1
|
Pereira F, Fernández-Barral A, Larriba MJ, Barbáchano A, González-Sancho JM. From molecular basis to clinical insights: a challenging future for the vitamin D endocrine system in colorectal cancer. FEBS J 2024; 291:2485-2518. [PMID: 37699548 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16955] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most life-threatening neoplasias in terms of incidence and mortality worldwide. Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of CRC. 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3], the most active vitamin D metabolite, is a pleiotropic hormone that, through its binding to a transcription factor of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is a major regulator of the human genome. 1,25(OH)2D3 acts on colon carcinoma and stromal cells and displays tumor protective actions. Here, we review the variety of molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3 in CRC, which affect multiple processes that are dysregulated during tumor initiation and progression. Additionally, we discuss the epidemiological data that associate vitamin D deficiency and CRC, and the most relevant randomized controlled trials of vitamin D3 supplementation conducted in both healthy individuals and CRC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Pereira
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sols-Morreale, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
- Servicio de Oncología Radioterápica, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Ourense, Spain
| | - Asunción Fernández-Barral
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sols-Morreale, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPAZ (Hospital Universitario La Paz-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Spain
| | - María Jesús Larriba
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sols-Morreale, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPAZ (Hospital Universitario La Paz-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Spain
| | - Antonio Barbáchano
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sols-Morreale, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPAZ (Hospital Universitario La Paz-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Spain
| | - José Manuel González-Sancho
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sols-Morreale, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Hospital Universitario La Paz-IdiPAZ (Hospital Universitario La Paz-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid), Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Das A, Mathur SR, Kumar S, Bhatla N. Expression of DKK1 in Endometrial Endometrioid Carcinoma and Its Correlation with Wnt/β-catenin Signalling Pathway. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 2023; 23:303-310. [PMID: 37655078 PMCID: PMC10467544 DOI: 10.18295/squmj.12.2022.066] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Endometrial cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer affecting female reproductive organs. The most common histologic type, endometrioid carcinoma, accounts for 75-80% of all endometrial cancer cases. Studies on DKK1 expression profiles and their inhibitory role in the Wnt signalling pathway in the genesis and development of endometrial carcinoma are scarce. This study aimed to investigate DKK1 expression in endometrial carcinoma and its correlation with the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Methods A total of 160 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples were included in this study (50 cases of endometrial atypical hyperplasia, 50 cases of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma, 30 cases of proliferative endometrium and 30 cases of secretory endometrium). The expression patterns of DKK1, E-cadherin, β-catenin and c-Myc in endometrial atypical hyperplasia and carcinoma were investigated and compared with that of proliferative and secretory endometrium. Immunohistochemistry and analysis were performed from July 2018 to June 2020. Results A decreasing pattern of immunopositivity for DKK1, E-cadherin and β-catenin from proliferative/secretory endometrium to endometrial atypical hyperplasia and endometrioid carcinoma was found. Increasing c-Myc immunopositivity was noted from proliferative/secretory endometrium to endometrial atypical hyperplasia and endometrioid carcinoma. Moreover, decreasing DKK1 immunopositivity was well correlated with E-cadherin, β-catenin and c-Myc immunopositivity. Conclusion Decreasing DKK1 positivity from benign endometrium to endometrioid carcinoma suggests a negative regulatory function of DKK1 in endometrioid carcinoma. DKK1 is downregulated in the Wnt signalling pathway in endometrioid endometrial carcinoma. Therefore, DKK1 is promising as a biomarker for screening endometrioid carcinoma. Future studies should examine the reactivation of the DKK1 gene, which may be a valuable strategy for antagonising the Wnt signalling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Das
- Department of Pathology, Janakpuri Super Speciality Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Sandeep R. Mathur
- Department of Pathology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Sunesh Kumar
- Department of Obstetrics &Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Neerja Bhatla
- Department of Obstetrics &Gynaecology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Betella I, Turbitt WJ, Szul T, Wu B, Martinez A, Katre A, Wall JA, Norian L, Birrer MJ, Arend R. Wnt signaling modulator DKK1 as an immunotherapeutic target in ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2020; 157:765-774. [PMID: 32192732 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2020.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Wnt pathway mutations are a hallmark of endometrioid and clear cell subtypes of epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC). However, no drugs targeting the Wnt pathway in EOC are FDA-approved. Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1), a modulator of the Wnt pathway, has emerged as a promising therapeutic target. We aimed to examine the role of DKK1 and the effects of a monoclonal antibody against DKK1 (DKN-01) in vivo and in a murine model of ovarian cancer. METHODS We examined in vitro the role of DKK1 and the effects of DKK1 inhibition in EOC cell lines. We then studied in vivo the role of DKN-01 and DKK1 overexpression on tumor burden and anti-tumor immune cell populations using the ID8 syngeneic mouse model. RESULTS DKN-01 did not phenotypically alter ES2 cells in vitro; however, DKK1 inhibition promoted Wnt signaling. Tumor burden and immune populations were unchanged in ID8 challenged mice treated with mDKN01. Mice challenged with ID8 cells overexpressing DKK1 had tumor burden similar to controls (p = 0.175). However, the overexpression of DKK1 decreased CD45+ leukocyte infiltration into the peritoneum (p = 0.008) and omentum (p = 0.032), reducing both natural killer (NK) and CD8 T cells, and reducing interferon-gamma (IFNγ) expression on activated CD8 T cells. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that DKK1 inhibition does not affect tumor growth in the ID8 ovarian cancer model. DKK1 overexpression alters anti-tumor immune populations within the tumor microenvironment. Thus, our findings confirm DKK1 as a new therapeutic target in EOC and suggest that DKK1 inhibition may function best in a combinatorial, immune-modulatory therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Betella
