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Zhang Y, He X, Yin D, Zhang Y. Redefinition of Synovial Fibroblasts in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Aging Dis 2024:AD.2024.0514. [PMID: 39122458 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2024.0514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The breakdown of immune tolerance and the rise in autoimmunity contribute to the onset of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), driven by significant changes in immune components. Recent advances in single-cell and spatial transcriptome profiling have revealed shifts in cell distribution and composition, expanding our understanding beyond molecular-level changes in inflammatory cytokines, autoantibodies, and autoantigens in RA. Surprisingly, synovial fibroblasts (SFs) play an active immunopathogenic role rather than remaining passive bystanders in RA, with notable alterations in their subpopulation distribution and composition. This study examines these changes in SF heterogeneity, assesses their impact on RA progression, and elucidates the immune characteristics and functions of SF subsets in the RA autoimmunity, encompassing both intrinsic and adaptive immunity. Additionally, this review discusses therapeutic strategies targeting immune SF subsets, highlighting the potential of future interventions in SF phenotypic reprogramming. Overall, this review redefines the role of SFs in RA and suggests targeting SF phenotypic reprogramming and its upstream molecules as a promising therapeutic approach to restore immune balance and modulate immune tolerance in RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinci Zhang
- First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Xiong He
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Dongdong Yin
- First Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Yihao Zhang
- Department of health inspection and quarantine, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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2
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Mourtada J, Thibaudeau C, Wasylyk B, Jung AC. The Multifaceted Role of Human Dickkopf-3 (DKK-3) in Development, Immune Modulation and Cancer. Cells 2023; 13:75. [PMID: 38201279 PMCID: PMC10778571 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The human Dickkopf (DKK) family includes four main secreted proteins, DKK-1, DKK-2, DKK-3, and DKK-4, as well as the DKK-3 related protein soggy (Sgy-1 or DKKL1). These glycoproteins play crucial roles in various biological processes, and especially modulation of the Wnt signaling pathway. DKK-3 is distinct, with its multifaceted roles in development, stem cell differentiation and tissue homeostasis. Intriguingly, DKK-3 appears to have immunomodulatory functions and a complex role in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or an oncogene, depending on the context. DKK-3 is a promising diagnostic and therapeutic target that can be modulated by epigenetic reactivation, gene therapy and DKK-3-blocking agents. However, further research is needed to optimize DKK-3-based therapies. In this review, we comprehensively describe the known functions of DKK-3 and highlight the importance of context in understanding and exploiting its roles in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Mourtada
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tumorale, Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, 67200 Strasbourg, France; (J.M.); (C.T.)
- Laboratoire STREINTH (Stress Response and Innovative Therapies), INSERM U1113 IRFAC, Université de Strasbourg, 67200 Strasbourg, France
| | - Chloé Thibaudeau
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tumorale, Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, 67200 Strasbourg, France; (J.M.); (C.T.)
- Laboratoire STREINTH (Stress Response and Innovative Therapies), INSERM U1113 IRFAC, Université de Strasbourg, 67200 Strasbourg, France
| | - Bohdan Wasylyk
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France;
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U 1258, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
- Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7104, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Alain C. Jung
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tumorale, Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, 67200 Strasbourg, France; (J.M.); (C.T.)
- Laboratoire STREINTH (Stress Response and Innovative Therapies), INSERM U1113 IRFAC, Université de Strasbourg, 67200 Strasbourg, France
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3
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Trotter TN, Dagotto CE, Serra D, Wang T, Yang X, Acharya CR, Wei J, Lei G, Lyerly HK, Hartman ZC. Dormant tumors circumvent tumor-specific adaptive immunity by establishing a Treg-dominated niche via DKK3. JCI Insight 2023; 8:e174458. [PMID: 37847565 PMCID: PMC10721325 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.174458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 30% of breast cancer survivors deemed free of disease will experience locoregional or metastatic recurrence even up to 30 years after initial diagnosis, yet how residual/dormant tumor cells escape immunity elicited by the primary tumor remains unclear. We demonstrate that intrinsically dormant tumor cells are indeed recognized and lysed by antigen-specific T cells in vitro and elicit robust immune responses in vivo. However, despite close proximity to CD8+ killer T cells, dormant tumor cells themselves support early accumulation of protective FoxP3+ T regulatory cells (Tregs), which can be targeted to reduce tumor burden. These intrinsically dormant tumor cells maintain a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal state that is associated with immune dysfunction, and we find that the tumor-derived, stem cell/basal cell protein Dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 3 (DKK3) is critical for Treg inhibition of CD8+ T cells. We also demonstrate that DKK3 promotes immune-mediated progression of proliferative tumors and is significantly associated with poor survival and immunosuppression in human breast cancers. Together, these findings reveal that latent tumors can use fundamental mechanisms of tolerance to alter the T cell microenvironment and subvert immune detection. Thus, targeting these pathways, such as DKK3, may help render dormant tumors susceptible to immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - H. Kim Lyerly
- Department of Surgery, and
- Department of Pathology/Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Zachary C. Hartman
- Department of Surgery, and
- Department of Pathology/Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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4
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Han MH, Baek JM, Min KW, Cheong JH, Ryu JI, Won YD, Kwon MJ, Koh SH. DKK3 expression is associated with immunosuppression and poor prognosis in glioblastoma, in contrast to lower-grade gliomas. BMC Neurol 2023; 23:183. [PMID: 37149563 PMCID: PMC10163766 DOI: 10.1186/s12883-023-03236-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We previously reported that expression of dickkopf-3 (DKK3), which is involved in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, is significantly associated with prognosis in patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). The aim of this study was to compare the association of DKK3 with other Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related genes and immune responses between lower grade glioma (LGG) and GBM. METHODS We obtained the clinicopathological data of 515 patients with LGG (World Health Organization [WHO] grade II and III glioma) and 525 patients with GBM from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. We performed Pearson's correlation analysis to investigate the relationships between Wnt/β-catenin-related gene expression in LGG and GBM. Linear regression analysis was performed to identify the association between DKK3 expression and immune cell fractions in all grade II to IV gliomas. RESULTS A total of 1,040 patients with WHO grade II to IV gliomas were included in the study. As the grade of glioma increased, DKK3 showed a tendency to be more strongly positively correlated with the expression of other Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related genes. DKK3 was not associated with immunosuppression in LGG but was associated with downregulation of immune responses in GBM. We hypothesized that the role of DKK3 in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway might be different between LGG and GBM. CONCLUSION According to our findings, DKK3 expression had a weak effect on LGG but a significant effect on immunosuppression and poor prognosis in GBM. Therefore, DKK3 expression seems to play different roles, through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, between LGG and GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myung-Hoon Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Min Baek
- Department of Translational Medicine, Graduate School of Biomedical Science & Engineering, Hanyang University, Hanyang University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kyueng-Whan Min
- Department of Pathology Uijeongbu Eulji Medical Center, Eulji University School of Medicine, Uijeongbu, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jin Hwan Cheong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Je Il Ryu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Deok Won
