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Mustafa M, Abbas K, Alam M, Habib S, Zulfareen, Hasan GM, Islam S, Shamsi A, Hassan I. Investigating underlying molecular mechanisms, signaling pathways, emerging therapeutic approaches in pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1427802. [PMID: 39087024 PMCID: PMC11288929 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1427802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic adenocarcinoma, a clinically challenging malignancy constitutes a significant contributor to cancer-related mortality, characterized by an inherently poor prognosis. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of pancreatic adenocarcinoma by examining its multifaceted etiologies, including genetic mutations and environmental factors. The review explains the complex molecular mechanisms underlying its pathogenesis and summarizes current therapeutic strategies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and emerging modalities such as immunotherapy. Critical molecular pathways driving pancreatic cancer development, including KRAS, Notch, and Hedgehog, are discussed. Current therapeutic strategies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, are discussed, with an emphasis on their limitations, particularly in terms of postoperative relapse. Promising research areas, including liquid biopsies, personalized medicine, and gene editing, are explored, demonstrating the significant potential for enhancing diagnosis and treatment. While immunotherapy presents promising prospects, it faces challenges related to immune evasion mechanisms. Emerging research directions, encompassing liquid biopsies, personalized medicine, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing, and computational intelligence applications, hold promise for refining diagnostic approaches and therapeutic interventions. By integrating insights from genetic, molecular, and clinical research, innovative strategies that improve patient outcomes can be developed. Ongoing research in these emerging fields holds significant promise for advancing the diagnosis and treatment of this formidable malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Mustafa
- Department of Biochemistry, J.N. Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Kashif Abbas
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Mudassir Alam
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Safia Habib
- Department of Biochemistry, J.N. Medical College, Faculty of Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India
| | - Zulfareen
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Gulam Mustafa Hasan
- Department of Basic Medical Science, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Al-Kharj, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sidra Islam
- Department of Inflammation & Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, United States
| | - Anas Shamsi
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research (CMBHSR), Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
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Song P, Gao Z, Bao Y, Chen L, Huang Y, Liu Y, Dong Q, Wei X. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in carcinogenesis and cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:46. [PMID: 38886806 PMCID: PMC11184729 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01563-4] [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: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial role in various physiological processes, encompassing development, tissue homeostasis, and cell proliferation. Under normal physiological conditions, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is meticulously regulated. However, aberrant activation of this pathway and downstream target genes can occur due to mutations in key components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, epigenetic modifications, and crosstalk with other signaling pathways. Consequently, these dysregulations contribute significantly to tumor initiation and progression. Therapies targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling transduction have exhibited promising prospects and potential for tumor treatment. An increasing number of medications targeting this pathway are continuously being developed and validated. This comprehensive review aims to summarize the latest advances in our understanding of the role played by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in carcinogenesis and targeted therapy, providing valuable insights into acknowledging current opportunities and challenges associated with targeting this signaling pathway in cancer research and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pan Song
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China
| | - Zirui Gao
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yige Bao
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China
| | - Li Chen
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yuhe Huang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China
| | - Qiang Dong
- Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, 610041, China.
| | - Xiawei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Agent Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Sichuan University, No. 17, Block 3, Southern Renmin Road, Chengdu, Sichuan, 610041, P.R. China.
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Sobhiafshar U, Çakici B, Yilmaz E, Yildiz Ayhan N, Hedaya L, Ayhan MC, Yerinde C, Alankuş YB, Gürkaşlar HK, Firat-Karalar EN, Emre NCT. Interferon regulatory factor 4 modulates epigenetic silencing and cancer-critical pathways in melanoma cells. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38880659 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13672] [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: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) was initially identified as a key controller in lymphocyte differentiation and function, and subsequently as a dependency factor and therapy target in lymphocyte-derived cancers. In melanocytes, IRF4 takes part in pigmentation. Although genetic studies have implicated IRF4 in melanoma, how IRF4 functions in melanoma cells has remained largely elusive. Here, we confirmed prevalent IRF4 expression in melanoma and showed that high expression is linked to dependency in cells and mortality in patients. Analysis of genes activated by IRF4 uncovered, as a novel target category, epigenetic silencing factors involved in DNA methylation (DNMT1, DNMT3B, UHRF1) and histone H3K27 methylation (EZH2). Consequently, we show that IRF4 controls the expression of tumour suppressor genes known to be silenced by these epigenetic modifications, for instance cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors CDKN1A and CDKN1B, the PI3-AKT pathway regulator PTEN, and primary cilium components. Furthermore, IRF4 modulates activity of key downstream oncogenic pathways, such as WNT/β-catenin and AKT, impacting cell proliferation and survival. Accordingly, IRF4 modifies the effectiveness of pertinent epigenetic drugs on melanoma cells, a finding that encourages further studies towards therapeutic targeting of IRF4 in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulduz Sobhiafshar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Betül Çakici
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erdem Yilmaz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nalan Yildiz Ayhan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Laila Hedaya
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mustafa Can Ayhan
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cansu Yerinde
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - H Kübra Gürkaşlar
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | | - N C Tolga Emre
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Yu M, Qin K, Fan J, Zhao G, Zhao P, Zeng W, Chen C, Wang A, Wang Y, Zhong J, Zhu Y, Wagstaff W, Haydon RC, Luu HH, Ho S, Lee MJ, Strelzow J, Reid RR, He TC. The evolving roles of Wnt signaling in stem cell proliferation and differentiation, the development of human diseases, and therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101026. [PMID: 38292186 PMCID: PMC10825312 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.04.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved Wnt signaling pathway plays a central role in development and adult tissue homeostasis across species. Wnt proteins are secreted, lipid-modified signaling molecules that activate the canonical (β-catenin dependent) and non-canonical (β-catenin independent) Wnt signaling pathways. Cellular behaviors such as proliferation, differentiation, maturation, and proper body-axis specification are carried out by the canonical pathway, which is the best characterized of the known Wnt signaling paths. Wnt signaling has emerged as an important factor in stem cell biology and is known to affect the self-renewal of stem cells in various tissues. This includes but is not limited to embryonic, hematopoietic, mesenchymal, gut, neural, and epidermal stem cells. Wnt signaling has also been implicated in tumor cells that exhibit stem cell-like properties. Wnt signaling is crucial for bone formation and presents a potential target for the development of therapeutics for bone disorders. Not surprisingly, aberrant Wnt signaling is also associated with a wide variety of diseases, including cancer. Mutations of Wnt pathway members in cancer can lead to unchecked cell proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and metastasis. Altogether, advances in the understanding of dysregulated Wnt signaling in disease have paved the way for the development of novel therapeutics that target components of the Wnt pathway. Beginning with a brief overview of the mechanisms of canonical and non-canonical Wnt, this review aims to summarize the current knowledge of Wnt signaling in stem cells, aberrations to the Wnt pathway associated with diseases, and novel therapeutics targeting the Wnt pathway in preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Yu
- School of Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Kevin Qin
- School of Medicine, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jiaming Fan
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Guozhi Zhao
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Piao Zhao
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Wei Zeng
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Neurology, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523475, China
| | - Connie Chen
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Annie Wang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yonghui Wang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Jiamin Zhong
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - William Wagstaff
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rex C. Haydon
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Hue H. Luu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Sherwin Ho
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Michael J. Lee
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jason Strelzow
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Russell R. Reid
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Suture Biology and Development, Department of Surgery Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Suture Biology and Development, Department of Surgery Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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An F, Song J, Chang W, Zhang J, Gao P, Wang Y, Xiao Z, Yan C. Research Progress on the Mechanism of the SFRP-Mediated Wnt Signalling Pathway Involved in Bone Metabolism in Osteoporosis. Mol Biotechnol 2024; 66:975-990. [PMID: 38194214 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-023-01018-0] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Osteoporosis (OP) is a metabolic bone disease linked to an elevated fracture risk, primarily stemming from disruptions in bone metabolism. Present clinical treatments for OP merely alleviate symptoms. Hence, there exists a pressing need to identify novel targets for the clinical treatment of OP. Research indicates that the Wnt signalling pathway is modulated by serum-secreted frizzled-related protein 5 (SFRP5), potentially serving as a pivotal regulator in bone metabolism disorders. Moreover, studies confirm elevated SFRP5 expression in OP, with SFRP5 overexpression leading to the downregulation of Wnt and β-catenin proteins in the Wnt signalling pathway, as well as the expression of osteogenesis-related marker molecules such as RUNX2, ALP, and OPN. Conversely, the opposite has been reported when SFRP5 is knocked out, suggesting that SFRP5 may be a key factor involved in the regulation of bone metabolism via the Wnt signalling axis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the action of SFRP5-induced OP have yet to be comprehensively elucidated. This review focusses on the molecular structure and function of SFRP5 and the potential molecular mechanisms of the SFRP5-mediated Wnt signalling pathway involved in bone metabolism in OP, providing reasonable evidence for the targeted therapy of SFRP5 for the prevention and treatment of OP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangyu An
- Teaching Experiment Training Center, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Jiayi Song
- School of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Weirong Chang
- School of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Peng Gao
- School of Basic Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Yujie Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Zhipan Xiao
- School of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Chunlu Yan
- School of Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, Lanzhou, 730000, Gansu, China.
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Marrapodi R, Bellei B. The Keratinocyte in the Picture Cutaneous Melanoma Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:913. [PMID: 38473275 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050913] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma progression is a multistep evolution from a common melanocytic nevus through a radial superficial growth phase, the invasive vertical growth phase finally leading to metastatic dissemination into distant organs. Melanoma aggressiveness largely depends on the propensity to metastasize, which means the capacity to escape from the physiological microenvironment since tissue damage due to primary melanoma lesions is generally modest. Physiologically, epidermal melanocytes are attached to the basement membrane, and their adhesion/migration is under the control of surrounding keratinocytes. Thus, the epidermal compartment represents the first microenvironment responsible for melanoma spread. This complex process involves cell-cell contact and a broad range of secreted bioactive molecules. Invasion, or at the beginning of the microinvasion, implies the breakdown of the dermo-epidermal basement membrane followed by the migration of neoplastic melanocytic cells in the superficial papillary dermis. Correspondingly, several experimental evidences documented the structural and functional rearrangement of the entire tissue surrounding neoplasm that in some way reflects the atypia of tumor cells. Lastly, the microenvironment must support the proliferation and survival of melanocytes outside the normal epidermal-melanin units. This task presumably is mostly delegated to fibroblasts and ultimately to the self-autonomous capacity of melanoma cells. This review will discuss remodeling that occurs in the epidermis during melanoma formation as well as skin changes that occur independently of melanocytic hyperproliferation having possible pro-tumoral features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Marrapodi
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Bellei
- Laboratory of Cutaneous Physiopathology and Integrated Center of Metabolomics Research, San Gallicano Dermatological Institute, IRCCS, Via Elio Chianesi 53, 00144 Rome, Italy
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Kluge V, Kappelmann-Fenzl M, Fischer S, Zimmermann T, Pommer M, Kuphal S, Bosserhoff AK. Alternative Wnt-signaling axis leads to a break of oncogene-induced senescence. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:166. [PMID: 38388496 PMCID: PMC10883971 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06550-8] [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: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) is an important process that suppresses tumor development, but the molecular mechanisms of OIS are still under investigation. It is known that BRAFV600E-mutated melanocytes can overcome OIS and develop melanoma, but the underlying mechanism is largely unknown. Using an established OIS model of primary melanocytes transduced with BRAFV600E, YAP activity was shown to be induced in OIS as well as in melanoma cells compared to that in normal epidermal melanocytes. This led to the assumption that YAP activation itself is not a factor involved in the disruption of OIS. However, its role and interaction partners potentially change. As Wnt molecules are known to be important in melanoma progression, these molecules were the focus of subsequent studies. Interestingly, activation of Wnt signaling using AMBMP resulted in a disruption of OIS in BRAFV600E-transduced melanocytes. Furthermore, depletion of Wnt6, Wnt10b or β-catenin expression in melanoma cells resulted in the induction of senescence. Given that melanoma cells do not exhibit canonical Wnt/β-catenin activity, alternative β-catenin signaling pathways may disrupt OIS. Here, we discovered that β-catenin is an interaction partner of YAP on DNA in melanoma cells. Furthermore, the β-catenin-YAP interaction changed the gene expression pattern from senescence-stabilizing genes to tumor-supportive genes. This switch is caused by transcriptional coactivation via the LEF1/TEAD interaction. The target genes with binding sites for LEF1 and TEAD are involved in rRNA processing and are associated with poor prognosis in melanoma patients. This study revealed that an alternative YAP-Wnt signaling axis is an essential molecular mechanism leading to OIS disruption in melanocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Kluge
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Melanie Kappelmann-Fenzl
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Faculty of Computer Science, Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Dieter-Görlitz-Platz 1, 94469, Deggendorf, Germany
| | - Stefan Fischer
- Faculty of Computer Science, Deggendorf Institute of Technology, Dieter-Görlitz-Platz 1, 94469, Deggendorf, Germany
| | - Tom Zimmermann
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michaela Pommer
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Silke Kuphal
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja-Katrin Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.
