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Choi S, Cho N, Kim KK. The implications of alternative pre-mRNA splicing in cell signal transduction. Exp Mol Med 2023; 55:755-766. [PMID: 37009804 PMCID: PMC10167241 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-023-00981-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cells produce multiple mRNAs through alternative splicing, which ensures proteome diversity. Because most human genes undergo alternative splicing, key components of signal transduction pathways are no exception. Cells regulate various signal transduction pathways, including those associated with cell proliferation, development, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. Since proteins produced through alternative splicing can exhibit diverse biological functions, splicing regulatory mechanisms affect all signal transduction pathways. Studies have demonstrated that proteins generated by the selective combination of exons encoding important domains can enhance or attenuate signal transduction and can stably and precisely regulate various signal transduction pathways. However, aberrant splicing regulation via genetic mutation or abnormal expression of splicing factors negatively affects signal transduction pathways and is associated with the onset and progression of various diseases, including cancer. In this review, we describe the effects of alternative splicing regulation on major signal transduction pathways and highlight the significance of alternative splicing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunkyung Choi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Namjoon Cho
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Kee K Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Natural Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
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2
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Katase N, Nishimatsu SI, Yamauchi A, Okano S, Fujita S. Establishment of anti-DKK3 peptide for the cancer control in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:352. [PMID: 36376957 PMCID: PMC9664703 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02783-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the head and neck. We identified cancer-specific genes in HNSCC and focused on DKK3 expression. DKK3 gene codes two isoforms of proteins (secreted and non-secreted) with two distinct cysteine rich domains (CRDs). It is reported that DKK3 functions as a negative regulator of oncogenic Wnt signaling and, is therefore, considered to be a tumor suppressor gene. However, our series of studies have demonstrated that DKK3 expression is specifically high in HNSCC tissues and cells, and that DKK3 might determine the malignant potentials of HNSCC cells via the activation of Akt. Further analyses strongly suggested that both secreted DKK3 and non-secreted DKK3 could activate Akt signaling in discrete ways, and consequently exert tumor promoting effects. We hypothesized that DKK3 might be a specific druggable target, and it is necessary to establish a DKK3 inhibitor that can inhibit both secreted and non-secreted isoforms of DKK3. Methods Using inverse polymerase chain reaction, we generated mutant expression plasmids that express DKK3 without CRD1, CRD2, or both CRD1 and CRD2 (DKK3ΔC1, DKK3ΔC2, and DKK3ΔC1ΔC2, respectively). These plasmids were then transfected into HNSCC-derived cells to determine the domain responsible for DKK3-mediated Akt activation. We designed antisense peptides using the MIMETEC program, targeting DKK3-specific amino acid sequences within CRD1 and CRD2. The structural models for peptides and DKK3 were generated using Raptor X, and then a docking simulation was performed using CluPro2. Afterward, the best set of the peptides was applied into HNSCC-derived cells, and the effects on Akt phosphorylation, cellular proliferation, invasion, and migration were assessed. We also investigated the therapeutic effects of the peptides in the xenograft models. Results Transfection of mutant expression plasmids and subsequent functional analyses revealed that it is necessary to delete both CRD1 and CRD2 to inhibit Akt activation and inhibition of proliferation, migration, and invasion. The inhibitory peptides for CRD1 and CRD2 of DKK3 significantly reduced the phosphorylation of Akt, and consequently suppressed cellular proliferation, migration, invasion and in vivo tumor growth at very low doses. Conclusions This inhibitory peptide represents a promising new therapeutic strategy for HNSCC treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-022-02783-9.
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Araki K, Kurosawa A, Kumon H. Development of a quantitative methylation-specific droplet digital PCR assay for detecting Dickkopf-related protein 3. BMC Res Notes 2022; 15:169. [PMID: 35562749 PMCID: PMC9103039 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-022-06056-6] [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: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The detection and monitoring of DNA methylation status in circulating tumor cell DNA (ctDNA) provides critical insights into cancer diagnosis and progression. The methylation status of the Dickkopf-related protein 3 (DKK3) promoter region is correlated with the metastasis and recurrence of multiple cancers. Thus, detecting the methylation status via non-invasive methods is essential for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancers. Using a droplet digital polymerase chain reaction approach, we have developed a highly sensitive and quantitative measurement of methylated and unmethylated DKK3 derived from circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA). Results We confirmed the specificity of droplet digital methylation specific polymerase chain reaction (ddMSP). We selected the optimal bisulfite conversion method using commercially available kits. We validated the ddMSP analysis system by analyzing the methylation status of genomic DNA extracted from cultured mesothelioma cells and mesothelial cells. Our system quantified approximately 30 copies of cell-free DNA per 4 mL, which is sufficient for detecting ctDNA. Finally, we quantified methylated and unmethylated DKK3 copies in ccfDNA from 21 patients with malignant mesothelioma. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-022-06056-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenji Araki
- Innovation Center Okayama for Nanobio-Targeted Therapy, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan. .,Watarase Research Center, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1848, Nogi, Nogi-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi, 329-0114, Japan.
| | - Ai Kurosawa
- Watarase Research Center, Kyorin Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 1848, Nogi, Nogi-machi, Shimotsuga-gun, Tochigi, 329-0114, Japan
| | - Hiromi Kumon
- Innovation Center Okayama for Nanobio-Targeted Therapy, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.,Niimi University, Niimi, Okayama, Japan
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Al-Yozbaki M, Jabre I, Syed NH, Wilson CM. Targeting DNA methyltransferases in non-small-cell lung cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 83:77-87. [PMID: 33486076 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite the advances in treatment using chemotherapy or targeted therapies, due to static survival rates, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the major cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Epigenetic-based therapies have been developed for NSCLC by targeting DNA methyltransferases (DNMTs) and histone-modifying enzymes. However, treatment using single epigenetic agents on solid tumours has been inadequate; whereas, treatment with a combination of DNMTs inhibitors with chemotherapy and immunotherapy has shown great promise. Dietary sources of phytochemicals could also inhibit DNMTs and cancer stem cells, representing a novel and promising way to prevent and treat cancer. Herein, we will discuss the different DNMTs, DNA methylation profiling in NSCLC as well as current demethylating agents in ongoing clinical trials. Therefore, providing a concise overview of future developments in the field of epigenetic therapy in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minnatallah Al-Yozbaki
- Canterbury Christ Church University, School of Human and Life Sciences, Life Sciences Industry Liaison Lab, Sandwich, UK
| | - Ibtissam Jabre
- Dept. of Microbial Sciences, School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Naeem H Syed
- Canterbury Christ Church University, School of Human and Life Sciences, Life Sciences Industry Liaison Lab, Sandwich, UK
| | - Cornelia M Wilson
- Canterbury Christ Church University, School of Human and Life Sciences, Life Sciences Industry Liaison Lab, Sandwich, UK; University of Liverpool, Institute of Translation Medicine, Dept of Molecular & Clinical Cancer Medicine, UK.
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5
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Zhao S, Hao CL, Zhao EH, Jiang HM, Zheng HC. The Suppressing Effects of Dkk3 Expression on Aggressiveness and Tumorigenesis of Colorectal Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:600322. [PMID: 33425757 PMCID: PMC7794014 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.600322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Dkk3 has been discovered during comparison of immortalized and parental cells. Its expression has been shown to reduce colony formation and induce apoptosis of cancer cells, acting as a tumor suppressor. Herein, we demonstrate that Dkk3 overexpression or protein treatment may inhibit colorectal cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and that they may promote apoptosis and G2 phase arrest with hypoexpression of Bcl-2, cdc25B, cdc25c, N-cadherin, slug, and twist and hyperexpression of Bax and E-cadherin. This effect is consistent with that of recombinant Dkk3 exposure and blocked with anti-Dkk3 antibody. Dkk3 deletion in intestinal cells was not associated with the emergence of epithelial lesions; however, adenoma emerged after sodium desoxycholate treatment. At both mRNA and protein levels, Dkk3 expression was higher in normal than in cancer tissues (p<0.05). Dkk3 mRNA expression was negatively associated with its promoter methylation, growth pattern, differentiation, and favorable prognosis in the patients with colorectal cancer (p<0.05). Dkk3-related signal pathways in colorectal cancer included those of cellular adhesion and migration, melanogenesis, chemokine, Hedgehog, JAK-STAT, TOLL-like receptor, TGF-β, MAPK, and calcium signaling (p<0.05). These findings indicate that Dkk3 expression levels can help assess cancer aggressiveness and patient prognosis. It might also suppress aggressive phenotypes and tumorigenesis as a molecular target in gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Zhao
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
| | - Chang-Lai Hao
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
| | - En-Hong Zhao
- Department of Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
| | - Hua-Mao Jiang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
| | - Hua-Chuan Zheng
- Department of Oncology and Experimental Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, China
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Katase N, Nagano K, Fujita S. DKK3 expression and function in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and other cancers. J Oral Biosci 2020; 62:9-15. [PMID: 32032750 DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer arises from cumulative genetic or epigenetic aberrations, or the destabilization of central signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, cell cycle, gene transcription, migration, angiogenesis and apoptosis. Investigating the cancer-specific genetic background is important to get deeper apprehension of cancer biology. In this review, we aimed to identify head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)-specific genes and identified DKK3 gene as a candidate. HIGHLIGHT DKK3 belongs to the DKK family (DKK1, DKK2, DKK3 and DKK4), which codes for an evolutionally conserved secreted glycoprotein that is characterized by two distinct cysteine rich domains and functions as an antagonist of the oncogenic Wnt signaling pathway. It has been reported that DKK3 expression is decreased in many kinds of cancers, and it is thus thought to be a tumor suppressor gene. However, our investigations have demonstrated unique expression and function of DKK3 in HNSCC. DKK3 protein expression is predominantly positive in HNSCC, and DKK3-positive patients show significantly shorter disease-free survival rates, whereas DKK3-negative cases do not show metastasis. Molecular biological analyses demonstrated that DKK3 over expression significantly increased HNSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via increased phosphorylation of AKT. Moreover, DKK3 knockdown in HNSCC cells significantly decreased these malignant potentials through decreased AKT phosphorylation. CONCLUSION Our previously published data, alongside those from other reports, indicate that DKK3 may have an additional oncogenic function other than tumor suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Katase
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan.
