Wnt/Fz signaling and the cytoskeleton: potential roles in tumorigenesis

Research Progress of Chinese Medicine in the Regulation of Liver Fibrosis-Related Signaling Pathways

Liver fibrosis is a common complication of chronic liver disease, significantly affecting patients' quality of life and potentially leading to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite advancements in modern medicine, the treatment of liver fibrosis remains limited and challenging. Thus, identifying new therapeutic strategies is of great clinical importance. Signaling pathways related to liver fibrosis play a crucial regulatory role in immune response and inflammation. Aberrant activation of specific pathways, such as the NF-[Formula: see text]B signaling pathway, results in the overexpression of genes associated with liver inflammation and fibrosis, thereby promoting the progression of liver fibrosis. Chinese medicine offers unique potential advantages as a therapeutic approach. Recent studies have increasingly demonstrated that certain Chinese medicines can effectively treat liver fibrosis by regulating relevant signaling pathways. The active ingredients in these medicines can inhibit hepatic inflammatory responses and fibrotic processes by interfering with these pathways, thus reducing the severity of liver fibrosis. This paper aims to investigate the mechanisms of Chinese medicine in treating liver fibrosis and its modulation of related signaling pathways. Additionally, it discusses the prospects of the clinical application of these treatments and provides valuable references for further research and clinical practice.

Mechanism insights and therapeutic intervention of tumor metastasis: latest developments and perspectives

Metastasis remains a pivotal characteristic of cancer and is the primary contributor to cancer-associated mortality. Despite its significance, the mechanisms governing metastasis are not fully elucidated. Contemporary findings in the domain of cancer biology have shed light on the molecular aspects of this intricate process. Tumor cells undergoing invasion engage with other cellular entities and proteins en route to their destination. Insights into these engagements have enhanced our comprehension of the principles directing the movement and adaptability of metastatic cells. The tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in facilitating the invasion and proliferation of cancer cells by enabling tumor cells to navigate through stromal barriers. Such attributes are influenced by genetic and epigenetic changes occurring in the tumor cells and their surrounding milieu. A profound understanding of the metastatic process's biological mechanisms is indispensable for devising efficacious therapeutic strategies. This review delves into recent developments concerning metastasis-associated genes, important signaling pathways, tumor microenvironment, metabolic processes, peripheral immunity, and mechanical forces and cancer metastasis. In addition, we combine recent advances with a particular emphasis on the prospect of developing effective interventions including the most popular cancer immunotherapies and nanotechnology to combat metastasis. We have also identified the limitations of current research on tumor metastasis, encompassing drug resistance, restricted animal models, inadequate biomarkers and early detection methods, as well as heterogeneity among others. It is anticipated that this comprehensive review will significantly contribute to the advancement of cancer metastasis research.

P4HA2 promotes proliferation, invasion, and metastasis through regulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in oral squamous cell carcinoma

Proline 4-hydroxylase 2 (P4HA2) is known for its hydroxylase activity, primarily involved in hydroxylating collagen precursors and promoting collagen cross-linking under physiological conditions. Although its overexpression influences a wide variety of malignant tumors' occurrence and development, its specific effects and mechanisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear. This study focused on investigating the expression patterns, carcinogenic functions, and underlying mechanisms of P4HA2 in OSCC cells. Various databases, including TCGA, TIMER, UALCAN, GEPIA, and K-M plotter, along with paraffin-embedded samples, were used to ascertain P4HA2 expression in cancer and its correlation with clinicopathological features. P4HA2 knockdown and overexpression cell models were developed to assess its oncogenic roles and mechanisms. The results indicated that P4HA2 was overexpressed in OSCC and inversely correlated with patient survival. Knockdown of P4HA2 suppressed invasion, migration, and proliferation of OSCC cells both in vitro and in vivo, whereas overexpression of P4HA2 had the opposite effects. Mechanistically, the phosphorylation levels of the PI3K/AKT pathway were reduced following P4HA2 silencing. The study reveals that P4HA2 acts as a promising biomarker for predicting prognosis in OSCC and significantly affects metastasis, invasion, and proliferation of OSCC cells through the regulation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Wnt Signaling and Therapeutic Resistance in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer

Purpose of Review

Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is a lethal form of prostate cancer (PCa) due to the development of resistance to androgen deprivation therapy and anti-androgens. Here, we review the emerging role of Wnt signaling in therapeutic resistance of CRPC.

Recent Findings

Convincing evidence have accumulated that Wnt signaling is aberrantly activated through genomic alterations and autocrine and paracrine augmentations. Wnt signaling plays a critical role in a subset of CRPC and in resistance to anti-androgen therapies. Wnt signaling navigates CRPC through PCa heterogeneity, neuroendocrine differentiation, DNA repair, PCa stem cell maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal-transition and metastasis, and immune evasion.

Summary

Components of Wnt signaling can be harnessed for inhibiting PCa growth and metastasis and for developing novel therapeutic strategies to manage metastatic CRPC. There are many Wnt pathway-based potential drugs in different stages of pre-clinical development and clinical trials but so far, no Wnt signaling-specific drug has been approved by FDA for clinical use in CRPC.

The Mechanics of Tumor Cells Dictate Malignancy via Cytoskeleton-Mediated APC/Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling

Tumor cells progressively remodel cytoskeletal structures and reduce cellular stiffness during tumor progression, implicating the correlation between cell mechanics and malignancy. However, the roles of tumor cell cytoskeleton and the mechanics in tumor progression remain incompletely understood. We report that softening/stiffening tumor cells by targeting actomyosin promotes/suppresses self-renewal in vitro and tumorigenic potential in vivo. Weakening/strengthening actin cytoskeleton impairs/reinforces the interaction between adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and β-catenin, which facilitates β-catenin nuclear/cytoplasmic localization. Nuclear β-catenin binds to the promoter of Oct4, which enhances its transcription that is crucial in sustaining self-renewal and malignancy. These results demonstrate that the mechanics of tumor cells dictate self-renewal through cytoskeleton-APC-Wnt/β-catenin-Oct4 signaling, which are correlated with tumor differentiation and patient survival. This study unveils an uncovered regulatory role of cell mechanics in self-renewal and malignancy, and identifies tumor cell mechanics as a hallmark not only for cancer diagnosis but also for mechanotargeting.

Deubiquitinase YOD1 suppresses tumor progression by stabilizing E3 ligase TRIM33 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Ubiquitination is a reversible process that not only controls protein synthesis and degradation, but also is essential for protein transport, localization and biological activity. Deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) dysfunction leads to various diseases, including cancer. In this study, we aimed to explore the functions and mechanisms of crucial DUBs in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Based on bioinformatic analysis and immunohistochemistry detection, YOD1 was identified to be significantly downregulated in HNSCC specimens compared with adjacent normal tissues. Further analysis revealed that reduced YOD1 expression was associated with the malignant progression of HNSCC and indicated poor prognosis. The results of the in vitro and in vivo experiments verified that YOD1 depletion significantly promoted growth, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HNSCC. Mechanistically, YOD1 inhibited the activation of the ERK/β-catenin pathway by suppressing the ubiquitination and degradation of TRIM33, leading to the constriction of HNSCC progression. Overall, our findings reveal the molecular mechanism underlying the role of YOD1 in tumor progression and provide a novel potential therapeutic target for HNSCC treatment.