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Huang C, Lau TWS, Smoller BR. Diagnosing Cutaneous Melanocytic Tumors in the Molecular Era: Updates and Review of Literature. Dermatopathology (Basel) 2024; 11:26-51. [PMID: 38247727 PMCID: PMC10801542 DOI: 10.3390/dermatopathology11010005] [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: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, molecular and genomic discoveries have experienced unprecedented growth, fundamentally reshaping our comprehension of melanocytic tumors. This review comprises three main sections. The first part gives an overview of the current genomic landscape of cutaneous melanocytic tumors. The second part provides an update on the associated molecular tests and immunohistochemical stains that are helpful for diagnostic purposes. The third section briefly outlines the diverse molecular pathways now utilized for the classification of cutaneous melanomas. The primary goal of this review is to provide a succinct overview of the molecular pathways involved in melanocytic tumors and demonstrate their practical integration into the realm of diagnostic aids. As the molecular and genomic knowledge base continues to expand, this review hopes to serve as a valuable resource for healthcare professionals, offering insight into the evolving molecular landscape of cutaneous melanocytic tumors and its implications for patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Huang
- Department of Pathology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA 92354, USA
| | | | - Bruce R. Smoller
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA;
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Wronski N, Madej E, Grabacka M, Brożyna AA, Wolnicka-Glubisz A. RIPK4 downregulation impairs Wnt3A-stimulated invasiveness via Wnt/β-catenin signaling in melanoma cells and tumor growth in vivo. Cell Signal 2024; 113:110938. [PMID: 37871667 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110938] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The role of Wnt signaling in oncogenesis and drug resistance is well known. Receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK4) contributing to the increased activity of many signaling pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin, may be an important target for designing new drugs for metastatic melanoma, but its role in melanoma is not fully understood. METHODS We tested the effect of genetic manipulation of RIPK4 (CRISPR/Cas9) on xenograft growth. In addition, immunohistochemistry was used to detect active β-catenin, Ki67 and necrosis in xenografts. Wnt signaling pathway activity was examined using Western blot and Top-Flash. The effect of RIPK4 knockout on melanoma cells in vitro stimulated Wnt3A on wound overgrowth, migration and invasion ability was then evaluated. RESULTS Our study showed that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated RIPK4 knockout (KO) significantly reduced tumor growth in a mouse model of melanoma, particularly of WM266.4 cells. RIPK4 KO tumors exhibited lower percentages of Ki67+ cells as well as reduced necrotic area and decreased levels of active β-catenin. In addition, we observed that RIPK4 knockout impaired Wnt3A-induced activation of LRP6 and β-catenin, as manifested by a decrease in the transcriptional activity of β-catenin in Top-Flash in both tested melanoma cell lines, A375 and WM266.4. Prolonged incubation (48 h) with Wnt3A showed reduced level of MMP9, C-myc, and increased SOX10, proteins whose transcription is also dependent on β-catenin activity. Moreover, RIPK4 knockout led to the inhibition of scratch overgrowth, migration and invasion of these cells compared to their controls. CONCLUSION RIPK4 knockdown inhibits melanoma tumor growth and Wnt3A stimulated migration and invasion indicating that RIPK4 might be a potential target for melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Wronski
- Department of Biophysics and Cancer Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland; Doctoral School of Exact and Natural Sciences, Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland
| | - Ewelina Madej
- Department of Biophysics and Cancer Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland
| | - Maja Grabacka
- Department of Biotechnology and General Technology of Foods, Faculty of Food Technology, University of Agriculture, Balicka 122, 30-149 Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna A Brożyna
- Department of Human Biology, Institute of Biology, Faculty of Biological and Veterinary Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Lwowska 1, 87-100 Toruń, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wolnicka-Glubisz
- Department of Biophysics and Cancer Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, Gronostajowa 7, 30-387 Krakow, Poland.
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Fatima F, Chourasiya NK, Mishra M, Kori S, Pathak S, Das R, Kashaw V, Iyer AK, Kashaw SK. Curcumin and its Derivatives Targeting Multiple Signaling Pathways to Elicit Anticancer Activity: A Comprehensive Perspective. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:3668-3714. [PMID: 37221681 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230522144312] [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: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The uncontrolled growth and spread of aberrant cells characterize the group of disorders known as cancer. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 analysis of cancer patients in either developed countries or developing countries the main concern cancers are breast cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer which may rise eventually. Natural substances with dietary origins have gained interest for their low toxicity, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. The evaluation of dietary natural products as chemopreventive and therapeutic agents, the identification, characterization, and synthesis of their active components, as well as the enhancement of their delivery and bioavailability, have all received significant attention. Thus, the treatment strategy for concerning cancers must be significantly evaluated and may include the use of phytochemicals in daily lifestyle. In the present perspective, we discussed one of the potent phytochemicals, that has been used over the past few decades known as curcumin as a panacea drug of the "Cure-all" therapy concept. In our review firstly we included exhausted data from in vivo and in vitro studies on breast cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer which act through various cancer-targeting pathways at the molecular level. Now, the second is the active constituent of turmeric known as curcumin and its derivatives are enlisted with their targeted protein in the molecular docking studies, which help the researchers design and synthesize new curcumin derivatives with respective implicated molecular and cellular activity. However, curcumin and its substituted derivatives still need to be investigated with unknown targeting mechanism studies in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firdous Fatima
- Integrated Drug Discovery Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour University (A Central University), Sagar (MP), India
| | - Nikhil Kumar Chourasiya
- Integrated Drug Discovery Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour University (A Central University), Sagar (MP), India
| | - Mitali Mishra
- Integrated Drug Discovery Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour University (A Central University), Sagar (MP), India
| | - Shivam Kori
- Integrated Drug Discovery Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour University (A Central University), Sagar (MP), India
| | - Sandhya Pathak
- Department of Chemistry, Dr. Harisingh Gour University (A Central University), Sagar (MP), India
| | - Ratnesh Das
- Department of Chemistry, Dr. Harisingh Gour University (A Central University), Sagar (MP), India
| | - Varsha Kashaw
- Sagar Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sagar (M.P.), India
| | - Arun K Iyer
- Use-inspired Biomaterials & Integrated Nano Delivery (U-BiND) Systems Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Molecular Imaging Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sushil Kumar Kashaw
- Integrated Drug Discovery Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour University (A Central University), Sagar (MP), India
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11
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Zhang X, Lin H, Zheng DL, Lu YG, Zou Y, Su B. Exploring the Role of Wnt Ligands in Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells. Clin Oral Investig 2023; 28:64. [PMID: 38158464 DOI: 10.1007/s00784-023-05449-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate the functions of 19 types of Wnt ligands during the process of osteogenic differentiation in human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs), with particular attention to WNT3A and WNT4. MATERIALS AND METHODS The expression levels of 19 types of Wnt ligands were examined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (real-time qPCR) during hPDLSCs osteogenic differentiation at 7, 10, and 14 days. Knockdown of WNT3A and WNT4 expression was achieved using adenovirus vectors, and conditioned medium derived from WNT3A and WNT4 overexpression plasmids was employed to investigate their roles in hPDLSCs osteogenesis. Osteogenic-specific genes were analyzed using real-time qPCR. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red S activities and staining were employed to assess hPDLSCs' osteogenic differentiation ability. RESULTS During hPDLSCs osteogenic differentiation, the expression of 19 types of Wnt ligands varied, with WNT3A and WNT4 showing significant upregulation. Inhibiting WNT3A and WNT4 expression hindered hPDLSCs' osteogenic capacity. Conditioned medium of WNT3A promoted early osteogenic differentiation, while WNT4 facilitated late osteogenesis slightly. CONCLUSION Wnt ligands, particularly WNT3A and WNT4, play an important role in hPDLSCs' osteogenic differentiation, highlighting their potential as promoters of osteogenesis. CLINICAL RELEVANCE Given the challenging nature of alveolar bone regeneration, therapeutic strategies that target WNT3A and WNT4 signaling pathways offer promising opportunities. Additionally, innovative gene therapy approaches aimed at regulating of WNT3A and WNT4 expression hold potential for improving alveolar bone regeneration outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Zhang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial & Stomatological Key Laboratory of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Hanrui Lin
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial & Stomatological Key Laboratory of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Da-Li Zheng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial & Stomatological Key Laboratory of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - You-Guang Lu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial & Stomatological Key Laboratory of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Yuchun Zou
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial & Stomatological Key Laboratory of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
- Department of Orthodontics, Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
| | - Bohua Su
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & Fujian Provincial Engineering Research Center of Oral Biomaterial & Stomatological Key Laboratory of Fujian College and University, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
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12
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Ostojić M, Jevrić M, Mitrović-Ajtić O, Živić K, Tanić M, Čavić M, Srdić-Rajić T, Grahovac J. Nischarin expression may have differing roles in male and female melanoma patients. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:1001-1014. [PMID: 37382661 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02339-y] [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: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Due to the development of resistance to previously effective therapies, there is a constant need for novel treatment modalities for metastatic melanoma. Nischarin (NISCH) is a druggable scaffolding protein reported as a tumor suppressor and a positive prognostic marker in breast and ovarian cancers through regulation of cancer cell survival, motility and invasion. The aim of this study was to examine the expression and potential role of nischarin in melanoma. We found that nischarin expression was decreased in melanoma tissues compared to the uninvolved skin, and this was attributed to the presence of microdeletions and hyper-methylation of the NISCH promoter in the tumor tissue. In addition to the previously reported cytoplasmic and membranous localization, we observed nischarin in the nuclei in melanoma patients' tissues. NISCH expression in primary melanoma had favorable prognostic value for female patients, but, unexpectedly, high NISCH expression predicted worse prognosis for males. Gene set enrichment analysis suggested significant sex-related disparities in predicted association of NISCH with several signaling pathways, as well as with different tumor immune infiltrate composition in male and female patients. Taken together, our results imply that nischarin may have a role in melanoma progression, but that fine-tuning of the pathways it regulates is sex-dependent. KEY MESSAGES: Nischarin is a tumor suppressor whose role has not been investigated in melanoma. Nischarin expression was downregulated in melanoma tissue compared to the normal skin. Nischarin had the opposite prognostic value in male and female melanoma patients. Nischarin association with signaling pathways differed in females and males. Our findings challenge the current view of nischarin as a universal tumor suppressor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marija Ostojić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Pasterova 14, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Marko Jevrić
- Department of Surgery, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Pasterova 14, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Olivera Mitrović-Ajtić
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Medical Research, Dr Subotića 4, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Kristina Živić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Pasterova 14, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Miljana Tanić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Pasterova 14, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Milena Čavić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Pasterova 14, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia
| | - Tatjana Srdić-Rajić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Pasterova 14, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
| | - Jelena Grahovac
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute for Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Pasterova 14, Belgrade, 11000, Serbia.
