the heart, but it is not known how Wnt11 regulates postnatal cardiac maturation and response to cardiac stress in the adult heart. We studied cell proliferation/maturation in postnatal and adolescent Wnt11 deficient (Wnt11-/-) heart and subjected adult mice with partial (Wnt11+/-) and complete Wnt11 (Wnt11-/-) deficiency to cardiac pressure overload. In addition, we subjected primary cardiomyocytes to recombinant Wnt proteins to study their effect on cardiomyocyte growth. Wnt11 deficiency did not affect cardiomyocyte proliferation or maturation in the postnatal or adolescent heart. However, Wnt11 deficiency led to enlarged heart phenotype that was not accompanied by significant hypertrophy of individual cardiomyocytes. Analysis of stressed adult hearts from wild-type mice showed a progressive decrease in Wnt11 expression in response to pressure overload. When studied in experimental cardiac pressure overload, Wnt11 deficiency did not exacerbate cardiac hypertrophy or remodeling and cardiac function remained identical between the genotypes. When subjecting cardiomyocytes to hypertrophic stimulus, the presence of recombinant Wnt11 together with Wnt5a reduced protein synthesis. In conclusion, Wnt11 deficiency does not affect postnatal cardiomyocyte proliferation but leads to cardiac growth. Interestingly, Wnt11 deficiency alone does not substantially modulate hypertrophic response to pressure overload in vivo. Wnt11 may require cooperation with other noncanonical Wnt proteins to regulate hypertrophic response under stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Irina Nagy
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Medical Research Center, University of Oulu and Northern Finland Laboratory Centre NordLab, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Zoltan Szabo
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Tarja Alakoski
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Raisa Yrjölä
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Laura Vainio
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Ruizhu Lin
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | | | - Seppo Vainio
- Laboratory of Developmental Biology, Center for Cell Matrix Research, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Kvantum Institute, Infotech Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Risto Kerkelä
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Center Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Johanna Magga
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
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9
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Phillips C, Bhamra I, Eagle C, Flanagan E, Armer R, Jones CD, Bingham M, Calcraft P, Edmenson Cook A, Thompson B, Woodcock SA. The Wnt Pathway Inhibitor RXC004 Blocks Tumor Growth and Reverses Immune Evasion in Wnt Ligand-dependent Cancer Models. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:914-928. [PMID: 36922934 PMCID: PMC10010340 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-21-0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling is implicated in the etiology of gastrointestinal tract cancers. Targeting Wnt signaling is challenging due to on-target toxicity concerns and lack of druggable pathway components. We describe the discovery and characterization of RXC004, a potent and selective inhibitor of the membrane-bound o-acyl transferase Porcupine, essential for Wnt ligand secretion. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion and safety pharmacology studies were conducted with RXC004 in vitro, and pharmacokinetic exposure assessed in vivo. RXC004 effects on proliferation and tumor metabolism were explored in genetically defined colorectal and pancreatic cancer models in vitro and in vivo. RXC004 effects on immune evasion were assessed in B16F10 immune "cold" and CT26 immune "hot" murine syngeneic models, and in human cell cocultures. RXC004 showed a promising pharmacokinetic profile, inhibited Wnt ligand palmitoylation, secretion, and pathway activation, and demonstrated potent antiproliferative effects in Wnt ligand-dependent (RNF43-mutant or RSPO3-fusion) colorectal and pancreatic cell lines. Reduced tumor growth and increased cancer cell differentiation were observed in SNU-1411 (RSPO3-fusion), AsPC1 and HPAF-II (both RNF43-mutant) xenograft models, with a therapeutic window versus Wnt homeostatic functions. Additional effects of RXC004 on tumor cell metabolism were confirmed in vitro and in vivo by glucose uptake and 18fluorodeoxyglucose-PET, respectively. RXC004 stimulated host tumor immunity; reducing resident myeloid-derived suppressor cells within B16F10 tumors and synergizing with anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) to increase CD8+/regulatory T cell ratios within CT26 tumors. Moreover, RXC004 reversed the immunosuppressive effects of HPAF-II cells cocultured with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, confirming the multiple anticancer mechanisms of this compound, which has progressed into phase II clinical trials. Significance Wnt pathway dysregulation drives many gastrointestinal cancers; however, there are no approved therapies that target the pathway. RXC004 has demonstrated the potential to block both tumor growth and tumor immune evasion in a genetically defined, clinically actionable subpopulation of Wnt ligand-dependent gastrointestinal cancers. The clinical utility of RXC004, and other Porcupine inhibitors, in such Wnt ligand-dependent cancers is currently being assessed in patient trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inder Bhamra
- Redx Oncology Ltd, Redx Pharma PLC; Cheshire, United Kingdom
| | - Catherine Eagle
- Redx Oncology Ltd, Redx Pharma PLC; Cheshire, United Kingdom
| | - Eimear Flanagan
- Redx Oncology Ltd, Redx Pharma PLC; Cheshire, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Armer
- Redx Oncology Ltd, Redx Pharma PLC; Cheshire, United Kingdom
| | | | - Matilda Bingham
- Redx Oncology Ltd, Redx Pharma PLC; Cheshire, United Kingdom.,Concept Life Sciences Ltd, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Calcraft
