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Zhu S, Chen W, Masson A, Li YP. Cell signaling and transcriptional regulation of osteoblast lineage commitment, differentiation, bone formation, and homeostasis. Cell Discov 2024; 10:71. [PMID: 38956429 PMCID: PMC11219878 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-024-00689-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The initiation of osteogenesis primarily occurs as mesenchymal stem cells undergo differentiation into osteoblasts. This differentiation process plays a crucial role in bone formation and homeostasis and is regulated by two intricate processes: cell signal transduction and transcriptional gene expression. Various essential cell signaling pathways, including Wnt, BMP, TGF-β, Hedgehog, PTH, FGF, Ephrin, Notch, Hippo, and Piezo1/2, play a critical role in facilitating osteoblast differentiation, bone formation, and bone homeostasis. Key transcriptional factors in this differentiation process include Runx2, Cbfβ, Runx1, Osterix, ATF4, SATB2, and TAZ/YAP. Furthermore, a diverse array of epigenetic factors also plays critical roles in osteoblast differentiation, bone formation, and homeostasis at the transcriptional level. This review provides an overview of the latest developments and current comprehension concerning the pathways of cell signaling, regulation of hormones, and transcriptional regulation of genes involved in the commitment and differentiation of osteoblast lineage, as well as in bone formation and maintenance of homeostasis. The paper also reviews epigenetic regulation of osteoblast differentiation via mechanisms, such as histone and DNA modifications. Additionally, we summarize the latest developments in osteoblast biology spurred by recent advancements in various modern technologies and bioinformatics. By synthesizing these insights into a comprehensive understanding of osteoblast differentiation, this review provides further clarification of the mechanisms underlying osteoblast lineage commitment, differentiation, and bone formation, and highlights potential new therapeutic applications for the treatment of bone diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Zhu
- Division in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- Division in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
| | - Alasdair Masson
- Division in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Yi-Ping Li
- Division in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA.
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2
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Deshpande G, Ng C, Jourjine N, Chiew JW, Dasilva J, Schedl P. Hedgehog signaling guides migration of primordial germ cells to the Drosophila somatic gonad. Genetics 2023; 225:iyad165. [PMID: 37708366 PMCID: PMC10627259 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to inducing nonautonomous specification of cell fate in both Drosophila and vertebrates, the Hedgehog pathway guides cell migration in a variety of different tissues. Although its role in axon guidance in the vertebrate nervous system is widely recognized, its role in guiding the migratory path of primordial germ cells (PGCs) from the outside surface of the Drosophila embryo through the midgut and mesoderm to the SGPs (somatic gonadal precursors) has been controversial. Here we present new experiments demonstrating (1) that Hh produced by mesodermal cells guides PGC migration, (2) that HMG CoenzymeA reductase (Hmgcr) potentiates guidance signals emanating from the SGPs, functioning upstream of hh and of 2 Hh pathway genes important for Hh-containing cytonemes, and (3) that factors required in Hh receiving cells in other contexts function in PGCs to help direct migration toward the SGPs. We also compare the data reported by 4 different laboratories that have studied the role of the Hh pathway in guiding PGC migration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Girish Deshpande
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Chris Ng
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Nicholas Jourjine
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Joy Wan Chiew
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Juliana Dasilva
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
| | - Paul Schedl
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08544, USA
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3
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Meier L, Gahr BM, Roth A, Gihring A, Kirschner S, Woitaske-Proske C, Baier J, Peifer C, Just S, Knippschild U. Zebrafish as model system for the biological characterization of CK1 inhibitors. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1245246. [PMID: 37753113 PMCID: PMC10518421 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1245246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The CK1 family is involved in a variety of physiological processes by regulating different signaling pathways, including the Wnt/β-catenin, the Hedgehog and the p53 signaling pathways. Mutations or dysregulation of kinases in general and of CK1 in particular are known to promote the development of cancer, neurodegenerative diseases and inflammation. There is increasing evidence that CK1 isoform specific small molecule inhibitors, including CK1δ- and CK1ε-specific inhibitors of Wnt production (IWP)-based small molecules with structural similarity to benzimidazole compounds, have promising therapeutic potential. Methods: In this study, we investigated the suitability of the zebrafish model system for the evaluation of such CK1 inhibitors. To this end, the kinetic parameters of human CK1 isoforms were compared with those of zebrafish orthologues. Furthermore, the effects of selective CK1δ inhibition during zebrafish embryonic development were analyzed in vivo. Results: The results revealed that zebrafish CK1δA and CK1δB were inhibited as effectively as human CK1δ by compounds G2-2 with IC50 values of 345 and 270 nM for CK1δA and CK1δB versus 503 nM for human CK1δ and G2-3 exhibiting IC50 values of 514 and 561 nM for zebrafish CK1δA and B, and 562 nM for human CK1δ. Furthermore, the effects of selective CK1δ inhibition on zebrafish embryonic development in vivo revealed phenotypic abnormalities indicative of downregulation of CK1δ. Treatment of zebrafish embryos with selected inhibitors resulted in marked phenotypic changes including blood stasis, heart failure, and tail malformations. Conclusion: The results suggest that the zebrafish is a suitable in vivo assay model system for initial studies of the biological relevance of CK1δ inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Meier
- Surgery Center, Department of General- and Visceral Surgery, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Bernd Martin Gahr
- Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Aileen Roth
- Surgery Center, Department of General- and Visceral Surgery, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Adrian Gihring
- Surgery Center, Department of General- and Visceral Surgery, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Stefan Kirschner
- Institute of Pharmacy, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Joana Baier
- Institute of Pharmacy, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christian Peifer
- Institute of Pharmacy, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Steffen Just
- Molecular Cardiology, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Uwe Knippschild
- Surgery Center, Department of General- and Visceral Surgery, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
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4
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Yang X, Pu S, Xiang B, Tang X, Chen J. A novel smoothed (SMO) point mutation in congenital tibial hemimelia: a case report. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:424. [PMID: 37626311 PMCID: PMC10463978 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04167-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Congenital tibial hemimelia (CTH [MIM: 275220]) is a rare congenital limb deficiency that manifests as a shortened, curved, dysplastic or absent tibia with polydactyly. In previous studies, mutations of a distant sonic hedgehog (SHH) cis-regulator (ZRS) and a Shh repressor (GLI3) were identified. CASE PRESENTATION Here, we admitted a 20-month-old boy who manifested with right tibial deformity, varus foot, ankle dislocation, and ipsilateral preaxial polydactyly. After genetic sequencing and data analysis, the results revealed a 443 A > G mutation in the father and a 536 C > T mutation in the mother in exon 2 of the Smoothed (SMO) gene at 7q32.1, with the coexistence of both mutant alleles in the proband/patient. CONCLUSIONS Our report suggests that even though not previously reported, SMO mutations may be associated with limb anomalies such as tibial hemimelia via Hh signaling in humans and has implications for genetic counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, #37 Guo-Xue-Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Siyu Pu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, #37 Guo-Xue-Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Bo Xiang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, #37 Guo-Xue-Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xueyang Tang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, #37 Guo-Xue-Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jing Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, #37 Guo-Xue-Xiang, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Laboratory of Pediatric Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Gao Y, Shan Z, Jian C, Wang Y, Yao X, Li S, Ti X, Zhao G, Liu C, Zhang Q. HIB/SPOP inhibits Ci/Gli-mediated tumorigenesis by modulating the RNA Polymerase II components stabilities. iScience 2023; 26:107334. [PMID: 37554435 PMCID: PMC10404538 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling mediated by transcription factor Ci/Gli plays a vital role in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis in invertebrates and vertebrates, whose dysregulation leads to many human disorders, including cancer. However, till now, cofactors of Ci/Gli which can affect tumorigenesis are not well known. Here, through genetic screen, we find overexpression of active Ci alone is not sufficient to generate tumor-like eye phenotype in Drosophila, however, its overexpression combined with knockdown of hib causes a striking tumor-like big eye phenotype. Mechanistically, HIB/SPOP inhibits Ci/Gli-mediated tumorigenesis by modulating the RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) components Rpb3/Rpb7 stabilities in E3 ligase dependent manner. In addition, Ci/Gli can promote HIB/SPOP-mediated Rpb7/Rpb3 degradation. Taken together, our results indicate Ci/Gli needs to hook up with suitable RNAPII together to achieve the tumor-like eye phenotype and HIB/SPOP plays dual roles through controlling Ci/Gli and Rpb3/Rpb7 protein stabilities to temper Ci/Gli/RNAPII-mediated tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxue Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Model Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, China
| | - Zhaoliang Shan
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Model Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, China
| | - Chunhua Jian
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Model Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, China
| | - Ying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Model Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, China
| | - Xia Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Model Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, China
| | - Shengnan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Model Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, China
| | - Xiuxiu Ti
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Model Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, China
| | - Guochun Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Model Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, China
| | - Chen Liu
- Department of Medical Genetics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Model Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, China
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6
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Multiprotein GLI Transcriptional Complexes as Therapeutic Targets in Cancer. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 12:life12121967. [PMID: 36556332 PMCID: PMC9786339 DOI: 10.3390/life12121967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The Hedgehog signaling pathway functions in both embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. Importantly, its aberrant activation is also implicated in the progression of multiple types of cancer, including basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma. GLI transcription factors function as the ultimate effectors of the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Their activity is regulated by this signaling cascade via their mRNA expression, protein stability, subcellular localization, and ultimately their transcriptional activity. Further, GLI proteins are also regulated by a variety of non-canonical mechanisms in addition to the canonical Hedgehog pathway. Recently, with an increased understanding of epigenetic gene regulation, novel transcriptional regulators have been identified that interact with GLI proteins in multi-protein complexes to regulate GLI transcriptional activity. Such complexes have added another layer of complexity to the regulation of GLI proteins. Here, we summarize recent work on the regulation of GLI transcriptional activity by these novel protein complexes and describe their relevance to cancer, as such GLI regulators represent alternative and innovative druggable targets in GLI-dependent cancers.
