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Schulte G. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology CXV: The Class F of G Protein-Coupled Receptors. Pharmacol Rev 2024; 76:1009-1037. [PMID: 38955509 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.124.001062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The class F of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) consists of 10 Frizzleds (FZD1-10) and Smoothened (SMO). FZDs bind and are activated by secreted lipoglycoproteins of the Wingless/Int-1 (WNT) family, and SMO is indirectly activated by the Hedgehog (Hh) family of morphogens acting on the transmembrane protein Patched. The advance of our understanding of FZDs and SMO as dynamic transmembrane receptors and molecular machines, which emerged during the past 14 years since the first-class F GPCR IUPHAR nomenclature report, justifies an update. This article focuses on the advances in molecular pharmacology and structural biology providing new mechanistic insight into ligand recognition, receptor activation mechanisms, signal initiation, and signal specification. Furthermore, class F GPCRs continue to develop as drug targets, and novel technologies and tools such as genetically encoded biosensors and CRISP/Cas9 edited cell systems have contributed to refined functional analysis of these receptors. Also, advances in crystal structure analysis and cryogenic electron microscopy contribute to the rapid development of our knowledge about structure-function relationships, providing a great starting point for drug development. Despite the progress, questions and challenges remain to fully understand the complexity of the WNT/FZD and Hh/SMO signaling systems. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The recent years of research have brought about substantial functional and structural insight into mechanisms of activation of Frizzleds and Smoothened. While the advance furthers our mechanistic understanding of ligand recognition, receptor activation, signal specification, and initiation, broader opportunities emerge that allow targeting class F GPCRs for therapy and regenerative medicine employing both biologics and small molecule compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Schulte
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Receptor Biology & Signaling, Biomedicum, Stockholm, Sweden
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2
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Grätz L, Sajkowska-Kozielewicz JJ, Wesslowski J, Kinsolving J, Bridge LJ, Petzold K, Davidson G, Schulte G, Kozielewicz P. NanoBiT- and NanoBiT/BRET-based assays allow the analysis of binding kinetics of Wnt-3a to endogenous Frizzled 7 in a colorectal cancer model. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:3819-3835. [PMID: 37055379 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Wnt binding to Frizzleds (FZD) is a crucial step that leads to the initiation of signalling cascades governing multiple processes during embryonic development, stem cell regulation and adult tissue homeostasis. Recent efforts have enabled us to shed light on Wnt-FZD pharmacology using overexpressed HEK293 cells. However, assessing ligand binding at endogenous receptor expression levels is important due to differential binding behaviour in a native environment. Here, we study FZD paralogue, FZD7, and analyse its interactions with Wnt-3a in live CRISPR-Cas9-edited SW480 cells typifying colorectal cancer. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH SW480 cells were CRISPR-Cas9-edited to insert a HiBiT tag on the N-terminus of FZD7, preserving the native signal peptide. These cells were used to study eGFP-Wnt-3a association with endogenous and overexpressed HiBiT-FZD7 using NanoBiT/bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) and NanoBiT to measure ligand binding and receptor internalization. KEY RESULTS With this new assay the binding of eGFP-Wnt-3a to endogenous HiBiT-FZD7 was compared with overexpressed receptors. Receptor overexpression results in increased membrane dynamics, leading to an apparent decrease in binding on-rate and consequently in higher, up to 10 times, calculated Kd. Thus, measurements of binding affinities to FZD7 obtained in overexpressed cells are suboptimal compared with the measurements from endogenously expressing cells. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Binding affinity measurements in the overexpressing cells fail to replicate ligand binding affinities assessed in a (patho)physiologically relevant context where receptor expression is lower. Therefore, future studies on Wnt-FZD7 binding should be performed using receptors expressed under endogenous promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Grätz
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joanna J Sajkowska-Kozielewicz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janine Wesslowski
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems-Functional Molecular Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Julia Kinsolving
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lloyd J Bridge
- Department of Computer Science and Creative Technologies, University of the West England, Bristol, UK
| | - Katja Petzold
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gary Davidson
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems-Functional Molecular Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Gunnar Schulte
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paweł Kozielewicz
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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3
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Zhao X, Ma Y, Luo J, Xu K, Tian P, Lu C, Song J. Blocking the WNT/β-catenin pathway in cancer treatment:pharmacological targets and drug therapeutic potential. Heliyon 2024; 10:e35989. [PMID: 39253139 PMCID: PMC11381626 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e35989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 08/03/2024] [Accepted: 08/07/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
The WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway plays crucial roles in tumorigenesis and relapse, metastasis, drug resistance, and tumor stemness maintenance. In most tumors, the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway is often aberrantly activated. The therapeutic usefulness of inhibition of WNT/β-catenin signaling has been reported to improve the efficiency of different cancer treatments and this inhibition of signaling has been carried out using different methods including pharmacological agents, short interfering RNA (siRNA), and antibodies. Here, we review the WNT-inhibitory effects of some FDA-approved drugs and natural products in cancer treatment and focus on recent progress of the WNT signaling inhibitors in improving the efficiency of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, and physical therapy. We also classified these FDA-approved drugs and natural products according to their structure and physicochemical properties, and introduced briefly their potential mechanisms of inhibiting the WNT signaling pathway. The review provides a comprehensive understanding of inhibitors of WNT/β-catenin pathway in various cancer therapeutics. This will benefit novel WNT inhibitor development and optimal clinical use of WNT signaling-related drugs in synergistic cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhao
- Medical Scientific Research Center, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- China Medical College of Guangxi University, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Yunong Ma
- Medical Scientific Research Center, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
- China Medical College of Guangxi University, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
| | - Jiayang Luo
- Medical Scientific Research Center, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Kexin Xu
- Medical Scientific Research Center, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Peilin Tian
- Medical Scientific Research Center, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Cuixia Lu
- Medical Scientific Research Center, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, China
| | - Jiaxing Song
- China Medical College of Guangxi University, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, China
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4
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Zheng S, Sheng R. The emerging understanding of Frizzled receptors. FEBS Lett 2024; 598:1939-1954. [PMID: 38744670 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway is a huge network governing development and homeostasis, dysregulation of which is associated with a myriad of human diseases. The Frizzled receptor (FZD) family comprises receptors for Wnt ligands, which indispensably mediate Wnt signaling jointly with a variety of co-receptors. Studies of FZDs have revealed that 10 FZD subtypes play diverse roles in physiological processes. At the same time, dysregulation of FZDs is also responsible for various diseases, in particular human cancers. Enormous attention has been paid to the molecular understanding and targeted therapy of FZDs in the past decade. In this review, we summarize the latest research on FZD structure, function, regulation and targeted therapy, providing a basis for guiding future research in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqin Zheng
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ren Sheng
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
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5
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Liu HY, Sun XJ, Xiu SY, Zhang XY, Wang ZQ, Gu YL, Yi CX, Liu JY, Dai YS, Yuan X, Liao HP, Liu ZM, Pang XC, Li TC. Frizzled receptors (FZDs) in Wnt signaling: potential therapeutic targets for human cancers. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2024; 45:1556-1570. [PMID: 38632318 PMCID: PMC11272778 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-024-01270-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Frizzled receptors (FZDs) are key contributors intrinsic to the Wnt signaling pathway, activation of FZDs triggering the Wnt signaling cascade is frequently observed in human tumors and intimately associated with an aggressive carcinoma phenotype. It has been shown that the abnormal expression of FZD receptors contributes to the manifestation of malignant characteristics in human tumors such as enhanced cell proliferation, metastasis, chemotherapy resistance as well as the acquisition of cancer stemness. Given the essential roles of FZD receptors in the Wnt signaling in human tumors, this review aims to consolidate the prevailing knowledge on the specific status of FZD receptors (FZD1-10) and elucidate their respective functions in tumor progression. Furthermore, we delineate the structural basis for binding of FZD and its co-receptors to Wnt, and provide a better theoretical foundation for subsequent studies on related mechanisms. Finally, we describe the existing biological classes of small molecule-based FZD inhibitors in detail in the hope that they can provide useful assistance for design and development of novel drug candidates targeted FZDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yu Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xiao-Jiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Si-Yu Xiu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Zhi-Qi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yan-Lun Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Chu-Xiao Yi
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Jun-Yan Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Yu-Song Dai
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China
| | - Xia Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hua-Peng Liao
- Yizhang County People's Hospital, Chenzhou, 424200, China
| | - Zhen-Ming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Xiao-Cong Pang
- Department of Pharmacy, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
| | - Tian-Cheng Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, 100034, China.
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100034, China.