Loss of TTC17 promotes breast cancer metastasis through RAP1/CDC42 signaling and sensitizes it to rapamycin and paclitaxel

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) metastasis is the leading cause of poor prognosis and therapeutic failure. However, the mechanisms underlying cancer metastasis are far from clear.

METHODS

We screened candidate genes related to metastasis through genome-wide CRISPR screening and high-throughput sequencing of patients with metastatic BC, followed by a panel of metastatic model assays. The effects of tetratricopeptide repeat domain 17 (TTC17) on migration, invasion, and colony formation ability together with the responses to anticancer drugs were investigated in vitro and in vivo. The mechanism mediated by TTC17 was determined by RNA sequencing, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. The clinical significance of TTC17 was evaluated using BC tissue samples combined with clinicopathological data.

RESULTS

We identified the loss of TTC17 as a metastasis driver in BC, and its expression was negatively correlated with malignancy and positively correlated with patient prognosis. TTC17 loss in BC cells promoted their migration, invasion, and colony formation capacity in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo. Conversely, overexpressing TTC17 suppressed these aggressive phenotypes. Mechanistically, TTC17 knockdown in BC cells resulted in the activation of the RAP1/CDC42 pathway along with a disordered cytoskeleton in BC cells, and pharmacological blockade of CDC42 abolished the potentiation of motility and invasiveness caused by TTC17 silencing. Research on BC specimens demonstrated reduced TTC17 and increased CDC42 in metastatic tumors and lymph nodes, and low TTC17 expression was linked to more aggressive clinicopathologic characteristics. Through screening the anticancer drug library, the CDC42 inhibitor rapamycin and the microtubule-stabilizing drug paclitaxel showed stronger inhibition of TTC17-silenced BC cells, which was confirmed by more favorable efficacy in BC patients and tumor-bearing mice receiving rapamycin or paclitaxel in the TTC17^Low arm.

CONCLUSIONS

TTC17 loss is a novel factor promoting BC metastasis, that enhances migration and invasion by activating RAP1/CDC42 signaling and sensitizes BC to rapamycin and paclitaxel, which may improve stratified treatment strategies under the concept of molecular phenotyping-based precision therapy of BC.

Effect of the Rho-Kinase/ROCK Signaling Pathway on Cytoskeleton Components

The mechanical properties of cells are important in tissue homeostasis and enable cell growth, division, migration and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Mechanical properties are determined to a large extent by the cytoskeleton. The cytoskeleton is a complex and dynamic network composed of microfilaments, intermediate filaments and microtubules. These cellular structures confer both cell shape and mechanical properties. The architecture of the networks formed by the cytoskeleton is regulated by several pathways, a key one being the Rho-kinase/ROCK signaling pathway. This review describes the role of ROCK (Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinase) and how it mediates effects on the key components of the cytoskeleton that are critical for cell behaviour.

Reduction of Phosphorylated Tau in Alzheimer's Disease Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neuro-Spheroids by Rho-Associated Coiled-Coil Kinase Inhibitor Fasudil

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most predominant form of dementia. Rho-associated coiled coil kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, fasudil, is one of the candidate drugs against the AD progression.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate possible changes of AD associated markers in three-dimensional neuro-spheroids (3D neuro-spheroids) generated from induced pluripotent stem cells derived from AD patients or healthy control subjects (HC) and to determine the impact of pharmacological intervention with the ROCK inhibitor fasudil.

METHODS

We treated 3D neuro-spheroids with fasudil and tested the possible effect on AD markers by ELISA, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses.

RESULTS

Transcriptomic analysis revealed a reduction in the expression of AKT serine/threonine-protein kinase 1 (AKT1) in AD neuro-spheroids, compared to HC. This decrease was reverted in the presence of fasudil. Proteomic analysis showed up- and down-regulation of proteins related to AKT pathway in fasudil-treated neuro-spheroids. We found an evident increase of phosphorylated tau at four different residues (pTau181, 202, 231, and 396) in AD compared to HC-derived neuro-spheroids. This was accompanied by a decrease of secreted clusterin (clu) and an increase of intracellular clu levels in AD patient-derived neuro-spheroids. Increases of phosphorylated tau in AD patient-derived neuro-spheroids were suppressed in the presence of fasudil.

CONCLUSIONS

Fasudil modulates clu protein levels and enhances AKT1 that results in the suppression of AD associated tau phosphorylation.

Noncanonical Wnt/Ror2 signaling regulates cell-matrix adhesion to prompt directional tumor cell invasion in breast cancer

Cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions represent fundamental exchanges during tumor progression, yet how particular signal-transduction factors prompt the conversion of tumor cells into migratory populations capable of systemic spread during metastasis remains elusive. We demonstrate that the noncanonical Wnt receptor, Ror2, regulates tumor cell-driven matrix remodeling and invasion in breast cancer. Ror2 loss-of-function (LOF) triggers the disruption of E-cadherin within tumor cells, accompanied by an increase in tumor cell invasion and collagen realignment in three-dimensional cultures. RNA sequencing of Ror2-deficient organoids further uncovered alterations in actin cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, and collagen cross-linking gene expression programs. Spatially, we pinpoint the up-regulation and redistribution of α5 and β3 integrins together with the production of fibronectin in areas of invasion downstream of Ror2 loss. Wnt/β-catenin-dependent and Wnt/Ror2 alternative Wnt signaling appear to regulate distinct functions for tumor cells regarding their ability to modify cell-ECM exchanges during invasion. Furthermore, blocking either integrin or focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a downstream mediator of integrin-mediated signal transduction, abrogates the enhanced migration observed upon Ror2 loss. These results reveal a critical function for the alternative Wnt receptor, Ror2, as a determinant of tumor cell-driven ECM exchanges during cancer invasion and metastasis.

Biomechanics of cancer stem cells

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been believed to be one driving force for tumor progression and drug resistance. Despite the significance of biochemical signaling in malignancy, highly malignant tumor cells or CSCs exhibit lower cellular stiffness than weakly malignant cells or non-CSCs, which are softer than their healthy counterparts, suggesting the inverse correlation between cell stiffness and malignancy. Recent years have witnessed the rapid accumulation of evidence illustrating the reciprocity between cell cytoskeleton/mechanics and CSC functions and the potential of cellular stiffness for specific targeting of CSCs. However, a systematic understanding of tumor cell mechanics and their role in CSCs and tumor progression is still lacking. The present review summarizes the recent progress in the alterations of tumor cell cytoskeleton and stiffness at different stages of tumor progression and recapitulates the relationship between cellular stiffness and CSC functions. The altered cell mechanics may mediate the mechanoadaptive responses that possibly empower CSCs to survive and thrive during metastasis. Furthermore, we highlight the possible impact of tumor cell mechanics on CSC malignancy, which may potentiate low cell stiffness as a mechanical marker for CSC targeting.

