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Abstract
One of the remarkable discoveries in the field of psychopharmacology from late 1940s is Lithium (Li) that reminds of old but still gold. It continues to be a distinctive mood stabilizer that matches various standards recommended for mood stabilizers. Apart from this Li is also known to affect immune cell functions. Lithium response and regulations of different immune cells in bipolar patients, related immune disorders are not well defined. Here, we provide an overview of literature with regard to Li's effects on different immune cells. However, the use of Li is currently limited to bipolar disorders and there is no empirical evidence for immune cell disorders. The objective of this article is to provide the evaluations of Li responses towards the different immune cells based on the existing studies. Further, more studies are needed to understand the mechanistic basis and heterogeneous responses of Li's effect in bipolar, also unravel relative immune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narendra Maddu
- Department of Biochemistry, Sri Krishnadevaraya University , Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh , India and
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2
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Iozzi S, Remelli R, Lelli B, Diamanti D, Pileri S, Bracci L, Roncarati R, Caricasole A, Bernocco S. Functional Characterization of a Small-Molecule Inhibitor of the DKK1-LRP6 Interaction. ISRN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2012; 2012:823875. [PMID: 27398238 PMCID: PMC4908242 DOI: 10.5402/2012/823875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Background. DKK1 antagonizes canonical Wnt signalling through high-affinity binding to LRP5/6, an essential component of the Wnt receptor complex responsible for mediating downstream canonical Wnt signalling. DKK1 overexpression is known for its pathological implications in osteoporosis, cancer, and neurodegeneration, suggesting the interaction with LRP5/6 as a potential therapeutic target. Results. We show that the small-molecule NCI8642 can efficiently displace DKK1 from LRP6 and block DKK1 inhibitory activity on canonical Wnt signalling, as shown in binding and cellular assays, respectively. We further characterize NCI8642 binding activity on LRP6 by Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) technology. Conclusions. This study demonstrates that the DKK1-LRP6 interaction can be the target of small molecules and unlocks the possibility of new therapeutic tools for diseases associated with DKK1 dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Iozzi
- Pharmacology Department, Sienabiotech S.p.A, Strada del Petriccio e Belriguardo 35, 53100 Siena, Italy; Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università Degli Studi di Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Rosaria Remelli
- Pharmacology Department, Sienabiotech S.p.A, Strada del Petriccio e Belriguardo 35, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Barbara Lelli
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università Degli Studi di Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Daniela Diamanti
- Pharmacology Department, Sienabiotech S.p.A, Strada del Petriccio e Belriguardo 35, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Pileri
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università Degli Studi di Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Luisa Bracci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università Degli Studi di Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Renza Roncarati
- Pharmacology Department, Sienabiotech S.p.A, Strada del Petriccio e Belriguardo 35, 53100 Siena, Italy; High-throughput Screening Unit, Center for Genomic Regulation, Dr. Aiguader, 88, 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Caricasole
- Pharmacology Department, Sienabiotech S.p.A, Strada del Petriccio e Belriguardo 35, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Simonetta Bernocco
- Pharmacology Department, Sienabiotech S.p.A, Strada del Petriccio e Belriguardo 35, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Spinsanti P, De Vita T, Caruso A, Melchiorri D, Misasi R, Caricasole A, Nicoletti F. Differential activation of the calcium/protein kinase C and the canonical beta-catenin pathway by Wnt1 and Wnt7a produces opposite effects on cell proliferation in PC12 cells. J Neurochem 2007; 104:1588-98. [PMID: 17988238 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2007.05111.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
