1
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Tosa M, Abe Y, Egawa S, Hatakeyama T, Iwaguro C, Mitsugi R, Moriyama A, Sano T, Ogawa R, Tanaka N. The HEDGEHOG-GLI1 pathway is important for fibroproliferative properties in keloids and as a candidate therapeutic target. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1235. [PMID: 38062202 PMCID: PMC10703807 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05561-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Keloids are benign fibroproliferative skin tumors caused by aberrant wound healing that can negatively impact patient quality of life. The lack of animal models has limited research on pathogenesis or developing effective treatments, and the etiology of keloids remains unknown. Here, we found that the characteristics of stem-like cells from keloid lesions and the surrounding dermis differ from those of normal skin. Furthermore, the HEDGEHOG (HH) signal and its downstream transcription factor GLI1 were upregulated in keloid patient-derived stem-like cells. Inhibition of the HH-GLI1 pathway reduced the expression of genes involved in keloids and fibrosis-inducing cytokines, including osteopontin. Moreover, the HH signal inhibitor vismodegib reduced keloid reconstituted tumor size and keloid-related gene expression in nude mice and the collagen bundle and expression of cytokines characteristic for keloids in ex vivo culture of keloid tissues. These results implicate the HH-GLI1 pathway in keloid pathogenesis and suggest therapeutic targets of keloids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mamiko Tosa
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Abe
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Seiko Egawa
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Tomoka Hatakeyama
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Chihiro Iwaguro
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Ryotaro Mitsugi
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Ayaka Moriyama
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Takumi Sano
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Rei Ogawa
- Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan.
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Douceau S, Deutsch Guerrero T, Ferent J. Establishing Hedgehog Gradients during Neural Development. Cells 2023; 12:cells12020225. [PMID: 36672161 PMCID: PMC9856818 DOI: 10.3390/cells12020225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
A morphogen is a signaling molecule that induces specific cellular responses depending on its local concentration. The concept of morphogenic gradients has been a central paradigm of developmental biology for decades. Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is one of the most important morphogens that displays pleiotropic functions during embryonic development, ranging from neuronal patterning to axon guidance. It is commonly accepted that Shh is distributed in a gradient in several tissues from different origins during development; however, how these gradients are formed and maintained at the cellular and molecular levels is still the center of a great deal of research. In this review, we first explored all of the different sources of Shh during the development of the nervous system. Then, we detailed how these sources can distribute Shh in the surrounding tissues via a variety of mechanisms. Finally, we addressed how disrupting Shh distribution and gradients can induce severe neurodevelopmental disorders and cancers. Although the concept of gradient has been central in the field of neurodevelopment since the fifties, we also describe how contemporary leading-edge techniques, such as organoids, can revisit this classical model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Douceau
- INSERM UMR-S 1270, F-75005 Paris, France
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, INSERM, Sorbonne Univeristy, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Tanya Deutsch Guerrero
- INSERM UMR-S 1270, F-75005 Paris, France
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, INSERM, Sorbonne Univeristy, F-75005 Paris, France
| | - Julien Ferent
- INSERM UMR-S 1270, F-75005 Paris, France
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, INSERM, Sorbonne Univeristy, F-75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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3
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Non-canonical Sonic Hedgehog signaling amplifies platelet reactivity and thrombogenicity. Blood Adv 2022; 6:5024-5040. [PMID: 35704688 PMCID: PMC9631642 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2021006560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sonic Hedgehog signaling amplifies platelet activation. Targeting Shh signaling attenuates hemostasis and thrombosis.
Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is a morphogen in vertebrate embryos that is also associated with organ homeostasis in adults. We report here that human platelets, though enucleate, synthesize Shh from preexisting mRNAs upon agonist stimulation, and mobilize it for surface expression and release on extracellular vesicles, thus alluding to its putative role in platelet activation. Shh, in turn, induced a wave of noncanonical signaling in platelets leading to activation of small GTPase Ras homolog family member A and phosphorylation of myosin light chain in activated protein kinase-dependent manner. Remarkably, agonist-induced thrombogenic responses in platelets, which include platelet aggregation, granule secretion, and spreading on immobilized fibrinogen, were significantly attenuated by inhibition of Hedgehog signaling, thus, implicating inputs from Shh in potentiation of agonist-mediated platelet activation. In consistence, inhibition of the Shh pathway significantly impaired arterial thrombosis in mice. Taken together, the above observations strongly support a feed-forward loop of platelet stimulation triggered locally by Shh, similar to ADP and thromboxane A2, that contributes significantly to the stability of occlusive arterial thrombus and that can be investigated as a potential therapeutic target in thrombotic disorders.
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4
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Chen T, Zhao Y, Zhao X, Li S, Cao J, Guo J, Bu W, Zhao H, Du J, Cao Y, Fan Y. Self-Organization of Tissue Growth by Interfacial Mechanical Interactions in Multilayered Systems. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2104301. [PMID: 35138041 PMCID: PMC9069393 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202104301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Morphogenesis is a spatially and temporally regulated process involved in various physiological and pathological transformations. In addition to the associated biochemical factors, the physical regulation of morphogenesis has attracted increasing attention. However, the driving force of morphogenesis initiation remains elusive. Here, it is shown that during the growth of multilayered tissues, a morphogenetic process can be self-organized by the progression of compression gradient stemmed from the interfacial mechanical interactions between layers. In tissues with low fluidity, the compression gradient is progressively strengthened during growth and induces stratification by triggering symmetric-to-asymmetric cell division reorientation at the critical tissue size. In tissues with high fluidity, compression gradient is dynamic and induces cell rearrangement leading to 2D in-plane morphogenesis instead of 3D deformation. Morphogenesis can be tuned by manipulating tissue fluidity, cell adhesion forces, and mechanical properties to influence the progression of compression gradient during the development of cultured cell sheets and chicken embryos. Together, the dynamics of compression gradient arising from interfacial mechanical interaction provides a conserved mechanism underlying morphogenesis initiation and size control during tissue growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tailin Chen
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of EducationBeijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical EngineeringSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSchool of Engineering MedicineBeihang UniversityBeijing100083China
| | - Yan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Advanced Design and Manufacturing for Vehicle BodyCollege of Mechanical and Vehicle EngineeringHunan UniversityChangsha410082China
| | - Xinbin Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of EducationBeijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical EngineeringSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSchool of Engineering MedicineBeihang UniversityBeijing100083China
| | - Shukai Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of EducationBeijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical EngineeringSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSchool of Engineering MedicineBeihang UniversityBeijing100083China
| | - Jialing Cao
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of EducationBeijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical EngineeringSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSchool of Engineering MedicineBeihang UniversityBeijing100083China
| | - Jun Guo
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of EducationBeijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical EngineeringSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSchool of Engineering MedicineBeihang UniversityBeijing100083China
| | - Wanjuan Bu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of EducationBeijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical EngineeringSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSchool of Engineering MedicineBeihang UniversityBeijing100083China
| | - Hucheng Zhao
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical EngineeringDepartment of Engineering MechanicsSchool of Aerospace EngineeringTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Jing Du
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of EducationBeijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical EngineeringSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSchool of Engineering MedicineBeihang UniversityBeijing100083China
| | - Yanping Cao
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical EngineeringDepartment of Engineering MechanicsSchool of Aerospace EngineeringTsinghua UniversityBeijing100084China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of Ministry of EducationBeijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical EngineeringSchool of Biological Science and Medical EngineeringSchool of Engineering MedicineBeihang UniversityBeijing100083China
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5
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Zhou Y, Huang J, Jin B, He S, Dang Y, Zhao T, Jin Z. The Emerging Role of Hedgehog Signaling in Viral Infections. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:870316. [PMID: 35464958 PMCID: PMC9023792 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.870316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is one of the key pathways that is indispensable for many developmental processes and postnatal tissue homeostasis. Dysregulated HH signaling could lead to developmental disorders and tumorigenesis in a variety of tissues via inherited or sporadic mutation, gene overexpression, and crosstalk with other signaling pathways. Recently, accumulating evidence has shown that HH signaling is targeted by viruses to facilitate viral transcription, immune evasion, and uncontrolled growth, leading to effective viral replication and pathogenesis. In this study, we will summarize recent advances in functional interaction between HH signaling and different types of viruses, particularly focusing on the pathological role of HH signaling in viral infections and related diseases.
