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Sun M, Tan Z, Lin K, Li X, Zhu J, Zhan L, Zheng H. Advanced Progression for the Heterogeneity and Homeostasis of Intestinal Stem Cells. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:2109-2119. [PMID: 37351833 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10578-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Current understanding of the leucine-rich repeat-containing G protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5) in intestinal stem cells (ISCs) is well established, however, the implications of ISC heterogeneity and homeostasis are poorly understood. Prior studies have provided important evidence for the association between heterogeneity of ISC pools with pathogenesis and therapeutic response of malignant disease. Leveraging the advantages of organoids and single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), glandular development has been simulated and cell heterogeneity has been clarified. Based on this research, several potential ISCs were identified, such as LGR5 + p27 + quiescent ISCs, LGR5 + Mex3a + slowly proliferating stem cells, and CLU + reverse stem cells. We also illustrated major factors responsible for ISC homeostasis including metabolism-related (LKB1, TGR5, HMGCS2), inflammation-related (IFB-b, IFN2, TNF), and Wnt signaling-related (CREPT, Mex3a, MTG16) factors. ISCs play complex roles in intestinal tumorigenesis, chemoresistance and occasional relapse of colon cancer, which bear discussion. In this review, we focus on novel technical challenges in ISCs fate drawing upon recent research with the goals of clarifying our understanding of complex ISCs, elucidating the integrated intestinal crypt niche, and creating new opportunities for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minqiong Sun
- Department of Pathophysiology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhenya Tan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Keqiong Lin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaofei Li
- Department of Pathophysiology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jicheng Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Li Zhan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hong Zheng
- Department of Pathophysiology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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2
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Rlip Protein: A Potential Target for COVID-19. J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect 2023; 12:89-94. [PMID: 36816155 PMCID: PMC9924642 DOI: 10.55729/2000-9666.1090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
On January 30, 2020, the COVID-19 epidemic was declared an international public health emergency by the World Health Organization. Given the growing impact of the pandemic, there is great interest in finding potential targets for treating infected or hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Therapeutic studies have been conducted on pre-existing drugs, which vary by country, including anti-malarial agents, antiviral agents, and convalescent plasma. However, many of these agents are ineffective at reducing mortality or only shorten the severity or duration of COVID-19 illness in hospitalized patients. As such, other alternatives for treating COVID-19 are being investigated. One such target of interest has been clathrin-dependent endocytosis (CDE). Clathrin-dependent endocytosis is the most commonly observed mechanism of viral entry into cells. However, there have been no published studies to date on CDE inhibition strategies against COVID-19. One such target is Rlip or RLIP76 (human gene RALBP1, 18p11.22). Among its many functions, Rlip is a stress-protective, Ral-regulated ATPase of the mercapturic acid pathway that transports glutathione-electrophile conjugates of electrophilic toxins, which are precursors of mercapturic acid that precedes de-glutamylation by gamma-glutamyl transferase. Rlip is also regulated by several G-proteins that coordinate movement of cells, organelles, membranes, cytoskeleton, macromolecules, and other small molecules. Previous studies have link Rlip in the pathogenesis of several viral illness. In this paper, we want to propose that RLIP76 (Rlip or RALBP1) may be a novel target for treating SARS-CoV-2 viral infections.
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3
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Liu Q, Novak MK, Pepin RM, Maschhoff KR, Hu W. Different congenital hydrocephalus-associated mutations in Trim71 impair stem cell differentiation via distinct gain-of-function mechanisms. PLoS Biol 2023; 21:e3001947. [PMID: 36757932 PMCID: PMC9910693 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3001947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Congenital hydrocephalus (CH) is a common neurological disorder affecting many newborns. Imbalanced neurogenesis is a major cause of CH. Multiple CH-associated mutations are within the RNA-binding domain of Trim71, a conserved, stem cell-specific RNA-binding protein. How these mutations alter stem cell fate is unclear. Here, we show that the CH-associated mutations R595H and R783H in Trim71 accelerate differentiation and enhance neural lineage commitment in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs), and reduce binding to mRNAs targeted by wild-type Trim71, consistent with previous reports. Unexpectedly, however, each mutant binds an ectopic and distinct repertoire of target mRNAs. R595H-Trim71, but not R783H-Trim71 nor wild-type Trim71, binds the mRNA encoding β-catenin and represses its translation. Increasing β-catenin by overexpression or treatment with a Wnt agonist specifically restores differentiation of R595H-Trim71 mESCs. These results suggest that Trim71 mutations give rise to unique gain-of-function pathological mechanisms in CH. Further, our studies suggest that disruption of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway can be used to stratify disease etiology and develop precision medicine approaches for CH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuying Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Mariah K. Novak
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Rachel M. Pepin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Katharine R. Maschhoff
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
| | - Wenqian Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Colozza G, Park SY, Koo BK. Clone wars: From molecules to cell competition in intestinal stem cell homeostasis and disease. Exp Mol Med 2022; 54:1367-1378. [PMID: 36117218 PMCID: PMC9534868 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-022-00854-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The small intestine is among the fastest self-renewing tissues in adult mammals. This rapid turnover is fueled by the intestinal stem cells residing in the intestinal crypt. Wnt signaling plays a pivotal role in regulating intestinal stem cell renewal and differentiation, and the dysregulation of this pathway leads to cancer formation. Several studies demonstrate that intestinal stem cells follow neutral drift dynamics, as they divide symmetrically to generate other equipotent stem cells. Competition for niche space and extrinsic signals in the intestinal crypt is the governing mechanism that regulates stemness versus cell differentiation, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood, and it is not yet clear how this process changes during disease. In this review, we highlight the mechanisms that regulate stem cell homeostasis in the small intestine, focusing on Wnt signaling and its regulation by RNF43 and ZNRF3, key inhibitors of the Wnt pathway. Furthermore, we summarize the evidence supporting the current model of intestinal stem cell regulation, highlighting the principles of neutral drift at the basis of intestinal stem cell homeostasis. Finally, we discuss recent studies showing how cancer cells bypass this mechanism to gain a competitive advantage against neighboring normal cells. Stem cells in the gut rapidly renew themselves through processes that cancer cells co-opt to trigger tumor development. Gabriele Colozza from the Institute of Molecular Biotechnology in Vienna, Austria, and colleagues review how a network of critical molecular signals and competition for limited space help to regulate the dynamics of stem cells in the intestines. The correct balance between self-renewal and differentiation is tightly controlled by the so-called Wnt signaling pathway and its inhibitors. Competition between dividing cells in the intestinal crypts, the locations between finger-like protrusions in the gut where stem cells are found, provides another protective mechanism against runaway stem cell growth. However, intestinal cancer cells, thanks to their activating mutations, bypass these safeguards to gain a survival advantage. Drugs that target these ‘super-competitive’ behaviors could therefore help combat tumor proliferation.