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13
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Lin D, Chen Y, Koksal AR, Dash S, Aydin Y. Targeting ER stress/PKA/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway as a potential novel strategy for hepatitis C virus-infected patients. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:102. [PMID: 37158967 PMCID: PMC10165818 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01081-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC risk, while decreased compared with active HCV infection, persists in HCV-cured patients by direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA). We previously demonstrated that Wnt/β-catenin signaling remained activated after DAA-mediated HCV eradication. Developing therapeutic strategies to both eradicate HCV and reverse Wnt/β-catenin signaling is needed. METHODS Cell-based HCV long term infection was established. Chronically HCV infected cells were treated with DAA, protein kinase A (PKA) inhibitor H89 and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress inhibitor tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA). Western blotting analysis and fluorescence microscopy were performed to determine HCV levels and component levels involved in ER stress/PKA/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β)/β-catenin pathway. Meanwhile, the effects of H89 and TUDCA were determined on HCV infection. RESULTS Both chronic HCV infection and replicon-induced Wnt/β-catenin signaling remained activated after HCV and replicon eradication by DAA. HCV infection activated PKA activity and PKA/GSK-3β-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Inhibition of PKA with H89 both repressed HCV and replicon replication and reversed PKA/GSK-3β-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in both chronic HCV infection and replicon. Both chronic HCV infection and replicon induced ER stress. Inhibition of ER stress with TUDCA both repressed HCV and replicon replication and reversed ER stress/PKA/GSK-3β-dependent Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Inhibition of either PKA or ER stress both inhibited extracellular HCV infection. CONCLUSION Targeting ER stress/PKA/GSK-3β-dependent Wnt/β-catenin signaling with PKA inhibitor could be a novel therapeutic strategy for HCV-infected patients to overcomes the issue of remaining activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling by DAA treatment. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Lin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
| | - Yijia Chen
- The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, 85281, USA
| | - Ali Riza Koksal
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Srikanta Dash
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Yucel Aydin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA.
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14
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Howell R, Davies J, Clarke MA, Appios A, Mesquita I, Jayal Y, Ringham-Terry B, Boned Del Rio I, Fisher J, Bennett CL. Localized immune surveillance of primary melanoma in the skin deciphered through executable modeling. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadd1992. [PMID: 37043573 PMCID: PMC10096595 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.add1992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
While skin is a site of active immune surveillance, primary melanomas often escape detection. Here, we have developed an in silico model to determine the local cross-talk between melanomas and Langerhans cells (LCs), the primary antigen-presenting cells at the site of melanoma development. The model predicts that melanomas fail to activate LC migration to lymph nodes until tumors reach a critical size, which is determined by a positive TNF-α feedback loop within melanomas, in line with our observations of murine tumors. In silico drug screening, supported by subsequent experimental testing, shows that treatment of primary tumors with MAPK pathway inhibitors may further prevent LC migration. In addition, our in silico model predicts treatment combinations that bypass LC dysfunction. In conclusion, our combined approach of in silico and in vivo studies suggests a molecular mechanism that explains how early melanomas develop under the radar of immune surveillance by LC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew A. Clarke
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Anna Appios
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Inês Mesquita
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Yashoda Jayal
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Ben Ringham-Terry
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK
| | - Isabel Boned Del Rio
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, 72 Huntley Street, London WC1E 6DD, UK
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15
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Yamaguchi K, Horie C, Takane K, Ikenoue T, Nakagawa S, Isobe Y, Ota Y, Ushiku T, Tanaka M, Fujishiro J, Hoshino N, Arisue A, Nishizuka S, Aikou S, Shida D, Furukawa Y. Identification of odontogenic ameloblast associated as a novel target gene of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:948-960. [PMID: 36382598 PMCID: PMC9986071 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15657] [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: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a key role in development and carcinogenesis. Although some target genes of this signaling have been identified in various tissues and neoplasms, the comprehensive understanding of the target genes and their roles in the development of human cancer, including hepatoma and colorectal cancer remain to be fully elucidated. In this study, we searched for genes regulated by the Wnt signaling in liver cancer using HuH-7 hepatoma cells. A comparison of the expression profiles between cells expressing an active form of mutant β-catenin and cells expressing enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) identified seven genes upregulated by the mutant β-catenin gene (CTNNB1). Among the seven genes, we focused in this study on ODAM, odontogenic, ameloblast associated, as a novel target gene. Interestingly, its expression was frequently upregulated in hepatocellular carcinoma, colorectal adenocarcinoma, and hepatoblastoma. We additionally identified a distant enhancer region that was associated with the β-catenin/TCF7L2 complex. Further analyses revealed that ODAM plays an important role in the regulation of the cell cycle, DNA synthesis, and cell proliferation. These data may be useful for clarification of the main molecular mechanism(s) underlying these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Yamaguchi
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chiaki Horie
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kiyoko Takane
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuneo Ikenoue
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Saya Nakagawa
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yumiko Isobe
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasunori Ota
- Department of Pathology, Research Hospital, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ushiku
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mariko Tanaka
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jun Fujishiro
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Noriko Hoshino
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsuhiro Arisue
- Department of Surgery, Iwate Medical University School of Medicine, Yahaba, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nishizuka
- Division of Biomedical Research and Development, Iwate Medical University Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Yahaba, Japan
| | - Susumu Aikou
- Division of Frontier Surgery, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Dai Shida
- Division of Frontier Surgery, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoichi Furukawa
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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16
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Banik I, Ghosh A, Beebe E, Burja B, Frank Bertoncelj M, Dooley CM, Markkanen E, Dummer R, Busch-Nentwich EM, Levesque MP. P38 Mediates Tumor Suppression through Reduced Autophagy and Actin Cytoskeleton Changes in NRAS-Mutant Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:877. [PMID: 36765834 PMCID: PMC9913513 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030877] [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: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hotspot mutations in the NRAS gene are causative genetic events associated with the development of melanoma. Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs directly targeting NRAS mutations. Previously, we showed that p38 acts as a tumor suppressor in vitro and in vivo with respect to NRAS-mutant melanoma. We observed that because of p38 activation through treatment with the protein synthesis inhibitor, anisomycin leads to a transient upregulation of several targets of the cAMP pathway, representing a stressed cancer cell state that is often observed by therapeutic doses of MAPK inhibitors in melanoma patients. Meanwhile, genetically induced p38 or its stable transduction leads to a distinct cellular transcriptional state. Contrary to previous work showing an association of invasiveness with high p38 levels in BRAF-mutated melanoma, there was no correlation of p38 expression with NRAS-mutant melanoma invasion, highlighting the difference in BRAF and NRAS-driven melanomas. Although the role of p38 has been reported to be that of both tumor suppressor and oncogene, we show here that p38 specifically plays the role of a tumor suppressor in NRAS-mutant melanoma. Both the transient and stable activation of p38 elicits phosphorylation of mTOR, reported to be a master switch in regulating autophagy. Indeed, we observed a correlation between elevated levels of phosphorylated mTOR and a reduction in LC3 conversion (LCII/LCI), indicative of suppressed autophagy. Furthermore, a reduction in actin intensity in p38-high cells strongly suggests a role of mTOR in regulating actin and a remodeling in the NRAS-mutant melanoma cells. Therefore, p38 plays a tumor suppressive role in NRAS-mutant melanomas at least partially through the mechanism of mTOR upregulation, suppressed autophagy, and reduced actin polymerization. One or more combinations of MEK inhibitors with either anisomycin, rapamycin, chloroquine/bafilomycin, and cytochalasin modulate p38 activation, mTOR phosphorylation, autophagy, and actin polymerization, respectively, and they may provide an alternate route to targeting NRAS-mutant melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishani Banik
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Dermatology, University of San Francisco California, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
| | - Adhideb Ghosh
- Functional Genomics Center Zurich, ETH/University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Erin Beebe
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Blaž Burja
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Mojca Frank Bertoncelj
- Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Team Integrative Biology of Immune-Mediated Inflammatory Diseases, BioMed X Institute, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Enni Markkanen
- Institute of Veterinary Pharmacology and Toxicology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Reinhard Dummer
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Dermatology, University of San Francisco California, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
| | | | - Mitchell P. Levesque
- Department of Dermatology, University of Zurich Hospital, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Dermatology, University of San Francisco California, San Francisco, CA 94117, USA
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17
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Kim KB, Kim DW, Kim Y, Tang J, Kirk N, Gan Y, Kim B, Fang B, Park JI, Zheng Y, Park KS. WNT5A-RHOA Signaling Is a Driver of Tumorigenesis and Represents a Therapeutically Actionable Vulnerability in Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancer Res 2022; 82:4219-4233. [PMID: 36102736 PMCID: PMC9669186 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
WNT signaling represents an attractive target for cancer therapy due to its widespread oncogenic role. However, the molecular players involved in WNT signaling and the impact of their perturbation remain unknown for numerous recalcitrant cancers. Here, we characterize WNT pathway activity in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and determine the functional role of WNT signaling using genetically engineered mouse models. β-Catenin, a master mediator of canonical WNT signaling, was dispensable for SCLC development, and its transcriptional program was largely silenced during tumor development. Conversely, WNT5A, a ligand for β-catenin-independent noncanonical WNT pathways, promoted neoplastic transformation and SCLC cell proliferation, whereas WNT5A deficiency inhibited SCLC development. Loss of p130 in SCLC cells induced expression of WNT5A, which selectively increased Rhoa transcription and activated RHOA protein to drive SCLC. Rhoa knockout suppressed SCLC development in vivo, and chemical perturbation of RHOA selectively inhibited SCLC cell proliferation. These findings suggest a novel requirement for the WNT5A-RHOA axis in SCLC, providing critical insights for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for this recalcitrant cancer. This study also sheds light on the heterogeneity of WNT signaling in cancer and the molecular determinants of its cell-type specificity. SIGNIFICANCE The p130-WNT5A-RHOA pathway drives SCLC progression and is a potential target for the development of therapeutic interventions and biomarkers to improve patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kee-Beom Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology,
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Dong-Wook Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology,
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Youngchul Kim
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Moffitt
Cancer Research Center, Tampa Bay, FL 33612, USA
| | - Jun Tang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology,
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Nicole Kirk
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology,
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Yongyu Gan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology,
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Bongjun Kim
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson
Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Bingliang Fang
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, MD
Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jae-Il Park
- Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, MD Anderson
Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yi Zheng
- Devision of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology,
Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229,
USA
| | - Kwon-Sik Park
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology,
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA,Correspondence to Kwon-Sik Park, 1340 Jefferson
Park Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA, ,
phone: 434-982-1947
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18
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Li R, Ke M, Qi M, Han Z, Cao Y, Deng Z, Qian J, Yang Y, Gu C. G6PD promotes cell proliferation and dexamethasone resistance in multiple myeloma via increasing anti-oxidant production and activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:77. [PMID: 36271440 PMCID: PMC9587560 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00326-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) as the rate-limiting enzyme in the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) is well-established as an aberrantly expressed protein in numerous clinical diseases; however, its role in cancer, specifically in multiple myeloma (MM) remains elusive. Methods In this study, serum metabolites in 70 normal people and 70 newly diagnosed MM patients were analyzed using untargeted metabolomics and the results were verified using ELISA. The survival analysis of multiple clinical datasets was performed to identify a potential target gene in MM. The oncogenic role of G6PD was investigated using lentivirus-based overexpression or knockdown of G6PD using RNAi or an inhibitor in vitro, and in a xenograft mouse model in vivo. The mechanisms of induced Dexamethasone (Dexa)-resistance of G6PD were further explored using the above established MM cell lines in vitro. Results Based on the screening of potential genes, PPP was shown to be involved in the occurrence of MM, which was evidenced by the differential expression of serum metabolites of G6P and Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS, the more stable sulfate ester form of an endogenously uncompetitive G6PD inhibitor known as DHEA). Elevated G6PD promoted MM cell proliferation. Mechanistically, high G6PD expression enhanced enzymatic generation of the antioxidant NADPH via the PPP and decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus inducing the proliferation and Dexa resistance in MM cells. Furthermore, canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling also participated in regulating G6PD-induced drug resistance and cellular redox levels of ROS. Intriguingly, DHEA treatment could enhance the sensitivity of MM cells to Dexa primarily through augmenting cellular oxidative stress. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that G6PD enhances the generation of the enzymatic anti-oxidant NADPH and decreases ROS generation, thereby promoting resistance to Dexa-induced apoptosis via the enzymatic PPP and non-enzymatic Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in MM. Targeting G6PD to harness cellular redox may serve as a promising novel strategy for the management of MM. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40164-022-00326-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Li
- Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengying Ke
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Qi
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenru Han
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuhao Cao
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhendong Deng
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinjun Qian
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, China.
| | - Ye Yang
- Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Chunyan Gu
- Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China. .,School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, China.
