1
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Ahmad MH, Ghosh B, Rizvi MA, Ali M, Kaur L, Mondal AC. Neural crest cells development and neuroblastoma progression: Role of Wnt signaling. J Cell Physiol 2023; 238:306-328. [PMID: 36502519 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30931] [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: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common heterogeneous extracranial cancers in infancy that arises from neural crest (NC) cells of the sympathetic nervous system. The Wnt signaling pathway, both canonical and noncanonical pathway, is a highly conserved signaling pathway that regulates the development and differentiation of the NC cells during embryogenesis. Reports suggest that aberrant activation of Wnt ligands/receptors in Wnt signaling pathways promote progression and relapse of NB. Wnt signaling pathways regulate NC induction and migration in a similar manner; it regulates proliferation and metastasis of NB. Inhibiting the Wnt signaling pathway or its ligands/receptors induces apoptosis and abrogates proliferation and tumorigenicity in all major types of NB cells. Here, we comprehensively discuss the Wnt signaling pathway and its mechanisms in regulating the development of NC and NB pathogenesis. This review highlights the implications of aberrant Wnt signaling in the context of etiology, progression, and relapse of NB. We have also described emerging strategies for Wnt-based therapies against the progression of NB that will provide new insights into the development of Wnt-based therapeutic strategies for NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mir Hilal Ahmad
- School of Life Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.,Genome Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Balaram Ghosh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Midnapore Medical College & Hospital, West Bengal, Medinipur, India
| | - Moshahid Alam Rizvi
- Genome Biology Lab, Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Mansoor Ali
- School of Life Sciences, Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
| | - Loveleena Kaur
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Srinagar, India
| | - Amal Chandra Mondal
- School of Life Sciences, Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
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2
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Belpaire M, Ewbank B, Taminiau A, Bridoux L, Deneyer N, Marchese D, Lima-Mendez G, Baurain JF, Geerts D, Rezsohazy R. HOXA1 Is an Antagonist of ERα in Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:609521. [PMID: 34490074 PMCID: PMC8417444 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.609521] [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: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease and the leading cause of female cancer mortality worldwide. About 70% of breast cancers express ERα. HOX proteins are master regulators of embryo development which have emerged as being important players in oncogenesis. HOXA1 is one of them. Here, we present bioinformatic analyses of genome-wide mRNA expression profiles available in large public datasets of human breast cancer samples. We reveal an extremely strong opposite correlation between HOXA1 versus ER expression and that of 2,486 genes, thereby supporting a functional antagonism between HOXA1 and ERα. We also demonstrate in vitro that HOXA1 can inhibit ERα activity. This inhibition is at least bimodal, requiring an intact HOXA1 DNA-binding homeodomain and involving the DNA-binding independent capacity of HOXA1 to activate NF-κB. We provide evidence that the HOXA1-PBX interaction known to be critical for the transcriptional activity of HOXA1 is not involved in the ERα inhibition. Finally, we reveal that HOXA1 and ERα can physically interact but that this interaction is not essential for the HOXA1-mediated inhibition of ERα. Like other HOX oncoproteins interacting with ERα, HOXA1 could be involved in endocrine therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magali Belpaire
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Bruno Ewbank
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Arnaud Taminiau
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Laure Bridoux
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Noémie Deneyer
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Damien Marchese
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Gipsi Lima-Mendez
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
| | - Jean-François Baurain
- Pôle d'imagerie moléculaire, radiothérapie et oncologie (MIRO), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium.,King Albert II Cancer Institute, Cliniques Universitaires St Luc, Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium
| | - Dirk Geerts
- Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam University Medical Centrum (AMC), University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - René Rezsohazy
- Louvain Institute of Biomolecular Science and Technology (LIBST), UCLouvain, Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium
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3
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Single-cell RNA sequencing of human nail unit defines RSPO4 onychofibroblasts and SPINK6 nail epithelium. Commun Biol 2021; 4:692. [PMID: 34099859 PMCID: PMC8184830 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02223-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Research on human nail tissue has been limited by the restricted access to fresh specimen. Here, we studied transcriptome profiles of human nail units using polydactyly specimens. Single-cell RNAseq with 11,541 cells from 4 extra digits revealed nail-specific mesenchymal and epithelial cell populations, characterized by RSPO4 (major gene in congenital anonychia) and SPINK6, respectively. In situ RNA hybridization demonstrated the localization of RSPO4, MSX1 and WIF1 in onychofibroblasts suggesting the activation of WNT signaling. BMP-5 was also expressed in onychofibroblasts implicating the contribution of BMP signaling. SPINK6 expression distinguished the nail-specific keratinocytes from epidermal keratinocytes. RSPO4+ onychofibroblasts were distributed at close proximity with LGR6+ nail matrix, leading to WNT/β-catenin activation. In addition, we demonstrated RSPO4 was overexpressed in the fibroblasts of onychomatricoma and LGR6 was highly expressed at the basal layer of the overlying epithelial component, suggesting that onychofibroblasts may play an important role in the pathogenesis of onychomatricoma.
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4
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Chatterjee S, Sil PC. Targeting the crosstalks of Wnt pathway with Hedgehog and Notch for cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2019; 142:251-261. [PMID: 30826456 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.02.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Wnt pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway determining patterning of animal embryos, cell fate, cell polarity, and a substantial role in the origin and maintenance of stem cells. It has been found to crosstalk with two other major developmental pathways, Hedgehog and Notch, in many embryological development cascades and in maintaining stemness of stem cells Research has shown that all the three pathways are potent in inducing tumorigenesis, driving tumor progression and aiding epithelial to mesenchymal transition in malignant cells, apart from maintaining cancer stem cells population inside the tumor tissue. Cancer stem cells are thought to aid in the process of tumor relapse, as they survive therapy by displaying drug resistance and then repopulating tumor tissues. Hence the role of these crosstalks in cancer is under intensive research. Inhibition of all the three pathways individually have resulted in tumor regression, but not optimally, as treatment failure and cancer relapse have been found to occur. Hence, instead of targeting a single pathway, targeting the crosstalk network could be a better alternative to conventional cancer treatment. Also, elimination of both tumor cells as well as cancer stem cells implies a reduced chance of relapse. Drugs developed to target these crosstalking networks, when used in combinatorial therapy, can potentially increase the efficacy of the therapy to a very large extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmistha Chatterjee
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12, CIT Scheme VII M, Kolkata, 700054, India
| | - Parames C Sil
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, P-1/12, CIT Scheme VII M, Kolkata, 700054, India.
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5
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Inamura K. Clinicopathological Characteristics and Mutations Driving Development of Early Lung Adenocarcinoma: Tumor Initiation and Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19041259. [PMID: 29690599 PMCID: PMC5979290 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19041259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with lung adenocarcinoma representing the most common lung cancer subtype. Among all lung adenocarcinomas, the most prevalent subset develops via tumorigenesis and progression from atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (AAH) to adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), to minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), to overt invasive adenocarcinoma with a lepidic pattern. This stepwise development is supported by the clinicopathological and molecular characteristics of these tumors. In the 2015 World Health Organization classification, AAH and AIS are both defined as preinvasive lesions, whereas MIA is identified as an early invasive adenocarcinoma that is not expected to recur if removed completely. Recent studies have examined the molecular features of lung adenocarcinoma tumorigenesis and progression. EGFR-mutated adenocarcinoma frequently develops via the multistep progression. Oncogene-induced senescence appears to decrease the frequency of the multistep progression in KRAS- or BRAF-mutated adenocarcinoma, whose tumor evolution may be associated with epigenetic alterations and kinase-inactive mutations. This review summarizes the current knowledge of tumorigenesis and tumor progression in early lung adenocarcinoma, with special focus on its clinicopathological characteristics and their associations with driver mutations (EGFR, KRAS, and BRAF) as well as on its molecular pathogenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Inamura
- Division of Pathology, The Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-ku, Tokyo 135-8550, Japan.