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5
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Luo H, Li M, Wang F, Yang Y, Wang Q, Zhao Y, Du F, Chen Y, Shen J, Zhao Q, Zeng J, Wang S, Chen M, Li X, Li W, Sun Y, Gu L, Wen Q, Xiao Z, Wu X. The role of intestinal stem cell within gut homeostasis: Focusing on its interplay with gut microbiota and the regulating pathways. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:5185-5206. [PMID: 35982910 PMCID: PMC9379405 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.72600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) play an important role in maintaining intestinal homeostasis via promoting a healthy gut barrier. Within the stem cell niche, gut microbiota linking the crosstalk of dietary influence and host response has been identified as a key regulator of ISCs. Emerging insights from recent research reveal that ISC and gut microbiota interplay regulates epithelial self-renewal. This article reviews the recent knowledge on the key role of ISC in their local environment (stem cell niche) associating with gut microbiota and their metabolites as well as the signaling pathways. The current progress of intestinal organoid culture is further summarized. Subsequently, the key challenges and future directions are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoming Luo
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.,Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.,Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.,Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Yifei Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.,Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.,Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.,Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Fukuan Du
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.,Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.,Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.,Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.,South Sichuan Institute of Translational Medicine, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Qianyun Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.,Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Jiuping Zeng
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.,Cell Therapy & Cell Drugs of Luzhou Key Laboratory, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
| | - Meijuan Chen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaobing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Wanping Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuhong Sun
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Gu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinglian Wen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.,Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Macao, China
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6
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Kumar S, Fathima E, Khanum F, Malini SS. Significance of the Wnt canonical pathway in radiotoxicity via oxidative stress of electron beam radiation and its molecular control in mice. Int J Radiat Biol 2022; 99:459-473. [PMID: 35758974 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2022.2094018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiation triggers cell death events through signaling proteins, but the combined mechanism of these events is unexplored The Wnt canonical pathway, on the other hand, is essential for cell regeneration and cell fate determination. AIM The relationship between the Wnt pathway's response to radiation and its role in radiotoxicity is overlooked, even though it is a critical molecular control of the cell. The Wnt pathway has been predicted to have radioprotective properties in some reports, but the overall mechanism is unknown. We intend to investigate how this combined cascade works throughout the radiation process and its significance over radiotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty adult mice were irradiated with electron beam radiation, and 5 served as controls. Mice were sacrificed after 24 h and 30 days of irradiation. We assessed DNA damage studies, oxidative stress parameters, mRNA profiles, protein level (liver, kidney, spleen, and germ cells), sperm viability, and motility. OBSERVATION The mRNA profile helps to understand how the combined cascade of the Wnt pathway and NHEJ work together during radiation to combat oxidative response and cell survival. The quantitative examination of mRNA uncovers unique critical changes in all mRNA levels in all cases, particularly in germ cells. Recuperation was likewise seen in post-30 day's radiation in the liver, spleen, and kidney followed by oxidative stress parameters, however not in germ cells. It proposes that reproductive physiology is exceptionally sensitive to radiation, even at the molecular level. It also suggests the suppression of Lef1/Axin2 could be the main reason for the permanent failure of the sperm function process. Post-irradiation likewise influences the morphology of sperm. The decrease in mRNA levels of Lef1, Axin2, Survivin, Ku70, and XRCC6 levels suggests radiation inhibits the Wnt canonical pathway and failure in DNA repair mechanisms in a coupled manner. An increase in Bax, Bcl2, and caspase3 suggests apoptosis activation followed by the decreased expression of enzymatic antioxidants. CONCLUSION Controlled several interlinked such as the Wnt canonical pathway, NHEJ pathway, and intrinsic apoptotic pathway execute when the whole body is exposed to radiation. These pathways decide the cell fate whether it will survive or will go to apoptosis which may further be used in a study to counterpart and better comprehend medication focus on radiation treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shashank Kumar
- Molecular Reproductive and Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Mysore, Mysuru, India
| | - Eram Fathima
- Defense Food Research Laboratory, Defense Research Development Organisation, Mysuru, India
| | - Farhath Khanum
- Defense Food Research Laboratory, Defense Research Development Organisation, Mysuru, India
| | - Suttur S Malini
- Molecular Reproductive and Human Genetics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Mysore, Mysuru, India
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7
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Richardson DS, Spehar JM, Han DT, Chakravarthy PA, Sizemore ST. The RAL Enigma: Distinct Roles of RALA and RALB in Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11101645. [PMID: 35626682 PMCID: PMC9139244 DOI: 10.3390/cells11101645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
RALA and RALB are highly homologous small G proteins belonging to the RAS superfamily. Like other small GTPases, the RALs are molecular switches that can be toggled between inactive GDP-bound and active GTP-bound states to regulate diverse and critical cellular functions such as vesicle trafficking, filopodia formation, mitochondrial fission, and cytokinesis. The RAL paralogs are activated and inactivated by a shared set of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) and utilize similar sets of downstream effectors. In addition to their important roles in normal cell biology, the RALs are known to be critical mediators of cancer cell survival, invasion, migration, and metastasis. However, despite their substantial similarities, the RALs often display striking functional disparities in cancer. RALA and RALB can have redundant, unique, or even antagonistic functions depending on cancer type. The molecular basis for these discrepancies remains an important unanswered question in the field of cancer biology. In this review we examine the functions of the RAL paralogs in normal cellular physiology and cancer biology with special consideration provided to situations where the roles of RALA and RALB are non-redundant.