- Redx Oncology Ltd, Redx Pharma PLC; Cheshire, United Kingdom.,Analytical Development, Flu-BPD, AstraZeneca PLC, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Alicia Edmenson Cook
- Redx Oncology Ltd, Redx Pharma PLC; Cheshire, United Kingdom.,Oncology Cell Therapy, GlaxoSmithKline PLC, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Thompson
- Redx Oncology Ltd, Redx Pharma PLC; Cheshire, United Kingdom.,In Vitro, RxCelerate Ltd, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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10
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Raeisi M, Saberivand M, Velaei K, Aghaei N, Rahimi-Farsi N, Kharrati-Shishavan H, Hassanzadeh D, Mehdizadeh A. Porcn as a novel therapeutic target in cancer therapy: A review. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1979-1991. [PMID: 35971741 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11882] [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: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Wingless-related integration site (Wnt) signaling is one of the main oncogenic pathways in different malignancies. Therefore, targeting this pathway has been considered an exciting strategy in cancer treatment. Porcn is among the central enzymes in this pathway that has recently been considered for cancer-targeted therapy. As a membrane-bound O-acyltransferase, Porcn plays a critical role in wnt ligand palmitoylation and its subsequent secretion. In addition to Porcn's role in stem cell signaling and differentiation, recent findings have shown its role in developing and progressing colorectal, pancreatic, liver, head, and neck cancers. Developed small molecule inhibitors have also opened a promising window toward cancer treatment strategies. In this review, the structure and biological role of Porcn in different cancer-related signaling pathways and inhibitors used for inhibiting this enzyme are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mortaza Raeisi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Saberivand
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kobra Velaei
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Negar Aghaei
- Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Imam Sajjad Hospital, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | | | - Davoud Hassanzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Mehdizadeh
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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11
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, largely due to the limited regenerative capacity of the adult human heart. In contrast, teleost zebrafish hearts possess natural regeneration capacity by proliferation of pre-existing cardiomyocytes after injury. Hearts of mice can regenerate if injured in a few days after birth, which coincides with the transient capacity for cardiomyocyte proliferation. This review tends to elaborate the roles and mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in heart development and regeneration in mammals and non-mammalian vertebrates. RECENT FINDINGS Studies in zebrafish, mice, and human embryonic stem cells demonstrate the binary effect for Wnt/β-catenin signaling during heart development. Both Wnts and Wnt antagonists are induced in multiple cell types during cardiac development and injury repair. In this review, we summarize composites of the Wnt signaling pathway and their different action routes, followed by the discussion of their involvements in cardiac specification, proliferation, and patterning. We provide overviews about canonical and non-canonical Wnt activity during heart homeostasis, remodeling, and regeneration. Wnt/β-catenin signaling exhibits biphasic and antagonistic effects on cardiac specification and differentiation depending on the stage of embryogenesis. Inhibition of Wnt signaling is beneficial for cardiac wound healing and functional recovery after injury. Understanding of the roles and mechanisms of Wnt signaling pathway in injured animal hearts will contribute to the development of potential therapeutics for human diseased hearts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongliang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Jianjian Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.,Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510100, Guangdong, China
| | - Tao P Zhong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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12
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Kadian LK, Arora M, Prasad CP, Pramanik R, Chauhan SS. Signaling pathways and their potential therapeutic utility in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:1014-1032. [PMID: 34990001 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02763-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is a complex gastrointestinal malignancy with an extremely poor outcome. Approximately 80% of cases of this malignancy in Asian countries including India are of squamous cell origin, termed Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC).The five-year survival rate in ESCC patients is less than 20%. Neo-adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (NACRT) followed by surgical resection remains the major therapeutic strategy for patients with operable ESCC. However, resistance to NACRT and local recurrence after initial treatment are the leading cause of dismal outcomes in these patients. Therefore, an alternative strategy to promote response to the therapy and reduce the post-operative disease recurrence is highly needed. At the molecular level, wide variations have been observed in tumor characteristics among different populations, nevertheless, several common molecular features have been identified which orchestrate disease progression and clinical outcome in the malignancy. Therefore, determination of candidate molecular pathways for targeted therapy remains the mainstream idea of focus in ESCC research. In this review, we have discussed the key signaling pathways associated with ESCC, i.e., Notch, Wnt, and Nrf2 pathways, and their crosstalk during disease progression. We further discuss the recent developments of novel agents to target these pathways in the context of targeted cancer therapy. In-depth research of the signaling pathways, gene signatures, and a combinatorial approach may help in discovering targeted therapy for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- L K Kadian