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6
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Becker J, Wilting J. WNT signaling, the development of the sympathoadrenal-paraganglionic system and neuroblastoma. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:1057-1070. [PMID: 29058015 PMCID: PMC5814469 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2685-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a tumor of the sympathoadrenal system arising in children under 15 years of age. In Germany, NB accounts for 7% of childhood cancer cases, but 11% of cancer deaths. It originates from highly migratory progenitor cells that leave the dorsal neural tube and contribute neurons and glial cells to sympathetic ganglia, and chromaffin and supportive cells to the adrenal medulla and paraganglia. Clinically, histologically and molecularly, NBs present as extremely heterogeneous, ranging from very good to very poor prognosis. The etiology of NB still remains unclear and needs to be elucidated, however, aberrant auto- and paracrine embryonic cell communications seem to be likely candidates to initiate or facilitate the emergence, progression and regression of NB. The wingless-type MMTV integration site (WNT) family of proteins represents an evolutionary highly conserved signaling system that orchestrates embryogenesis. At least 19 ligands in the human, numerous receptors and co-receptors are known, which control not only proliferation, but also cell polarity, migration and differentiation. Here we seek to interconnect aspects of WNT signaling with sympathoadrenal and paraganglionic development to define new WNT signaling cues in the etiology and progression of NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Becker
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medical School Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
| | - Jörg Wilting
- Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University Medical School Göttingen, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
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7
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Yue Y, Yuan Y, Li L, Fan J, Li C, Peng W, Ren G. Homeobox protein MSX1 inhibits the growth and metastasis of breast cancer cells and is frequently silenced by promoter methylation. Int J Mol Med 2018; 41:2986-2996. [PMID: 29436596 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Deregulation of msh homeobox 1 (MSX1) has been identified to be associated with multiple human malignant neoplasms. However, the association of the expression and biological function of MSX1 with breast tumorigenesis, and the underlying mechanism remain largely unknown. Therefore, the present study examined the expression and promoter methylation of MSX1 in breast tumor cell lines, primary breast tumors and normal breast tissues using semi-quantitative, quantitative and methylation-specific reverse transcription‑polymerase chain reaction. Colony formation assays, flow cytometric analysis, and wound healing and Transwell assays were used to assess various functions of MSX1. Western blot analyses were also conducted to explore the mechanism of MSX1. The results revealed that MSX1 was broadly expressed in normal human tissues, including breast tissues, but was frequently downregulated or silenced in breast cancer cell lines and primary tumors by promoter methylation. Methylation of the MSX1 promoter was observed in 7/9 (77.8%) breast cancer cell lines and 47/99 (47.5%) primary tumors, but not in normal breast tissues or surgical margin tissues, suggesting that tumor-specific methylation of MSX1 occurs in breast cancer. Pharmacological demethylation reduced MSX1 promoter methylation levels and restored the expression of MSX1. The ectopic expression of MSX1, induced by transfection with a lentiviral vector, significantly inhibited the clonogenicity, proliferation, migration and invasion of breast tumor cells by inducing G1/S cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Ectopic MSX1 expression also inhibited the expression of active β-catenin and its downstream targets c-Myc and cyclin D1, and also increased the cleavage of caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase. In conclusion, MSX1 exerts tumor-suppressive functions by inducing G1/S cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in breast tumorigenesis. Its methylation may be used as an epigenetic biomarker for the early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujuan Yue
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Lili Li
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sir YK Pao Center for Cancer and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, P.R. China
| | - Jiangxia Fan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Chen Li
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Oncology, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sir YK Pao Center for Cancer and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and CUHK Shenzhen Research Institute, Hong Kong, SAR 999077, P.R. China
| | - Weiyan Peng
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Guosheng Ren
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
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8
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Duffy DJ, Krstic A, Schwarzl T, Halasz M, Iljin K, Fey D, Haley B, Whilde J, Haapa-Paananen S, Fey V, Fischer M, Westermann F, Henrich KO, Bannert S, Higgins DG, Kolch W. Wnt signalling is a bi-directional vulnerability of cancer cells. Oncotarget 2018; 7:60310-60331. [PMID: 27531891 PMCID: PMC5312386 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signalling is involved in the formation, metastasis and relapse of a wide array of cancers. However, there is ongoing debate as to whether activation or inhibition of the pathway holds the most promise as a therapeutic treatment for cancer, with conflicting evidence from a variety of tumour types. We show that Wnt/β-catenin signalling is a bi-directional vulnerability of neuroblastoma, malignant melanoma and colorectal cancer, with hyper-activation or repression of the pathway both representing a promising therapeutic strategy, even within the same cancer type. Hyper-activation directs cancer cells to undergo apoptosis, even in cells oncogenically driven by β-catenin. Wnt inhibition blocks proliferation of cancer cells and promotes neuroblastoma differentiation. Wnt and retinoic acid co-treatments synergise, representing a promising combination treatment for MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma. Additionally, we report novel cross-talks between MYCN and β-catenin signalling, which repress normal β-catenin mediated transcriptional regulation. A β-catenin target gene signature could predict patient outcome, as could the expression level of its DNA binding partners, the TCF/LEFs. This β-catenin signature provides a tool to identify neuroblastoma patients likely to benefit from Wnt-directed therapy. Taken together, we show that Wnt/β-catenin signalling is a bi-directional vulnerability of a number of cancer entities, and potentially a more broadly conserved feature of malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Duffy
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,Current address: The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience, University of Florida, St. Augustine, Florida, USA
| | - Aleksandar Krstic
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thomas Schwarzl
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,Current address: European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Melinda Halasz
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Dirk Fey
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bridget Haley
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jenny Whilde
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Vidal Fey
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Espoo, Finland
| | - Matthias Fischer
- Department of Paediatric Haematology and Oncology and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Frank Westermann
- Division of NB Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kai-Oliver Henrich
- Division of NB Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steffen Bannert
- Division of NB Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Desmond G Higgins
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Walter Kolch
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,Conway Institute of Biomolecular and Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
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9
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Zins K, Schäfer R, Paulus P, Dobler S, Fakhari N, Sioud M, Aharinejad S, Abraham D. Frizzled2 signaling regulates growth of high-risk neuroblastomas by interfering with β-catenin-dependent and β-catenin-independent signaling pathways. Oncotarget 2018; 7:46187-46202. [PMID: 27323822 PMCID: PMC5216790 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Frizzled2 (FZD2) is a receptor for Wnts and may activate both canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways in cancer. However, no studies have reported an association between FZD2 signaling and high-risk NB so far. Here we report that FZD2 signaling pathways are critical to NB growth in MYCN-single copy SK-N-AS and MYCN-amplified SK-N-DZ high-risk NB cells. We demonstrate that stimulation of FZD2 by Wnt3a and Wnt5a regulates β-catenin-dependent and -independent Wnt signaling factors. FZD2 blockade suppressed β-catenin-dependent signaling activity and increased phosphorylation of PKC, AKT and ERK in vitro, consistent with upregulation of β-catenin-independent signaling activity. Finally, FZD2 small interfering RNA knockdown suppressed tumor growth in murine NB xenograft models associated with suppressed β-catenin-dependent signaling and a less vascularized phenotype in both NB xenografts. Together, our study suggests a role for FZD2 in high-risk NB cell growth and provides a potential candidate for therapeutic inhibition in FZD2-expressing NB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin Zins