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6
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Rana T, Behl T, Sehgal A, Sachdeva M, Mehta V, Sharma N, Singh S, Bungau S. Exploring Sonic Hedgehog Cell Signaling in Neurogenesis: Its Potential Role in Depressive Behavior. Neurochem Res 2021; 46:1589-1602. [PMID: 33786718 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03307-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Depression is the most prevalent form of neuropsychiatric disorder affecting all age groups globally. As per the estimation of the World Health Organization (WHO), depression will develop into the foremost reason for disability globally by the year 2030. The primary neurobiological mechanism implicated in depression remains ambiguous; however, dysregulation of molecular and signaling transductions results in depressive disorders. Several theories have been developed to explain the pathogenesis of depression, however, none of them completely explained all aspects of depressive-pathogenesis. In the current review, we aimed to explore the role of the sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway in the development of the depressive disorder and its potential as the therapeutic target. Shh signaling has a crucial function in neurogenesis and neural tube patterning during the development of the central nervous system (CNS). Shh signaling performs a basic function in embryogenesis and hippocampal neurogenesis. Moreover, antidepressants are also known to enhance neurogenesis in the hippocampus, which further suggests the potential of Shh signaling. Furthermore, there is decreased expression of a glioma-associated oncogene (Gli1) and Smoothened (Smo) in depression. Moreover, antidepressants also regulate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and wingless protein (Wnt) signaling, therefore, Shh may be implicated in the pathogenesis of the depressive disorder. Deregulation of Shh signaling in CNS results in neurological disorders such as depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarapati Rana
- Government Pharmacy College, Seraj, Distt. Mandi, Himachal Pradesh, India.,Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India.
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Monika Sachdeva
- Fatimah College of Health Sciences, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vineet Mehta
- Government College of Pharmacy, Rohru, Distt. Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Neelam Sharma
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Sukhbir Singh
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
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7
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Manikowski D, Kastl P, Schürmann S, Ehring K, Steffes G, Jakobs P, Grobe K. C-Terminal Peptide Modifications Reveal Direct and Indirect Roles of Hedgehog Morphogen Cholesteroylation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 8:615698. [PMID: 33511123 PMCID: PMC7835520 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.615698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) morphogens are involved in embryonic development and stem cell biology and, if misregulated, can contribute to cancer. One important post-translational modification with profound impact on Hh biofunction is its C-terminal cholesteroylation during biosynthesis. The current hypothesis is that the cholesterol moiety is a decisive factor in Hh association with the outer plasma membrane leaflet of producing cells, cell-surface Hh multimerization, and its transport and signaling. Yet, it is not decided whether the cholesterol moiety is directly involved in all of these processes, because their functional interdependency raises the alternative possibility that the cholesterol initiates early processes directly and that these processes can then steer later stages of Hh signaling independent of the lipid. We generated variants of the C-terminal Hh peptide and observed that these cholesteroylated peptides variably impaired several post-translational processes in producing cells and Hh biofunction in Drosophila melanogaster eye and wing development. We also found that substantial Hh amounts separated from cholesteroylated peptide tags in vitro and in vivo and that tagged and untagged Hh variants lacking their C-cholesterol moieties remained bioactive. Our approach thus confirms that Hh cholesteroylation is essential during the early steps of Hh production and maturation but also suggests that it is dispensable for Hh signal reception at receiving cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Manikowski
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry and the Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003-CiM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Philipp Kastl
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry and the Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003-CiM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Sabine Schürmann
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry and the Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003-CiM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Kristina Ehring
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry and the Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003-CiM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Georg Steffes
- Institute of Neuro- and Behavioral Biology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Petra Jakobs
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry and the Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003-CiM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Kay Grobe
- Institute of Physiological Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry and the Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC1003-CiM), University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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8
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Bongiovanni D, Tosello V, Saccomani V, Dalla Santa S, Amadori A, Zanovello P, Piovan E. Crosstalk between Hedgehog pathway and the glucocorticoid receptor pathway as a basis for combination therapy in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Oncogene 2020; 39:6544-6555. [PMID: 32917954 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01453-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Notwithstanding intensified therapy, a considerable fraction of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) patients face a dismal prognosis due to primary resistance to treatment and relapse, raising the need for more efficient and targeted therapies. Hedgehog (HH) signaling is a major developmental pathway frequently deregulated in cancer, for which a role in T-ALL is emerging. Mounting evidence suggests that ligand-independent activation of HH pathway occurs in cancer including T-ALL, emphasizing the necessity of dissecting the complex interplay between HH and other signaling pathways regulating activation. In this work, we present a therapeutically relevant crosstalk between HH signaling and the glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1) pathway acting at the level of GLI1 transcription factor. GLI inhibitor GANT61 and dexamethasone were shown to exert a synergistic anti-leukemic effect in vitro in T-ALL cell lines and patient-derived xenografts. Mechanistically, dexamethasone-activated NR3C1 impaired GLI1 function by dynamically modulating the recruitment of PCAF acetyltransferase and HDAC1 deacetylase. Increased GLI1 acetylation was associated with compromised transcriptional activity and reduced protein stability. In summary, our study identifies a novel crosstalk between GLI1 and NR3C1 signaling pathway which could be exploited in HH-dependent malignancies to increase therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah Bongiovanni
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Oncologiche e Gastroenterologiche, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Valeria Tosello
- UOC Immunologia e Diagnostica Molecolare Oncologica, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Saccomani
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Oncologiche e Gastroenterologiche, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Dalla Santa
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Oncologiche e Gastroenterologiche, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Alberto Amadori
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Oncologiche e Gastroenterologiche, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy.,UOC Immunologia e Diagnostica Molecolare Oncologica, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy
| | - Paola Zanovello
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Oncologiche e Gastroenterologiche, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Erich Piovan
- Dipartimento di Scienze Chirurgiche, Oncologiche e Gastroenterologiche, Università di Padova, Padova, Italy. .,UOC Immunologia e Diagnostica Molecolare Oncologica, Istituto Oncologico Veneto IOV-IRCCS, Padova, Italy.