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19
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Wang X, Peng L, Ma J, Zhang L, Liu J. Warfarin-Induced Calcification: Potential Prevention and Treatment Strategies. Rev Cardiovasc Med 2022; 23:322. [PMID: 39077691 PMCID: PMC11262346 DOI: 10.31083/j.rcm2309322] [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: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 07/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Warfarin is clinically used as the first choice for long-term anticoagulant therapy, and for the prevention of thromboembolic events. However, when used at low doses in the long term or high doses in the short term, warfarin treatment may result in tissue calcifications-such as calcifications in the coronary arteries, peripheral vascular system, blood vessels of patients with atrial fibrillation and chronic kidney disease, and vascular valves-and atherosclerotic plaque calcification. These warfarin-induced calcifications may affect cardiovascular function and exacerbate diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Studies have shown that quercetin, osteoprotegerin, sclerosin, and sodium thiosulfate may alleviate these effects by interfering in the Wnt/ β -catenin, TG2/ β -catenin, Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP2), and Eicosapentaenoic Acid/Matrix Metallopeptidase-9 (EPA/MMP-9) pathways, respectively. Nevertheless, the mechanism underlying warfarin-induced calcification remains unknown. Therefore, the question as to how to effectively attenuate the calcification induced by warfarin and ensure its anticoagulant effect remains an urgent clinical problem that needs to be resolved. To utilize warfarin rationally and to effectively attenuate the calcifications, we focused on the clinical phenomena, molecular mechanisms, and potential strategies to prevent calcification. Highlighting these aspects could provide new insights into the effective utilization of warfarin and the reduction of its associated calcification effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowu Wang
- Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Langang Peng
- Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jipeng Ma
- Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Liyun Zhang
- Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jincheng Liu
- Cardiovascular Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, 710032 Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
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20
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Genetic and Methylation Analysis of CTNNB1 in Benign and Malignant Melanocytic Lesions. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174066. [PMID: 36077603 PMCID: PMC9454999 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Recurrent CTNNB1 exon 3 mutations have been recognized in the distinct group of melanocytic tumors showing deep penetrating nevus-like morphology and in 1–2% of advanced melanoma. We performed a detailed genetic analysis of difficult-to-classify nevi and melanomas with CTNNB1 mutations and found that benign tumors (nevi) show characteristic morphological, genetic and epigenetic traits, which distinguish them from other nevi and melanoma. Malignant CTNNB1-mutant tumors (melanoma) demonstrated a different genetic profile, grouping clearly with other non-CTNNB1 melanomas in methylation assays. To further evaluate the role of CTNNB1 mutations in melanoma, we assessed a large cohort of clinically sequenced melanomas, identifying 38 tumors with CTNNB1 exon 3 mutations, including recurrent S45 (n = 13, 34%), G34 (n = 5, 13%), and S27 (n = 5, 13%) mutations. Locations and histological subtype of CTNNB1-mutated melanoma varied; none were reported as showing deep penetrating nevus-like morphology. The most frequent concurrent activating mutations were BRAF V600 (55%) and NRAS Q61 (34%). Abstract Melanocytic neoplasms have been genetically characterized in detail during the last decade. Recurrent CTNNB1 exon 3 mutations have been recognized in the distinct group of melanocytic tumors showing deep penetrating nevus-like morphology. In addition, they have been identified in 1–2% of advanced melanoma. Performing a detailed genetic analysis of difficult-to-classify nevi and melanomas with CTNNB1 mutations, we found that benign tumors (nevi) show characteristic morphological, genetic and epigenetic traits, which distinguish them from other nevi and melanoma. Malignant CTNNB1-mutant tumors (melanomas) demonstrated a different genetic profile, instead grouping clearly with other non-CTNNB1 melanomas in methylation assays. To further evaluate the role of CTNNB1 mutations in melanoma, we assessed a large cohort of clinically sequenced melanomas, identifying 38 tumors with CTNNB1 exon 3 mutations, including recurrent S45 (n = 13, 34%), G34 (n = 5, 13%), and S27 (n = 5, 13%) mutations. Locations and histological subtype of CTNNB1-mutated melanoma varied; none were reported as showing deep penetrating nevus-like morphology. The most frequent concurrent activating mutations were BRAF V600 (n = 21, 55%) and NRAS Q61 (n = 13, 34%). In our cohort, four of seven (58%) and one of nine (11%) patients treated with targeted therapy (BRAF and MEK Inhibitors) or immune-checkpoint therapy, respectively, showed disease control (partial response or stable disease). In summary, CTNNB1 mutations are associated with a unique melanocytic tumor type in benign tumors (nevi), which can be applied in a diagnostic setting. In advanced disease, no clear characteristics distinguishing CTNNB1-mutant from other melanomas were observed; however, studies of larger, optimally prospective, cohorts are warranted.
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21
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Kim SJ, Kim S, Choi YJ, Kim UJ, Kang KW. CKD-581 Downregulates Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway by DACT3 Induction in Hematologic Malignancy. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2022; 30:435-446. [PMID: 35794797 PMCID: PMC9424334 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2022.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study evaluated the anti-cancer activity of histone deacetylase (HDAC)-inhibiting CKD-581 in multiple myeloma (MM) and its pharmacological mechanisms. CKD-581 potently inhibited a broad spectrum of HDAC isozymes. It concentration-dependently inhibited proliferation of hematologic cancer cells including MM (MM.1S and RPMI8226) and T cell lymphoma (HH and MJ). It increased the expression of the dishevelled binding antagonist of β-catenin 3 (DACT3) in T cell lymphoma and MM cells, and decreased the expression of c-Myc and β-catenin in MM cells. Additionally, it enhanced phosphorylated p53, p21, cleaved caspase-3 and the subG1 population, and reversely, downregulated cyclin D1, CDK4 and the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family. Finally, administration of CKD-581 exerted a significant anti-cancer activity in MM.1S-implanted xenografts. Overall, CKD-581 shows anti-cancer activity via inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in hematologic malignancies. This finding is evidence of the therapeutic potential and rationale of CKD-581 for treatment of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soo Jin Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
- CKD Research Institution, Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corporation, Yongin 16995, Republic of Korea
| | - Suntae Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong June Choi
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - U Ji Kim
- CKD Research Institution, Chong Kun Dang Pharmaceutical Corporation, Yongin 16995, Republic of Korea
| | - Keon Wook Kang
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
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22
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Wnt/β-Catenin Protects Lymphocytes from HIV-Mediated Apoptosis via Induction of Bcl-xL. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071469. [PMID: 35891449 PMCID: PMC9324643 DOI: 10.3390/v14071469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV infection mediates the apoptosis of lymphocytes, the mechanism of which is multifaceted. Here, we evaluated the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HIV-associated T cell apoptosis, as Wnt/β-catenin regulates the transcriptional activity of genes impacting apoptosis. We specifically investigated the role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the HIV-associated apoptosis of CD4+ T cells and CD4dimCD8bright T cells, a population that is infected by HIV. We found that the induction of β-catenin, via a 6-bromoindirubin-3-oxime (BIO), significantly rescued HIV-infected CD4+ and CD4dimCD8bright T cells from apoptosis by >40−50%. Further, a small-molecule inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway (PNU-74654) reversed BIO-mediated protection from HIV-associated apoptosis. BIO also induced Bcl-xL, an anti-apoptotic protein, and a target gene of Wnt/β-catenin, in CD4+ and CD4dimCD8bright T cells by approximately 3-fold. Inhibiting Bcl-xL by WEHI-539 abrogated β-catenin-mediated apoptotic protection in infected CD4+ and CD4dimCD8bright T cells. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that engaging Wnt/β-catenin signaling in HIV-infected T cells protects them from HIV-associated apoptosis by inducing Bcl-xL.
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23
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Fan N, Sun Y, Yan L, Chen W, Wang Y, Wang S, Song Y. Itraconazole-Induced the Activation of Adenosine 5'-Monophosphate (Amp)-Activated Protein Kinase Inhibits Tumor Growth of Melanoma via Inhibiting ERK Signaling. Cell Biochem Biophys 2022; 80:331-340. [PMID: 35094205 DOI: 10.1007/s12013-021-01048-y] [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: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Itraconazole, an effective broad-spectrum antifungal drug, has been well established for its anticancer activity in cancers including melanoma. However, details concerning its underlying mechanism in melanoma are unclear. This work investigated the function of itraconazole-induced 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα) in melanoma progression through ERK signaling. The AMPKα level in melanoma tissues and cells was assessed by RT-qPCR and western blot. Survival analysis of patients with melanoma based on the AMPKα expression level was performed according to TCGA database. Melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were examined using CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell assays. A xenograft tumor model was established to examine the effect of itraconazole on tumor growth in vivo. The AMPKα mRNA and protein levels were reduced in melanoma tissues and cells. A low expression of AMPKα indicated a poor prognosis. Functionally, itraconazole restrained melanoma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion by upregulating AMPKα. Itraconazole activated AMPK signaling and inhibited ERK signaling in melanoma cells. Activation of ERK signaling reversed the effect of itraconazole on cellular process in melanoma. Moreover, itraconazole-induced AMPKα inhibited melanoma tumor growth in vivo by inhibiting ERK signaling. Itraconazole-induced AMPKα inhibits the progression of melanoma by inhibition of ERK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Fan
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215600, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yueping Sun
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215600, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lv Yan
- Center of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215600, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weining Chen
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215600, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yueping Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215600, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shusheng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215600, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Yu Song
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215600, Jiangsu, China.