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, A-1090, Austria
| | | | - Patrick Paulus
- Department of Anesthesiology and Operative Intensive Care Medicine, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, A-4040, Austria
| | - Silvia Dobler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Operative Intensive Care Medicine, Kepler University Hospital, Linz, A-4040, Austria
| | - Nazak Fakhari
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, A-1090, Austria
| | - Mouldy Sioud
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, Oslo, N-0310, Norway
| | - Seyedhossein Aharinejad
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, A-1090, Austria
| | - Dietmar Abraham
- Division of Cell and Developmental Biology, Center for Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, A-1090, Austria.,Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, A-1090, Austria
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10
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Tomolonis JA, Agarwal S, Shohet JM. Neuroblastoma pathogenesis: deregulation of embryonic neural crest development. Cell Tissue Res 2017; 372:245-262. [PMID: 29222693 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-017-2747-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is an aggressive pediatric cancer that originates from neural crest tissues of the sympathetic nervous system. NB is highly heterogeneous both from a clinical and a molecular perspective. Clinically, this cancer represents a wide range of phenotypes ranging from spontaneous regression of 4S disease to unremitting treatment-refractory progression and death of high-risk metastatic disease. At a cellular level, the heterogeneous behavior of NB likely arises from an arrest and deregulation of normal neural crest development. In the present review, we summarize our current knowledge of neural crest development as it relates to pathways promoting 'stemness' and how deregulation may contribute to the development of tumor-initiating CSCs. There is an emerging consensus that such tumor subpopulations contribute to the evolution of drug resistance, metastasis and relapse in other equally aggressive malignancies. As relapsed, refractory disease remains the primary cause of death for neuroblastoma, the identification and targeting of CSCs or other primary drivers of tumor progression remains a critical, clinically significant goal for neuroblastoma. We will critically review recent and past evidence in the literature supporting the concept of CSCs as drivers of neuroblastoma pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Tomolonis
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Translational Biology & Molecular Medicine (TBMM) Graduate Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Saurabh Agarwal
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Jason M Shohet
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Neuroblastoma Research Program, Texas Children's Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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11
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Vaz M, Hwang SY, Kagiampakis I, Phallen J, Patil A, O'Hagan HM, Murphy L, Zahnow CA, Gabrielson E, Velculescu VE, Easwaran HP, Baylin SB. Chronic Cigarette Smoke-Induced Epigenomic Changes Precede Sensitization of Bronchial Epithelial Cells to Single-Step Transformation by KRAS Mutations. Cancer Cell 2017; 32:360-376.e6. [PMID: 28898697 PMCID: PMC5596892 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2017.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We define how chronic cigarette smoke-induced time-dependent epigenetic alterations can sensitize human bronchial epithelial cells for transformation by a single oncogene. The smoke-induced chromatin changes include initial repressive polycomb marking of genes, later manifesting abnormal DNA methylation by 10 months. At this time, cells exhibit epithelial-to-mesenchymal changes, anchorage-independent growth, and upregulated RAS/MAPK signaling with silencing of hypermethylated genes, which normally inhibit these pathways and are associated with smoking-related non-small cell lung cancer. These cells, in the absence of any driver gene mutations, now transform by introducing a single KRAS mutation and form adenosquamous lung carcinomas in mice. Thus, epigenetic abnormalities may prime for changing oncogene senescence to addiction for a single key oncogene involved in lung cancer initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Vaz
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Stephen Y Hwang
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Ioannis Kagiampakis
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Jillian Phallen
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Ashwini Patil
- Krieger School of Arts and Sciences, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Heather M O'Hagan
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA; Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Lauren Murphy
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Cynthia A Zahnow
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Edward Gabrielson
- Department of Pathology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Victor E Velculescu
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Hariharan P Easwaran
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
| | - Stephen B Baylin
- Department of Oncology, The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA.
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Ding K, Liu WY, Zeng Q, Hou F, Xu JZ, Yang Z. Msx1-modulated muscle satellite cells retain a primitive state and exhibit an enhanced capacity for osteogenic differentiation. Exp Cell Res 2017; 352:84-94. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.01.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/29/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Duffy DJ, Krstic A, Halasz M, Schwarzl T, Konietzny A, Iljin K, Higgins DG, Kolch W. Retinoic acid and TGF-β signalling cooperate to overcome MYCN-induced retinoid resistance. Genome Med 2017; 9:15. [PMID: 28187790 PMCID: PMC5303304 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-017-0407-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinoid therapy is widely employed in clinical oncology to differentiate malignant cells into their more benign counterparts. However, certain high-risk cohorts, such as patients with MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma, are innately resistant to retinoid therapy. Therefore, we employed a precision medicine approach to globally profile the retinoid signalling response and to determine how an excess of cellular MYCN antagonises these signalling events to prevent differentiation and confer resistance. METHODS We applied RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and interaction proteomics coupled with network-based systems level analysis to identify targetable vulnerabilities of MYCN-mediated retinoid resistance. We altered MYCN expression levels in a MYCN-inducible neuroblastoma cell line to facilitate or block retinoic acid (RA)-mediated neuronal differentiation. The relevance of differentially expressed genes and transcriptional regulators for neuroblastoma outcome were then confirmed using existing patient microarray datasets. RESULTS We determined the signalling networks through which RA mediates neuroblastoma differentiation and the inhibitory perturbations to these networks upon MYCN overexpression. We revealed opposing regulation of RA and MYCN on a number of differentiation-relevant genes, including LMO4, CYP26A1, ASCL1, RET, FZD7 and DKK1. Furthermore, we revealed a broad network of transcriptional regulators involved in regulating retinoid responsiveness, such as Neurotrophin, PI3K, Wnt and MAPK, and epigenetic signalling. Of these regulators, we functionally confirmed that MYCN-driven inhibition of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signalling is a vulnerable node of the MYCN network and that multiple levels of cross-talk exist between MYCN and TGF-β. Co-targeting of the retinoic acid and TGF-β pathways, through RA and kartogenin (KGN; a TGF-β signalling activating small molecule) combination treatment, induced the loss of viability of MYCN-amplified retinoid-resistant neuroblastoma cells. CONCLUSIONS Our approach provides a powerful precision oncology tool for identifying the driving signalling networks for malignancies not primarily driven by somatic mutations, such as paediatric cancers. By applying global omics approaches to the signalling networks regulating neuroblastoma differentiation and stemness, we have determined the pathways involved in the MYCN-mediated retinoid resistance, with TGF-β signalling being a key regulator. These findings revealed a number of combination treatments likely to improve clinical response to retinoid therapy, including co-treatment with retinoids and KGN, which may prove valuable in the treatment of high-risk MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Duffy
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
- The Whitney Laboratory for Marine Bioscience and Sea Turtle Hospital, University of Florida, St. Augustine, Florida, 32080, USA.