6-Bromoindirubin-3′-Oxime Regulates Colony Formation, Apoptosis, and Odonto/Osteogenic Differentiation in Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells

6-bromoindirubin-3′-oxime (BIO) is a candidate small molecule that effectively modulates Wnt signalling owing to its stable property. The present study investigated the influence of BIO on the odonto/osteogenic differentiation of human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). hDPSCs were treated with 200, 400, or 800 nM BIO, and the effects on hDPSC responses and osteogenic differentiation were assessed. BIO-mediated Wnt activation was confirmed by β-catenin nuclear translocation detected by immunofluorescence staining. BIO attenuated colony formation and cell migration determined by in vitro wound-healing assay. BIO increased early apoptotic cell population evaluated using flow cytometry. For osteogenic induction, BIO promoted alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralisation in a dose-dependent manner. ALP, RUNX2, OCN, OSX, ANKH, DMP1, and DSPP mRNA expression were significantly upregulated. The OPG/RANKL expression ratio was also increased. Further, BIO attenuated adipogenic differentiation as demonstrated by decreased lipid accumulation and adipogenic-related gene expression. Bioinformatic analysis of RNA sequencing data from the BIO-treated hDPSCs revealed that BIO modulated pathways related to autophagy and actin cytoskeleton regulation. These findings demonstrated that BIO treatment promoted hDPSC osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, this small molecule is a strong candidate as a bioactive molecule to enhance dentin repair.

The m6A(m)-independent role of FTO in regulating WNT signaling pathways

FTO and ALKBH5 are the two enzymes responsible for mRNA demethylation. Hence, the functional study of FTO has been focused on its mechanistic role in dynamic mRNA modification, and how this post-transcriptional regulation modulates signaling pathways. Here, we report that the functional landscape of FTO is largely associated with WNT signaling pathways but in a manner that is independent of its enzymatic activity. Re-analyses of public datasets identified the bifurcation of canonical and noncanonical WNT pathways as the major role of FTO. In FTO-depleted cells, we find that the canonical WNT/β-Catenin signaling is attenuated in a non-cell autonomous manner via the up-regulation of DKK1. Simultaneously, this up-regulation of DKK1 promotes cell migration via activating the noncanonical WNT/PCP pathway. Unexpectedly, this regulation of DKK1 is independent of its RNA methylation status but operates at the transcriptional level, revealing a noncanonical function of FTO in gene regulation. In conclusion, this study places the functional context of FTO at the branch point of multiple WNT signaling pathways and extends its mechanistic role in gene regulation.

Novel insights into PORCN mutations, associated phenotypes and pathophysiological aspects

BACKGROUND

Goltz syndrome (GS) is a X-linked disorder defined by defects of mesodermal- and ectodermal-derived structures and caused by PORCN mutations. Features include striated skin-pigmentation, ocular and skeletal malformations and supernumerary or hypoplastic nipples. Generally, GS is associated with in utero lethality in males and most of the reported male patients show mosaicism (only three non-mosaic surviving males have been described so far). Also, precise descriptions of neurological deficits in GS are rare and less severe phenotypes might not only be caused by mosaicism but also by less pathogenic mutations suggesting the need of a molecular genetics and functional work-up of these rare variants.

RESULTS

We report two cases: one girl suffering from typical skin and skeletal abnormalities, developmental delay, microcephaly, thin corpus callosum, periventricular gliosis and drug-resistant epilepsy caused by a PORCN nonsense-mutation (c.283C > T, p.Arg95Ter). Presence of these combined neurological features indicates that CNS-vulnerability might be a guiding symptom in the diagnosis of GS patients. The other patient is a boy with a supernumerary nipple and skeletal anomalies but also, developmental delay, microcephaly, cerebral atrophy with delayed myelination and drug-resistant epilepsy as predominant features. Skin abnormalities were not observed. Genotyping revealed a novel PORCN missense-mutation (c.847G > C, p.Asp283His) absent in the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD) but also identified in his asymptomatic mother. Given that non-random X-chromosome inactivation was excluded in the mother, fibroblasts of the index had been analyzed for PORCN protein-abundance and -distribution, vulnerability against additional ER-stress burden as well as for protein secretion revealing changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our combined findings may suggest incomplete penetrance for the p.Asp283His variant and provide novel insights into the molecular etiology of GS by adding impaired ER-function and altered protein secretion to the list of pathophysiological processes resulting in the clinical manifestation of GS.

How the structural properties of the indole derivatives are important in kinase targeted drug design?: A case study on tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Kinases are considered as important signalling enzymes that illustrate 20% of the druggable genome. Human kinase family comprises >500 protein kinases and about 20 lipid kinases. Protein kinases are responsible for the mechanism of protein phosphorylation. These are necessary for regulation of various cellular activities including proliferation, cell cycle, apoptosis, motility, growth, differentiation, etc. Their deregulation leads to disruption of many cellular processes leading to different diseases most importantly cancer. Thus, kinases are considered as valuable targets in different types of cancer as well as other diseases. Researchers around the world are actively engaged in developing inhibitors based on distinct chemical scaffolds. Indole represents as a versatile scaffold in the naturally occurring and bioactive molecules. It is also used as a privileged scaffold for the target-based drug design against different diseases. This present article aim to review the applications of indole scaffold in the design of inhibitors against different tyrosine kinases such as epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFRs), vascular endothelial growth factor receptors (VEGFRs), platelet-derived growth factor receptors (PDGFRs), etc. Important structure activity relationships (SARs) of indole derivatives were discussed. The present work is an attempt to summarize all the crucial structural information which is essential for the development of indole based tyrosine kinase inhibitors with improved potency.

An Insight into GPCR and G-Proteins as Cancer Drivers

G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest family of cell surface signaling receptors known to play a crucial role in various physiological functions, including tumor growth and metastasis. Various molecules such as hormones, lipids, peptides, and neurotransmitters activate GPCRs that enable the coupling of these receptors to highly specialized transducer proteins, called G-proteins, and initiate multiple signaling pathways. Integration of these intricate networks of signaling cascades leads to numerous biochemical responses involved in diverse pathophysiological activities, including cancer development. While several studies indicate the role of GPCRs in controlling various aspects of cancer progression such as tumor growth, invasion, migration, survival, and metastasis through its aberrant overexpression, mutations, or increased release of agonists, the explicit mechanisms of the involvement of GPCRs in cancer progression is still puzzling. This review provides an insight into the various responses mediated by GPCRs in the development of cancers, the molecular mechanisms involved and the novel pharmacological approaches currently preferred for the treatment of cancer. Thus, these findings extend the knowledge of GPCRs in cancer cells and help in the identification of therapeutics for cancer patients.