We examined the effect of Wnt1 and Wnt7a on cell proliferation using undifferentiated PC12 cells, which originate from the neural crest and are widely employed as a neuronal cell model. Heterologous expression of Wnt1 enhanced [3H]thymidine incorporation and expression of cyclin D1 and cylin E in PC12 cells. Opposite effects were observed in PC12 cells expressing Wnt7a. Searching for the mechanisms underlying the opposite effects of Wnt1 and Wnt7a on PC12 cell proliferation, we examined the activation of the canonical beta-catenin/T-cell-lymphoid enhancer-binding protein transcription factor pathway and the 'calcium pathway' by co-transfecting the cells with a reporter gene controlled by either T-cell-lymphoid enhancer-binding protein transcription factor or the calcium-activated transcription factor, NFAT. Wnt1 and Wnt7a activated both pathways, but to a different extent. While Wnt1 preferentially activated the calcium pathway, Wnt7a mainly activated the canonical pathway. Pharmacological inhibition of protein kinase C, which is a component of the calcium pathway, abrogated the increase in cell proliferation induced by Wnt1 without affecting the antiproliferative action of Wnt7a. The action of Wnt7a was instead occluded by lithium ions, which mimic the activation of the canonical pathway, and was largely reduced by Dickkopf-1, which acts as an inhibitor of the canonical pathway. In addition, expression of a constitutively active mutant of beta-catenin potently activated the canonical Wnt pathway and reduced [3H]thymidine incorporation. These data challenge the view that the canonical Wnt pathway invariably supports cell growth and suggest that, at least in PC12 cells, cell proliferation is regulated by the balance between the calcium/protein kinase C pathway and the canonical pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Spinsanti
- Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Armstrong VJ, Muzylak M, Sunters A, Zaman G, Saxon LK, Price JS, Lanyon LE. Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is a component of osteoblastic bone cell early responses to load-bearing and requires estrogen receptor alpha. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:20715-27. [PMID: 17491024 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m703224200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/beta-catenin pathway has been implicated in bone cell response to their mechanical environment. This response is the origin of the mechanism by which bone cells adjust bone architecture to maintain bone strength. Osteoporosis is the most widespread failure of this mechanism. The degree of osteoporotic bone loss in men and women is related to bio-available estrogen. Here we report that in osteoblastic ROS 17/2.8 cells and primary osteoblast cultures, a single short period of dynamic mechanical strain, as well as the glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta) inhibitor LiCl, increased nuclear accumulation of activated beta-catenin and stimulated TCF/LEF reporter activity. This effect was blocked by the estrogen receptor (ER) modulators ICI 182,780 and tamoxifen and was absent in primary osteoblast cultures from mice lacking ERalpha. Microarray expression data for 25,000 genes from total RNA extracted from tibiae of wild-type mice within 24 h of being loaded in vivo showed differential gene regulation between loaded and contralateral non-loaded bones of 10 genes established to be involved in the Wnt pathway. Only 2 genes were involved in loaded tibiae from mice lacking ERalpha (ERalpha(-/-)). Together these data suggest that Wnt/beta-catenin signaling contributes to bone cell early responses to mechanical strain and that its effectiveness requires ERalpha. Reduced effectiveness of bone cell responses to bone loading, associated with estrogen-related decline in ERalpha, may contribute to the failure to maintain structurally appropriate bone mass in osteoporosis in both men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria J Armstrong
- Department of Veterinary Basic Sciences, The Royal Veterinary College, Royal College Street, London, United Kingdom
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Salins P, Shawesh S, He Y, Dibrov A, Kashour T, Arthur G, Amara F. Lovastatin protects human neurons against Aβ-induced toxicity and causes activation of β-catenin–TCF/LEF signaling. Neurosci Lett 2007; 412:211-6. [PMID: 17234346 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2006.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2006] [Revised: 06/27/2006] [Accepted: 07/06/2006] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive decline due to excess amyloid beta peptide (Abeta), neurofibrillary tangles, and neuronal loss. Abeta promotes neuronal apoptosis in AD by activating glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK-3beta), leading to degradation of beta-catenin and inactivation of Wnt signaling. beta-Catenin interacts with the T-cell factor (TCF)/Lymphoid enhancer factor (LEF)-nuclear complex to mediate Wnt signaling and cell survival. Statins are associated with decreased prevalence of AD. Lovastatin has been shown to decrease the production of Abeta and to promote neuronal survival. The mechanisms of how statins promote neuronal survival are unclear. We