| | - Kenichi Nagano
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan
| | - Shuichi Fujita
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan
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Habuta M, Fujita H, Sato K, Bando T, Inoue J, Kondo Y, Miyaishi S, Kumon H, Ohuchi H. Dickkopf3 (Dkk3) is required for maintaining the integrity of secretory vesicles in the mouse adrenal medulla. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 379:157-167. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03113-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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Song Z, Wang H, Zhang S. Negative regulators of Wnt signaling in non-small cell lung cancer: Theoretical basis and therapeutic potency. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 118:109336. [PMID: 31545260 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2019] [Revised: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Significant advances in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been made over the past decade, and they predominantly involve molecular targets such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) rearrangements. However, despite the initial good response, drug resistance eventually develops. The Wnt signaling pathway has recently been considered important in embryonic development and tumorigenesis in many cancers, particularly NSCLC. Moreover, the aberrant Wnt pathway plays a significant role in NSCLC and is associated with cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, invasion and drug resistance, and the suppression of canonical or noncanonical Wnt signaling through various biological or pharmacological negative regulators has been proven to produce specific anticancer effects. Thus, blocking the Wnt pathway via its negative regulators may overcome the resistance of current treatment methods and lead to new treatment strategies for NSCLC. Therefore, in this review, we summarize recent studies on the role of negative regulators in Wnt signaling in NSCLC and the therapeutic potency of these molecules as agents and targets for NSCLC treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zikuan Song
- West China School of Basic Medical Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Haoyu Wang
- West China School of Basic Medical Science and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Chen GY, Zheng HC. The clinicopathological and prognostic significances of Dkk3 expression in cancers: A bioinformatics analysis. Cancer Biomark 2019; 23:323-331. [PMID: 29843219 DOI: 10.3233/cbm-181245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dkk3 protein attenuates the expression of Wnt3a, Wnt5a and LRP6, and their interaction, and interacts with βTrCP to suppress wnt/β-catenin pathway. METHODS We performed a bioinformatics analysis of Dkk3 mRNA expression through Oncomine, TCGA and Kaplan-Meier plotter databases up to July 10, 2017. RESULTS Up-regulated Dkk3 expression was higher in gastric, breast, and ovarian cancers than normal tissues (p< 0.05). Bitter's database showed a higher Dkk3 expression in ovarian cytoadenocarcinoma than clear cell adenocarcinoma (p< 0.05). Dkk3 was more expressed in ductal breast cancer in situ than invasive ductal breast cancer (p< 0.05), in mixed lobular and ductal cancer, and lobular cancer than ductal breast cancer (p< 0.05). In TCGA data, Dkk3 expression was lower in gastric cancers with than without Barret's esophagus (p< 0.05), in intestinal-type than diffuse-type cancers (p< 0.05), and in the cancers of elder than younger patients (p< 0.05). Dkk3 expression was higher in squamous cell carcinoma than adenocarcinoma (p< 0.05). Dkk3 expression was higher in ductal than lobular breast cancer, or in younger than elder patients with breast cancer (p< 0.05). According to Kaplan-Meier plotter, Dkk3 expression was negatively correlated with overall, progression-free, relapse-free or distant-metastasis-free survival rate of gastric, breast or ovarian cancer patients, but versa for lung cancer patients (p< 0.05). CONCLUSION Dkk3 expression might be employed as a potential marker to indicate carcinogenesis and histogenesis, even prognosis.
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Park N, Park Y, Ramalingam M, Yadav AK, Cho H, Hong VS, More KN, Bae J, Bishop‐Bailey D, Kano J, Noguchi M, Jang I, Lee K, Lee J, Choi J, Jang B. Meridianin C inhibits the growth of YD-10B human tongue cancer cells through macropinocytosis and the down-regulation of Dickkopf-related protein-3. J Cell Mol Med 2018; 22:5833-5846. [PMID: 30246484 PMCID: PMC6237585 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Meridianin C is a marine natural product known for its anti-cancer activity. At present, the anti-tumour effects of meridianin C on oral squamous cell carcinoma are unknown. Here, we investigated the effect of meridianin C on the proliferation of four different human tongue cancer cells, YD-8, YD-10B, YD-38 and HSC-3. Among the cells tested, meridianin C most strongly reduced the growth of YD-10B cells; the most aggressive and tumorigenic of the cell lines tested. Strikingly, meridianin C induced a significant accumulation of macropinosomes in the YD-10B cells; confirmed by the microscopic and TEM analysis as well as the entry of FITC-dextran, which was sensitive to the macropinocytosis inhibitor amiloride. SEM data also revealed abundant long and thin membrane extensions that resemble lamellipodia on the surface of YD-10B cells treated with meridianin C, pointing out that meridianin C-induced macropinosomes was the result of macropinocytosis. In addition, meridianin C reduced cellular levels of Dickkopf-related protein-3 (DKK-3), a known negative regulator of macropinocytosis. A role for DKK-3 in regulating macropinocytosis in the YD-10B cells was confirmed by siRNA knockdown of endogenous DKK-3, which led to a partial accumulation of vacuoles and a reduction in cell proliferation, and by exogenous DKK-3 overexpression, which resulted in a considerable inhibition of the meridianin C-induced vacuole formation and decrease in cell survival. In summary, this is the first study reporting meridianin C has novel anti-proliferative effects via macropinocytosis in the highly tumorigenic YD-10B cell line and the effects are mediated in part through down-regulation of DKK-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nam‐Sook Park
- Department of Molecular MedicineCollege of MedicineKeimyung UniversityDaeguRepublic of Korea
| | - Yu‐Kyoung Park
- Department of Molecular MedicineCollege of MedicineKeimyung UniversityDaeguRepublic of Korea
| | - Mahesh Ramalingam
- Department of Molecular MedicineCollege of MedicineKeimyung UniversityDaeguRepublic of Korea
| | - Anil Kumar Yadav
- Department of Molecular MedicineCollege of MedicineKeimyung UniversityDaeguRepublic of Korea
| | - Hyo‐Rim Cho
- Department of Molecular MedicineCollege of MedicineKeimyung UniversityDaeguRepublic of Korea
| | - Victor Sukbong Hong
- Department of ChemistryCollege of Natural SciencesKeimyung UniversityDaeguRepublic of Korea
| | - Kunal N. More
- Department of ChemistryCollege of Natural SciencesKeimyung UniversityDaeguRepublic of Korea
| | - Jae‐Hoon Bae
- Department of PhysiologyCollege of MedicineKeimyung UniversityDaeguRepublic of Korea
| | | | - Junko Kano
- Faculty of MedicineDepartment of PathologyUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
| | - Masayuki Noguchi
- Faculty of MedicineDepartment of PathologyUniversity of TsukubaTsukubaJapan
| | - Ik‐Soon Jang
- Biological Disaster Analysis GroupDivision of Convergence BiotechnologyKorea Basic Science InstituteDaejeonRepublic of Korea
| | - Kyung‐Bok Lee
- Biological Disaster Analysis GroupDivision of Convergence BiotechnologyKorea Basic Science InstituteDaejeonRepublic of Korea
| | - Jinho Lee
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and TechnologyChungnam National UniversityDaejeonRepublic of Korea
| | - Jong‐Soon Choi
- Biological Disaster Analysis GroupDivision of Convergence BiotechnologyKorea Basic Science InstituteDaejeonRepublic of Korea
- Graduate School of Analytical Science and TechnologyChungnam National UniversityDaejeonRepublic of Korea
| | - Byeong‐Churl Jang
- Department of Molecular MedicineCollege of MedicineKeimyung UniversityDaeguRepublic of Korea
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Hamzehzadeh L, Caraglia M, Atkin SL, Sahebkar A. Dickkopf homolog 3 (DKK3): A candidate for detection and treatment of cancers? J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:4595-4605. [PMID: 29206297 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling is an evolutionary highly conserved pathway that is modulated by several inhibitors and activators, and plays a key role in numerous physiological processes. One of the extracellular Wnt inhibitors is the DKK (Dickkopf Homolog) family which has four members (Dkk1-4) and a unique Dkk3-related gene, Dkkl1 (soggy). DKK3 is a divergent member of the DKK protein family. Evidence suggests that DKK3 may serve as a potential therapeutic target in several types of human cancers. We review here the biological role of DKK3 as a tumor suppressor gene (TSG) or oncogene, and its correlation with various miRNAs. In addition, we discuss the role of polymorphisms and promoter methylation of the DKK3 gene, and of its expression in regulating cancer cell proliferation. Finally, we propose that DKK3 may be considered as both a biomarker and a therapeutic target in different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Hamzehzadeh
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Michele Caraglia
- Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad, Iran.,School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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Leonard JL, Leonard DM, Wolfe SA, Liu J, Rivera J, Yang M, Leonard RT, Johnson JPS, Kumar P, Liebmann KL, Tutto AA, Mou Z, Simin KJ. The Dkk3 gene encodes a vital intracellular regulator of cell proliferation. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0181724. [PMID: 28738084 PMCID: PMC5524345 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0181724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Members of the Dickkopf (Dkk) family of Wnt antagonists interrupt Wnt-induced receptor assembly and participate in axial patterning and cell fate determination. One family member, DKK3, does not block Wnt receptor activation. Loss of Dkk3 expression in cancer is associated with hyperproliferation and dysregulated ß-catenin signaling, and ectopic expression of Dkk3 halts cancer growth. The molecular events mediating the DKK3-dependent arrest of ß-catenin-driven cell proliferation in cancer cells are unknown. Here we report the identification of a new intracellular gene product originating from the Dkk3 locus. This Dkk3b transcript originates from a second transcriptional start site located in intron 2 of the Dkk3 gene. It is essential for early mouse development and is a newly recognized regulator of ß-catenin signaling and cell proliferation. Dkk3b interrupts nuclear translocation ß-catenin by capturing cytoplasmic, unphosphorylated ß-catenin in an extra-nuclear complex with ß-TrCP. These data reveal a new regulator of one of the most studied signal transduction pathways in metazoans and provides a novel, completely untapped therapeutic target for silencing the aberrant ß-catenin signaling that drives hyperproliferation in many cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack L. Leonard
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Deborah M. Leonard
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Scot A. Wolfe
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jilin Liu
- Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jaime Rivera
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Michelle Yang
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Ryan T. Leonard
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Jacob P. S. Johnson
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Kate L. Liebmann
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Amanda A. Tutto
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Zhongming Mou
- Department of Microbiology and Physiological Systems, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Karl J. Simin
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Yu B, Kiechl S, Qi D, Wang X, Song Y, Weger S, Mayr A, Le Bras A, Karamariti E, Zhang Z, Barco Barrantes ID, Niehrs C, Schett G, Hu Y, Wang W, Willeit J, Qu A, Xu Q. A Cytokine-Like Protein Dickkopf-Related Protein 3 Is Atheroprotective. Circulation 2017; 136:1022-1036. [PMID: 28674110 PMCID: PMC5598907 DOI: 10.1161/circulationaha.117.027690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text. Background: Dickkopf-related protein 3 (DKK3) is a secreted protein that is involved in the regulation of cardiac remodeling and vascular smooth muscle cell differentiation, but little is known about its role in atherosclerosis. Methods: We tested the hypothesis that DKK3 is atheroprotective using both epidemiological and experimental approaches. Blood DKK3 levels were measured in the Bruneck Study in 2000 (n=684) and then in 2005 (n=574). DKK3-deficient mice were crossed with apolipoprotein E-/- mice to evaluate atherosclerosis development and vessel injury-induced neointimal formation. Endothelial cell migration and the underlying mechanisms were studied using in vitro cell culture models. Results: In the prospective population-based Bruneck Study, the level of plasma DKK3 was inversely related to carotid artery intima-media thickness and 5-year progression of carotid atherosclerosis independently from standard risk factors for atherosclerosis. Experimentally, we analyzed the area of atherosclerotic lesions, femoral artery injury-induced reendothelialization, and neointima formation in both DKK3-/-/apolipoprotein E-/- and DKK3+/+/apolipoprotein E-/- mice. It was demonstrated that DKK3 deficiency accelerated atherosclerosis and delayed reendothelialization with consequently exacerbated neointima formation. To explore the underlying mechanisms, we performed transwell and scratch migration assays using cultured human endothelial cells, which exhibited a significant induction in cell migration in response to DKK3 stimulation. This DKK3-induced migration activated ROR2 and DVL1, activated Rac1 GTPases, and upregulated JNK and c-jun phosphorylation in endothelial cells. Knockdown of the ROR2 receptor using specific siRNA or transfection of a dominant-negative form of Rac1 in endothelial cells markedly inhibited cell migration and downstream JNK and c-jun phosphorylation. Conclusions: This study provides the evidence for a role of DKK3 in the protection against atherosclerosis involving endothelial migration and repair, with great therapeutic potential implications against atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoqi Yu