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9
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Gao R, Shi C, Yang C, Zhao Y, Chen X, Zhou X. Cyclic stretch promotes the ossification of ligamentum flavum by modulating the Indian hedgehog signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:1119-1128. [PMID: 32626952 PMCID: PMC7339599 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The Indian hedgehog (IHH) signaling pathway is an important pathway for bone growth and development. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of the IHH signaling pathway in the development of the ossification of ligamentum flavum (OLF) at the cellular and tissue levels. The expression levels and localization of the osteogenic genes Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), Osterix, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteocalcin (OCN) and IHH were evaluated in OLF tissues by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) and immunohistochemistry. Non-ossified ligamentum flavum (LF) sections were used as control samples. The tissue explant method was used to obtain cultured LF cells. In addition, OLF cells were subjected to cyclic stretch application for 0, 6, 12 or 24 h. The expression levels of osteogenic genes, and the IHH signaling pathway genes IHH, Smoothened (SMO), GLI family zinc finger 1 (GLI1), GLI2 and GLI3 were evaluated with RT-qPCR and western blotting. Osteogenic differentiation was further evaluated by assessing ALP activity and staining. Moreover, the effect of cyclopamine (Cpn), an IHH signaling inhibitor, on osteogenic differentiation was examined. The RT-qPCR and immunohistochemical results indicated that the mRNA and protein expression levels of RUNX2, Osterix, ALP, OCN and IHH were significantly higher in the OLF group compared with the LF group. Furthermore, application of cyclic stretch to OLF cells resulted in greater ALP activity, and significant increases in mRNA and protein expression levels of RUNX2, Osterix, ALP and OCN in a time-d00ependent manner. Cyclic stretch application also led to significant increases in IHH signaling pathway genes, including IHH, SMO, GLI1 and GLI2, while no significant effect was found on GLI3 expression level. In addition, it was found that Cpn significantly reversed the effect of cyclic stretch on the ALP activity, and the expression levels of RUNX2, Osterix, ALP, OCN, GLI1 and GLI2. Collectively, the present results suggested that the IHH signaling pathway may mediate the effect of cyclic stretch on the OLF cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Gao
- Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Changgui Shi
- Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Chengwei Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, Lanzhou General Hospital of PLA, Lanzhou, Gansu 730050, P.R. China
| | - Yin Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Xiongsheng Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
| | - Xuhui Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200003, P.R. China
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10
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Bialistoky T, Manry D, Smith P, Ng C, Kim Y, Zamir S, Moyal V, Kalifa R, Schedl P, Gerlitz O, Deshpande G. Functional analysis of Niemann-Pick disease type C family protein, NPC1a, in Drosophila melanogaster. Development 2019; 146:dev.168427. [PMID: 31092503 DOI: 10.1242/dev.168427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
During embryonic gonad coalescence, primordial germ cells (PGCs) follow a carefully choreographed migratory route circumscribed by guidance signals towards somatic gonadal precursor cells (SGPs). In Drosophila melanogaster, SGP-derived Hedgehog (Hh), which serves as a guidance cue for the PGCs, is potentiated by mesodermally restricted HMGCoA-reductase (Hmgcr) and the ABC transporter Multi-drug-resistant-49 (Mdr49). Given the importance of cholesterol modification in the processing and long-distance transmission of the Hh ligand, we have analyzed the involvement of the Niemann-Pick disease type C-1a (NPC1a) protein, a cholesterol transporter, in germ cell migration and Hedgehog signaling. We show that mesoderm-specific inactivation of Npc1a results in germ cell migration defects. Similar to Mdr49, PGC migration defects in the Npc1a embryos are ameliorated by a cholesterol-rich diet. Consistently, reduction in Npc1a weakens the ability of ectopic HMG Coenzyme A reductase (Hmgcr) to induce germ cell migration defects. Moreover, compromising Npc1a levels influences Hh signaling adversely during wing development, a process that relies upon long-range Hh signaling. Last, doubly heterozygous embryos (Mdr49/Npc1a) display enhanced germ cell migration defects when compared with single mutants (Npc1a/+ or Mdr49/+), supporting cooperative interaction between the two.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzofia Bialistoky
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Diane Manry
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Peyton Smith
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Christopher Ng
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Yunah Kim
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Sol Zamir
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Victoria Moyal
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rachel Kalifa
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Paul Schedl
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Offer Gerlitz
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, The Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada (IMRIC), The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Girish Deshpande
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
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11
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Patel SS, Tomar S, Sharma D, Mahindroo N, Udayabanu M. Targeting sonic hedgehog signaling in neurological disorders. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 74:76-97. [PMID: 28088536 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 01/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling influences neurogenesis and neural patterning during the development of central nervous system. Dysregulation of Shh signaling in brain leads to neurological disorders like autism spectrum disorder, depression, dementia, stroke, Parkinson's diseases, Huntington's disease, locomotor deficit, epilepsy, demyelinating disease, neuropathies as well as brain tumors. The synthesis, processing and transport of Shh ligand as well as the localization of its receptors and signal transduction in the central nervous system has been carefully reviewed. Further, we summarize the regulation of small molecule modulators of Shh pathway with potential in neurological disorders. In conclusion, further studies are warranted to demonstrate the potential of positive and negative regulators of the Shh pathway in neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sita Sharan Patel
- Department of Pharmacy, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat 173234, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Sunil Tomar
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Post Box 9, Solan 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Diksha Sharma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Post Box 9, Solan 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Neeraj Mahindroo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Post Box 9, Solan 173212, Himachal Pradesh, India
| | - Malairaman Udayabanu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jaypee University of Information Technology, Waknaghat 173234, Himachal Pradesh, India.
