Robust Colonic Epithelial Regeneration and Amelioration of Colitis via FZD-Specific Activation of Wnt Signaling

The emerging understanding of Frizzled receptors

The Wnt signaling pathway is a huge network governing development and homeostasis, dysregulation of which is associated with a myriad of human diseases. The Frizzled receptor (FZD) family comprises receptors for Wnt ligands, which indispensably mediate Wnt signaling jointly with a variety of co-receptors. Studies of FZDs have revealed that 10 FZD subtypes play diverse roles in physiological processes. At the same time, dysregulation of FZDs is also responsible for various diseases, in particular human cancers. Enormous attention has been paid to the molecular understanding and targeted therapy of FZDs in the past decade. In this review, we summarize the latest research on FZD structure, function, regulation and targeted therapy, providing a basis for guiding future research in this field.

Design principles and therapeutic applications of novel synthetic WNT signaling agonists

Wingless-related integration site or Wingless and Int-1 or Wingless-Int (WNT) signaling is crucial for embryonic development, and adult tissue homeostasis and regeneration, through its essential roles in cell fate, patterning, and stem cell regulation. The biophysical characteristics of WNT ligands have hindered efforts to interrogate ligand activity in vivo and prevented their development as therapeutics. Recent breakthroughs have enabled the generation of synthetic WNT signaling molecules that possess characteristics of natural ligands and potently activate the pathway, while also providing distinct advantages for therapeutic development and manufacturing. This review provides a detailed discussion of the protein engineering of these molecular platforms for WNT signaling agonism. We discuss the importance of WNT signaling in several organs and share insights from the initial application of these new classes of molecules in vitro and in vivo. These molecules offer a unique opportunity to enhance our understanding of how WNT signaling agonism promotes tissue repair, enabling targeted development of tailored therapeutics.

Targeted protein degradation systems to enhance Wnt signaling

Molecules that facilitate targeted protein degradation (TPD) offer great promise as novel therapeutics. The human hepatic lectin asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGR) is selectively expressed on hepatocytes. We have previously engineered an anti-ASGR1 antibody-mutant RSPO2 (RSPO2RA) fusion protein (called SWEETS) to drive tissue-specific degradation of ZNRF3/RNF43 E3 ubiquitin ligases, which achieved hepatocyte-specific enhanced Wnt signaling, proliferation, and restored liver function in mouse models, and an antibody-RSPO2RA fusion molecule is currently in human clinical trials. In the current study, we identified two new ASGR1- and ASGR1/2-specific antibodies, 8M24 and 8G8. High-resolution crystal structures of ASGR1:8M24 and ASGR2:8G8 complexes revealed that these antibodies bind to distinct epitopes on opposing sides of ASGR, away from the substrate-binding site. Both antibodies enhanced Wnt activity when assembled as SWEETS molecules with RSPO2RA through specific effects sequestering E3 ligases. In addition, 8M24-RSPO2RA and 8G8-RSPO2RA efficiently downregulate ASGR1 through TPD mechanisms. These results demonstrate the possibility of combining different therapeutic effects and degradation mechanisms in a single molecule.

Challenges in IBD Research 2024: Preclinical Human IBD Mechanisms

Preclinical human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) mechanisms is one of 5 focus areas of the Challenges in IBD Research 2024 document, which also includes environmental triggers, novel technologies, precision medicine, and pragmatic clinical research. Herein, we provide a comprehensive overview of current gaps in inflammatory bowel diseases research that relate to preclinical research and deliver actionable approaches to address them with a focus on how these gaps can lead to advancements in IBD interception, remission, and restoration. The document is the result of multidisciplinary input from scientists, clinicians, patients, and funders and represents a valuable resource for patient-centric research prioritization. This preclinical human IBD mechanisms section identifies major research gaps whose investigation will elucidate pathways and mechanisms that can be targeted to address unmet medical needs in IBD. Research gaps were identified in the following areas: genetics, risk alleles, and epigenetics; the microbiome; cell states and interactions; barrier function; IBD complications (specifically fibrosis and stricturing); and extraintestinal manifestations. To address these gaps, we share specific opportunities for investigation for basic and translational scientists and identify priority actions.