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6
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Post Y, Lu C, Fletcher RB, Yeh WC, Nguyen H, Lee SJ, Li Y. Design principles and therapeutic applications of novel synthetic WNT signaling agonists. iScience 2024; 27:109938. [PMID: 38832011 PMCID: PMC11145361 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109938] [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] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Wingless-related integration site or Wingless and Int-1 or Wingless-Int (WNT) signaling is crucial for embryonic development, and adult tissue homeostasis and regeneration, through its essential roles in cell fate, patterning, and stem cell regulation. The biophysical characteristics of WNT ligands have hindered efforts to interrogate ligand activity in vivo and prevented their development as therapeutics. Recent breakthroughs have enabled the generation of synthetic WNT signaling molecules that possess characteristics of natural ligands and potently activate the pathway, while also providing distinct advantages for therapeutic development and manufacturing. This review provides a detailed discussion of the protein engineering of these molecular platforms for WNT signaling agonism. We discuss the importance of WNT signaling in several organs and share insights from the initial application of these new classes of molecules in vitro and in vivo. These molecules offer a unique opportunity to enhance our understanding of how WNT signaling agonism promotes tissue repair, enabling targeted development of tailored therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yorick Post
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Chenggang Lu
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Russell B. Fletcher
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Wen-Chen Yeh
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Huy Nguyen
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Sung-Jin Lee
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Yang Li
- Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Blvd, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
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7
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Kschonsak YT, Gao X, Miller SE, Hwang S, Marei H, Wu P, Li Y, Ruiz K, Dorighi K, Holokai L, Perampalam P, Tsai WTK, Kee YS, Agard NJ, Harris SF, Hannoush RN, de Sousa E Melo F. Potent and selective binders of the E3 ubiquitin ligase ZNRF3 stimulate Wnt signaling and intestinal organoid growth. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:1176-1187.e10. [PMID: 38056465 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Selective and precise activation of signaling transduction cascades is key for cellular reprogramming and tissue regeneration. However, the development of small- or large-molecule agonists for many signaling pathways has remained elusive and is rate limiting to realize the full clinical potential of regenerative medicine. Focusing on the Wnt pathway, here we describe a series of disulfide-constrained peptides (DCPs) that promote Wnt signaling activity by modulating the cell surface levels of ZNRF3, an E3 ubiquitin ligase that controls the abundance of the Wnt receptor complex FZD/LRP at the plasma membrane. Mechanistically, monomeric DCPs induce ZNRF3 ubiquitination, leading to its cell surface clearance, ultimately resulting in FZD stabilization. Furthermore, we engineered multimeric DCPs that induce expansive growth of human intestinal organoids, revealing a dependence between valency and ZNRF3 clearance. Our work highlights a strategy for the development of potent, biologically active Wnt signaling pathway agonists via targeting of ZNRF3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne T Kschonsak
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Xinxin Gao
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry and Peptide Therapeutics, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
| | - Stephen E Miller
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry and Peptide Therapeutics, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Sunhee Hwang
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry and Peptide Therapeutics, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Hadir Marei
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Ping Wu
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Yanjie Li
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry and Peptide Therapeutics, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Karen Ruiz
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Kristel Dorighi
- Department of Molecular Biology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Loryn Holokai
- Department of Biomarker Discovery, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Pirunthan Perampalam
- ProCogia Inc. under contract to Hoffmann-La Roche Limited, Toronto, Ontario M5J2P1, Canada
| | - Wen-Ting K Tsai
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Yee-Seir Kee
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Nicholas J Agard
- Department of Antibody Engineering, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Seth F Harris
- Department of Structural Biology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Rami N Hannoush
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry and Peptide Therapeutics, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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8
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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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9
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Scharf MM, Humphrys LJ, Berndt S, Di Pizio A, Lehmann J, Liebscher I, Nicoli A, Niv MY, Peri L, Schihada H, Schulte G. The dark sides of the GPCR tree - research progress on understudied GPCRs. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38339984 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
A large portion of the human GPCRome is still in the dark and understudied, consisting even of entire subfamilies of GPCRs such as odorant receptors, class A and C orphans, adhesion GPCRs, Frizzleds and taste receptors. However, it is undeniable that these GPCRs bring an untapped therapeutic potential that should be explored further. Open questions on these GPCRs span diverse topics such as deorphanisation, the development of tool compounds and tools for studying these GPCRs, as well as understanding basic signalling mechanisms. This review gives an overview of the current state of knowledge for each of the diverse subfamilies of understudied receptors regarding their physiological relevance, molecular mechanisms, endogenous ligands and pharmacological tools. Furthermore, it identifies some of the largest knowledge gaps that should be addressed in the foreseeable future and lists some general strategies that might be helpful in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena M Scharf
- Karolinska Institutet, Dept. Physiology & Pharmacology, Sec. Receptor Biology & Signaling, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura J Humphrys
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Berndt
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute for Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Antonella Di Pizio
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Chemoinformatics and Protein Modelling, Department of Molecular Life Science, School of Life Science, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Juliane Lehmann
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute for Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ines Liebscher
- Rudolf Schönheimer Institute for Biochemistry, Molecular Biochemistry, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alessandro Nicoli
- Leibniz Institute for Food Systems Biology at the Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
- Chemoinformatics and Protein Modelling, Department of Molecular Life Science, School of Life Science, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Masha Y Niv
- The Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Lior Peri
- The Institute of Biochemistry, Food Science and Nutrition, Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Hannes Schihada
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Gunnar Schulte
- Karolinska Institutet, Dept. Physiology & Pharmacology, Sec. Receptor Biology & Signaling, Stockholm, Sweden
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10
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Cao J, Zhang Z, Zhou L, Luo M, Li L, Li B, Nice EC, He W, Zheng S, Huang C. Oncofetal reprogramming in tumor development and progression: novel insights into cancer therapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e427. [PMID: 38045829 PMCID: PMC10693315 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that cancer cells can mimic characteristics of embryonic development, promoting their development and progression. Cancer cells share features with embryonic development, characterized by robust proliferation and differentiation regulated by signaling pathways such as Wnt, Notch, hedgehog, and Hippo signaling. In certain phase, these cells also mimic embryonic diapause and fertilized egg implantation to evade treatments or immune elimination and promote metastasis. Additionally, the upregulation of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, including multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), multidrug resistance-associated protein 1 (MRP1), and breast cancer-resistant protein (BCRP), in drug-resistant cancer cells, analogous to their role in placental development, may facilitate chemotherapy efflux, further resulting in treatment resistance. In this review, we concentrate on the underlying mechanisms that contribute to tumor development and progression from the perspective of embryonic development, encompassing the dysregulation of developmental signaling pathways, the emergence of dormant cancer cells, immune microenvironment remodeling, and the hyperactivation of ABC transporters. Furthermore, we synthesize and emphasize the connections between cancer hallmarks and embryonic development, offering novel insights for the development of innovative cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangjun Cao
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseasethe First Affiliated HospitalSchool of MedicineZhejiang UniversityZhejiangChina
| | - Li Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biology for Infectious Diseases (Ministry of Education)Department of Infectious Diseasesthe Second Affiliated HospitalInstitute for Viral Hepatitis, Chongqing Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Maochao Luo
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Lei Li
- Department of anorectal surgeryHospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese MedicineChengduChina
| | - Bowen Li
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Edouard C. Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMonash UniversityClaytonVICAustralia
| | - Weifeng He
- State Key Laboratory of TraumaBurn and Combined InjuryInstitute of Burn Research, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University)ChongqingChina
| | - Shaojiang Zheng
- Hainan Cancer Medical Center of The First Affiliated Hospital, the Hainan Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Hainan Engineering Research Center for Biological Sample Resources of Major DiseasesHainan Medical UniversityHaikouChina
- Key Laboratory of Tropical Cardiovascular Diseases Research of Hainan Province, Hainan Women and Children's Medical Center, Key Laboratory of Emergency and Trauma of Ministry of EducationHainan Medical UniversityHaikouChina
| | - Canhua Huang
- West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, and Department of Biotherapy Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
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11
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Wan X, Zhao S, Dai Y, Zhang J, Shen Y, Gong L, Le Q. WNT16b promotes the proliferation and self-renewal of human limbal epithelial stem/progenitor cells via activating the calcium/calcineurin A/NFATC2 pathway. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13460. [PMID: 36974338 PMCID: PMC10542615 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Our previous finding revealed that WNT16b promoted the proliferation of human limbal epithelial stem cells (hLESCs) through a β-catenin independent pathway. Here, we aimed to explore its underlying molecular mechanism and evaluate its potential in the treatment of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD). Based on the findings of mRNA-sequencing, the expression of key molecules in WNT/calcineurin A/NFATC2 signalling pathway was investigated in WNT16b-co-incubated hLESCs and control hLESCs. An epithelial wound healing model was established on Wnt16b-KO mice to confirm the regulatory effect of WNT16b in vivo. The therapeutic potential of WNT16b-co-incubated hLESCs was also evaluated in mice with LSCD. Our findings showed that WNT16b bound with Frizzled7, promoted the release of Ca2+ and activated calcineurin A and NFATC2. With the translocation of NFATC2 into cell nucleus and the activation of HDAC3, WDR5 and GCN5L2, the expression of H3K4me3, H3K14ac and H3K27ac in the promoter regions of FoxM1 and c-MYC increased, which led to hLESC proliferation. The effect of the WNT16b/calcium/calcineurin A/NFATC2 pathway on LESC homeostasis maintenance and corneal epithelial repair was confirmed in Wnt16b-KO mice. Moreover, WNT16b-coincubated hLESCs could reconstruct a stable ocular surface and inhibit corneal neovascularization in mice with LSCD. In conclusion, WNT16b enhances the proliferation and maintains the stemness of hLESCs by activating the non-canonical calcium/calcineurin A/NFATC2 pathway in vitro and in vivo, and accelerates corneal epithelial wound healing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xichen Wan
- Department of OphthalmologyEye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan UniversityFudanChina
| | - Songjiao Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Shanghai General HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yiqin Dai
- Department of OphthalmologyEye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan UniversityFudanChina