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Deshpande G, Manry D, Jourjine N, Mogila V, Mozes H, Bialistoky T, Gerlitz O, Schedl P. Role of the ABC transporter Mdr49 in Hedgehog signaling and germ cell migration. Development 2016; 143:2111-20. [PMID: 27122170 DOI: 10.1242/dev.133587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Coalescence of the embryonic gonad in Drosophila melanogaster requires directed migration of primordial germ cells (PGCs) towards somatic gonadal precursor cells (SGPs). It was recently proposed that the ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter Mdr49 functions in the embryonic mesoderm to facilitate the transmission of the PGC attractant from the SGPs; however, the precise molecular identity of the Mdr49-dependent guidance signal remained elusive. Employing the loss- and gain-of-function strategies, we show that Mdr49 is a component of the Hedgehog (hh) pathway and it potentiates the signaling activity. This function is direct because in Mdr49 mutant embryos the Hh ligand is inappropriately sequestered in the hh-expressing cells. Our data also suggest that the role of Mdr49 is to provide cholesterol for the correct processing of the Hh precursor protein. Supporting this conclusion, PGC migration defects in Mdr49 embryos are substantially ameliorated by a cholesterol-rich diet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girish Deshpande
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Diane Manry
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Nicholas Jourjine
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Vladic Mogila
- Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
| | - Henny Mozes
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Tzofia Bialistoky
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Offer Gerlitz
- Department of Developmental Biology and Cancer Research, IMRIC, The Hebrew University, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Paul Schedl
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA Institute of Gene Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119334, Russia
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Fleury A, Hoch L, Martinez MC, Faure H, Taddei M, Petricci E, Manetti F, Girard N, Mann A, Jacques C, Larghero J, Ruat M, Andriantsitohaina R, Le Lay S. Hedgehog associated to microparticles inhibits adipocyte differentiation via a non-canonical pathway. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23479. [PMID: 27010359 PMCID: PMC4806302 DOI: 10.1038/srep23479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) is a critical regulator of adipogenesis. Extracellular vesicles are natural Hh carriers, as illustrated by activated/apoptotic lymphocytes specifically shedding microparticles (MP) bearing the morphogen (MP(Hh+)). We show that MP(Hh+) inhibit adipocyte differentiation and orientate mesenchymal stem cells towards a pro-osteogenic program. Despite a Smoothened (Smo)-dependency, MP(Hh+) anti-adipogenic effects do not activate a canonical Hh signalling pathway in contrast to those elicited either by the Smo agonist SAG or recombinant Sonic Hedgehog. The Smo agonist GSA-10 recapitulates many of the hallmarks of MP(Hh+) anti-adipogenic effects. The adipogenesis blockade induced by MP(Hh+) and GSA-10 was abolished by the Smo antagonist LDE225. We further elucidate a Smo/Lkb1/Ampk axis as the non-canonical Hh pathway used by MP(Hh+) and GSA-10 to inhibit adipocyte differentiation. Our results highlight for the first time the ability of Hh-enriched MP to signal via a non-canonical pathway opening new perspectives to modulate fat development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Fleury
- INSERM U1063, Université d'Angers, IBS-IRIS Rue des Capucins, F-49100 Angers, France
| | - Lucile Hoch
- CNRS, UMR-9197, Neuroscience Paris-Saclay Institute, Molecules Circuits Department, 1 Avenue de la Terrasse, F-91198, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - M Carmen Martinez
- INSERM U1063, Université d'Angers, IBS-IRIS Rue des Capucins, F-49100 Angers, France
| | - Hélène Faure
- CNRS, UMR-9197, Neuroscience Paris-Saclay Institute, Molecules Circuits Department, 1 Avenue de la Terrasse, F-91198, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | - Maurizio Taddei
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, I-53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Elena Petricci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, I-53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Manetti
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, Università degli Studi di Siena, Via A. Moro 2, I-53100, Siena, Italy
| | - Nicolas Girard
- CNRS, UMR-7200, Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Université de Strasbourg, 74 Route du Rhin, BP 60024, F-67401 Illkirch, France
| | - André Mann
- CNRS, UMR-7200, Laboratoire d'Innovation Thérapeutique, Université de Strasbourg, 74 Route du Rhin, BP 60024, F-67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Caroline Jacques
- INSERM U1063, Université d'Angers, IBS-IRIS Rue des Capucins, F-49100 Angers, France
| | - Jérôme Larghero
- Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Unité de Thérapie Cellulaire; Inserm UMR1160 et CIC de Biothérapies; Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, F-75475, Paris, France
| | - Martial Ruat
- CNRS, UMR-9197, Neuroscience Paris-Saclay Institute, Molecules Circuits Department, 1 Avenue de la Terrasse, F-91198, Gif sur Yvette, France
| | | | - Soazig Le Lay
- INSERM U1063, Université d'Angers, IBS-IRIS Rue des Capucins, F-49100 Angers, France
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Callahan BP, Wang C. Hedgehog Cholesterolysis: Specialized Gatekeeper to Oncogenic Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2015; 7:2037-53. [PMID: 26473928 PMCID: PMC4695875 DOI: 10.3390/cancers7040875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Discussions of therapeutic suppression of hedgehog (Hh) signaling almost exclusively focus on receptor antagonism; however, hedgehog's biosynthesis represents a unique and potentially targetable aspect of this oncogenic signaling pathway. Here, we review a key biosynthetic step called cholesterolysis from the perspectives of structure/function and small molecule inhibition. Cholesterolysis, also called cholesteroylation, generates cholesterol-modified Hh ligand via autoprocessing of a hedgehog precursor protein. Post-translational modification by cholesterol appears to be restricted to proteins in the hedgehog family. The transformation is essential for Hh biological activity and upstream of signaling events. Despite its decisive role in generating ligand, cholesterolysis remains conspicuously unexplored as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian P Callahan
- Chemistry Department, Binghamton University 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY 13902, USA.
| | - Chunyu Wang
- Biology Department, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 110 8th Street, Troy, NY 12180, USA.
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Matsuo I, Kimura-Yoshida C. Extracellular distribution of diffusible growth factors controlled by heparan sulfate proteoglycans during mammalian embryogenesis. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2015; 369:rstb.2013.0545. [PMID: 25349453 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2013.0545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
During mouse embryogenesis, diffusible growth factors, i.e. fibroblast growth factors, Wnt, bone morphogenetic protein and Hedgehog family members, emanating from localized areas can travel through the extracellular space and reach their target cells to specify the cell fate and form tissue architectures in coordination. However, the mechanisms by which these growth factors travel great distances to their target cells and control the signalling activity as morphogens remain an enigma. Recent studies in mice and other model animals have revealed that heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) located on the cell surface (e.g. syndecans and glypicans) and in the extracellular matrix (ECM; e.g. perlecan and agrin) play crucial roles in the extracellular distribution of growth factors. Principally, the function of HSPGs depends primarily on the fine features and localization of their heparan sulfate glycosaminoglycan chains. Cell-surface-tethered HSPGs retain growth factors as co-receptors and/or endocytosis mediators, and enzymatic release of HSPGs from the cell membrane allows HSPGs to transport or move multiple growth factors. By contrast, ECM-associated HSPGs function as a reservoir or barrier in a context-dependent manner. This review is focused on our current understanding of the extracellular distribution of multiple growth factors controlled by HSPGs in mammalian development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isao Matsuo
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka Prefectural Hospital Organization, 840 Murodo-cho, Izumi, Osaka 594-1101, Japan
| | - Chiharu Kimura-Yoshida
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Osaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health, Osaka Prefectural Hospital Organization, 840 Murodo-cho, Izumi, Osaka 594-1101, Japan
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Hedgehog and Resident Vascular Stem Cell Fate. Stem Cells Int 2015; 2015:468428. [PMID: 26064136 PMCID: PMC4438189 DOI: 10.1155/2015/468428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog pathway is a pivotal morphogenic driver during embryonic development and a key regulator of adult stem cell self-renewal. The discovery of resident multipotent vascular stem cells and adventitial progenitors within the vessel wall has transformed our understanding of the origin of medial and neointimal vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) during vessel repair in response to injury, lesion formation, and overall disease progression. This review highlights the importance of components of the Hh and Notch signalling pathways within the medial and adventitial regions of adult vessels, their recapitulation following vascular injury and disease progression, and their putative role in the maintenance and differentiation of resident vascular stem cells to vascular lineages from discrete niches within the vessel wall.