| | - Aleksandar Krstic
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Melinda Halasz
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Thomas Schwarzl
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstraße 1, 69117, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja Konietzny
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Present address: Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Kristiina Iljin
- VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Tietotie 2, FI-02044 VTT, Espoo, Finland
| | - Desmond G Higgins
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Walter Kolch
- Systems Biology Ireland, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- Conway Institute of Biomolecular & Biomedical Research, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
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Li Z, Xu Z, Xie Q, Gao W, Xie J, Zhou L. miR-1303 promotes the proliferation of neuroblastoma cell SH-SY5Y by targeting GSK3β and SFRP1. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 83:508-513. [PMID: 27434867 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 06/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is one of the most common solid tumors in children, many microRNAs regulate progression and development of NB. Here, we found miR-1303 was upregulated in NB cells and tissues, miR-1303 overexpression promoted the proliferation of SH-SY5Y NB cell investigated by MTT assay, colony formation assay and anchorage-independent growth ability assay, while miR-1303 knockdown reduced this effect. mechanism analysis suggested glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) and secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) were the target of miR-1303, luciferase assay revealed miR-1303 directly bound to the 3'UTR of GSK3β and SFRP1. miR-1303 increased expression of MYC and CyclinD1, and decreased the expression of p21 and p27, and further demonstrated miR-1303 promotes NB proliferation. Moreover, there was a negative correlation between miR-1303 expression and GSK3β and SFRP1 expression in NB tissues, confirming GSK3β and SFRP1 were the targets of miR-1303 in NB tissues. Collectively, our findings suggested miR-1303 promotes NB proliferation by targeting GSK3β and SFRP1, and might be a target for NB therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuoqing Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, China
| | - Zhe Xu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, China
| | - Qigen Xie
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, China
| | - Wenzong Gao
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, China
| | - Juntao Xie
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, China.
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15
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Chen LT, Hu MM, Xu ZS, Liu Y, Shu HB. MSX1 Modulates RLR-Mediated Innate Antiviral Signaling by Facilitating Assembly of TBK1-Associated Complexes. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2016; 197:199-207. [PMID: 27194789 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1600039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2023]
Abstract
Recognition of viral dsRNA by the retinoic acid-inducible gene-1-like receptors (RLRs) triggers signaling cascades that lead to activation of the TBK1 kinase and transcription factor IFN regulatory factor 3, induction of downstream antiviral genes, and innate antiviral responses. In this study, we identified muscle segment homeobox1 (MSX1) as an important modulator of RLR-mediated signaling pathways. Knockdown or knockout of MSX1 significantly impaired Sendai virus-triggered activation of TBK1 and IFN regulatory factor 3, induction of downstream antiviral genes, and cellular antiviral responses. Interestingly, MSX1 was translocated from the nucleus to cytoplasm, particularly mitochondria upon infection of Sendai virus. Biochemcially, MSX1 was important for assembly of TBK1/IKK-related kinase-associated protein 1/TNFR-associated factor-associated NF-κB activator complexes. Our results suggest that MSX1 is an important component of RLR-mediated signaling and reveal mechanisms on innate immune responses against RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Ting Chen
- College of Life Sciences, Medical Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Viral Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Ming-Ming Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Medical Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Viral Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhi-Sheng Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Medical Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Viral Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Yu Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Medical Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Viral Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hong-Bing Shu
- College of Life Sciences, Medical Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Viral Immunology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
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16
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Pannella M, Caliceti C, Fortini F, Aquila G, Vieceli Dalla Sega F, Pannuti A, Fortini C, Morelli MB, Fucili A, Francolini G, Voltan R, Secchiero P, Dinelli G, Leoncini E, Ferracin M, Hrelia S, Miele L, Rizzo P. Serum From Advanced Heart Failure Patients Promotes Angiogenic Sprouting and Affects the Notch Pathway in Human Endothelial Cells. J Cell Physiol 2016; 231:2700-10. [PMID: 26987674 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.25373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
It is unknown whether components present in heart failure (HF) patients' serum provide an angiogenic stimulus. We sought to determine whether serum from HF patients affects angiogenesis and its major modulator, the Notch pathway, in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). In cells treated with serum from healthy subjects or from patients at different HF stage we determined: (1) Sprouting angiogenesis, by measuring cells network (closed tubes) in collagen gel. (2) Protein levels of Notch receptors 1, 2, 4, and ligands Jagged1, Delta-like4. We found a higher number of closed tubes in HUVECs treated with advanced HF patients serum in comparison with cells treated with serum from mild HF patients or controls. Furthermore, as indicated by the reduction of the active form of Notch4 (N4IC) and of Jagged1, advanced HF patients serum inhibited Notch signalling in HUVECs in comparison with mild HF patients' serum and controls. The circulating levels of NT-proBNP (N-terminal of the pro-hormone brain natriuretic peptide), a marker for the detection and evalutation of HF, were positively correlated with the number of closed tubes (r = 0.485) and negatively with Notch4IC and Jagged1 levels in sera-treated cells (r = -0.526 and r = -0.604, respectively). In conclusion, we found that sera from advanced HF patients promote sprouting angiogenesis and dysregulate Notch signaling in HUVECs. Our study provides in vitro evidence of an angiogenic stimulus arising during HF progression and suggests a role for the Notch pathway in it. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 2700-2710, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaela Pannella
- Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Cristiana Caliceti
- Department of Chemistry "G. Ciamician", University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Fortini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giorgio Aquila
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Pannuti
- Stanley Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Cinzia Fortini
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Alessandro Fucili
- University Hospital of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Maria Cecilia Hospital, GVM Care & Research, E.S. Health Science Foundation, Cotignola, Italy
| | - Gloria Francolini
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Salvatore Maugeri Foundation IRCCS, Lumezzane, Italy
| | - Rebecca Voltan
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Paola Secchiero
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies (LTTA), University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanni Dinelli
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Emanuela Leoncini
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuela Ferracin
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine-DIMES, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Silvana Hrelia
- Department for Life Quality Studies, Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucio Miele
- Stanley Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center and Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Paola Rizzo
- Department of Morphology, Surgery, and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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17