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Guri, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Jung Kwon
- Department of Pathology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong-Ho Koh
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, 11923 Gyeongchun-ro, Guri-Si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
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Dijkstra J, Neikes HK, Rezaeifard S, Ma X, Voest EE, Tauriello DVF, Vermeulen M. Multiomics of Colorectal Cancer Organoids Reveals Putative Mediators of Cancer Progression Resulting from SMAD4 Inactivation. J Proteome Res 2023; 22:138-151. [PMID: 36450103 PMCID: PMC9830641 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.2c00551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
The development of metastasis severely reduces the life expectancy of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Although loss of SMAD4 is a key event in CRC progression, the resulting changes in biological processes in advanced disease and metastasis are not fully understood. Here, we applied a multiomics approach to a CRC organoid model that faithfully reflects the metastasis-supporting effects of SMAD4 inactivation. We show that loss of SMAD4 results in decreased differentiation and activation of pro-migratory and cell proliferation processes, which is accompanied by the disruption of several key oncogenic pathways, including the TGFβ, WNT, and VEGF pathways. In addition, SMAD4 inactivation leads to increased secretion of proteins that are known to be involved in a variety of pro-metastatic processes. Finally, we show that one of the factors that is specifically secreted by SMAD4-mutant organoids─DKK3─reduces the antitumor effects of natural killer cells (NK cells). Altogether, our data provide new insights into the role of SMAD4 perturbation in advanced CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelmer
J. Dijkstra
- Department
of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular
Life Sciences (RIMLS), Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 26−28, 6525
GA Nijmegen, The
Netherlands
| | - Hannah K. Neikes
- Department
of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular
Life Sciences (RIMLS), Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 26−28, 6525
GA Nijmegen, The
Netherlands
| | - Somayeh Rezaeifard
- Department
of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute
for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud
University Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 26−28, 6525
GA Nijmegen, The
Netherlands
| | - Xuhui Ma
- Department
of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek
Hospital, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emile E. Voest
- Department
of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Antoni van Leeuwenhoek
Hospital, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniele V. F. Tauriello
- Department
of Cell Biology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute
for Molecular Life Sciences (RIMLS), Radboud
University Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 26−28, 6525
GA Nijmegen, The
Netherlands
| | - Michiel Vermeulen
- Department
of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science, Radboud Institute for Molecular
Life Sciences (RIMLS), Oncode Institute, Radboud University Nijmegen, Geert Grooteplein 26−28, 6525
GA Nijmegen, The
Netherlands,
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6
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Garrity C, Arzi B, Haus B, Lee CA, Vapniarsky N. A Fresh Glimpse into Cartilage Immune Privilege. Cartilage 2022; 13:119-132. [PMID: 36250484 PMCID: PMC9924976 DOI: 10.1177/19476035221126349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The increasing prevalence of degenerative cartilage disorders in young patients is a growing public concern worldwide. Cartilage's poor innate regenerative capacity has inspired the exploration and development of cartilage replacement treatments such as tissue-engineered cartilages and osteochondral implants as potential solutions to cartilage loss. The clinical application of tissue-engineered implants is hindered by the lack of long-term follow-up demonstrating efficacy, biocompatibility, and bio-integration. The historically reported immunological privilege of cartilage tissue was based on histomorphological observations pointing out the lack of vascularity and the presence of a tight extracellular matrix. However, clinical studies in humans and animals do not unequivocally support the immune-privilege theory. More in-depth studies on cartilage immunology are needed to make clinical advances such as tissue engineering more applicable. This review analyzes the literature that supports and opposes the concept that cartilage is an immune-privileged tissue and provides insight into mechanisms conferring various degrees of immune privilege to other, more in-depth studied tissues such as testis, eyes, brain, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carissa Garrity
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology
and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Boaz Arzi
- Department of Surgical and Radiological
Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA,
USA
| | - Brian Haus
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Cassandra A. Lee
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
University of California Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Natalia Vapniarsky
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology
and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, USA,Natalia Vapniarsky, Department of
Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, One
Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616-5270, USA.
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7
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Al Shareef Z, Ershaid MNA, Mudhafar R, Soliman SSM, Kypta RM. Dickkopf-3: An Update on a Potential Regulator of the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235822. [PMID: 36497305 PMCID: PMC9738550 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235822] [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: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dickkopf-3 (Dkk-3) is a member of the Dickkopf family protein of secreted Wingless-related integration site (Wnt) antagonists that appears to modulate regulators of the host microenvironment. In contrast to the clear anti-tumorigenic effects of Dkk-3-based gene therapies, the role of endogenous Dkk-3 in cancer is context-dependent, with elevated expression associated with tumor promotion and suppression in different settings. The receptors and effectors that mediate the diverse effects of Dkk-3 have not been characterized in detail, contributing to an ongoing mystery of its mechanism of action. This review compares the various functions of Dkk-3 in the tumor microenvironment, where Dkk-3 has been found to be expressed by subpopulations of fibroblasts, endothelial, and immune cells, in addition to epithelial cells. We also discuss how the activation or inhibition of Dkk-3, depending on tumor type and context, might be used to treat different types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Al Shareef
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +971-6505-7250
| | - Mai Nidal Asad Ershaid
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rula Mudhafar
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameh S. M. Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Robert M. Kypta
- CIC BioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, BRTA, Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160 Derio, Spain
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
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Chen X, Hu J, Wang Y, Lee Y, Zhao X, Lu H, Zhu G, Wang H, Jiang Y, Liu F, Chen Y, Kim BS, Zhou Q, Liu X, Wang X, Chang SH, Dong C. The FoxO4/DKK3 axis represses IFN-γ expression by Th1 cells and limits antimicrobial immunity. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:147566. [PMID: 36106640 PMCID: PMC9479610 DOI: 10.1172/jci147566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box O transcriptional factors, especially FoxO1 and FoxO3a, play critical roles in physiologic and pathologic immune responses. However, the function of FoxO4, another main member of the FoxO family, in lymphoid cells is still poorly understood. Here, we showed that loss of FoxO4 in T cells augmented IFN-γ production of Th1 cells in vitro. Correspondingly, conditional deletion of FoxO4 in CD4+ T cells enhanced T cell–specific responses to Listeria monocytogenes infection in vivo. Genome-wide occupancy and transcriptomic analyses identified Dkk3 (encoding the Dickkopf-3 protein) as a direct transcriptional target of FoxO4. Consistent with the FoxO4-DKK3 relationship, recombinant DKK3 protein restored normal levels of IFN-γ production in FoxO4-deficient Th1 cells through the downregulation of lymphoid enhancer–binding factor 1 (Lef1) expression. Together, our data suggest a potential FoxO4/DKK3 axis in Th1 cell differentiation, providing what we believe to be an important insight and supplement for FoxO family proteins in T lymphocyte biology and revealing a promising target for the treatment of immune-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Chen