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
| | - Stefan Kiechl
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
| | - Dan Qi
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
| | - Xiaocong Wang
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
| | - Yanting Song
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
| | - Siegfried Weger
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
| | - Agnes Mayr
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
| | - Alexandra Le Bras
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
| | - Eirini Karamariti
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
| | - Zhongyi Zhang
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
| | - Ivan Del Barco Barrantes
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
| | - Christof Niehrs
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
| | - Georg Schett
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
| | - Yanhua Hu
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
| | - Wen Wang
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
| | - Johann Willeit
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
| | - Aijuan Qu
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
| | - Qingbo Xu
- From Cardiovascular Division, King's College London British Heart Foundation Centre, London, United Kingdom (B.Y., X.W., A.L.B., E.K., Z.Z., Y.H., Q.X.); Department of Neurology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria (S.K., J.W.); Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China (D.Q., Y.S., A.Q.); Department of Internal and Laboratory Medicine, Bruneck Hospital, Italy (S.W., A.M.); Division of Molecular Embryology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg Germany and Zentrum für Molekulare Biologie der Universität Heidelberg (ZMBH) Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany (I.d.B.B., C.N.); Institute of Molecular Biology, Mainz, Germany (C.N.); Department of Internal Medicine, Institute for Clinical Immunology, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany (G.S.); The Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Remodelling and Function Research, Chinese Ministry of Education and Chinese Ministry of Health, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China (Y.H., Q.X.); and Institute of Bioengineering, Queen Mary University of London, United Kingdom (W.W.)
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14
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Qui S, Kano J, Noguchi M. Dickkopf 3 attenuates xanthine dehydrogenase expression to prevent oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Genes Cells 2017; 22:406-417. [PMID: 28299863 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Dickkopf (DKK) 3 is a DKK glycoprotein family member that controls cell fate during embryogenesis and exerts opposing effects on survival in a cell type-dependent manner; however, the mechanisms governing its pro-apoptosis versus pro-survival functions remain unclear. Here, we investigated DKK3 function in Li21 hepatoma cells and tPH5CH immortalized hepatocytes. DKK3 knockdown by siRNA resulted in reactive oxygen species accumulation and subsequent apoptosis, which were abrogated by administration of the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine. Moreover, forced DKK3 over-expression induced resistance to hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 )-induced apoptosis. Expression analysis by cDNA microarray showed that xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) expression was significantly lower in Li21 and tPH5CHDKK3-over-expressing cells in response to H2 O2 treatment when compared to that in their respective mock-transfected controls, whereas a marked increase was observed in H2 O2 -treated DKK3 knockdown cells. Thus, these data suggest that DKK3 promotes cell survival during oxidative stress by suppressing the expression of the superoxide-producing enzyme XDH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Qui
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Junko Kano
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Masayuki Noguchi
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
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15
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Cheng JY, Brown TC, Murtha TD, Stenman A, Juhlin CC, Larsson C, Healy JM, Prasad ML, Knoefel WT, Krieg A, Scholl UI, Korah R, Carling T. A novel FOXO1-mediated dedifferentiation blocking role for DKK3 in adrenocortical carcinogenesis. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:164. [PMID: 28249601 PMCID: PMC5333434 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3152-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dysregulated WNT signaling dominates adrenocortical malignancies. This study investigates whether silencing of the WNT negative regulator DKK3 (Dickkopf-related protein 3), an implicated adrenocortical differentiation marker and an established tumor suppressor in multiple cancers, allows dedifferentiation of the adrenal cortex. Methods We analyzed the expression and regulation of DKK3 in human adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) by qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, promoter methylation assay, and copy number analysis. We also conducted functional studies on ACC cell lines, NCI-H295R and SW-13, using siRNAs and enforced DKK3 expression to test DKK3’s role in blocking dedifferentiation of adrenal cortex. Results While robust expression was observed in normal adrenal cortex, DKK3 was down-regulated in the majority (>75%) of adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC) tested. Both genetic (gene copy loss) and epigenetic (promoter methylation) events were found to play significant roles in DKK3 down-regulation in ACCs. While NCI-H295R cells harboring β-catenin activating mutations failed to respond to DKK3 silencing, SW-13 cells showed increased motility and reduced clonal growth. Conversely, exogenously added DKK3 also increased motility of SW-13 cells without influencing their growth. Enforced over-expression of DKK3 in SW-13 cells resulted in slower cell growth by an extension of G1 phase, promoted survival of microcolonies, and resulted in significant impairment of migratory and invasive behaviors, largely attributable to modified cell adhesions and adhesion kinetics. DKK3-over-expressing cells also showed increased expression of Forkhead Box Protein O1 (FOXO1) transcription factor, RNAi silencing of which partially restored the migratory proficiency of cells without interfering with their viability. Conclusions DKK3 suppression observed in ACCs and the effects of manipulation of DKK3 expression in ACC cell lines suggest a FOXO1-mediated differentiation-promoting role for DKK3 in the adrenal cortex, silencing of which may allow adrenocortical dedifferentiation and malignancy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-017-3152-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Y Cheng
- Department of Surgery & Yale Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Taylor C Brown
- Department of Surgery & Yale Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Timothy D Murtha
- Department of Surgery & Yale Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Adam Stenman
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, CCK, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, CCK, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catharina Larsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, CCK, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - James M Healy
- Department of Surgery & Yale Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Manju L Prasad
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wolfram T Knoefel
- Department of Surgery, Medical School, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Krieg
- Department of Surgery, Medical School, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ute I Scholl
- Department of Nephrology, Medical School, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Reju Korah
- Department of Surgery & Yale Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tobias Carling
- Department of Surgery & Yale Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, FMB130A, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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16
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Ma R, Feng N, Yu X, Lin H, Zhang X, Shi O, Zhang H, Zhang S, Li L, Zheng M, Gao M, Yu H, Qian B. Promoter methylation of Wnt/β-Catenin signal inhibitor TMEM88 is associated with unfavorable prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer. Cancer Biol Med 2017; 14:377-386. [PMID: 29372104 PMCID: PMC5765437 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2017.0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Recent research has indicated that altered promoter methylation of oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes is an important mechanism in lung cancer development and progression. In this study, we investigated the association between promoter methylation of TMEM88, a possible inhibitor of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling, and the survival of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: Twelve pairs of tumor and adjacent non-tumor samples were used for microarray analyses of DNA methylation and gene expression. For validation, more than two hundred additional samples were analyzed for methylation using bisulfite pyrosequencing and for gene expression using qRT-PCR. Then the cell function were tested by wound healing, transwell, CCK8 and cell cycle assay. Results: Our analysis of patient specimens showed that TMEM88 methylation was higher in NSCLC tumors (82.2% ± 10.3, P < 0.01) compared with the adjacent normal tissues (65.9% ± 7.2). The survival analysis revealed that patients with high TMEM88 methylation had a shorter overall survival (46 months) compared with patients with low TMEM88 methylation (>56 months;P=0.021). In addition, we found that demethylation treatment could inhibit tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, which was supportive of an association between methylation and survival. Conclusions: Based on these consistent observations, we concluded that TMEM88 may play an important role in NSCLC progression and that promoter methylation of TMEM88 may serve as a biomarker for NSCLC prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongna Ma
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Nannan Feng
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hongyan Lin
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Oumin Shi
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Huan Zhang
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Shuo Zhang
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Lei Li
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Min Zheng
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ming Gao
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Herbert Yu
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Biyun Qian
- Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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Abstract
Further elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying lung cancer (LC) is essential for the development of new effective therapeutic agents. Recently, involvement of Wnt antagonists in oncogenesis has been demonstrated in several cancers. The investigation of their contribution to lung carcinogenesis is still under investigation. We aimed to investigate whether there is a susceptibility or preventive effect of Wnt antagonist gene polymorphisms on the development and/or prognosis of LC. We investigated 110 LC patients and 160 controls. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms of Wnt antagonist genes including DKK2 (rs17037102), DKK3 (rs3206824), DKK3 intron4 G/C (rs7396187), DKK4 (rs2073664), and sFRP4 (rs1802074) were analyzed using nested polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results showed that patients with DKK3 AA compared with controls have a decreased risk of LC (adjusted for smoking habit, body mass index, and familial history) (P = 0.02; odds ratio [OR],0.08; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 0.01-0.7). It was found that, for sFRP4 polymorphism, patients with GG and GA genotypes versus AA genotype controls showed a decreased risk for LC (P = 0.01; [OR, 0.19; 95% CI, 0.05-0.73 for GG genotype]; [OR = 0.18, 95% CI, 0.04-0.72 for GA genotype]). In addition, a decreased risk of LC was also found for the genotype combination of DKK3 (rs3206824) GG and sFRP4 AG + GG (P = 0.004; OR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02-0.58). We suggest that these 2 polymorphisms have a protective effect on LC in this study.