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - M Arora
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - C P Prasad
- Department of Medical Oncology (Lab), Dr. B. R. Ambedkar-IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - R Pramanik
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar-IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - S S Chauhan
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
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13
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Activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in abdominal aortic aneurysm: A potential therapeutic opportunity? Genes Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
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14
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Min JK, Park HS, Lee YB, Kim JG, Kim JI, Park JB. Cross-Talk between Wnt Signaling and Src Tyrosine Kinase. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051112. [PMID: 35625853 PMCID: PMC9138253 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Src, a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, was first discovered as a prototype oncogene and has been shown to critical for cancer progression for a variety of tissues. Src activity is regulated by a number of post-translational modifications in response to various stimuli. Phosphorylations of Src Tyr419 (human; 416 in chicken) and Src Tyr530 (human; 527 in chicken) have been known to be critical for activation and inactivation of Src, respectively. Wnt signaling regulates a variety of cellular functions including for development and cell proliferation, and has a role in certain diseases such as cancer. Wnt signaling is carried out through two pathways: β-catenin-dependent canonical and β-catenin-independent non-canonical pathways as Wnt ligands bind to their receptors, Frizzled, LRP5/6, and ROR1/2. In addition, many signaling components including Axin, APC, Damm, Dishevelled, JNK kinase and Rho GTPases contribute to these canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathways. However, the communication between Wnt signaling and Src tyrosine kinase has not been well reviewed as Src regulates Wnt signaling through LRP6 tyrosine phosphorylation. GSK-3β phosphorylated by Wnt also regulates Src activity. As Wnt signaling and Src mutually regulate each other, it is noted that aberrant regulation of these components give rise to various diseases including typically cancer, and as such, merit a closer look.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Ki Min
- Department of Biochemistry, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 25242, Korea; (J.K.M.); (Y.-B.L.); (J.-G.K.)
- Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Hwee-Seon Park
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (H.-S.P.); (J.-I.K.)
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Yoon-Beom Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 25242, Korea; (J.K.M.); (Y.-B.L.); (J.-G.K.)
- Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Jae-Gyu Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 25242, Korea; (J.K.M.); (Y.-B.L.); (J.-G.K.)
- Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Jong-Il Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea; (H.-S.P.); (J.-I.K.)
- Genomic Medicine Institute, Medical Research Center, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea
| | - Jae-Bong Park
- Department of Biochemistry, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 25242, Korea; (J.K.M.); (Y.-B.L.); (J.-G.K.)
- Institute of Cell Differentiation and Aging, Hallym University College of Medicine, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-33-248-2542; Fax: +82-33-244-8425
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15
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Silpa L, Sim R, Russell AJ. Recent Advances in Small Molecule Stimulation of Regeneration and Repair. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2022; 61:128601. [PMID: 35123003 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2022.128601] [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: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Therapeutic approaches to stimulate regeneration and repair have the potential to transform healthcare and improve outcomes for patients suffering from numerous chronic degenerative diseases. To date most approaches have involved the transplantation of therapeutic cells, and while there have been a small number of clinical approvals, major hurdles exist to the routine adoption of such therapies. In recent years humans and other mammals have been shown to possess a regenerative capacity across multiple tissues and organs, and an innate regenerative and repair response has been shown to be activated in these organs in response to injury. These realisations have inspired a transformative approach in regenerative medicine: the development of new agents to directly target these innate regeneration and repair pathways. In this article we will review the current state of the art in the discovery of small molecule modulators of regeneration and their translation towards therapeutic agents, focussing specifically on the areas of neuroregeneration and cardiac regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Silpa
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford OX1 3TA
| | - Rachel Sim
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford OX1 3TA
| | - Angela J Russell
- Department of Chemistry, Chemistry Research Laboratory, University of Oxford OX1 3TA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, University of Oxford OX1 3QT.