propose that the neuroprotective effect of lovastatin may be due to inactivation of GSK-3beta activity, resulting in induction of Wnt signaling. Here, we report that lovastatin prevented Abeta-induced apoptosis in human SK-NSH cells. This was accompanied by reduction in active GSK-3beta, and increased nuclear translocation of beta-catenin, TCF-3, and LEF-1. Lovastatin treatment induced an increase in TCF/LEF-chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) gene reporter activity. More importantly, beta-catenin and TCF were required for the neuroprotective function of lovastatin. Our results suggest that lovastatin protects neuronal cells from Abeta-induced apoptosis and causes reduction in GSK-3beta activity, resulting in activation of Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pradeep Salins
- Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, University of Manitoba, 770 Bannatyne Avenue, Winnipeg R3E OW3, Canada
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Scali C, Caraci F, Gianfriddo M, Diodato E, Roncarati R, Pollio G, Gaviraghi G, Copani A, Nicoletti F, Terstappen GC, Caricasole A. Inhibition of Wnt signaling, modulation of Tau phosphorylation and induction of neuronal cell death by DKK1. Neurobiol Dis 2006; 24:254-65. [PMID: 16919965 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2006.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2006] [Revised: 06/12/2006] [Accepted: 06/30/2006] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) is induced during neurodegenerative processes associated with Alzheimer's Disease and brain ischemia. However, little is known about DKK1-mediated effects on neurons. We now describe that, in cultured neurons, DKK1 is able to inhibit canonical Wnt signaling, as assessed by TCF reporter assay and analysis of beta-catenin levels, and to elicit cell death associated with loss of BCL-2 expression, induction of BAX, and TAU hyperphosphorylation. Local infusion of DKK1 in rats caused neuronal cell death and astrocytosis in the CA1 region of the hippocampus and death of cholinergic neurons in the nucleus basalis magnocellularis. Both effects were reversed by systemic administration of lithium ions, which rescue the Wnt pathway by inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase-3beta. The demonstration that DKK1 inhibits Wnt signaling in neurons and causes neuronal death supports the hypothesis that inhibition of the canonical Wnt pathway contributes to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Verani R, Cappuccio I, Spinsanti P, Gradini R, Caruso A, Magnotti MC, Motolese M, Nicoletti F, Melchiorri D. Expression of the Wnt inhibitor Dickkopf-1 is required for the induction of neural markers in mouse embryonic stem cells differentiating in response to retinoic acid. J Neurochem 2006; 100:242-50. [PMID: 17064353 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.04207.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Cultured mouse D3 embryonic stem (ES) cells differentiating into embryoid bodies (EBs) expressed several Wnt isoforms, nearly all isotypes of the Wnt receptor Frizzled and the Wnt/Dickkopf (Dkk) co-receptor low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) type 5. A 4-day treatment with retinoic acid (RA), which promoted neural differentiation of EBs, substantially increased the expression of the Wnt antagonist Dkk-1, and induced the synthesis of the Wnt/Dkk-1 co-receptor LRP6. Recombinant Dkk-1 applied to EBs behaved like RA in inducing the expression of the neural markers nestin and distal-less homeobox gene (Dlx-2). Recombinant Dkk-1 was able to inhibit the Wnt pathway, as shown by a reduction in nuclear beta-catenin levels. Remarkably, the antisense- or small interfering RNA-induced knockdown of Dkk-1 largely reduced the expression of Dlx-2, and the neuronal marker beta-III tubulin in EBs exposed to RA. These data suggest that induction of Dkk-1 and the ensuing inhibition of the canonical Wnt pathway is required for neural differentiation of ES cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Verani
- Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Iacovelli L, Arcella A, Battaglia G, Pazzaglia S, Aronica E, Spinsanti P, Caruso A, De Smaele E, Saran A, Gulino A, D’Onofrio M, Giangaspero F, Nicoletti F. Pharmacological activation of mGlu4 metabotropic glutamate receptors inhibits the growth of medulloblastomas. J Neurosci 2006; 26:8388-97. [PMID: 16899734 PMCID: PMC6673797 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2285-06.