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24
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Chen Z, Zhong Y, Chen J, Sun S, Liu W, Han Y, Liu X, Guo C, Li D, Hu W, Zhang P, Chen Z, Chen Z, Mou Y, Yan G, Zhu W, Yin W, Sai K. Disruption of β-catenin-mediated negative feedback reinforces cAMP-induced neuronal differentiation in glioma stem cells. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:493. [PMID: 35610201 PMCID: PMC9130142 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04957-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence supports the existence of glioma stem cells (GSCs) and their critical role in the resistance to conventional treatments for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Differentiation therapy represents a promising alternative strategy against GBM by forcing GSCs to exit the cell cycle and reach terminal differentiation. In this study, we demonstrated that cAMP triggered neuronal differentiation and compromised the self-renewal capacity in GSCs. In addition, cAMP induced negative feedback to antagonize the differentiation process by activating β-catenin pathway. Suppression of β-catenin signaling synergized with cAMP activators to eliminate GSCs in vitro and extended the survival of animals in vivo. The cAMP/PKA pathway stabilized β-catenin through direct phosphorylation of the molecule and inhibition of GSK-3β. The activated β-catenin translocated into the nucleus and promoted the transcription of APELA and CARD16, which were found to be responsible for the repression of cAMP-induced differentiation in GSCs. Overall, our findings identified a negative feedback mechanism for cAMP-induced differentiation in GSCs and provided potential targets for the reinforcement of differentiation therapy for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Chen
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191Department of Neurosurgery/Neuro-oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China ,grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China ,grid.412558.f0000 0004 1762 1794Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University Lingnan Hospital, Guangzhou, 510530 China
| | - Yingqian Zhong
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Jiehong Chen
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Shuxin Sun
- grid.410643.4Department of Pancreas Center, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Wenfeng Liu
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Yu Han
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191Department of Neurosurgery/Neuro-oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China ,grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China
| | - Xincheng Liu
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Cui Guo
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Depei Li
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191Department of Neurosurgery/Neuro-oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China ,grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China
| | - Wanming Hu
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China ,grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China
| | - Peiyu Zhang
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191Department of Neurosurgery/Neuro-oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China ,grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China
| | - Zhuopeng Chen
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191Department of Neurosurgery/Neuro-oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China ,grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China
| | - Zhongping Chen
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191Department of Neurosurgery/Neuro-oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China ,grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China
| | - Yonggao Mou
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191Department of Neurosurgery/Neuro-oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China ,grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China
| | - Guangmei Yan
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Wenbo Zhu
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Wei Yin
- grid.12981.330000 0001 2360 039XDepartment of Pharmacology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510080 China
| | - Ke Sai
- grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191Department of Neurosurgery/Neuro-oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China ,grid.488530.20000 0004 1803 6191State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060 China
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Barbian HJ, Seaton MS, Narasipura SD, Wallace J, Rajan R, Sha BE, Al-Harthi L. β-catenin regulates HIV latency and modulates HIV reactivation. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010354. [PMID: 35255110 PMCID: PMC8939789 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Latency is the main obstacle towards an HIV cure, with cure strategies aiming to either elicit or prevent viral reactivation. While these strategies have shown promise, they have only succeeded in modulating latency in a fraction of the latent HIV reservoir, suggesting that the mechanisms controlling HIV latency are not completely understood, and that comprehensive latency modulation will require targeting of multiple latency maintenance pathways. We show here that the transcriptional co-activator and the central mediator of canonical Wnt signaling, β-catenin, inhibits HIV transcription in CD4+ T cells via TCF-4 LTR binding sites. Further, we show that inhibiting the β-catenin pathway reactivates HIV in a primary TCM cell model of HIV latency, primary cells from cART-controlled HIV donors, and in CD4+ latent cell lines. β-catenin inhibition or activation also enhanced or inhibited the activity of several classes of HIV latency reversing agents, respectively, in these models, with significant synergy of β-catenin and each LRA class tested. In sum, we identify β-catenin as a novel regulator of HIV latency in vitro and ex vivo, adding new therapeutic targets that may be combined for comprehensive HIV latency modulation in HIV cure efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah J. Barbian
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Melanie S. Seaton
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Srinivas D. Narasipura
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Jennillee Wallace
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Reshma Rajan
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Beverly E. Sha
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinios United States of America
| | - Lena Al-Harthi
- Department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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26
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Oulès B, Mourah S, Baroudjian B, Jouenne F, Delyon J, Louveau B, Gruber A, Lebbé C, Battistella M. Clinicopathologic and molecular characterization of melanomas mutated for CTNNB1 and MAPK. Virchows Arch 2022; 480:475-480. [PMID: 34013383 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-021-03119-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays crucial roles in melanocyte biology and may be implicated in melanoma progression. In this study, we retrospectively examined a real-life cohort of melanomas mutated for β-catenin (CTNNB1), in association or not with a MAPK mutation (of BRAF or NRAS), and analyzed their clinical, histopathological, and molecular characteristics. Our results indicate that, regardless of the presence of a concurrent MAPK mutation, CTNNB1mut cutaneous primary melanomas display more proliferative hallmarks (increased Breslow thickness, mitotic index, and ulceration) than their CTNNB1 wild-type counterparts. Accordingly, they often progress to the metastatic stage. Furthermore, concurrent CTNNB1 and MAPK mutations do not necessarily confer a deep penetrating nevi phenotype. Altogether, this study provides evidence that CTNNB1 mutations in melanomas are associated with specific clinical and pathological features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bénédicte Oulès
- Department of Dermatology and Centre D'investigation Clinique (CIC), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Saint Louis Hospital, 75010, Paris, France
- Institut Cochin, Cutaneous Biology Lab, INSERM U1016, UMR8104, Université de Paris, 75014, Paris, France
- Department of Dermatology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Cochin Hospital, 75006, Paris, France
| | - Samia Mourah
- Department of Pharmacology and Tumor Genomics, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Saint Louis Hospital, 75010, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMRS 976, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Barouyr Baroudjian
- Department of Dermatology and Centre D'investigation Clinique (CIC), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Saint Louis Hospital, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Fanélie Jouenne
- Department of Pharmacology and Tumor Genomics, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Saint Louis Hospital, 75010, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMRS 976, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Julie Delyon
- Department of Dermatology and Centre D'investigation Clinique (CIC), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Saint Louis Hospital, 75010, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMRS 976, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Baptiste Louveau
- Department of Pharmacology and Tumor Genomics, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Saint Louis Hospital, 75010, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMRS 976, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Aurélia Gruber
- Department of Pharmacology and Tumor Genomics, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Saint Louis Hospital, 75010, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMRS 976, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Céleste Lebbé
- Department of Dermatology and Centre D'investigation Clinique (CIC), Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Saint Louis Hospital, 75010, Paris, France
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMRS 976, 75010, Paris, France
| | - Maxime Battistella
- Université de Paris, INSERM UMRS 976, 75010, Paris, France.
- Department of Pathology, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Saint Louis Hospital, 75010, Paris, France.
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27
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Karachaliou GS, Alkallas R, Carroll SB, Caressi C, Zakria D, Patel NM, Trembath DG, Ezzell JA, Pegna GJ, Googe PB, Galeotti JP, Ayvali F, Collichio FA, Lee CB, Ollila DW, Gulley ML, Johnson DB, Kim KB, Watson IR, Moschos SJ. The clinical significance of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and catenin Beta 1 (CTNNB1) genetic aberrations in patients with melanoma. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:38. [PMID: 34986841 PMCID: PMC8734243 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08908-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma-intrinsic activated β-catenin pathway, the product of the catenin beta 1 (CTNNB1) gene, has been associated with low/absent tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, accelerated tumor growth, metastases development, and resistance to anti-PD-L1/anti-CTLA-4 agents in mouse melanoma models. Little is known about the association between the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) and CTNNB1 gene mutations in stage IV melanoma with immunotherapy response and overall survival (OS). METHODS We examined the prognostic significance of somatic APC/CTNNB1 mutations in the Cancer Genome Atlas Project for Skin Cutaneous Melanoma (TCGA-SKCM) database. We assessed APC/CTNNB1 mutations as predictors of response to immunotherapies in a clinicopathologically annotated metastatic patient cohort from three US melanoma centers. RESULTS In the TCGA-SKCM patient cohort (n = 434) presence of a somatic APC/CTNNB1 mutation was associated with a worse outcome only in stage IV melanoma (n = 82, median OS of APC/CTNNB1 mutants vs. wild-type was 8.15 vs. 22.8 months; log-rank hazard ratio 4.20, p = 0.011). APC/CTNNB1 mutation did not significantly affect lymphocyte distribution and density. In the 3-melanoma institution cohort, tumor tissues underwent targeted panel sequencing using two standards of care assays. We identified 55 patients with stage IV melanoma and APC/CTNNB1 genetic aberrations (mut) and 169 patients without (wt). At a median follow-up of more than 25 months for both groups, mut compared with wt patients had slightly more frequent (44% vs. 39%) and earlier (66% vs. 45% within six months from original diagnosis of stage IV melanoma) development of brain metastases. Nevertheless, time-to-development of brain metastases was not significantly different between the two groups. Fortunately, mut patients had similar clinical benefits from PD-1 inhibitor-based treatments compared to wt patients (median OS 26.1 months vs. 29.9 months, respectively, log-rank p = 0.23). Less frequent mutations in the NF1, RAC1, and PTEN genes were seen in the mut compared with wt patients from the 3-melanoma institution cohort. Analysis of brain melanoma tumor tissues from a separate craniotomy patient cohort (n = 55) showed that melanoma-specific, activated β-catenin (i.e., nuclear localization) was infrequent (n = 3, 6%) and not prognostic in established brain metastases. CONCLUSIONS APC/CTNNB1 mutations are associated with a worse outcome in stage IV melanoma and early brain metastases independent of tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte density. However, PD1 inhibitor-based treatments provide comparable benefits to both mut and wt patients with stage IV melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia Sofia Karachaliou
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Rached Alkallas
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Sarah B Carroll
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Chongshan Caressi
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Danny Zakria
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Nirali M Patel
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Dimitri G Trembath
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer A Ezzell
- Department of Cell Biology & Physiology, Histology Research Core Facility, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Guillaume J Pegna
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Paul B Googe
- Department of Dermatology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Jonathan P Galeotti
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Fatih Ayvali
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Frances A Collichio
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Carrie B Lee
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - David W Ollila
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Surgery, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Margaret L Gulley
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Douglas B Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Kevin B Kim
- California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Ian R Watson
- Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stergios J Moschos
- Department of Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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28
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Abstract
Melanoma is the most lethal skin cancer that originates from the malignant transformation of melanocytes. Although melanoma has long been regarded as a cancerous malignancy with few therapeutic options, increased biological understanding and unprecedented innovations in therapies targeting mutated driver genes and immune checkpoints have substantially improved the prognosis of patients. However, the low response rate and inevitable occurrence of resistance to currently available targeted therapies have posed the obstacle in the path of melanoma management to obtain further amelioration. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms underlying melanoma pathogenesis more comprehensively, which might lead to more substantial progress in therapeutic approaches and expand clinical options for melanoma therapy. In this review, we firstly make a brief introduction to melanoma epidemiology, clinical subtypes, risk factors, and current therapies. Then, the signal pathways orchestrating melanoma pathogenesis, including genetic mutations, key transcriptional regulators, epigenetic dysregulations, metabolic reprogramming, crucial metastasis-related signals, tumor-promoting inflammatory pathways, and pro-angiogenic factors, have been systemically reviewed and discussed. Subsequently, we outline current progresses in therapies targeting mutated driver genes and immune checkpoints, as well as the mechanisms underlying the treatment resistance. Finally, the prospects and challenges in the development of melanoma therapy, especially immunotherapy and related ongoing clinical trials, are summarized and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weinan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 of West Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Huina Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 of West Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Chunying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, No. 127 of West Changle Road, 710032, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China.