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jia Hu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Systems Biology, and
| | - Yunfei Wang
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Younghee Lee
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaohong Zhao
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Huiping Lu
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Annoroad Gene Technology Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Gengzhen Zhu
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Liu
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yongzhen Chen
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Byung-Seok Kim
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xindong Liu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaohu Wang
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Seon Hee Chang
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chen Dong
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Shanghai Immune Therapy Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
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9
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High DKK3 expression related to immunosuppression was associated with poor prognosis in glioblastoma: machine learning approach. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 71:3013-3027. [PMID: 35599254 PMCID: PMC9588473 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03222-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is an aggressive malignant primary brain tumor. Wnt/β-catenin is known to be related to GBM stemness. Cancer stem cells induce immunosuppressive and treatment resistance in GBM. We hypothesized that Wnt/β-catenin-related genes with immunosuppression could be related to the prognosis in patients with GBM. Methods We obtained the clinicopathological data of 525 patients with GBM from the brain cancer gene database. The fraction of tumor-infiltrating immune cells was evaluated using in silico flow cytometry. Among gene sets of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) gene related to the immunosuppressive response was found using machine learning. We performed gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), network-based analysis, survival analysis and in vitro drug screening assays based on Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) expression. Results In analyses of 31 genes related to Wnt/β-catenin signaling, high DKK3 expression was negatively correlated with increased antitumoral immunity, especially CD8 + and CD4 + T cells, in patients with GBM. High DKK3 expression was correlated with poor survival and disease progression in patients with GBM. In pathway-based network analysis, DKK3 was directly linked to the THY1 gene, a tumor suppressor gene. Through in vitro drug screening, we identified navitoclax as an agent with potent activity against GBM cell lines with high DKK3 expression. Conclusions These results suggest that high DKK3 expression could be a therapeutic target in GBM. The results of the present study could contribute to the design of future experimental research and drug development programs for GBM. Graphical abstract ![]()
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00262-022-03222-4.
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10
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Park MH, Shin JH, Bothwell AL, Chae WJ. Dickkopf proteins in pathological inflammatory diseases. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 111:893-901. [PMID: 34890067 PMCID: PMC9889104 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.3ri0721-385r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The human body encounters various challenges. Tissue repair and regeneration processes are augmented after tissue injury to reinstate tissue homeostasis. The Wnt pathway plays a crucial role in tissue repair since it induces target genes required for cell proliferation and differentiation. Since tissue injury causes inflammatory immune responses, it has become increasingly clear that the Wnt ligands can function as immunomodulators while critical for tissue homeostasis. The Wnt pathway and Wnt ligands have been studied extensively in cancer biology and developmental biology. While the Wnt ligands are being studied actively, how the Wnt antagonists and their regulatory mechanisms can modulate immune responses during chronic pathological inflammation remain elusive. This review summarizes DKK family proteins as immunomodulators, aiming to provide an overarching picture for tissue injury and repair. To this end, we first review the Wnt pathway components and DKK family proteins. Next, we will review DKK family proteins (DKK1, 2, and 3) as a new class of immunomodulatory protein in cancer and other chronic inflammatory diseases. Taken together, DKK family proteins and their immunomodulatory functions in chronic inflammatory disorders provide novel insights to understand immune diseases and make them attractive molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hee Park
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 401 College Street., Richmond, VA 23298,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 401 College Street., Richmond, VA 23298
| | - Jae Hun Shin
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Alfred L.M. Bothwell
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Wook-Jin Chae
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 401 College Street., Richmond, VA 23298,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, 401 College Street., Richmond, VA 23298
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11
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Kikuchi A, Matsumoto S, Sada R. Dickkopf signaling, beyond Wnt-mediated biology. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 125:55-65. [PMID: 34801396 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dickkopf1 (DKK1) was originally identified as a secreted protein that antagonizes Wnt signaling. Although DKK1 is essential for the developmental process, its functions in postnatal and adult life are unclear. However, evidence is accumulating that DKK1 is involved in tumorigenesis in a manner unrelated to Wnt signaling. In addition, recent studies have revealed that DKK1 may control immune reactions, although the relationship of this to Wnt signaling is unknown. Other DKK family members, DKK2-4, are likely to have their own functions. Here, we review the possible novel functions of DKKs. We summarize the characteristics of receptors of DKKs and the signaling mechanisms through DKKs and their receptors, provide evidence showing that DKKs are involved in tumor aggressiveness independently of Wnt signaling, and emphasize promising cancer therapies targeting DKKs and receptors. Lastly, we discuss various physiological and pathological processes controlled by DKKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Kikuchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Shinji Matsumoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryota Sada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
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12
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Guo Q, Chu Y, Li H, Shi D, Lin L, Lan W, Wu D. Dickkopf-related protein 3 alters aerobic glycolysis in pancreatic cancer BxPC-3 cells, promoting CD4 + T-cell activation and function. Eur J Med Res 2021; 26:93. [PMID: 34391478 PMCID: PMC8364117 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-021-00567-x] [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: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To investigate the value of Dickkopf-related protein 3 (DKK3) on aerobic glycolysis in pancreatic cancer cells, where DKK3-overexpression is used to determine its effects on CD4+ T cells. Methods The BxPC-3-DKK3 cell line was constructed, and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) was prepared. After isolated the CD4+ T cells, the lactic acid, glucose uptake ability, cellular viability, proliferation, apoptosis, and markers were detected by PCR and western blot, and the concentrations of multiple cytokines were determined using the ELISA method. Results After co-culture with pancreatic cancer cells overexpressing DKK3, the glucose uptake markedly, proliferation enhanced and apoptosis inhibited in CD4+ T cells. The co-culture model also revealed that DKK3-overexpression promotes the activation and regulates the metabolism and function of CD4+ T cells. Conclusions DKK3 alters the metabolic microenvironment of pancreatic cancer cells and further facilitates the function of CD4+ T cells which suggesting that DKK3 may have a therapeutic potential in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqu Guo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yiming Chu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hongbo Li
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Dike Shi
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lele Lin
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weifeng Lan
- Department of Surgery, Suichang County Hospital, No. 143 North Street, Suichang County, Lishui City, 323300, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Dan Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, No. 88 Jiefang Road, Hangzhou, 310009, Zhejiang, China.