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Akhtar N, Makki MS, Haqqi TM. MicroRNA-602 and microRNA-608 regulate sonic hedgehog expression via target sites in the coding region in human chondrocytes. Arthritis Rheumatol 2015; 67:423-34. [PMID: 25385442 DOI: 10.1002/art.38952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2013] [Accepted: 11/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Hedgehog (HH) signaling has recently been associated with cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis (OA). Because interleukin-1β (IL-1β) has been implicated as a principal instigator of OA, we sought to determine whether IL-1β induces the expression of sonic HH (SHH) and its regulation by microRNAs (miRNAs) in human chondrocytes. METHODS Expression of SHH protein in human OA cartilage and in an animal model of OA was determined by immunohistochemical analysis and immunofluorescence analysis, respectively. Gene and protein expression in IL-1β- or SHH-stimulated OA chondrocytes was determined by TaqMan assays and Western blotting, respectively. The effect of overexpression of miRNA-602 (miR-602) and miR-608 or their antagomirs on SHH expression was evaluated by transient transfection of human chondrocytes and HEK 293 cells. The role of signaling pathways was evaluated using small molecule inhibitors. Binding of miRNAs with the putative seed sequence in SHH messenger RNA (mRNA) was validated using a luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS Expression of SHH, patched 1, Gli-1, HH-interacting protein, matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP-13), and Colα1(X) was high in damaged OA cartilage. In damaged cartilage and in IL-1β-stimulated OA chondrocytes, expression of SHH was inversely correlated with expression of miR-608. Cotransfection of OA chondrocytes with miR-608 or miR-602 mimic inhibited reporter activity, and mutation of the miRNA seed sequences abolished the repression of reporter activity. Overexpression of miR-602 or miR-608 inhibited the expression of SHH mRNA and protein, and this was abrogated by antagomirs. Stimulation with recombinant human SHH protein up-regulated MMP-13 expression, and inhibition of HH signaling blocked MMP-13 expression in OA chondrocytes. CONCLUSION MiR-602 and miR-608 are important posttranscription regulators of SHH expression in OA chondrocytes, and their suppression by IL-1β may contribute to the enhanced expression of SHH and MMP-13 in OA.
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Wu CH, Bialecka-Fornal M, Newman DK. Methylation at the C-2 position of hopanoids increases rigidity in native bacterial membranes. eLife 2015; 4. [PMID: 25599566 PMCID: PMC4337730 DOI: 10.7554/elife.05663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Accepted: 01/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Sedimentary rocks host a vast reservoir of organic carbon, such as 2-methylhopane biomarkers, whose evolutionary significance we poorly understand. Our ability to interpret this molecular fossil record is constrained by ignorance of the function of their molecular antecedents. To gain insight into the meaning of 2-methylhopanes, we quantified the dominant (des)methylated hopanoid species in the membranes of the model hopanoid-producing bacterium Rhodopseudomonas palustris TIE-1. Fluorescence polarization studies of small unilamellar vesicles revealed that hopanoid 2-methylation specifically renders native bacterial membranes more rigid at concentrations that are relevant in vivo. That hopanoids differentially modify native membrane rigidity as a function of their methylation state indicates that methylation itself promotes fitness under stress. Moreover, knowing the in vivo (2Me)-hopanoid concentration range in different cell membranes, and appreciating that (2Me)-hopanoids' biophysical effects are tuned by the lipid environment, permits the design of more relevant in vitro experiments to study their physiological functions. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.05663.001 The cell membrane that separates the inside of a cell from its outside environment is not a fixed structure. A cell can change the amount and type of different molecules in its membrane, which can alter the rigidity and permeability of the membrane and allow the cell to adapt to changing conditions. The cell membranes of many bacteria contain molecules called hopanoids. Hopanes are the fossilized forms of these molecules and many hopanes are found extensively in sedimentary rocks. For example, 2-methylated hopanes—the fossilized forms of hopanoids that have a methyl group added to a particular carbon atom—have been found in ancient rocks that formed up to 1.6 billion years ago. Many researchers have suggested that 2-methylated hopanes (and other molecular fossils) in sedimentary rocks could act as ‘biomarkers’ and be used to deduce what primitive life and ancient living conditions were like. Millions of years ago, several periods occurred where the Earth's oceans lost almost all of their oxygen; this likely placed all life on Earth under great stress. A greater proportion of the hopanes found in rocks formed during those periods are methylated than those seen in rocks from other time periods. However, it was difficult to interpret this observation about the fossil record, as the role of 2-methylated hopanoids in living bacterial cells was unknown. Wu et al. have now investigated the role of 2-methylated hopanoids by performing experiments on bacterial membranes and found that 2-methylated hopanoids help the other molecules that make up the membrane to pack more tightly together. This makes the membrane more rigid, and the extent of this stiffening depends on the length of the 2-methylated hopanoid and on the other molecules that are present in the membrane. A more rigid membrane would protect the bacteria more in times of stress; therefore, rock layers containing an increased amount of 2-methylhopane are likely to indicate times when the bacteria living at that time were under a great deal of stress. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.05663.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hung Wu
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| | - Maja Bialecka-Fornal
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
| | - Dianne K Newman
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, United States
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Chung Y, Fu E. Cyclosporine A up-regulates Sonic hedgehog in gingiva: role of the up-regulation on gingival cell proliferation. J Periodontal Res 2014; 49:810-6. [PMID: 24823913 DOI: 10.1111/jre.12168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/21/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Sonic hedgehog protein (SHH) is a mitogen that stimulates cell proliferation. Cyclosporine A enhances the proliferation of gingival cells; however, the relationships of SHH to cyclosporine A or to cyclosporine A-enhanced gingival cell proliferation have not been described. MATERIAL AND METHODS Here, we investigated SHH expression in gingiva in vitro and in vivo after cyclosporine A treatment and tested the effect of SHH inhibition on cyclosporine A-enhanced gingival fibroblast proliferation in vitro. RESULTS In human gingival fibroblasts, cyclosporine A treatment increased the expression of SHH transcripts and SHH protein, and stimulated cell proliferation; the addition of cyclopamine, an SHH signaling inhibitor, suppressed cyclosporine A-enhanced cell proliferation. Up-regulated expression of SHH and up-regulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen transcripts and protein were observed in the edentulous gingiva of cyclosporine A-treated rats. CONCLUSION Cyclosporine A up-regulates gingival SHH expression in vitro and in vivo, and the inhibition of the SHH pathway counteracts the stimulatory effect of cyclosporine A on gingival fibroblast proliferation. Therefore, we suggest that SHH mediates a novel molecular mechanism for cyclosporine A-induced gingival complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Chung
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, China; Department of Periodontology, School of Dentistry, National Defense Medical Center and Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, China
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The hedgehog pathway gene shifted functions together with the hmgcr-dependent isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway to orchestrate germ cell migration. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003720. [PMID: 24068944 PMCID: PMC3772052 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2012] [Accepted: 06/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila embryonic gonad is assembled from two distinct cell types, the Primordial Germ Cells (PGCs) and the Somatic Gonadal Precursor cells (SGPs). The PGCs form at the posterior of blastoderm stage embryos and are subsequently carried inside the embryo during gastrulation. To reach the SGPs, the PGCs must traverse the midgut wall and then migrate through the mesoderm. A combination of local repulsive cues and attractive signals emanating from the SGPs guide migration. We have investigated the role of the hedgehog (hh) pathway gene shifted (shf) in directing PGC migration. shf encodes a secreted protein that facilitates the long distance transmission of Hh through the proteoglycan matrix after it is released from basolateral membranes of Hh expressing cells in the wing imaginal disc. shf is expressed in the gonadal mesoderm, and loss- and gain-of-function experiments demonstrate that it is required for PGC migration. Previous studies have established that the hmgcr-dependent isoprenoid biosynthetic pathway plays a pivotal role in generating the PGC attractant both by the SGPs and by other tissues when hmgcr is ectopically expressed. We show that production of this PGC attractant depends upon shf as well as a second hh pathway gene gγ1. Further linking the PGC attractant to Hh, we present evidence indicating that ectopic expression of hmgcr in the nervous system promotes the release/transmission of the Hh ligand from these cells into and through the underlying mesodermal cell layer, where Hh can contact migrating PGCs. Finally, potentiation of Hh by hmgcr appears to depend upon cholesterol modification. The molecular mechanisms underlying directed cell migration have been studied extensively in different biological contexts. Germ cell migration provides an effective model to study the dynamics of in vivo cell migration. The process of germ cell migration in Drosophila melanogaster results in embryonic gonad formation consisting of primordial germ cells (PGCs) and somatic gonadal precursor cells (SGPs). Moreover, it likely involves a complex series of attractive and repulsive cues. Molecular and genetic analysis has been performed to elucidate the nature of the attractive cue(s) and components that guide germ cells to the SGPs in the mesoderm. One current model proposes that 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A reductase (Hmgcr), synthesized in the SGPs, potentiates signaling downstream of Hedgehog (Hh) ligand also emanating from the SGPs. The model pivots on the novel activity of an established morphogen, Hedgehog, to function as a chemoattractant for the migrating germ cells. A variety of ‘loss-’ and ‘gain-of-function’ strategies manipulating different components of this signaling pathway have been successfully employed in support of the proposed model.