Chronic arsenic increases cell migration in BEAS-2B cells by increasing cell speed, cell persistence, and cell protrusion length

There is a strong association between arsenic exposure and lung cancer development, however, the mechanism by which arsenic exposure leads to carcinogenesis is not clear. In our previous study, we observed that when BEAS-2B cells are chronically exposed to arsenic, there is an increase in secreted TGFα, as well as an increase in EGFR expression and activity. Further, these changes were broadly accompanied with an increase in cell migration. The overarching goal of this study was to acquire finer resolution of the arsenic-dependent changes in cell migration, as well as to understand the role of increased EGFR expression and activity levels in the underlying mechanisms of cell migration. To do this, we used a combination of biochemical and single cell assays, and observed chronic arsenic treatment enhancing cell migration by increasing cell speed, cell persistence and cell protrusion length. All three parameters were further increased by the addition of TGFα, indicating EGFR activity is sufficient to enhance those aspects of cell migration. In contrast, EGFR activity was necessary for the increase in cell speed, as it was reversed with an EGFR inhibitor, AG1478, but was not necessary to enhance persistence and protrusion length. From these data, we were able to isolate both EGFR-dependent and -independent features of cell migration that were enhanced by chronic arsenic exposure.

The role of Wnt signaling in skin fibrosis

Skin fibrosis is the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix in the dermis. Cutaneous fibrosis can occur following tissue injury, including burns, trauma, and surgery, resulting in scars that are disfiguring, limit movement and cause significant psychological distress for patients. Many molecular pathways have been implicated in the development of skin fibrosis, yet effective treatments to prevent or reverse scarring are unknown. The Wnt signaling pathways are known to play an important role in skin homeostasis, skin injury, and in the development of fibrotic skin diseases. This review provides a detailed overview of the role of the canonical Wnt signaling pathways in regulating skin scarring. We also discuss how Wnt signaling interacts with other known fibrotic molecular pathways to cause skin fibrosis. We further provide a summary of the different Wnt inhibitor types available for treating skin scarring. Understanding the role of the Wnt pathway in cutaneous fibrosis will accelerate the development of effective Wnt modulators for the treatment of skin fibrosis.

Insight into the role of multiple signaling pathways in regulating cancer stem cells of gynecologic cancers

Mounting evidence has demonstrated that a myriad of developmental signaling pathways, such as the Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog and Hippo, are frequently deregulated and play a critical role in regulating cancer stem cell (CSC) activity in human cancers, including gynecologic malignancies. In this review article, we describe an overview of various signaling pathways in human cancers. We further discuss the developmental roles how these pathways regulate CSCs from experimental evidences in gynecologic cancers. Moreover, we mention several compounds targeting CSCs in gynecologic cancers to enhance the treatment outcomes. Therefore, these signaling pathways might be the potential targets for developing targeted therapy in gynecologic cancers.

El-kherbetawy M, El-mistekawy A, Mohammad HMF, Elbahaie AM, Hashish AA, Alomar SY, Aloyouni SY, El-dosoky M, Morsy KM, Zaitone SA. Antitumor Activity of Nitazoxanide against Colon Cancers: Molecular Docking and Experimental Studies Based on Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Inhibition

In colon cancer, wingless (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling is frequently upregulated; however, the creation of a molecular therapeutic agent targeting this pathway is still under investigation. This research aimed to study how nitazoxanide can affect Wnt/β-catenin signaling in colon cancer cells (HCT-116) and a mouse colon cancer model. Our study included 2 experiments; the first was to test the cytotoxic activity of nitazoxanide in an in vitro study on a colon cancer cell line (HCT-116) versus normal colon cells (FHC) and to highlight the proapoptotic effect by MTT assay, flow cytometry and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The second experiment tested the in vivo cytotoxic effect of nitazoxanide against 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) prompted cancer in mice. Mice were grouped as saline, DMH control and DMH + nitazoxanide [100 or 200 mg per kg]. Colon levels of Wnt and β-catenin proteins were assessed by Western blotting while proliferation was measured via immunostaining for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Treating HCT-116 cells with nitazoxanide (inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) = 11.07 µM) revealed that it has a more cytotoxic effect when compared to 5-flurouracil (IC50 = 11.36 µM). Moreover, it showed relatively high IC50 value (non-cytotoxic) against the normal colon cells. Nitazoxanide induced apoptosis by 15.86-fold compared to control and arrested the cell cycle. Furthermore, nitazoxanide upregulated proapoptotic proteins (P53 and BAX) and caspases but downregulated BCL-2. Nitazoxanide downregulated Wnt/β-catenin/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) signaling and PCNA staining in the current mouse model. Hence, our findings highlighted the cytotoxic effect of nitazoxanide and pointed out the effect on Wnt/β-catenin/GSK-3β signaling.

Neurotrophin-3 Promotes the Neuronal Differentiation of BMSCs and Improves Cognitive Function in a Rat Model of Alzheimer's Disease

Transplantation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) has the potential to be developed into an effective treatment for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the therapeutic effects of BMSCs are limited by their low neural differentiation rate. We transfected BMSCs with neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), a neurotrophic factor that promotes neuronal differentiation, and investigated the effects of NT-3 gene overexpression on the differentiation of BMSCs into neurons in vitro and in vivo. We further studied the possible molecular mechanisms. We found that overexpression of NT-3 promoted the differentiation of BMSCs into neurons in vitro and in vivo and improved cognitive function in rats with experimental AD. By contrast, silencing NT-3 inhibited the differentiation of BMSCs and decreased cognitive function in rats with AD. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was involved in the mechanism by which NT-3 gene modification influenced the neuronal differentiation of BMSCs in vitro and in vivo. Our findings support the prospect of using NT-3-transduced BMSCs for the development of novel therapies for AD.

Salt causes aging-associated hypertension via vascular Wnt5a under Klotho deficiency

Aging is associated with a high prevalence of hypertension due to elevated susceptibility of BP to dietary salt, but its mechanism is unknown. Serum levels of Klotho, an anti-aging factor, decline with age. We found that high salt (HS) increased BP in aged mice and young heterozygous Klotho-knockout mice and was associated with increased vascular expression of Wnt5a and p-MYPT1, which indicate RhoA activity. Not only the Wnt inhibitor LGK974 and the Wnt5a antagonist Box5 but Klotho supplementation inhibits HS-induced BP elevation, similarly to the Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil, associated with reduced p-MYPT1 expression in both groups of mice. In cultured vascular smooth muscle cells, Wnt5a and angiotensin II (Ang II) increased p-MYPT1 expression but knockdown of Wnt5a with siRNA abolished Ang II-induced upregulation of p-MYPT1, indicating that Wnt5a is indispensable for Ang II-induced Rho/ROCK activation. Notably, Klotho inhibited Wnt5a- and Ang II-induced upregulation of p-MYPT1. Consistently, Klotho supplementation ameliorated HS-induced augmentation of reduced renal blood flow (RBF) response to intra-arterial infusion of Ang II and the thromboxane A2 analog U46619, which activated RhoA in both groups of mice and were associated with the inhibition of BP elevation, suggesting that abnormal response of RBF to Ang II contributes to HS-induced BP elevation. Thus, Klotho deficiency underlies aging-associated salt-sensitive hypertension through vascular non-canonical Wnt5a/RhoA activation.