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Zhou S, Zhu Y, Mashrah M, Zhang X, He Z, Yao Z, Zhang C, Guo F, Hu Y, Zhang C. Expression pattern of DKK3, dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 3, in the malignant progression of oral submucous fibrosis. Oncol Rep 2016; 37:979-985. [DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.5307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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Mori Y, Adams D, Hagiwara Y, Yoshida R, Kamimura M, Itoi E, Rowe DW. Identification of a progenitor cell population destined to form fracture fibrocartilage callus in Dickkopf-related protein 3-green fluorescent protein reporter mice. J Bone Miner Metab 2016; 34:606-614. [PMID: 26369320 DOI: 10.1007/s00774-015-0711-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Fracture healing is a complex biological process involving the proliferation of mesenchymal progenitor cells, and chondrogenic, osteogenic, and angiogenic differentiation. The mechanisms underlying the proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal progenitor cells remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate Dickkopf-related protein 3 (Dkk3) expression in periosteal cells using Dkk3-green fluorescent protein reporter mice. We found that proliferation of mesenchymal progenitor cells began in the periosteum, involving Dkk3-positive cell proliferation near the fracture site. In addition, Dkk3 was expressed in fibrocartilage cells together with smooth muscle α-actin and Col3.6 in the early phase of fracture healing as a cell marker of fibrocartilage cells. Dkk3 was not expressed in mature chondrogenic cells or osteogenic cells. Transient expression of Dkk3 disappeared in the late phase of fracture healing, except in the superficial periosteal area of fracture callus. The Dkk3 expression pattern differed in newly formed type IV collagen positive blood vessels and the related avascular tissue. This is the first report that shows Dkk3 expression in the periosteum at a resting state and in fibrocartilage cells during the fracture healing process, which was associated with smooth muscle α-actin and Col3.6 expression in mesenchymal progenitor cells. These fluorescent mesenchymal lineage cells may be useful for future studies to better understand fracture healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Mori
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Biology, Department of Reconstructive Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA.
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryomachi, Aobaku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan.
| | - Douglas Adams
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Biology, Department of Reconstructive Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Yusuke Hagiwara
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Biology, Department of Reconstructive Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Ryu Yoshida
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Biology, Department of Reconstructive Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Masayuki Kamimura
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryomachi, Aobaku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Eiji Itoi
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Graduate School of Tohoku University, 1-1 Seiryomachi, Aobaku, Sendai, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - David W Rowe
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Biology, Department of Reconstructive Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
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Bahl C, Singh N, Behera D, Sharma S. Association of polymorphisms in Dickopff (DKK) gene towards modulating risk for lung cancer in north Indians. Future Oncol 2016; 13:213-232. [PMID: 27640551 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2016-0117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To investigate the association between the genetic variants of DKK4 (rs2073664), DKK3 (rs2291599, rs3206824 and rs7391689) and DKK2 (rs447372, rs419558 and rs17037102) and lung cancer predisposition in north Indians. MATERIALS & METHODS A total of 600 subjects were genotyped using PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism technique. Association analysis was carried out using logistic regression approach. RESULTS DKK3 rs7396187 showed a protective effect (p = 0.01). Subjects with heterozygous genotype of DKK2 rs17037102 and rs419558 showed an increased risk. The variant genotype of the genotypic combination, DKK3 rs3206824 and DKK2 rs419558 showed a twofold increased risk (p = 0.008). Lung cancer risk increased four-times in subjects with variant genotype of all the three DKK2 variants. CONCLUSION DKK2 is certainly playing a crucial role in modulating cancer susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Bahl
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar University, Patiala, Punjab-147002, India
| | - Navneet Singh
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Education & Medical Research (PGIMER), Sector 14, Chandigarh, India
| | - Digambar Behera
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Education & Medical Research (PGIMER), Sector 14, Chandigarh, India
| | - Siddharth Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar University, Patiala, Punjab-147002, India
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Wong CH, Li YJ, Chen YC. Therapeutic potential of targeting acinar cell reprogramming in pancreatic cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:7046-57. [PMID: 27610015 PMCID: PMC4988312 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i31.7046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a common pancreatic cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Treating this life-threatening disease remains challenging due to the lack of effective prognosis, diagnosis and therapy. Apart from pancreatic duct cells, acinar cells may also be the origin of PDAC. During pancreatitis or combined with activating KRas(G12D) mutation, acinar cells lose their cellular identity and undergo a transdifferentiation process called acinar-to-ductal-metaplasia (ADM), forming duct cells which may then transform into pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and eventually PDAC. During ADM, the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, Wnt, Notch and phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases/Akt signaling inhibits the transcription of acinar-specific genes, including Mist and amylase, but promotes the expression of ductal genes, such as cytokeratin-19. Inhibition of this transdifferentiation process hinders the development of PanIN and PDAC. In addition, the transdifferentiated cells regain acinar identity, indicating ADM may be a reversible process. This provides a new therapeutic direction in treating PDAC through cancer reprogramming. Many studies have already demonstrated the success of switching PanIN/PDAC back to normal cells through the use of PD325901, the expression of E47, and the knockdown of Dickkopf-3. In this review, we discuss the signaling pathways involved in ADM and the therapeutic potential of targeting reprogramming in order to treat PDAC.
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Al-Dhohorah T, Mashrah M, Yao Z, Huang J. Aberrant DKK3 expression in the oral leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis: a comparative immunohistochemical study. Eur J Histochem 2016; 60:2629. [PMID: 27349317 PMCID: PMC4933828 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2016.2629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to assess and compare the expression of Dickkopf homolog 3 (DKK3), a possible tumor suppressor gene (TSG), in oral leukoplakia (OLK) and oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) using immunohistochemistry. Seventy-five cases of normal oral mucosa (NOM), OLK, OSF, and squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) were studied. DKK3 was expressed in all cases of NOM, OLK and OSCC. There was steady increases in the percentage of the positive cells progressing toward OSCC. The expression was localized in the cytoplasm and cell membrane of cell affected by OLK with mild dysplasia and OLK with severe dysplasia. No significant association was observed between DKK3 expression and dysplastic status of OLK. Loss of DKK3 expression was observed in 15 of 30 cases in the OSF group, which was significantly associated with histological grade of OSF (P<0.0001). The percentage of positive cells gradually declined with the increasing severity of epithelial atrophy. A significant difference (P<0.01) was observed when comparing DKK3 expression among different groups of OLK and OSF cases. DKK3 may have diverse expressions in oral premalignant lesions. Loss of DKK3 expression in dysplastic/advanced stage of OSF may imply a high risk of progression to oral cancer.
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Aberrantly expressed miR-582-3p maintains lung cancer stem cell-like traits by activating Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Nat Commun 2015; 6:8640. [PMID: 26468775 PMCID: PMC4667703 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms9640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are involved in tumorigenesis, tumour recurrence and therapy resistance and Wnt signalling is essential for the development of the biological traits of CSCs. In non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), unlike in colon cancer, mutations in β-catenin and APC genes are uncommon; thus, the mechanism underlying the constitutive activation of Wnt signalling in NSCLC remains unclear. Here we report that miR-582-3p expression correlates with the overall- and recurrence-free-survival of NSCLC patients, and miR-582-3p has an activating effect on Wnt/β-catenin signalling. miR-582-3p overexpression simultaneously targets multiple negative regulators of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, namely, AXIN2, DKK3 and SFRP1. Consequently, miR-582-3p promotes CSC traits of NSCLC cells in vitro and tumorigenesis and tumour recurrence in vivo. Antagonizing miR-582-3p potently inhibits tumour initiation and progression in xenografted animal models. These findings suggest that miR-582-3p mediates the constitutive activation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling, likely serving as a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC. Despite the absence of frequent mutations of key components of Wnt/β-catenin signalling, this pathway is often constitutively activated in non-small cell lung carcinoma. In this study, the authors demonstrate the inhibitory effect of miR-582-3p on negative regulators of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway which is consequently triggered to sustain lung tumour growth.