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7
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Dzaki N, Bu S, Lau SSY, Yong WL, Yu F. Drosophila GSK3β promotes microtubule disassembly and dendrite pruning in sensory neurons. Development 2022; 149:281771. [PMID: 36264221 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (GSK3β), a negative regulator of microtubules, is crucial for neuronal polarization, growth and migration during animal development. However, it remains unknown whether GSK3β regulates neuronal pruning, which is a regressive process. Here, we report that the Drosophila GSK3β homologue Shaggy (Sgg) is cell-autonomously required for dendrite pruning of ddaC sensory neurons during metamorphosis. Sgg is necessary and sufficient to promote microtubule depolymerization, turnover and disassembly in the dendrites. Although Sgg is not required for the minus-end-out microtubule orientation in dendrites, hyperactivated Sgg can disturb the dendritic microtubule orientation. Moreover, our pharmacological and genetic data suggest that Sgg is required to promote dendrite pruning at least partly via microtubule disassembly. We show that Sgg and Par-1 kinases act synergistically to promote microtubule disassembly and dendrite pruning. Thus, Sgg and Par-1 might converge on and phosphorylate a common downstream microtubule-associated protein(s) to disassemble microtubules and thereby facilitate dendrite pruning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Najat Dzaki
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604
| | - Shufeng Bu
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
| | - Samuel Song Yuan Lau
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604
| | - Wei Lin Yong
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604
| | - Fengwei Yu
- Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory, 1 Research Link, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117604.,Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543
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Wu H, Zhu N, Liu J, Ma J, Jiao R. Shaggy regulates tissue growth through Hippo pathway in Drosophila. SCIENCE CHINA. LIFE SCIENCES 2022; 65:2131-2144. [PMID: 36057002 DOI: 10.1007/s11427-022-2156-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved Hippo pathway coordinates cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis to regulate organ growth and tumorigenesis. Hippo signaling activity is tightly controlled by various upstream signals including growth factors and cell polarity, but the full extent to which the pathway is regulated during development remains to be resolved. Here, we report the identification of Shaggy, the homolog of mammalian Gsk3β, as a novel regulator of the Hippo pathway in Drosophila. Our results show that Shaggy promotes the expression of Hippo target genes in a manner that is dependent on its kinase activity. Loss of Shaggy leads to Yorkie inhibition and downregulation of Hippo pathway target genes. Mechanistically, Shaggy acts upstream of the Hippo pathway and negatively regulates the abundance of the FERM domain containing adaptor protein Expanded. Our results reveal that Shaggy is functionally required for Crumbs/Slmb-mediated downregulation of Expanded in vivo, providing a potential molecular link between cellular architecture and the Hippo signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honggang Wu
- Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
| | - Nannan Zhu
- Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Jiyong Liu
- Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China
| | - Jun Ma
- Women's Hospital and Institute of Genetics, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Genetic & Developmental Disorders, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Renjie Jiao
- Sino-French Hoffmann Institute, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 511436, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.
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9
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Zhou M, Han Y, Wang B, Cho YS, Jiang J. Dose-dependent phosphorylation and activation of Hh pathway transcription factors. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/11/e202201570. [PMID: 36271509 PMCID: PMC9445324 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Graded Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is mediated by graded Cubitus interruptus (Ci)/Gli transcriptional activity, but how the Hh gradient is converted into the Ci/Gli activity gradient remains poorly understood. Here, we show that graded Hh induces a progressive increase in Ci phosphorylation at multiple Fused (Fu)/CK1 sites including a cluster located in the C-terminal Sufu-binding domain. We demonstrated that Fu directly phosphorylated Ci on S1382, priming CK1 phosphorylation on adjacent sites, and that Fu/CK1-mediated phosphorylation of the C-terminal sites interfered with Sufu binding and facilitated Ci activation. Phosphorylation at the N-terminal, middle, and C-terminal Fu/CK1 sites occurred independently of one another and each increased progressively in response to increasing levels of Hh or increasing amounts of Hh exposure time. Increasing the number of phospho-mimetic mutations of Fu/CK1 sites resulted in progressively increased Ci activation by alleviating Sufu-mediated inhibition. We found that the C-terminal Fu/CK1 phosphorylation cluster is conserved in Gli2 and contributes to its dose-dependent activation. Our study suggests that the Hh signaling gradient is translated into a Ci/Gli phosphorylation gradient that activates Ci/Gli by gradually releasing Sufu-mediated inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Zhou
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yuhong Han
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Yong Suk Cho
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jin Jiang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA .,Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
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10
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Jiang J. Hedgehog signaling mechanism and role in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 85:107-122. [PMID: 33836254 PMCID: PMC8492792 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cell-cell communication through evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways governs embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. Deregulation of these signaling pathways has been implicated in a wide range of human diseases including cancer. One such pathway is the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway, which was originally discovered in Drosophila and later found to play a fundamental role in human development and diseases. Abnormal Hh pathway activation is a major driver of basal cell carcinomas (BCC) and medulloblastoma. Hh exerts it biological influence through a largely conserved signal transduction pathway from the activation of the GPCR family transmembrane protein Smoothened (Smo) to the conversion of latent Zn-finger transcription factors Gli/Ci proteins from their repressor (GliR/CiR) to activator (GliA/CiA) forms. Studies from model organisms and human patients have provided deep insight into the Hh signal transduction mechanisms, revealed roles of Hh signaling in a wide range of human cancers, and suggested multiple strategies for targeting this pathway in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Jiang
- Department of Molecular Biology and Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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11
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Wang H, Lai Q, Wang D, Pei J, Tian B, Gao Y, Gao Z, Xu X. Hedgehog signaling regulates the development and treatment of glioblastoma. Oncol Lett 2022; 24:294. [PMID: 35949611 PMCID: PMC9353242 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2022.13414] [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: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and fatal malignant tumor type of the central nervous system. GBM affects public health and it is important to identify biomarkers to improve diagnosis, reduce drug resistance and improve prognosis (e.g., personalized targeted therapies). Hedgehog (HH) signaling has an important role in embryonic development, tissue regeneration and stem cell renewal. A large amount of evidence indicates that both normative and non-normative HH signals have an important role in GBM. The present study reviewed the role of the HH signaling pathway in the occurrence and progression of GBM. Furthermore, the effectiveness of drugs that target different components of the HH pathway was also examined. The HH pathway has an important role in reversing drug resistance after GBM conventional treatment. The present review highlighted the relevance of HH signaling in GBM and outlined that this pathway has a key role in the occurrence, development and treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongping Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Qun Lai
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, P.R. China
| | - Dayong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Jian Pei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Baogang Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Yunhe Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoguo Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
| | - Xiang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tangshan Gongren Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Tangshan, Hebei 063000, P.R. China
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12
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Zhao T, McMahon M, Reynolds K, Saha SK, Stokes A, Zhou CJ. The role of Lrp6-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the development and intervention of spinal neural tube defects in mice. Dis Model Mech 2022; 15:275313. [PMID: 35514236 PMCID: PMC9194482 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are among the common and severe birth defects with poorly understood etiology. Mutations in the Wnt co-receptor LRP6 are associated with NTDs in humans. Either gain-of-function (GOF) or loss-of-function (LOF) mutations of Lrp6 can cause NTDs in mice. NTDs in Lrp6-GOF mutants may be attributed to altered β-catenin-independent noncanonical Wnt signaling. However, the mechanisms underlying NTDs in Lrp6-LOF mutants and the role of Lrp6-mediated canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling in neural tube closure remain unresolved. We previously demonstrated that β-catenin signaling is required for posterior neuropore (PNP) closure. In the current study, conditional ablation of Lrp6 in dorsal PNP caused spinal NTDs with diminished activities of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its downstream target gene Pax3, which is required for PNP closure. β-catenin-GOF rescued NTDs in Lrp6-LOF mutants. Moreover, maternal supplementation of a Wnt/β-catenin signaling agonist reduced the frequency and severity of spinal NTDs in Lrp6-LOF mutants by restoring Pax3 expression. Together, these results demonstrate the essential role of Lrp6-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in PNP closure, which could also provide a therapeutic target for NTD intervention through manipulation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling activities. Summary: Conditional ablation of Lrp6 in dorsal neural folds causes spinal neural tube defects that can be rescued by genetic activation of β-catenin or maternal supplementation of Wnt signaling agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyu Zhao
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children-Northern California, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Moira McMahon
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children-Northern California, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Kurt Reynolds
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children-Northern California, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Subbroto Kumar Saha
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children-Northern California, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Arjun Stokes
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children-Northern California, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
| | - Chengji J Zhou
- Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine of Shriners Hospitals for Children-Northern California, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of California, Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA
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13
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Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) proteins constitute one family of a small number of secreted signaling proteins that together regulate multiple aspects of animal development, tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Originally uncovered through genetic analyses in Drosophila, their subsequent discovery in vertebrates has provided a paradigm for the role of morphogens in positional specification. Most strikingly, the Sonic hedgehog protein was shown to mediate the activity of two classic embryonic organizing centers in vertebrates and subsequent studies have implicated it and its paralogs in a myriad of processes. Moreover, dysfunction of the signaling pathway has been shown to underlie numerous human congenital abnormalities and diseases, especially certain types of cancer. This review focusses on the genetic studies that uncovered the key components of the Hh signaling system and the subsequent, biochemical, cell and structural biology analyses of their functions. These studies have revealed several novel processes and principles, shedding new light on the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying cell-cell communication. Notable amongst these are the involvement of cholesterol both in modifying the Hh proteins and in activating its transduction pathway, the role of cytonemes, filipodia-like extensions, in conveying Hh signals between cells; and the central importance of the Primary Cilium as a cellular compartment within which the components of the signaling pathway are sequestered and interact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip William Ingham