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16
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WNT/β-Catenin Pathway in Soft Tissue Sarcomas: New Therapeutic Opportunities? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215521. [PMID: 34771683 PMCID: PMC8583315 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway is involved in fundamental processes for the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. However, little is known about its relevance for mesenchymal neoplasms, such us soft tissue sarcomas (STS). Chemotherapy based on doxorubicin (DXR) still remains the standard first-line treatment for locally advanced unresectable or metastatic STS, although overall survival could not be improved by combination with other chemotherapeutics. In this sense, the development of new therapeutic approaches continues to be an unmatched goal. This review covers the most important molecular alterations of the WNT signaling pathway in STS, broadening the current knowledge about STS as well as identifying novel drug targets. Furthermore, the current therapeutic options and drug candidates to modulate WNT signaling, which are usually classified by their interaction site upstream or downstream of β-catenin, and their presumable clinical impact on STS are discussed. Abstract Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a very heterogeneous group of rare tumors, comprising more than 50 different histological subtypes that originate from mesenchymal tissue. Despite their heterogeneity, chemotherapy based on doxorubicin (DXR) has been in use for forty years now and remains the standard first-line treatment for locally advanced unresectable or metastatic STS, although overall survival could not be improved by combination with other chemotherapeutics. In this sense, the development of new therapeutic approaches continues to be a largely unmatched goal. The WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway is involved in various fundamental processes for embryogenic development, including the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Although the role of this pathway has been widely researched in neoplasms of epithelial origin, little is known about its relevance for mesenchymal neoplasms. This review covers the most important molecular alterations of the WNT signaling pathway in STS. The detection of these alterations and the understanding of their functional consequences for those pathways controlling sarcomagenesis development and progression are crucial to broaden the current knowledge about STS as well as to identify novel drug targets. In this regard, the current therapeutic options and drug candidates to modulate WNT signaling, which are usually classified by their interaction site upstream or downstream of β-catenin, and their presumable clinical impact on STS are also discussed.
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17
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WNT Signaling as a Therapeutic Target for Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168428. [PMID: 34445128 PMCID: PMC8395085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The WNT (Wingless/Integrated) signaling pathway is implicated in various stages of glioblastoma, which is an aggressive brain tumor for which therapeutic options are limited. WNT has been recognized as a hallmark of therapeutic challenge due to its context-dependent role and critical function in healthy tissue homeostasis. In this review, we deeply scrutinize the WNT signaling pathway and its involvement in the genesis of glioblastoma as well as its acquired therapy resistance. We also provide an analysis of the WNT pathway in terms of its therapeutic importance in addition to an overview of the current targeted therapies under clinical investigation.
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18
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Xu JJ, Li RJ, Zhang ZH, Yang C, Liu SX, Li YL, Chen MW, Wang WW, Zhang GY, Song G, Huang ZR. Loganin Inhibits Angiotensin II-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy Through the JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:678886. [PMID: 34194329 PMCID: PMC8237232 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.678886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Loganin is an iridoid glycoside extracted from Cornus officinalis, which is a traditional oriental medicine, and many biological properties of loganin have been reported. Nevertheless, it is not clear whether loganin has therapeutic effect on cardiovascular diseases. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of loganin on Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy. In the present study, we reported for the first time that loganin inhibits Ang II-provoked cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac damages in H9C2 cells and in mice. Furthermore, loganin can achieve cardioprotective effects through attenuating cardiac fibrosis, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, and suppressing the phosphorylation of critical proteins such as JAK2, STAT3, p65, and IκBα. Besides, the outstanding findings of the present study were to prove that loganin has no significant toxicity or side effects on normal cells and organs. Based on these results, we conclude that loganin mitigates Ang II-induced cardiac hypertrophy at least partially through inhibiting the JAK2/STAT3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Accordingly, the natural product, loganin, might be a novel effective agent for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jia Xu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Run-Jing Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zheng-Hao Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Cui Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shi-Xiao Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Yan-Ling Li
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Min-Wei Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wei-Wei Wang
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Gong-Ye Zhang
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Gang Song
- Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Zheng-Rong Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
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19
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Porcupine inhibitors: Novel and emerging anti-cancer therapeutics targeting the Wnt signaling pathway. Pharmacol Res 2021; 167:105532. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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20
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Liao H, Gao W, Ma J, Xue H, Wang Y, Huang D, Yan F, Ye Y. GPR39 promotes cardiac hypertrophy by regulating the AMPK-mTOR pathway and protein synthesis. Cell Biol Int 2021; 45:1211-1219. [PMID: 33554444 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Hypertrophic growth of the cardiomyocytes is one of the core mechanisms underlying cardiac hypertrophy. However, the mechanism underlying cardiac hypertrophy remains not fully understood. Here we provided evidence that G protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) promotes cardiac hypertrophy via inhibiting AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling. GRP39 expression is overexpressed in hypertrophic hearts of humans and transverse aortic constriction (TAC)-induced cardiac hypertrophy in mice. In neonatal cardiomyocytes, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of GPR39 promoted angiotensin II-induced cardiac hypertrophy, while GPR39 knockdown repressed hypertrophic response. Adeno-associated virus 9-mediated knockdown of GPR39 suppressed TAC-induced decline in fraction shortening and ejection fraction, increase in heart weight and cardiomyocyte size, as well as overexpression of hypertrophic fetal genes. A mechanism study demonstrated that GPR39 repressed the activation of AMPK to activate the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and ribosomal protein S6 kinase β-1 (S6K1), subsequently promoted de novo protein synthesis. Inhibition of mTOR with rapamycin blocked the effects of GPR39 overexpression on protein synthesis and repressed cardiac hypertrophy. Collectively, our findings demonstrated that GPR39 promoted cardiac hypertrophy via regulating the AMPK-mTOR-S6K1 signaling pathway, and GRP39 can be targeted for the treatment of cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjuan Liao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Weinian Gao