Charting the cellular biogeography in colitis reveals fibroblast trajectories and coordinated spatial remodeling

Gut inflammation involves contributions from immune and non-immune cells, whose interactions are shaped by the spatial organization of the healthy gut and its remodeling during inflammation. The crosstalk between fibroblasts and immune cells is an important axis in this process, but our understanding has been challenged by incomplete cell-type definition and biogeography. To address this challenge, we used multiplexed error-robust fluorescence in situ hybridization (MERFISH) to profile the expression of 940 genes in 1.35 million cells imaged across the onset and recovery from a mouse colitis model. We identified diverse cell populations, charted their spatial organization, and revealed their polarization or recruitment in inflammation. We found a staged progression of inflammation-associated tissue neighborhoods defined, in part, by multiple inflammation-associated fibroblasts, with unique expression profiles, spatial localization, cell-cell interactions, and healthy fibroblast origins. Similar signatures in ulcerative colitis suggest conserved human processes. Broadly, we provide a framework for understanding inflammation-induced remodeling in the gut and other tissues.

A WNT mimetic with broad spectrum FZD-specificity decreases fibrosis and improves function in a pulmonary damage model

BACKGROUND

Wnt/β-catenin signaling is critical for lung development and AT2 stem cell maintenance in adults, but excessive pathway activation has been associated with pulmonary fibrosis, both in animal models and human diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). IPF is a detrimental interstitial lung disease, and although two approved drugs limit functional decline, transplantation is the only treatment that extends survival, highlighting the need for regenerative therapies.

METHODS

Using our antibody-based platform of Wnt/β-catenin modulators, we investigated the ability of a pathway antagonist and pathway activators to reduce pulmonary fibrosis in the acute bleomycin model, and we tested the ability of a WNT mimetic to affect alveolar organoid cultures.

RESULTS

A WNT mimetic agonist with broad FZD-binding specificity (FZD1,2,5,7,8) potently expanded alveolar organoids. Upon therapeutic dosing, a broad FZD-binding specific Wnt mimetic decreased pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis and increased lung function in the bleomycin model, and it impacted multiple lung cell types in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight the unexpected capacity of a WNT mimetic to effect tissue repair after lung damage and support the continued development of Wnt/β-catenin pathway modulation for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Stromal Niche Signals That Orchestrate Intestinal Regeneration

Stromal cell populations have a central role in providing signals that support the maintenance, differentiation, and function of the intestinal epithelium. The behavior and fate of epithelial cells is directed by the spatial organization of stromal cells that either sustain stem and progenitor cell identity or drive differentiation. A combination of single-cell analyses, mouse models, and organoid coculture assays have provided insight into the diversity of signals delivered by stromal cells. Signaling gradients are established and fine-tuned by the expression of signaling agonists and antagonists along the crypt-villus axis. On epithelial injury, there are disruptions to the abundance and organization of stromal populations. There are also distinct changes in the signals originating from these cells that impact remodeling of the epithelium. How these signals coordinate to mediate epithelial repair or sustain tissue injury in inflammatory bowel diseases is beginning to emerge. Understanding of these processes may lead to opportunities to target stromal cell populations as a strategy to modify disease states.

BRAIDing receptors for cell-specific targeting

Systemic toxicity is a major challenge in the development of therapeutics. Consequently, cell-type-specific targeting is needed to improve on-target efficacy while reducing off-target toxicity. Here, we describe a cell-targeting system we have termed BRAID (BRidged Activation by Intra/intermolecular Division) whereby an active molecule is divided into two inactive or less active parts that are subsequently brought together via a so-called 'bridging receptor' on the target cell. This concept was validated using the WNT/β-catenin signaling system, demonstrating that a multivalent WNT agonist molecule divided into two inactive components assembled from different epitopes via the hepatocyte receptor βKlotho induces signaling specifically on hepatocytes. These data provide proof of concept for this cell-specific targeting strategy, and in principle, this may also allow activation of multiple signaling pathways where desirable. This approach has broad application potential for other receptor systems.