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8
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Endocytosis at the Crossroad of Polarity and Signaling Regulation: Learning from Drosophila melanogaster and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094684. [PMID: 35563080 PMCID: PMC9101507 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular trafficking through the endosomal–lysosomal system is essential for the transport of cargo proteins, receptors and lipids from the plasma membrane inside the cells and across membranous organelles. By acting as sorting stations, vesicle compartments direct the fate of their content for degradation, recycling to the membrane or transport to the trans-Golgi network. To effectively communicate with their neighbors, cells need to regulate their compartmentation and guide their signaling machineries to cortical membranes underlying these contact sites. Endosomal trafficking is indispensable for the polarized distribution of fate determinants, adaptors and junctional proteins. Conversely, endocytic machineries cooperate with polarity and scaffolding components to internalize receptors and target them to discrete membrane domains. Depending on the cell and tissue context, receptor endocytosis can terminate signaling responses but can also activate them within endosomes that act as signaling platforms. Therefore, cell homeostasis and responses to environmental cues rely on the dynamic cooperation of endosomal–lysosomal machineries with polarity and signaling cues. This review aims to address advances and emerging concepts on the cooperative regulation of endocytosis, polarity and signaling, primarily in Drosophila melanogaster and discuss some of the open questions across the different cell and tissue types that have not yet been fully explored.
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9
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Walter RJ, Sonnentag SJ, Munoz-Sagredo L, Merkel M, Richert L, Bunert F, Heneka YM, Loustau T, Hodder M, Ridgway RA, Sansom OJ, Mely Y, Rothbauer U, Schmitt M, Orian-Rousseau V. Wnt signaling is boosted during intestinal regeneration by a CD44-positive feedback loop. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:168. [PMID: 35190527 PMCID: PMC8861016 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04607-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Enhancement of Wnt signaling is fundamental for stem cell function during intestinal regeneration. Molecular modules control Wnt activity by regulating signal transduction. CD44 is such a positive regulator and a Wnt target gene. While highly expressed in intestinal crypts and used as a stem cell marker, its role during intestinal homeostasis and regeneration remains unknown. Here we propose a CD44 positive-feedback loop that boosts Wnt signal transduction, thus impacting intestinal regeneration. Excision of Cd44 in Cd44fl/fl;VillinCreERT2 mice reduced Wnt target gene expression in intestinal crypts and affected stem cell functionality in organoids. Although the integrity of the intestinal epithelium was conserved in mice lacking CD44, they were hypersensitive to dextran sulfate sodium, and showed more severe inflammation and delayed regeneration. We localized the molecular function of CD44 at the Wnt signalosome, and identified novel DVL/CD44 and AXIN/CD44 complexes. CD44 thus promotes optimal Wnt signaling during intestinal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romina J Walter
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Steffen J Sonnentag
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Leonel Munoz-Sagredo
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.,Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaiso, Angamos 655, 2540064, Vina del Mar, Chile
| | - Melanie Merkel
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Ludovic Richert
- UMR 7021 CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, 67401, Illkirch, France
| | - Felix Bunert
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Yvonne M Heneka
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Thomas Loustau
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Michael Hodder
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK.,Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Rachel A Ridgway
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK.,Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1BD, UK.,Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - Yves Mely
- UMR 7021 CNRS, Laboratoire de Bioimagerie et Pathologies, Faculté de Pharmacie, 74 route du Rhin, 67401, Illkirch, France
| | - Ulrich Rothbauer
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University of Tuebingen, Markwiesenstrasse 55, 72770, Reutlingen, Germany.,Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Eberhard Karls University Tuebingen, Auf der Morgenstelle 8, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Mark Schmitt
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Marburg, Karl-von-Frisch-Strasse 2, 35043, Marburg, Germany
| | - Véronique Orian-Rousseau
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany.