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Kim BR, Lee EJ, Seo SH, Lee SH, Rho SB. Dickkopf-3 (DKK-3) obstructs VEGFR-2/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade by interacting of β2-microglobulin (β2M) in ovarian tumorigenesis. Cell Signal 2015; 27:2150-9. [PMID: 26278164 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2015.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated a possible mechanism of β2-microglobulin (β2M) function in cancer metastases in vitro, using a human ovarian carcinoma cell line. β2M, a modulator acts as a cell growth-promoting and cellular signaling factors, was identified as a dickkopf-3 (DKK-3) interacting protein. We also observed that DKK-3 suppresses endothelial cell angiogenesis of β2M through vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) in tumorigenesis. Luciferase activity was remarkably reduced by the transfection of DKK-3 in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, over-expression of β2M activates cell growth by suppressing DKK-3-induced apoptosis. The effect of β2M on cell cycle and apoptosis-regulatory components was also confirmed through the silencing of β2M expression. Furthermore, induction of β2M-mediated VEGFR-2/Akt/mTOR phosphorylation and tumor angiogenesis was significantly suppressed by over-expression of DKK-3. Taken together, our results suggest an underlying mechanism for an increase of β2M-related activity in ovarian tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boh-Ram Kim
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, 323, Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 410-769, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chung-Ang University School of Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, 224-1, Heuksuk-Dong, Dongjak-Gu, Seoul 156-755, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Hee Seo
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, 323, Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 410-769, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Hoon Lee
- Department of Life Science, Yong In University, 470, Samga-dong, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do 449-714, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung Bae Rho
- Research Institute, National Cancer Center, 323, Ilsan-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 410-769, Republic of Korea.
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Aberrant Loss of Dickkopf-3 in Gastric Cancer: Can It Predict Lymph Node Metastasis Preoperatively? World J Surg 2015; 39:1018-25. [DOI: 10.1007/s00268-014-2886-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Ning S, Wang Y, Yuan X, Wang S, Huang L. Effect of autonomic nerves on Dickkopf-3 expression in the uterus during early pregnancy of rats. ANIM BIOL 2015. [DOI: 10.1163/15707563-00002474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
To explore how uterine innervations affect expression of Dickkopf-3 (DKK-3) during peri-implantation, we first examined the consequence of uterine neurectomy on embryo implantation events. We observed that amputation of autonomic nerves innervating the uterus led to the failure of on-time implantation in rats. We then analyzed the effect of neurectomy on expression of DKK-3 further using immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. We observed that disconnection of autonomic nerve innervation significantly increased DKK-3 expression in the endometrium before and during invasion of the blastocyst. We also observed high levels of DKK-3 immunoreactivity in the vasculature of the uterus during peri-implantation. Thus, we speculate that DKK-3 may relate to implantation. Besides, our findings provide a new line of evidence that DKK-3 may be regulated by the autonomic nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujie Ning
- 1College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City, Shandong Province 271018, China
- 2College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Yalin Wang
- 3College of Life Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City, Shandong Province 271000, China
| | - Xuejun Yuan
- 3College of Life Science, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City, Shandong Province 271000, China
| | - Shuying Wang
- 1College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City, Shandong Province 271018, China
| | - Libo Huang
- 1College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai’an City, Shandong Province 271018, China
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Xu XY, Xia P, Yu M, Nie XC, Yang X, Xing YN, Liu YP, Takano Y, Zheng HC. The roles of REIC gene and its encoding product in gastric carcinoma. Cell Cycle 2014; 11:1414-31. [DOI: 10.4161/cc.19823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Forsdahl S, Kiselev Y, Hogseth R, Mjelle JE, Mikkola I. Pax6 regulates the expression of Dkk3 in murine and human cell lines, and altered responses to Wnt signaling are shown in FlpIn-3T3 cells stably expressing either the Pax6 or the Pax6(5a) isoform. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102559. [PMID: 25029272 PMCID: PMC4100929 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pax6 is a transcription factor important for early embryo development. It is expressed in several cancer cell lines and tumors. In glioblastoma, PAX6 has been shown to function as a tumor suppressor. Dickkopf 3 (Dkk3) is well established as a tumor suppressor in several tumor types, but not much is known about the regulation of its expression. We have previously found that Pax6 and Pax6(5a) increase the expression of the Dkk3 gene in two stably transfected mouse fibroblast cell lines. In this study the molecular mechanism behind this regulation is looked at. Western blot and reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) confirmed higher level of Dkk3 expression in both Pax6 and Pax6(5a) expressing cell lines compared to the control cell line. By the use of bioinformatics and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) we have mapped a functional Pax6 binding site in the mouse Dkk3 promoter. The minimal Dkk3 promoter fragment required for transcriptional activation by Pax6 and Pax6(5a) was a 200 bp region just upstream of the transcriptional start site. Mutation of the evolutionary conserved binding site in this region abrogated transcriptional activation and binding of Pax6/Pax6(5a) to the mouse Dkk3 promoter. Since the identified Pax6 binding site in this promoter is conserved, RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to look for regulation of Dkk3/REIC expression in human cell lines. Six of eight cell lines tested showed changes in Dkk3/REIC expression after PAX6 siRNA knockdown. Interestingly, we observed that the Pax6/Pax6(5a) expressing mouse fibroblast cell lines were less responsive to canonical Wnt pathway stimulation than the control cell line when TOP/FOP activity and the levels of active β-catenin and GSK3-β Ser9 phosphorylation were measured after LiCl stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siri Forsdahl
- Research Group of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, UiT – The Artic University of Norway, Tromsoe, Norway
| | - Yury Kiselev
- Research Group of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, UiT – The Artic University of Norway, Tromsoe, Norway
- Norwegian Translational Cancer Research Center, Department of Medical Biology, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsoe, Norway
| | - Rune Hogseth
- Research Group of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, UiT – The Artic University of Norway, Tromsoe, Norway
| | - Janne E. Mjelle
- Research Group of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, UiT – The Artic University of Norway, Tromsoe, Norway
| | - Ingvild Mikkola
- Research Group of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, UiT – The Artic University of Norway, Tromsoe, Norway
- * E-mail:
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Watanabe M, Nasu Y, Kumon H. Adenovirus-mediated REIC/Dkk-3 gene therapy: Development of an autologous cancer vaccination therapy (Review). Oncol Lett 2013; 7:595-601. [PMID: 24527065 PMCID: PMC3919887 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2013.1777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2013] [Accepted: 11/15/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Reduced expression in immortalized cells (REIC)/Dickkopf (Dkk)-3 is a tumor suppressor and therapeutic gene and has been studied with respect to the application of cancer gene therapy. Our previous studies demonstrated that the intratumoral injection of an adenovirus vector carrying the human REIC/Dkk-3 gene (Ad-REIC) suppresses tumor growth in mouse models of prostate, breast and testicular cancer and malignant mesothelioma. The mechanisms underlying these antitumor therapeutic effects have only been clarified recently. It has been demonstrated that Ad-REIC treatment inhibits cancer progression via the upregulation of systemic anticancer immunity. Under experimental conditions, autologous cancer vaccination via cancer-specific apoptosis and anticancer immune activation is a possible therapeutic mechanism. The robust anticancer effects observed in previous preclinical studies support the clinical utility of Ad-REIC. At present, a phase I–IIa study of Ad-REIC gene therapy in prostate cancer patients is ongoing. The current study reviews the observations of previous fundamental studies and summarizes the anticancer mechanisms of intratumoral Ad-REIC treatment in terms of cancer vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masami Watanabe
- Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Okayama 700-8558, Japan ; Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Yasutomo Nasu
- Center for Innovative Clinical Medicine, Okayama University Hospital, Okayama, Okayama 700-8558, Japan ; Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
| | - Hiromi Kumon
- Department of Urology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Okayama 700-8558, Japan
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Otani K, Li X, Arakawa T, Chan FKL, Yu J. Epigenetic-mediated tumor suppressor genes as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers in gastric cancer. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2013; 13:445-55. [PMID: 23782252 DOI: 10.1586/erm.13.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is believed to result in part from the accumulation of multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations leading to oncogene overexpression and tumor suppressor loss. Tumor suppressor genes are inactivated more frequently by promoter methylation than by mutation in gastric cancer. Identification of genes inactivated by promoter methylation is a powerful approach to discover novel tumor suppressor genes. We have previously identified tumor suppressor genes in gastric cancer by genome-wide methylation screening. The biological functions of these genes are related to cell adhesion, ubiquitination, transcription, p53 regulation and diverse signaling pathways. Some of the tumor suppressor genes are of particular clinical importance as they can be used as predictive biomarkers for early diagnosis or ongoing prognosis of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Otani
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Institute of Digestive Disease, Li KaShing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.