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
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14
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He T, Fan Y, Wang Y, Liu M, Zhu AJ. Dissection of the microRNA Network Regulating Hedgehog Signaling in Drosophila. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:866491. [PMID: 35573695 PMCID: PMC9096565 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.866491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved Hedgehog (Hh) signaling plays a critical role in embryogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis. Aberrant Hh signaling often leads to various forms of developmental anomalies and cancer. Since altered microRNA (miRNA) expression is associated with developmental defects and tumorigenesis, it is not surprising that several miRNAs have been found to regulate Hh signaling. However, these miRNAs are mainly identified through small-scale in vivo screening or in vitro assays. As miRNAs preferentially reduce target gene expression via the 3' untranslated region, we analyzed the effect of reduced expression of core components of the Hh signaling cascade on downstream signaling activity, and generated a transgenic Drosophila toolbox of in vivo miRNA sensors for core components of Hh signaling, including hh, patched (ptc), smoothened (smo), costal 2 (cos2), fused (fu), Suppressor of fused (Su(fu)), and cubitus interruptus (ci). With these tools in hand, we performed a genome-wide in vivo miRNA overexpression screen in the developing Drosophila wing imaginal disc. Of the twelve miRNAs identified, seven were not previously reported in the in vivo Hh regulatory network. Moreover, these miRNAs may act as general regulators of Hh signaling, as their overexpression disrupts Hh signaling-mediated cyst stem cell maintenance during spermatogenesis. To identify direct targets of these newly discovered miRNAs, we used the miRNA sensor toolbox to show that miR-10 and miR-958 directly target fu and smo, respectively, while the other five miRNAs act through yet-to-be-identified targets other than the seven core components of Hh signaling described above. Importantly, through loss-of-function analysis, we found that endogenous miR-10 and miR-958 target fu and smo, respectively, whereas deletion of the other five miRNAs leads to altered expression of Hh signaling components, suggesting that these seven newly discovered miRNAs regulate Hh signaling in vivo. Given the powerful effects of these miRNAs on Hh signaling, we believe that identifying their bona fide targets of the other five miRNAs will help reveal important new players in the Hh regulatory network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao He
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Fan
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Alan Jian Zhu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
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15
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Kaushal JB, Batra SK, Rachagani S. Hedgehog signaling and its molecular perspective with cholesterol: a comprehensive review. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:266. [PMID: 35486193 PMCID: PMC9990174 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04233-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is evolutionarily conserved and plays an instructional role in embryonic morphogenesis, organogenesis in various animals, and the central nervous system organization. Multiple feedback mechanisms dynamically regulate this pathway in a spatiotemporal and context-dependent manner to confer differential patterns in cell fate determination. Hh signaling is complex due to canonical and non-canonical mechanisms coordinating cell-cell communication. In addition, studies have demonstrated a regulatory framework of Hh signaling and shown that cholesterol is vital for Hh ligand biogenesis, signal generation, and transduction from the cell surface to intracellular space. Studies have shown the importance of a specific cholesterol pool, termed accessible cholesterol, which serves as a second messenger, conveying signals between smoothened (Smo) and patched 1 (Ptch1) across the plasma and ciliary membranes. Remarkably, recent high-resolution structural and molecular studies shed new light on the interplay between Hh signaling and cholesterol in membrane biology. These studies elucidated novel mechanistic insight into the release and dispersal of cholesterol-anchored Hh and the basis of Hh recognition by Ptch1. Additionally, the putative model of Smo activation by cholesterol binding and/or modification and Ptch1 antagonization of Smo has been explicated. However, the coupling mechanism of Hh signaling and cholesterol offered a new regulatory principle in cell biology: how effector molecules of the Hh signal network react to and remodel cholesterol accessibility in the membrane and selectively activate Hh signaling proteins thereof. Recognizing the biological importance of cholesterol in Hh signaling activation and transduction opens the door for translational research to develop novel therapeutic strategies. This review looks in-depth at canonical and non-canonical Hh signaling and the distinct proposed model of cholesterol-mediated regulation of Hh signaling components, facilitating a more sophisticated understanding of the Hh signal network and cholesterol biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti B Kaushal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
- Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
| | - Satyanarayana Rachagani
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
- Fred and Pamela Buffet Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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16
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Transcription Factors with Targeting Potential in Gliomas. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073720. [PMID: 35409080 PMCID: PMC8998804 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073720] [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: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas portray a large and heterogeneous group of CNS tumors, encompassing a wide range of low- to high-grade tumors, as defined by histological and molecular characteristics. The identification of signature mutations and other molecular abnormalities has largely impacted tumor classification, diagnosis, and therapy. Transcription factors (TFs) are master regulators of gene expression programs, which ultimately shape cell fate and homeostasis. A variety of TFs have been detected to be aberrantly expressed in brain tumors, being highly implicated in critical pathological aspects and progression of gliomas. Herein, we describe a selection of oncogenic (GLI-1/2/3, E2F1–8, STAT3, and HIF-1/2) and tumor suppressor (NFI-A/B, TBXT, MYT1, and MYT1L) TFs that are deregulated in gliomas and are subsequently associated with tumor development, progression, and migratory potential. We further discuss the current targeting options against these TFs, including chemical (Bortezomib) and natural (Plumbagin) compounds, small molecules, and inhibitors, and address their potential implications in glioma therapy.
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17
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GSK-3β suppression upregulates Gli1 to alleviate osteogenesis inhibition in titanium nanoparticle-induced osteolysis. J Nanobiotechnology 2022; 20:148. [PMID: 35305665 PMCID: PMC8934501 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-022-01351-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Wear particle-induced periprosthetic osteolysis (PPO) have become a major reason of joint arthroplasty failure and secondary surgery following joint arthroplasty and thus pose a severe threat to global public health. Therefore, determining how to effectively suppress particle-induced PPO has become an urgent problem. The pathological mechanism involved in the PPO signaling cascade is still unclear. Recently, the interaction between osteogenic inhibition and wear particles at the implant biological interface, which has received increasing attention, has been revealed as an important factor in pathological process. Additionally, Hedgehog (Hh)-Gli1 is a crucial signaling cascade which was regulated by multiple factors in numerous physiological and pathological process. It was revealed to exert a crucial part during embryonic bone development and metabolism. However, whether Hh-Gli1 is involved in wear particle-induced osteogenic inhibition in PPO remains unknown. Our present study explored the mechanism by which the Hh-Gli1 signaling cascade regulates titanium (Ti) nanoparticle-induced osteolysis. We found that Hh-Gli1 signaling was dramatically downregulated upon Ti particle treatment. Mechanistically, glycogen synthesis kinase 3β (GSK-3β) activation was significantly increased in Ti particle-induced osteogenic inhibition via changes in GSK-3β phosphorylation level and was found to participate in the posttranslational modification and degradation of the key transcription factor Gli1, thus decreasing the accumulation of Gli1 and its translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Collectively, these findings suggest that the Hh-Gli1 signaling cascade utilizes a GSK3β-mediated mechanism and may serve as a rational new therapeutic target against nanoparticle-induced PPO.
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18
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Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling culminates in the conversion of the latent transcription factor Cubitus interruptus (Ci)/Gli from a repressor form (CiR/GliR) into an activator form (CiA/GliA). While sequential phosphorylation of Ci/Gli by protein kinase A(PKA), glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), and casein kinase 1 (CK1) is essential for its proteolytic processing that generates CiR/GliR, sequential phosphorylation of Ci/Gli by the Fused (Fu)/Unc-51 like kinase (Ulk) family kinases Fu/Ulk3/Stk36 and CK1 contributes to the formation of CiA/GliA. Fu/Ulk3/Stk36-mediated phosphorylation of Ci/Gli is stimulated by Hh, leading to altered interaction between Ci/Gli and the Hh pathway repressor Sufu. Here we describe both in vitro and in vivo assays that determine Ci/Gli phosphorylation by the Fu/Ulk family kinases and its regulation by Hh.
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19
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Zhou M, Jiang J. Gli Phosphorylation Code in Hedgehog Signal Transduction. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:846927. [PMID: 35186941 PMCID: PMC8855225 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.846927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) family of secreted proteins governs many key processes in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis in species ranging from insects to human. Deregulation of Hh signaling has been implicated in a wide range of human diseases including birth defect and cancer. Hh signaling pathway culminates in the conversion of the latent transcription factor Cubitus interruptus (Ci)/Gli from a repressor form (CiR/GliR) into an activator form (CiA/GliA). Both the production of CiR/GliR in the absence of Hh and the formation of CiA/GliA in response to Hh are regulated by phosphorylation. Whereas previous studies demonstrated that sequential phosphorylation by protein kinase A (PKA), glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3), and casein kinase 1 (CK1) at multiple Ser/Thr clusters in the C-terminal region of Ci/Gli targets it for proteolytic processing to generate CiR/GliR, recent studies revealed that phosphorylation of Ci/Gli by the Fused (Fu)/Unc-51 like kinase (Ulk) family kinases Fu/Ulk3/Stk36 and other kinases contributes to Ci/Gli activation. Fu/Ulk3/Stk36-mediated phosphorylation of Ci/Gli is stimulated by Hh, leading to altered interaction between Ci/Gli and the Hh pathway repressor Sufu. Here we review our current understanding of how various Ci/Gli phosphorylation events are regulated and how they influence Hh signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Zhou
- Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
| | - Jin Jiang
- Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, United States
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20
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Zhang Q, Jiang J. Regulation of Hedgehog Signal Transduction by Ubiquitination and Deubiquitination. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413338. [PMID: 34948134 PMCID: PMC8703657 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) family of secreted proteins governs embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis in species ranging from insects to mammals. Deregulation of Hh pathway activity has been implicated in a wide range of human disorders, including congenital diseases and cancer. Hh exerts its biological influence through a conserved signaling pathway. Binding of Hh to its receptor Patched (Ptc), a twelve-span transmembrane protein, leads to activation of an atypical GPCR family protein and Hh signal transducer Smoothened (Smo), which then signals downstream to activate the latent Cubitus interruptus (Ci)/Gli family of transcription factors. Hh signal transduction is regulated by ubiquitination and deubiquitination at multiple steps along the pathway including regulation of Ptc, Smo and Ci/Gli proteins. Here we review the effect of ubiquitination and deubiquitination on the function of individual Hh pathway components, the E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases involved, how ubiquitination and deubiquitination are regulated, and whether the underlying mechanisms are conserved from Drosophila to mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Model Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, China
- MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210061, China
- Correspondence: (Q.Z.); (J.J.)
| | - Jin Jiang
- Department of Molecular Biology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
- Correspondence: (Q.Z.); (J.J.)