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America; Department of Gynecologic Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - William J Turbitt
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Tomasz Szul
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Binghao Wu
- Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA, United States of America
| | - Alba Martinez
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Ashwini Katre
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Jaclyn A Wall
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Lyse Norian
- Department of Nutrition Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America
| | - Michael J Birrer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Arkansas Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Arend
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Park HR, Harris SM, Boldenow E, McEachin RC, Sartor M, Chames M, Loch-Caruso R. Group B streptococcus activates transcriptomic pathways related to premature birth in human extraplacental membranes in vitro. Biol Reprod 2019; 98:396-407. [PMID: 29155939 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/iox147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus [GBS]) infection in pregnant women is the leading cause of infectious neonatal morbidity and mortality in the United States. Although inflammation during infection has been associated with preterm birth, the contribution of GBS to preterm birth is less certain. Moreover, the early mechanisms by which GBS interacts with the gestational tissue to affect adverse pregnancy outcomes are poorly understood. We hypothesized that short-term GBS inoculation activates pathways related to inflammation and premature birth in human extraplacental membranes. We tested this hypothesis using GBS-inoculated human extraplacental membranes in vitro. In agreement with our hypothesis, a microarray-based transcriptomics analysis of gene expression changes in GBS-inoculated membranes revealed that GBS activated pathways related to inflammation and preterm birth with significant gene expression changes occurring as early as 4 h postinoculation. In addition, pathways related to DNA replication and repair were downregulated with GBS treatment. Conclusions based on our transcriptomics data were further supported by responses of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and matrix metalloproteinases 1 (MMP1) and 3 (MMP3), all of which are known to be involved in parturition and premature rupture of membranes. These results support our initial hypothesis and provide new information on molecular targets of GBS infection in human extraplacental membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hae-Ryung Park
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiological Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sean M Harris
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Erica Boldenow
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.,Department of Biology, Calvin College, Grand Rapids, Michigan
| | - Richard C McEachin
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Maureen Sartor
- Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Mark Chames
- Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Rita Loch-Caruso
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kikuchi A, Fumoto K, Kimura H. The Dickkopf1-cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 axis creates a novel signalling pathway and may represent a molecular target for cancer therapy. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:4651-4665. [PMID: 28514532 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dickkopf 1 (DKK1) is a secreted protein and antagonizes oncogenic Wnt signalling by binding to the Wnt co-receptor, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6. DKK1 has also been suggested to regulate its own signalling, associated with tumour aggressiveness. However, the underlying mechanism by which DKK1 promotes cancer cell proliferation has remained to be clarified for a long time. The cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4), originally identified as an endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein, was recently found to act as a novel DKK1 receptor. DKK1 stimulates cancer cell proliferation when CKAP4 is expressed on the cell surface membrane. Although there are no tyrosine residues in the intracellular region of CKAP4, CKAP4 forms a complex with PI3K upon the binding of DKK1, leading to the activation of Akt. Both DKK1 and CKAP4 are frequently expressed in pancreatic and lung tumours, and their simultaneous expression is negatively correlated with prognosis. Knockdown of CKAP4 in cancer cells and treatment of mice with the anti-CKAP4 antibody inhibit Akt activity in cancer cells and suppress xenograft tumour formation, suggesting that CKAP4 may represent a therapeutic target for cancers expressing both DKK1 and CKAP4. This review will provide details of the novel DKK1-CKAP4 signalling axis that promotes cancer proliferation and discuss the possibility of targeting this pathway in future cancer drug development. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on WNT Signalling: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.24/issuetoc.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akira Kikuchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Katsumi Fumoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kimura
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Nayeem SB, Arfuso F, Dharmarajan A, Keelan JA. Role of Wnt signalling in early pregnancy. Reprod Fertil Dev 2017; 28:525-44. [PMID: 25190280 DOI: 10.1071/rd14079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The integration of a complex network of signalling molecules promotes implantation of the blastocyst and development of the placenta. These processes are crucial for a successful pregnancy and fetal growth and development. The signalling network involves both cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix communication. The family of secreted glycoprotein ligands, the Wnts, plays a major role in regulating a wide range of biological processes, including embryonic development, cell fate, proliferation, migration, stem cell maintenance, tumour suppression, oncogenesis and tissue homeostasis. Recent studies have provided evidence that Wnt signalling pathways play an important role in reproductive tissues and in early pregnancy events. The focus of this review is to summarise our present knowledge of expression, regulation and function of the Wnt signalling pathways in early pregnancy events of human and other model systems, and its association with pathological conditions. Despite our recent progress, much remains to be learned about Wnt signalling in human reproduction. The advancement of knowledge in this area has applications in the reduction of infertility and the incidence and morbidity of gestational diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarmah B Nayeem