Charting the cellular biogeography in colitis reveals fibroblast trajectories and coordinated spatial remodeling

Gut inflammation involves contributions from immune and non-immune cells, whose interactions are shaped by the spatial organization of the healthy gut and its remodeling during inflammation. The crosstalk between fibroblasts and immune cells is an important axis in this process, but our understanding has been challenged by incomplete cell-type definition and biogeography. To address this challenge, we used MERFISH to profile the expression of 940 genes in 1.35 million cells imaged across the onset and recovery from a mouse colitis model. We identified diverse cell populations; charted their spatial organization; and revealed their polarization or recruitment in inflammation. We found a staged progression of inflammation-associated tissue neighborhoods defined, in part, by multiple inflammation-associated fibroblasts, with unique expression profiles, spatial localization, cell-cell interactions, and healthy fibroblast origins. Similar signatures in ulcerative colitis suggest conserved human processes. Broadly, we provide a framework for understanding inflammation-induced remodeling in the gut and other tissues.

Modulation of Wnt-β-catenin signaling with antibodies: therapeutic opportunities and challenges

Since the recognition that mutations in components of the Wnt-β-catenin pathway underlie some human cancers, considerable attention has been dedicated to developing therapeutic modalities to block its activity. Despite numerous efforts, no drug directly inhibiting Wnt signaling is currently clinically available. Conversely, activating the Wnt pathway in a specific manner has recently been made possible with new molecules mimicking the activity of Wnt proteins, thus offering new possibilities for controlling tissue stem cell activity and for the rational treatment of various degenerative conditions. We describe the landscape of antibody modalities that modulate the Wnt-β-catenin pathway, and detail the advances and challenges in both cancer and regenerative medicine drug development.

A leaky human colon model reveals uncoupled apical/basal cytotoxicity in early Clostridioides difficile toxin exposure

Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB) cause antibiotic-associated colitis in part by disrupting epithelial barrier function. Accurate in vitro models are necessary to detect early toxicity kinetics, investigate disease etiology, and develop preclinical models for new therapies. Properties of cancer cell lines and organoids inherently limit these efforts. We developed adult stem cell-derived monolayers of differentiated human colonic epithelium (hCE) with barrier function, investigated the impact of toxins on apical/basal aspects of monolayers, and evaluated whether a leaky epithelial barrier enhances toxicity. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNAseq) mapped C. difficile-relevant genes to human lineages. Transcriptomics compared hCE to Caco-2, informed timing of in vitro stem cell differentiation, and revealed transcriptional responses to TcdA. Transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and fluorescent permeability assays measured cytotoxicity. Contribution of TcdB toxicity was evaluated in a diclofenac-induced leaky gut model. scRNAseq demonstrated broad and variable toxin receptor expression. Absorptive colonocytes in vivo displayed increased toxin receptor, Rho GTPase, and cell junction gene expression. Advanced TcdA toxicity generally decreased cytokine/chemokine and increased tight junction and death receptor genes. Differentiated Caco-2 cells remained immature whereas hCE monolayers were similar to mature colonocytes in vivo. Basal exposure of TcdA/B caused greater toxicity and apoptosis than apical exposure. Apical exposure to toxins was enhanced by diclofenac. Apical/basal toxicities are uncoupled with more rapid onset and increased magnitude postbasal toxin exposure. Leaky junctions enhance toxicity of apical TcdB exposure. hCE monolayers represent a physiologically relevant and sensitive system to evaluate the impact of microbial toxins on gut epithelium.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Novel human colonocyte monolayer cultures, benchmarked by transcriptomics for physiological relevance, detect early cytopathic impacts of Clostridioides difficile toxins TcdA and TcdB. A fluorescent ZO-1 reporter in primary human colonocytes is used to track epithelial barrier disruption in response to TcdA. Basal TcdA/B exposure generally caused more rapid onset and cytotoxicity than apical exposure. Transcriptomics demonstrate changes in tight junction, chemokine, and cytokine receptor gene expression post-TcdA exposure. Diclofenac-induced leaky epithelium enhanced apical exposure toxicity.