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Yang K, Wang X, Zhang H, Wang Z, Nan G, Li Y, Zhang F, Mohammed MK, Haydon RC, Luu HH, Bi Y, He TC. The evolving roles of canonical WNT signaling in stem cells and tumorigenesis: implications in targeted cancer therapies. J Transl Med 2016; 96:116-36. [PMID: 26618721 PMCID: PMC4731283 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2015.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 176] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway governs a myriad of biological processes underlying the development and maintenance of adult tissue homeostasis, including regulation of stem cell self-renewal, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. WNTs are secreted lipid-modified glycoproteins that act as short-range ligands to activate receptor-mediated signaling pathways. The hallmark of the canonical pathway is the activation of β-catenin-mediated transcriptional activity. Canonical WNTs control the β-catenin dynamics as the cytoplasmic level of β-catenin is tightly regulated via phosphorylation by the 'destruction complex', consisting of glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), casein kinase 1α (CK1α), the scaffold protein AXIN, and the tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). Aberrant regulation of this signaling cascade is associated with varieties of human diseases, especially cancers. Over the past decade, significant progress has been made in understanding the mechanisms of canonical WNT signaling. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of WNT signaling at the extracellular, cytoplasmic membrane, and intracellular/nuclear levels, including the emerging knowledge of cross-talk with other pathways. Recent progresses in developing novel WNT pathway-targeted therapies will also be reviewed. Thus, this review is intended to serve as a refresher of the current understanding about the physiologic and pathogenic roles of WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway, and to outline potential therapeutic opportunities by targeting the canonical WNT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Yang
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, The Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University; Chongqing, China, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA, Department of Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongmei Zhang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA, Chongqing Key Laboratory for Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, and the Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhongliang Wang
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, The Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University; Chongqing, China, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Guoxin Nan
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, The Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University; Chongqing, China, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yasha Li
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, The Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University; Chongqing, China, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Fugui Zhang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA, Chongqing Key Laboratory for Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, and the Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Maryam K. Mohammed
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rex C. Haydon
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Hue H. Luu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yang Bi
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, The Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University; Chongqing, China, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA, Corresponding authors T.-C. He, MD, PhD, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, The University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 3079, Chicago, IL 60637, USA, Tel. (773) 702-7169; Fax (773) 834-4598, , Yang Bi, MD, PhD, Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, The Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China, Tel. 011-86-23-63633113; Fax: 011-86-236362690,
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, The Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University; Chongqing, China, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA, Chongqing Key Laboratory for Oral Diseases and Biomedical Sciences, and the Affiliated Hospital of Stomatology of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China, Corresponding authors T.-C. He, MD, PhD, Molecular Oncology Laboratory, The University of Chicago Medical Center, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC 3079, Chicago, IL 60637, USA, Tel. (773) 702-7169; Fax (773) 834-4598, , Yang Bi, MD, PhD, Stem Cell Biology and Therapy Laboratory, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, The Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400046, China, Tel. 011-86-23-63633113; Fax: 011-86-236362690,
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18
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MSX1 inhibits cell migration and invasion through regulating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in glioblastoma. Tumour Biol 2015; 37:1097-104. [PMID: 26271668 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-015-3892-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is a type of primary brain tumor with poor prognosis. The hallmark phenotype of glioblastoma is its aggressive invasion. Understanding the molecular mechanism of the invasion behavior of glioblastoma is essential for the development of effective treatment of the disease. In our present study, we found that the expression levels of a homeobox transcription factor, MSX1, were significantly reduced in glioblastoma compared to normal brain tissues. The levels of MSX1 in glioblastoma tissues were also correlated with the survival of the patients. In cultured glioblastoma cells, MSX1 was a negative regulator of cell migration and invasion. Loss of MSX1 enhanced cell migration and induced mesenchymal transition as characterized by the downregulation of E-cadherin and the upregulation of N-cadherin. Overexpression of MSX1 on the other hand led to the inhibition of both cell migration and mesenchymal transition. We also found that MSX1 was able to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and that the ability to regulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is critical for MSX1 to suppress glioblastoma cell migration and invasion.
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19
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Ghosh M, Smith RW, Runkle CM, Hicks DA, Helm KM, Reynolds SD. Regulation of trachebronchial tissue-specific stem cell pool size. Stem Cells 2015; 31:2767-78. [PMID: 23712882 DOI: 10.1002/stem.1440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2012] [Revised: 02/22/2013] [Accepted: 03/18/2013] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Tissue-specific stem cell (TSC) number is tightly regulated in normal individuals but can change following severe injury. We previously showed that tracheobronchial epithelial TSC number increased after severe naphthalene (NA) injury and then returned to normal. This study focused on the fate of the supernumerary TSC and the signals that regulate TSC pool size. We used the Keratin 5-rTA/Histone 2B:green fluorescent protein (GFP) model to purify basal cells that proliferated infrequently (GFP(bright) ) or frequently (GFP(dim) ) after NA injury. Both populations contained TSC but TSCs were 8.5-fold more abundant in the GFP(bright) population. Interestingly, both populations also contained a unipotential basal progenitor (UPB), a mitotic basal cell subtype whose daughters were terminally differentiated basal cells. The ratio of TSC to UPB was 5:1 in the GFP(bright) population and 1:5 in the GFP(dim) population. These data suggested that TSC proliferation in vivo promoted TSC-to-UPB differentiation. To evaluate this question, we cloned TSC from the GFP(bright) and GFP(dim) populations and passaged the clones seven times. We found that TSC number decreased and UPB number increased at each passage. Reciprocal changes in TSC and UPB frequency were more dramatic in the GFP(dim) lineage. Gene expression analysis showed that β-catenin and Notch pathway genes were differentially expressed in freshly isolated TSC derived from GFP(bright) and GFP(dim) populations. We conclude that (a) TSC and UPB are members of a single lineage; (b) TSC proliferation in vivo or in vitro promotes TSC-to-UPB differentiation; and (c) an interaction between the β-catenin and Notch pathways regulates the TSC-to-UPB differentiation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moumita Ghosh
- Department of Pediatrics, National Jewish Health, Denver, Colorado, USA
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20
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Lange I, Koomoa DLT. MycN promotes TRPM7 expression and cell migration in neuroblastoma through a process that involves polyamines. FEBS Open Bio 2014; 4:966-75. [PMID: 25426416 PMCID: PMC4241534 DOI: 10.1016/j.fob.2014.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 10/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
MycN expression correlates with TRPM7 expression in neuroblastoma (NB) tumors. Expression of the transmembrane protein TRPM7 correlates with lower overall survival in NB tumors. MycN promotes TRPM7 mRNA and protein expression and increases TRPM7 channel activity. TRPM7 regulates NB cell migration. Polyamines regulate TRPM7 expression.