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13
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Zeng N, Wen YH, Pan R, Yang J, Yan YM, Zhao AZ, Zhu JN, Fang XH, Shan ZX. Dickkopf 3: a Novel Target Gene of miR-25-3p in Promoting Fibrosis-Related Gene Expression in Myocardial Fibrosis. J Cardiovasc Transl Res 2021; 14:1051-1062. [PMID: 33723747 DOI: 10.1007/s12265-021-10116-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) participate in cardiac fibrosis. We aimed to elucidate the effect of miRNA miR-25-3p on cardiac fibrosis. MiRNA microarray was used to profile miRNAs in the myocardium of angiotensin-II (Ang-II)-infused mice. Effect of miR-25-3p on expression of fibrosis-related genes, including Col1a1, Col3a1, and Acta2, was investigated both in vitro and in vivo. MiR-25-3p was shown increased in the myocardium of Ang-II-infused mice and patients with heart failure. MiR-25-3p enhanced fibrosis-related gene expression in mouse cardiac fibroblasts (mCFs) and in the myocardium of Ang-II-infused mice. Dickkopf 3 (Dkk3) was identified as a target gene of miR-25-3p, and Dkk3 could ameliorate Smad3 activation and fibrosis-related gene expression via enhancing Smad7 expression in mCFs. Additionally, NF-κB signal was proven to mediate upregulation of miR-25-3p in cardiac fibrosis. Our findings suggest that miR-25-3p enhances cardiac fibrosis by suppressing Dkk3 to activate Smad3 and fibrosis-related gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Zeng
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yi-Hong Wen
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Rong Pan
- School of Bioscience and Bioengineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yu-Min Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - An-Zhi Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jie-Ning Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangzhou, 510080, China.,Research Center of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xian-Hong Fang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology, Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
| | - Zhi-Xin Shan
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510632, China. .,School of Pharmacy, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China. .,Research Center of Medical Sciences, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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14
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Fang X, Hu J, Chen Y, Shen W, Ke B. Dickkopf-3: Current Knowledge in Kidney Diseases. Front Physiol 2020; 11:533344. [PMID: 33391006 PMCID: PMC7772396 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.533344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dickkopf-related protein 3 (DKK3) is a secreted glycoprotein that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases. Recent evidence suggests that urinary DKK3 may serve as a potential biomarker for monitoring kidney disease progression and assessing the effects of interventions. We review the biological role of DKK3 as an agonist in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and as an antagonist in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). In addition, we present the clinical applications of DKK3 in acute kidney disease and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, suggesting that urine DKK3 may be a potential biomarker for acute kidney disease and CKD. Further research into the mechanism of DKK3 and its use as a diagnostic tool, alone or in combination with other biomarkers, could prove clinically useful for better understanding the pathology of kidney diseases and improving early detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Fang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jing Hu
- The Third Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanxia Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wen Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ben Ke
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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15
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Fiala GJ, Gomes AQ, Silva‐Santos B. From thymus to periphery: Molecular basis of effector γδ-T cell differentiation. Immunol Rev 2020; 298:47-60. [PMID: 33191519 PMCID: PMC7756812 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The contributions of γδ T cells to immune (patho)physiology in many pre-clinical mouse models have been associated with their rapid and abundant provision of two critical cytokines, interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-17A (IL-17). These are typically produced by distinct effector γδ T cell subsets that can be segregated on the basis of surface expression levels of receptors such as CD27, CD44 or CD45RB, among others. Unlike conventional T cells that egress the thymus as naïve lymphocytes awaiting further differentiation upon activation, a large fraction of murine γδ T cells commits to either IFN-γ or IL-17 expression during thymic development. However, extrathymic signals can both regulate pre-programmed γδ T cells; and induce peripheral differentiation of naïve γδ T cells into effectors. Here we review the key cellular events of "developmental pre-programming" in the mouse thymus; and the molecular basis for effector function maintenance vs plasticity in the periphery. We highlight some of our contributions towards elucidating the role of T cell receptor, co-receptors (like CD27 and CD28) and cytokine signals (such as IL-1β and IL-23) in these processes, and the various levels of gene regulation involved, from the chromatin landscape to microRNA-based post-transcriptional control of γδ T cell functional plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina J. Fiala
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Anita Q. Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
- H&TRC Health & Technology Research CenterESTeSL—Escola Superior de Tecnologia da SaúdeInstituto Politécnico de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Bruno Silva‐Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo AntunesFaculdade de MedicinaUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
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16
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Habuta M, Fujita H, Sato K, Bando T, Inoue J, Kondo Y, Miyaishi S, Kumon H, Ohuchi H. Dickkopf3 (Dkk3) is required for maintaining the integrity of secretory vesicles in the mouse adrenal medulla. Cell Tissue Res 2019; 379:157-167. [DOI: 10.1007/s00441-019-03113-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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17
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Cosin-Roger J, Ortiz-Masià MD, Barrachina MD. Macrophages as an Emerging Source of Wnt Ligands: Relevance in Mucosal Integrity. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2297. [PMID: 31608072 PMCID: PMC6769121 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway is a conserved pathway involved in important cellular processes such as the control of embryonic development, cellular polarity, cellular migration, and cell proliferation. In addition to playing a central role during embryogenesis, this pathway is also an essential part of adult homeostasis. Indeed, it controls the proliferation of epithelial cells in different organs such as intestine, lung, and kidney, and guarantees the maintenance of the mucosa in physiological conditions. The origin of this molecular pathway is the binding between Wnt ligands (belonging to a family of 19 different homologous secreted glycoproteins) and their specific membrane receptors, from the Frizzled receptor family. This specific interaction triggers the activation of the signaling cascade, which in turn activates or suppresses the expression of different genes in order to change the behavior of the cell. On the other hand, alterations of this pathway have been described in pathological conditions such as inflammation, fibrosis, and cancer. In recent years, macrophages-among other cell types-have emerged as a potential source of Wnt ligands. Due to their high plasticity, macrophages, which are central to the innate immune response, are capable of adopting different phenotypes depending on their microenvironment. In the past, two different phenotypes were described: a proinflammatory phenotype-M1 macrophages-and an anti-inflammatory phenotype-M2 macrophages-and a selective expression of Wnt ligands has been associated with said phenotypes. However, nowadays it is assumed that macrophages in vivo move through a continual spectrum of functional phenotypes. In both physiological and pathological (inflammation, fibrosis and cancer) conditions, the accumulation and polarization of macrophages conditions the future of the tissue, facilitating various scenarios, such as resolution of inflammation, activation of fibrosis, and cancer development due to the modulation of the Wnt signaling pathway, in autocrine and paracrine manner. In this work, we provide an overview of studies that have explored the role of macrophages and how they act as a source of Wnt ligands and as mediators of mucosal integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mª Dolores Ortiz-Masià
- Departamento de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mª Dolores Barrachina
- Departamento de Farmacología and CIBER, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
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18