Expression and Role of Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1) in Tumors: From the Cells to the Patients

Dickkopf-1 (Dkk1) is a secretory antagonist of the classical Wnt signaling pathway. Many studies have reported that Dkk1 is abnormally expressed in tumor cells, and abnormal expression of Dkk1 can inhibit cell proliferation or induce apoptosis through pro-apoptotic factors, However, due to the differences in tumor environment and the complex regulatory mechanisms in different tumors, Dkk1 has different effects on the progression of different tumors. In many tumors, high expression of Dkk1 may promote tumor metastasis. However, Dkk1, which is highly expressed in other tumors, can inhibit tumor invasion and metastasis. More and more evidence shows that Dkk1 plays a complex and different role in tumor occurrence, development and metastasis in different tumor environments and through a variety of complex regulatory mechanisms. Therefore, Dkk1 may not only be a useful biomarker of metastasis, but also a target for studying the metabolic mechanism of tumor cells and treating tumors in many tumor types. Therefore, this article reviews the research progress on the expression, mechanism and function of Dkk1 in different tumors, and at the same time, based on the public database data, we made a further analysis of the expression of Dkk1 in different tumors.

Inhibition of the Wnt Signalling Pathway: An Avenue to Control Breast Cancer Aggressiveness

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common tumour in women. Although the introduction of novel therapeutic approaches in clinical practice has dramatically improved the clinical outcome of BC patients, this malignant disease remains the second leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The wingless/integrated (Wnt) signalling pathway represents a crucial molecular node relevantly implicated in the regulation of normal somatic stem cells as well as cancer stem cell (CSC) traits and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition cell program. Accordingly, Wnt signalling is heavily dysregulated in BC, and the altered expression of different Wnt genes is significantly associated with cancer-related aggressive behaviours. For all these reasons, Wnt signalling represents a promising therapeutic target currently under clinical investigation to achieve cancer eradication by eliminating CSCs, considered by most to be responsible for tumour initiation, relapse, and drug resistance. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge on the Wnt signalling pathway in BC and have presented evidence implicating the suitability of Wnt targeting in an attempt to improve the outcome of patients without affecting the normal somatic stem cell population.

Interactions between androgen receptor signaling and other molecular pathways in prostate cancer progression: Current and future clinical implications

In last years several improvements have been made in the management of prostate cancer (PCa). Androgen receptor (AR) is considered the main driver in PCa growth and progression and most drugs are directed against AR pathway. Once PCa spreads outside the prostate, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) represents the cornerstone of treatment in hormone-sensitive prostate cancer (HSPC). Unfortunately, the response is only transient and most patients eventually develop castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Most resistance mechanisms depend on maintenance of AR signalling in castration environment. Recent discoveries of multiple growth-promoting and survival pathways in PCa suggest the importance of alternative mechanisms involved in disease progression, such as DNA damage response pathway, PTEN/PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, cell cycle pathway, WNT pathway, TMPRSS2/ETS fusion, neuroendocrine pattern and immune system response. In this review, we discuss the interplay between AR signaling and other molecular pathways involved in PCa pathogenesis and their therapeutic implication in advanced disease.

Exploring Dysregulated Signaling Pathways in Cancer

Cancer cell biology takes advantage of identifying diverse cellular signaling pathways that are disrupted in cancer. Signaling pathways are an important means of communication from the exterior of cell to intracellular mediators, as well as intracellular interactions that govern diverse cellular processes. Oncogenic mutations or abnormal expression of signaling components disrupt the regulatory networks that govern cell function, thus enabling tumor cells to undergo dysregulated mitogenesis, to resist apoptosis, and to promote invasion to neighboring tissues. Unraveling of dysregulated signaling pathways may advance the understanding of tumor pathophysiology and lead to the improvement of targeted tumor therapy. In this review article, different signaling pathways and how their dysregulation contributes to the development of tumors have been discussed.

Oral biosciences: The annual review 2019

BACKGROUND

Journal of Oral Biosciences is devoted to the advancement and dissemination of fundamental knowledge concerning every aspect of oral biosciences.

HIGHLIGHT

This review features review articles in the fields of "Bone Cell Biology," "Microbiology," "Oral Heath," "Biocompatible Materials," "Mouth Neoplasm," and "Biological Evolution" in addition to the review articles by winners of the Lion Dental Research Award ("Role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors for modulation of microcircuits in the agranular insular cortex" and "Phospholipase C-related catalytically inactive protein: A novel signaling molecule for modulating fat metabolism and energy expenditure") and the Rising Members Award ("Pain mechanism of oral ulcerative mucositis and the therapeutic traditional herbal medicine hangeshashinto," "Mechanisms underlying the induction of regulatory T cells by sublingual immunotherapy," and "Regulation of osteoclast function via Rho-Pkn3-c-Src pathways"), presented by the Japanese Association for Oral Biology.

CONCLUSION

These reviews in the Journal of Oral Biosciences have inspired the readers of the journal to broaden their knowledge regarding various aspects of oral biosciences. The current editorial review introduces these exciting review articles.

TLR4 induced Wnt3a-Dvl3 restrains the intensity of inflammation and protects against endotoxin-driven organ failure through GSK3β/β-catenin signaling

BACKGROUND

Accumulating evidence suggests a regulatory role of Wnt proteins in innate immune responses. However, the effects of Wnt3a signaling on TLR4-mediated inflammatory responses are controversial and the signaling crosstalk between TLR4 and Wnt3a remains uncertain.

METHODS

Gain- and Loss- of function approaches were utilized to determine the function of Wnt3a signaling in TLR4-mediated inflammatory responses. Cytokine production at protein and mRNA levels and phosphorylation of signaling molecules were measured by ELISA, qRT-PCR, and Western Blot, respectively. Endotoxemia mouse model was employed to assess the effect of Wnt3a on systemic inflammatory cytokine levels and neutrophil infiltration.

RESULTS

LPS stimulation leads to an increase of Wnt3a expression and its downstream molecule, Dvl3, in primary monocytes. Inhibition or silence of Wnt3a or Dvl3 significantly increases the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-12, IL-6, TNFα), robustly reduces β-catenin accumulation, and enhances the phosphorylation of NF-κB P65 and its DNA binding activity. These results were confirmed by multiple gain- and loss- of function approaches including specific siRNA and ectopic expression of Dvl3, GSK3β, and β-catenin in monocytes. Moreover, in vivo relevance was established in a murine endotoxin model, in which Wnt3a inhibition enhances the inflammatory responses by augmenting the systemic pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and neutrophil infiltration.