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Hongyuan Xue
- Department of Ultrasound, Hebei Medical University & Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dai Huang
- Department of Ultrasound, Hebei Medical University & Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Fang Yan
- Department of Vascular Surgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuquan Ye
- Department of Ultrasound, Hebei Medical University & Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China.,Department of Ultrasound, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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21
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Sonavane PR, Willert K. Controlling Wnt Signaling Specificity and Implications for Targeting WNTs Pharmacologically. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 269:3-28. [PMID: 34463853 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling is critical for proper development of the embryo and for tissue homeostasis in the adult. Activation of this signaling cascade is initiated by binding of the secreted Wnts to their receptors. With the mammalian genome encoding multiple Wnts and Wnt receptors, a longstanding question in the field has been how Wnt-receptor specificities are achieved. Emerging from these studies is a picture of exquisite control over Wnt protein production, secretion, distribution, and receptor interactions, culminating in activation of downstream signaling cascades that control a myriad of biological processes. Here we discuss mechanisms by which Wnt protein activities are tuned and illustrate how the multiple layers of regulation can be leveraged for therapeutic interventions in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja R Sonavane
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Karl Willert
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
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22
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Xu X, Zhang M, Xu F, Jiang S. Wnt signaling in breast cancer: biological mechanisms, challenges and opportunities. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:165. [PMID: 33234169 PMCID: PMC7686704 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01276-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is a highly conserved signaling pathway that plays a critical role in controlling embryonic and organ development, as well as cancer progression. Genome-wide sequencing and gene expression profile analyses have demonstrated that Wnt signaling is involved mainly in the processes of breast cancer proliferation and metastasis. The most recent studies have indicated that Wnt signaling is also crucial in breast cancer immune microenvironment regulation, stemness maintenance, therapeutic resistance, phenotype shaping, etc. Wnt/β-Catenin, Wnt-planar cell polarity (PCP), and Wnt-Ca2+ signaling are three well-established Wnt signaling pathways that share overlapping components and play different roles in breast cancer progression. In this review, we summarize the main findings concerning the relationship between Wnt signaling and breast cancer and provide an overview of existing mechanisms, challenges, and potential opportunities for advancing the therapy and diagnosis of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufang Xu
- School of Medical Imaging, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053 Zhejiang China
| | - Miaofeng Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang China
| | - Faying Xu
- School of Medical Imaging, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053 Zhejiang China
| | - Shaojie Jiang
- School of Medical Imaging, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053 Zhejiang China
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23
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Lan C, Cao N, Chen C, Qu S, Fan C, Luo H, Zeng A, Yu C, Xue Y, Ren H, Li L, Wang H, Jose PA, Xu Z, Zeng C. Progesterone, via yes-associated protein, promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation and cardiac repair. Cell Prolif 2020; 53:e12910. [PMID: 33047378 PMCID: PMC7653240 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The mechanisms responsible for the postnatal loss of mammalian cardiac regenerative capacity are not fully elucidated. The aim of the present study is to investigate the role of progesterone in cardiac regeneration and explore underlying mechanism. Materials and Methods Effect of progesterone on cardiomyocyte proliferation was analysed by immunofluorescent staining. RNA sequencing was performed to screen key target genes of progesterone, and yes‐associated protein (YAP) was knocked down to demonstrate its role in pro‐proliferative effect of progesterone. Effect of progesterone on activity of YAP promoter was measured by luciferase assay and interaction between progesterone receptor and YAP promoter by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Adult mice were subjected to myocardial infarction, and then, effects of progesterone on adult cardiac regeneration were analysed. Results Progesterone supplementation enhanced cardiomyocyte proliferation in a progesterone receptor‐dependent manner. Progesterone up‐regulated YAP expression and knockdown of YAP by small interfering RNA reduced progesterone‐mediated cardiomyocyte proliferative effect. Progesterone receptor interacted with the YAP promoter, determined by ChIP and EMSA; progesterone increased luciferase activity of YAP promoter and up‐regulated YAP target genes. Progesterone administration also promoted adult cardiomyocyte proliferation and improved cardiac function in myocardial infarction. Conclusion Our data uncover a role of circulating progesterone withdrawal as a novel mechanism for the postnatal loss of mammalian cardiac regenerative potential. Progesterone promotes both neonatal and adult cardiomyocyte proliferation by up‐regulating YAP expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Lan
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Nian Cao
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Caiyu Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Shuang Qu
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Fan
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Hao Luo
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Andi Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Cheng Yu
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanzheng Xue
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongmei Ren
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Liangpeng Li
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongyong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Pedro A Jose
- Division of Renal Diseases & Hypertension, Departments of Medicine and Pharmacology/Physiology, The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Zaicheng Xu
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China
| | - Chunyu Zeng