- School of Women's and Infant's Health, University of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital, 374 Bagot Road, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia
| | - Frank Arfuso
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Arun Dharmarajan
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, Faculty of Science, The University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Jeffrey A Keelan
- School of Women's and Infant's Health, University of Western Australia, King Edward Memorial Hospital, 374 Bagot Road, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Salim H, Zong D, Hååg P, Novak M, Mörk B, Lewensohn R, Lundholm L, Viktorsson K. DKK1 is a potential novel mediator of cisplatin-refractoriness in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:628. [PMID: 26353782 PMCID: PMC4565013 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1635-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2014] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Platinum compounds are the mainstay of chemotherapy for lung cancer. Unfortunately treatment failure remains a critical issue since about 60 % of all non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients display intrinsic platinum resistance. Methods We analyzed global gene expression profiles of NSCLC clones surviving a pulse treatment with cisplatin and mapped deregulated signaling networks in silico by Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA). Further validation was done using siRNA. Results The pooled cisplatin-surviving NSCLC clones from each of the biological replicates demonstrated heterogeneous gene expression patterns both in terms of the number and the identity of the altered genes. Genes involved in Wnt signaling pathway (Dickkopf-1, DKK1), DNA repair machinery (XRCC2) and cell-cell/cell-matrix interaction (FMN1, LGALS9) were among the top deregulated genes by microarray in these replicates and were validated by q-RT-PCR. We focused on DKK1 which previously was reported to be overexpressed in NSCLC patients. IPA network analysis revealed coordinate up-regulation of several DKK1 transcriptional regulators (TCF4, EZH2, DNAJB6 and HDAC2) in cisplatin-surviving clones from that biological replicate. Knockdown of DKK1 by siRNA sensitized for cisplatin in two different NSCLC cell lines and in ovarian A2780 cells, but not in the A2780 cis subline made resistant to cisplatin by chronic exposure, suggesting a role of DKK1 in intrinsic but not acquired platinum refractoriness. Conclusions We identified DKK1 as a possible marker of a cisplatin-refractory phenotype and as a potential novel therapeutic target to improve platinum response of NSCLC cells. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-015-1635-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hogir Salim
- Karolinska Biomics Center, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Dali Zong
- Karolinska Biomics Center, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Petra Hååg
- Karolinska Biomics Center, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Metka Novak
- Karolinska Biomics Center, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Birgitta Mörk
- Karolinska Biomics Center, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Rolf Lewensohn
- Karolinska Biomics Center, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lovisa Lundholm
- Karolinska Biomics Center, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Kristina Viktorsson
- Karolinska Biomics Center, Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Osteocytic cell necrosis is caused by a combination of glucocorticoid-induced Dickkopf-1 and hypoxia. Med Mol Morphol 2014; 48:69-75. [DOI: 10.1007/s00795-014-0077-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
|
9
|
Serman L, Nikuseva Martic T, Vranic S. T-cell factor 1 expression in germ cell tumors with trophoblastic differentiation. Pathol Int 2014; 64:86-7. [DOI: 10.1111/pin.12126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ljiljana Serman
- Department of Biology; School of Medicine; University of Zagreb; Zagreb Croatia
| | | | - Semir Vranic
- Department of Pathology; Clinical Center; University of Sarajevo; Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Takahashi H, Matsubara S, Kuwata T, Saruyama M, Usui R, Ohkuchi A, Takizawa T, Suzuki M. Changes in expression of vascular endothelial growth factor D-related genes in placental mesenchymal dysplasia. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2014; 40:1145-9. [DOI: 10.1111/jog.12291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hironori Takahashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Jichi Medical University; Tochigi Japan
| | - Shigeki Matsubara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Jichi Medical University; Tochigi Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Kuwata
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Jichi Medical University; Tochigi Japan
| | - Miyuki Saruyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Jichi Medical University; Tochigi Japan
| | - Rie Usui
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Jichi Medical University; Tochigi Japan
| | - Akihide Ohkuchi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Jichi Medical University; Tochigi Japan
| | - Toshihiro Takizawa
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Anatomy; Nippon Medical School; Tokyo Japan
| | - Mitsuaki Suzuki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology; Jichi Medical University; Tochigi Japan
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Knöfler M, Pollheimer J. Human placental trophoblast invasion and differentiation: a particular focus on Wnt signaling. Front Genet 2013; 4:190. [PMID: 24133501 PMCID: PMC3783976 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2013.00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 09/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Wingless ligands, a family of secreted proteins, are critically involved in organ development and tissue homeostasis by ensuring balanced rates of stem cell proliferation, cell death and differentiation. Wnt signaling components also play crucial roles in murine placental development controlling trophoblast lineage determination, chorioallantoic fusion and placental branching morphogenesis. However, the role of the pathway in human placentation, trophoblast development and differentiation is only partly understood. Here, we summarize our present knowledge about Wnt signaling in the human placenta and discuss its potential role in physiological and aberrant trophoblast invasion, gestational diseases and choriocarcinoma formation. Differentiation of proliferative first trimester cytotrophoblasts into invasive extravillous trophoblasts is associated with nuclear recruitment of β -catenin and induction of Wnt-dependent T-cell factor 4 suggesting that canonical Wnt signaling could be important for the formation and function of extravillous trophoblasts. Indeed, activation of the pathway was shown to promote trophoblast invasion in different in vitro trophoblast model systems as well as trophoblast cell fusion. Methylation-mediated silencing of inhibitors of Wnt signaling provided evidence for epigenetic activation of the pathway in placental tissues and choriocarcinoma cells. Similarly, abundant nuclear expression of β -catenin in invasive trophoblasts of complete hydatidiform moles suggested a role for hyper-activated Wnt signaling. In contrast, upregulation of Wnt inhibitors was noticed in placentae of women with preeclampsia, a disease characterized by shallow trophoblast invasion and incomplete spiral artery remodeling. Moreover, changes in Wnt signaling have been observed upon cytomegalovirus infection and in recurrent abortions. In summary, the current literature suggests a critical role of Wnt signaling in physiological and abnormal trophoblast function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Knöfler