CONCLUSIONS

TLR4 activation promotes Wnt3a-Dvl3 signaling, which acts as rheostats to restrain the intensity of inflammation through regulating GSK3β-β-catenin signaling and NF-κB activity.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

Wnt3a-Dvl3-β-catenin signaling axis could be a potential interventional target for manipulating the direction and intensity of inflammatory responses.

The Emerging Role of Adhesion GPCRs in Cancer

Aberrant expression, function, and mutation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and their signaling partners, G proteins, have been well documented in many forms of cancer. These cell surface receptors and their endogenous ligands are implicated in all aspects of cancer including proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. Adhesion GPCRs (aGPCRs) form the second largest family of GPCRs, most of which are orphan receptors with unknown physiological functions. This is mainly due to our limited insight into their structure, natural ligands, signaling pathways, and tissue expression profiles. Nevertheless, recent studies show that aGPCRs play important roles in cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix and cell-cell communication, processes that are dysregulated in cancer. Emerging evidence suggests that aGPCRs are implicated in migration, proliferation, and survival of tumor cells. We here review the role of aGPCRs in the five most common types of cancer (lung, breast, colorectal, prostate, and gastric) and emphasize the importance of further translational studies in this field.

Differential regulation of select osmoregulatory genes and Na+/K+-ATPase paralogs may contribute to population differences in salinity tolerance in a semi-anadromous fish

The Sacramento splittail (Pogonichthys macrolepidotus) is a species of special concern that is native to the San Francisco Estuary, USA. Two genetically distinct populations exist and differ in maximal salinity tolerances. We examined the expression of 12 genes representative of osmoregulatory functions in the gill over a 14  day time course at two different salinities [11 or 14 PSU (Practical Salinity Units)] and revealed that each population showed distinct patterns of gene expression consistent with population differences in response to osmotic regimes. The relatively more salinity-tolerant San Pablo population significantly upregulated nine out of the 12 transcripts investigated on day 1 of 11 PSU salinity exposure in comparison to the day zero freshwater control. Three transcripts (nka1a, nka1b, and mmp13) were differentially expressed between the populations at 7 and 14 days of salinity exposure, suggesting a reduced ability of the relatively salinity-intolerant Central Valley population to recover. Additionally, a phylogenetic analysis of several Sacramento splittail Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α1 sequences resulted in grouping by proposed paralog rather than species, suggesting that different paralogs of this gene may exist. These findings, together with prior research conducted on the Sacramento splittail, suggest that the San Pablo population may be able to preferentially regulate select osmoregulatory genes, including different Na⁺/K⁺-ATPase α1 paralogs, to better cope with salinity challenges.

Regulation of osteoclast function via Rho-Pkn3-c-Src pathways

BACKGROUND

Wnt signaling pathways are largely divided into the β-catenin-dependent canonical pathway and β-catenin-independent non-canonical pathways. The roles of Wnt signaling in bone metabolism have been extensively investigated. We previously attempted to clarify the roles of Wnt-non-canonical signaling in bone resorption and demonstrated that Wnt5a-receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2 (Ror2) signaling promoted osteoclast differentiation by enhancing RANK expression in osteoclast precursor cells. However, the roles of Wnt5a-Ror2 signaling in osteoclast function remain unclear.

HIGHLIGHT

Trabecular bone mass was significantly greater in osteoclast-specific Ror2-deficient (Ror2^ΔOCL/ΔOCL) mice than in control mice due to the decreased bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts. Wnt5a-Ror2 signaling activated Rho in osteoclasts via dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 2 (Daam2). The expression of protein kinase N3 (Pkn3), a Rho effector, increased during osteoclast differentiation. Trabecular bone mass was significantly greater in Pkn3-deficient mice than in wild-type mice due to the decreased bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts. Pkn3 bound to c-Src and Pyk2 in a Wnt5a-Ror2 signaling-dependent manner, thereby enhancing the kinase activity of c-Src in osteoclasts. The binding of Pkn3 to c-Src was essential for the bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts.

CONCLUSION

Wnt5a-Ror2 signaling promotes the bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts by activating the Daam2-Rho-Pkn3-c-Src pathways. Pkn3 inhibitors, therefore, have potential as therapeutic agents for osteoporosis and bone destruction in inflammatory diseases.

Divergent transcriptomic signatures in response to salinity exposure in two populations of an estuarine fish

In estuary and coastal systems, human demand for freshwater, climate change-driven precipitation variability, and extreme weather impact salinity levels, reducing connectivity between mesohaline coastal fish populations and potentially contributing to genomic divergence. We examined gill transcriptome responses to salinity in wild-caught juveniles from two populations of Sacramento splittail (Pogonichthys macrolepidotus), a species of conservation concern that is endemic to the San Francisco Estuary, USA, and the lower reaches of its tributaries. Recent extreme droughts have led to salinities above the tolerance limits for this species, creating a migration barrier between these populations, which potentially contributed to population divergence. We identified transcripts involved in a conserved response to salinity; however, the more salinity-tolerant San Pablo population had greater transcriptome plasticity (3.6-fold more transcripts responded than the Central Valley population) and a response consistent with gill remodeling after 168 hr of exposure to elevated salinity. The reorganization of the gill in response to changing osmotic gradients is a process critical for acclimation and would facilitate enhanced salinity tolerance. We detected an upregulation of receptors that control the Wnt (wingless-type) cell signaling pathway that may be required for an adaptive response to increases in salinity, patterns not observed in the relatively salinity-sensitive Central Valley population. We detected 62 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in coding regions of 26 transcripts that differed between the populations. Eight transcripts that contained SNPs were associated with immune responses, highlighting the importance of diversity in immune gene sequences as a defining characteristic of genomic divergence between these populations. Our data demonstrate that these populations have divergent transcriptomic responses to salinity, which is consistent with observed physiological differences in salinity tolerance.

Penfluridol overcomes paclitaxel resistance in metastatic breast cancer

Paclitaxel is a first line chemotherapeutic agent for the patients with metastatic breast cancer. But inherited or acquired resistance to paclitaxel leads to poor response rates in a majority of these patients. To identify mechanisms of paclitaxel resistance, we developed paclitaxel resistant breast cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and 4T1 by continuous exposure to paclitaxel for several months. Western blot analysis showed increased expression of HER2 and β-catenin pathway in resistant cell lines as compared to parent cells. Hence, we hypothesized that HER2/β-catenin mediates paclitaxel resistance in breast cancer and suppression of HER2/β-catenin signaling could overcome paclitaxel resistance. Our data showed that penfluridol (PFL) treatment significantly reduced the survival of paclitaxel-resistant cells. Western blot analysis revealed that PFL treatment suppressed HER2, as well as, β-catenin pathway. In vivo data confirmed that PFL significantly potentiated tumor growth suppressive effects of paclitaxel in an orthotropic breast cancer model. In addition, tumors from paclitaxel and PFL-treated mice showed reduced HER2 and β-catenin expression, along with increased apoptosis. Taken together our results demonstrate a novel role of HER2/β-catenin in paclitaxel resistance and open up new avenues for application of PFL as a therapeutic option for overcoming paclitaxel resistance.

Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) promotes survival of lymphoma cells via activation of WNT/β-catenin and AKT/GSK3β proliferative signaling

Epigenetic regulation by the type II protein arginine methyltransferase, PRMT5, plays an essential role in the control of cancer cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. In this report, we investigate the relationship between PRMT5 and WNT/β-CATENIN as well as AKT/GSK3β proliferative signaling in three different types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cell lines, clinical samples, and mouse primary lymphoma cells. We show that PRMT5 stimulates WNT/β-CATENIN signaling through direct epigenetic silencing of pathway antagonists, AXIN2 and WIF1, and indirect activation of AKT/GSK3β signaling. PRMT5 inhibition with either shRNA-mediated knockdown or a specific small molecule PRMT5 inhibitor, CMP-5, not only leads to derepression of WNT antagonists and decreased levels of active phospho-AKT (Thr-450 and Ser-473) and inactive phospho-GSK3β (Ser-9) but also results in decreased transcription of WNT/β-CATENIN target genes, CYCLIN D1, c-MYC, and SURVIVIN, and enhanced lymphoma cell death. Furthermore, PRMT5 inhibition leads to reduced recruitment of co-activators CBP, p300, and MLL1, as well as enhanced recruitment of co-repressors HDAC2 and LSD1 to the WNT/β-CATENIN target gene promoters. These results indicate that PRMT5 governs expression of prosurvival genes by promoting WNT/β-CATENIN and AKT/GSK3β proliferative signaling and that its inhibition induces lymphoma cell death, which warrants further clinical evaluation.

Non-canonical Wnt signals regulate cytoskeletal remodeling in osteoclasts

Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells responsible for bone resorption. Osteoclasts adhere to the bone surface through integrins and polarize to form actin rings, which are formed by the assembly of podosomes. The area contained within actin rings (also called sealing zones) has an acidic pH, which causes dissolution of bone minerals including hydroxyapatite and the degradation of matrix proteins including type I collagen by the protease cathepsin K. Osteoclasts resorb bone matrices while moving on bone surfaces. Osteoclasts change their cell shapes and exhibit three modes for bone resorption: motile resorbing mode for digging trenches, static resorbing mode for digging pits, and motile non-resorbing mode. Therefore, the actin cytoskeleton is actively remodeled in osteoclasts. Recent studies have revealed that many molecules, such as Rac, Cdc42, Rho, and small GTPase regulators and effectors, are involved in actin cytoskeletal remodeling during the formation of actin rings and resorption cavities on bone slices. In this review, we introduce how these molecules and non-canonical Wnt signaling regulate the bone-resorbing activity of osteoclasts.

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 6 activates the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and Wnt family member 3A pathways and promotes in vitro proliferation, migration and invasion of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells

Breast cancer progression results from the acquisition of genetic and epigenetic alterations that promote tumor cell proliferation and survival. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 6 (PCSK6) is a proteinase that regulates the proteolytic activity of various precursor proteins as well as protein maturation. PCSK6 also influences cancer cell proliferation, invasion and migration. Therefore, to investigate the effects of PCSK6 in breast cancer, human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells were treated with recombinant human PCSK6 in vitro. Treatment with recombinant PCSK6 significantly increased the proliferation, invasion and migration abilities of MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, PCSK6 treatment reduced cell cycle arrest and prevented apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells. This provides further support for the hypothesis that PCSK6 serves a role in promoting tumor cell proliferation. PCSK6 treatment also increased the expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and Wnt family member 3A, suggesting that these pathways are activated by PCSK6. The results of the present study suggested that PCSK6 may promote the proliferation of breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells by disturbing cell cycle arrest via the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Therefore, PCSK6 may be a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.

Signal transduction growth factors: the effective governance of transcription and cellular adhesion in cancer invasion

Giulio Bizzozero classified the tissues concerning their capacity to self-renew during the adult life in labile, stable and permanent tissues. In 1940 Viktor Hamburger and Rita Levi Montalcini exposed the possibility to induce the growth of permanent cells thanks to a specific ligand Nerve Growth Factor (NGF). Stanley Cohen purified a protein the Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), able to induce epidermis proliferation and to elicit precocious eye disclosure and teeth eruption, establishing the “inverse” relationships between the proliferation and differentiation. These two biological effects induced by EGF were according to EGFR signaling is involved in a large array of cellular functions such as proliferation, survival, adhesion, migration and differentiation. This review is focused on the key role of growth factors signaling and their downstream effectors in physiological and in pathological phenomena, the authors highlight the governance of Growth factors during the EMT in cancer invasion.

Transducin-Like Enhancer of Split 3 (TLE3) Expression Is Associated with Taxane Sensitivity in Nonserous Ovarian Carcinoma in a Three-Cohort Study

Background: Chemoresistance is a major challenge in ovarian cancer treatment, resulting in poor survival rates. Identifying markers of treatment response is imperative for improving outcome while minimizing unnecessary side effects. We have previously demonstrated that expression of transducin-like enhancer of split 3 (TLE3) is associated with favorable progression-free survival in taxane-treated ovarian cancer patients with nonserous histology. The purpose of this study was to perform an independent evaluation of the association of TLE3 expression with response to taxane-based chemotherapy in nonserous ovarian cancer, to validate its role as a potential therapeutic response marker for taxane-based chemotherapy.Methods: We performed immunohistochemical staining of TLE3 on ovarian cancer specimens from the Australian Ovarian Cancer Study, the Westmead Gynaecological Oncology Biobank, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Progression-free survival and overall survival were assessed to validate an association between TLE3 expression and response to taxane therapy that we previously observed in a smaller study.Results: Expression of TLE3 was associated with favorable outcome only in patients who had received paclitaxel as part of their treatment regimen for both 3-year progression-free survival (n = 160; HR, 0.56; P = 0.03) and 5-year overall survival (HR, 0.53; P = 0.04). Further analysis revealed that the predictive association between TLE3 expression and outcome was strongest in tumors with clear cell histology.Conclusions: The association between high TLE3 expression and a favorable response to taxane-containing chemotherapy regimens was validated in patients with nonserous ovarian cancer.Impact: TLE3 expression may serve as a marker of chemosensitivity in taxane-treated patients with nonserous histologies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 27(6); 680-8. ©2018 AACR.

Wnt Signaling in Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells: A Tale of Two Coactivators

Wnt signaling in stem cells plays critical roles in development, normal adult physiology, and disease. In this chapter, we focus on the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in somatic stem cell biology and its critical role in normal tissue homeostasis and cancer. Wnt signaling can both maintain potency and initiate differentiation in somatic stem cells, depending on the cellular and environmental context. Based principally on studies from our lab, we will explain the dichotomous behavior of this signaling pathway in determining stem cell fate decisions, placing special emphasis on the interaction of β-catenin with either of the two highly homologous Kat3 coactivator proteins, CBP and p300. We will also discuss our results, both preclinical and clinical, demonstrating that small molecule modulators of the β-catenin/Kat3 coactivator interaction can be safely utilized to shift the balance between maintenance of potency and initiation of differentiation.