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Laner-Plamberger S, Wolff F, Kaser-Eichberger A, Swierczynski S, Hauser-Kronberger C, Frischauf AM, Eichberger T. Hedgehog/GLI signaling activates suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) in epidermal and neural tumor cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e75317. [PMID: 24058673 PMCID: PMC3769249 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0075317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2013] [Accepted: 08/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Sustained hedgehog (Hh) signaling mediated by the GLI transcription factors is implicated in many types of cancer. Identification of Hh/GLI target genes modulating the activity of other pathways involved in tumor development promise to open new ways for better understanding of tumor development and maintenance. Here we show that SOCS1 is a direct target of Hh/GLI signaling in human keratinocytes and medulloblastoma cells. SOCS1 is a potent inhibitor of interferon gamma (IFN-y)/STAT1 signaling. IFN-у/STAT1 signaling can induce cell cycle arrest, apoptosis and anti-tumor immunity. The transcription factors GLI1 and GLI2 activate the SOCS1 promoter, which contains five putative GLI binding sites, and GLI2 binding to the promoter was shown by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Consistent with a role of GLI in SOCS1 regulation, STAT1 phosphorylation is reduced in cells with active Hh/GLI signaling and IFN-у/STAT1 target gene activation is decreased. Furthermore, IFN-у signaling is restored by shRNA mediated knock down of SOCS1. Here, we identify SOCS1 as a novel Hh/GLI target gene, indicating a negative role of Hh/GLI pathway in IFN-y/STAT1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Laner-Plamberger
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Blood Group Serology and Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital of Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
- Spinal Cord Injury & Tissue Regeneration Center Salzburg (SCI-TReCS), Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), Salzburg, Austria
- * E-mail:
| | - Florian Wolff
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Alexandra Kaser-Eichberger
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Stefan Swierczynski
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Cornelia Hauser-Kronberger
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | | | - Thomas Eichberger
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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22
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Dwivedi PP, Grose RH, Filmus J, Hii CST, Xian CJ, Anderson PJ, Powell BC. Regulation of bone morphogenetic protein signalling and cranial osteogenesis by Gpc1 and Gpc3. Bone 2013; 55:367-76. [PMID: 23624389 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2013.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2013] [Revised: 04/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/13/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
From birth, the vault of the skull grows at a prodigious rate, driven by the activity of osteoblastic cells at the fibrous joints (sutures) that separate the bony calvarial plates. One in 2500 children is born with a medical condition known as craniosynostosis because of premature bony fusion of the calvarial plates and a cessation of bone growth at the sutures. Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are potent growth factors that promote bone formation. Previously, we found that Glypican-1 (GPC1) and Glypican-3 (GPC3) are expressed in cranial sutures and are decreased during premature suture fusion in children. Although glypicans are known to regulate BMP signalling, a mechanistic link between GPC1, GPC3 and BMPs and osteogenesis has not yet been investigated. We now report that human primary suture mesenchymal cells coexpress GPC1 and GPC3 on the cell surface and release them into the media. We show that they inhibit BMP2, BMP4 and BMP7 activities, which both physically interact with BMP2 and that immunoblockade of endogenous GPC1 and GPC3 potentiates BMP2 activity. In contrast, increased levels of GPC1 and GPC3 as a result of overexpression or the addition of recombinant protein, inhibit BMP2 signalling and BMP2-mediated osteogenesis. We demonstrate that BMP signalling in suture mesenchymal cells is mediated by both SMAD-dependent and SMAD-independent pathways and that GPC1 and GPC3 inhibit both pathways. GPC3 inhibition of BMP2 activity is independent of attachment of the glypican on the cell surface and post-translational glycanation, and thus appears to be mediated by the core glypican protein. The discovery that GPC1 and GPC3 regulate BMP2-mediated osteogenesis, and that inhibition of endogenous GPC1 and GPC3 potentiates BMP2 responsiveness of human suture mesenchymal cells, indicates how downregulation of glypican expression could lead to the bony suture fusion that characterizes craniosynostosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prem P Dwivedi
- Women's and Children's Health Research Institute, North Adelaide, South Australia 5006, Australia
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Beyer C, Dees C, Distler JHW. Morphogen pathways as molecular targets for the treatment of fibrosis in systemic sclerosis. Arch Dermatol Res 2012. [PMID: 23208311 DOI: 10.1007/s00403-012-1304-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Wnt-, Hedgehog- and Notch-signaling cascades are morphogen pathways that play crucial roles in development and tissue homeostasis. While morphogen pathways are tightly regulated at multiple levels, inappropriate activation of Wnt, Hedgehog and Notch signaling has been implicated into the pathogenesis of various diseases. In particular, Wnt, Hedgehog and Notch signaling have emerged as central players in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases. Here, we will review the pro-fibrotic effects of Wnt, Hedgehog and Notch signaling in systemic sclerosis (SSc), prototypical systemic fibrotic disease. Wnt, Hedgehog and Notch pathways are activated in SSc. They potently stimulate fibroblasts to differentiate into myofibroblasts and to release collagen and other extracellular matrix components. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of morphogen pathways effectively prevents experimental fibrosis in different preclinical models and induces regression of pre-established fibrosis. As several inhibitors of Wnt, Hedgehog and Notch have recently been developed with first ones being already approved for clinical trials, morphogen pathways maybe a novel approach for the treatment of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Beyer
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Clara Dees
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jörg H W Distler
- Department of Internal Medicine 3, Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
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25
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Cohen DJ. Targeting the hedgehog pathway: role in cancer and clinical implications of its inhibition. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 2012; 26:565-88, viii. [PMID: 22520980 DOI: 10.1016/j.hoc.2012.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a signaling cascade that is evolutionally highly conserved and plays an important role in embryonic pattern formation and stem cell response to tissue damage. Given the pivotal role the Hh pathway plays in embryonic development in terms of proliferation and differentiation, it is not surprising that it has also been implicated in tumorigenesis and tumor growth acceleration in a vast variety of malignancies. This article summarizes the mechanism of Hh pathway signal transduction, discusses the models of pathway activation, reviews the clinical data using Hh inhibitors, and discusses challenges to the development of pathway inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre J Cohen
- Division of GI Oncology, NYU Cancer Institute, 160 East 34th Street, New York, NY 10016, USA.