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29
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Giralt I, Gallo-Oller G, Navarro N, Zarzosa P, Pons G, Magdaleno A, Segura MF, Sábado C, Hladun R, Arango D, Sánchez de Toledo J, Moreno L, Gallego S, Roma J. Dickkopf-1 Inhibition Reactivates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Rhabdomyosarcoma, Induces Myogenic Markers In Vitro and Impairs Tumor Cell Survival In Vivo. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12921. [PMID: 34884726 PMCID: PMC8657544 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a pivotal role during embryogenesis and its deregulation is a key mechanism in the origin and progression of several tumors. Wnt antagonists have been described as key modulators of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer, with Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) being the most studied member of the DKK family. Although the therapeutic potential of DKK-1 inhibition has been evaluated in several diseases and malignancies, little is known in pediatric tumors. Only a few works have studied the genetic inhibition and function of DKK-1 in rhabdomyosarcoma. Here, for the first time, we report the analysis of the therapeutic potential of DKK-1 pharmaceutical inhibition in rhabdomyosarcoma, the most common soft tissue sarcoma in children. We performed DKK-1 inhibition via shRNA technology and via the chemical inhibitor WAY-2626211. Its inhibition led to β-catenin activation and the modulation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), with positive effects on in vitro expression of myogenic markers and a reduction in proliferation and invasion. In addition, WAY-262611 was able to impair survival of tumor cells in vivo. Therefore, DKK-1 could constitute a molecular target, which could lead to novel therapeutic strategies in RMS, especially in those patients with high DKK-1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Giralt
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Gabriel Gallo-Oller
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Natalia Navarro
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Patricia Zarzosa
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Guillem Pons
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Ainara Magdaleno
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Miguel F. Segura
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Constantino Sábado
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (C.S.); (R.H.)
| | - Raquel Hladun
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (C.S.); (R.H.)
| | - Diego Arango
- Group of Molecular Oncology, IRB Lleida, 25198 Lleida, Spain;
| | - José Sánchez de Toledo
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
| | - Lucas Moreno
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (C.S.); (R.H.)
| | - Soledad Gallego
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
- Pediatric Oncology and Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (C.S.); (R.H.)
| | - Josep Roma
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Child and Adolescent Cancer, Vall d’Hebron Research Institute, Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (I.G.); (G.G.-O.); (N.N.); (P.Z.); (G.P.); (A.M.); (M.F.S.); (J.S.d.T.); (L.M.)
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30
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Lüönd F, Pirkl M, Hisano M, Prestigiacomo V, Kalathur RK, Beerenwinkel N, Christofori G. Hierarchy of TGFβ/SMAD, Hippo/YAP/TAZ, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in melanoma phenotype switching. Life Sci Alliance 2021; 5:5/2/e202101010. [PMID: 34819356 PMCID: PMC8616544 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
TGFβ, YAP/TAZ, and canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling functionally interact in a hierarchical manner to induce the switching of melanoma cells from proliferative-to-invasive cell phenotype. In melanoma, a switch from a proliferative melanocytic to an invasive mesenchymal phenotype is based on dramatic transcriptional reprogramming which involves complex interactions between a variety of signaling pathways and their downstream transcriptional regulators. TGFβ/SMAD, Hippo/YAP/TAZ, and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways are major inducers of transcriptional reprogramming and converge at several levels. Here, we report that TGFβ/SMAD, YAP/TAZ, and β-catenin are all required for a proliferative-to-invasive phenotype switch. Loss and gain of function experimentation, global gene expression analysis, and computational nested effects models revealed the hierarchy between these signaling pathways and identified shared target genes. SMAD-mediated transcription at the top of the hierarchy leads to the activation of YAP/TAZ and of β-catenin, with YAP/TAZ governing an essential subprogram of TGFβ-induced phenotype switching. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is situated further downstream and exerts a dual role: it promotes the proliferative, differentiated melanoma cell phenotype and it is essential but not sufficient for SMAD or YAP/TAZ–induced phenotype switching. The results identify epistatic interactions among the signaling pathways underlying melanoma phenotype switching and highlight the priorities in targets for melanoma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiana Lüönd
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Pirkl
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland.,SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mizue Hisano
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Ravi Kr Kalathur
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Niko Beerenwinkel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland.,SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Basel, Switzerland
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31
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Becker AL, Carpenter EL, Slominski AT, Indra AK. The Role of the Vitamin D Receptor in the Pathogenesis, Prognosis, and Treatment of Cutaneous Melanoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:743667. [PMID: 34692525 PMCID: PMC8526885 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.743667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the malignant transformation of melanocytes and represents the most lethal form of skin cancer. While early-stage melanoma localized to the skin can be cured with surgical excision, metastatic melanoma often requires a multi-pronged approach and even then can exhibit treatment resistance. Understanding the molecular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of melanoma could lead to novel diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic strategies to ultimately decrease morbidity and mortality. One emerging candidate that may have value as both a prognostic marker and in a therapeutic context is the vitamin D receptor (VDR). VDR is a nuclear steroid hormone receptor activated by 1,25 dihydroxy-vitamin D3 [calcitriol, 1,25(OH)2D3]. While 1,25 dihydroxy-vitamin D3 is typically thought of in relation to calcium metabolism, it also plays an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation, programmed-cell death as well as photoprotection. This review discusses the role of VDR in the crosstalk between keratinocytes and melanocytes during melanomagenesis and summarizes the clinical data regarding VDR polymorphisms, VDR as a prognostic marker, and potential uses of vitamin D and its analogs as an adjuvant treatment for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa L Becker
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, OSU, Corvallis, OR, United States.,John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa, Honolulu, HI, United States
| | - Evan L Carpenter
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, OSU, Corvallis, OR, United States
| | - Andrzej T Slominski
- Department of Dermatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.,Cancer Chemoprevention Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Arup K Indra
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, OSU, Corvallis, OR, United States.,Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Oregon State University (OSU), Corvallis, OR, United States.,Linus Pauling Science Center, Oregon State University (OSU), Corvallis, OR, United States.,Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, United States
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32
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Zhang M, Wang D, Su L, Ma J, Wang S, Cui M, Hong S, Guan B, Ma X. Activity of Wnt/PCP Regulation Pathway Classifies Patients of Low-Grade Glioma Into Molecularly Distinct Subgroups With Prognostic Difference. Front Oncol 2021; 11:726034. [PMID: 34540693 PMCID: PMC8440981 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.726034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wingless/Int-1 (Wnt) signaling is one of the most well-known oncogenic pathways. Numerous studies have uncovered an aberrant expression of Wnt in cancer and its association with multiple oncogenic processes, such as cell proliferation, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and invasiveness. Most previous studies mainly focused on the canonical branch of Wnt signaling pathway, i.e., Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) signaling pathway, as the most recently described branch of Wnt signaling, was much less investigated in oncology research. In this study, we thoroughly characterized the activity of the Wnt/PCP regulation pathway in low-grade glioma (LGG) patients. Subtyping based on the expression pattern of the Wnt/PCP regulation pathway revealed three (C1–C3) subgroups with significant survival differences. Each group displayed distinct genomic characteristics. For instance, C1 was enriched with capicua transcriptional repressor (CIC) truncating mutations and 1p19q codel. C2 was characterized with tumor protein p53 (TP53) and ATRX chromatin remodeler (ATRX) inactivating mutations but depletion of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations. C3 showed elevated malignancy reflected from several oncogenic characteristics, such as tumor heterogeneity and cell stemness, and demonstrated the worst survival outcome. In addition, C3 showed elevated macrophage segregation via induction of cytokines that are able to enhance the permeability of the brain–blood barrier (BBB). Lastly, we developed a prognostic model based on the risk score system. Validation indicated that our model can independently predict the prognosis of LGG patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Medical School of Chinese People's Liberation Army, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Southern District of Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, Sanya, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Genetron Health (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Lan Su
- Genetron Health (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Jingjiao Ma
- Genetron Health (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Sizhen Wang
- Genetron Health (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Meng Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shunming Hong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Medical Centre, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Guan
- Health Economics Department, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Centre, Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing, China
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33
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Sun L, Arbesman J. Canonical Signaling Pathways in Melanoma. Clin Plast Surg 2021; 48:551-560. [PMID: 34503716 DOI: 10.1016/j.cps.2021.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is the most lethal type of skin cancer, originating from the uncontrolled proliferation of melanocytes. The transformation of normal melanocytes into malignant tumor cells has been a focus of research seeking to better understand melanoma's pathogenesis and develop new therapeutic targets. Over the past few decades, a conglomeration of studies has pinpointed several driver mutations and their associated signaling pathways. In this review, we summarize the key signaling pathways and the driver mutations involved in melanoma tumorigenesis and also discuss the potential underlying mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Sun
- Cleveland Clinic, Lerner College of Medicine at Case Western Reserve University, 9501 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Joshua Arbesman
- Department of Dermatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.
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34
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Kahn M. Taking the road less traveled - the therapeutic potential of CBP/β-catenin antagonists. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2021; 25:701-719. [PMID: 34633266 PMCID: PMC8745629 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1992386] [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: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
AREAS COVERED This perspective discusses the challenges of targeting the Wnt signaling cascade, the safety, efficacy, and therapeutic potential of specific CBP/β-catenin antagonists and a rationale for the pleiotropic effects of CBP/β-catenin antagonists beyond Wnt signaling. EXPERT OPINION CBP/β-catenin antagonists can correct lineage infidelity, enhance wound healing, both normal and aberrant (e.g. fibrosis) and force the differentiation and lineage commitment of stem cells and cancer stem cells by regulating enhancer and super-enhancer coactivator occupancy. Small molecule CBP/β-catenin antagonists rebalance the equilibrium between CBP/β-catenin versus p300/β-catenin dependent transcription and may be able to treat or prevent many diseases of aging, via maintenance of our somatic stem cell pool, and regulating mitochondrial function and metabolism involved in differentiation and immune cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Kahn
- Department of Molecular Medicine, City of Hope, Beckman Research Institute, 1500 East Duarte Road Flower Building, Duarte, CA, USA
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35
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Trejo-Solis C, Escamilla-Ramirez A, Jimenez-Farfan D, Castillo-Rodriguez RA, Flores-Najera A, Cruz-Salgado A. Crosstalk of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in the Induction of Apoptosis on Cancer Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14090871. [PMID: 34577571 PMCID: PMC8465904 DOI: 10.3390/ph14090871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a major role in cell survival and proliferation, as well as in angiogenesis, migration, invasion, metastasis, and stem cell renewal in various cancer types. However, the modulation (either up- or downregulation) of this pathway can inhibit cell proliferation and apoptosis both through β-catenin-dependent and independent mechanisms, and by crosstalk with other signaling pathways in a wide range of malignant tumors. Existing studies have reported conflicting results, indicating that the Wnt signaling can have both oncogenic and tumor-suppressing roles, depending on the cellular context. This review summarizes the available information on the role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and its crosstalk with other signaling pathways in apoptosis induction in cancer cells and presents a modified dual-signal model for the function of β-catenin. Understanding the proapoptotic mechanisms induced by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway could open new therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Trejo-Solis
- Laboratorio Experimental de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Ciudad de Mexico 14269, Mexico; (A.E.-R.); (A.C.-S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Angel Escamilla-Ramirez
- Laboratorio Experimental de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Ciudad de Mexico 14269, Mexico; (A.E.-R.); (A.C.-S.)
| | - Dolores Jimenez-Farfan
- Laboratorio de Inmunología, División de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigación, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de Mexico 04510, Mexico;
| | | | - Athenea Flores-Najera
- Centro Médico Nacional 20 de Noviembre, Departamento de Cirugía General, Ciudad de Mexico 03229, Mexico;
| | - Arturo Cruz-Salgado
- Laboratorio Experimental de Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Ciudad de Mexico 14269, Mexico; (A.E.-R.); (A.C.-S.)