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Xiang T, Li L, Yin X, Zhong L, Peng W, Qiu Z, Ren G, Tao Q. Epigenetic silencing of the WNT antagonist Dickkopf 3 disrupts normal Wnt/β-catenin signalling and apoptosis regulation in breast cancer cells. J Cell Mol Med 2013; 17:1236-46. [PMID: 23890219 PMCID: PMC4159020 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2012] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dickkopf-related protein 3 (DKK3) is an antagonist of Wnt ligand activity. Reduced DKK3 expression has been reported in various types of cancers, but its functions and related molecular mechanisms in breast tumorigenesis remain unclear. We examined the expression and promoter methylation of DKK3 in 10 breast cancer cell lines, 96 primary breast tumours, 43 paired surgical margin tissues and 16 normal breast tissues. DKK3 was frequently silenced in breast cell lines (5/10) by promoter methylation, compared with human normal mammary epithelial cells and tissues. DKK3 methylation was detected in 78% of breast tumour samples, whereas only rarely methylated in normal breast and surgical margin tissues, suggesting tumour-specific methylation of DKK3 in breast cancer. Ectopic expression of DKK3 suppressed cell colony formation through inducing G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis of breast tumour cells. DKK3 also induced changes of cell morphology, and inhibited breast tumour cell migration through reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and down-regulating stem cell markers. DKK3 inhibited canonical Wnt/β-catenin signalling through mediating β-catenin translocation from nucleus to cytoplasm and membrane, along with reduced active-β-catenin, further activating non-canonical JNK signalling. Thus, our findings demonstrate that DKK3 could function as a tumour suppressor through inducing apoptosis and regulating Wnt signalling during breast tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingxiu Xiang
- Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing, China
| | - Lili Li
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Oncology, Sir YK Pao Center for Cancer and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and CUHK Shenzhen Research InstituteShatin, Hong Kong
| | - Xuedong Yin
- Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing, China
| | - Lan Zhong
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Oncology, Sir YK Pao Center for Cancer and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and CUHK Shenzhen Research InstituteShatin, Hong Kong
| | - Weiyan Peng
- Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing, China
| | - Zhu Qiu
- Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing, China
| | - Guosheng Ren
- Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing, China
| | - Qian Tao
- Molecular Oncology and Epigenetics Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqing, China
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Department of Clinical Oncology, Sir YK Pao Center for Cancer and Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong and CUHK Shenzhen Research InstituteShatin, Hong Kong
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Zenzmaier C, Sampson N, Plas E, Berger P. Dickkopf-related protein 3 promotes pathogenic stromal remodeling in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Prostate 2013; 73:1441-52. [PMID: 23765731 PMCID: PMC3842835 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compartment-specific epithelial and stromal expression of the secreted glycoprotein Dickkopf-related protein (Dkk)-3 is altered in age-related proliferative disorders of the human prostate. This study aimed to determine the effect of Dkk-3 on prostate stromal remodeling that is stromal proliferation, fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and expression of angiogenic factors in vitro. METHODS Lentiviral-delivered overexpression and shRNA-mediated knockdown of DKK3 were applied to primary human prostatic stromal cells (PrSCs). Cellular proliferation was analyzed by BrdU incorporation ELISA. Expression of Dkk-3, apoptosis-related genes, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and angiogenic factors were analyzed by qPCR, Western blot analysis or ELISA. Fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation was monitored by smooth muscle cell actin and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 mRNA and protein levels. The relevance of Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways was assessed by cytoplasmic/nuclear β-catenin levels and phosphorylation of AKT. RESULTS Knockdown of DKK3 significantly attenuated PrSC proliferation as well as fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and increased the expression of the vessel stabilizing factor angiopoietin-1. DKK3 knockdown did not affect subcellular localization or levels of β-catenin but attenuated AKT phosphorylation in PrSCs. Consistently the PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 mimicked the effects of DKK3 knockdown. CONCLUSIONS Dkk-3 promotes fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblast differentiation and regulates expression of angiopoietin-1 in prostatic stroma potentially via enhancing PI3K/AKT signaling. Thus, elevated Dkk-3 in the stroma of the diseased prostate presumably regulates stromal remodeling by enhancing proliferation and differentiation of stromal cells and contributing to the angiogenic switch observed in BPH and PCa. Therefore, Dkk-3 represents a potential therapeutic target for stromal remodeling in BPH and PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Zenzmaier
- Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of InnsbruckInnsbruck, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine, Innsbruck Medical UniversityInnsbruck, Austria
- *Correspondence to: Christoph Zenzmaier, PhD, Peter Berger, PhD, Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of Innsbruck, Rennweg 10, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. E-mail: ,
| | - Natalie Sampson
- Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of InnsbruckInnsbruck, Austria
- Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical UniversityInnsbruck, Austria
| | - Eugen Plas
- Department of Urology, Hanusch HospitalVienna, Austria
| | - Peter Berger
- Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of InnsbruckInnsbruck, Austria
- *Correspondence to: Christoph Zenzmaier, PhD, Peter Berger, PhD, Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of Innsbruck, Rennweg 10, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. E-mail: ,
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Yin DT, Wu W, Li M, Wang QE, Li H, Wang Y, Tang Y, Xing M. DKK3 is a potential tumor suppressor gene in papillary thyroid carcinoma. Endocr Relat Cancer 2013; 20:507-14. [PMID: 23702469 DOI: 10.1530/erc-13-0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The expression of the Dickkopf homolog 3 (DKK3) gene is downregulated in some human cancers, suggesting a possible tumor suppressor role of this gene. The role and regulation of DKK3 in thyroid cancer have not been examined. In this study, we explored the relationship of promoter methylation with the inactivation of DKK3 and tumor behaviors in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). We used methylation-specific PCR and RT-PCR to examine the promoter methylation and expression of DKK3 and tumor characteristics. We found mRNA expression of DKK3 in 44.9% of the PTC tissue samples vs 100% of the matched normal thyroid tissue samples (P<0.01). In contrast, an opposite distribution pattern of DKK3 gene methylation was observed; specifically, 38.8% of the PTC tissue samples vs 0% of the matched normal thyroid tissue samples harbored DKK3 methylation. An inverse correlation between the promoter methylation and mRNA expression of DKK3 in PTC tissue samples was also observed. Moreover, we also found an inverse correlation between DKK3 expression and some aggressive pathological characteristics of PTC, including high TNM stages and lymph node metastasis, but a positive correlation between DKK3 promoter hypermethylation and pathological aggressiveness of the tumor. Treatment of the PTC cell line TPC-1 with the demethylating agent 5-azaC reduced DKK3 promoter methylation and enhanced its expression, establishing functionally the impact of DKK3 methylation on its expression. Our data thus for the first time demonstrate that the DKK3 gene is a potential tumor suppressor gene in thyroid cancer and that aberrant promoter methylation is an important mechanism for its downregulation, which may play a role in the tumorigenesis and aggressiveness of PTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-tao Yin
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Reduced expression of DKK3 is associated with adverse clinical outcomes of uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Int J Gynecol Cancer 2013; 23:134-40. [PMID: 23154266 DOI: 10.1097/igc.0b013e3182754feb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the expression of DKK3 protein and its target, beta-catenin, in uterine cervical squamous cell carcinoma and to determine potential clinical correlations. MATERIALS AND METHODS Six carcinoma in-situ (CIS) tissues and 88 invasive cervical cancer tissues were included in the study. Twenty-two normal cervical tissues and one gastric cancer tissue were used as controls. The expression of DKK3 and beta-catenin proteins was evaluated by immunohistochemical analysis. Clinical and pathological parameters were obtained from medical records. Survival data were estimated using Kaplan-Meier estimates and compared with a log-rank test. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox regression method. RESULTS DKK3 was predominantly present in the cytoplasm. Beta-catenin was observed only on the cellular membrane of both normal and cancer cells in contrast to earlier reports, in which beta-catenin was localized to the cytoplasm and nucleus of cancer cells. The expressions of beta-catenin and DKK3 were not correlated. Three of 6 CIS (50%) and 57 of 88 invasive cancer specimens (64.8%) had lower DKK3 expression than normal controls. DKK3 expression was decreased in a stage-dependent manner (P = 0.021). The patients with low expression of DKK3 were older than those with high expression of DKK3 (P < 0.01). Moreover, the patients with low DKK3 expression had a significantly lower 5-year disease-free survival rate than those with high DKK3 expression (P = 0.026). A multivariate analysis showed that International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics clinical stage and parametrial involvement were independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION Decreased DKK3 expression was associated with advanced International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics clinical stages and was predictive of lower disease-free survival in patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma. DKK3 may be implicated in cervical carcinogenesis through a beta-catenin-independent mechanism.
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Ochiai K, Watanabe M, Azakami D, Michishita M, Yoshikawa Y, Udagawa C, Metheenukul P, Chahomchuen T, Aoki H, Kumon H, Morimatsu M, Omi T. Molecular cloning and tumour suppressor function analysis of canine REIC/Dkk-3 in mammary gland tumours. Vet J 2013; 197:769-75. [PMID: 23732075 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2013.04.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2012] [Revised: 04/24/2013] [Accepted: 04/28/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
REIC/Dkk-3, a member of the human Dickkopf (Dkk) family, plays a role as a suppressor of growth in several human cancers. In this study, the tumour suppression function of canine REIC/Dkk-3 was investigated. The full-length open reading frame of the canine REIC/Dkk-3 homologue was cloned and the tissue distribution of REIC/Dkk-3 mRNA was determined, along with the subcellular localisation of the REIC/Dkk-3 protein in canine cancer cell lines. Expression of REIC/Dkk-3 was lower in mammary gland tumours and in canine mammary carcinoma cell lines than in normal mammary gland tissue. Overexpression of REIC/Dkk-3 induced apoptosis in canine mammary carcinoma cell lines. These results show that expression of REIC/Dkk-3 is downregulated in canine mammary tumours and that one of the functions of this gene is induction of apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiko Ochiai
- Department of Veterinary Nursing and Technology, School of Veterinary Science, Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University, Tokyo 180-8602, Japan.
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Epigenetic Silencing of DKK3 in medulloblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2013; 14:7492-505. [PMID: 23567267 PMCID: PMC3645699 DOI: 10.3390/ijms14047492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Revised: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) is a malignant pediatric brain tumor arising in the cerebellum consisting of four distinct subgroups: WNT, SHH, Group 3 and Group 4, which exhibit different molecular phenotypes. We studied the expression of Dickkopf (DKK) 1–4 family genes, inhibitors of the Wnt signaling cascade, in MB by screening 355 expression profiles derived from four independent datasets. Upregulation of DKK1, DKK2 and DKK4 mRNA was observed in the WNT subgroup, whereas DKK3 was downregulated in 80% MBs across subgroups with respect to the normal cerebellum (p < 0.001). Since copy number aberrations targeting the DKK3 locus (11p15.3) are rare events, we hypothesized that epigenetic factors could play a role in DKK3 regulation. Accordingly, we studied 77 miRNAs predicting to repress DKK3; however, no significant inverse correlation between miRNA/mRNA expression was observed. Moreover, the low methylation levels in the DKK3 promoters (median: 3%, 5% and 5% for promoter 1, 2 and 3, respectively) excluded the downregulation of gene expression by methylation. On the other hand, the treatment of MB cells with Trichostatin A (TSA), a potent inhibitor of histone deacetylases (HDAC), was able to restore both DKK3 mRNA and protein. In conclusion, DKK3 downregulation across all MB subgroups may be due to epigenetic mechanisms, in particular, through chromatin condensation.