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21
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Phenotypical and genetical characterization of the Mad 1-2 allele during Drosophila wing development. Cells Dev 2021; 169:203761. [PMID: 34875394 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdev.2021.203761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Growth and patterning of Drosophila wing depends upon the sequential organizing activities of Hedgehog (Hh) and Decapentaplegic (Dpp) signaling pathways. The Hh signaling directly activates the expression of dpp through the transcription factor cubitus interruptus (Ci). Dpp itself functions as a long-range morphogen to promote cell proliferation and differentiation through an essential transcription factor encoded by Mad. Here we report that the Mad1-2 allele exhibits phenotypes distinct from classical Dpp pathway mutants in the developing wing. The activity of Dpp signaling is attenuated in Mad1-2 mutant cells. However, activation of Dpp signaling is found in a subset of cells surrounding homozygous Mad1-2 clones when the clones are located at the anterior compartment of wing disc. Further analysis reveals that Mad1-2 mutant cells display high level of Hh signaling activity and accumulate significant amount of Ci. Unexpectedly, whole genome resequencing identifies multiple mutations in the 3'UTR region of Pka-C1 genomic loci in the Mad1-2 stock. We provide genetic and molecular evidence that the Pka-C1 mutations carried by Mad1-2 likely underlies the observed Hh signaling defects. Therefore, the contribution of Pka-C1 mutation should be taken in consideration when analyzing Mad1-2 phenotypes. The isolation of independent Mad and Pka-C1 alleles from the Mad1-2 stock further supports our conclusions.
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22
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Cucu I, Nicolescu MI. A Synopsis of Signaling Crosstalk of Pericytes and Endothelial Cells in Salivary Gland. Dent J (Basel) 2021; 9:dj9120144. [PMID: 34940041 PMCID: PMC8700478 DOI: 10.3390/dj9120144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The salivary gland (SG) microvasculature constitutes a dynamic cellular organization instrumental to preserving tissue stability and homeostasis. The interplay between pericytes (PCs) and endothelial cells (ECs) culminates as a key ingredient that coordinates the development, maturation, and integrity of vessel building blocks. PCs, as a variety of mesenchymal stem cells, enthrall in the field of regenerative medicine, supporting the notion of regeneration and repair. PC-EC interconnections are pivotal in the kinetic and intricate process of angiogenesis during both embryological and post-natal development. The disruption of this complex interlinkage corresponds to SG pathogenesis, including inflammation, autoimmune disorders (Sjögren’s syndrome), and tumorigenesis. Here, we provided a global portrayal of major signaling pathways between PCs and ECs that cooperate to enhance vascular steadiness through the synergistic interchange. Additionally, we delineated how the crosstalk among molecular networks affiliate to contribute to a malignant context. Additionally, within SG microarchitecture, telocytes and myoepithelial cells assemble a labyrinthine companionship, which together with PCs appear to synchronize the regenerative potential of parenchymal constituents. By underscoring the intricacy of signaling cascades within cellular latticework, this review sketched a perceptive basis for target-selective drugs to safeguard SG function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana Cucu
- Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mihnea Ioan Nicolescu
- Division of Histology, Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania
- Laboratory of Radiobiology, “Victor Babeș” National Institute of Pathology, 050096 Bucharest, Romania
- Correspondence:
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23
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Liu M, Su Y, Peng J, Zhu AJ. Protein modifications in Hedgehog signaling: Cross talk and feedback regulation confer divergent Hedgehog signaling activity. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2100153. [PMID: 34738654 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The complexity of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling cascade has increased over the course of evolution; however, it does not suffice to accommodate the dynamic yet robust requirements of differential Hh signaling activity needed for embryonic development and adult homeostatic maintenance. One solution to solve this dilemma is to apply multiple forms of post-translational modifications (PTMs) to the core Hh signaling components, modulating their abundance, localization, and signaling activity. This review summarizes various forms of protein modifications utilized to regulate Hh signaling, with a special emphasis on crosstalk between different forms of PTMs and their feedback regulation by Hh signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Su
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Jingyu Peng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Alan Jian Zhu
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
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24
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Zhao S, Zhang X, Chen S, Zhang S. Long noncoding RNAs: fine-tuners hidden in the cancer signaling network. Cell Death Dis 2021; 7:283. [PMID: 34635646 PMCID: PMC8505617 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00678-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
With the development of sequencing technology, a large number of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified in addition to coding genes. LncRNAs, originally considered as junk RNA, are dysregulated in various types of cancer. Although protein-coding signaling pathways underlie various biological activities, and abnormal signal transduction is a key trigger and indicator for tumorigenesis and cancer progression, lncRNAs are sparking keen interest due to their versatile roles in fine-tuning signaling pathways. We are just beginning to scratch the surface of lncRNAs. Therefore, despite the fact that lncRNAs drive malignant phenotypes from multiple perspectives, in this review, we focus on important signaling pathways modulated by lncRNAs in cancer to demonstrate an up-to-date understanding of this emerging field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Zhao
- grid.412467.20000 0004 1806 3501Key Laboratory of Reproductive Dysfunction Diseases and Fertility Remodeling of Liaoning Province, Reproductive Medicine Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department, Shengjing Hospital Affiliated to China Medical University, 110022 Shenyang, Liaoning China
| | - Xue Zhang
- grid.412449.e0000 0000 9678 1884Department of Epigenetics, China Medical University, 110122 Shenyang, Liaoning China
| | - Shuo Chen
- grid.417009.b0000 0004 1758 4591Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Gynecologic Oncology Research Office, Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 510150 Guangzhou, Guangdong China
| | - Song Zhang
- grid.412636.4Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, 110001 Shenyang, Liaoning China ,grid.412449.e0000 0000 9678 1884Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, 110122 Shenyang, Liaoning China
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25
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Chai JY, Sugumar V, Alshawsh MA, Wong WF, Arya A, Chong PP, Looi CY. The Role of Smoothened-Dependent and -Independent Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Tumorigenesis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1188. [PMID: 34572373 PMCID: PMC8466551 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh)-glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) signaling pathway is highly conserved among mammals, with crucial roles in regulating embryonic development as well as in cancer initiation and progression. The GLI transcription factors (GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3) are effectors of the Hh pathway and are regulated via Smoothened (SMO)-dependent and SMO-independent mechanisms. The SMO-dependent route involves the common Hh-PTCH-SMO axis, and mutations or transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation at these levels lead to the constitutive activation of GLI transcription factors. Conversely, the SMO-independent route involves the SMO bypass regulation of GLI transcription factors by external signaling pathways and their interacting proteins or by epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of GLI transcription factors expression. Both routes of GLI activation, when dysregulated, have been heavily implicated in tumorigenesis of many known cancers, making them important targets for cancer treatment. Hence, this review describes the various SMO-dependent and SMO-independent routes of GLI regulation in the tumorigenesis of multiple cancers in order to provide a holistic view of the paradigms of hedgehog signaling networks involving GLI regulation. An in-depth understanding of the complex interplay between GLI and various signaling elements could help inspire new therapeutic breakthroughs for the treatment of Hh-GLI-dependent cancers in the future. Lastly, we have presented an up-to-date summary of the latest findings concerning the use of Hh inhibitors in clinical developmental studies and discussed the challenges, perspectives, and possible directions regarding the use of SMO/GLI inhibitors in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yi Chai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
| | - Vaisnevee Sugumar
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia;
| | | | - Won Fen Wong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Aditya Arya
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Building 184, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Pei Pei Chong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Chung Yeng Looi
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
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26
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Peer E, Aichberger SK, Vilotic F, Gruber W, Parigger T, Grund-Gröschke S, Elmer DP, Rathje F, Ramspacher A, Zaja M, Michel S, Hamm S, Aberger F. Casein Kinase 1D Encodes a Novel Drug Target in Hedgehog-GLI-Driven Cancers and Tumor-Initiating Cells Resistant to SMO Inhibition. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164227. [PMID: 34439381 PMCID: PMC8394935 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Uncontrolled activation of hedgehog (HH)—GLI signaling contributes to the development of several human malignancies. Targeted inhibition of the HH—GLI signaling cascade with small-molecule inhibitors can reduce cancer growth, but patient relapse is very common due to the development of drug resistance. Therefore, a high unmet medical need exists for new drug targets and inhibitors to achieve efficient and durable responses. In the current study, we identified CSNK1D as a novel drug target in the HH—GLI signaling pathway. Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of CSNK1D activity leads to suppression of oncogenic HH—GLI signaling, even in cancer cells in which already approved HH inhibitors are no longer effective due to resistance mechanisms. Inhibition of CSNK1D function reduces the malignant properties of so-called tumor-initiating cells, thereby limiting cancer growth and presumably metastasis. The results of this study form the basis for the development of efficient CSNK1D inhibitors for the therapy of HH—GLI-associated cancers. Abstract (1) Background: Aberrant activation of the hedgehog (HH)—GLI pathway in stem-like tumor-initiating cells (TIC) is a frequent oncogenic driver signal in various human malignancies. Remarkable efficacy of anti-HH therapeutics led to the approval of HH inhibitors targeting the key pathway effector smoothened (SMO) in basal cell carcinoma and acute myeloid leukemia. However, frequent development of drug resistance and severe adverse effects of SMO inhibitors pose major challenges that require alternative treatment strategies targeting HH—GLI in TIC downstream of SMO. We therefore investigated members of the casein kinase 1 (CSNK1) family as novel drug targets in HH—GLI-driven malignancies. (2) Methods: We genetically and pharmacologically inhibited CSNK1D in HH-dependent cancer cells displaying either sensitivity or resistance to SMO inhibitors. To address the role of CSNK1D in oncogenic HH signaling and tumor growth and initiation, we quantitatively analyzed HH target gene expression, performed genetic and chemical perturbations of CSNK1D activity, and monitored the oncogenic transformation of TIC in vitro and in vivo using 3D clonogenic tumor spheroid assays and xenograft models. (3) Results: We show that CSNK1D plays a critical role in controlling oncogenic GLI activity downstream of SMO. We provide evidence that inhibition of CSNK1D interferes with oncogenic HH signaling in both SMO inhibitor-sensitive and -resistant tumor settings. Furthermore, genetic and pharmacologic perturbation of CSNK1D decreases the clonogenic growth of GLI-dependent TIC in vitro and in vivo. (4) Conclusions: Pharmacologic targeting of CSNK1D represents a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of both SMO inhibitor-sensitive and -resistant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Peer
- Department of Bioscience, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (E.P.); (S.K.A.); (F.V.); (W.G.); (T.P.); (S.G.-G.); (D.P.E.); (F.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Sophie Karoline Aichberger
- Department of Bioscience, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (E.P.); (S.K.A.); (F.V.); (W.G.); (T.P.); (S.G.-G.); (D.P.E.); (F.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Filip Vilotic
- Department of Bioscience, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (E.P.); (S.K.A.); (F.V.); (W.G.); (T.P.); (S.G.-G.); (D.P.E.); (F.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Wolfgang Gruber
- Department of Bioscience, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (E.P.); (S.K.A.); (F.V.); (W.G.); (T.P.); (S.G.-G.); (D.P.E.); (F.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Thomas Parigger
- Department of Bioscience, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (E.P.); (S.K.A.); (F.V.); (W.G.); (T.P.); (S.G.-G.); (D.P.E.); (F.R.); (A.R.)
- Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR), Salzburg Cancer Research Institute, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, IIIrd Medical Department, Paracelsus Medical University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Sandra Grund-Gröschke
- Department of Bioscience, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (E.P.); (S.K.A.); (F.V.); (W.G.); (T.P.); (S.G.-G.); (D.P.E.); (F.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Dominik Patrick Elmer
- Department of Bioscience, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (E.P.); (S.K.A.); (F.V.); (W.G.); (T.P.); (S.G.-G.); (D.P.E.); (F.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Florian Rathje
- Department of Bioscience, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (E.P.); (S.K.A.); (F.V.); (W.G.); (T.P.); (S.G.-G.); (D.P.E.); (F.R.); (A.R.)
| | - Andrea Ramspacher
- Department of Bioscience, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (E.P.); (S.K.A.); (F.V.); (W.G.); (T.P.); (S.G.-G.); (D.P.E.); (F.R.); (A.R.)
- Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, 5020 Salzburg, Austria
| | - Mirko Zaja
- 4SC AG, Planegg-Martinsried, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (M.Z.); (S.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Susanne Michel
- 4SC AG, Planegg-Martinsried, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (M.Z.); (S.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Svetlana Hamm
- 4SC AG, Planegg-Martinsried, 82152 Planegg, Germany; (M.Z.); (S.M.); (S.H.)
| | - Fritz Aberger
- Department of Bioscience, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paris-Lodron University Salzburg, 5020 Salzburg, Austria; (E.P.); (S.K.A.); (F.V.); (W.G.); (T.P.); (S.G.-G.); (D.P.E.); (F.R.); (A.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +43-662-8044-5792
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Umberger PA, Ogden SK. SPOP and CUL3 Modulate the Sonic Hedgehog Signal Response Through Controlled Degradation of GLI Family Transcription Factors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:710295. [PMID: 34395437 PMCID: PMC8362800 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.710295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The speckle-type POZ protein (SPOP) functions as a guardian of genome integrity and controls transcriptional regulation by functioning as a substrate adaptor for CUL3/RING-type E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes. SPOP-containing CUL3 complexes target a myriad of DNA-binding proteins involved in DNA repair and gene expression, and as such, are essential modulators of cellular homeostasis. GLI transcription factors are effectors of the Hedgehog (HH) pathway, a key driver of tissue morphogenesis and post-developmental homeostasis that is commonly corrupted in cancer. CUL3-SPOP activity regulates amplitude and duration of HH transcriptional responses by controlling stability of GLI family members. SPOP and GLI co-enrich in phase separated nuclear droplets that are thought to serve as hot spots for CUL3-mediated GLI ubiquitination and degradation. A similar framework exists in Drosophila, in which the Hedgehog-induced MATH (meprin and traf homology) and BTB (bric à brac, tramtrack, broad complex) domain containing protein (HIB) targets the GLI ortholog Cubitus interruptus (Ci) for Cul3-directed proteolysis. Despite this functional conservation, the molecular mechanisms by which HIB and SPOP contribute to Drosophila and vertebrate HH signaling differ. In this mini-review we highlight similarities between the two systems and discuss evolutionary divergence in GLI/Ci targeting that informs our understanding of how the GLI transcriptional code is controlled by SPOP and CUL3 in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia A. Umberger
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
- Integrated Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Stacey K. Ogden
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
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Li Y, Li Y, Chen Y, Wang M, Yang J, Zhang X, Zhu L, Kong J, Min L. Genome-wide identification, evolutionary estimation and functional characterization of two cotton CKI gene types. BMC PLANT BIOLOGY 2021; 21:229. [PMID: 34022812 PMCID: PMC8140429 DOI: 10.1186/s12870-021-02990-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Casein kinase I (CKI) is a kind of serine/threonine protein kinase highly conserved in plants and animals. Although molecular function of individual member of CKI family has been investigated in Arabidopsis, little is known about their evolution and functions in Gossypium. RESULTS In this study, five cotton species were applied to study CKI gene family in cotton, twenty-two species were applied to trace the origin and divergence of CKI genes. Four important insights were gained: (i) the cotton CKI genes were classified into two types based on their structural characteristics; (ii) two types of CKI genes expanded with tetraploid event in cotton; (iii) two types of CKI genes likely diverged about 1.5 billion years ago when red and green algae diverged; (iv) two types of cotton CKI genes which highly expressed in leaves showed stronger response to photoperiod (circadian clock) and light signal, and most two types of CKI genes highly expressed in anther showed identical heat inducible expression during anther development in tetraploid cotton (Gossypium hirsutum). CONCLUSION This study provides genome-wide insights into the evolutionary history of cotton CKI genes and lays a foundation for further investigation of the functional differentiation of two types of CKI genes in specific developmental processes and environmental stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlong Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan , 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Yaoyao Li
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan , 430070, Hubei, China
- College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Subtropical Agro-Bioresources, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou , 510642, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan , 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Maojun Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan , 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Institute of Economic Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xinjiang, 830091, China
| | - Xianlong Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan , 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Longfu Zhu
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan , 430070, Hubei, China
| | - Jie Kong
- Institute of Economic Crops, Xinjiang Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Xinjiang, 830091, China.
| | - Ling Min
- National Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan , 430070, Hubei, China.
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Ding J, Wen Q, Huo Z, Nie H, Qin Y, Yan X. Identification of shell-color-related microRNAs in the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum using high-throughput sequencing of small RNA transcriptomes. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8044. [PMID: 33850162 PMCID: PMC8044141 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86727-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Shell-color polymorphism is a common phenomenon in several mollusk species and has been associated with thermal capacity, developmental stability, shell strength, and immunity. Shell-color polymorphism has been related to the differential expression of genes in several signal transduction pathways; however, the functions of micro-RNAs (miRNAs) in shell-color formation remain unclear. In the present study, we compared high-quality, small-RNA transcriptomes in three strains of the Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum with specific shell-color patterns, artificially selected for six generations. Totals of 114 known and 208 novel miRNAs were identified by high-throughput sequencing, of which nine known and one novel miRNA were verified by stem-loop quantitative real time-polymerase chain reaction. Predicted miRNA targets were subjected to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses. miR-137 and miR-216b and the Hedgehog signaling pathway and Wnt signaling pathway were identified as being potentially involved in pigment formation and regulation in R. philippinarum. These results may help to clarify the role of miRNAs in shell coloration and shed light on the mechanisms regulating color formation in bivalve shells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Ding
- Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
- Engineering Research Center of Shellfish Culture and Breeding in Liaoning Province, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Qiang Wen
- Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Zhongming Huo
- Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
- Engineering Research Center of Shellfish Culture and Breeding in Liaoning Province, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Hongtao Nie
- Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
- Engineering Research Center of Shellfish Culture and Breeding in Liaoning Province, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Yanjie Qin
- Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China
- Engineering Research Center of Shellfish Culture and Breeding in Liaoning Province, Dalian, 116023, China
| | - Xiwu Yan
- Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, 116023, China.
- Engineering Research Center of Shellfish Culture and Breeding in Liaoning Province, Dalian, 116023, China.
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Sayas CL, Ávila J. GSK-3 and Tau: A Key Duet in Alzheimer's Disease. Cells 2021; 10:721. [PMID: 33804962 PMCID: PMC8063930 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine kinase with a plethora of substrates. As a modulator of several cellular processes, GSK-3 has a central position in cell metabolism and signaling, with important roles both in physiological and pathological conditions. GSK-3 has been associated with a number of human disorders, such as neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD). GSK-3 contributes to the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein, the main component of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), one of the hallmarks of AD. GSK-3 is further involved in the regulation of different neuronal processes that are dysregulated during AD pathogenesis, such as the generation of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide or Aβ-induced cell death, axonal transport, cholinergic function, and adult neurogenesis or synaptic function. In this review, we will summarize recent data about GSK-3 involvement in these processes contributing to AD pathology, mostly focusing on the crucial interplay between GSK-3 and tau protein. We further discuss the current development of potential AD therapies targeting GSK-3 or GSK-3-phosphorylated tau.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Laura Sayas
- Instituto de Tecnologías Biomédicas (ITB), Universidad de La Laguna (ULL), 38200 Tenerife, Spain
| | - Jesús Ávila
- Centro de Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa (CBMSO), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) y la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM), 28049 Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Valderrebollo 5, 28031 Madrid, Spain
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Phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1 δ (PPM1D), serine/threonine protein phosphatase and novel pharmacological target in cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2020; 184:114362. [PMID: 33309518 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2020.114362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Aberrations in DNA damage response genes are recognized mediators of tumorigenesis and resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy. While protein phosphatase magnesium-dependent 1 δ (PPM1D), located on the long arm of chromosome 17 at 17q22-23, is a key regulator of cellular responses to DNA damage, amplification, overexpression, or mutation of this gene is important in a wide range of pathologic processes. In this review, we describe the physiologic function of PPM1D, as well as its role in diverse processes, including fertility, development, stemness, immunity, tumorigenesis, and treatment responsiveness. We highlight both the advances and limitations of current approaches to targeting malignant processes mediated by pathogenic alterations in PPM1D with the goal of providing rationale for continued research and development of clinically viable treatment approaches for PPM1D-associated diseases.