- Research CentreEye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan UniversityFudanChina
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of OphthalmologyEye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan UniversityFudanChina
- Research CentreEye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan UniversityFudanChina
| | - Yan Shen
- Department of OphthalmologyEye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan UniversityFudanChina
| | - Lan Gong
- Department of OphthalmologyEye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan UniversityFudanChina
- Myopia Key Laboratory of Ministry of HealthEye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan UniversityFudanChina
| | - Qihua Le
- Department of OphthalmologyEye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan UniversityFudanChina
- Research CentreEye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan UniversityFudanChina
- Myopia Key Laboratory of Ministry of HealthEye, Ear, Nose and Throat Hospital of Fudan UniversityFudanChina
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12
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Li C, Wu Y, Wang W, Xu L, Zhou Y, Yue Y, Wu T, Yang M, Qiu Y, Huang M, Zhou F, Zhou Y, Hao P, Lin Z, Wang MW, Zhao S, Yang D, Xu F, Tao H. Structure-Based Ligand Discovery Targeting the Transmembrane Domain of Frizzled Receptor FZD7. J Med Chem 2023; 66:11855-11868. [PMID: 37669317 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the essential roles of Frizzled receptors (FZDs) in mediating Wnt signaling in embryonic development and tissue homeostasis, ligands targeting FZDs are rare. A few antibodies and peptide modulators have been developed that mainly bind to the family-conserved extracellular cysteine-rich domain of FZDs, while the canonical binding sites in the transmembrane domain (TMD) are far from sufficiently addressed. Based on the recent structures of FZDs, we explored small-molecule ligand discovery by targeting TMD. From the ChemDiv library with ∼1.6 million compounds, we identified compound F7H as an antagonist of FZD7 with an IC50 at 1.25 ± 0.38 μM. Focusing on this hit, the structural dissection study, together with computing studies such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, and free energy perturbation calculations, defined the binding pocket with key residue recognition. Our results revealed the structural basis of ligand recognition and demonstrated the feasibility of structure-guided ligand discovery for FZD7-TMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuixia Li
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yiran Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Wenli Wang
- Shenzhen Jingtai Technology Co., Ltd. (XtalPi), Floor 3, Sf Industrial Plant, No. 2 Hongliu Road, Fubao Community, Fubao Street, Futian District, Shenzhen 518045, China
| | - Lu Xu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- The National Center for Drug Screening, The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203 Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Yue
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Tingting Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Meifang Yang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yanli Qiu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Minhao Huang
- Shenzhen Jingtai Technology Co., Ltd. (XtalPi), Floor 3, Sf Industrial Plant, No. 2 Hongliu Road, Fubao Community, Fubao Street, Futian District, Shenzhen 518045, China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Yiqing Zhou
- School of Biotechnology and Food Engineering, Changshu Institute of Technology, Suzhou 215500, China
| | - Piliang Hao
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Zhixiong Lin
- Shenzhen Jingtai Technology Co., Ltd. (XtalPi), Floor 3, Sf Industrial Plant, No. 2 Hongliu Road, Fubao Community, Fubao Street, Futian District, Shenzhen 518045, China
| | - Ming-Wei Wang
- The National Center for Drug Screening, The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203 Shanghai, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Suwen Zhao
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Dehua Yang
- The National Center for Drug Screening, The CAS Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 201203 Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Xu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai 201210, China
| | - Houchao Tao
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of TCM Chemical Biology, Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
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13
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Zhang N, Shen H, Chen B, Hu H, Liu C, Chen Y, Cong W. The recent progress of peptide regulators for the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1164656. [PMID: 37396899 PMCID: PMC10311566 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1164656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling plays an important role in many biological processes such as stem cell self-renewal, cell proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The β-catenin-dependent signaling pathway mainly regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. In the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the Wnt family ligands transduce signals through LRP5/6 and Frizzled receptors to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascades. Wnt-targeted therapy has garnered extensive attention. The most commonly used approach in targeted therapy is small-molecule regulators. However, it is difficult for small-molecule regulators to make great progress due to their inherent defects. Therapeutic peptide regulators targeting the Wnt signaling pathway have become an alternative therapy, promising to fill the gaps in the clinical application of small-molecule regulators. In this review, we describe recent advances in peptide regulators for Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Zhang
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaxing Shen
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baobao Chen
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Honggang Hu
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Liu
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center of People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Cong
- School of Medicine or Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
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14
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Park WJ, Kim MJ. A New Wave of Targeting 'Undruggable' Wnt Signaling for Cancer Therapy: Challenges and Opportunities. Cells 2023; 12:cells12081110. [PMID: 37190019 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant Wnt signaling activation is frequently observed in many cancers. The mutation acquisition of Wnt signaling leads to tumorigenesis, whereas the inhibition of Wnt signaling robustly suppresses tumor development in various in vivo models. Based on the excellent preclinical effect of targeting Wnt signaling, over the past 40 years, numerous Wnt-targeted therapies have been investigated for cancer treatment. However, Wnt signaling-targeting drugs are still not clinically available. A major obstacle to Wnt targeting is the concomitant side effects during treatment due to the pleiotropic role of Wnt signaling in development, tissue homeostasis, and stem cells. Additionally, the complexity of the Wnt signaling cascades across different cancer contexts hinders the development of optimized targeted therapies. Although the therapeutic targeting of Wnt signaling remains challenging, alternative strategies have been continuously developed alongside technological advances. In this review, we give an overview of current Wnt targeting strategies and discuss recent promising trials that have the potential to be clinically realized based on their mechanism of action. Furthermore, we highlight new waves of Wnt targeting that combine recently developed technologies such as PROTAC/molecular glue, antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), and anti-sense oligonucleotides (ASO), which may provide us with new opportunities to target 'undruggable' Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo-Jung Park
- Department of Life Science, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea
| | - Moon Jong Kim
- Department of Life Science, Gachon University, Seongnam 13120, Republic of Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
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15
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Gu NX, Guo YR, Lin SE, Wang YH, Lin IH, Chen YF, Yen Y. Frizzled 7 modulates goblet and Paneth cell fate, and maintains homeostasis in mouse intestine. Development 2023; 150:287020. [PMID: 36691900 PMCID: PMC10112897 DOI: 10.1242/dev.200932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal homeostasis depends on interactions between the intestinal epithelium, the immune system and the microbiota. Because of these complicated connections, there are many problems that need to be solved. Current research has indicated that genes targeted by Wnt signaling are responsible for controlling intestinal stem cell fate and for modulating intestinal homeostasis. Our data show that loss of frizzled 7 (Fzd7), an important element in Wnt signaling, interrupts the differentiation of mouse intestinal stem cells into absorptive progenitors instead of secretory progenitors (precursors of goblet and Paneth cells). The alteration in canonical Wnt and Notch signaling pathways interrupts epithelial homeostasis, resulting in a decrease in physical protection in the intestine. Several phenotypes in our Fzd7-deleted model were similar to the features of enterocolitis, such as shortened intestines, decreased numbers of goblet cells and Paneth cells, and severe inflammation. Additionally, loss of Fzd7 exacerbated the defects in a chemical-induced colitis model and could initiate tumorigenesis. These findings may provide important information for the discovery of efficient therapeutic methods to treat enterocolitis and related cancers in the intestines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Xin Gu
- The PhD Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ru Guo
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Sey-En Lin
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, New Taipei Municipal Tucheng Hospital, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, New Taipei City 236017, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Hsin Wang
- Graduate Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - I-Hsuan Lin
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fan Chen
- The PhD Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Master Program in Clinical Genomics and Proteomics, School of Pharmacy, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- International Ph.D. Program for Translational Science, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031 , Taiwan
| | - Yun Yen
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Cancer Center, Taipei Municipal WanFang Hospital, Taipei 116081 , Taiwan
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16
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Yun J, Hansen S, Morris O, Madden DT, Libeu CP, Kumar AJ, Wehrfritz C, Nile AH, Zhang Y, Zhou L, Liang Y, Modrusan Z, Chen MB, Overall CC, Garfield D, Campisi J, Schilling B, Hannoush RN, Jasper H. Senescent cells perturb intestinal stem cell differentiation through Ptk7 induced noncanonical Wnt and YAP signaling. Nat Commun 2023; 14:156. [PMID: 36631445 PMCID: PMC9834240 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35487-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) are implicated in aging and age-related disease, and SASP-related inflammation is thought to contribute to tissue dysfunction in aging and diseased animals. However, whether and how SASP factors influence the regenerative capacity of tissues remains unclear. Here, using intestinal organoids as a model of tissue regeneration, we show that SASP factors released by senescent fibroblasts deregulate stem cell activity and differentiation and ultimately impair crypt formation. We identify the secreted N-terminal domain of Ptk7 as a key component of the SASP that activates non-canonical Wnt / Ca2+ signaling through FZD7 in intestinal stem cells (ISCs). Changes in cytosolic [Ca2+] elicited by Ptk7 promote nuclear translocation of YAP and induce expression of YAP/TEAD target genes, impairing symmetry breaking and stem cell differentiation. Our study discovers secreted Ptk7 as a factor released by senescent cells and provides insight into the mechanism by which cellular senescence contributes to tissue dysfunction in aging and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jina Yun
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Simon Hansen
- NBE Therapeutics, Hochbergstrasse 60C, 4057, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Otto Morris
- Exscientia Ltd., The Schrödinger Building Oxford Science Park, Oxford, OX4 4GE, UK
| | - David T Madden
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd, Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | - Clare Peters Libeu
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd, Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | - Arjun J Kumar
- Fred Hutch/University of Washington, 1100 Fairview Ave. N., Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Cameron Wehrfritz
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd, Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | - Aaron H Nile
- Calico Labs LLC., 1170 Veterans Blvd, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Yingnan Zhang
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Lijuan Zhou
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Yuxin Liang
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Zora Modrusan
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Michelle B Chen
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | | | - David Garfield
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Judith Campisi
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd, Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | - Birgit Schilling
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd, Novato, CA, 94945, USA
| | - Rami N Hannoush
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
| | - Heinrich Jasper
- Genentech, Inc., 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA.