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Leung F, Dimitromanolakis A, Kobayashi H, Diamandis EP, Kulasingam V. Folate-receptor 1 (FOLR1) protein is elevated in the serum of ovarian cancer patients. Clin Biochem 2013. [PMID: 23528302 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2013.03.010] [] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy in North America. Although survival rates are high when the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, this decreases exponentially in late-stage diagnoses. As such, there is a need for novel early detection biomarkers. Through an integrated approach to ovarian cancer biomarker discovery that combines proteomics with transcriptomics and bioinformatics, our laboratory has identified folate-receptor 1 (FOLR1) and Dickkopf-related protein 3 (Dkk-3) as putative biomarkers. The objective of this study was to measure the levels of FOLR1 and Dkk-3 in the serum of patients with ovarian cancer, benign gynecological conditions and healthy women. DESIGN AND METHODS FOLR1 and Dkk-3 were analyzed in serum of 100 ovarian cancer patients, 100 patients with benign gynecological conditions, and 100 healthy women using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). All specimens were analyzed in triplicate. RESULTS FOLR1 was significantly elevated in the serum of ovarian cancer patients compared to serum of both healthy controls (P<0.0001) and patients with benign gynecological conditions (P<0.0001). Furthermore, FOLR1 was strongly correlated with CA125 as both were elevated in the serous histotype and in late-stage disease. FOLR1 did not outperform CA125 in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and there was no significant complementarity between the two markers. Dkk-3 was not significantly different between the three serum cohorts and was not correlated with CA125. CONCLUSIONS FOLR1 is a new biomarker for ovarian cancer which correlates closely with CA125. The role of FOLR1 in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Leung
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Karamariti E, Margariti A, Winkler B, Wang X, Hong X, Baban D, Ragoussis J, Huang Y, Han JDJ, Wong MM, Sag CM, Shah AM, Hu Y, Xu Q. Smooth muscle cells differentiated from reprogrammed embryonic lung fibroblasts through DKK3 signaling are potent for tissue engineering of vascular grafts. Circ Res 2013; 112:1433-43. [PMID: 23529184 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.111.300415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are a key component of tissue-engineered vessels. However, the sources by which they can be isolated are limited. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that a large number of SMCs could be obtained by direct reprogramming of fibroblasts, that is, direct differentiation of specific cell lineages before the cells reaching the pluripotent state. METHODS AND RESULTS We designed a combined protocol of reprogramming and differentiation of human neonatal lung fibroblasts. Four reprogramming factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and cMYC) were overexpressed in fibroblasts under reprogramming conditions for 4 days with cells defined as partially-induced pluripotent stem (PiPS) cells. PiPS cells did not form tumors in vivo after subcutaneous transplantation in severe combined immunodeficiency mice and differentiated into SMCs when seeded on collagen IV and maintained in differentiation media. PiPS-SMCs expressed a panel of SMC markers at mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, the gene dickkopf 3 was found to be involved in the mechanism of PiPS-SMC differentiation. It was revealed that dickkopf 3 transcriptionally regulated SM22 by potentiation of Wnt signaling and interaction with Kremen1. Finally, PiPS-SMCs repopulated decellularized vessel grafts and ultimately gave rise to functional tissue-engineered vessels when combined with previously established PiPS-endothelial cells, leading to increased survival of severe combined immunodeficiency mice after transplantation of the vessel as a vascular graft. CONCLUSIONS We developed a protocol to generate SMCs from PiPS cells through a dickkopf 3 signaling pathway, useful for generating tissue-engineered vessels. These findings provide a new insight into the mechanisms of SMC differentiation with vast therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Karamariti
- Cardiovascular Division, British Heart Foundation Centre, King's College London, UK
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Leung F, Dimitromanolakis A, Kobayashi H, Diamandis EP, Kulasingam V. Folate-receptor 1 (FOLR1) protein is elevated in the serum of ovarian cancer patients. Clin Biochem 2013; 46:1462-8. [PMID: 23528302 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2013.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2012] [Revised: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecological malignancy in North America. Although survival rates are high when the disease is diagnosed at an early stage, this decreases exponentially in late-stage diagnoses. As such, there is a need for novel early detection biomarkers. Through an integrated approach to ovarian cancer biomarker discovery that combines proteomics with transcriptomics and bioinformatics, our laboratory has identified folate-receptor 1 (FOLR1) and Dickkopf-related protein 3 (Dkk-3) as putative biomarkers. The objective of this study was to measure the levels of FOLR1 and Dkk-3 in the serum of patients with ovarian cancer, benign gynecological conditions and healthy women. DESIGN AND METHODS FOLR1 and Dkk-3 were analyzed in serum of 100 ovarian cancer patients, 100 patients with benign gynecological conditions, and 100 healthy women using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). All specimens were analyzed in triplicate. RESULTS FOLR1 was significantly elevated in the serum of ovarian cancer patients compared to serum of both healthy controls (P<0.0001) and patients with benign gynecological conditions (P<0.0001). Furthermore, FOLR1 was strongly correlated with CA125 as both were elevated in the serous histotype and in late-stage disease. FOLR1 did not outperform CA125 in receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and there was no significant complementarity between the two markers. Dkk-3 was not significantly different between the three serum cohorts and was not correlated with CA125. CONCLUSIONS FOLR1 is a new biomarker for ovarian cancer which correlates closely with CA125. The role of FOLR1 in the pathogenesis of ovarian cancer warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Leung
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Romero D, Kypta R. Dickkopf-3 function in the prostate: implications for epithelial homeostasis and tumor progression. BIOARCHITECTURE 2013; 3:42-4. [PMID: 23765605 DOI: 10.4161/bioa.25243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The tumor suppressor Dickkopf-3 (Dkk-3) is rather a unique molecule. Although it is related to the Dickkopf family of secreted Wnt antagonists, it does not directly inhibit Wnt signaling, and its function and mechanism of action are unknown. Endogenous Dkk-3 was recently found to be required to limit cell proliferation both in the developing mouse prostate and in 3D cultures of human prostate epithelial cells. Dkk-3 was further shown to modulate the response of normal prostate epithelial cells to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β). These studies are consistent with a model in which Dkk-3 is required by normal cells to prevent the TGF-β switch from tumor suppressor to tumor promoter. Here, we discuss these findings and their potential impact on the development and progression of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Romero
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
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Methylation of Wnt antagonist genes: a useful prognostic marker for myelodysplastic syndrome. Ann Hematol 2012; 92:199-209. [DOI: 10.1007/s00277-012-1595-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 10/02/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Clinico-epigenetic combination including quantitative methylation value of DKK3 augments survival prediction of the patient with cervical cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2012; 139:97-106. [PMID: 22961207 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-012-1262-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2012] [Accepted: 06/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE DKK3 is a target of methylation in various cancers and has been studied by a non-quantitative method. We assessed the quantitative methylation levels of DKK3 in cervical carcinoma, determined the potential clinical correlations, and tested whether the combination of clinical and epigenetic factors augmented the prediction power of prognosis. METHODS Sixty-two patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma were included in this study. Quantitative methylation levels were evaluated by pyrosequencing. Clinical and pathologic findings were obtained from medical records. Survival data were analyzed using Kaplan-Meier estimates and compared with the log-rank test. The best clinico-epigenetic combinations were found using the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS Four of five CpG positions of DKK3 were strongly methylated in cervical carcinoma compared to normal controls (p = 0.0048). The methylation in positions 1 and/or 2 were stronger in patients with higher serum levels of the SCC tumor marker and/or larger tumors (p = 0.01). The patients with a methylation level ≥26.3 % at position 1 had a lower survival rate than the patients with methylation levels at position 1 that were <26.3 % (p = 0.03). The combination of methylation level of position 1, position 3, age, parametrial invasion, and lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) have a significant correlation with survival (p = 0.0006). Recurrence was significantly related to the combination of methylation level of position 2, position 3, age, parametrium, and LVSI (p = 0.0041). CONCLUSIONS DKK3 methylation is unfavorable to prognosis. This study defined a threshold level of methylation associated with recurrence-free survival and, furthermore, identified novel clinico-epigenetic combinations predicting disease survival or recurrence.