Neuroblastoma is an extra-cranial solid cancer in children. MYCN gene amplification is a prognostic indicator of poor outcome in neuroblastoma. Recent studies have shown that the multiple steps involved in cell migration are dependent on the availability of intracellular calcium (Ca2+). Although significant advances have been made in understanding the role of Ca2+ during migration, little has been achieved towards understanding its impact on the progression of diseases such as cancer. Interestingly, previous studies showed that cancer cell migration is regulated by TRPM7, a calcium-permeable ion channel. The objective of the current study was to elucidate the mechanism by which MycN promotes NB cell migration and the mechanism regulating TRPM7 expression. The results showed that MycN increased TRPM7 expression, induced TRPM7 channel activity, increased intracellular Ca2+ signaling, and promoted cell migration in NB cells. The results also showed that inhibition or down-regulation of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) inhibited TRPM7 expression, a process that was reversed by spermidine. Overall, this study provides evidence that MycN promotes TRPM7 expression and cell migration through a mechanism that involves ODC synthesis of polyamines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingo Lange
- University of Hawaii at Hilo, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
| | - Dana-Lynn T Koomoa
- University of Hawaii at Hilo, The Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, Hilo, HI 96720, USA
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21
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Otto B, Koenig AM, Tolstonog GV, Jeschke A, Klaetschke K, Vashist YK, Wicklein D, Wagener C, Izbicki JR, Streichert T. Molecular changes in pre-metastatic lymph nodes of esophageal cancer patients. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102552. [PMID: 25048826 PMCID: PMC4105535 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymph node metastasis indicates poor prognosis in esophageal cancer. To understand the underlying mechanisms, most studies so far focused on investigating the tumors themselves and/or invaded lymph nodes. However they neglected the potential events within the metastatic niche, which precede invasion. Here we report the first description of these regulations in patients on transcription level. We determined transcriptomic profiles of still metastasis-free regional lymph nodes for two patient groups: patients classified as pN1 (n = 9, metastatic nodes exist) or pN0 (n = 5, no metastatic nodes exist). All investigated lymph nodes, also those from pN1 patients, were still metastasis-free. The results show that regional lymph nodes of pN1 patients differ decisively from those of pN0 patients – even before metastasis has taken place. In the pN0 group distinct immune response patterns were observed. In contrast, lymph nodes of the pN1 group exhibited a clear profile of reduced immune response and reduced proliferation, but increased apoptosis, enhanced hypoplasia and morphological conversion processes. DKK1 was the most significant gene associated with the molecular mechanisms taking place in lymph nodes of patients suffering from metastasis (pN1). We assume that the two molecular profiles observed constitute different stages of a progressive disease. Finally we suggest that DKK1 might play an important role within the mechanisms leading to lymph node metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Otto
- Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Internal Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Center for Diagnostic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- * E-mail:
| | - Alexandra M. Koenig
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Surgical Sciences, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Genrich V. Tolstonog
- Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, CHUV, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Anke Jeschke
- Department of Osteology and Biomechanics, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kristin Klaetschke
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Center for Diagnostic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yogesh K. Vashist
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Surgical Sciences, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Wicklein
- Department of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, Center for Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Wagener
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Center for Diagnostic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Jakob R. Izbicki
- Department of General, Visceral and Thoracic Surgery, Center for Surgical Sciences, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Streichert
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Center for Diagnostic, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
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Duffy DJ, Krstic A, Schwarzl T, Higgins DG, Kolch W. GSK3 inhibitors regulate MYCN mRNA levels and reduce neuroblastoma cell viability through multiple mechanisms, including p53 and Wnt signaling. Mol Cancer Ther 2013; 13:454-67. [PMID: 24282277 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-13-0560-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is an embryonal tumor accounting for approximately 15% of childhood cancer deaths. There exists a clinical need to identify novel therapeutic targets, particularly for treatment-resistant forms of neuroblastoma. Therefore, we investigated the role of the neuronal master regulator GSK3 in controlling neuroblastoma cell fate. We identified novel GSK3-mediated regulation of MYC (c-MYC and MYCN) mRNA levels, which may have implications for numerous MYC-driven cancers. In addition, we showed that certain GSK3 inhibitors induced large-scale cell death in neuroblastoma cells, primarily through activating apoptosis. mRNA-seq of GSK3 inhibitor-treated cells was performed and subsequent pathway analysis revealed that multiple signaling pathways contributed to the loss of neuroblastoma cell viability. The contribution of two of the signaling pathways highlighted by the mRNA-seq analysis was functionally validated. Inhibition of the p53 tumor suppressor partly rescued the cell death phenotype, whereas activation of canonical Wnt signaling contributed to the loss of viability, in a p53-independent manner. Two GSK3 inhibitors (BIO-acetoxime and LiCl) and one small-molecule Wnt agonist (Wnt Agonist 1) demonstrated therapeutic potential for neuroblastoma treatment. These inhibitors reduced the viability of numerous neuroblastoma cell lines, even those derived from high-risk MYCN-amplified metastatic tumors, for which effective therapeutics are currently lacking. Furthermore, although LiCl was lethal to neuroblastoma cells, it did not reduce the viability of differentiated neurons. Taken together our data suggest that these small molecules may hold potential as effective therapeutic agents for the treatment of neuroblastoma and other MYC-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Duffy
- Corresponding Author: David J. Duffy, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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23
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Miller IV, Raposo G, Welsch U, Prazeres da Costa O, Thiel U, Lebar M, Maurer M, Bender HU, von Luettichau I, Richter GHS, Burdach S, Grunewald TGP. First identification of Ewing's sarcoma-derived extracellular vesicles and exploration of their biological and potential diagnostic implications. Biol Cell 2013; 105:289-303. [PMID: 23521563 DOI: 10.1111/boc.201200086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2012] [Accepted: 03/19/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND INFORMATION Exosomes are small RNA- and protein-containing extracellular vesicles (EVs) that are thought to mediate hetero- and homotypic intercellular communication between normal and malignant cells.Tumour-derived exosomes are believed to promote re-programming of the tumour-associated stroma to favour tumour growth and metastasis. Currently, exosomes have been intensively studied in carcinomas. However, little is known about their existence and possible role in sarcomas. RESULTS Here, we report on the identification of vesicles with exosomal features derived from Ewing's sarcoma(ES), the second most common soft-tissue or bone cancer in children and adolescents. ES cell line-derived EV shave been isolated by ultracentrifugation and analysed by flow-cytometric assessment of the exosome-associated proteins CD63 and CD81 as well as by electron microscopy. They proved to contain ES-specific transcripts including EWS-FLI1, which were suitable for the sensitive detection of ES cell line-derived exosomes by qRT-PCRin a pre-clinical model for patient plasma. Microarray analysis of ES cell line-derived exosomes revealed that they share a common transcriptional signature potentially involved in G-protein-coupled signalling, neurotransmitter signalling and stemness. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our results imply that ES-derived exosomes could eventually serve as biomarkers for minimal residual disease diagnostics in peripheral blood and prompt further investigation of their potential biological role in modification of the ES-associated microenvironment
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella V Miller
- Children's Cancer Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, 80804 Munich, Germany
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24
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The role of the WNT/β-catenin pathway in central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumours (CNS PNETs). Br J Cancer 2013; 108:2130-41. [PMID: 23591193 PMCID: PMC3670474 DOI: 10.1038/bjc.2013.170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Central nervous system primitive neuroectodermal tumours (CNS PNETs) are embryonal tumours occurring predominantly in children. Current lack of knowledge regarding their underlying biology hinders development of more effective treatments. We previously identified WNT/β-catenin pathway activation in one-third of CNS PNETs, which was potentially linked to a better prognosis. In this study, we have extended our cohort, achieving a statistically significant correlation with prognosis. We additionally investigated the biological effects of WNT/β-catenin pathway activation in tumour pathogenesis. Methods: A total of 42 primary and 8 recurrent CNS PNETs were analysed for WNT/β-catenin pathway status using β-catenin immunohistochemistry. Genomic copy number and mRNA expression data were analysed to identify a molecular profile linked to WNT/β-catenin pathway activation. Results: Pathway activation was seen in 26% of CNS PNETs and was significantly associated with longer overall survival. Genes displaying a significant difference in expression levels, between tumours with and without WNT/β-catenin pathway activation, included several involved in normal CNS development suggesting aberrant pathway activation may be disrupting this process. Conclusion: We have identified WNT/β-catenin pathway status as a marker, which could potentially be used to stratify disease risk for patients with CNS PNET. Gene expression data suggest pathway activation is disrupting normal differentiation in the CNS.