- Buck Institute for Research on Aging, 8001 Redwood Blvd, Novato, CA, 94945, USA.
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17
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Ge Q, Teng M, Li X, Guo Q, Tao Y. An epitope-directed selection strategy facilitating the identification of Frizzled receptor selective antibodies. Structure 2023; 31:33-43.e5. [PMID: 36513066 DOI: 10.1016/j.str.2022.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The lack of incorporating epitope information into the selection process makes the conventional antibody screening method less effective in identifying antibodies with desired functions. Here, we developed an epitope-directed antibody selection method by designing a directed library favoring the target epitope and a precise "counter" antigen for clearing irrelevant binders in the library. With this method, we successfully isolated an antibody, pF7_A5, that targets the less conserved region on the FZD2/7 CRD as designed. Guided by the structure of pF7_A5-FZD2CRD, a further round of evolution was conducted together with the "counter" antigen selection strategy, and ultimately, an FZD2-specific antibody and an FZD7-preferred antibody were obtained. Because of targeting the predefined functional site, all these antibodies exhibited the expected modulatory activity on the Wnt pathway. Together, the method developed here will be useful in antibody drug discovery, and the identified FZD antibodies will have clinical potential in FZD-related cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiangqiang Ge
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027 Hefei, P.R. China
| | - Maikun Teng
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027 Hefei, P.R. China.
| | - Xu Li
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027 Hefei, P.R. China.
| | - Qiong Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027 Hefei, P.R. China.
| | - Yuyong Tao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Membraneless Organelles & Cellular Dynamics, Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Life Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, 230027 Hefei, P.R. China; Joint Laboratory of Innovation in Life Sciences University of Science and Technology of China (USTC) and Changchun Zhuoyi Biological Co. Ltd., 130616 Changchun, P.R. China.
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18
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Eguchi A, Iwasa M, Sugimoto R, Tempaku M, Yoshikawa K, Yoshizawa N, Povero D, Sugimoto K, Hasegawa H, Takei Y, Nakagawa H. Complement complex 1 subunit q-mediated hepatic stellate cell activation with connective tissue growth factor elevation is a prognostic factor for survival in rat and human chronic liver diseases. Hepatol Commun 2022; 6:3515-3527. [PMID: 36199236 PMCID: PMC9701491 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.2097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Complement complex 1 subunit q (C1q) has multiple functions, including cell migration, in addition to its traditional complement-activating effect. Research shows C1q is a ligand for frizzled receptors (FZDs). FZD-induced yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) alternate Wnt signaling activation induces connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) production and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. However, no study exists in which C1q directly induces CTGF in HSCs. Here, we investigated the role of C1q in HSC activation. Human HSCs (LX2) were incubated with C1q to assess HSC activation. C1q and fibrotic markers were assessed using immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction in cirrhotic rats administered CCl4 for 21 weeks. Serum C1q, liver function, and fibrosis score were measured in 91 patients with chronic liver disease. The correlations between serum C1q and liver function, fibrosis score, and survival prognosis were examined. C1q-activated LX2s showed morphologic changes, up-regulation of CTGF, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP-1), and alternate Wnt signal genes FZD2, TAZ, and cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61 (Cyr61). Cirrhotic rat liver C1q expression correlated with the Azan-positive area and expression of CTGF, TIMP-1, hyaluronan synthase (HAS)1, HAS3, and CD44. Expression of C1q protein and C1q, CTGF, and TIMP-1 genes were higher in deceased cirrhotic rat livers compared to surviving rats. Human serum C1q levels increased in liver cirrhosis compared to chronic hepatitis and correlated with liver fibrosis and functional markers. Ten patients suffered liver-related death over a 66-month observation period. The C1q cut-off value (11 mg/dl) showed patients with serum values < 11 mg/dl had longer rates of survival compared to C1q ≥ 11 mg/dl. Conclusion: C1q-mediated HSC activation in liver fibrosis is associated with CTGF elevation. Additionally, serum C1q may be diagnostic for survival in human chronic liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akiko Eguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
| | - Motoh Iwasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
| | - Ryosuke Sugimoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
| | - Mina Tempaku
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
| | - Kyoko Yoshikawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
| | - Naohiko Yoshizawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
| | - Davide Povero
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMayo ClinicRochesterMinnesotaUSA
| | - Kazushi Sugimoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
| | - Hiroshi Hasegawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
| | - Yoshiyuki Takei
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
| | - Hayato Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of MedicineMie UniversityTsuJapan
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19
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Zheng S, Lin J, Pang Z, Zhang H, Wang Y, Ma L, Zhang H, Zhang X, Chen M, Zhang X, Zhao C, Qi J, Cao L, Wang M, He X, Sheng R. Aberrant Cholesterol Metabolism and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Coalesce via Frizzled5 in Supporting Cancer Growth. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2022; 9:e2200750. [PMID: 35975457 PMCID: PMC9534957 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202200750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Frizzled (Fzd) proteins are Wnt receptors and play essential roles in development, homeostasis, and oncogenesis. How Wnt/Fzd signaling is coupled to physiological regulation remains unknown. Cholesterol is reported as a signaling molecule regulating morphogen such as Hedgehog signaling. Despite the elusiveness of the in-depth mechanism, it is well-established that pancreatic cancer specially requires abnormal cholesterol metabolism levels for growth. In this study, it is unexpectedly found that among ten Fzds, Fzd5 has a unique capacity to bind cholesterol specifically through its conserved extracellular linker region. Cholesterol-binding enables Fzd5 palmitoylation, which is indispensable for receptor maturation and trafficking to the plasma membrane. In Wnt-addicted pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), cholesterol stimulates tumor growth via Fzd5-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. A natural oxysterol, 25-hydroxylsterol competes with cholesterol and inhibits Fzd5 maturation and Wnt signaling, thereby alleviating PDAC growth. This cholesterol-receptor interaction and ensuing receptor lipidation uncover a novel mechanism by which Fzd5 acts as a cholesterol sensor and pivotal connection coupling lipid metabolism to morphogen signaling. These findings further suggest that cholesterol-targeting may provide new therapeutic opportunities for treating Wnt-dependent cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqin Zheng
- College of Life and Health ScienceNortheastern UniversityShenyang110819P. R. China
| | - Jiahui Lin
- College of Life and Health ScienceNortheastern UniversityShenyang110819P. R. China
| | - Zhongqiu Pang
- College of Life and Health ScienceNortheastern UniversityShenyang110819P. R. China
| | - Hui Zhang
- College of Life and Health ScienceNortheastern UniversityShenyang110819P. R. China
| | - Yinuo Wang
- College of Life and Health ScienceNortheastern UniversityShenyang110819P. R. China
| | - Lanjing Ma
- College of Life and Health ScienceNortheastern UniversityShenyang110819P. R. China
| | - Haijiao Zhang
- College of Life and Health ScienceNortheastern UniversityShenyang110819P. R. China
| | - Xi Zhang
- College of SciencesNortheastern UniversityShenyang110004P. R. China
| | - Maorong Chen
- F.M Kirby Neurobiology CenterBoston Children's HospitalDepartment of NeurologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
| | - Xinjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of EducationNational Engineering Research Center for NanomedicineCollege of Life Science and TechnologyHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan430074P. R. China
| | - Chao Zhao
- School of Public HealthJilin UniversityChangchun130021P. R. China
| | - Jun Qi
- Department of Cancer BiologyDana‐Farber Cancer InstituteDepartment of MedicineHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02215USA
| | - Liu Cao
- Institute of Translational MedicineKey Laboratory of Cell Biology of Ministry of Public Healthand Key Laboratory of Medical Cell Biology of Ministry of EducationLiaoning Province Collaborative Innovation Center of Aging Related Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and PreventionChina Medical UniversityShenyang110112P. R. China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Biliary‐Pancreatic SurgeryAffiliated Tongji HospitalTongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and Technology1095 Jiefang AveWuhan430030P. R. China
| | - Xi He
- F.M Kirby Neurobiology CenterBoston Children's HospitalDepartment of NeurologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
| | - Ren Sheng
- College of Life and Health ScienceNortheastern UniversityShenyang110819P. R. China
- F.M Kirby Neurobiology CenterBoston Children's HospitalDepartment of NeurologyHarvard Medical SchoolBostonMA02115USA
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20
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L-glutamate requires β-catenin signalling through Frizzled7 to stimulate porcine intestinal stem cell expansion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:523. [PMID: 36121491 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-022-04545-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Intestinal stem cells (ISCs) decode and coordinate various types of nutritional information from the diet to support the crypt-villus axis architecture, but how specific dietary molecules affect intestinal epithelial homeostasis remains unclear. In the current study, L-glutamate (Glu) supplementation in either a nitrogen-free diet (NFD) or a corn-soybean meal diet (CSMD) stimulated gut growth and ISC expansion in weaned piglets. Quantitative proteomics screening identified the canonical Wnt signalling pathway as a central regulator of intestinal epithelial development and ISC activity in vivo. Importantly, the Wnt transmembrane receptor Frizzled7 (FZD7) was upregulated in response to dietary Glu patterns, and its perturbations in intestinal organoids (IOs) treated with a specific inhibitor and in FZD7-KO IPEC-J2 cells disrupted the link between Glu inputs and β-catenin signalling and a subsequent reduction in cell viability. Furthermore, co-localization, coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP), isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and microscale thermophoresis (MST) revealed that Glu served as a signalling molecule directly bound to FZD7. We propose that FZD7-mediated integration of the extracellular Glu signal controls ISC proliferation and differentiation, which provides new insights into the crosstalk of nutrients and ISCs.