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Zhou L, Husted H, Moore T, Lu M, Deng D, Liu Y, Ramachandran V, Arumugam T, Niehrs C, Wang H, Chiao P, Ling J, Curran MA, Maitra A, Hung MC, Lee JE, Logsdon CD, Hwang RF. Suppression of stromal-derived Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) inhibits tumor progression and prolongs survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Sci Transl Med 2018; 10:eaat3487. [PMID: 30355799 PMCID: PMC6752716 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aat3487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a dismal prognosis, and it is unclear whether its stromal infiltrate contributes to its aggressiveness. Here, we demonstrate that Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) is produced by pancreatic stellate cells and is present in most human PDAC. DKK3 stimulates PDAC growth, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy with both paracrine and autocrine mechanisms through NF-κB activation. Genetic ablation of DKK3 in an autochthonous model of PDAC inhibited tumor growth, induced a peritumoral infiltration of CD8+ T cells, and more than doubled survival. Treatment with a DKK3-blocking monoclonal antibody inhibited PDAC progression and chemoresistance and prolonged survival. The combination of DKK3 inhibition with immune checkpoint inhibition was more effective in reducing tumor growth than either treatment alone and resulted in a durable improvement in survival, suggesting that DKK3 neutralization may be effective as a single targeted agent or in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy for PDAC.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/therapeutic use
- Autocrine Communication/drug effects
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Chemokines
- Deoxycytidine/analogs & derivatives
- Deoxycytidine/pharmacology
- Deoxycytidine/therapeutic use
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Progression
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Gene Silencing
- Humans
- Immunotherapy
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Nude
- NF-kappa B/metabolism
- Neutralization Tests
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology
- Pancreatic Stellate Cells/drug effects
- Pancreatic Stellate Cells/metabolism
- Pancreatic Stellate Cells/pathology
- Paracrine Communication/drug effects
- Survival Analysis
- Gemcitabine
- Pancreatic Neoplasms
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Affiliation(s)
- Liran Zhou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hongmei Husted
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Todd Moore
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mason Lu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Defeng Deng
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Vijaya Ramachandran
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Thiruvengadam Arumugam
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christof Niehrs
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Paul Chiao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jianhua Ling
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael A Curran
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Lee
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Craig D Logsdon
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rosa F Hwang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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19
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Chae WJ, Bothwell ALM. Canonical and Non-Canonical Wnt Signaling in Immune Cells. Trends Immunol 2018; 39:830-847. [PMID: 30213499 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2018.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Cell differentiation, proliferation, and death are vital for immune homeostasis. Wnt signaling plays essential roles in processes across species. The roles of Wnt signaling proteins and Wnt ligands have been studied in the past, but the context-dependent mechanisms and functions of these pathways in immune responses remain unclear. Recent findings regarding the role of Wnt ligands and Wnt signaling in immune cells and their immunomodulatory mechanisms suggest that Wnt ligands and signaling are significant in regulating immune responses. We introduce recent key findings and future perspectives on Wnt ligands and their signaling pathways in immune cells as well as the immunological roles and functions of Wnt antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wook-Jin Chae
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
| | - Alfred L M Bothwell
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA.
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20
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Gröne EF, Federico G, Nelson PJ, Arnold B, Gröne HJ. The hormetic functions of Wnt pathways in tubular injury. Pflugers Arch 2017; 469:899-906. [PMID: 28685176 PMCID: PMC5541077 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-017-2018-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 06/13/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chronic tubulointerstitial damage with tubular epithelial atrophy and interstitial fibrosis is the hallmark of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and a predictor for progression of CKD.Several experiments have now provided evidence that the Wnt signaling pathways are significantly contributing to atrophy and fibrosis; in contrast, it also has been shown that the Wnt system fosters regenerative processes in acute tubular injury.We now have demonstrated that Dickkopf 3 (DKK3) is an agonist for canonical Wnt signaling in CKD and fosters chronic fibrosing inflammation of the tubulointerstitial compartment. Genetic- and antibody-mediated inhibition of DKK3 leads to a pronounced improvement of tubular differentiation and a reduction in fibrosis.In addition, the secreted glycoprotein DKK3 can be used as a non-invasive urinary marker for the extent of CKD in man.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth F Gröne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Giuseppina Federico
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- Clinical Biochemistry, Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Bavaria, Germany
| | - Bernd Arnold
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hermann-Josef Gröne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany. h.-
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21
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Cheng JY, Brown TC, Murtha TD, Stenman A, Juhlin CC, Larsson C, Healy JM, Prasad ML, Knoefel WT, Krieg A, Scholl UI, Korah R, Carling T. A novel FOXO1-mediated dedifferentiation blocking role for DKK3 in adrenocortical carcinogenesis. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:164. [PMID: 28249601 PMCID: PMC5333434 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3152-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2016] [Accepted: 02/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Dysregulated WNT signaling dominates adrenocortical malignancies. This study investigates whether silencing of the WNT negative regulator DKK3 (Dickkopf-related protein 3), an implicated adrenocortical differentiation marker and an established tumor suppressor in multiple cancers, allows dedifferentiation of the adrenal cortex. Methods We analyzed the expression and regulation of DKK3 in human adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) by qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, promoter methylation assay, and copy number analysis. We also conducted functional studies on ACC cell lines, NCI-H295R and SW-13, using siRNAs and enforced DKK3 expression to test DKK3’s role in blocking dedifferentiation of adrenal cortex. Results While robust expression was observed in normal adrenal cortex, DKK3 was down-regulated in the majority (>75%) of adrenocortical carcinomas (ACC) tested. Both genetic (gene copy loss) and epigenetic (promoter methylation) events were found to play significant roles in DKK3 down-regulation in ACCs. While NCI-H295R cells harboring β-catenin activating mutations failed to respond to DKK3 silencing, SW-13 cells showed increased motility and reduced clonal growth. Conversely, exogenously added DKK3 also increased motility of SW-13 cells without influencing their growth. Enforced over-expression of DKK3 in SW-13 cells resulted in slower cell growth by an extension of G1 phase, promoted survival of microcolonies, and resulted in significant impairment of migratory and invasive behaviors, largely attributable to modified cell adhesions and adhesion kinetics. DKK3-over-expressing cells also showed increased expression of Forkhead Box Protein O1 (FOXO1) transcription factor, RNAi silencing of which partially restored the migratory proficiency of cells without interfering with their viability. Conclusions DKK3 suppression observed in ACCs and the effects of manipulation of DKK3 expression in ACC cell lines suggest a FOXO1-mediated differentiation-promoting role for DKK3 in the adrenal cortex, silencing of which may allow adrenocortical dedifferentiation and malignancy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12885-017-3152-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce Y Cheng
- Department of Surgery & Yale Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Taylor C Brown
- Department of Surgery & Yale Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Timothy D Murtha
- Department of Surgery & Yale Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Adam Stenman
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, CCK, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - C Christofer Juhlin
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, CCK, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Catharina Larsson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, CCK, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - James M Healy