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32
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Little JC, Garcia-Garcia E, Sul A, Kalderon D. Drosophila hedgehog can act as a morphogen in the absence of regulated Ci processing. eLife 2020; 9:61083. [PMID: 33084577 PMCID: PMC7679133 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular Hedgehog (Hh) proteins induce transcriptional changes in target cells by inhibiting the proteolytic processing of full-length Drosophila Ci or mammalian Gli proteins to nuclear transcriptional repressors and by activating the full-length Ci or Gli proteins. We used Ci variants expressed at physiological levels to investigate the contributions of these mechanisms to dose-dependent Hh signaling in Drosophila wing imaginal discs. Ci variants that cannot be processed supported a normal pattern of graded target gene activation and the development of adults with normal wing morphology, when supplemented by constitutive Ci repressor, showing that Hh can signal normally in the absence of regulated processing. The processing-resistant Ci variants were also significantly activated in the absence of Hh by elimination of Cos2, likely acting through binding the CORD domain of Ci, or PKA, revealing separate inhibitory roles of these two components in addition to their well-established roles in promoting Ci processing. Morphogens play a crucial role in determining how cells are organized in developing organisms. These chemical signals act over a wide area, and the amount of signal each cell receives typically initiates a sequence of events that spatially pattern the multiple cells of an organ or tissue. One of the most well-studied groups of morphogens are the hedgehog proteins, which are involved in the development of many animals, ranging from flies to humans. In fruit flies, hedgehog proteins kickstart a cascade of molecular changes that switch on a set of 'target' genes. They do this by ultimately altering the activity of a protein called cubitus interruptus, which comes in two lengths: a long version called Ci-155 and a short version called Ci-75. When hedgehog is absent, Ci-155 is kept in an inactive state in the cytoplasm, where it is slowly converted into its shorter form, Ci-75: this repressor protein is then able to access the nucleus, where it switches ‘off’ the target genes. However, when a hedgehog signal is present, the processing of Ci into its shorter form is inhibited. Instead, Ci-155 becomes activated by a separate mechanism that allows the long form protein to enter the nucleus and switch ‘on’ the target genes. But it was unclear whether hedgehog requires both of these mechanisms in order to act as a morphogen and regulate the activity of developmental genes. To answer this question, Little et al. mutated the gene for Ci in the embryo of fruit flies, so that the Ci-155 protein could no longer be processed into Ci-75. Examining the developing wings of these flies revealed that the genes targeted by hedgehog are still activated in the correct pattern. In some parts of the wing, Ci-75 is required to switch off specific sets of genes. But when Little et al. blocked these genes, by adding a gene that constantly produces the Ci repressor in the presence or absence of hedgehog, the adult flies still developed normally structured wings. This suggests that hedgehog does not need to regulate the processing of Ci-155 into Ci-75 in order to perform its developmental role. Previous work showed that when one of the major mechanisms used by hedgehog to activate Ci-155 is blocked, fruit flies are still able to develop normal wings. Taken together with the findings of Little et al., this suggests that the two mechanisms induced by hedgehog can compensate for each other, and independently regulate the development of the fruit fly wing. These mechanisms, which are also found in humans, have been linked to birth defects and several common types of cancer, and understanding how they work could help the development of new treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie C Little
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Elisa Garcia-Garcia
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Amanda Sul
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, United States
| | - Daniel Kalderon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, United States
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Song X, Hu H, Zhao M, Ma T, Gao L. Prospects of circadian clock in joint cartilage development. FASEB J 2020; 34:14120-14135. [PMID: 32946614 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202001597r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Altering the food intake, exercise, and sleep patterns have a great influence on the homeostasis of the biological clock. This leads to accelerated aging of the articular cartilage, susceptibility to arthropathy and other aspects. Deficiency or overexpression of certain circadian clock-related genes accelerates the cartilage deterioration and leads to phenotypic variation in different joints. The process of joint cartilage development includes the formation of joint site, interzone, joint cavitation, epiphyseal ossification center, and cartilage maturation. The mechanism by which, biological clock regulates the cell-cycle, growth, metabolism, and other biological processes of chondrocytes is poorly understood. Here, we summarized the interaction between biological clock proteins and developmental pathways in chondrogenesis and provided the evidence from other tissues that further predicts the molecular patterns of these protein-protein networks in activation, proliferation, and differentiation. The purpose of this review is to gain deeper understanding of the evolution of cartilage and its irreversibility seen in damage and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaopeng Song
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Hailong Hu
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Mingchao Zhao
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Tianwen Ma
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
| | - Li Gao
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory Animals and Comparative Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, China
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Booker BE, Steg AD, Kovac S, Landen CN, Amm HM. The use of hedgehog antagonists in cancer therapy: a comparison of clinical outcomes and gene expression analyses. Cancer Biol Ther 2020; 21:873-883. [PMID: 32914706 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2020.1806640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (HH) signaling, a critical developmental pathway, has been implicated in cancer initiation and progression. With vismodegib and sonidegib having been approved for clinical use, increasing numbers of HH inhibitors alone and in combination with chemotherapies are in clinical trials. Here we highlight the clinical research on HH antagonists and the genetics of response to these compounds in human cancers. Selectivity of HH inhibitors, determined by decreased pathway transcriptional activity, has been demonstrated in many clinical trials. Patients with advanced/metastatic basal cell carcinoma have benefited the most, whereas HH antagonists did little to improve survival rates in other cancers. Correlation between clinical response and HH gene expression vary among different cancer types. Predicting response and resistance to HH inhibitors presents a challenge and continues to remain an important area of research. New approaches combine standard of care chemotherapies and molecularly targeted therapies to increase the clinical utility of HH inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burthia E Booker
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Adam D Steg
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University , Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Stefan Kovac
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University , Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Charles N Landen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Hope M Amm
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL, USA
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Protein phosphatase 4 promotes Hedgehog signaling through dephosphorylation of Suppressor of fused. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:686. [PMID: 32826873 PMCID: PMC7442787 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02843-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2019] [Revised: 07/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Reversible phosphorylation of Suppressor of fused (Sufu) is essential for Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signal transduction. Sufu is stabilized under dual phosphorylation of protein kinase A (PKA) and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β). Its phosphorylation is reduced with the activation of Shh signaling. However, the phosphatase in this reversible phosphorylation has not been found. Taking advantage of a proteomic approach, we identified Protein phosphatase 4 regulatory subunit 2 (Ppp4r2), an interacting protein of Sufu. Shh signaling promotes the interaction of these two proteins in the nucleus, and Ppp4 also promotes dephosphorylation of Sufu, leading to its degradation and enhancing the Gli1 transcriptional activity. Finally, Ppp4-mediated dephosphorylation of Sufu promotes proliferation of medulloblastoma tumor cells, and expression of Ppp4 is positively correlated with up-regulation of Shh pathway target genes in the Shh-subtype medulloblastoma, underscoring the important role of this regulation in Shh signaling.
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36
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Lou H, Li H, Huehn AR, Tarasova NI, Saleh B, Anderson SK, Dean M. Genetic and Epigenetic Regulation of the Smoothened Gene (SMO) in Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2219. [PMID: 32784501 PMCID: PMC7464114 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: The hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is a key regulator of embryonic patterning, tissue regeneration, stem cell renewal, and cancer growth. The smoothened (SMO) protein regulates the HH signaling pathway and has demonstrated oncogenic activity. (2) Methods: To clarify the role of the HH signaling pathway in tumorigenesis, the expression profile of key HH signaling molecules, including SMO, PTCH1, GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3, were determined in 33 cancer cell lines and normal prostate cells and tissues. We performed a computational analysis of the upstream region of the SMO gene to identify the regulatory elements. (3) Results: Three potential CpG islands and several putative SMO promoter elements were identified. Luciferase reporter assays mapped key SMO promoter elements, and functional binding sites for SP1, AP1, CREB, and AP-2α transcription factors in the core SMO promoter region were confirmed. A hypermethylated SMO promoter was identified in several cancer cell lines suggesting an important role for epigenetic silencing of SMO expression in certain cancer cells. (4) Discussion: These results have important implications for our understanding of regulatory mechanisms controlling HH pathway activity and the molecular basis of SMO gene function. Moreover, this study may prove valuable for future research aimed at producing therapeutic downregulation of SMO expression in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Lou
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Gaithersburg, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Hongchuan Li
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Andrew R. Huehn
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (A.R.H.); (N.I.T.); (B.S.)