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Moving from the evidence that activation of type 4 metabotropic glutamate (mGlu4) receptors inhibits proliferation and promotes differentiation of cerebellar granule cell neuroprogenitors, we examined the expression and function of mGlu4 receptors in medulloblastoma cells. mGlu4 receptors were expressed in 46 of 60 human medulloblastoma samples. Expression varied in relation to the histotype (nodular desmoplastic>classic>>large-cell anaplastic) and was inversely related to tumor severity, spreading, and recurrence. mGlu4 receptors were also found in D283med, D341med, and DAOY medulloblastoma cell lines, where receptor activation with the selective enhancer PHCCC inhibited adenylyl cyclase and the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase pathway without affecting the mitogen-activated protein kinase, Sonic Hedgehog, and Wnt pathways. Interestingly, mGlu4 receptor activation reduced DNA synthesis and cell proliferation in all three cell lines. This effect was abrogated by the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase inhibitor LY294002 [2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one]. In in vivo experiments, repeated subcutaneous injections of N-phenyl-7-(hydroxyimino)cyclopropa[b]chromen-1a-carboxamide (PHCCC) reduced the growth of D283med and DAOY cell xenografts in nude mice. More remarkably, subcutaneous or intracranial injections of PHCCC during the first week of life prevented the development of medulloblastomas in mice lacking one Patched-1 allele and x-irradiated 1 d after birth. These data suggest that mGlu4 receptor enhancers are promising drugs for the treatment of medulloblastomas.
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Caruso A, Motolese M, Iacovelli L, Caraci F, Copani A, Nicoletti F, Terstappen GC, Gaviraghi G, Caricasole A. Inhibition of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway by apolipoprotein E4 in PC12 cells. J Neurochem 2006; 98:364-71. [PMID: 16805831 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.03867.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We examined the effect of the three human isoforms of apolipoprotein E (ApoE2, ApoE3, and ApoE4) on the canonical Wnt signaling pathway in undifferentiated PC12 cells. Addition of recombinant ApoE4 reduced Wingless-Int7a-stimulated gene expression at concentrations of 80 and 500 nm. Recombinant ApoE2 and ApoE3 were virtually inactive. Recombinant ApoE4 also inhibited Wnt signaling when combined with very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs) or in cells over-expressing the low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein, LRP6. In contrast, the enforced expression of LRP5 unmasked an inhibition by ApoE2 and ApoE3, which, however, were less effective than ApoE4 in inhibiting Wnt signaling. We also transfected PC12 cells with constructs encoding for the three human ApoE isoforms to examine whether endogenously expressed ApoE isoforms could modulate the Wnt pathway. Under these conditions, all three ApoE isoforms were able to inhibit Wnt signaling, although ApoE4 showed the greatest efficacy. Only the conditioned medium collected from cultures transfected with ApoE4 induced a significant inhibition of Wnt7a-stimulated gene expression, confirming that ApoE4 has an extracellular action that is not shared by the other ApoE isoforms. We conclude that ApoE4 behaves as an inhibitor of the canonical Wnt pathway in a context-independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Caruso
- Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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Caricasole A, Copani A, Caraci F, Aronica E, Rozemuller AJ, Caruso A, Storto M, Gaviraghi G, Terstappen GC, Nicoletti F. Induction of Dickkopf-1, a negative modulator of the Wnt pathway, is associated with neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer's brain. J Neurosci 2004; 24:6021-7. [PMID: 15229249 PMCID: PMC6729239 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1381-04.2004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 306] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2004] [Revised: 05/19/2004] [Accepted: 05/20/2004] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
We used primary cultures of cortical neurons to examine the relationship between beta-amyloid toxicity and hyperphosphorylation of the tau protein, the biochemical substrate for neurofibrillary tangles of Alzheimer's brain. Exposure of the cultures to beta-amyloid peptide (betaAP) induced the expression of the secreted glycoprotein Dickkopf-1 (DKK1). DKK1 negatively modulates the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, thus activating the tau-phosphorylating enzyme glycogen synthase kinase-3beta. DKK1 was induced at late times after betaAP exposure, and its expression was dependent on the tumor suppressing protein p53. The antisense induced knock-down of DKK1 attenuated neuronal apoptosis but nearly abolished the increase in tau phosphorylation in betaAP-treated neurons. DKK1 was also expressed by degenerating neurons in the brain from Alzheimer's patients, where it colocalized with neurofibrillary tangles and distrophic neurites. We conclude that induction of DKK1 contributes to the pathological cascade triggered by beta-amyloid and is critically involved in the process of tau phosphorylation.