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10
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Wu MH, Padilla-Rodriguez M, Blum I, Camenisch A, Figliuolo da Paz V, Ollerton M, Muller J, Momtaz S, Mitchell SAT, Kiela P, Thorne C, Wilson JM, Cox CM. Proliferation in the developing intestine is regulated by the endosomal protein Endotubin. Dev Biol 2021; 480:50-61. [PMID: 34411593 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
During postnatal intestinal development, the intestinal epithelium is highly proliferative, and this proliferation is regulated by signaling in the intervillous and crypt regions. This signaling is primarily mediated by Wnt, and requires membrane trafficking. However, the mechanisms by which membrane trafficking regulates signaling during this developmental phase are largely unknown. Endotubin (EDTB, MAMDC4) is an endosomal protein that is highly expressed in the apical endocytic complex (AEC) of villus enterocytes during fetal and postnatal development, and knockout of EDTB results in defective formation of the AEC and giant lysosome. Further, knockout of EDTB in cell lines results in decreased proliferation. However, the role of EDTB in proliferation during the development of the intestine is unknown. Using Villin-CreERT2 in EDTBfl/fl mice, we deleted EDTB in the intestine in the early postnatal period, or in enteroids in vitro after isolation of intervillous cells. Loss of EDTB results in decreased proliferation in the developing intestinal epithelium and decreased ability to form enteroids. EDTB is present in cells that contain the stem cell markers LGR5 and OLFM4, indicating that it is expressed in the proliferative compartment. Further, using immunoblot analysis and TCF/LEF-GFP mice as a reporter of Wnt activity, we find that knockout of EDTB results in decreased Wnt signaling. Our results show that EDTB is essential for normal proliferation during the early stages of intestinal development and suggest that this effect is through modulation of Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Han Wu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | | | - Isabella Blum
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Abigail Camenisch
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | | | | | - John Muller
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Samina Momtaz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Stefanie A T Mitchell
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Pawel Kiela
- Departments of Pediatrics and Immunobiology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; Steele Children's Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Curtis Thorne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; The University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; Steele Children's Research Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Jean M Wilson
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; The University of Arizona Cancer Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA; Bio5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
| | - Christopher M Cox
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA.
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11
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Boumard B, Bardin AJ. An amuse-bouche of stem cell regulation: Underlying principles and mechanisms from adult Drosophila intestinal stem cells. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2021; 73:58-68. [PMID: 34217969 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2021.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Stem cells have essential functions in the development and maintenance of our organs. Improper regulation of adult stem cells and tissue homeostasis can result in cancers and age-dependent decline. Therefore, understanding how tissue-specific stem cells can accurately renew tissues is an important aim of regenerative medicine. The Drosophila midgut harbors multipotent adult stem cells that are essential to renew the gut in homeostatic conditions and upon stress-induced regeneration. It is now a widely used model system to decipher regulatory mechanisms of stem cell biology. Here, we review recent findings on how adult intestinal stem cells differentiate, interact with their environment, and change during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Boumard
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Stem Cells and Tissue Homeostasis Group, Paris, France
| | - Allison J Bardin
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, CNRS UMR 3215, INSERM U934, Stem Cells and Tissue Homeostasis Group, Paris, France.
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12
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Nászai M, Bellec K, Yu Y, Román-Fernández A, Sandilands E, Johansson J, Campbell AD, Norman JC, Sansom OJ, Bryant DM, Cordero JB. RAL GTPases mediate EGFR-driven intestinal stem cell proliferation and tumourigenesis. eLife 2021; 10:e63807. [PMID: 34096503 PMCID: PMC8216719 DOI: 10.7554/elife.63807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
RAS-like (RAL) GTPases function in Wnt signalling-dependent intestinal stem cell proliferation and regeneration. Whether RAL proteins work as canonical RAS effectors in the intestine and the mechanisms of how they contribute to tumourigenesis remain unclear. Here, we show that RAL GTPases are necessary and sufficient to activate EGFR/MAPK signalling in the intestine, via induction of EGFR internalisation. Knocking down Drosophila RalA from intestinal stem and progenitor cells leads to increased levels of plasma membrane-associated EGFR and decreased MAPK pathway activation. Importantly, in addition to influencing stem cell proliferation during damage-induced intestinal regeneration, this role of RAL GTPases impacts on EGFR-dependent tumourigenic growth in the intestine and in human mammary epithelium. However, the effect of oncogenic RAS in the intestine is independent from RAL function. Altogether, our results reveal previously unrecognised cellular and molecular contexts where RAL GTPases become essential mediators of adult tissue homeostasis and malignant transformation.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Animals, Genetically Modified
- Breast Neoplasms/enzymology
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Drosophila Proteins/genetics
- Drosophila Proteins/metabolism
- Drosophila melanogaster/enzymology
- Drosophila melanogaster/genetics
- Endocytosis
- ErbB Receptors/genetics
- ErbB Receptors/metabolism
- Female
- Humans
- Hyperplasia
- Intestinal Mucosa/metabolism
- Intestinal Mucosa/pathology
- Lung Neoplasms/enzymology
- Lung Neoplasms/genetics
- Lung Neoplasms/pathology
- Mammary Glands, Human/enzymology
- Mammary Glands, Human/pathology
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism
- Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics
- Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide/genetics
- Receptors, Invertebrate Peptide/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Stem Cells/metabolism
- Stem Cells/pathology
- ral GTP-Binding Proteins/genetics
- ral GTP-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Máté Nászai
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research CentreGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Karen Bellec
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research CentreGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Yachuan Yu
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research CentreGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Alvaro Román-Fernández
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Emma Sandilands
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Joel Johansson
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | | | - Jim C Norman
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - David M Bryant
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Julia B Cordero
- Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research CentreGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
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13
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Dynamic adult tracheal plasticity drives stem cell adaptation to changes in intestinal homeostasis in Drosophila. Nat Cell Biol 2021; 23:485-496. [PMID: 33972729 PMCID: PMC7610788 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-021-00676-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Coordination of stem cell function by local and niche-derived signals is essential to preserve adult tissue homeostasis and organismal health. The vasculature is a prominent component of multiple stem cell niches. However, its role in adult intestinal homeostasis remains largely understudied. Here, we uncover a previously unrecognised crosstalk between adult intestinal stem cells (ISCs) in Drosophila and the vasculature-like tracheal system, which is essential for intestinal regeneration. Following damage to the intestinal epithelium, gut-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) activate tracheal HIF-1α and bidirectional FGF/FGFR signalling, leading to reversible remodelling of gut-associated terminal tracheal cells and ISC proliferation following damage. Unexpectedly, ROS-induced adult tracheal plasticity involves downregulation of the tracheal specification factor trachealess (trh) and upregulation of IGF2 mRNA-binding protein (IGF2BP2/Imp). Our results reveal an intestine/vasculature inter-organ communication programme, which is essential to adapt stem cells response to the proliferative demands of the intestinal epithelium.