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21
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Xie L, Fletcher RB, Bhatia D, Shah D, Phipps J, Deshmukh S, Zhang H, Ye J, Lee S, Le L, Newman M, Chen H, Sura A, Gupta S, Sanman LE, Yang F, Meng W, Baribault H, Vanhove GF, Yeh WC, Li Y, Lu C. Robust Colonic Epithelial Regeneration and Amelioration of Colitis via FZD-Specific Activation of Wnt Signaling. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 14:435-464. [PMID: 35569814 PMCID: PMC9305022 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Current management of inflammatory bowel disease leaves a clear unmet need to treat the severe epithelial damage. Modulation of Wnt signaling might present an opportunity to achieve histological remission and mucosal healing when treating IBD. Exogenous R-spondin, which amplifies Wnt signals by maintaining cell surface expression of Frizzled (Fzd) and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein receptors, not only helps repair intestine epithelial damage, but also induces hyperplasia of normal epithelium. Wnt signaling may also be modulated with the recently developed Wnt mimetics, recombinant antibody-based molecules mimicking endogenous Wnts. METHODS We first compared the epithelial healing effects of RSPO2 and a Wnt mimetic with broad Fzd specificity in an acute dextran sulfate sodium mouse colitis model. Guided by Fzd expression patterns in the colon epithelium, we also examined the effects of Wnt mimetics with subfamily Fzd specificities. RESULTS In the DSS model, Wnt mimetics repaired damaged colon epithelium and reduced disease activity and inflammation and had no apparent effect on uninjured tissue. We further identified that the FZD5/8 and LRP6 receptor-specific Wnt mimetic, SZN-1326-p, was associated with the robust repair effect. Through a range of approaches including single-cell transcriptome analyses, we demonstrated that SZN-1326-p directly impacted epithelial cells, driving transient expansion of stem and progenitor cells, promoting differentiation of epithelial cells, histologically restoring the damaged epithelium, and secondarily to epithelial repair, reducing inflammation. CONCLUSIONS It is feasible to design Wnt mimetics such as SZN-1326-p that impact damaged intestine epithelium specifically and restore its physiological functions, an approach that holds promise for treating epithelial damage in inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chenggang Lu
- Correspondence Address correspondence to: Chenggang Lu, PhD, Surrozen, Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080.
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22
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Target Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Beyond Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. BIOLOGY 2022; 11:biology11040585. [PMID: 35453784 PMCID: PMC9027240 DOI: 10.3390/biology11040585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary liver cancer and its incidence is steadily increasing. The development of HCC is a complex, multi-step process that is accompanied by alterations in multiple signaling cascades. Recent years have seen advancement in understanding molecular signaling pathways that play central roles in hepatocarcinogenesis. Aberrant activation of YAP/TAZ, Hedgehog, or Wnt/β-catenin signaling is frequently found in a subset of HCC patients. Targeting the signaling pathway via small molecule inhibitors could be a promising therapeutic option for the subset of patients. In this review, we will introduce the signaling pathways, discuss their roles in the development of HCC, and propose a therapeutic approach targeting the signaling pathways in the context of HCC. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health concern worldwide, and its incidence is increasing steadily. To date, receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are the most favored molecular targets for the treatment of HCC, followed by immune checkpoint regulators such as PD-1, PD-L1, and CTLA-4. With less than desirable clinical outcomes from RTK inhibitors as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) so far, novel molecular target therapies have been proposed for HCC. In this review, we will introduce diverse molecular signaling pathways that are aberrantly activated in HCC, focusing on YAP/TAZ, Hedgehog, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, and discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting the signaling pathways in HCC.
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23
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Jin CL, Ye M, Song ZW, Zhang ZM, Gao CQ, Yan HC, Wang XQ. Lysine Interacts with Frizzled7 to Activate β-Catenin in Satellite Cell-Participated Skeletal Muscle Growth. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:3745-3756. [PMID: 35312309 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c01027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This work provided an interesting finding of lysine (Lys) control on skeletal muscle growth besides protein synthesis. According to the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation and molecular docking analyses, we found both in in vivo skeletal muscle and in vitro muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) that the frizzled7 (FZD7) expression level was positively correlated with Lys levels and this was consistent with the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. On the other hand, FZD7 inhibition suppressed the Lys-rescued Wnt/β-catenin pathway, FZD7 knockdown caused cell proliferation, and Wnt/β-catenin pathway restrictions could not be compensated for by Lys or Wnt3a. Furthermore, the combination between Lys and recombinant pig frizzled7 (rpFZD7) protein was confirmed by isothermal titration calorimetry. This finding displayed concrete evidence that Lys is not only a molecular block of protein synthesis but is also a ligand for FZD7 to activate β-catenin to stimulate MuSCs in promoting skeletal muscle growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Long Jin
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Mao Ye
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Zhi-Wen Song
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Zong-Ming Zhang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Chun-Qi Gao
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Hui-Chao Yan
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Xiu-Qi Wang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
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24
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Swoboda J, Mittelsdorf P, Chen Y, Weiskirchen R, Stallhofer J, Schüle S, Gassler N. Intestinal Wnt in the transition from physiology to oncology. World J Clin Oncol 2022; 13:168-185. [PMID: 35433295 PMCID: PMC8966512 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v13.i3.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult stem cells are necessary for self-renewal tissues and regeneration after damage. Especially in the intestine, which self-renews every few days, they play a key role in tissue homeostasis. Therefore, complex regulatory mechanisms are needed to prevent hyperproliferation, which can lead in the worst case to carcinogenesis or under-activation of stem cells, which can result in dysfunctional epithelial. One main regulatory signaling pathway is the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. It is a highly conserved pathway, with β-catenin, a transcription factor, as target protein. Translocation of β-catenin from cytoplasm to nucleus activates the transcription of numerous genes involved in regulating stem cell pluripo-tency, proliferation, cell differentiation and regulation of cell death. This review presents a brief overview of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the regulatory mechanism of this pathway and its role in intestinal homeostasis. Additionally, this review highlights the molecular mechanisms and the histomorphological features of Wnt hyperactivation. Furthermore, the central role of the Wnt signaling pathway in intestinal carcinogenesis as well as its clinical relevance in colorectal carcinoma are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Swoboda
- Section Pathology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Patrick Mittelsdorf
- Section Pathology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Yuan Chen
- Section Pathology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Johannes Stallhofer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Silke Schüle
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Gassler
- Section Pathology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
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25
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Koushyar S, Meniel VS, Phesse TJ, Pearson HB. Exploring the Wnt Pathway as a Therapeutic Target for Prostate Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:309. [PMID: 35204808 PMCID: PMC8869457 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt pathway is emerging as a frequent event during prostate cancer that can facilitate tumor formation, progression, and therapeutic resistance. Recent discoveries indicate that targeting the Wnt pathway to treat prostate cancer may be efficacious. However, the functional consequence of activating the Wnt pathway during the different stages of prostate cancer progression remains unclear. Preclinical work investigating the efficacy of targeting Wnt signaling for the treatment of prostate cancer, both in primary and metastatic lesions, and improving our molecular understanding of treatment responses is crucial to identifying effective treatment strategies and biomarkers that help guide treatment decisions and improve patient care. In this review, we outline the type of genetic alterations that lead to activated Wnt signaling in prostate cancer, highlight the range of laboratory models used to study the role of Wnt genetic drivers in prostate cancer, and discuss new mechanistic insights into how the Wnt cascade facilitates prostate cancer growth, metastasis, and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Koushyar
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Valerie S. Meniel
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
| | - Toby J. Phesse
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Helen B. Pearson
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
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26
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Bae SJ, Jo Y, Cho MK, Jin JS, Kim JY, Shim J, Kim YH, Park JK, Ryu D, Lee HJ, Joo J, Ha KT. Identification and analysis of novel endometriosis biomarkers via integrative bioinformatics. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:942368. [PMID: 36339397 PMCID: PMC9630743 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.942368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is a gynecological disease prevalent in women of reproductive age, and it is characterized by the ectopic presence and growth of the eutopic endometrium. The pathophysiology and diagnostic biomarkers of endometriosis have not yet been comprehensively determined. To discover molecular markers and pathways underlying the pathogenesis of endometriosis, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in three Gene Expression Omnibus microarray datasets (GSE11691, GSE23339, and GSE7305) and performed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses. We also validated the identified genes via immunohistochemical analysis of tissues obtained from patients with endometriosis or healthy volunteers. A total of 118 DEGs (79 upregulated and 39 downregulated) were detected in each dataset with a lower (fold change) FC cutoff (log2|FC| > 1), and 17 DEGs (11 upregulated and six downregulated) with a higher FC cutoff (log2|FC| > 2). KEGG and GO functional analyses revealed enrichment of signaling pathways associated with inflammation, complement activation, cell adhesion, and extracellular matrix in endometriotic tissues. Upregulation of seven genes (C7, CFH, FZD7, LY96, PDLIM3, PTGIS, and WISP2) out of 17 was validated via comparison with external gene sets, and protein expression of four genes (LY96, PDLIM3, PTGIS, and WISP2) was further analyzed by immunohistochemistry and western blot analysis. Based on these results, we suggest that TLR4/NF-κB and Wnt/frizzled signaling pathways, as well as estrogen receptors, regulate the progression of endometriosis. These pathways may be therapeutic and diagnostic targets for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Jin Bae
- Department of Molecular Biology and Immunology, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Yunju Jo
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Min Kyoung Cho
- Korean Medical Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Jung-Sook Jin
- Korean Medical Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Jin-Young Kim
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Jaewon Shim
- Department of Biochemistry, Kosin University College of Medicine, Busan, South Korea
| | - Yun Hak Kim
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Jang-Kyung Park