- Department of Surgery & Yale Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Manju L Prasad
- Department of Pathology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wolfram T Knoefel
- Department of Surgery, Medical School, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Krieg
- Department of Surgery, Medical School, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ute I Scholl
- Department of Nephrology, Medical School, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Reju Korah
- Department of Surgery & Yale Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Tobias Carling
- Department of Surgery & Yale Endocrine Neoplasia Laboratory, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA. .,Department of Surgery, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, FMB130A, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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22
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Oelert T, Gilhar A, Paus R. T-cell "induced-self" MHC class I/peptide complexes may enable "de novo" tolerance induction to neo-antigens occurring outside of the thymus: Lessons from the hair follicle. Exp Dermatol 2017; 26:529-531. [PMID: 27714862 DOI: 10.1111/exd.13238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The hair follicle (HF) epithelium can present self-antigens to cognate CD8+ T cells. These cells express periodically during the hair cycle arising or age-related immunogenic proteins including HF-specific neo-antigens. We propose that IFN-gamma derived from the respective antigen-specific T cells spotting the particular self-peptides may thereby significantly induce and alter self-antigen presentation ("induced-self"). This induction, at first, may silence T cells, including neo-epitope-specific T cells. As the thymus cannot significantly recapitulate neo-epitopes evolving in the periphery, we propose that peripheral tissue-specific induction of MHC molecules presenting exactly these neo-epitopes by self-MHC/peptide-reactive CD8+ T cells is a key element of self-tolerance. Subsequently, however, the local perpetuation and modification of the same crosstalk in the context of HF immune privilege collapse can invite HF immunopathology, as typically seen in alopecia areata. This concept may essentially complement thymus-based regulation models of self/non-self-discrimination beyond "missing-self" to the fine-tuned "induced-self" to ensure peripheral needs to maintain self-tolerance in the case of "danger" and any "alteration of self".
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Affiliation(s)
- Thilo Oelert
- Independent Research HD (IRHD), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amos Gilhar
- Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ralf Paus
- Centre for Dermatology Research, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Department of Dermatology, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Lind AL, Emami Khoonsari P, Sjödin M, Katila L, Wetterhall M, Gordh T, Kultima K. Spinal Cord Stimulation Alters Protein Levels in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Neuropathic Pain Patients: A Proteomic Mass Spectrometric Analysis. Neuromodulation 2017; 19:549-62. [PMID: 27513633 DOI: 10.1111/ner.12473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2015] [Revised: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Electrical neuromodulation by spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is a well-established method for treatment of neuropathic pain. However, the mechanism behind the pain relieving effect in patients remains largely unknown. In this study, we target the human cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteome, a little investigated aspect of SCS mechanism of action. METHODS Two different proteomic mass spectrometry protocols were used to analyze the CSF of 14 SCS responsive neuropathic pain patients. Each patient acted as his or her own control and protein content was compared when the stimulator was turned off for 48 hours, and after the stimulator had been used as normal for three weeks. RESULTS Eighty-six proteins were statistically significantly altered in the CSF of neuropathic pain patients using SCS, when comparing the stimulator off condition to the stimulator on condition. The top 12 of the altered proteins are involved in neuroprotection (clusterin, gelsolin, mimecan, angiotensinogen, secretogranin-1, amyloid beta A4 protein), synaptic plasticity/learning/memory (gelsolin, apolipoprotein C1, apolipoprotein E, contactin-1, neural cell adhesion molecule L1-like protein), nociceptive signaling (neurosecretory protein VGF), and immune regulation (dickkopf-related protein 3). CONCLUSION Previously unknown effects of SCS on levels of proteins involved in neuroprotection, nociceptive signaling, immune regulation, and synaptic plasticity are demonstrated. These findings, in the CSF of neuropathic pain patients, expand the picture of SCS effects on the neurochemical environment of the human spinal cord. An improved understanding of SCS mechanism may lead to new tracks of investigation and improved treatment strategies for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Li Lind
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Payam Emami Khoonsari
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marcus Sjödin
- Department of Chemistry-BMC, Analytical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala//GE Healthcare, Sweden
| | - Lenka Katila
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Magnus Wetterhall
- Department of Chemistry-BMC, Analytical Chemistry, Uppsala University, Uppsala//GE Healthcare, Sweden
| | - Torsten Gordh
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Kim Kultima
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Inoue J, Fujita H, Bando T, Kondo Y, Kumon H, Ohuchi H. Expression analysis of Dickkopf-related protein 3 (Dkk3) suggests its pleiotropic roles for a secretory glycoprotein in adult mouse. J Mol Histol 2016; 48:29-39. [DOI: 10.1007/s10735-016-9703-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Xie L, Wang PX, Zhang P, Zhang XJ, Zhao GN, Wang A, Guo J, Zhu X, Zhang Q, Li H. DKK3 expression in hepatocytes defines susceptibility to liver steatosis and obesity. J Hepatol 2016; 65:113-124. [PMID: 27016281 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2016.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 03/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Dickkopf-3 (DKK3), a protein belonging to the DKK family, has been extensively investigated in the context of cancer, including liver cancer. However, the role of DKK3 in hepatic steatosis and related metabolic disorders remains largely unexplored. METHODS We detected the expression of DKK3 in the fatty livers of NAFLD patients and of obese mice and investigated the function of DKK3 in hepatic steatosis and related metabolic disorders by using hepatocyte-specific DKK3 deficiency or overexpression obese mice induced by high fat diet (HFD) or genetic defect (ob/ob). The molecular mechanisms underlying DKK3-regulated hepatic steatosis were further explored and verified in mice. RESULTS DKK3 expression was significantly decreased in the livers of NAFLD patients and of obese mice as well as in cultured hepatocytes stimulated with palmitate. Further investigation indicated that specific overexpression of DKK3 in hepatocytes enhanced insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance, reduced the inflammatory response, and ameliorated the imbalance of lipid metabolism in response to HFD or genetic defects. In contrast, DKK3 deficiency in hepatocytes led to an almost complete reversal of these pathologies. Mechanistically, DKK3 combined with Apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1) under palmitate stimulation, and thus inhibited the activation of the downstream P38/JNK pathway. Importantly, dominant-negative ASK1 blocked the accelerated effects of DKK3 deficiency, while the constitutively active form of ASK1 overcame the inhibitory effects of DKK3 overexpression on HFD-induced metabolic disorders in vivo. CONCLUSION DKK3 functions as a negative regulator of insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, and associated inflammatory responses, which depends on its inhibitory regulation of ASK1 activity. LAY SUMMARY DKK3 expression is decreased in the non-alcoholic fatty liver of humans and mice. Adding DKK3 expression alleviates fatty liver in mice by inhibiting ASK1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanfeng Xie
- Department of Hepatology and Infection, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China; Animal Experiment Center/Animal Biosafety Level-III Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Pi-Xiao Wang
- Animal Experiment Center/Animal Biosafety Level-III Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Animal Experiment Center/Animal Biosafety Level-III Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Zhang
- Animal Experiment Center/Animal Biosafety Level-III Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Guang-Nian Zhao
- Animal Experiment Center/Animal Biosafety Level-III Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Aibing Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Junhong Guo
- Animal Experiment Center/Animal Biosafety Level-III Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xueyong Zhu
- Animal Experiment Center/Animal Biosafety Level-III Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Department of Hepatology and Infection, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200336, China.