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14
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Sun X, He Z, Guo L, Wang C, Lin C, Ye L, Wang X, Li Y, Yang M, Liu S, Hua X, Wen W, Lin C, Long Z, Zhang W, Li H, Jian Y, Zhu Z, Wu X, Lin H. ALG3 contributes to stemness and radioresistance through regulating glycosylation of TGF-β receptor II in breast cancer. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:149. [PMID: 33931075 PMCID: PMC8086123 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-01932-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Radiotherapy is a conventional and effective local treatment for breast cancer. However, residual or recurrent tumors appears frequently because of radioresistance. Novel predictive marker and the potential therapeutic targets of breast cancer radioresistance needs to be investigated. Methods In this study, we screened all 10 asparagine-linked glycosylation (ALG) members in breast cancer patients’ samples by RT-PCR. Cell viability after irradiation (IR) was determined by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. The radiosensitivity of cell lines with different ALG3 expression was determined with the colony formation assay by fitting the multi-target single hit model to the surviving fractions. Cancer stem-like traits were assessed by RT-PCR, Western blot, and flow cytometry. The mechanisms of ALG3 influencing radiosensitivity was detected by Western blot and immunoprecipitation. And the effect of ALG3 on tumor growth after IR was verified in an orthotopic xenograft tumor models. The association of ALG3 with prognosis of breast cancer patients was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Results ALG3 was the most significantly overexpressing gene among ALG family in radioresistant breast cancer tissue. Overexpression of ALG3 predicted poor clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival (OS), and early local recurrence-free survival (LRFS) in breast cancer patients. Upregulating ALG3 enhanced radioresistance and cancer stemness in vitro and in vivo. Conversely, silencing ALG3 increased the radiosensitivity and repressed cancer stemness in vitro, and more importantly inhibition of ALG3 effectively increased the radiosensitivity of breast cancer cells in vivo. Mechanistically, our results further revealed ALG3 promoted radioresistance and cancer stemness by inducing glycosylation of TGF-β receptor II (TGFBR2). Importantly, both attenuation of glycosylation using tunicamycin and inhibition of TGFBR2 using LY2109761 differentially abrogated the stimulatory effect of ALG3 overexpression on cancer stemness and radioresistance. Finally, our findings showed that radiation played an important role in preventing early recurrence in breast cancer patients with low ALG3 levels, but it had limited efficacy in ALG3-overexpressing breast cancer patients. Conclusion Our results suggest that ALG3 may serve as a potential radiosensitive marker, and an effective target to decrease radioresistance by regulating glycosylation of TGFBR2 in breast cancer. For patients with low ALG3 levels, radiation remains an effective mainstay therapy to prevent early recurrence in breast cancer. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-01932-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Sun
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenyu He
- Department of Radiotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling Guo
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Caiqin Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510655, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuyong Lin
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Liping Ye
- Department of Experimental Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqing Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Nanfang Hospital, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Li
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Meisongzhu Yang
- Department of Physiology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Sailan Liu
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Hua
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen Wen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Lin
- Department of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiqing Long
- Department of Radiotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenwen Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Li
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunting Jian
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziyuan Zhu
- Department of General surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical College, Guangzhou, 510150, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianqiu Wu
- Department of Experimental Research, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, China. .,Clinical Experimental Center, Jiangmen Key Laboratory of Clinical Biobanks and Translational Research, Jiangmen Central Hospital, Affiliated Jiangmen Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Jiangmen, 529030, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Huanxin Lin
- Department of Radiotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Colozza G, Koo BK. Wnt/β-catenin signaling: Structure, assembly and endocytosis of the signalosome. Dev Growth Differ 2021; 63:199-218. [PMID: 33619734 PMCID: PMC8251975 DOI: 10.1111/dgd.12718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Wnt/β‐catenin signaling is an ancient pathway that regulates key aspects of embryonic development, cell differentiation, proliferation, and adult stem cell homeostasis. Work from different laboratories has shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the Wnt pathway, including structural details of ligand–receptor interactions. One key aspect that has emerged from multiple studies is that endocytosis of the receptor complex plays a crucial role in fine‐tuning Wnt/β‐catenin signaling. Endocytosis is a key process involved in both activation as well as attenuation of Wnt signaling, but how this is regulated is still poorly understood. Importantly, recent findings show that Wnt also regulates central metabolic pathways such as the acquisition of nutrients through actin‐driven endocytic mechanisms. In this review, we propose that the Wnt pathway displays diverse characteristics that go beyond the regulation of gene expression, through a connection with the endocytic machinery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Colozza
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Bon-Kyoung Koo
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
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16
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Ternet C, Kiel C. Signaling pathways in intestinal homeostasis and colorectal cancer: KRAS at centre stage. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:31. [PMID: 33691728 PMCID: PMC7945333 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00712-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium acts as a physical barrier that separates the intestinal microbiota from the host and is critical for preserving intestinal homeostasis. The barrier is formed by tightly linked intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) (i.e. enterocytes, goblet cells, neuroendocrine cells, tuft cells, Paneth cells, and M cells), which constantly self-renew and shed. IECs also communicate with microbiota, coordinate innate and adaptive effector cell functions. In this review, we summarize the signaling pathways contributing to intestinal cell fates and homeostasis functions. We focus especially on intestinal stem cell proliferation, cell junction formation, remodelling, hypoxia, the impact of intestinal microbiota, the immune system, inflammation, and metabolism. Recognizing the critical role of KRAS mutants in colorectal cancer, we highlight the connections of KRAS signaling pathways in coordinating these functions. Furthermore, we review the impact of KRAS colorectal cancer mutants on pathway rewiring associated with disruption and dysfunction of the normal intestinal homeostasis. Given that KRAS is still considered undruggable and the development of treatments that directly target KRAS are unlikely, we discuss the suitability of targeting pathways downstream of KRAS as well as alterations of cell extrinsic/microenvironmental factors as possible targets for modulating signaling pathways in colorectal cancer. Video Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Ternet
- School of Medicine, Systems Biology Ireland, and UCD Charles Institute of Dermatology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Christina Kiel
- School of Medicine, Systems Biology Ireland, and UCD Charles Institute of Dermatology, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin 4, Ireland.