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Pinczewski J, Obeng RC, Slingluff CL, Engelhard VH. Phospho-β-catenin expression in primary and metastatic melanomas and in tumor-free visceral tissues, and associations with expression of PD-L1 and PD-L2. Pathol Res Pract 2021; 224:153527. [PMID: 34167064 PMCID: PMC8645338 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2021.153527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
β-catenin (βcat) is an important downstream effector in the Wnt signaling pathway and plays important roles in the development and progression of many cancers including melanoma. βcat expression is regulated by GSK-3β-mediated phosphorylation at positions 33, 37 and 41. In normal cells, phosphorylation at these sites triggers proteasomal degradation, which prevents accumulation of free cytoplasmic βcat. In cancer cells, stabilized β-catenin translocates into the nucleus, where it associates with TCF/Lef proteins to activate transcription of genes that promote tumorigenesis and metastasis, including PD-L1. It has been suggested that nuclear phospho-βcat (pβcat) staining may be diagnostically useful in differentiating primary from metastatic melanoma. Also, a pβcat peptide (residues 30-39, with only S33 phosphorylated) is naturally presented by melanoma cells as a T-cell target. We evaluated expression of pS33-βcat in primary and metastatic melanomas by immunohistochemistry and found its expression varied widely but was most commonly cytoplasmic. Nuclear staining was identified in only 18% of metastatic melanomas. Staining with antibodies to pS33-βcat and pS33/37/T41-βcat was most intense in mitotic melanoma cells; however, pS33-βcat intensity was not significantly associated with AJCC stage, tumor location, BRAF mutation status, or immune infiltrates. Yet, PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression by tumor cells were significantly higher in tumors with high pS33-βcat expression. The low rate of nuclear pS33-βcat expression suggests that pS33-βcat may have limited utility for identifying metastatic melanomas. However, high expression in dividing cells and strong associations with PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression may inform future personalized therapies for tumors with high pS33-βcat expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Pinczewski
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, 22908, USA
| | - Rebecca C Obeng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Craig L Slingluff
- Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; UVA Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Victor H Engelhard
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Beirne Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; UVA Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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Zhao Y, Meng K, Yan Y, Miao Y, Zhao X, Wei Q, Ma B. Inhibition of cell proliferation and promotion of acinus-like structure formation from goat mammary epithelial cells via Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In Vitro Cell Dev Biol Anim 2021; 57:676-684. [PMID: 34312803 DOI: 10.1007/s11626-021-00600-7] [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: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Mammary epithelial cells have been suggested to be central to control the expansion and remodeling of mammary gland. Wnt/β-catenin signaling modulates cell fate in animals throughout their life span, and represents indispensable roles in tissue homeostasis, cell renewal, and regeneration in organs. Here, we utilized the small molecule 6-bromoindirubin-3'-oxime (BIO), an activator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and investigated whether Wnt/β-catenin signaling regulated the proliferation and acinus-like structure formation of goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs). We showed that isolated GMECs displayed the typical epithelial cobblestone morphology and expressed specific markers of mammary epithelial cells. BIO inhibited the proliferation of GMECs and decreased the expression of proliferation marker c-myc and cell cycle protein cyclin D1. However, the ability of GMECs to form spheroids was accelerated, and the level of E-cadherin mRNA was upregulated with BIO treatment. E-cadherin showed a bright cytomembrane with DMSO treatment, yet E-cadherin was present in cytomembrane and cytoplasm in GMECs with BIO treatment. Meanwhile, BIO increased the protein level of β-catenin and enhanced the translocation of β-catenin into the nucleus in GMECs. Furthermore, the mRNA level of Axin2 was also upregulated. This study suggested that Wnt/β-catenin signaling may play an important role in the proliferation and the acinus-like formation of GMECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Kai Meng
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yutong Yan
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuyang Miao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoe Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qiang Wei
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Baohua Ma
- Key Laboratory of Animal Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, 712100, Shaanxi, China.
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Young JC, Kerr G, Micati D, Nielsen JE, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Abud HE, Loveland KL. WNT signalling in the normal human adult testis and in male germ cell neoplasms. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:1991-2003. [PMID: 32667987 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is WNT signalling functional in normal and/or neoplastic human male germ cells? SUMMARY ANSWER Regulated WNT signalling component synthesis in human testes indicates that WNT pathway function changes during normal spermatogenesis and is active in testicular germ cell tumours (TGCTs), and that WNT pathway blockade may restrict seminoma growth and migration. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Regulated WNT signalling governs many developmental processes, including those affecting male fertility during early germ cell development at embryonic and adult (spermatogonial) ages in mice. In addition, although many cancers arise from WNT signalling alterations, the functional relevance and WNT pathway components in TGCT, including germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS), are unknown. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The cellular distribution of transcripts and proteins in WNT signalling pathways was assessed in fixed human testis sections with normal spermatogenesis, GCNIS and seminoma (2-16 individuals per condition). Short-term (1-7 h) ligand activation and long-term (1-5 days) functional outcomes were examined using the well-characterised seminoma cell line, TCam-2. Pathway inhibition used siRNA or chemical exposures over 5 days to assess survival and migration. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS The cellular localisation of WNT signalling components was determined using in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry on Bouin's- and formalin-fixed human testis sections with complete spermatogenesis or germ cell neoplasia, and was also assessed in TCam-2 cells. Pathway function tests included exposure of TCam-2 cells to ligands, small molecules and siRNAs. Outcomes were measured by monitoring beta-catenin (CTNNB1) intracellular localisation, cell counting and gap closure measurements. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE Detection of nuclear-localised beta-catenin (CTNNB1), and key WNT signalling components (including WNT3A, AXIN2, TCF7L1 and TCF7L2) indicate dynamic and cell-specific pathway activity in the adult human testis. Their presence in germ cell neoplasia and functional analyses in TCam-2 cells indicate roles for active canonical WNT signalling in TGCT relating to viability and migration. All data were analysed to determine statistical significance. LARGE SCALE DATA No large-scale datasets were generated in this study. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION As TGCTs are rare and morphologically heterogeneous, functional studies in primary cancer cells were not performed. Functional analysis was performed with the only well-characterised, widely accepted seminoma-derived cell line. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study demonstrated the potential sites and involvement of the WNT pathway in human spermatogenesis, revealing similarities with murine testis that suggest the potential for functional conservation during normal spermatogenesis. Evidence that inhibition of canonical WNT signalling leads to loss of viability and migratory activity in seminoma cells suggests that potential treatments using small molecule or siRNA inhibitors may be suitable for patients with metastatic TGCTs. STUDY FUNDING AND COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was funded by National Health and Medical Research Council of Australia (Project ID 1011340 to K.L.L. and H.E.A., and Fellowship ID 1079646 to K.L.L.) and supported by the Victorian Government's Operational Infrastructure Support Program. None of the authors have any competing interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Young
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia
| | - Genevieve Kerr
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia
| | - Diana Micati
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia.,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - John E Nielsen
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- Department of Growth and Reproduction, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Helen E Abud
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia.,Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia
| | - Kate L Loveland
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, 3800 Australia.,Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton 3168, Australia.,Department of Molecular and Translational Science, School of Clinical Sciences, Monash University, 3168, Australia
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Shami Shah A, Cao X, White AC, Baskin JM. PLEKHA4 Promotes Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling-Mediated G 1-S Transition and Proliferation in Melanoma. Cancer Res 2021; 81:2029-2043. [PMID: 33574086 PMCID: PMC8137570 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-2584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Despite recent promising advances in targeted therapies and immunotherapies, patients with melanoma incur substantial mortality. In particular, inhibitors targeting BRAF-mutant melanoma can lead to resistance, and no targeted therapies exist for NRAS-mutant melanoma, motivating the search for additional therapeutic targets and vulnerable pathways. Here we identify a regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, PLEKHA4, as a factor required for melanoma proliferation and survival. PLEKHA4 knockdown in vitro decreased Dishevelled levels, attenuated Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and blocked progression through the G1-S cell-cycle transition. In mouse xenograft and allograft models, inducible PLEKHA4 knockdown attenuated tumor growth in BRAF- and NRAS-mutant melanomas and exhibited an additive effect with the clinically used inhibitor encorafenib in a BRAF-mutant model. As an E3 ubiquitin ligase regulator with both lipid- and protein-binding partners, PLEKHA4 presents several opportunities for targeting with small molecules. Our work identifies PLEKHA4 as a promising drug target for melanoma and clarifies a controversial role for Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the control of melanoma proliferation. SIGNIFICANCE: This study establishes that melanoma cell proliferation requires the protein PLEKHA4 to promote pathologic Wnt signaling for proliferation, highlighting PLEKHA4 inhibition as a new avenue for the development of targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Shami Shah
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Xiaofu Cao
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Andrew C White
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
| | - Jeremy M Baskin
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York.
- Weill Institute for Cell and Molecular Biology, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York
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40
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Liu Z, Wang P, Wold EA, Song Q, Zhao C, Wang C, Zhou J. Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting the Canonical WNT Signaling Pathway for the Treatment of Cancer. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4257-4288. [PMID: 33822624 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Canonical WNT signaling is an important developmental pathway that has attracted increased attention for anticancer drug discovery. From the production and secretion of WNT ligands, their binding to membrane receptors, and the β-catenin destruction complex to the expansive β-catenin transcriptional complex, multiple components have been investigated as drug targets to modulate WNT signaling. Significant progress in developing WNT inhibitors such as porcupine inhibitors, tankyrase inhibitors, β-catenin/coactivators, protein-protein interaction inhibitors, casein kinase modulators, DVL inhibitors, and dCTPP1 inhibitors has been made, with several candidates (e.g., LGK-974, PRI-724, and ETC-159) in human clinical trials. Herein we summarize recent progress in the drug discovery and development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting the canonical WNT pathway, focusing on their specific target proteins, in vitro and in vivo activities, physicochemical properties, and therapeutic potential. The relevant opportunities and challenges toward maintaining the balance between efficacy and toxicity in effectively targeting this pathway are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Liu
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Pingyuan Wang
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Eric A Wold
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Qiaoling Song
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Chenyang Zhao
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Changyun Wang
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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41
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Lin D, Reddy V, Osman H, Lopez A, Koksal AR, Rhadhi SM, Dash S, Aydin Y. Additional Inhibition of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling by Metformin in DAA Treatments as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for HCV-Infected Patients. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040790. [PMID: 33918222 PMCID: PMC8065725 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although HCV clearance has been improved by the advent of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAA), retrospective studies have shown that the risk of subsequent HCC, while considerably decreased compared with active HCV infection, persists after DAA regimens. However, either the mechanisms of how chronic HCV infection causes HCC or the factors responsible for HCC development after viral eradication in patients with DAA treatments remain elusive. We reported an in vitro model of chronic HCV infection and determined Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation due to the inhibition of GSK-3β activity via serine 9 phosphorylation (p-ser9-GSK-3β) leading to stable non-phosphorylated β-catenin. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated the upregulation of both β-catenin and p-Ser9-GSK-3β in HCV-induced HCC tissues. Chronic HCV infection increased proliferation and colony-forming ability, but knockdown of β-catenin decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis. Unexpectedly, Wnt/β-catenin signaling remained activated in chronic HCV-infected cells after HCV eradication by DAA, but metformin reversed it through PKA/GSK-3β-mediated β-catenin degradation, inhibited colony-forming ability and proliferation, and increased apoptosis, suggesting that DAA therapy in combination with metformin may be a novel therapy to treat HCV-associated HCC where metformin suppresses Wnt/β-catenin signaling for HCV-infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Lin
- Correspondence: (D.L.); (Y.A.); Tel.: +1-504-988-2421 (D.L.); +1-443-579-6318 (Y.A.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yucel Aydin
- Correspondence: (D.L.); (Y.A.); Tel.: +1-504-988-2421 (D.L.); +1-443-579-6318 (Y.A.)