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Abadie C, Lechaix B, Gandemer V, Bonnaure-Mallet M. Neuroblastoma and tooth abnormalities: a common history? Oral Oncol 2013; 49:e11-3. [PMID: 23352669 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2012.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2012] [Revised: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 12/23/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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G Protein-Coupled Receptors in cancer: biochemical interactions and drug design. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2013; 115:143-73. [PMID: 23415094 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394587-7.00004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
G Protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) share the same topology made of seven-transmembrane segments and represent the largest family of membrane receptors. Initially associated with signal transduction in differentiated cells, GPCRs and heterotrimeric G proteins were shown to behave as proto-oncogenes whose overexpression or activating mutations confer transforming properties. The first part of this review focuses on the link between biochemical interactions of a GPCR with other receptors, such as dimerization or multiprotein complexes, and their oncogenic properties. Alteration of these interactions or deregulation of transduction cascades can promote uncontrolled cell proliferation or cell transformation that leads to tumorigenicity and malignancy. The second part concerns the design of drugs specifically targeting these complex interactions and their promise in cancer therapy.
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Chen L, Tweddle DA. p53, SKP2, and DKK3 as MYCN Target Genes and Their Potential Therapeutic Significance. Front Oncol 2012; 2:173. [PMID: 23226679 PMCID: PMC3508619 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2012.00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial solid tumor of childhood. Despite significant advances, it currently still remains one of the most difficult childhood cancers to cure, with less than 40% of patients with high-risk disease being long-term survivors. MYCN is a proto-oncogene implicated to be directly involved in neuroblastoma development. Amplification of MYCN is associated with rapid tumor progression and poor prognosis. Novel therapeutic strategies which can improve the survival rates whilst reducing the toxicity in these patients are therefore required. Here we discuss genes regulated by MYCN in neuroblastoma, with particular reference to p53, SKP2, and DKK3 and strategies that may be employed to target them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindi Chen
- Newcastle Cancer Centre, Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University Newcastle, UK
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28
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Medio M, Yeh E, Popelut A, Babajko S, Berdal A, Helms JA. Wnt/β-catenin signaling and Msx1 promote outgrowth of the maxillary prominences. Front Physiol 2012; 3:375. [PMID: 23055979 PMCID: PMC3457051 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2012.00375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2012] [Accepted: 09/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Facial morphogenesis requires a series of precisely orchestrated molecular events to promote the growth and fusion of the facial prominences. Cleft palate (CP) results from perturbations in this process. The transcriptional repressor Msx1 is a key participant in these molecular events, as demonstrated by the palatal clefting phenotype observed in Msx1−/− embryos. Here, we exploited the high degree of conservation that exists in the gene regulatory networks that shape the faces of birds and mice, to gain a deeper understanding of Msx1 function in CP. Histomorphometric analyses indicated that facial development was disrupted as early as E12.5 in Msx1−/− embryos, long before the palatal shelves have formed. By mapping the expression domain of Msx1 in E11.5 and E12.5 embryos, we found the structures most affected by loss of Msx1 function were the maxillary prominences. Maxillary growth retardation was accompanied by perturbations in angiogenesis that preceded the CP phenotype. Experimental chick manipulations and in vitro assays showed that the regulation of Msx1 expression by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is highly specific. Our data in mice and chicks indicate a conserved role for Msx1 in regulating the outgrowth of the maxillary prominences, and underscore how imbalances in Msx1 function can lead of growth disruptions that manifest as CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Medio
- Department of Orthodontics, Service of Odontology, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, AP-HP, Paris 7 - Denis Diderot University, U.F.R. of Odontology Paris, France
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29
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DNAJB6 governs a novel regulatory loop determining Wnt/β-catenin signalling activity. Biochem J 2012; 444:573-80. [PMID: 22455953 DOI: 10.1042/bj20120205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
DKK1 (dickkopf 1 homologue) is a secreted inhibitor of the Wnt signalling pathway and a critical modulator of tumour promotion and the tumour microenvironment. However, mechanisms regulating DKK1 expression are understudied. DNAJB6 {DnaJ [HSP40 (heat-shock protein 40 kDa)] homologue, subfamily B, member 6} is an HSP40 family member whose expression is compromised during progression of breast cancer and melanoma. Inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway by up-regulation of DKK1 is one of the key mechanisms by which DNAJB6 suppresses tumour metastasis and EMT (epithelial-mesenchymal transition). Analysis of the DKK1 promoter to define the cis-site responsible for its up-regulation by DNAJB6 revealed the presence of two binding sites for a transcriptional repressor, MSX1 (muscle segment homeobox 1). Our investigations showed that MSX1 binds the DKK1 promoter and inhibits DKK1 transcription. Interestingly, silencing DNAJB6 resulted in up-regulation of MSX1 concomitant with increased stabilization of β-catenin. ChIP (chromatin immunoprecipitation) studies revealed that β-catenin binds the MSX1 promoter and stabilization of β-catenin elevates MSX1 transcription, indicating that β-catenin works as a transcription co-activator for MSX1. Functionally, exogenous expression of MSX1 in DNAJB6-expressing cells promotes the mesenchymal phenotype by suppression of DKK1. Thus we have identified a novel regulatory mechanism of DNAJB6-mediated DKK1 transcriptional up-regulation that can influence EMT. DKK1 is a feedback regulator of β-catenin levels and thus our studies also define an additional negative control of this β-catenin/DKK1 feedback loop by MSX1, which may potentially contribute to excessive stabilization of β-catenin.
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Pellinen T, Rantala JK, Arjonen A, Mpindi JP, Kallioniemi O, Ivaska J. A functional genetic screen reveals new regulators of β1-integrin activity. J Cell Sci 2012; 125:649-61. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.090704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
β1 integrins constitute a large group of widely distributed adhesion receptors, which regulate the ability of cells to interact with their surroundings. This regulation of the expression and activity of integrins is crucial for tissue homeostasis and development and contributes to inflammation and cancer. We report an RNA interference screen to uncover genes involved in the regulation of β1-integrin activity using cell spot microarray technology in cancer cell lines. Altogether, ten cancer and two normal cell lines were used to identify regulators of β1 integrin activity. Cell biological analysis of the identified β1-integrin regulatory genes revealed that modulation of integrin activity can influence cell invasion in a three-dimensional matrix. We demonstrate with loss-of-function and rescue experiments that CD9 activates and MMP8 inactivates β1 integrins and that both proteins associate with β1 integrins in cells. Furthermore, CD9 and MMP8 regulate cancer cell extravasation in vivo. Our discovery of new regulators of β1-integrin activity highlight the complexity of integrin activity regulation and provide a set of new genes involved in regulation of integrin function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teijo Pellinen
- Medical Biotechnology, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, 20521, Turku, Finland
- Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, 20520, Turku, Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Biomedicum 2U, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Juha K. Rantala
- Medical Biotechnology, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, 20521, Turku, Finland
| | - Antti Arjonen
- Medical Biotechnology, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, 20521, Turku, Finland
- Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, 20520, Turku, Finland
| | - John-Patrick Mpindi
- Medical Biotechnology, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, 20521, Turku, Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Biomedicum 2U, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Kallioniemi
- Medical Biotechnology, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, 20521, Turku, Finland
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Biomedicum 2U, 00014 University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Ivaska
- Medical Biotechnology, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, 20521, Turku, Finland
- Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, 20520, Turku, Finland
- Department of Biochemistry and Food Chemistry, University of Turku, 20520, Turku, Finland
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31