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17
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Hageman JH, Heinz MC, Kretzschmar K, van der Vaart J, Clevers H, Snippert HJG. Intestinal Regeneration: Regulation by the Microenvironment. Dev Cell 2021; 54:435-446. [PMID: 32841594 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Damage to the intestinal stem cell niche can result from mechanical stress, infections, chronic inflammation or cytotoxic therapies. Progenitor cells can compensate for insults to the stem cell population through dedifferentiation. The microenvironment modulates this regenerative response by influencing the activity of signaling pathways, including Wnt, Notch, and YAP/TAZ. For instance, mesenchymal cells and immune cells become more abundant after damage and secrete signaling molecules that promote the regenerative process. Furthermore, regeneration is influenced by the nutritional state, microbiome, and extracellular matrix. Here, we review how all these components cooperate to restore epithelial homeostasis in the intestine after injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joris H Hageman
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Maria C Heinz
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Kai Kretzschmar
- Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands; Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands; Mildred-Scheel Early Career Centre (MSNZ) for Cancer Research, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jelte van der Vaart
- Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands; Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands; Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and UMC Utrecht, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands; Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Hugo J G Snippert
- Molecular Cancer Research, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, 3584 CX Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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18
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Apken LH, Oeckinghaus A. The RAL signaling network: Cancer and beyond. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 361:21-105. [PMID: 34074494 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The RAL proteins RALA and RALB belong to the superfamily of small RAS-like GTPases (guanosine triphosphatases). RAL GTPases function as molecular switches in cells by cycling through GDP- and GTP-bound states, a process which is regulated by several guanine exchange factors (GEFs) and two heterodimeric GTPase activating proteins (GAPs). Since their discovery in the 1980s, RALA and RALB have been established to exert isoform-specific functions in central cellular processes such as exocytosis, endocytosis, actin organization and gene expression. Consequently, it is not surprising that an increasing number of physiological functions are discovered to be controlled by RAL, including neuronal plasticity, immune response, and glucose and lipid homeostasis. The critical importance of RAL GTPases for oncogenic RAS-driven cellular transformation and tumorigenesis still attracts most research interest. Here, RAL proteins are key drivers of cell migration, metastasis, anchorage-independent proliferation, and survival. This chapter provides an overview of normal and pathological functions of RAL GTPases and summarizes the current knowledge on the involvement of RAL in human disease as well as current therapeutic targeting strategies. In particular, molecular mechanisms that specifically control RAL activity and RAL effector usage in different scenarios are outlined, putting a spotlight on the complexity of the RAL GTPase signaling network and the emerging theme of RAS-independent regulation and relevance of RAL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa H Apken
- Institute of Molecular Tumor Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andrea Oeckinghaus
- Institute of Molecular Tumor Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Münster, Münster, Germany.
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19
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Li Y, Chen M, Hu J, Sheng R, Lin Q, He X, Guo M. Volumetric Compression Induces Intracellular Crowding to Control Intestinal Organoid Growth via Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Cell Stem Cell 2020; 28:63-78.e7. [PMID: 33053374 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2020.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Enormous amounts of essential intracellular events are crowdedly packed inside picoliter-sized cellular space. However, the significance of the physical properties of cells remains underappreciated because of a lack of evidence of how they affect cellular functionalities. Here, we show that volumetric compression regulates the growth of intestinal organoids by modifying intracellular crowding and elevating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Intracellular crowding varies upon stimulation by different types of extracellular physical/mechanical cues and leads to significant enhancement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by stabilizing the LRP6 signalosome. By enhancing intracellular crowding using osmotic and mechanical compression, we show that expansion of intestinal organoids was facilitated through elevated Wnt/β-catenin signaling and greater intestinal stem cell (ISC) self-renewal. Our results provide an entry point for understanding how intracellular crowdedness functions as a physical regulator linking extracellular physical cues with intracellular signaling and potentially facilitate the design of engineering approaches for expansion of stem cells and organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwei Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Maorong Chen
- F. M. Kirby Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Jiliang Hu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ren Sheng
- F. M. Kirby Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China
| | - Qirong Lin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Xi He
- F. M. Kirby Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
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20
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Wang Y, Cui H, Tao S, Zeng T, Wu J, Tao Z, Zhang L, Zou B, Chen Z, Garside GB, Tang D. High Canonical Wnt/β-Catenin Activity Sensitizes Murine Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells to DNA Damage. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2020; 16:212-221. [PMID: 31797147 PMCID: PMC6987068 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-019-09930-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aging is characterized by the accumulation of DNA damage and a decrease in stem cell functionality, yet molecular mechanisms that limit the maintenance of stem cells in response to DNA damage remain to be delineated. Here we show in mouse models that DNA damage leads to a transient over-activation of Wnt signaling in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and that high activity of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling sensitizes HSCs to DNA damage induced by X-irradiation which results in preferential maintenance of HSCs with low levels of Wnt signaling. The study shows that genetic or chemical activation of canonical Wnt signaling enhances radiosensitivity of HSCs while inhibition of Wnt signaling decreases it. Together, these results indicate that levels of Wnt signaling activity mediate heterogeneity in the sensitivity of HSCs to DNA damage induced depletion. These findings could be relevant for molecular alterations and selection of stem cells in the context of DNA damage accumulation during aging and cancer formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiting Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Min-De Road. 1, Nanchang City, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Hui Cui