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Biochemistry, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Nadya I. Tarasova
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (A.R.H.); (N.I.T.); (B.S.)
| | - Bahara Saleh
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (A.R.H.); (N.I.T.); (B.S.)
| | - Stephen K. Anderson
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunometabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (A.R.H.); (N.I.T.); (B.S.)
| | - Michael Dean
- Laboratory of Translational Genomics, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Gaithersburg, MD 20892, USA
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Circ-GLI1 promotes metastasis in melanoma through interacting with p70S6K2 to activate Hedgehog/GLI1 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways and upregulate Cyr61. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:596. [PMID: 32732916 PMCID: PMC7393080 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02799-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are emerging regulators in the development of human cancers. However, the role of circRNAs in melanoma is poorly understood. Microarray analysis and qRT-PCR was applied to screen out circRNAs that were differentially expressed in melanoma cells compared to normal cells. Currently, we first proved that inhibition of CYR61, an angiogenesis factor with controversial functions in melanoma, restrained cell migration, invasion and angiogenesis in melanoma. Thereafter, a novel circRNA hsa_circ_0027247 derived from GLI1 (circ-GLI1) was identified to positively modulate CYR61 expression in melanoma cell lines. Besides, silencing circ-GLI1 hindered melanoma cell metastasis as well. Interestingly, we unveiled that circ-GLI1 enhanced CYR61 transcription by an indirect manner. Meanwhile, circ-GLI1 activated Hedgehog/GLI1 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways by affecting the degradation of GLI1 and β-catenin. Moreover, we found that circ-GLI1 interacted with p70S6K2 to induce GSK3β phosphorylation at Ser9, and therefore blocked the binding of GSK3β with GLI1 and β-catenin so as to elevate their protein expression. Of note, CYR61 was transcriptionally activated by MYC, a well-recognized downstream target of both GLI1 and β-catenin. In conclusion, circ-GLI1 exacerbates the metastasis and angiogenesis of melanoma by upregulating Cyr61 via p70S6K2-dependent activation of Hedgehog/GLI1 and Wnt/β-catenin pathways.
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Augello G, Emma MR, Cusimano A, Azzolina A, Montalto G, McCubrey JA, Cervello M. The Role of GSK-3 in Cancer Immunotherapy: GSK-3 Inhibitors as a New Frontier in Cancer Treatment. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061427. [PMID: 32526891 PMCID: PMC7348946 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/31/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) was initially identified because of its key role in the regulation of glycogen synthesis. However, it is now well-established that GSK-3 performs critical functions in many cellular processes, such as apoptosis, tumor growth, cell invasion, and metastasis. Aberrant GSK-3 activity has been associated with many human diseases, including cancer, highlighting its potential therapeutic relevance as a target for anticancer therapy. Recently, newly emerging data have demonstrated the pivotal role of GSK-3 in the anticancer immune response. In the last few years, many GSK-3 inhibitors have been developed, and some are currently being tested in clinical trials. This review will discuss preclinical and initial clinical results with GSK-3β inhibitors, highlighting the potential importance of this target in cancer immunotherapy. As described in this review, GSK-3 inhibitors have been shown to have antitumor activity in a wide range of human cancer cells, and they may also contribute to promoting a more efficacious immune response against tumor target cells, thus showing a double therapeutic advantage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppa Augello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), 90144 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.R.E.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (G.M.)
| | - Maria R. Emma
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), 90144 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.R.E.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (G.M.)
| | - Antonella Cusimano
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), 90144 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.R.E.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (G.M.)
| | - Antonina Azzolina
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), 90144 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.R.E.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (G.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), 90144 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.R.E.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (G.M.)
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, 90127 Palermo, Italy
| | - James A. McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27834, USA;
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), 90144 Palermo, Italy; (G.A.); (M.R.E.); (A.C.); (A.A.); (G.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-091-6809-534
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Li Y, Sun X, Gao D, Ding Y, Liu J, Chen J, Luo J, Zhang J, Liu Q, Zhou Z. Dual functions of Rack1 in regulating Hedgehog pathway. Cell Death Differ 2020; 27:3082-3096. [PMID: 32467643 PMCID: PMC7560836 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-0563-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) pathway plays multiple roles in many physiological processes and its dysregulation leads to congenital disorders and cancers. Hh regulates the cellular localization of Smoothened (Smo) and the stability of Cubitus interruptus (Ci) to fine-tune the signal outputs. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Here, we show that the scaffold protein Rack1 plays dual roles in Hh signaling. In the absence of Hh, Rack1 promotes Ci and Cos2 to form a Ci–Rack1–Cos2 complex, culminating in Slimb-mediated Ci proteolysis. In the presence of Hh, Rack1 dissociates from Ci–Rack1–Cos2 complex and forms a trimeric complex with Smo and Usp8, leading to Smo deubiquitination and cell surface accumulation. Furthermore, we find the regulation of Rack1 on Hh pathway is conserved from Drosophila to mammalian cells. Our findings demonstrate that Rack1 plays dual roles during Hh signal transduction and provide Rack1 as a potential drug target for Hh-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, 271018, Tai'an, China
| | - Xiaohan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, 271018, Tai'an, China
| | - Dongqing Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, 271018, Tai'an, China
| | - Yan Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, 271018, Tai'an, China
| | - Jinxiao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, 271018, Tai'an, China
| | - Jiong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, 210061, Nanjing, China
| | - Jun Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and MOE Key Laboratory of Model Animals for Disease Study, Model Animal Research Center, Nanjing University, 210061, Nanjing, China
| | - Junzheng Zhang
- Department of Entomology and MOA Key Lab of Pest Monitoring and Green Management, College of Plant Protection, China Agricultural University, 100094, Beijing, China
| | - Qingxin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, 271018, Tai'an, China.
| | - Zizhang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Biology, College of Life Sciences, Shandong Agricultural University, 271018, Tai'an, China.
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Luo F, Yu S, Jin LH. The Posterior Signaling Center Is an Important Microenvironment for Homeostasis of the Drosophila Lymph Gland. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:382. [PMID: 32509789 PMCID: PMC7253591 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoiesis is a necessary process for development and immune defense in Drosophila from the embryonic period to adulthood. There are two main stages in this process: the first stage occurs in the head mesoderm during the embryonic stage, and the second occurs in a specialized hematopoietic organ along the dorsal vessel, the lymph gland, during the larval stage. The lymph gland consists of paired lobes, each of which has distinct regions: the cortical zone (CZ), which contains mature hemocytes; the medullary zone (MZ), which contains hematopoietic progenitors; and the posterior signaling center (PSC), which specifically expresses the early B-cell factor (EBF) transcription factor Collier (Col) and the HOX factor Antennapedia (Antp) to form a microenvironment similar to that of the mammalian bone marrow hematopoietic stem cell niche. The PSC plays a key role in regulating hematopoietic progenitor differentiation. Moreover, the PSC contributes to the cellular immune response to wasp parasitism triggered by elevated ROS levels. Two recent studies have revealed that hematopoietic progenitor maintenance is directly regulated by Col expressed in the MZ and is independent of the PSC, challenging the traditional model. In this review, we summarize the regulatory networks of PSC cell proliferation, the controversy regarding PSC-mediated regulation of hematopoietic progenitor differentiation, and the wasp egg infection response. In addition, we discuss why the PSC is an ideal model for investigating mammalian hematopoietic stem cell niches and leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Li Hua Jin
- Department of Genetics, College of Life Sciences, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin, China
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41
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Moloudizargari M, Asghari MH, Nabavi SF, Gulei D, Berindan-Neagoe I, Bishayee A, Nabavi SM. Targeting Hippo signaling pathway by phytochemicals in cancer therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 80:183-194. [PMID: 32428716 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The current era of cancer research has been continuously advancing upon identifying novel aspects of tumorigenesis and the principal mechanisms behind the unleashed proliferation, invasion, drug resistance and immortality of cancer cells in hopes of exploiting these findings to achieve a more effective treatment for cancer. In pursuit of this goal, the identification of the first components of an extremely important regulatory pathway in Drosophila melanogaster that largely determines cell fate during the developmental stages, ended up in the discovery of the highly sophisticated Hippo signaling cascade. Soon after, it was revealed that deregulation of the components of this pathway either via mutations or through epigenetic alterations can be observed in a vast variety of tumors and these alterations greatly contribute to the neoplastic transformation of cells, their survival, growth and resistance to therapy. As more hidden aspects of this pathway such as its widespread entanglement with other major cellular signaling pathways are continuously being uncovered, many researchers have sought over the past decade to find ways of therapeutic interventions targeting the major components of the Hippo cascade. To date, various approaches such as the use of exogenous targeting miRNAs and different molecular inhibitors have been recruited herein, among which naturally occurring compounds have shown a great promise. On such a basis, in the present work we review the current understanding of Hippo pathway and the most recent evidence on targeting its components using natural plant-derived phytochemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Moloudizargari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Student Research Committee, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717443, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Asghari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717647745, Iran; Immunoregulation Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717647745, Iran.
| | - Seyed Fazel Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1435916471, Iran
| | - Diana Gulei
- MedFuture - Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- MedFuture - Research Center for Advanced Medicine, Research Center for Functional Genomics and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania; Department of Functional Genomics and Experimental Pathology, Ion Chiricuta Clinical Cancer Center, Cluj-Napoca 400337, Romania
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA
| | - Seyed Mohammad Nabavi
- Applied Biotechnology Research Center, Baqiyatallah University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1435916471, Iran.
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42
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Lineage-specific roles of hedgehog-GLI signaling during mammalian kidney development. Pediatr Nephrol 2020; 35:725-731. [PMID: 30923969 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-019-04240-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2018] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant hedgehog (Hh) signaling during embryogenesis results in various severe congenital abnormalities, including renal malformations. The molecular mechanisms that underlie congenital renal malformations remain poorly understood. Here, we review the current understanding of the lineage-specific roles of Hh signaling during renal morphogenesis and how aberrant Hh signaling during embryonic kidney development contributes to renal malformation.