- Department of Obstetrics and Fetal-Maternal Medicine, Reproductive Biology Unit, Medical University of Vienna Austria
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Foltz G, Yoon JG, Lee H, Ma L, Tian Q, Hood L, Madan A. Epigenetic regulation of wnt pathway antagonists in human glioblastoma multiforme. Genes Cancer 2011; 1:81-90. [PMID: 21779426 DOI: 10.1177/1947601909356103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic inactivation of tumor suppressor genes is common in human cancer. Using a large-scale whole-genome approach in an earlier study, the authors identified epigenetically silenced genes with potential tumor suppressor function in glioblastoma (GBM). Three genes identified in this analysis-DKK1, SFRP1, and WIF1-are potent inhibitors of the Wnt signal transduction pathway. Here, the authors confirm decreased expression of these genes in GBM tumor tissue samples relative to nontumor brain tissue samples using real-time PCR. They then show that expression of all 3 genes is restored in T98 GBM cells by treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor Trichostatin A (TSA), but only DKK1 expression is restored by treatment with the demethylating agent 5-azacytidine. Bisulfite sequencing did not reveal significant methylation in the promoter region of DKK1, whereas histone acetylation and chromatin accessibility increased significantly for all 3 genes after TSA treatment. Ectopic expression of DKK1 significantly reduces colony formation and increases chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in T98 cells. Ectopic expression of the canonical Wnt pathway inhibitors WIF1 and SFRP1 shows a relative lack of response. Chronic Wnt3a stimulation only partially reverses growth suppression after DKK1 reexpression, whereas a specific inhibitor of the JNK pathway significantly reverses the effect of DKK1 reexpression on colony formation and apoptosis in T98 cells. These results support a potential growth-suppressive function for epigenetically silenced DKK1 in GBM and suggest that DKK1 restoration could modulate Wnt signaling through both canonical and noncanonical pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Greg Foltz
- Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment, Swedish Neuroscience Institute, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Menezes ME, Devine DJ, Shevde LA, Samant RS. Dickkopf1: a tumor suppressor or metastasis promoter? Int J Cancer 2011; 130:1477-83. [PMID: 21953410 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.26449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Dickkopf1 (DKK1), a secreted inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, is a negative regulator of bone formation. DKK1 acts as a switch that transitions prostate cancer bone metastases from osteolytic to osteoblastic and also is an active indicator of poor outcome for multiple myeloma. However, in other tumor types, DKK1 upregulation or overexpression suppresses tumor growth. Thus, the role of DKK1 in cancer appears to be diverse. This raises a question: Could the increased levels of DKK1 still be tumor protective when observed in high levels in the serum of patients? Here, we summarize the diverse, seemingly contradicting roles of DKK1 and attempt to explain the apparent dichotomy in its activity. We propose that DKK1 is a critical secreted factor that modulates microenvironment. Based on the location and components of the microenvironment DKK1 will support different outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mitchell E Menezes
- Department of Oncologic Sciences, Mitchell Cancer Institute, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL 36604, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
|
15
|
Hirata H, Hinoda Y, Majid S, Chen Y, Zaman MS, Ueno K, Nakajima K, Tabatabai ZL, Ishii N, Dahiya R. DICKKOPF-4 activates the noncanonical c-Jun-NH2 kinase signaling pathway while inhibiting the Wnt-canonical pathway in human renal cell carcinoma. Cancer 2010; 117:1649-60. [PMID: 21472712 DOI: 10.1002/cncr.25666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2010] [Revised: 08/04/2010] [Accepted: 08/06/2010] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To the authors' knowledge, the functional significance of the Wnt antagonist dickkopf homolog 4 (DKK4) has not been investigated previously in renal cancer. METHODS The authors initially observed that the expression of DKK4 was significantly higher in renal cancer tissues compared with adjacent normal kidney tissues. To assess the function of DKK4, stable DKK4-transfected cells were established, and functional analyses were performed, including a T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) reporter assay and tests for cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis, cell cycle, invasive capability, wound-healing capability, and in vivo tumor growth. RESULTS The relative TCF/LEF activity was significantly lower in DKK4-transfected cells compared with empty vector, and nuclear β-catenin expression was decreased in DKK4 transfectants. In addition, expression levels of the β-catenin downstream effector proteins cyclin D1 and c-Myc were decreased in DKK4 transfectants. However, greater invasiveness and migration were observed in stably transfected DKK4 cells. Increased growth of DKK4-transfected tumors also was observed in nude mice. Members of the Wnt noncanonical/c-Jun-NH2 kinase (JNK) signaling pathway also were effected, such as c-Jun, which had significantly increased expression and phosphorylation in DKK4-stable transfectants, and matrix metalloproteinase-2, which had significantly increased expression in DKK4-stable transfectants. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to indicate that DKK4 expression is increased in renal cancer tissues and that DKK4 activates the noncanonical JNK signaling pathway while inhibiting the Wnt-canonical pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Hirata