- Department of Cardiology, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Institute of Cardiology, Chongqing, China.,Cardiovascular Research Center, Chongqing College, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, China
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24
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Kastner N, Zlabinger K, Spannbauer A, Traxler D, Mester-Tonczar J, Hašimbegović E, Gyöngyösi M. New Insights and Current Approaches in Cardiac Hypertrophy Cell Culture, Tissue Engineering Models, and Novel Pathways Involving Non-Coding RNA. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:1314. [PMID: 32973530 PMCID: PMC7472597 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.01314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy is an ongoing clinical challenge, as risk factors such as obesity, smoking and increasing age become more widespread, which lead to an increasing prevalence of developing hypertrophy. Pathological hypertrophy is a maladaptive response to stress conditions, such as pressure overload, and involve a number of changes in cellular mechanisms, gene expression and pathway regulations. Although several important pathways involved in the remodeling and hypertrophy process have been identified, further research is needed to achieve a better understanding and explore new and better treatment options. More recently discovered pathways showed the involvement of several non-coding RNAs, including micro RNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs), which either promote or inhibit the remodeling process and pose a possible target for novel therapy approaches. In vitro modeling serves as a vital tool for this further pathway analysis and treatment testing and has vastly improved over the recent years, providing a less costly and labor-intensive alternative to in vivo animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Kastner
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katrin Zlabinger
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Denise Traxler
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Ena Hašimbegović
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mariann Gyöngyösi
- Department of Cardiology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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25
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Kalantary-Charvadeh A, Hosseini V, Mehdizadeh A, Darabi M. Application of porcupine inhibitors in stem cell fate determination. Chem Biol Drug Des 2020; 96:1052-1068. [PMID: 32419352 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Porcupine (Porcn), a membrane-bound O-acyltransferase, is an endoplasmic reticulum-located protein that has catalytic activity. Porcn is involved in post-translational lipid modification of wingless-Int (Wnt) proteins and serves as an indispensable step in the Wnt proper secretion and signaling. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting Porcn catalytic function in vitro and in vivo are of great interest not only for treating cancer and fibrotic disorders but also in the field of regenerative medicine. Although a number of studies have been conducted, the exact role of Porcn in stem cell fate is not entirely clear. In some cases, Porcn inhibition declined differentiation rate, and in others, it induced stem cell differentiation toward specific lineages. In this review, we first elaborated the Porcn catalytic activity and its inhibitors. Then, we discussed about the recently reported results of Porcn inhibitors in stem cells self-renewal and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashkan Kalantary-Charvadeh
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Hosseini
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Mehdizadeh
- Endocrine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masoud Darabi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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26
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Wnt Signaling in Gynecologic Malignancies. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124272. [PMID: 32560059 PMCID: PMC7348953 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gynecologic malignancies, including ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer, and cervical cancer, affect hundreds of thousands of women worldwide every year. Wnt signaling, specifically Wnt/β-catenin signaling, has been found to play an essential role in many oncogenic processes in gynecologic malignancies, including tumorigenesis, metastasis, recurrence, and chemotherapy resistance. As such, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has the potential to be a target for effective treatment, improving patient outcomes. In this review, we discuss the evidence supporting the importance of the Wnt signaling pathways in the development, progression, and treatment of gynecologic malignancies.
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27
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Xu CN, Kong LH, Ding P, Liu Y, Fan ZG, Gao EH, Yang J, Yang LF. Melatonin ameliorates pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy by attenuating Atg5-dependent autophagy and activating the Akt/mTOR pathway. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165848. [PMID: 32473999 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2020.165848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy, including hypertension and valvular dysfunction, is a pathological feature of many cardiac diseases that ultimately leads to heart failure. Melatonin confers a protective role against pathological cardiac hypertrophy, but the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In the present study, we hypothesized that melatonin protects against pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy by attenuating Atg5-dependent autophagy and activating the Akt/mTOR pathway. Male C57BL/6 mice that received adenovirus carrying cardiac-specific Atg5 (under the cTNT promoter; Ad-cTNT-Atg5) underwent transverse aortic constriction (TAC) or sham operation and received an intraperitoneal injection of melatonin (10 mg/kg/d), vehicle or LY294002 (10 mg/kg/d) for 8 weeks. Melatonin treatment for 8 weeks markedly attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and restored impaired cardiac function, as indicated by a decreased HW/BW ratio, reduced cell cross-sectional area and fibrosis, downregulated the mRNA levels of ANP, BNP, and β-MHC and ameliorated adverse effects on the LVEF and LVFS. Melatonin treatment also inhibited apoptosis and alleviated autophagy dysfunction. Furthermore, melatonin inhibited Akt/mTOR pathway activation, while these effects were blocked by LY294002. In addition, the effect of melatonin regulation on TAC-induced autophagy dysfunction was inhibited by LY294002 or cardiac-specific Atg5 overexpression. As expected, Akt/mTOR pathway inhibition or cardiac-specific Atg5 overexpression restrained melatonin alleviation of pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy. These results demonstrated that melatonin ameliorated pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy by attenuating Atg5-dependent autophagy and activating the Akt/mTOR pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen-Nian Xu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ling-Heng Kong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; School of Basic Medical Science, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an 710021, China
| | - Peng Ding
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Zhen-Ge Fan
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Er-He Gao
- Center for Translational Medicine, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
| | - Li-Fang Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an 710003, China.