MicroRNA Profiles in Intestinal Epithelial Cells in a Mouse Model of Sepsis

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory disorder that leads to the dysfunction of multiple organs. In the intestine, the deregulation of the epithelial barrier contributes to the development of sepsis by triggering continuous exposure to harmful factors. However, sepsis-induced epigenetic changes in gene-regulation networks within intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) remain unexplored. In this study, we analyzed the expression profile of microRNAs (miRNAs) in IECs isolated from a mouse model of sepsis generated via cecal slurry injection. Among 239 miRNAs, 14 miRNAs were upregulated, and 9 miRNAs were downregulated in the IECs by sepsis. Upregulated miRNAs in IECs from septic mice, particularly miR-149-5p, miR-466q, miR-495, and miR-511-3p, were seen to exhibit complex and global effects on gene regulation networks. Interestingly, miR-511-3p has emerged as a diagnostic marker in this sepsis model due to its increase in blood in addition to IECs. As expected, mRNAs in the IECs were remarkably altered by sepsis; specifically, 2248 mRNAs were decreased, while 612 mRNAs were increased. This quantitative bias may be possibly derived, at least partly, from the direct effects of the sepsis-increased miRNAs on the comprehensive expression of mRNAs. Thus, current in silico data indicate that there are dynamic regulatory responses of miRNAs to sepsis in IECs. In addition, the miRNAs that were increased with sepsis had enriched downstream pathways including Wnt signaling, which is associated with wound healing, and FGF/FGFR signaling, which has been linked to chronic inflammation and fibrosis. These modifications in miRNA networks in IECs may lead to both pro- and anti-inflammatory effects in sepsis. The four miRNAs discovered above were shown to putatively target LOX, PTCH1, COL22A1, FOXO1, or HMGA2, via in silico analysis, which were associated with Wnt or inflammatory pathways and selected for further study. The expressions of these target genes were downregulated in sepsis IECs, possibly through posttranscriptional modifications of these miRNAs. Taken together, our study suggests that IECs display a distinctive miRNA profile which is capable of comprehensively and functionally reshaping the IEC-specific mRNA landscape in a sepsis model.

Selective Activation of the Wnt-Signaling Pathway as a Novel Therapy for the Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy and Other Retinal Vascular Diseases

Retinal ischemia, often associated with various disorders such as diabetic retinopathy (DR), retinal vein occlusion, glaucoma, optic neuropathies, stroke, and other retinopathies, is a major cause of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. As proper blood supply to the retina is critical to maintain its high metabolic demand, any impediment to blood flow can lead to a decrease in oxygen supply, resulting in retinal ischemia. In the pathogenesis of DR, including diabetic macular edema (DME), elevated blood glucose leads to blood-retina barrier (BRB) disruptions, vascular leakage, and capillary occlusion and dropouts, causing insufficient delivery of oxygen to the retina, and ultimately resulting in visual impairment. Other potential causes of DR include neuronal dysfunction in the absence of vascular defect, genetic, and environmental factors. The exact disease progression remains unclear and varies from patient to patient. Vascular leakage leading to edema clearly links to visual impairment and remains an important target for therapy. Despite recent advances in the treatment of DME and DR with anti-VEGFs, effective therapies with new mechanisms of action to address current treatment limitations regarding vessel regeneration and reperfusion of ischemic retinal areas are still needed. The Wnt signaling pathway plays a critical role in proper vascular development and maintenance in the retina, and thus provides a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of diabetic and other retinopathies. In this review, we summarize the potential of this pathway to address treatment gaps with current therapies, its promise as a novel and potentially disease modifying therapy for patients with DR and opportunities in other retinal vascular diseases.