- Department of Urology, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California 94121, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhou Y, Li W, Xu Q, Huang Y. Elevated expression of Dickkopf-1 increases the sensitivity of human glioma cell line SHG44 to BCNU. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2010; 29:131. [PMID: 20920327 PMCID: PMC2958929 DOI: 10.1186/1756-9966-29-131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2010] [Accepted: 10/04/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have shown that Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) is involved in tumorigenesis. Recently, we found that 9 out of 12 human glioma cell lines had high level of DKK-1 protein while the other 3 had very low or non-detectable level of DKK-1. The aim of this study is to further examine the function of DKK-1 in glioma cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS The glioma cell line SHG44 was obtained from a patient with grade II-III astrocytoma. SHG44 cells were transfected with a human DKK-1 gene. Transfection of the empty vector pcDNA3.1 was used as negative control. Sensitivity to BCNU was measured by Annexin-V staining. Expression of bax, bcl-2 and caspase-3 of three groups was determined by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS The tranfection was confirmed by PCR, RT-PCR and Western blot. More apoptotic cell death was observed in the DKK-1 transfected cells, comparing to the non-transfected cells, or cells with empty vector. The expression of bax and caspase-3 of the SHG44 -DDK-1 increased, whereas the expression of bcl-2 decreased CONCLUSION Our results indicated that DKK-1 has a pro-apoptotic function of in glioma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youxin Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Wenshuai Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Qinian Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| | - Yulun Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sonderegger S, Pollheimer J, Knöfler M. Wnt signalling in implantation, decidualisation and placental differentiation--review. Placenta 2010; 31:839-47. [PMID: 20716463 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2010.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 189] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2010] [Revised: 07/20/2010] [Accepted: 07/21/2010] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The family of secreted Wingless ligands plays major roles in embryonic development, stem cell maintenance, differentiation and tissue homeostasis. Accumulating evidence suggests that the canonical Wnt pathway involving nuclear recruitment of β-catenin and activation of Wnt-dependent transcription factors is also critically involved in development and differentiation of the diverse reproductive tissues. Here, we summarise our present knowledge about expression, regulation and function of Wnt ligands and their frizzled receptors in murine and human endometrial and placental cell types. In mice, Wnt signalling promotes early trophoblast lineage development, blastocyst activation, implantation and chorion-allantois fusion. Moreover, different Wnt ligands play essential roles in the development of the murine uterine tract, in cycling endometrial cells and during decidualisation. In humans, estrogen-dependent endometrial cell proliferation, decidualisation, trophoblast attachment and invasion were shown to be controlled by the particular signalling pathway. Failures in Wnt signalling are associated with infertility, endometriosis, endometrial cancer and gestational diseases such as complete mole placentae and choriocarcinomas. However, our present knowledge is still scarce due to the complexity of the Wnt network involving numerous ligands, receptors and non-canonical pathways. Hence, much remains to be learned about the role of different Wnt signalling cascades in reproductive cell types and their changes under pathological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Sonderegger
- Prince Henry's Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Navarro D, Agra N, Pestaña A, Alonso J, González-Sancho JM. The EWS/FLI1 oncogenic protein inhibits expression of the Wnt inhibitor DICKKOPF-1 gene and antagonizes beta-catenin/TCF-mediated transcription. Carcinogenesis 2009; 31:394-401. [PMID: 20019092 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgp317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumours of the Ewing family, which comprise Ewing's sarcoma and peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumours, are highly aggressive and mostly affect children and adolescents. They are characterized by chromosomal translocations leading to the generation of fusion proteins between EWS (or very rarely FUS) and members of the E-twenty-six (ETS) family of transcription factors that are capable of transforming cells. EWS/FLI1, the most frequent fusion, is thought to cause transformation through activation or repression of specific target genes. We present evidence demonstrating that the Wnt inhibitor and beta-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF)-responsive gene DICKKOPF-1 (DKK-1) is a transcriptional target of EWS/FLI1, which can inhibit both basal and beta-catenin-induced transactivation of the DKK-1 promoter. Moreover, our data indicate that EWS/FLI1 has a more general effect on beta-catenin/TCF-mediated transcription since it can block transactivation of a consensus beta-catenin/TCF reporter construct. Consistently, Ewing tumour cells expressing different EWS/ETS translocations cannot engage beta-catenin/TCF-dependent transcription, whereas silencing of EWS/FLI1 restores beta-catenin responsiveness in A673 and RD-ES Ewing tumour cells. Accordingly, gene set enrichment analysis shows that beta-catenin/TCF target genes are significantly enriched among genes downregulated by EWS/FLI1 in the Ewing cell line A673. Mechanistically, the inhibitory effect of EWS/FLI1 can be overcome by a constitutively active TCF4 protein (TCF4-VP16). Moreover, EWS/FLI1 binds lymphoid enhancer factor 1, a TCF family member, and interferes with its binding to beta-catenin, which could explain its negative effect on beta-catenin/TCF-mediated transcription. Our results show that EWS/FLI1 inhibits both DKK-1 expression as well as beta-catenin/TCF-dependent transcription, which could contribute to progression of tumours of the Ewing family.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Diego Navarro
- Departamento de Biología del Cáncer, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Alberto Sols, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas-Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arturo Duperier 4, E-28029, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Matsui A, Yamaguchi T, Maekawa S, Miyazaki C, Takano S, Uetake T, Inoue T, Otaka M, Otsuka H, Sato T, Yamashita A, Takahashi Y, Enomoto N. DICKKOPF-4 and -2 genes are upregulated in human colorectal cancer. Cancer Sci 2009; 100:1923-30. [PMID: 19659606 PMCID: PMC11159872 DOI: 10.1111/j.1349-7006.2009.01272.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