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Si Tao
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ting Zeng
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jianying Wu
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhendong Tao
- Department of Medical Laboratory Medicine, Jiangxi Province Hospital of Integrated Chinese & Western Medicine, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Liu Zhang
- Intensive Care Unit, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Zou
- Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Clinical and Translational Cancer Research, Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhiyang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - George B Garside
- Leibniz Institute on Aging - Fritz Lipmann Institute (FLI), Jena, Germany
| | - Duozhuang Tang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Min-De Road. 1, Nanchang City, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
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21
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Funk MC, Zhou J, Boutros M. Ageing, metabolism and the intestine. EMBO Rep 2020; 21:e50047. [PMID: 32567155 PMCID: PMC7332987 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202050047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium serves as a dynamic barrier to the environment and integrates a variety of signals, including those from metabolites, commensal microbiota, immune responses and stressors upon ageing. The intestine is constantly challenged and requires a high renewal rate to replace damaged cells in order to maintain its barrier function. Essential for its renewal capacity are intestinal stem cells, which constantly give rise to progenitor cells that differentiate into the multiple cell types present in the epithelium. Here, we review the current state of research of how metabolism and ageing control intestinal stem cell function and epithelial homeostasis. We focus on recent insights gained from model organisms that indicate how changes in metabolic signalling during ageing are a major driver for the loss of stem cell plasticity and epithelial homeostasis, ultimately affecting the resilience of an organism and limiting its lifespan. We compare findings made in mouse and Drosophila and discuss differences and commonalities in the underlying signalling pathways and mechanisms in the context of ageing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja C Funk
- Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jun Zhou
- Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Boutros
- Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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22
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Koushyar S, Powell AG, Vincan E, Phesse TJ. Targeting Wnt Signaling for the Treatment of Gastric Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3927. [PMID: 32486243 PMCID: PMC7311964 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway is evolutionarily conserved, regulating both embryonic development and maintaining adult tissue homeostasis. Wnt signaling controls several fundamental cell functions, including proliferation, differentiation, migration, and stemness. It therefore plays an important role in the epithelial homeostasis and regeneration of the gastrointestinal tract. Often, both hypo- or hyper-activation of the pathway due to genetic, epigenetic, or receptor/ligand alterations are seen in many solid cancers, such as breast, colorectal, gastric, and prostate. Gastric cancer (GC) is the fourth commonest cause of cancer worldwide and is the second leading cause of cancer-related death annually. Although the number of new diagnoses has declined over recent decades, prognosis remains poor, with only 15% surviving to five years. Geographical differences in clinicopathological features are also apparent, with epidemiological and genetic studies revealing GC to be a highly heterogeneous disease with phenotypic diversity as a result of etiological factors. The molecular heterogeneity associated with GC dictates that a single 'one size fits all' approach to management is unlikely to be successful. Wnt pathway dysregulation has been observed in approximately 50% of GC tumors and may offer a novel therapeutic target for patients who would otherwise have a poor outcome. This mini review will highlight some recent discoveries involving Wnt signaling in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Koushyar
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (A.G.P.)
| | - Arfon G. Powell
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (A.G.P.)
- Division of Cancer & Genetics, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF14 4XW, UK
| | - Elizabeth Vincan
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia;
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth WA 6102, Australia
| | - Toby J. Phesse
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia
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23
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Abstract
Drosophila melanogaster has historically been a workhorse model organism for studying developmental biology. In addition, Drosophila is an excellent model for studying how damaged tissues and organs can regenerate. Recently, new precision approaches that enable both highly targeted injury and genetic manipulation have accelerated progress in this field. Here, we highlight these techniques and review examples of recently discovered mechanisms that regulate regeneration in Drosophila larval and adult tissues. We also discuss how, by applying these powerful approaches, studies of Drosophila can continue to guide the future of regeneration research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald T Fox
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Regeneration Next, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Erez Cohen
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Regeneration Next, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Rachel Smith-Bolton
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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24
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Jackstadt R, Hodder MC, Sansom OJ. WNT and β-Catenin in Cancer: Genes and Therapy. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY-SERIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-030419-033628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The WNT pathway is a pleiotropic signaling pathway that controls developmental processes, tissue homeostasis, and cancer. The WNT pathway is commonly mutated in many cancers, leading to widespread research into the role of WNT signaling in carcinogenesis. Understanding which cancers are reliant upon WNT activation and which components of the WNT signaling pathway are mutated is paramount to advancing therapeutic strategies. In addition, building holistic insights into the role of WNT signaling in not only tumor cells but also the tumor microenvironment is a vital area of research and may be a promising therapeutic strategy in multiple immunologically inert cancers. Novel compounds aimed at modulating the WNT signaling pathway using diverse mechanisms are currently under investigation in preclinical/early clinical studies. Here, we review how the WNT pathway is activated in multiple cancers and discuss current strategies to target aberrant WNT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Jackstadt