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Ueno K, Hirata H, Hinoda Y, Dahiya R. Frizzled homolog proteins, microRNAs and Wnt signaling in cancer. Int J Cancer 2012; 132:1731-40. [PMID: 22833265 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.27746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signaling pathways play important roles in tumorigenesis and are initiated by binding of Wnt to various receptors including frizzleds (FZDs). FZDs are one of several families of receptors comprised of FZD/LRP/ROR2/RYK in the Wnt signaling pathway. Expression of some FZD receptors are up regulated, thereby activating the Wnt signaling pathway and is correlated with cancer malignancy and patient outcomes (recurrence and survival) in many cancers. The FZD family contains ten genes in humans and their function has not been completely examined including the regulatory mechanisms of FZD genes in cancer. Knockdown of FZDs may suppress the Wnt signaling pathway resulting in decreased cell growth, invasion, motility and metastasis of cancer cells. Recently a number of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified and reported to be important in several cancers. MiRNAs regulate target gene expression at both the transcription and translation levels. The study of miRNA is a newly emerging field and promises to be helpful in understanding the pathogenesis of FZDs in cancer. In addition, miRNAs may be useful in regulating FZDs in cancer cells. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss current knowledge of the functional mechanisms of FZDs in cancer, including regulation by miRNAs and the potential for possible use of miRNAs and FZDs in future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Ueno
- Department of Urology, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
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Dellinger TH, Planutis K, Jandial DD, Eskander RN, Martinez ME, Zi X, Monk BJ, Holcombe RF. Expression of the Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-3 is associated with prognostic clinicopathologic characteristics and impairs proliferation and invasion in endometrial cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2012; 126:259-67. [PMID: 22555103 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2012.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2012] [Revised: 04/18/2012] [Accepted: 04/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Emerging evidence implicates the Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-3 (Dkk3) as a tumor suppressor and potential biomarker in solid tumors. We investigated whether Dkk3 plays an important role in the carcinogenesis of endometrial cancer (EC). METHODS We analyzed Dkk3 mRNA expression via real-time RT-PCR in twenty-seven human primary EC tissues, and six matched normal endometrial controls. Dkk3 levels were correlated with various clinicopathologic characteristics. Additionally, enforced Dkk3 expression was examined in proliferation and tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo, using MTT, soft agar assay, invasion assay, a xenograft mouse model, and a β-catenin-responsive SuperTopFlash luciferase assay. RESULTS Compared with matched normal endometrial cases, Dkk3 was down-regulated in EC (p<0.0001). Among cancer cases, Dkk3 expression was significantly reduced in patients with higher stage (p=0.002), positive pelvic lymph nodes (p=0.0004), non-endometrioid histology (p=0.02), and cytology-positive ECs (p=0.02). Enforced expression of Dkk3 in EC cell lines showed reduced proliferation (p<0.0001), anchorage-independent growth (p=0.005), invasion (p=0.02), and reduced TCF activity (p=0.04), confirming Dkk3 as a negative regulator of the β-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway. Tumor growth in Dkk3-injected mice was not statistically different, though did plateau towards the end, and was associated with increased lymphoid infiltration and tumor necrosis. CONCLUSION Dkk3 gene expression is frequently downregulated in endometrial cancer, and is associated with poor prognostic clinicopathologic markers. The results also identify a role for Dkk3 as a tumor suppressor in EC, affecting both proliferation and invasiveness. These findings may prove to be important in the design of novel biomarkers and treatment modalities for advanced EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thanh H Dellinger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of California at Irvine Medical Center, Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, Orange, CA 92868, USA.
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Yang ZR, Dong WG, Lei XF, Liu M, Liu QS. Overexpression of Dickkopf-3 induces apoptosis through mitochondrial pathway in human colon cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2012; 18:1590-601. [PMID: 22529687 PMCID: PMC3325524 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v18.i14.1590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2011] [Revised: 09/23/2011] [Accepted: 09/30/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the mechanisms of the biological roles of Dickkopf-3 (Dkk-3) in cell invasion, survival and apoptosis in colon cancer cells.
METHODS: Three human colon cancer cell lines, i.e., HT-29, LoVo and SW480, were used. Overexpression of Dkk-3 induced by pEGFP-N1-Dkk-3-GFP plasmid in LoVo cells was performed using Lipofectamine 2000 reagent. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of Dkk-3, respectively. Cell proliferation assay, cell cycle analysis, hoechst 33258 assay and Matrigel invasion assay were performed on Dkk-3 overexpressing transfectants.
RESULTS: The mRNA and protein expressions of Dkk-3 in HT-29 (mRNA: 0.06 ± 0.02, protein: 0.06 ± 0.01) and LoVo (mRNA: 0.07 ± 0.02, protein: 0.07 ± 0.02) cells were significantly lower than that in SW480 cells (mRNA: 0.92 ± 0.04, protein: 0.69 ± 0.13; all P < 0.05), and the greatest levels of invasiveness was in LoVo cells. Dkk-3 overexpression inhibited the proliferation and invasion of LoVo cells and induced cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase and subsequent apoptosis, as indicated by increased chromatin condensation and fragments, upregulated Bax and cytochrome c protein, downregulated survivin and Bcl-2 protein, and the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-9. Furthermore, Dkk-3 overexpression reduced the accumulation of cytosolic fraction of β-catenin.
CONCLUSION: Dkk-3 overexpression induced apoptosis in human colon cancer possibly through the mitochondrial pathway. Dkk-3 may be involved in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways in colon cancer.
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Chen J, Li H, Chen H, Hu D, Xing Q, Ren G, Luo X. Dickkopf-1 inhibits the invasive activity of melanoma cells. Clin Exp Dermatol 2012; 37:404-10. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2011.04276.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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DNA methylation status of REIC/Dkk-3 gene in human malignancies. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2012; 138:799-809. [PMID: 22274868 PMCID: PMC3325424 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-012-1158-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Purpose The REIC (reduced expression in immortalized cells)/Dkk-3 is down-regulated in various cancers and considered to be a tumor suppressor gene. REIC/Dkk-3 mRNA has two isoforms (type-a,b). REIC type-a mRNA has shown to be a major transcript in various cancer cells, and its promoter activity was much stronger than that of type-b. In this study, we examined the methylation status of REIC/Dkk-3 type-a in a broad range of human malignancies. Methods We examined REIC/Dkk-3 type-a methylation in breast cancers, non-small-cell lung cancers, gastric cancers, colorectal cancers, and malignant pleural mesotheliomas using a quantitative combined bisulfite restriction analysis assay and bisulfate sequencing. REIC/Dkk-3 type-a and type-b expression was examined using reverse transcriptional PCR. The relationships between the methylation and clinicopathological factors were analyzed. Results The rate of REIC/Dkk-3 type-a methylation ranged from 26.2 to 50.0% in the various primary tumors that were examined. REIC/Dkk-3 type-a methylation in breast cancer cells was significantly heavier than that in the other cell lines that we tested. REIC/Dkk-3 type-a methylation was inversely correlated with REIC/Dkk-3 type-a expression. There was a correlation between REIC/Dkk-3 type-a and type-b mRNA expression. REIC/Dkk-3 type-a expression was restored in MDA-MB-231 cells using 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine treatment. We found that estrogen receptor–positive breast cancers were significantly more common among the methylated group than among the non-methylated group. Conclusions REIC/Dkk-3 type-a methylation was frequently detected in a broad range of cancers and appeared to play a key role in silencing REIC/Dkk-3 type-a expression in these malignancies.
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Zenzmaier C, Heitz M, Klocker H, Buck M, Gardiner RA, Berger P. Elevated levels of Dickkopf-related protein 3 in seminal plasma of prostate cancer patients. J Transl Med 2011; 9:193. [PMID: 22071168 PMCID: PMC3240830 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-9-193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2011] [Accepted: 11/10/2011] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expression of Dkk-3, a secreted putative tumor suppressor, is altered in age-related proliferative disorders of the human prostate. We now investigated the suitability of Dkk-3 as a diagnostic biomarker for prostate cancer (PCa) in seminal plasma (SP). METHODS SP samples were obtained from 81 patients prior to TRUS-guided prostate biopsies on the basis of elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA; > 4 ng/mL) levels and/or abnormal digital rectal examination. A sensitive indirect immunoenzymometric assay for Dkk-3 was developed and characterized in detail. SP Dkk-3 and PSA levels were determined and normalized to total SP protein. The diagnostic accuracies of single markers including serum PSA and multivariate models to discriminate patients with positive (N = 40) and negative (N = 41) biopsy findings were investigated. RESULTS Biopsy-confirmed PCa showed significantly higher SP Dkk-3 levels (100.9 ± 12.3 vs. 69.2 ± 9.4 fmol/mg; p = 0.026). Diagnostic accuracy (AUC) of SP Dkk-3 levels (0.633) was enhanced in multivariate models by including serum PSA (model A; AUC 0.658) or both, serum and SP PSA levels (model B; AUC 0.710). In a subpopulation with clinical follow-up > 3 years post-biopsy to ensure veracity of negative biopsy status (positive biopsy N = 21; negative biopsy N = 25) AUCs for SP Dkk-3, model A and B increased to 0.667, 0.724 and 0.777, respectively. CONCLUSIONS In multivariate models to detect PCa, inclusion of SP Dkk-3 levels, which were significantly elevated in biopsy-confirmed PCa patients, improved the diagnostic performance compared with serum PSA only.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Zenzmaier
- Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, Austrian Academy of Sciences, Innsbruck, Austria.
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Veeck J, Dahl E. Targeting the Wnt pathway in cancer: the emerging role of Dickkopf-3. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2011; 1825:18-28. [PMID: 21982838 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2011.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2011] [Revised: 09/16/2011] [Accepted: 09/16/2011] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt signaling pathway is a major trait of many human cancers. Due to its vast implications in tumorigenesis and progression, the Wnt pathway has attracted considerable attention at several molecular levels, also with respect to developing novel cancer therapeutics. Indeed, research in Wnt biology has recently provided numerous clues, and evidence is accumulating that the secreted Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-related protein 3 (Dkk-3) and its regulators may constitute interesting therapeutic targets in the most important human cancers. Based on the currently available literature, we here review the knowledge on the biological role of Dkk-3 as an antagonist of the Wnt signaling pathway, the involvement of Dkk-3 in several stages of tumor development, the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms disrupting DKK3 gene function in cancerous cells, and the potential clinical value of Dkk-3 expression/DKK3 promoter methylation as a biomarker and molecular target in cancer diseases. In conclusion, Dkk-3 rapidly emerges as a key player in human cancer with auspicious tumor suppressive capacities, most of all affecting apoptosis and proliferation. Its gene expression is frequently downregulated by promoter methylation in almost any solid and hematological tumor entity. Clinically, evidence is accumulating of Dkk-3 being both a potential tumor biomarker and effective anti-cancer agent. Although further research is needed, re-establishing Dkk-3 expression in cancer cells holds promise as novel targeted molecular tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Veeck
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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