Sciellin mediates mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition in colorectal cancer hepatic metastasis

Hepatic metastasis is the major cause of mortality in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Using proteomic analysis, we found sciellin (SCEL) to be specifically expressed in hepatic metastatic CRC cell lines. SCEL knockdown increased CRC cell migration and invasion, while overexpression had the opposite effect. SCEL knockdown also caused cancer cells to form more invasive structures within 3D cultures, increased the mesenchymal marker vimentin, and attenuated the epithelial marker E-cadherin. SCEL increased WNT signaling by activating β-catenin and its downstream target c-myc, and activated mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) through a SCEL-β-catenin-E-cadherin axis. SCEL showed higher expression in late stage primary CRC than in its hepatic metastatic counterpart. SCEL expression is dynamically modulated by TGF-β1 and hypoxia, revealing a plastic MET mechanism for tumor colonization. Intrahepatic injection in immunodeficient mice revealed that SCEL is necessary for metastatic CRC tumor growth in the liver. These results demonstrate that SCEL is a MET inducer dynamically regulated through the metastasis process. They suggest SCEL may be a useful therapeutic target for preventing or eliminating CRC hepatic metastasis.

Revisiting asthma therapeutics: focus on WNT signal transduction

Asthma is a complex disease of the airways that develops as a consequence of both genetic and environmental factors. This interaction has highlighted genes important in early life, particularly those that control lung development, such as the Wingless/Integrase-1 (WNT) signalling pathway. Although aberrant WNT signalling is involved with an array of human conditions, it has received little attention within the context of asthma. Yet it is highly relevant, driving events involved with inflammation, airway remodelling, and airway hyper-responsiveness (AHR). In this review, we revisit asthma therapeutics by examining whether WNT signalling is a valid therapeutic target for asthma.

Wnt/β-catenin signaling links embryonic lung development and asthmatic airway remodeling

Embryonic lung development requires reciprocal endodermal-mesodermal interactions; mediated by various signaling proteins. Wnt/β-catenin is a signaling protein that exhibits the pivotal role in lung development, injury and repair while aberrant expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling leads to asthmatic airway remodeling: characterized by hyperplasia and hypertrophy of airway smooth muscle cells, alveolar and vascular damage goblet cells metaplasia, and deposition of extracellular matrix; resulting in decreased lung compliance and increased airway resistance. The substantial evidence suggests that Wnt/β-catenin signaling links embryonic lung development and asthmatic airway remodeling. Here, we summarized the recent advances related to the mechanistic role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in lung development, consequences of aberrant expression or deletion of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in expansion and progression of asthmatic airway remodeling, and linking early-impaired pulmonary development and airway remodeling later in life. Finally, we emphasized all possible recent potential therapeutic significance and future prospectives, that are adaptable for therapeutic intervention to treat asthmatic airway remodeling.

Targeting androgen-independent pathways: new chances for patients with prostate cancer?

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the mainstay treatment for advanced prostate cancer (PC). Most patients eventually progress to a condition known as castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC), characterized by lack of response to ADT. Although new androgen receptor signaling (ARS) inhibitors and chemotherapeutic agents have been introduced to overcome resistance to ADT, many patients progress because of primary or acquired resistance to these agents. This comprehensive review aims at exploring the mechanisms of resistance and progression of PC, with specific focus on alterations which lead to the activation of androgen receptor (AR)-independent pathways of survival. Our work integrates available clinical and preclinical data on agents which target these pathways, assessing their potential clinical implication in specific settings of patients. Given the rising interest of the scientific community in cancer immunotherapy strategies, further attention is dedicated to the role of immune evasion in PC.

A novel role of KIF3b in the seminoma cell cycle

KIF3b is a protein of the kinesin-2 family which plays an important role in intraflagellar transport. Testis cancer is a common cancer among young men. Its diagnostic rate is increasing and over half of the cases are seminomas. Many aspects of the mechanism and gene expression background of this cancer remain unclear. Using western-blotting and semi-quantitative PCR we found high protein levels of KIF3b enrichment in seminoma tissue despite the mRNA levels remaining equivalent to that of normal testicular tissues. The distribution of KIF3b was mainly in cells with division potential. Wound-healing assays and cell counting kit assays showed that the knockdown of KIF3b significantly suppressed cell migration ability, viability and number in HeLa cells. Immunofluorescence images during the cell cycle revealed that KIF3b tended to gather at the spindles and was enriched at the central spindle. This indicated that KIF3b may also have direct impacts upon spindle formation and cytokinesis. By counting the numbers of nuclei, spindles and cells, we found that the rates of multipolar division and multi-nucleation were raised in KIF3b-knockdown cells. In this way we demonstrate that KIF3b functions importantly in mitosis and may be essential to seminoma cell division and proliferation as well as being necessary for normal cell division.

Pharmacologic Manipulation of Wnt Signaling and Cancer Stem Cells

Wnt (Wingless-related integration site)-signaling orchestrates self-renewal programs in normal somatic stem cells as well as in cancer stem cells. Aberrant Wnt signaling is associated with a wide variety of malignancies and diseases. Although our understanding has increased tremendously over the past decade, therapeutic targeting of the dysregulated Wnt pathway remains a challenge. Here we review recent preclinical and clinical therapeutic approaches to target the Wnt pathway.

Wnt signaling in regulation of biological functions of the nurse cell harboring Trichinella spp

Background

The nurse cell (NC) constitutes in mammalian skeletal muscles a confined intracellular niche to support the metabolic needs of muscle larvae of Trichinella spp. encapsulating species. The main biological functions of NC were identified as hypermitogenic growth arrest and pro-inflammatory phenotype, both inferred to depend on AP-1 (activator protein 1) transcription factor. Since those functions, as well as AP-1 activity, are known to be regulated among other pathways, also by Wnt (Wingless-Type of Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Integration Site) signaling, transcription profiling of molecules participating in Wnt signaling cascades in NC, was performed.

Methods

Wnt signaling-involved gene expression level was measured by quantitative RT-PCR approach with the use of Qiagen RT² Profiler PCR Arrays and complemented by that obtained by searching microarray data sets characterizing NC transcriptome.

Results

The genes involved in inhibition of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade as well as leading to β-catenin degradation were found expressed in NC at high level, indicating inhibition of this cascade activity. High expression in NC of genes transmitting the signal of Wnt non-canonical signaling cascades leading to activation of AP-1 transcription factor, points to predominant role of non-canonical Wnt signaling in a long term maintenance of NC biological functions.

Conclusions

Canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade is postulated to play a role at the early stages of NC formation when muscle regeneration process is triggered. Following mis-differentiation of infected myofiber and setting of NC functional specificity, are inferred to be controlled among other pathways, by Wnt non-canonical signaling cascades.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13071-016-1770-4) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.