- Department of Korean Medicine Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Korean Medicine Hospital, Yangsan, South Korea
| | - Dongryeol Ryu
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Hyun Joo Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea
| | - Jongkil Joo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Jongkil Joo, ; Ki-Tae Ha,
| | - Ki-Tae Ha
- Korean Medical Research Center for Healthy Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Jongkil Joo, ; Ki-Tae Ha,
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27
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Larasati Y, Boudou C, Koval A, Katanaev VL. Unlocking the Wnt pathway: Therapeutic potential of selective targeting FZD 7 in cancer. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:777-792. [PMID: 34915171 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The Wnt signaling is of paramount pathophysiological importance. Despite showing promising anticancer activities in pre-clinical studies, current Wnt pathway inhibitors face complications in clinical trials resulting from on-target toxicity. Hence, the targeting of pathway component(s) that are essential for cancer but dispensable for normal physiology is key to the development of a safe Wnt signaling inhibitor. Frizzled7 (FZD7) is a Wnt pathway receptor that is redundant in healthy tissues but crucial in various cancers. FZD7 modulates diverse aspects of carcinogenesis, including cancer growth, metastasis, maintenance of cancer stem cells, and chemoresistance. In this review, we describe state-of-the-art knowledge of the functions of FZD7 in carcinogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis. Next, we overview the development of small molecules and biomolecules that target FZD7. Finally, we discuss challenges and possibilities in developing FZD7-selective antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonika Larasati
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cédric Boudou
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alexey Koval
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vladimir L Katanaev
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland; School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia.
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28
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Wang Z, Zhao T, Zhang S, Wang J, Chen Y, Zhao H, Yang Y, Shi S, Chen Q, Liu K. The Wnt signaling pathway in tumorigenesis, pharmacological targets, and drug development for cancer therapy. Biomark Res 2021; 9:68. [PMID: 34488905 PMCID: PMC8422786 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00323-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling was initially recognized to be vital for tissue development and homeostasis maintenance. Further studies revealed that this pathway is also important for tumorigenesis and progression. Abnormal expression of signaling components through gene mutation or epigenetic regulation is closely associated with tumor progression and poor prognosis in several tissues. Additionally, Wnt signaling also influences the tumor microenvironment and immune response. Some strategies and drugs have been proposed to target this pathway, such as blocking receptors/ligands, targeting intracellular molecules, beta-catenin/TCF4 complex and its downstream target genes, or tumor microenvironment and immune response. Here we discuss the roles of these components in Wnt signaling pathway in tumorigenesis and cancer progression, the underlying mechanisms that is responsible for the activation of Wnt signaling, and a series of drugs targeting the Wnt pathway provide multiple therapeutic values. Although some of these drugs exhibit exciting anti-cancer effect, clinical trials and systematic evaluation should be strictly performed along with multiple-omics technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo Wang
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China.,School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China.,School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Shihui Zhang
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Regeneration and Repair, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH164UU, UK
| | - Junkai Wang
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Yunyun Chen
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China.,School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Hongzhou Zhao
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China.,School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Yaxin Yang
- Department of Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, 14627, USA
| | - Songlin Shi
- School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China
| | - Qiang Chen
- Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, SAR, China
| | - Kuancan Liu
- Central Laboratory, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China. .,School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, P. R. China.
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29
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Frizzled 7 Activates β-Catenin-Dependent and β-Catenin-Independent Wnt Signalling Pathways During Developmental Morphogenesis: Implications for Therapeutic Targeting in Colorectal Cancer. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021. [PMID: 34455486 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Frizzled7 activates β-catenin-dependent and β-catenin-independent Wnt signalling pathways, is highly conserved through evolution from the ancient phylum hydra to man, plays essential roles in stem cells, tissue homeostasis and regeneration in the adult, and is upregulated in diverse cancers. Much of what is known about the core components of the Wnt signalling pathways was derived from studying the function of Frizzled7 orthologues in the development of lower organism. As we interrogate Frizzled7 signalling and function for therapeutic targeting in cancer, it is timely to revisit lower organisms to gain insight into the context dependent and dynamic nature of Wnt signalling for effective drug design.
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30
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The structural biology of canonical Wnt signalling. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 48:1765-1780. [PMID: 32725184 PMCID: PMC7458405 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt signalling pathways are of great importance in embryonic development and oncogenesis. Canonical and non-canonical Wnt signalling pathways are known, with the canonical (or β-catenin dependent) pathway being perhaps the best studied of these. While structural knowledge of proteins and interactions involved in canonical Wnt signalling has accumulated over the past 20 years, the pace of discovery has increased in recent years, with the structures of several key proteins and assemblies in the pathway being released. In this review, we provide a brief overview of canonical Wnt signalling, followed by a comprehensive overview of currently available X-ray, NMR and cryoEM data elaborating the structures of proteins and interactions involved in canonical Wnt signalling. While the volume of structures available is considerable, numerous gaps in knowledge remain, particularly a comprehensive understanding of the assembly of large multiprotein complexes mediating key aspects of pathway, as well as understanding the structure and activation of membrane receptors in the pathway. Nonetheless, the presently available data affords considerable opportunities for structure-based drug design efforts targeting canonical Wnt signalling.
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Dehghanbanadaki N, Taghdir M, Naderi-Manesh H. Investigation of Atrial Natriuretic Peptide as A Competitive Inhibitory Candidate Against Wnt/β-Catenin Signalling: A Molecular Dynamics Approach. Int J Pept Res Ther 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-020-10085-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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32
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Yadav V, Jobe N, Mehdawi L, Andersson T. Targeting Oncogenic WNT Signalling with WNT Signalling-Derived Peptides. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 269:279-303. [PMID: 34455485 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
WNT signalling is known to be a crucial regulator of embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Aberrant expression of WNT signalling elements or their mutations has been implicated in carcinogenesis and/or the progression of several different cancer types. Investigations of how WNT signalling affects carcinogenesis and cancer progression have revealed that it has essential roles in the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, and cancer stemness and in angiogenesis and metastasis. Consequently, WNT-targeted therapy has gained much attention and has resulted in the development of several small molecules, the majority of which act as inhibitors of different WNT signalling events. However, although numerous inhibitory WNT signalling drug candidates have been included in clinical trials, no significant breakthroughs have been made. This could possibly be due to problems with inefficient binding to the target, compensatory signalling mechanisms and toxicity towards normal cells. Therapeutic peptides targeting WNT signalling in cancer cells have been developed as an alternative approach, with the hope that they might overcome the limitations reported for small WNT inhibitory molecules. In this chapter, we describe recent developments made in the design and characterization of WNT signalling-derived peptides aiming at their use as alternative cancer therapeutics and/or combined adjuvant therapy to conventional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Yadav
- Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Njainday Jobe
- Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lubna Mehdawi
- Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Tommy Andersson
- Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
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33
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Sprangers J, Zaalberg IC, Maurice MM. Organoid-based modeling of intestinal development, regeneration, and repair. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:95-107. [PMID: 33208888 PMCID: PMC7852609 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-020-00665-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium harbors a remarkable adaptability to undergo injury-induced repair. A key part of the regenerative response is the transient reprogramming of epithelial cells into a fetal-like state, which drives uniform proliferation, tissue remodeling, and subsequent restoration of the homeostatic state. In this review, we discuss how Wnt and YAP signaling pathways control the intestinal repair response and the transitioning of cell states, in comparison with the process of intestinal development. Furthermore, we highlight how organoid-based applications have contributed to the characterization of the mechanistic principles and key players that guide these developmental and regenerative events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joep Sprangers
- Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Irene C Zaalberg
- Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon M Maurice
- Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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34
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Zhang Y, Wang X. Targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:165. [PMID: 33276800 PMCID: PMC7716495 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00990-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 679] [Impact Index Per Article: 169.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway facilitates cancer stem cell renewal, cell proliferation and differentiation, thus exerting crucial roles in tumorigenesis and therapy response. Accumulated investigations highlight the therapeutic potential of agents targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer. Wnt ligand/ receptor interface, β-catenin destruction complex and TCF/β-catenin transcription complex are key components of the cascade and have been targeted with interventions in preclinical and clinical evaluations. This scoping review aims at outlining the latest progress on the current approaches and perspectives of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway targeted therapy in various cancer types. Better understanding of the updates on the inhibitors, antagonists and activators of Wnt/β-catenin pathway rationalizes innovative strategies for personalized cancer treatment. Further investigations are warranted to confirm precise and secure targeted agents and achieve optimal use with clinical benefits in malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,School of medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 250021, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,School of medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 250021, China.