To comprehensively screen for genetic events underlying colorectal cancer, we performed suppression subtraction hybridization analysis on an advanced colon cancer. Because Dickkopf-4, a member of the Dickkopf family acting as a Wnt-signaling modulator, was identified as one of the upregulated genes in this specimen, we investigated expression profiles of all the Dickkopf family members in 55 colorectal tumors (21 cancers and 34 adenomas). We also investigated mechanisms regulating the expression of Dickkopf-4 in these cancers in vitro and in vivo. Compared with normal adjacent mucosae, Dickkopf-4 (median 27.4, P < 0.01) and -2 (median 51.4, P < 0.01) were strongly expressed in colorectal cancers. The level of Dickkopf-4 was positively correlated with fibroblast growth factor-20 (r(s) = 0.61, P = 0.00017), a representative beta-catenin transcriptional target gene, and with the degree of nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin in colorectal tumors. Dickkopf-4 was induced by activated beta-catenin in vitro. Reciprocally, recombinant Dickkopf-4 significantly inhibited T-cell factor/lymphocyte enhancer factor reporter activity stimulated by recombinant Wnt3a in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. We conclude that Dickkopf-4 and -2 are significantly upregulated in most colorectal tumors, and that Dickkopf-4 upregulation reflects activation of the Wnt/canonical pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akira Matsui
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimokato, Chuo, Yamanashi, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Koch S, Capaldo CT, Samarin S, Nava P, Neumaier I, Skerra A, Sacks DB, Parkos CA, Nusrat A. Dkk-1 inhibits intestinal epithelial cell migration by attenuating directional polarization of leading edge cells. Mol Biol Cell 2009; 20:4816-25. [PMID: 19776352 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e09-05-0415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling pathways regulate proliferation, motility, and survival in a variety of human cell types. Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) is a secreted Wnt antagonist that has been proposed to regulate tissue homeostasis in the intestine. In this report, we show that Dkk-1 is secreted by intestinal epithelial cells after wounding and that it inhibits cell migration by attenuating the directional orientation of migrating epithelial cells. Dkk-1 exposure induced mislocalized activation of Cdc42 in migrating cells, which coincided with a displacement of the polarity protein Par6 from the leading edge. Consequently, the relocation of the microtubule organizing center and the Golgi apparatus in the direction of migration was significantly and persistently inhibited in the presence of Dkk-1. Small interfering RNA-induced down-regulation of Dkk-1 confirmed that extracellular exposure to Dkk-1 was required for this effect. Together, these data demonstrate a novel role of Dkk-1 in the regulation of directional polarization of migrating intestinal epithelial cells, which contributes to the effect of Dkk-1 on wound closure in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Koch
- Epithelial Pathobiology Unit, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Weng LH, Wang CJ, Ko JY, Sun YC, Su YS, Wang FS. Inflammation induction of Dickkopf-1 mediates chondrocyte apoptosis in osteoarthritic joint. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2009; 17:933-43. [PMID: 19217321 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2008.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2008] [Revised: 12/01/2008] [Accepted: 12/10/2008] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dysregulated Wnt signaling appears to modulate chondrocyte fate and joint disorders. Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) regulates the pathogenesis of skeletal tissue by inhibiting Wnt actions. This study examined whether DKK1 expression is linked to chondrocyte fate in osteoarthritis (OA). METHOD Articular cartilage specimens harvested from nine patients with knee OA and from six controls with femoral neck fracture were assessed for DKK1, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), Bad, Bax, Bcl2 and caspase-3 expression by real time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry. Apoptotic chondrocytes were detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate-biotin nick end-labelling (TUNEL) and 4', 6-dianidino-2-phenylindole dihydrochloride (DAPI) staining. Human chondrocyte cultures were treated with recombinant IL-1beta and monoclonal DKK1 antibody to determine whether DKK1 impairs chondrocyte survival. RESULTS Expression of DKK1 correlated with inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-1beta and TNF-alpha expressions), proapoptosis regulators (Bad and caspase-3 expressions) and TUNEL staining in OA cartilage tissues. The IL-1beta induced expressions of DKK1, Bax, Bad and caspase-3-dependent apoptosis of chondrocyte cultures. Neutralization of DKK1 by monoclonal DKK1 antibody significantly abrogated IL-1beta-mediated caspase-3 cleavage and apoptosis and reversed chondrocyte proliferation. Recombinant DKK1 treatment impaired chondrocyte growth and promoted apoptosis. By suppressing nuclear beta-catenin accumulation and Akt phosphorylation, DKK1 mediated IL-1beta promotion of chondrocyte apoptosis. CONCLUSION Chondrocyte apoptosis correlates with joint OA. Expression of DKK1 contributes to cartilage deterioration and is a potent factor in OA pathogenesis. Attenuating DKK1 may reduce cartilage deterioration in OA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L-H Weng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Kaohsiung Medical Center, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ledgard A, Lee RSF, Couldrey C, Peterson J. Dickkopf-1 expression during early bovine placentation and its down-regulation in somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) pregnancies. J Reprod Dev 2009; 55:467-74. [PMID: 19444005 DOI: 10.1262/jrd.20142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise role of Dickkopf-1 (Dkk-1) during early bovine trophoblast development and subsequent placentation is not fully understood. Using somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) generated pregnancies as a model of poor placentation we have found that mean levels of Dkk-1 mRNA were 1.5 fold lower in SCNT fetal cotyledon tissue at Day 50 of gestation than those resulting from artificial insemination (AI) and 2 fold lower at Days 100 and 150 (P<0.004). Dkk-1 expression in cotyledon tissue was localized by in situ hybridization to fetal binucleate cells (BNCs). Examining conceptuses from blastocyst stage we show that Dkk-1 mRNA was first evident between Days 15-20 of gestation in trophoblast tissue (when BNCs first appear) prior to the initial expression of the BNC specific bovine placental lactogen (bPL) on Day 20. Dkk-1 mRNA levels were higher than bPL in trophoblast tissue throughout the pre-attachment period (Days 24-31), however, this reversed during cotyledon development with only a subset of the bPL immunoreactive BNCs also containing Dkk-1 protein, suggesting a specific role for Dkk-1 during early placentation. One function of Dkk-1 is as an antagonist of the Wnt signaling pathway and, although Wnt5A and Wnt7A mRNAs were expressed in Day 50 bovine cotyledons, their expression levels were similar between AI and SCNT. In addition, the nuclear localization of beta-catenin, which is an indicator of activation of the Wnt pathway, was also similar between AI and SCNT cotyledon tissue. Transcriptional control of Dkk-1 was not due to changes in DNA methylation levels in the promoter region as methylation levels were no different when comparing AI and SCNT tissues. The decreased expression of Dkk-1 in SCNT cotyledons that are prone to abnormal placentation suggests a role in cotyledon formation but the mechanism and regulatory control is yet to be revealed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anita Ledgard