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom
| | | | - Owen James Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
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25
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Ibáňez Gaspar V, Catozzi S, Ternet C, Luthert PJ, Kiel C. Analysis of Ras-effector interaction competition in large intestine and colorectal cancer context. Small GTPases 2020; 12:209-225. [PMID: 32057289 PMCID: PMC7939564 DOI: 10.1080/21541248.2020.1724596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, and colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the five most common cancers. The small GTPase KRAS is an oncogene that is mutated in ~30% of all CRCs. Pharmacological treatments of CRC are currently unsatisfactory, but much hope rests on network-centric approaches to drug development and cancer treatment. These approaches, however, require a better understanding of how networks downstream of Ras oncoproteins are connected in a particular tissue context – here colon and CRC. Previously we have shown that competition for binding to a ‘hub’ protein, such as Ras, can induce a rewiring of signal transduction networks. In this study, we analysed 56 established and predicted effectors that contain a structural domain with the potential ability to bind to Ras oncoproteins and their link to pathways coordinating intestinal homoeostasis and barrier function. Using protein concentrations in colon tissue and Ras-effector binding affinities, a computational network model was generated that predicted how effectors differentially and competitively bind to Ras in colon context. The model also predicted both qualitative and quantitative changes in Ras-effector complex formations with increased levels of active Ras – to simulate its upregulation in cancer – simply as an emergent property of competition for the same binding interface on the surface of Ras. We also considered how the number of Ras-effector complexes at the membrane can be increased by additional domains present in some effectors that are recruited to the membrane in response to specific conditions (inputs/stimuli/growth factors) in colon context and CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Ibáňez Gaspar
- Systems Biology Ireland, and UCD Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Simona Catozzi
- Systems Biology Ireland, and UCD Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Camille Ternet
- Systems Biology Ireland, and UCD Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
| | - Philip J Luthert
- UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, and NIHR Moorfields Biomedical Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Christina Kiel
- Systems Biology Ireland, and UCD Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Ireland
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26
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Abstract
In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Johansson et al. (2019) find evolutionarily conserved regulation of Wnt signaling through Ral GTPases. These GTPases promote internalization of Wnt receptor complexes and play a critical role in intestinal stem cell function in flies and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Tauc
- Immunology Discovery, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Heinrich Jasper
- Immunology Discovery, Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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27
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Parvy JP, Yu Y, Dostalova A, Kondo S, Kurjan A, Bulet P, Lemaître B, Vidal M, Cordero JB. The antimicrobial peptide defensin cooperates with tumour necrosis factor to drive tumour cell death in Drosophila. eLife 2019; 8:45061. [PMID: 31358113 PMCID: PMC6667213 DOI: 10.7554/elife.45061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are small cationic molecules best known as mediators of the innate defence against microbial infection. While in vitro and ex vivo evidence suggest AMPs’ capacity to kill cancer cells, in vivo demonstration of an anti-tumour role of endogenous AMPs is lacking. Using a Drosophila model of tumourigenesis, we demonstrate a role for the AMP Defensin in the control of tumour progression. Our results reveal that Tumour Necrosis Factor mediates exposure of phosphatidylserine (PS), which makes tumour cells selectively sensitive to the action of Defensin remotely secreted from tracheal and fat tissues. Defensin binds tumour cells in PS-enriched areas, provoking cell death and tumour regression. Altogether, our results provide the first in vivo demonstration for a role of an endogenous AMP as an anti-cancer agent, as well as a mechanism that explains tumour cell sensitivity to the action of AMPs. Animals have a natural defence system – the immune system – that is needed to fight off disease-causing microbes, known as pathogens. One way the immune system attacks pathogens is by producing small microbe-killing molecules called antimicrobial peptides. These antimicrobial peptides carry a positive charge, which allows them to interact with and disrupt the negatively charged cell surfaces of many microbes. Healthy animal cells do not have these negatively charged components on their cell surface, which means they are invisible to antimicrobial peptides. Studies have reported that antimicrobial peptides can attack cancer cells grown in a dish. However, it was unclear whether they could fight cancer cells in a live animal. Parvy et al. have now addressed this issue by studying tumours in the larvae of fruit flies. Flies with tumours made an antimicrobial peptide called Defensin, which normally helps to fight infections. When Parvy et al. deleted the gene coding for Defensin, less tumour cells were dying and the tumours became bigger. This result indicated that Defensin was protecting the fruit flies from tumours. Examining the tumours under the microscope showed that Defensin protein interacted with the membranes of tumour cells. Defensin was not, however, interacting with healthy cells. Further analysis revealed that a negatively charged component of cell membranes called phosphatidylserine, which normally faces the inside of healthy cells, is exposed to the outer surface of tumour cells. This negatively charged molecule renders cancer cells visible to positively charged Defensin. Importantly, the exposure of the phosphatidylserine is mediated by the fly equivalent of a protein called Tumour Necrosis Factor, a key player in cancer biology. Defensin binding to tumour cells leads to their death. These experiments in the fruit fly highlight key molecular mechanisms that allow antimicrobial peptides to fight cancer cells in a living organism. Because human tumour cells can also expose phosphatidylserine, these latest findings may open up the possibility of a new kind of anti-cancer therapy for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yachuan Yu
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Dostalova
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Shu Kondo
- Invertebrate Genetics Laboratory, Genetic Strains Research Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Japan
| | - Alina Kurjan
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Philippe Bulet
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, CR University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U1209, CNRS UMR5309, Immunologie Analytique des Pathologies Chroniques, Grenoble, France
| | - Bruno Lemaître
- Global Health Institute, School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Julia B Cordero
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
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