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Choi JH, Kim BK, Kim JK, Lee HY, Park JK, Yoon SK. Downregulation of Foxe1 by HR suppresses Msx1 expression in the hair follicles of Hr(Hp) mice. BMB Rep 2011; 44:478-83. [PMID: 21777520 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2011.44.7.478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Hairless (HR), a transcriptional cofactor, is highly expressed in the skin and brain. To characterize the effects of HR expression in the skin, we examined its capacity for transcriptional regulation of its target genes in mouse skin and keratinocytes. We found that Foxe1 mRNA expression was suppressed in HR-overexpressing skin, as well as in HR-expressing keratinocytes. In turn, Msx1 expression was downregulated contingent on Foxe1 downregulation in skin and keratinocytes. We also found that expression of Sfrp1 was also correlated with that of Foxe1. Further investigation of the mechanisms involved in the transcriptional regulation of these genes will facilitate our understanding of the relationship among genes involved in hair follicle morphogenesis and cycling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee-Hyun Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Research Institute of Molecular Genetics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea
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32
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Veeck J, Dahl E. Targeting the Wnt pathway in cancer: the emerging role of Dickkopf-3. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2011; 1825:18-28. [PMID: 21982838 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2011.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Revised: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway is a major trait of many human cancers. Due to its vast implications in tumorigenesis and progression, the Wnt pathway has attracted considerable attention at several molecular levels, also with respect to developing novel cancer therapeutics. Indeed, research in Wnt biology has recently provided numerous clues, and evidence is accumulating that the secreted Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-related protein 3 (Dkk-3) and its regulators may constitute interesting therapeutic targets in the most important human cancers. Based on the currently available literature, we here review the knowledge on the biological role of Dkk-3 as an antagonist of the Wnt signaling pathway, the involvement of Dkk-3 in several stages of tumor development, the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms disrupting DKK3 gene function in cancerous cells, and the potential clinical value of Dkk-3 expression/DKK3 promoter methylation as a biomarker and molecular target in cancer diseases. In conclusion, Dkk-3 rapidly emerges as a key player in human cancer with auspicious tumor suppressive capacities, most of all affecting apoptosis and proliferation. Its gene expression is frequently downregulated by promoter methylation in almost any solid and hematological tumor entity. Clinically, evidence is accumulating of Dkk-3 being both a potential tumor biomarker and effective anti-cancer agent. Although further research is needed, re-establishing Dkk-3 expression in cancer cells holds promise as novel targeted molecular tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Veeck
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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33
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De Brouwer S, Mestdagh P, Lambertz I, Pattyn F, De Paepe A, Westermann F, Schroeder C, Schulte JH, Schramm A, De Preter K, Vandesompele J, Speleman F. Dickkopf-3 is regulated by the MYCN-induced miR-17-92 cluster in neuroblastoma. Int J Cancer 2011; 130:2591-8. [PMID: 21796614 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.26295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2011] [Accepted: 06/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is a paediatric tumour with a remarkable diverse clinical behaviour. Approximately half of the high stage aggressive tumours are characterized by MYCN gene amplification but our understanding of the role of MYCN in NB oncogenesis is incomplete. Previous studies have shown that MYCN expression is inversely correlated with expression of Dickkopf-3 (DKK3), a gene encoding an extracellular protein with presumed tumour suppressor activity, but direct MYCN regulation of DKK3 was excluded leaving the mechanism of regulation unexplained. Given the recently established role of MYCN-regulated miRNAs in downregulation of protein-coding genes and predicted seeds for miR-17-92 cluster members within the DKK3 3'UTR, we hypothesized that this mechanism would act in MYCN regulation of DKK3. To investigate this, we used a validated miR-17-92-inducible cellular system and could demonstrate robust downregulation of DKK3 mRNA and protein levels upon miR-17-92 overexpression. Next, two of the three predicted miRNAs, miR-19b and miR-92a, were shown to lower DKK3 protein levels, in addition to measurable DKK3 mRNA knock-down by miR-92a. Direct interaction between miR-19b or miR-92a and the 3'UTR of DKK3 was validated using luciferase reporter assays. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that the MYCN-induced downregulation of DKK3 results from direct upregulation of miR-17-92 components effecting both DKK3 mRNA stability and translation which further contributes to the pleiotropic oncogenic effect of elevated MYCN levels. The strict MYCN-mediated regulation of DKK3 is suggestive for an important downstream function of the MYCN protein and thus warrants further investigations to unravel the role of DKK3 in NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara De Brouwer
- Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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34
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Fröjmark AS, Schuster J, Sobol M, Entesarian M, Kilander MBC, Gabrikova D, Nawaz S, Baig SM, Schulte G, Klar J, Dahl N. Mutations in Frizzled 6 cause isolated autosomal-recessive nail dysplasia. Am J Hum Genet 2011; 88:852-860. [PMID: 21665003 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2011.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2011] [Revised: 05/01/2011] [Accepted: 05/11/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inherited and isolated nail malformations are rare and heterogeneous conditions. We identified two consanguineous pedigrees in which some family members were affected by isolated nail dysplasia that suggested an autosomal-recessive inheritance pattern and was characterized by claw-shaped nails, onychauxis, and onycholysis. Genome-wide SNP array analysis of affected individuals from both families showed an overlapping and homozygous region of 800 kb on the long arm of chromosome 8. The candidate region spans eight genes, and DNA sequence analysis revealed homozygous nonsense and missense mutations in FZD(6), the gene encoding Frizzled 6. FZD(6) belongs to a family of highly conserved membrane-bound WNT receptors involved in developmental processes and differentiation through several signaling pathways. We expressed the FZD(6) missense mutation and observed a quantitative shift in subcellular distribution from the plasma membrane to the lysosomes, where the receptor is inaccessible for signaling and presumably degraded. Analysis of human fibroblasts homozygous for the nonsense mutation showed an aberrant response to both WNT-3A and WNT-5A stimulation; this response was consistent with an effect on both canonical and noncanonical WNT-FZD signaling. A detailed analysis of the Fzd(6)(-/-) mice, previously shown to have an altered hair pattern, showed malformed claws predominantly of the hind limbs. Furthermore, a transient Fdz6 mRNA expression was observed in the epidermis of the digital tips at embryonic day 16.5 during early claw morphogenesis. Thus, our combined results show that FZD6 mutations can result in severe defects in nail and claw formation through reduced or abolished membranous FZD(6) levels and several nonfunctional WNT-FZD pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Fröjmark
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jens Schuster
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Sobol
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of General and Molecular Genetics, National Taras Shevchenko University of Kyiv, Kiev 03680, Ukraine
| | - Miriam Entesarian
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden; Current address: Department of Women's and Children's Health Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michaela B C Kilander
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section for Receptor Biology and Signaling, Karolinska Institutet, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dana Gabrikova
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sadia Nawaz
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Shahid M Baig
- Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Health Biotechnology Division, National Institute for Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE), Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Gunnar Schulte
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Section for Receptor Biology and Signaling, Karolinska Institutet, 171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joakim Klar
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Niklas Dahl
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, The Rudbeck Laboratory and Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) belong to a superfamily of cell surface signalling proteins that have a pivotal role in many physiological functions and in multiple diseases, including the development of cancer and cancer metastasis. Current drugs that target GPCRs - many of which have excellent therapeutic benefits - are directed towards only a few GPCR members. Therefore, huge efforts are currently underway to develop new GPCR-based drugs, particularly for cancer. We review recent findings that present unexpected opportunities to interfere with major tumorigenic signals by manipulating GPCR-mediated pathways. We also discuss current data regarding novel GPCR targets that may provide promising opportunities for drug discovery in cancer prevention and treatment.
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