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26
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Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) proteins regulate the development of a wide range of metazoan embryonic and adult structures, and disruption of Hh signaling pathways results in various human diseases. Here, we provide a comprehensive review of the signaling pathways regulated by Hh, consolidating data from a diverse array of organisms in a variety of scientific disciplines. Similar to the elucidation of many other signaling pathways, our knowledge of Hh signaling developed in a sequential manner centered on its earliest discoveries. Thus, our knowledge of Hh signaling has for the most part focused on elucidating the mechanism by which Hh regulates the Gli family of transcription factors, the so-called "canonical" Hh signaling pathway. However, in the past few years, numerous studies have shown that Hh proteins can also signal through Gli-independent mechanisms collectively referred to as "noncanonical" signaling pathways. Noncanonical Hh signaling is itself subdivided into two distinct signaling modules: (i) those not requiring Smoothened (Smo) and (ii) those downstream of Smo that do not require Gli transcription factors. Thus, Hh signaling is now proposed to occur through a variety of distinct context-dependent signaling modules that have the ability to crosstalk with one another to form an interacting, dynamic Hh signaling network.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Robbins
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
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27
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Ayers KL, Mteirek R, Cervantes A, Lavenant-Staccini L, Thérond PP, Gallet A. Dally and Notum regulate the switch between low and high level Hedgehog pathway signalling. Development 2012; 139:3168-79. [PMID: 22872085 DOI: 10.1242/dev.078402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
During development, secreted morphogens, such as Hedgehog (Hh), control cell fate and proliferation. Precise sensing of morphogen levels and dynamic cellular responses are required for morphogen-directed morphogenesis, yet the molecular mechanisms responsible are poorly understood. Several recent studies have suggested the involvement of a multi-protein Hh reception complex, and have hinted at an understated complexity in Hh sensing at the cell surface. We show here that the expression of the proteoglycan Dally in Hh-receiving cells in Drosophila is necessary for high but not low level pathway activity, independent of its requirement in Hh-producing cells. We demonstrate that Dally is necessary to sequester Hh at the cell surface and to promote Hh internalisation with its receptor. This internalisation depends on both the activity of the hydrolase Notum and the glycosyl-phosphatidyl-inositol (GPI) moiety of Dally, and indicates a departure from the role of the second glypican Dally-like in Hh signalling. Our data suggest that hydrolysis of the Dally-GPI by Notum provides a switch from low to high level signalling by promoting internalisation of the Hh-Patched ligand-receptor complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie L Ayers
- Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Flemington Road Parkville Victoria 3052, Australia
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28
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Abstract
This review is focusing on a critical mediator of embryonic and postnatal development with multiple implications in inflammation, neoplasia, and other pathological situations in brain and peripheral tissues. These morphogenetic guidance and dependence processes are involved in several malignancies targeting the epithelial and immune systems including the progression of human colorectal cancers. We consider the most important findings and their impact on basic, translational, and clinical cancer research. Expected information can bring new cues for innovative, efficient, and safe strategies of personalized medicine based on molecular markers, protagonists, signaling networks, and effectors inherent to the Netrin axis in pathophysiological states.
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29
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Anderson E, Peluso S, Lettice LA, Hill RE. Human limb abnormalities caused by disruption of hedgehog signaling. Trends Genet 2012; 28:364-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tig.2012.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2012] [Revised: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 03/26/2012] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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30
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Zuniga A, Zeller R, Probst S. The molecular basis of human congenital limb malformations. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2012; 1:803-22. [PMID: 23799625 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses predominantly on the human congenital malformations caused by alterations affecting the morphoregulatory gene networks that control early limb bud patterning and outgrowth. Limb defects are among the most frequent congenital malformations in humans that are caused by genetic mutations or teratogenic effects resulting either in abnormal, loss of, or additional skeletal elements. Spontaneous and engineered mouse models have been used to identify and study the molecular alterations and disrupted gene networks that underlie human congenital limb malformations. More recently, mouse genetics has begun to reveal the alterations that affect the often-large cis-regulatory landscapes that control gene expression in limb buds and cause devastating effects on limb bud development. These findings have paved the way to identifying mutations in cis-regulatory regions as causal to an increasing number of congenital limb malformations in humans. In these cases, no mutations in the coding region of a presumed candidate were previously detected. This review highlights how the current understanding of the molecular gene networks and interactions that control mouse limb bud development provides insight into the etiology of human congenital limb malformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimée Zuniga
- Developmental Genetics, Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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31
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Abstract
Communication is essential. It is vital between cells in multi-cellular organisms, and within cells. A signaling molecule binds to a receptor protein, and initiates a cascade of dynamic events. Signaling is a multistep pathway, which allows signal amplification: if some of the molecules in a pathway transmit the signal to multiple molecules, the result can be a large number of activated molecules across the cell and multiple reactions. That is how a small number of extracellular signaling molecules can produce a major cellular response. The pathway can relay signals from the extracellular space to the nucleus. How do signals travel efficiently over long-distances across the cell? Here we argue that evolution has utilized three properties: a modular functional organization of the cellular network; sequences in some key regions of proteins, such as linkers or loops, which were pre-encoded by evolution to facilitate signaling among domains; and compact interactions between proteins which is achieved via conformational disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Nussinov
- Basic Research Program, SAIC-Frederick, Inc., Center for Cancer Research Nanobiology Program, NCI-Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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32
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Aberger F, Kern D, Greil R, Hartmann TN. Canonical and noncanonical Hedgehog/GLI signaling in hematological malignancies. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2012; 88:25-54. [PMID: 22391298 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-394622-5.00002-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The highly conserved Hedgehog/GLI signaling pathway regulates multiple aspects of embryonic development and plays a decisive role in tissue homeostasis and the hematopoietic system by controlling cell fate decisions, stem cell self-renewal, and activation. Loss of negative control of Hedgehog signaling contributes to tumor pathogenesis and progression. In the classical view of canonical Hedgehog signaling, Hedgehog ligand binding to its receptor Patched culminates in the activation of the key pathway activator Smoothened, followed by activation of the GLI transcription factors. Its essential function and druggability render Smoothened well suited to therapeutic intervention. However, recent evidence suggests a critical role of Smoothened-independent regulation of GLI activity by several other signaling pathways including the PI3K/AKT and RAS/RAF/MEK/ERK axes. In addition, the contribution of canonical Hedgehog signaling via Patched and Smoothened to normal and malignant hematopoiesis has been the subject of recent controversies. In this review, we discuss the current understanding and controversial findings of canonical and noncanonical GLI activation in hematological malignancies in light of the current therapeutic strategies targeting the Hedgehog pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fritz Aberger
- Division of Molecular Tumor Biology, Department of Molecular Biology, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
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33
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Christian JL. Morphogen gradients in development: from form to function. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2012; 1:3-15. [PMID: 23801664 PMCID: PMC3957335 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Morphogens are substances that establish a graded distribution and elicit distinct cellular responses in a dose-dependent manner. They function to provide individual cells within a field with positional information, which is interpreted to give rise to spatial patterns. Morphogens can consist of intracellular factors that set up a concentration gradient by diffusion in the cytoplasm. More commonly, morphogens comprise secreted proteins that form an extracellular gradient across a field of cells. Experimental studies and computational analyses have provided support for a number of diverse strategies by which extracellular morphogen gradients are formed. These include free diffusion in the extracellular space, restricted diffusion aided by interactions with heparan sulfate proteoglycans, transport on lipid-containing carriers or transport aided by soluble binding partners. More specialized modes of transport have also been postulated such as transcytosis, in which repeated rounds of secretion, endocytosis, and intracellular trafficking move morphogens through cells rather than around them, or cytonemes, which consist of filopodial extensions from signal-receiving cells that are hypothesized to reach out to morphogen-sending cells. Once the gradient has formed, cells must distinguish small differences in morphogen concentration and store this information even after the gradient has dissipated. This is often achieved by translating ligand concentration into a proportional increase in numbers of activated cell surface receptors that are internalized and continue to signal from endosomal compartments. Ultimately, this leads to activation of one or a few transcription factors that transduce this information into qualitatively distinct gene responses inside the nucleus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan L Christian
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy and Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Hematological Malignancies, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.