| | - Hongliang Li
- Animal Experiment Center/Animal Biosafety Level-III Laboratory, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Key role of Dkk3 protein in inhibition of cancer cell proliferation: An in silico identification. J Theor Biol 2016; 393:98-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2015.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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27
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Federico G, Meister M, Mathow D, Heine GH, Moldenhauer G, Popovic ZV, Nordström V, Kopp-Schneider A, Hielscher T, Nelson PJ, Schaefer F, Porubsky S, Fliser D, Arnold B, Gröne HJ. Tubular Dickkopf-3 promotes the development of renal atrophy and fibrosis. JCI Insight 2016; 1:e84916. [PMID: 27699213 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.84916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Renal tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis are common hallmarks of etiologically different progressive chronic kidney diseases (CKD) that eventually result in organ failure. Even though these pathological manifestations constitute a major public health problem, diagnostic tests, as well as therapeutic options, are currently limited. Members of the dickkopf (DKK) family, DKK1 and -2, have been associated with inhibition of Wnt signaling and organ fibrosis. Here, we identify DKK3 as a stress-induced, tubular epithelia-derived, secreted glycoprotein that mediates kidney fibrosis. Genetic as well as antibody-mediated abrogation of DKK3 led to reduced tubular atrophy and decreased interstitial matrix accumulation in two mouse models of renal fibrosis. This was facilitated by an amplified, antifibrogenic, inflammatory T cell response and diminished canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling in stressed tubular epithelial cells. Moreover, in humans, urinary DKK3 levels specifically correlated with the extent of tubular atrophy and interstitial fibrosis in different glomerular and tubulointerstitial diseases. In summary, our data suggest that DKK3 constitutes an immunosuppressive and a profibrotic epithelial protein that might serve as a potential therapeutic target and diagnostic marker in renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael Meister
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Gunnar H Heine
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Nephrology and Hypertension, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Gerhard Moldenhauer
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Thomas Hielscher
- Department of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter J Nelson
- Clinical Biochemistry Group, Department of Internal Medicine and Policlinic IV, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Franz Schaefer
- Division of Pediatric Nephrology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Danilo Fliser
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Nephrology and Hypertension, Saarland University Medical Center, Homburg, Germany
| | - Bernd Arnold
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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Lu KH, Tounsi A, Shridhar N, Küblbeck G, Klevenz A, Prokosch S, Bald T, Tüting T, Arnold B. Dickkopf-3 Contributes to the Regulation of Anti-Tumor Immune Responses by Mesenchymal Stem Cells. Front Immunol 2015; 6:645. [PMID: 26734010 PMCID: PMC4689786 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are known to limit immune responses in vivo by multiple soluble factors. Dickkopf-3 (DKK3), a secreted glycoprotein, has recently been identified as a novel immune modulator. Since DKK3 has been reported to be produced by MSCs, we investigated whether DKK3 contributes to the immune suppression of anti-tumor responses by MSCs. Whereas wild-type MSCs inhibited immune responses against two different transplantation tumors, DKK3-deficient MSCs did not affect the rejection process. Increased CD8+ T cell and reduced M2-type macrophages infiltration was observed in tumors inoculated together with DKK3-deficient MSCs. Thus, DKK3 could alter the composition of the tumor stroma, thereby supporting the MSCs-mediated suppression of immune responses against these tumor transplants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Hui Lu
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Amel Tounsi
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Naveen Shridhar
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn , Bonn , Germany
| | - Günter Küblbeck
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Alexandra Klevenz
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Sandra Prokosch
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Tobias Bald
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn , Bonn , Germany
| | - Thomas Tüting
- Laboratory of Experimental Dermatology, Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University of Bonn , Bonn , Germany
| | - Bernd Arnold
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Heidelberg , Germany
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29
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Bruggink KA, Kuiperij HB, Gloerich J, Otte-Höller I, Rozemuller AJM, Claassen JAHR, Küsters B, Verbeek MM. Dickkopf-related protein 3 is a potential Aβ-associated protein in Alzheimer's Disease. J Neurochem 2015; 134:1152-62. [PMID: 26119087 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Revised: 06/15/2015] [Accepted: 06/16/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) is the most prominent protein in Alzheimer's disease (AD) senile plaques. In addition, Aβ interacts with a variety of Aβ-associated proteins (AAPs), some of which can form complexes with Aβ and influence its clearance, aggregation or toxicity. Identification of novel AAPs may shed new light on the pathophysiology of AD and the metabolic fate of Aβ. In this study, we aimed to identify new AAPs by searching for proteins that may form soluble complexes with Aβ in CSF, using a proteomics approach. We identified the secreted Wnt pathway protein Dickkopf-related protein 3 (Dkk-3) as a potential Aβ-associated protein. Using immunohistochemistry on human AD brain tissue, we observed that (i) Dkk-3 co-localizes with Aβ in the brain, both in diffuse and classic plaques. (ii) Dkk-3 is expressed in neurons and in blood vessel walls in the brain and (iii) is secreted by leptomeningeal smooth muscle cells in vitro. Finally, measurements using ELISA revealed that (iv) Dkk-3 protein is abundantly present in both cerebrospinal fluid and serum, but its levels are similar in non-demented controls and patients with AD, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Our study demonstrates that Dkk-3 is a hitherto unidentified Aβ-associated protein which, given its relatively high cerebral concentrations and co-localization with Aβ, is potentially involved in AD pathology. In this study, we propose that Dickkopf-related protein-3 (Dkk-3) might be a novel Amyloid-β (Aβ) associated protein. We demonstrate that Dkk-3 is expressed in the brain, especially in vessel walls, and co-localizes with Aβ in senile plaques. Furthermore, Dkk-3 levels in cerebrospinal fluid strongly correlate with Aβ40 levels, but were not suitable to discriminate non-demented controls and patients with dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim A Bruggink
- Department of Neurology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - H Bea Kuiperij
- Department of Neurology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jolein Gloerich
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud Proteomics Centre, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Irene Otte-Höller
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Annemieke J M Rozemuller
- Department of Pathology and Neuroscience Campus Amsterdam, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jurgen A H R Claassen
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Benno Küsters
- Department of Pathology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel M Verbeek
- Department of Neurology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud Alzheimer Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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The serine protease inhibitor SerpinA3N attenuates neuropathic pain by inhibiting T cell-derived leukocyte elastase. Nat Med 2015; 21:518-23. [PMID: 25915831 PMCID: PMC4450999 DOI: 10.1038/nm.3852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a major, intractable clinical problem and its pathophysiology is not well understood. Although recent gene expression profiling studies have enabled the identification of novel targets for pain therapy, classical study designs provide unclear results owing to the differential expression of hundreds of genes across sham and nerve-injured groups, which can be difficult to validate, particularly with respect to the specificity of pain modulation. To circumvent this, we used two outbred lines of rats, which are genetically similar except for being genetically segregated as a result of selective breeding for differences in neuropathic pain hypersensitivity. SerpinA3N, a serine protease inhibitor, was upregulated in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) after nerve injury, which was further validated for its mouse homolog. Mice lacking SerpinA3N developed more neuropathic mechanical allodynia than wild-type (WT) mice, and exogenous delivery of SerpinA3N attenuated mechanical allodynia in WT mice. T lymphocytes infiltrate the DRG after nerve injury and release leukocyte elastase (LE), which was inhibited by SerpinA3N derived from DRG neurons. Genetic loss of LE or exogenous application of a LE inhibitor (Sivelastat) in WT mice attenuated neuropathic mechanical allodynia. Overall, we reveal a novel and clinically relevant role for a member of the serpin superfamily and a leukocyte elastase and crosstalk between neurons and T cells in the modulation of neuropathic pain.