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35
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Xu X, Zhang M, Xu F, Jiang S. Wnt signaling in breast cancer: biological mechanisms, challenges and opportunities. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:165. [PMID: 33234169 PMCID: PMC7686704 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01276-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 255] [Impact Index Per Article: 63.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is a highly conserved signaling pathway that plays a critical role in controlling embryonic and organ development, as well as cancer progression. Genome-wide sequencing and gene expression profile analyses have demonstrated that Wnt signaling is involved mainly in the processes of breast cancer proliferation and metastasis. The most recent studies have indicated that Wnt signaling is also crucial in breast cancer immune microenvironment regulation, stemness maintenance, therapeutic resistance, phenotype shaping, etc. Wnt/β-Catenin, Wnt-planar cell polarity (PCP), and Wnt-Ca2+ signaling are three well-established Wnt signaling pathways that share overlapping components and play different roles in breast cancer progression. In this review, we summarize the main findings concerning the relationship between Wnt signaling and breast cancer and provide an overview of existing mechanisms, challenges, and potential opportunities for advancing the therapy and diagnosis of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufang Xu
- School of Medical Imaging, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053 Zhejiang China
| | - Miaofeng Zhang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310009 Zhejiang China
| | - Faying Xu
- School of Medical Imaging, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053 Zhejiang China
| | - Shaojie Jiang
- School of Medical Imaging, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310053 Zhejiang China
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36
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Mafakher L, Rismani E, Rahimi H, Enayatkhani M, Azadmanesh K, Teimoori-Toolabi L. Computational design of antagonist peptides based on the structure of secreted frizzled-related protein-1 (SFRP1) aiming to inhibit Wnt signaling pathway. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2020; 40:2169-2188. [DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2020.1835718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ladan Mafakher
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Rismani
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamzeh Rahimi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Enayatkhani
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ladan Teimoori-Toolabi
- Molecular Medicine Department, Biotechnology Research Center, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
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Abstract
In this issue of Cell Chemical Biology, Chen et al. (2020) present an antibody-based platform to generate Wnt agonists, offering multiple design principles for systematic investigation of Wnt activation. This study lays the groundwork to develop potent Wnt agonists for applications in regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Hansen
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rami N Hannoush
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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38
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Yin P, Bai Y, Wang Z, Sun Y, Gao J, Na L, Zhang Z, Wang W, Zhao C. Non-canonical Fzd7 signaling contributes to breast cancer mesenchymal-like stemness involving Col6a1. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:143. [PMID: 32894152 PMCID: PMC7487719 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00646-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal-like stemness is characterized by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Breast cancer (BC) cell mesenchymal-like stemness is responsible for distal lung metastasis. Interrogation of databases showed that Fzd7 was closely associated with a panel of mesenchymal-related genes and a panel of stemness-related genes. Fzd7 knockdown in mesenchymal-like MDA-MB-231 and Hs578T cells reduced expression of Vimentin, Slug and Zeb1, induced an epithelial-like morphology, inhibited cell motility, impaired mammosphere formation and decreased Lgr5+ subpopulation. In contrast, Fzd7 overexpression in MCF7 cells resulted in opposite changes. Fzd7 knockdown delayed xenograft tumor formation, suppressed tumor growth, and impaired lung metastasis. Mechanistically, Fzd7 combined with Wnt5a/b and modulated expression of phosphorylated Stat3 (p-STAT3), Smad3 and Yes-associated protein 1 (Yap1). Moreover, Fzd7-Wnt5b modulated expression of collagen, type VI, alpha 1 (Col6a1). Both Wnt5b knockdown and Col6a1 knockdown disrupted BC cell mesenchymal phenotype and stemness. Taken together, Fzd7 contributes to BC cell EMT and stemness, inducing tumorigenesis and metastasis, mainly through a non-canonical Wnt5b pathway. Col6a1 is implicated in Fzd7-Wnt5b signaling, and mediates Fzd7-Wnt5b -induced mesenchymal-like stemness. Video Abstract
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yin
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Bai
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhuo Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu Sun
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jian Gao
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lei Na
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhongbo Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Chenghai Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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39
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Guo Q, Xu S, Yang P, Wang P, Lu S, Sheng D, Qian K, Cao J, Lu W, Zhang Q. A dual-ligand fusion peptide improves the brain-neuron targeting of nanocarriers in Alzheimer's disease mice. J Control Release 2020; 320:347-362. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2020.01.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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40
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Chen H, Lu C, Ouyang B, Zhang H, Huang Z, Bhatia D, Lee SJ, Shah D, Sura A, Yeh WC, Li Y. Development of Potent, Selective Surrogate WNT Molecules and Their Application in Defining Frizzled Requirements. Cell Chem Biol 2020; 27:598-609.e4. [PMID: 32220333 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2020.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
WNTs regulate myriad biological processes during embryonic development and are key regulators of stem cell function, tissue homeostasis, and injury repair in adults. The creation of WNT-based therapies has been hampered by challenges in developing soluble, potent, and selective WNT molecules. Soluble WNT surrogates have been reported, but they demonstrate relatively weak WNT signaling activity. Here, we describe a platform for potent, selective WNT surrogate generation. We identify multivalent binding to Frizzleds (FZDs) and low-density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins (LRPs) to be a requirement for maximal WNT/β-catenin activation. Furthermore, we show that recruitment of two different FZDs together with LRP causes efficient signaling. Surrogate WNT targeting either FZD1,2,7 or FZD5,8 induces expansive growth of intestinal organoids. This flexible WNT surrogate platform yields potent agonists with any desired receptor specificity and will be useful for research and therapeutic applications for tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Chen
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Chenggang Lu
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Brian Ouyang
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Haili Zhang
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Zhong Huang
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Diksha Bhatia
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Sung-Jin Lee
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Darshini Shah
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Asmiti Sura
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Wen-Chen Yeh
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Yang Li
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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41
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Zhao Y, Ren J, Hillier J, Lu W, Jones EY. Antiepileptic Drug Carbamazepine Binds to a Novel Pocket on the Wnt Receptor Frizzled-8. J Med Chem 2020; 63:3252-3260. [PMID: 32049522 PMCID: PMC7104226 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b02020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Misregulation of Wnt signaling is common in human cancer. The development of small molecule inhibitors against the Wnt receptor, frizzled (FZD), may have potential in cancer therapy. During small molecule screens, we observed binding of carbamazepine to the cysteine-rich domain (CRD) of the Wnt receptor FZD8 using surface plasmon resonance (SPR). Cellular functional assays demonstrated that carbamazepine can suppress FZD8-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. We determined the crystal structure of the complex at 1.7 Å resolution, which reveals that carbamazepine binds at a novel pocket on the FZD8 CRD. The unique residue Tyr52 discriminates FZD8 from the closely related FZD5 and other FZDs for carbamazepine binding. The first small molecule-bound FZD structure provides a basis for anti-FZD drug development. Furthermore, the observed carbamazepine-mediated Wnt signaling inhibition may help to explain the phenomenon of bone loss and increased adipogenesis in some patients during long-term carbamazepine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuguang Zhao
- Division of Structural
Biology,
Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University
of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Jingshan Ren
- Division of Structural
Biology,
Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University
of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - James Hillier
- Division of Structural
Biology,
Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University
of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - Weixian Lu
- Division of Structural
Biology,
Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University
of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
| | - E. Yvonne Jones
- Division of Structural
Biology,
Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University
of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, United Kingdom
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42
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Middelhoff M, Nienhüser H, Valenti G, Maurer HC, Hayakawa Y, Takahashi R, Kim W, Jiang Z, Malagola E, Cuti K, Tailor Y, Zamechek LB, Renz BW, Quante M, Yan KS, Wang TC. Prox1-positive cells monitor and sustain the murine intestinal epithelial cholinergic niche. Nat Commun 2020; 11:111. [PMID: 31913277 PMCID: PMC6949263 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13850-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The enteric neurotransmitter acetylcholine governs important intestinal epithelial secretory and immune functions through its actions on epithelial muscarinic Gq-coupled receptors such as M3R. Its role in the regulation of intestinal stem cell function and differentiation, however, has not been clarified. Here, we find that nonselective muscarinic receptor antagonism in mice as well as epithelial-specific ablation of M3R induces a selective expansion of DCLK1-positive tuft cells, suggesting a model of feedback inhibition. Cholinergic blockade reduces Lgr5-positive intestinal stem cell tracing and cell number. In contrast, Prox1-positive endocrine cells appear as primary sensors of cholinergic blockade inducing the expansion of tuft cells, which adopt an enteroendocrine phenotype and contribute to increased mucosal levels of acetylcholine. This compensatory mechanism is lost with acute irradiation injury, resulting in a paucity of tuft cells and acetylcholine production. Thus, enteroendocrine tuft cells appear essential to maintain epithelial homeostasis following modifications of the cholinergic intestinal niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Middelhoff
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Henrik Nienhüser
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Giovanni Valenti
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - H Carlo Maurer
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universität München, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Yoku Hayakawa
- Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
| | - Ryota Takahashi
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Woosook Kim
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Zhengyu Jiang
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Ermanno Malagola
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Krystle Cuti
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Yagnesh Tailor
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Leah B Zamechek
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Bernhard W Renz
- Klinik für Allgemein-, Viszeral- und Transplantationschirurgie, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Quante
- Klinikum rechts der Isar, II. Medizinische Klinik, Technische Universität München, 81675, Munich, Germany
| | - Kelley S Yan
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Timothy C Wang
- Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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Hansen S, Nile AH, Mehta SC, Fuhrmann J, Hannoush RN. Lead Optimization Yields High Affinity Frizzled 7-Targeting Peptides That Modulate Clostridium difficile Toxin B Pathogenicity in Epithelial Cells. J Med Chem 2019; 62:7739-7750. [PMID: 31429553 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Frizzled 7 (FZD7) receptors have been shown to play a central role in intestinal stem cell regeneration and, more recently, in Clostridium difficile pathogenesis. Yet, targeting FZD7 receptors with small ligands has not been explored as an approach to block C. difficile pathogenesis. Here, we report the discovery of high affinity peptides that selectively bind to FZD7 receptors. We describe an integrated approach for lead optimization, utilizing structure-based rational design and directed evolution, to enhance the peptide binding affinity while still maintaining FZD7 receptor selectivity. This work yielded new peptide leads with picomolar binding constants to FZD7 as measured by biophysical methods. The new peptides block the interaction between C. difficile toxin B (TcdB) and FZD receptors and perturb C. difficile pathogenesis in epithelial cells. As such, our findings provide a proof of concept that targeting FZD receptors could be a viable pharmacological approach to protect epithelial cells from TcdB pathogenicity.