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43
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Matissek SJ, Elsawa SF. GLI3: a mediator of genetic diseases, development and cancer. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:54. [PMID: 32245491 PMCID: PMC7119169 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00540-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor GLI3 is a member of the Hedgehog (Hh/HH) signaling pathway that can exist as a full length (Gli3-FL/GLI3-FL) or repressor (Gli3-R/GLI3-R) form. In response to HH activation, GLI3-FL regulates HH genes by targeting the GLI1 promoter. In the absence of HH signaling, GLI3 is phosphorylated leading to its partial degradation and the generation of GLI3-R which represses HH functions. GLI3 is also involved in tissue development, immune cell development and cancer. The absence of Gli3 in mice impaired brain and lung development and GLI3 mutations in humans are the cause of Greig cephalopolysyndactyly (GCPS) and Pallister Hall syndromes (PHS). In the immune system GLI3 regulates B, T and NK-cells and may be involved in LPS-TLR4 signaling. In addition, GLI3 was found to be upregulated in multiple cancers and was found to positively regulate cancerous behavior such as anchorage-independent growth, angiogenesis, proliferation and migration with the exception in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and medulloblastoma where GLI plays an anti-cancerous role. Finally, GLI3 is a target of microRNA. Here, we will review the biological significance of GLI3 and discuss gaps in our understanding of this molecule. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan J. Matissek
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, 46 College Rd Rudman 291, Durham, NH 03824 USA
| | - Sherine F. Elsawa
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Biomedical Sciences, University of New Hampshire, 46 College Rd Rudman 291, Durham, NH 03824 USA
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44
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PKAc-directed interaction and phosphorylation of Ptc is required for Hh signaling inhibition in Drosophila. Cell Discov 2019; 5:44. [PMID: 31636957 PMCID: PMC6796939 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-019-0112-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Ptc is a gatekeeper to avoid abnormal Hh signaling activation, but the key regulators involved in Ptc-mediated inhibition remain largely unknown. Here, we identify PKAc as a key regulator required for Ptc inhibitory function. In the absence of Hh, PKAc physically interacts with Ptc and phosphorylates Ptc at Ser-1150 and -1183 residues. The presence of Hh unleashes PKAc from Ptc and activates Hh signaling. By combining both in vitro and in vivo functional assays, we demonstrate that such Ptc–PKAc interaction and Ptc phosphorylation are both important for Ptc inhibitory function. Interestingly, we further demonstrate that PKAc is subjected to palmitoylation, contributing to its kinase activity on plasma membrane. Based on those novel findings, we establish a working model on Ptc inhibitory function: In the absence of Hh, PKAc interacts with and phosphorylates Ptc to ensure its inhibitory function; and Hh presence releases PKAc from Ptc, resulting in Hh signaling activation.
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45
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Xu P, Ianes C, Gärtner F, Liu C, Burster T, Bakulev V, Rachidi N, Knippschild U, Bischof J. Structure, regulation, and (patho-)physiological functions of the stress-induced protein kinase CK1 delta (CSNK1D). Gene 2019; 715:144005. [PMID: 31376410 PMCID: PMC7939460 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2019.144005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Members of the highly conserved pleiotropic CK1 family of serine/threonine-specific kinases are tightly regulated in the cell and play crucial regulatory roles in multiple cellular processes from protozoa to human. Since their dysregulation as well as mutations within their coding regions contribute to the development of various different pathologies, including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, they have become interesting new drug targets within the last decade. However, to develop optimized CK1 isoform-specific therapeutics in personalized therapy concepts, a detailed knowledge of the regulation and functions of the different CK1 isoforms, their various splice variants and orthologs is mandatory. In this review we will focus on the stress-induced CK1 isoform delta (CK1δ), thereby addressing its regulation, physiological functions, the consequences of its deregulation for the development and progression of diseases, and its potential as therapeutic drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Xu
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Surgery Center, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Chiara Ianes
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Surgery Center, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Fabian Gärtner
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Surgery Center, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Congxing Liu
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Surgery Center, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Timo Burster
- Department of Biology, School of Science and Technology, Nazarbayev University, 53 Kabanbay Batyr Ave, Nur-Sultan 020000, Kazakhstan.
| | - Vasiliy Bakulev
- Ural Federal University named after the first President of Russia B. N. Eltsin, Technology for Organic Synthesis Laboratory, 19 Mirastr., 620002 Ekaterinburg, Russia.
| | - Najma Rachidi
- Unité de Parasitologie Moléculaire et Signalisation, Department of Parasites and Insect Vectors, Institut Pasteur and INSERM U1201, 25-28 Rue du Dr Roux, 75015 Paris, France.
| | - Uwe Knippschild
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Surgery Center, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
| | - Joachim Bischof
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Surgery Center, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany.
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Pelullo M, Zema S, Nardozza F, Checquolo S, Screpanti I, Bellavia D. Wnt, Notch, and TGF-β Pathways Impinge on Hedgehog Signaling Complexity: An Open Window on Cancer. Front Genet 2019; 10:711. [PMID: 31552081 PMCID: PMC6736567 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Constitutive activation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway is associated with increased risk of developing several malignancies. The biological and pathogenic importance of Hh signaling emphasizes the need to control its action tightly, both physiologically and therapeutically. Evidence of crosstalk between Hh and other signaling pathways is reported in many tumor types. Here, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about the communication between Hh and major signaling pathways, such as Notch, Wnt, and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), which play critical roles in both embryonic and adult life. When these pathways are unbalanced, impaired crosstalk contributes to disease development. It is reported that more than one of these pathways are active in different type of tumors, at the same time. Therefore, starting from a plethora of stimuli that activate multiple signaling pathways, we describe the signals that preferentially converge on the Hh signaling cascade that influence its activity. Moreover, we highlight several connection points between Hh and Notch, Wnt, or TGF-β pathways, showing a reciprocal synergism that contributes to tumorigenesis, supporting a more malignant behavior by tumor cells, such as in leukemia and brain tumors. Understanding the importance of these molecular interlinking networks will provide a rational basis for combined anticancer drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Pelullo
- Center of Life Nano Science Sapienza, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabrina Zema
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Saula Checquolo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
| | | | - Diana Bellavia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
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Hu A, Song BL. The interplay of Patched, Smoothened and cholesterol in Hedgehog signaling. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2019; 61:31-38. [PMID: 31369952 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2019.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Revised: 06/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (HH) pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating a diverse array of events from embryonic tissue patterning to adult organ self-renewal. Aberrant activation of the pathway is linked to carcinogenesis. Key factors in the HH pathway include the signaling ligand HH, the receptor Patched (PTCH), and the G-protein-coupled receptor-like transducer Smoothened (SMO). A long-lasting question about this pathway is how PTCH prevents SMO from being activated. Recent high-resolution structural studies provide insight into the molecular basis of HH recognition by PTCH. Moreover, cholesterol stands out as the endogenous ligand of SMO and acts by binding and/or covalently linking to SMO. In this review, we discuss current advances in HH signaling, the interplay of PTCH, SMO and cholesterol, and propose putative models of SMO activation by cholesterol binding and/or modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ao Hu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Bao-Liang Song
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Cell Homeostasis, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Ma P, Song NN, Li Y, Zhang Q, Zhang L, Zhang L, Kong Q, Ma L, Yang X, Ren B, Li C, Zhao X, Li Y, Xu Y, Gao X, Ding YQ, Mao B. Fine-Tuning of Shh/Gli Signaling Gradient by Non-proteolytic Ubiquitination during Neural Patterning. Cell Rep 2019; 28:541-553.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
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49
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GSK3 regulates hair cell fate in the developing mammalian cochlea. Dev Biol 2019; 453:191-205. [PMID: 31185200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The development of asymmetric patterns along biologically relevant axes is a hallmark of many vertebrate organs or structures. One example is the sensory epithelium of the mammalian auditory system. Two distinct types of mechanosensory hair cells (inner and outer) and at least six types of associated supporting cells are precisely and asymmetrically arrayed along the radial (medial-lateral) axis of the cochlear spiral. Immunolabeling of developing cochleae indicates differential expression of Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) along the same axis. To determine whether GSK3β plays a role in specification of cell fates along the medial-lateral axis, GSK3 activity was blocked pharmacologically in cochlear explants. Results indicate significant changes in both the number of hair cells and in the specification of hair cell phenotypes. The overall number of inner hair cells increased as a result of both a shift in the medial boundary between sensory and non-sensory regions of the cochlea and a change in the specification of inner and outer hair cell phenotypes. Previous studies have inhibited GSK3 as a method to examine effects of canonical Wnt signaling. However, quantification of changes in Wnt pathway target genes in GSK3-inhibited cochleae, and treatment with more specific Wnt agonists, indicated that the Wnt pathway is not activated. Instead, expression of Bmp4 in a population of GSK3β-expressing cells was shown to be down-regulated. Finally, addition of BMP4 to GSK3-inhibited cochleae achieved a partial rescue of the hair cell phenotype. These results demonstrate a role for GSK3β in the specification of cellular identities along the medial-lateral axis of the cochlea and provide evidence for a positive role for GSK3β in the expression of Bmp4.
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Peer E, Tesanovic S, Aberger F. Next-Generation Hedgehog/GLI Pathway Inhibitors for Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040538. [PMID: 30991683 PMCID: PMC6520835 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog/Glioma-associated oncogene homolog (HH/GLI) signaling pathway regulates self-renewal of rare and highly malignant cancer stem cells (CSC), which have been shown to account for the initiation and maintenance of tumor growth as well as for drug resistance, metastatic spread and relapse. Efficacious therapeutic approaches targeting CSC pathways, such as HH/GLI signaling in combination with chemo, radiation or immunotherapy are, therefore, of high medical need. Pharmacological inhibition of HH/GLI pathway activity represents a promising approach to eliminate malignant CSC. Clinically approved HH/GLI pathway inhibitors target the essential pathway effector Smoothened (SMO) with striking therapeutic efficacy in skin and brain cancer patients. However, multiple genetic and molecular mechanisms resulting in de novo and acquired resistance to SMO inhibitors pose major limitations to anti-HH/GLI therapies and, thus, the eradication of CSC. In this review, we summarize reasons for clinical failure of SMO inhibitors, including mechanisms caused by genetic alterations in HH pathway effectors or triggered by additional oncogenic signals activating GLI transcription factors in a noncanonical manner. We then discuss emerging novel and rationale-based approaches to overcome SMO-inhibitor resistance, focusing on pharmacological perturbations of enzymatic modifiers of GLI activity and on compounds either directly targeting oncogenic GLI factors or interfering with synergistic crosstalk signals known to boost the oncogenicity of HH/GLI signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Peer
- Department of Biosciences, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Suzana Tesanovic
- Department of Biosciences, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Fritz Aberger
- Department of Biosciences, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Hellbrunner Strasse 34, 5020 Salzburg, Austria.
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