- AgResearch, Reproductive Technologies Section, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton3240, New Zealand.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Amantea CM, Kim WK, Meliton V, Tetradis S, Parhami F. Oxysterol-induced osteogenic differentiation of marrow stromal cells is regulated by Dkk-1 inhibitable and PI3-kinase mediated signaling. J Cell Biochem 2009; 105:424-36. [PMID: 18613030 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.21840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Osteoporosis and its complications cause morbidity and mortality in the aging population, and result from increased bone resorption by osteoclasts in parallel with decreased bone formation by osteoblasts. A widely accepted strategy for improving bone health is targeting osteoprogenitor cells in order to stimulate their osteogenic differentiation and bone forming properties through the use of osteoinductive/anabolic factors. We previously reported that specific naturally occurring oxysterols have potent osteoinductive properties, mediated in part through activation of hedgehog signaling in osteoprogenitor cells. In the present report, we further demonstrate the molecular mechanism(s) by which oxysterols induce osteogenesis. In addition to activating the hedgehog signaling pathway, oxysterol-induced osteogenic differentiation is mediated through a Wnt signaling-related, Dkk-1-inhibitable mechanism. Bone marrow stromal cells (MSC) treated with oxysterols demonstrated increased expression of osteogenic differentiation markers, along with selective induced expression of Wnt target genes. These oxysterol effects, which occurred in the absence of beta-catenin accumulation or TCF/Lef activation, were inhibited by the hedgehog pathway inhibitor, cyclopamine, and/or by the Wnt pathway inhibitor, Dkk-1. Furthermore, the inhibitors of PI3-Kinase signaling, LY 294002 and wortmanin, inhibited oxysterol-induced osteogenic differentiation and induction of Wnt signaling target genes. Finally, activators of canonical Wnt signaling, Wnt3a and Wnt1, inhibited spontaneous, oxysterol-, and Shh-induced osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells, suggesting the involvement of a non-canonical Wnt pathway in pro-osteogenic differentiation events. Osteogenic oxysterols are, therefore, important small molecule modulators of critical signaling pathways in pluripotent mesenchymal cells that regulate numerous developmental and post-developmental processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M Amantea
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Korol O, Gupta RW, Mercola M. A novel activity of the Dickkopf-1 amino terminal domain promotes axial and heart development independently of canonical Wnt inhibition. Dev Biol 2008; 324:131-8. [PMID: 18840423 PMCID: PMC3038239 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2008.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2008] [Revised: 09/06/2008] [Accepted: 09/09/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The secreted Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1) protein mediates numerous cell fate decisions and morphogenetic processes. Its carboxyl terminal cysteine-rich region (termed C1) binds LRP5/6 and inhibits canonical Wnt signaling. Paradoxically, the isolated C1 domain of Dkk1 as well as Wnt antagonists that act by sequestering Wnts, such as Frz-B, WIF-1 and Crescent, are poor mimics of the inductive and patterning activities of Dkk1 critical for heart and axial development. To understand the basis for the unique properties of Dkk1, we investigated the function of its amino terminal cysteine-rich region (N1). N1 does not bind LRP or Kremen nor inhibit Wnt signaling and has had no known function. We show that it can synergize with BMP antagonism to induce prechordal and axial mesoderm when expressed as an independent protein in Xenopus embryos. Moreover, we show that it can function in trans to complement the activity of C1 protein to mediate two embryologic functions of Dkk1: induction of chordal and prechordal mesoderm and specification of heart tissue from non-cardiogenic mesoderm. Remarkably, N1 also synergizes with WIF-1 and Crescent, indicating that N1 signals independently of C1 and its interactions with LRP. Since cleavage of Dkk1 is not detected, these results define N1 as a novel signaling domain within the intact protein that is responsible for the potent effects of Dkk1 on the induction and patterning of the body axis and heart. We conclude that this new activity is also likely to synergize with canonical Wnt inhibitory in the numerous developmental and disease processes that involve Dkk1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Mark Mercola
- Address for Correspondence: Burnham Institute for Medical Research, 10901 N.Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, Tel: 858-795-5242,
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Peng S, Li J, Miao C, Jia L, Hu Z, Zhao P, Li J, Zhang Y, Chen Q, Duan E. Dickkopf-1 secreted by decidual cells promotes trophoblast cell invasion during murine placentation. Reproduction 2008; 135:367-75. [PMID: 18299430 DOI: 10.1530/rep-07-0191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1) is one of the secreted antagonists in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. It plays important roles in diverse developmental processes. However, the role of Dkk1 in trophoblast cell invasion during placentation remains unclear. In this study, we found that Dkk1 was mainly expressed in maternal decidual tissue but trivially in ectoplacental cones (EPCs) in day 8 post coitum (p.c.) pregnant mouse uterus and that the efficiency of EPC attachment and outgrowth was increased when co-cultured with decidual cells, which secreted Dkk1, and this enhancement was abolished by pretreating decidual cells with Dkk1 blocking antibody before co-culture experiment. This indicates that Dkk1 secreted by decidual cells plays an important role in trophoblast cell invasion. Indeed, when recombinant mouse Dkk1 was added to EPCs in vitro, the efficiency of attachment and outgrowth was increased. Migration of EPCs toward the decidua was retarded when antisense Dkk1 oligonucleotide (ODN) was administered via intrauterine injection in vivo. Furthermore, the active beta-catenin nuclear location was lost when we treated cultured EPCs with recombinant mouse Dkk1, and the efficiency of EPCs attachment and outgrowth was obviously increased when we treated cultured EPCs with antisense beta-catenin ODN. Taken together, Dkk1 secreted by decidual cells may induce trophoblast cell invasion in the mouse and beta-catenin may be involved in such functions of Dkk1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sha Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Datun