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Caricasole A, Ferraro T, Iacovelli L, Barletta E, Caruso A, Melchiorri D, Terstappen GC, Nicoletti F. Functional characterization of WNT7A signaling in PC12 cells: interaction with A FZD5 x LRP6 receptor complex and modulation by Dickkopf proteins. J Biol Chem 2003; 278:37024-31. [PMID: 12857724 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m300191200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
WNT factors represent key mediators of many processes in animal development and homeostasis and act through a receptor complex comprised of members of the Frizzled and low density lipoprotein-related receptors (LRP). In mammals, 19 genes encoding Wingless and Int-related factor (WNTs), 10 encoding Frizzled, and 2 encoding LRP proteins have been identified, but little is known of the identities of individual Frizzled-LRP combinations mediating the effects of specific WNT factors. Additionally, several secreted modulators of WNT signaling have been identified, including at least three members of the Dickkopf family. WNT7A is a WNT family member expressed in the vertebrate central nervous system capable of modulating aspects of neuronal plasticity. Gene knock-out models in the mouse have revealed that WNT7A plays a role in cerebellar maturation, although its function in the development of distal limb structures and of the reproductive tract have been more intensely studied. To identify a receptor complex for this WNT family member, we have analyzed the response of the rat pheochromocytoma cell line PC12 to WNT7A. We find that PC12 cells are capable of responding to WNT7A as measured by increased beta-catenin stability and activation of a T-cell factor-based luciferase reporter construct and that these cells express three members of the Frizzled family (Frizzled-2, -5, and -7) and LRP6. Our functional analysis indicates that WNT7A can specifically act via a Frizzled-5.LRP6 receptor complex in PC12 cells and that this activity can be antagonized by Dickkopf-1 and Dickkopf-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Caricasole
- Department of Human Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Rome La Sapienza, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy.
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Caricasole A, Ferraro T, Rimland JM, Terstappen GC. Molecular cloning and initial characterization of the MG61/PORC gene, the human homologue of the Drosophila segment polarity gene Porcupine. Gene 2002; 288:147-57. [PMID: 12034504 DOI: 10.1016/s0378-1119(02)00467-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Insect and vertebrate Porcupine genes encode multi-pass endoplasmic reticulum proteins involved in the processing of Wnt (wingless and int homologue) proteins, a class of secreted glycoprotein factors homologous to the Drosophila melanogaster segment polarity gene Wingless (Wg). Here we report the cloning of cDNAs encoding the human homologue of the Drosophila gene Porcupine (Porc), the characterization of its genomic structure and the quantitative analysis of its expression in a comprehensive panel of human tissues. The human Porcupine locus (MG61/PORC) spans 15 exons over approximately 12 kb of genomic sequence on Xp11.23. Real-time quantitative expression analysis reveals that MG61/PORC transcripts are expressed in multiple tissues, but are particularly abundant in the brain. Like its mouse and Xenopus homologues, MG61/PORC encodes four protein isoforms (A-D) generated through alternative splicing and expressed in a tissue-specific fashion. Finally, we present evidence indicating that MG61/PORC can influence the activity of a human Wnt7A expression construct in a T-cell factor-responsive reporter assay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Caricasole
- GlaxoSmithKline, Medicines Research Centre, Via Fleming 4, 37135 Verona, Italy
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