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28
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Zhao Z, Liu H, Li Y, Tian J, Deng S. Wnt-C59 Attenuates Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy via Interruption of Wnt Pathway. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e923025. [PMID: 32279067 PMCID: PMC7171430 DOI: 10.12659/msm.923025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiac hypertrophy usually results in heart failure and is an important cause of mortality worldwide. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway hyper-activation is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of cardiac hypertrophy. Wnt-C59 is a small molecular compound, which strongly and specifically targets at Porcupine to pharmacologically inhibit Wnt palmitoylation, secretion, and other biological activities. However, the role of Wnt-C59 in cardiac hypertrophy remains unknown. Material/Methods We performed transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in adult male mice to induce pressure overload and establish an in vivo model of cardiac hypertrophy. Angiotensin II (Ang-II) was utilized to culture cardiomyocyte to establish a model of in vitro cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Daily administration of Porcupine inhibitor Wnt-C59 was performed for 4 weeks after TAC surgery. Results Wnt-C59 significantly improved cardiac function and enhanced survival of mice subjected to TAC surgery. Histologically, Wnt-C59 attenuated TAC-induced increase in heart mass, cross-section area of cardiomyocyte, cardiac fibrosis, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and expression of the hypertrophic biomarkers β-MHC, ANP, and BNP. TAC-induced oxidative stress was also ameliorated by Wnt-C59. Wnt-C59 attenuated Ang-II-induced in vitro cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, as indicated by decreased cell size and lower expression of ANP, BNP, and β-MHC. Moreover, Wnt/β-catenin activation was blocked by Wnt-C59 in cardiac hypertrophy, as indicated by decreased protein expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin and the Wnt target genes cyclin D1 and c-Myc. Conclusions Collectively, Porcupine inhibitor Wnt-C59 attenuates pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophic via interruption of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and it might be a promising drug for patients with cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengbo Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China (mainland).,Department of Cardiology, Jiulongpo District People's Hospital, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Han Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Jingxiu Tian
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Songbai Deng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China (mainland)
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29
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Kasacka I, Piotrowska Ż, Niezgoda M, Lewandowska A, Łebkowski W. Ageing-related changes in the levels of β-catenin, CacyBP/SIP, galectin-3 and immunoproteasome subunit LMP7 in the heart of men. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0229462. [PMID: 32119722 PMCID: PMC7051089 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0229462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is a major risk factor for morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular causes in men. To better understand the cellular processes related to age-related cardiac complications, we undertook research aimed at comparative evaluation of genes expression and distribution of β-catenin, CacyBP/SIP, galectin-3 and LMP7 in the heart of healthy men in different age groups. The study was conducted on the hearts of 12 men (organ donors) without a history of cardiovascular disease, who were divided into two age groups: men under and men over 45 years of age. On paraffin sections, immunohistochemical reactions were performed to detect β-catenin, CacyBP/SIP, galectin-3 and immunoproteasome subunit LMP7. The expression of genes coding β-catenin, CacyBP/SIP, galectin-3 and LMP7 was also evaluated by real-time PCR method. In the heart of men over 45 years old, both gene expression and immunoreactivity of β-catenin, CacyBP/SIP, galectin-3 and LMP7 were stronger compared to younger individuals. The results of the presented studies suggest that β-catenin, CacyBP/SIP, galectin-3 and immunoproteasomes might be involved in the internal regulation of heart homeostasis during ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irena Kasacka
- Department of Histology and Cytophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
- * E-mail: ,
| | - Żaneta Piotrowska
- Department of Histology and Cytophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Michał Niezgoda
- Department of Histology and Cytophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Alicja Lewandowska
- Department of Histology and Cytophysiology, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Wojciech Łebkowski
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Bialystok, Białystok, Poland
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30
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Boumahdi S, de Sauvage FJ. The great escape: tumour cell plasticity in resistance to targeted therapy. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2020; 19:39-56. [PMID: 31601994 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-019-0044-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 411] [Impact Index Per Article: 102.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The success of targeted therapies in cancer treatment has been impeded by various mechanisms of resistance. Besides the acquisition of resistance-conferring genetic mutations, reversible mechanisms that lead to drug tolerance have emerged. Plasticity in tumour cells drives their transformation towards a phenotypic state that no longer depends on the drug-targeted pathway. These drug-refractory cells constitute a pool of slow-cycling cells that can either regain drug sensitivity upon treatment discontinuation or acquire permanent resistance to therapy and drive relapse. In the past few years, cell plasticity has emerged as a mode of targeted therapy evasion in various cancers, ranging from prostate and lung adenocarcinoma to melanoma and basal cell carcinoma. Our understanding of the mechanisms that control this phenotypic switch has also expanded, revealing the crucial role of reprogramming factors and chromatin remodelling. Further deciphering the molecular basis of tumour cell plasticity has the potential to contribute to new therapeutic strategies which, combined with existing anticancer treatments, could lead to deeper and longer-lasting clinical responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soufiane Boumahdi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