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44
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Dai Y, Abbasi K, Bandyopadhyay S, Liu CC. Dynamic Control of Peptide Strand Displacement Reaction Using Functional Biomolecular Domain for Biosensing. ACS Sens 2019; 4:1980-1985. [PMID: 31309821 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.9b00831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Nature's great repository provides nucleic acids and amino acids as the fundamental elements of life. Inspired by the programmability of nucleic acids, DNA nanotechnology has been extensively developed based on the strand displacement reaction of nucleic acids. In comparison with nucleic acids, amino acids possess higher programmability and more functionalities owing to the diversity of the amino acid unit. However, the design of the peptide-based bimolecular cascade is still limited. We herein describe a peptide-based strand displacement reaction, which was granted with a specific biological function by addition of a functional domain onto the coiled-coil peptide based displacement substrate. The displacement substrate was specifically designed to response to Tau protein based on a well-established Tau inhibition sequence. We demonstrated that the kinetics of the designed displacement reaction can be dynamically tuned through blocking the toehold region to prevent migration. A nanomolar Tau detection linear range was achieved through the designed displacement reaction within a rapid turnaround time of 30 min. We also presented the capability of the peptide strand displacement based sensing system operating in real human biological samples and its excellent orthogonality on response to irrelevant biological components. We envision that this will be of especially high utility for the development of next-generation biotechnology.
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45
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van Neerven SM, Vermeulen L. The interplay between intrinsic and extrinsic Wnt signaling in controlling intestinal transformation. Differentiation 2019; 108:17-23. [PMID: 30799131 PMCID: PMC6717105 DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The intestinal epithelial layer is the fastest renewing tissue in the human body. Due to its incredible turnover rate, the intestine is especially prone to develop cancer, in particular in the colon. Colorectal cancer (CRC) development is characterized by the stepwise accumulation of mutations over time, of which mutations in the tumor suppressor APC are often very early to occur. Generally, mutations in this gene lead to truncated APC proteins that cannot bind to β-catenin to promote its degradation, resulting in a constant overstimulation of the Wnt pathway. The level of intrinsic Wnt activation is dependent on the number of functional β-catenin binding sites remaining within the APC proteins, and the right amount of Wnt signaling is rate-limiting in the formation of polyps. In addition, the intestinal niche provides an extensive spectrum of Wnt ligands, amplifiers and antagonists that locally regulate basal Wnt levels and consequently influence polyp formation propensity. Here we will discuss the crosstalk between transforming epithelial cells and their regional niche in the development of intestinal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne M van Neerven
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, LEXOR, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam and Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Louis Vermeulen
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, LEXOR, Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam and Amsterdam Gastroenterology & Metabolism, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, Netherlands.
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46
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Abstract
The intestinal epithelium is one the fastest renewing tissues in mammals and is endowed with extensive adaptability. The more traditional view of a hierarchical organization of the gut has recently given way to a more dynamic model in which various cell types within the intestinal epithelium can de-differentiate and function as an alternative source of stem cells upon tissue damage and stress conditions such as inflammation and tumorigenesis. Here, we will review the mechanistic principles and key players involved in intestinal plasticity and discuss potential therapeutic implications of cellular plasticity in regenerative medicine and cancer.
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47
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Abstract
Wnt signaling regulates physiological processes ranging from cell differentiation to bone formation. Dysregulation of Wnt signaling is linked to several human ailments, including colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers. As such, modulation of this pathway has been an attractive strategy for therapeutic development of anticancer agents. Since the discovery of Wnt proteins more than 35 years ago, research efforts continue to focus on understanding the biochemistry of their molecular interactions and their biological functions. Wnt is a secreted glycoprotein covalently modified with a cis-unsaturated fatty acyl group at a conserved serine residue, and this modification is required for Wnt secretion and activity. To initiate signaling, Wnt proteins bind to cell-surface Frizzled (FZD) receptors, but the molecular basis for recognition of Wnt's fatty acyl moiety by the extracellular cysteine-rich domain of FZD has become clear only very recently. Here, we review the most recent developments in the field, focusing on structural and biochemical studies of the FZD receptor family and highlighting new insights into their molecular arrangement and mode of regulation by cis-unsaturated fatty acids. Additionally, we examine how other lipid-binding proteins recognize fatty acyl chains on Wnt proteins in the regulation of Wnt secretion and activities. Altogether, this perspective expands our understanding of fatty acid–protein interactions in the FZD system and provides a basis for guiding future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron H Nile
- From the Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, South San Francisco, California 94080
| | - Rami N Hannoush
- From the Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, South San Francisco, California 94080
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48
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Zhang X, Dong S, Xu F. Structural and Druggability Landscape of Frizzled G Protein-Coupled Receptors. Trends Biochem Sci 2018; 43:1033-1046. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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49
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Chen P, Tao L, Liu Z, Dong M, Jin R. Structural insight into Wnt signaling inhibition by Clostridium difficile toxin B. FEBS J 2018; 286:874-881. [PMID: 30347517 DOI: 10.1111/febs.14681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has increased significantly worldwide, causing substantial morbidity and mortality. One of the major virulence factor, TcdB, manages to enter the colonic epithelia via the human frizzled proteins (FZDs), which are physiological receptors for Wnt morphogens. Binding of TcdB to FZDs inhibits Wnt signaling, which may contribute to pathogenesis of CDI. Here, we review the structural mechanism by which TcdB exploits to recognize FZDs for cell entry and inhibiting Wnt signaling, which reveals new strategies to modulate Wnt signaling for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Chen
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Liang Tao
- Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zheng Liu
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Min Dong
- Department of Urology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Microbiology and Immunobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rongsheng Jin
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
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50
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Schulte G, Wright SC. Frizzleds as GPCRs - More Conventional Than We Thought! Trends Pharmacol Sci 2018; 39:828-842. [PMID: 30049420 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
For more than 30 years, WNT/β-catenin and planar cell polarity signaling has formed the basis for what we understand to be the primary output of the interaction between WNTs and their cognate receptors known as Frizzleds (FZDs). In the shadow of these pathways, evidence for the involvement of heterotrimeric G proteins in WNT signaling has grown substantially over the years - redefining the complexity of the WNT signaling network. Moreover, the distinct characteristics of FZD paralogs are becoming better understood, and we can now apply concepts valid for classical GPCRs to grasp FZDs as molecular machines at the interface of ligand binding and intracellular effects. This review discusses recent developments in the field of WNT/FZD signaling in the context of GPCR pharmacology, and identifies remaining mysteries with an emphasis on structural and kinetic components that support this dogma shift.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Schulte
- Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum 6D, Tomtebodavägen 16, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Shane C Wright
- Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum 6D, Tomtebodavägen 16, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
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