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Zolghadr F, Bakhshinejad B, Davuchbabny S, Sarrafpour B, Seyedasli N. Critical regulatory levels in tumor differentiation: Signaling pathways, epigenetics and non-coding transcripts. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2000190. [PMID: 33644880 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Approaches to induce tumor differentiation often result in manageable and therapy-naïve cellular states in cancer cells. This transformation is achieved by activating pathways that drive tumor cells away from plasticity, a state that commonly correlates with enhanced aggression, metastasis and resistance to therapy. Here, we discuss signaling pathways, epigenetics and non-coding RNAs as three main regulatory levels with the potential to drive tumor differentiation and hence as potential targets in differentiation therapy approaches. The success of an effective therapeutic regimen in one cancer, however, does not necessarily sustain across cancer types; a phenomenon largely resulting from heterogeneity in the genetic and physiological landscapes of tumor types necessitating an approach designed for each cancer's unique genetic and phenotypic build-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Zolghadr
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Babak Bakhshinejad
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sapir Davuchbabny
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Babak Sarrafpour
- School of Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Naisana Seyedasli
- School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Westmead Hospital, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia.,The Centre for Cancer Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
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Ligand Bound Fatty Acid Binding Protein 7 (FABP7) Drives Melanoma Cell Proliferation Via Modulation of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Pharm Res 2021; 38:479-490. [PMID: 33646504 DOI: 10.1007/s11095-021-03009-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Fatty acid-binding protein 7 (FABP7) involved in intracellular lipid dynamics, is highly expressed in melanomas and associated with decreased patient survival. Several studies put FABP7 at the center of melanoma cell proliferation. However, the underlying mechanisms are not well deciphered. This study examines the effects of FABP7 on Wnt/β-catenin signaling that enhances proliferation in melanoma cells. METHODS Skmel23 cells with FABP7 silencing and Mel2 cells overexpressed with wild-type FABP7 (FABP7wt) and mutated FABP7 (FABP7mut) were used. Cell proliferation and migration were analyzed by proliferation and wound-healing assay, respectively. Transcriptional activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling was measured by luciferase reporter assay. The effects of a specific FABP7 inhibitor, MF6, on proliferation, migration, and modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling were examined. RESULTS FABP7 siRNA knockdown in Skmel23 decreased proliferation and migration, cyclin D1 expression, as well as Wnt/β-catenin activity. Similarly, FABP7wt overexpression in Mel2 cells increased these effects, but FABP7mut abrogated these effects. Pharmacological inhibition of FABP7 function with MF6 suppressed FABP7-regulated proliferation of melanoma cells. CONCLUSION These results suggest the importance of the interaction between FABP7 and its ligands in melanoma proliferation modulation, and the beneficial implications of therapeutic targeting of FABP7 for melanoma treatment.
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Lou X, Meng Y, Hou Y. A literature review on function and regulation mechanism of DKK4. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:2786-2794. [PMID: 33586359 PMCID: PMC7957263 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dickkopf-related protein 4 (DKK4) is a member of the dickkopf family and an inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. This review surveyed the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), copy number variations (CNVs), hypermethylation, regulation mechanism, correlation with clinicopathological parameters and chemotherapeutic resistance of DKK4. The signal pathways involved in DKK4 mainly include Wnt/β-catenin pathway and Wnt-JNK pathway independent β-catenin. DKK4 expression was upregulated in Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC), Colorectal Cancer, Gastric Cancer (GC), Non-small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) and Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC), while downregulated in Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC). DKK4 is not only involved in tumour growth, invasion, migration and chemotherapy resistance, but also in osteoblastogenesis and secondary hair or meibomian gland formation. DKK4 has also been linked to schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Lou
- Department of Central Laboratory, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuchen Meng
- Department of Central Laboratory, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqiang Hou
- Department of Central Laboratory, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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New Insights into the Link between Melanoma and Thyroid Cancer: Role of Nucleocytoplasmic Trafficking. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020367. [PMID: 33578751 PMCID: PMC7916461 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a major public health concern, mainly because of the incompletely understood dynamics of molecular mechanisms for progression and resistance to treatments. The link between melanoma and thyroid cancer (TC) has been noted in numerous patients. Nucleocytoplasmic transport of oncogenes and tumor suppressor proteins is a common mechanism in melanoma and TC that promotes tumorigenesis and tumor aggressiveness. However, this mechanism remains poorly understood. Papillary TC (PTC) patients have a 1.8-fold higher risk for developing cutaneous malignant melanoma than healthy patients. Our group and others showed that patients with melanoma have a 2.15 to 2.3-fold increased risk of being diagnosed with PTC. The BRAF V600E mutation has been reported as a biological marker for aggressiveness and a potential genetic link between malignant melanoma and TC. The main mechanistic factor in the connection between these two cancer types is the alteration of the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway activation and translocation. The mechanisms of nucleocytoplasmic trafficking associated with RAS, RAF, and Wnt signaling pathways in melanoma and TC are reviewed. In addition, we discuss the roles of tumor suppressor proteins such as p53, p27, forkhead O transcription factors (FOXO), and NF-KB within the nuclear and cytoplasmic cellular compartments and their association with tumor aggressiveness. A meticulous English-language literature analysis was performed using the PubMed Central database. Search parameters included articles published up to 2021 with keyword search terms melanoma and thyroid cancer, BRAF mutation, and nucleocytoplasmic transport in cancer.
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Gao L, Gou N, Yao M, Amakye WK, Ren J. Food-derived natural compounds in the management of chronic diseases via Wnt signaling pathway. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2021; 62:4769-4799. [PMID: 33554630 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2021.1879001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved pathway that control embryonic development, adult tissue homeostasis, and pathological processes of organisms throughout life. However, dysregulation of the Wnt signaling is associated with the occurrence of chronic diseases. In comparison with the application of chemical drugs as traditional treatment for chronic diseases, dietary agents have unique advantages, such as less side effects, multiple targets, convenience in accessibility and higher acceptability in long-term intervention. In this review, we summarized current progress in manipulating the Wnt signaling using food components and its benefits in managing chronic diseases. The underlying mechanisms of bioactive food components in the management of the disease progression via the Wnt signaling was illustrated. Then, the review focused on the function of dietary pattern (which might act via combination of foods with multiple nutrients or food ingredients) on targeting Wnt signaling at multiple level. The potential caveats and challenges in developing new strategy via modulating Wnt-associated diseases with food-based agents and appropriate dietary pattern are also discussed in detail. This review shed light on the understanding of the regulatory effect of food bioactive components on chronic diseases management through the Wnt signaling, which can be expanded to other specific signaling pathway associated with disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Gao
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Gou
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Maojin Yao
- Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease & China State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - William Kwame Amakye
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaoyan Ren
- School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China.,Research Institute for Food Nutrition and Human Health, Guangzhou, China
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Caspi M, Wittenstein A, Kazelnik M, Shor-Nareznoy Y, Rosin-Arbesfeld R. Therapeutic targeting of the oncogenic Wnt signaling pathway for treating colorectal cancer and other colonic disorders. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2021; 169:118-136. [PMID: 33346022 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2020.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The canonical Wnt pathway is one of the key cellular signaling cascades that regulates, via the transcriptional co-activator β-catenin, numerous embryogenic developmental processes, as well as tissue homeostasis. It is therefore not surprising that misregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been implicated in carcinogenesis. Aberrant Wnt signaling has been reported in a variety of malignancies, and its role in both hereditary and sporadic colorectal cancer (CRC), has been the subject of intensive study. Interestingly, the vast majority of colorectal tumors harbor mutations in the tumor suppressor gene adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). The Wnt pathway is complex, and despite decades of research, the mechanisms that underlie its functions are not completely known. Thus, although the Wnt cascade is an attractive target for therapeutic intervention against CRC, one of the malignancies with the highest morbidity and mortality rates, achieving efficacy and safety is yet extremely challenging. Here, we review the current knowledge of the Wnt different epistatic signaling components and the mechanism/s by which the signal is transduced in both health and disease, focusing on CRC. We address some of the important questions in the field and describe various therapeutic strategies designed to combat unregulated Wnt signaling, the development of targeted therapy approaches and the emerging challenges that are associated with these advanced methods.
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The Crosstalk between FAK and Wnt Signaling Pathways in Cancer and Its Therapeutic Implication. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21239107. [PMID: 33266025 PMCID: PMC7730291 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21239107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Wnt signaling pathways are important contributors to tumorigenesis in several cancers. While most results come from studies investigating these pathways individually, there is increasing evidence of a functional crosstalk between both signaling pathways during development and tumor progression. A number of FAK-Wnt interactions are described, suggesting an intricate, context-specific, and cell type-dependent relationship. During development for instance, FAK acts mainly upstream of Wnt signaling; and although in intestinal homeostasis and mucosal regeneration Wnt seems to function upstream of FAK signaling, FAK activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway during APC-driven intestinal tumorigenesis. In breast, lung, and pancreatic cancers, FAK is reported to modulate the Wnt signaling pathway, while in prostate cancer, FAK is downstream of Wnt. In malignant mesothelioma, FAK and Wnt show an antagonistic relationship: Inhibiting FAK signaling activates the Wnt pathway and vice versa. As the identification of effective Wnt inhibitors to translate in the clinical setting remains an outstanding challenge, further understanding of the functional interaction between Wnt and FAK could reveal new therapeutic opportunities and approaches greatly needed in clinical oncology. In this review, we summarize some of the most relevant interactions between FAK and Wnt in different cancers, address the current landscape of Wnt- and FAK-targeted therapies in different clinical trials, and discuss the rationale for targeting the FAK-Wnt crosstalk, along with the possible translational implications.
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Diagnostic Utility of LEF1 Immunohistochemistry in Differentiating Deep Penetrating Nevi From Histologic Mimics. Am J Surg Pathol 2020; 44:1413-1418. [PMID: 32520758 DOI: 10.1097/pas.0000000000001513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Deep penetrating nevi (DPNs) are intermediate grade lesions which have the capacity to recur, metastasize, or progress to melanoma. Differentiating DPN from other melanocytic lesions including blue and cellular blue nevi can be diagnostically challenging, and markers to distinguish these entities can be useful. Mutations of the β-catenin and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways have recently been elucidated as distinctive of DPN. This pathway can subsequently activate lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1), a transcription factor shown to facilitate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition to propagate tumorigenesis. Seventy-two cases in total were examined on hematoxylin and eosin sections and with β-catenin and LEF1 immunohistochemistry. This included: DPN (14), cellular blue nevi (19), blue nevi (15), congenital melanocytic nevi (12), and melanoma (12). Nuclear expression of LEF1, present throughout the entire depth of the lesion, was noted in 13/14 (93%) of DPN, 0/19 (0%) of cellular blue nevi, 0/15 (0%) of blue nevi, 1/12 (8%) of congenital melanocytic nevi, and 9/12 (75%) of melanoma cases. Nuclear expression of β-catenin, present throughout the entire depth of the lesion, was noted in 14/14 (100%) of DPN, 0/18 (0%) of cellular blue nevi, 0/15 (0%) of blue nevi, 1/12 (8%) of congenital melanocytic nevi, and 1/12 (8%) of melanoma cases. A majority of congenital melanocytic nevi demonstrated a gradient of LEF1 and β-catenin expression with more intense staining superficially and loss of staining with increasing depth. Deep, uniform nuclear LEF1 combined with β-catenin immunohistochemical staining can be useful in distinguishing DPN from histologic mimics.
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Manoranjan B, Adile AA, Venugopal C, Singh SK. WNT: an unexpected tumor suppressor in medulloblastoma. Mol Cell Oncol 2020; 7:1834903. [PMID: 33241114 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2020.1834903] [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: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Medulloblastoma (MB) represents the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor and is defined by four molecular subgroups with WNT MB having the most favorable prognosis. Our work provides a rational therapeutic option in which the protective effects of WNT-driven MBs may be augmented in Group 3 and 4 MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branavan Manoranjan
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ashley A Adile
- Departments of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chitra Venugopal
- Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheila K Singh
- Departments of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.,Surgery, Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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