Road, Chaoyang District, Beijing 100101, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Giuliani N, Rizzoli V. Myeloma cells and bone marrow osteoblast interactions: role in the development of osteolytic lesions in multiple myeloma. Leuk Lymphoma 2008; 48:2323-9. [PMID: 18067006 DOI: 10.1080/10428190701648281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Bone destruction is the hallmark of multiple myeloma (MM) due to the high capacity of malignant plasma cells to induce a severe imbalance of bone remodeling. Growing evidences suggest that MM cell interactions with bone marrow (BM) osteoblast have a critical role in the pathophysiology of osteolytic lesions. Indeed histomorphometric studies have demonstrated that MM patients with osteolytic bone lesions have lower numbers of osteoblasts and decreased bone formation together with osteoclast activation. Recently, the biological mechanisms involved in the osteoblast inhibition induced by MM cells have begun to be elucidated, underlying the main role of the block of osteoblast differentiation in the development of bone lesions. In this article, we summarize the main mechanisms regulating MM cell and osteoblast interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Giuliani
- Cattedra di Ematologia e CTMO, Universita Degli Studi di Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Giuliani N, Morandi F, Tagliaferri S, Lazzaretti M, Donofrio G, Bonomini S, Sala R, Mangoni M, Rizzoli V. Production of Wnt inhibitors by myeloma cells: potential effects on canonical Wnt pathway in the bone microenvironment. Cancer Res 2007; 67:7665-74. [PMID: 17702698 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-4666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Osteoblast impairment occurs within multiple myeloma cell infiltration into the bone marrow. Canonical Wnt signaling activation in osteoprogenitor cells is involved in osteoblast formation through the stabilization of dephosphorylated beta-catenin and its nuclear translocation. The effects of multiple myeloma cells on Wnt signaling in human mesenchymal/osteoprogenitor cells are unclear. In 60 multiple myeloma patients checked, we found that among the Wnt inhibitors, Dickkopf-1 and secreted frizzled-related protein-3 were produced by multiple myeloma cells. However, although multiple myeloma cells or multiple myeloma bone marrow plasma affected expression of genes in the canonical Wnt signaling and inhibited beta-catenin stabilization in murine osteoprogenitor cells, they failed to block the canonical Wnt pathway in human mesenchymal or osteoprogenitor cells. Consistently, Wnt3a stimulation in human osteoprogenitor cells did not blunt the inhibitory effect of multiple myeloma cells on osteoblast formation. Consequently, despite the higher Wnt antagonist bone marrow levels in osteolytic multiple myeloma patients compared with nonosteolytic ones, beta-catenin immunostaining was not significantly different. Our results support the link between the production of Wnt antagonists by multiple myeloma cells and the presence of bone lesions in multiple myeloma patients but show that myeloma cells do not inhibit canonical Wnt signaling in human bone microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Giuliani
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, Department of Internal Medicine and Biomedical Science, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kwack MH, Sung YK, Chung EJ, Im SU, Ahn JS, Kim MK, Kim JC. Dihydrotestosterone-inducible dickkopf 1 from balding dermal papilla cells causes apoptosis in follicular keratinocytes. J Invest Dermatol 2007; 128:262-9. [PMID: 17657240 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jid.5700999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that androgen-driven alteration to the autocrine and paracrine factors produced by scalp dermal papilla (DP) cells may be a key to androgen-potentiated balding. Here, we screened dihydrotestosterone (DHT)-regulated genes in balding DP cells and found that dickkopf 1 (DKK-1) is one of the most upregulated genes. DKK-1 messenger RNA is upregulated in 3-6 hours after 50-100 nM DHT treatment and ELISA showed that DKK-1 is secreted from DP cells in response to DHT. A co-culture system using outer root sheath (ORS) keratinocytes and DP cells showed that DHT inhibits the growth of ORS cells, and neutralizing antibody against DKK-1 significantly reversed the growth inhibition of ORS cells. Analysis of co-cultured ORS cells showed a significant increment of sub-G1 apoptotic cells in response to DHT. Also, recombinant human DKK-1 inhibited the growth of ORS cells and triggered apoptotic cell death. In addition, DHT-induced epithelial cell death in cultured hair follicles was reversed by neutralizing DKK-1 antibody. Moreover, immunoblotting showed that the DKK-1 level is up in the bald scalp compared with the haired scalp of patients with androgenetic alopecia. Altogether, our data strongly suggest that DHT-inducible DKK-1 is involved in DHT-driven balding.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi Hee Kwack
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Colla S, Zhan F, Xiong W, Wu X, Xu H, Stephens O, Yaccoby S, Epstein J, Barlogie B, Shaughnessy JD. The oxidative stress response regulates DKK1 expression through the JNK signaling cascade in multiple myeloma plasma cells. Blood 2007; 109:4470-7. [PMID: 17255354 PMCID: PMC1885505 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2006-11-056747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2006] [Accepted: 12/22/2006] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) plasma cells, but not those from healthy donors and patients with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance or other plasma cell dyscrasias involving the bone marrow, express the Wnt-signaling antagonist DKK1. We previously reported that secretion of DKK1 by MM cells likely contributes to osteolytic lesions in this disease by inhibiting Wnt signaling, which is essential for osteoblast differentiation and survival. The mechanisms responsible for activation and regulation of DKK1 expression in MM are not known. Herein, we could trace DKK1 expression changes in MM cells to perturbations in the JNK signaling cascade, which is differentially modulated through oxidative stress and interactions between MM cells with osteoclasts in vitro. Despite its role as a tumor suppressor and mediator of apoptosis in other cell types including osteoblasts, our data suggest that DKK1, a stress-responsive gene in MM, does not mediate apoptotic signaling, is not activated by TP53, and its forced overexpression could not inhibit cell growth or sensitize MM cells to apoptosis following treatment with thalidomide or lenalidomide. We conclude that specific strategies to modulate persistent activation of the JNK pathway may be beneficial in preventing disease progression and treating myeloma-associated bone disease by inhibiting DKK1 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simona Colla
- Donna D. and Donald M. Lambert Laboratory of Myeloma Genetics at the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|