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Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is a conserved signalling system essential for embryonic development and for the maintenance of self-renewal pathways in progenitor cells. Mutations that deregulate Hh signalling are directly implicated in basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma. The mechanisms of Hh pathway activation in cancers in which no pathway mutations have been identified are less clear, but of great translational significance. Small molecule inhibitors of the pathway, many of which are in early phase clinical trials, may shed further light on this question. Canonical Hh signalling promotes the expression of target genes through the Glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) transcription factors. There is now increasing evidence suggesting that 'non-canonical' Hh signalling mechanisms, some of which are independent of GLI-mediated transcription, may be important in cancer and development. The focus of this review is to summarise some of the known mechanisms of Hh signalling as well as its emerging role in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kieren D Marini
- Monash Institute of Medical Research, Centre for Cancer Research, Monash University, Victoria, Australia
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35
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Redmond EM, Guha S, Walls D, Cahill PA. Investigational Notch and Hedgehog inhibitors--therapies for cardiovascular disease. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2011; 20:1649-64. [PMID: 22007748 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2011.628658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION During the past decade, a variety of Notch and Hedgehog pathway inhibitors have been developed for the treatment of several cancers. An emerging paradigm suggests that these same gene regulatory networks are often recapitulated in the context of cardiovascular disease and may now offer an attractive target for therapeutic intervention. AREAS COVERED This article briefly reviews the profile of Notch and Hedgehog inhibitors that have reached the preclinic and clinic for cancer treatment and discusses the clinical issues surrounding targeted use of these inhibitors in the treatment of vascular disorders. EXPERT OPINION Preclinical and clinical data using pan-Notch inhibitors (γ-secretase inhibitors) and selective antibodies to preferentially target notch receptors and ligands have proven successful but concerns remain over normal organ homeostasis and significant pathology in multiple organs. By contrast, the Hedgehog-based drug pipeline is rich with more than a dozen Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors at various stages of development. Overall, refined strategies will be necessary to harness these pathways safely as a powerful tool to disrupt angiogenesis and vascular proliferative phenomena without causing prohibitive side effects already seen with cancer models and patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eileen M Redmond
- University of Rochester, Department of Surgery, 601 Elmwood Ave, Box SURG, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
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36
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Abstract
Extracellular signaling molecules have crucial roles in development and homeostasis, and their incorrect deployment can lead to developmental defects and disease states. Signaling molecules are released from sending cells, travel to target cells, and act over length scales of several orders of magnitude, from morphogen-mediated patterning of small developmental fields to hormonal signaling throughout the organism. We discuss how signals are modified and assembled for transport, which routes they take to reach their targets, and how their range is affected by mobility and stability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Müller
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Broad Institute, Center for Brain Science, FAS Center for Systems Biology, Harvard University, 16 Divinity Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA.
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37
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The interplay between morphogens and tissue growth. EMBO Rep 2011; 12:1003-10. [PMID: 21886183 DOI: 10.1038/embor.2011.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Accepted: 08/10/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphogens are conserved, secreted signalling molecules that regulate the size, shape and patterning of animal tissues and organs. Recent experimental evidence has emphasized the fundamental role of tissue growth in expanding the expression domains of morphogens and their target genes, in generating morphogen gradients and in modulating the response of cells to morphogens. Moreover, the classic view of how morphogens, particularly through their concentration gradient, regulate tissue size during development has been revisited recently. In this review, we discuss how morphogens and tissue growth affect each other, and we attempt to integrate genetic and molecular evidence from vertebrate and invertebrate model systems to put forward the idea that the interaction between growth and morphogens is a general feature of highly proliferative tissues.
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38
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Valenza M, Cattaneo E. Emerging roles for cholesterol in Huntington's disease. Trends Neurosci 2011; 34:474-86. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2011.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2010] [Revised: 06/04/2011] [Accepted: 06/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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39
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Abstract
Morphogens are long-range signaling molecules that pattern developing tissues in a concentration-dependent manner. The graded activity of morphogens within tissues exposes cells to different signal levels and leads to region-specific transcriptional responses and cell fates. In its simplest incarnation, a morphogen signal forms a gradient by diffusion from a local source and clearance in surrounding tissues. Responding cells often transduce morphogen levels in a linear fashion, which results in the graded activation of transcriptional effectors. The concentration-dependent expression of morphogen target genes is achieved by their different binding affinities for transcriptional effectors as well as inputs from other transcriptional regulators. Morphogen distribution and interpretation are the result of complex interactions between the morphogen and responding tissues. The response to a morphogen is dependent not simply on morphogen concentration but also on the duration of morphogen exposure and the state of the target cells. In this review, we describe the morphogen concept and discuss the mechanisms that underlie the generation, modulation, and interpretation of morphogen gradients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine W Rogers
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA
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40
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Matise MP, Wang H. Sonic hedgehog signaling in the developing CNS where it has been and where it is going. Curr Top Dev Biol 2011; 97:75-117. [PMID: 22074603 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-385975-4.00010-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is one of three mammalian orthologs of the Hedgehog (Hh) family of secreted proteins first identified for their role in patterning the Drosophila embryo. In this review, we will highlight some of the outstanding questions regarding how Shh signaling controls embryonic development. We will mainly consider its role in the developing mammalian central nervous system (CNS) where the pathway plays a critical role in orchestrating the specification of distinct cell fates within ventral regions, a process of exquisite complexity that is necessary for the proper wiring and hence function of the mature system. Embryonic development is a process that plays out in both the spatial and the temporal dimensions, and it is becoming increasingly clear that our understanding of Shh signaling in the CNS is grounded in an appreciation for the dynamic nature of this process. In addition, any consideration of Hh signaling must by necessity include a consideration of data from many different model organisms and systems. In many cases, the extent to which insights gained from these studies are applicable to the CNS remains to be determined, yet they provide a strong framework in which to explore its role in CNS development. We will also discuss how Shh controls cell fate diversification through the regulation of patterned target gene expression in the spinal cord, a region where our understanding of the morphogenetic action of graded Shh signaling is perhaps the furthest advanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Matise
- UMDNJ/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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