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31
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Patel S, Alam A, Pant R, Chattopadhyay S. Wnt Signaling and Its Significance Within the Tumor Microenvironment: Novel Therapeutic Insights. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2872. [PMID: 31921137 PMCID: PMC6927425 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is one of the central mechanisms regulating tissue morphogenesis during embryogenesis and repair. The pivot of this signaling cascade is the Wnt ligand, which binds to receptors belonging to the Frizzled family or the ROR1/ROR2 and RYK family. This interaction governs the downstream signaling cascade (canonical/non-canonical), ultimately extending its effect on the cellular cytoskeleton, transcriptional control of proliferation and differentiation, and organelle dynamics. Anomalous Wnt signaling has been associated with several cancers, the most prominent ones being colorectal, breast, lung, oral, cervical, and hematopoietic malignancies. It extends its effect on tumorigenesis by modulating the tumor microenvironment via fine crosstalk between transformed cells and infiltrating immune cells, such as leukocytes. This review is an attempt to highlight the latest developments in the understanding of Wnt signaling in the context of tumors and their microenvironment. A dynamic process known as immunoediting governs the fate of tumor progression based on the correlation of various signaling pathways in the tumor microenvironment and immune cells. Cancer cells also undergo a series of mutations in the tumor suppressor gene, which favors tumorigenesis. Wnt signaling, and its crosstalk with various immune cells, has both negative as well as positive effects on tumor progression. On one hand, it helps in the maintenance and renewal of the leucocytes. On the other hand, it promotes immune tolerance, limiting the antitumor response. Wnt signaling also plays a role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), thereby promoting the maintenance of Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs). Furthermore, we have summarized the ongoing strategies used to target aberrant Wnt signaling as a novel therapeutic intervention to combat various cancers and their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonal Patel
- National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Aftab Alam
- Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Richa Pant
- National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India
| | - Samit Chattopadhyay
- National Centre for Cell Science, Savitribai Phule Pune University, Pune, India.,Department of Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
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32
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Wnt Signaling in Cancer Metabolism and Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11070904. [PMID: 31261718 PMCID: PMC6678221 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wingless (Wnt)/β-catenin pathway has long been associated with tumorigenesis, tumor plasticity, and tumor-initiating cells called cancer stem cells (CSCs). Wnt signaling has recently been implicated in the metabolic reprogramming of cancer cells. Aberrant Wnt signaling is considered to be a driver of metabolic alterations of glycolysis, glutaminolysis, and lipogenesis, processes essential to the survival of bulk and CSC populations. Over the past decade, the Wnt pathway has also been shown to regulate the tumor microenvironment (TME) and anti-cancer immunity. Wnt ligands released by tumor cells in the TME facilitate the immune evasion of cancer cells and hamper immunotherapy. In this review, we illustrate the role of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway in cancer metabolism and immunity to explore the potential therapeutic approach of targeting Wnt signaling from a metabolic and immunological perspective.
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33
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The Emerging Role of Checkpoint Inhibition in Microsatellite Stable Colorectal Cancer. J Pers Med 2019; 9:jpm9010005. [PMID: 30654522 PMCID: PMC6463010 DOI: 10.3390/jpm9010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2018] [Revised: 01/05/2019] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitor therapy has introduced a revolution in contemporary anticancer therapy. It has led to dramatic improvements in patient outcomes and has spawned tremendous research into novel immunomodulatory agents and combination therapy that has changed the trajectory of cancer care. However, clinical benefit in patients with colorectal cancer has been generally limited to tumors with loss of mismatch repair function and those with specific germline mutations in the DNA polymerase gene. Unfortunately, tumors with these specific mutator phenotypes are in the minority. Recent pre-clinical and clinical studies have begun to reveal encouraging results suggesting that checkpoint inhibitor therapy can be expanded to an increasing number of colorectal tumors with microsatellite stability and the absence of traditional predictive biomarkers of checkpoint inhibitor response. These studies generally rely on combinations of checkpoint inhibitors with chemotherapy, molecular targeted therapy, radiation therapy, or other novel immunomodulatory agents. This article will review the most current data in microsatellite stable colorectal cancer.
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