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Bao MW, Cai Z, Zhang XJ, Li L, Liu X, Wan N, Hu G, Wan F, Zhang R, Zhu X, Xia H, Li H. Dickkopf-3 protects against cardiac dysfunction and ventricular remodelling following myocardial infarction. Basic Res Cardiol 2015; 110:25. [PMID: 25840773 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-015-0481-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) is a secreted glycoprotein of the Dickkopf family (DKK1-4) that modulates Wnt signalling. DKK3 has been reported to regulate cell development, proliferation, apoptosis, and immune response. However, the functional role of DKK3 in cardiac remodelling after myocardial infarction (MI) has not yet been elucidated. This study aimed to explore the functional significance of DKK3 in the regulation of post-MI remodelling and its underlying mechanisms. MI was induced by surgical left anterior descending coronary artery ligation in transgenic mice expressing cardiac-specific DKK3 and DKK3 knockout (KO) mice as well as their non-transgenic and DKK3(+/+) littermates. Our results demonstrated that after MI, mice with DKK3 deficiency had increased mortality, greater infarct size, and exacerbated left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Significantly, at 1 week post-MI, the hearts of DKK3-KO mice exhibited increased apoptosis, inflammation, and LV remodelling compared with the hearts of their DKK3(+/+) littermates. Conversely, DKK3 overexpression led to the opposite phenotype after infarction. Similar results were observed in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes exposed to hypoxia in vitro. Mechanistically, DKK3 promotes cardioprotection by interrupting the ASK1-JNK/p38 signalling cascades. In conclusion, our results indicate that DKK3 protects against the development of MI-induced cardiac remodelling via negative regulation of the ASK1-JNK/p38 signalling pathway. Thus, our study suggests that DKK3 may represent a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of heart failure after MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Wei Bao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road 238, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
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Self-Antigen Presentation by Keratinocytes in the Inflamed Adult Skin Modulates T-Cell Auto-Reactivity. J Invest Dermatol 2015; 135:1996-2004. [PMID: 25835957 DOI: 10.1038/jid.2015.130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2014] [Revised: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Keratinocytes have a pivotal role in the regulation of immune responses, but the impact of antigen presentation by these cells is still poorly understood, particularly in a situation where the antigen will be presented only in adult life. Here, we generated a transgenic mouse model in which keratinocytes exclusively present a myelin basic protein (MBP) peptide covalently linked to the major histocompatibility complex class II β-chain, solely under inflammatory conditions. In these mice, inflammation caused by epicutaneous contact sensitizer treatment resulted in keratinocyte-mediated expansion of MBP-specific CD4(+) T cells in the skin. Moreover, repeated contact sensitizer application preceding a systemic MBP immunization reduced the reactivity of the respective CD4(+) T cells and lowered the symptoms of the resulting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. This downregulation was CD4(+) T-cell-mediated and dependent on the presence of the immune modulator Dickkopf-3. Thus, presentation of a neo self-antigen by keratinocytes in the inflamed, adult skin can modulate CD4(+) T-cell auto-aggression at a distal organ.
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Meister M, Papatriantafyllou M, Nordström V, Kumar V, Ludwig J, Lui KO, Boyd AS, Popovic ZV, Fleming TH, Moldenhauer G, Nawroth PP, Gröne HJ, Waldmann H, Oelert T, Arnold B. Dickkopf-3, a tissue-derived modulator of local T-cell responses. Front Immunol 2015; 6:78. [PMID: 25759692 PMCID: PMC4338807 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The adaptive immune system protects organisms from harmful environmental insults. In parallel, regulatory mechanisms control immune responses in order to assure preservation of organ integrity. Yet, molecules involved in the control of T-cell responses in peripheral tissues are poorly characterized. Here, we investigated the function of Dickkopf-3 in the modulation of local T-cell reactivity. Dkk3 is a secreted, mainly tissue-derived protein with highest expression in organs considered as immune-privileged such as the eye, embryo, placenta, and brain. While T-cell development and activation status in naïve Dkk3-deficient mice was comparable to littermate controls, we found that Dkk3 contributes to the immunosuppressive microenvironment that protects transplanted, class-I mismatched embryoid bodies from T-cell-mediated rejection. Moreover, genetic deletion or antibody-mediated neutralization of Dkk3 led to an exacerbated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). This phenotype was accompanied by a change of T-cell polarization displayed by an increase of IFNγ-producing T cells within the central nervous system. In the wild-type situation, Dkk3 expression in the brain was up-regulated during the course of EAE in an IFNγ-dependent manner. In turn, Dkk3 decreased IFNγ activity and served as part of a negative feedback mechanism. Thus, our findings suggest that Dkk3 functions as a tissue-derived modulator of local CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Meister
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center , Heidelberg , Germany
| | | | - Viola Nordström
- Department of Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Varun Kumar
- Department of Medicine I and Clinical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Julia Ludwig
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Kathy O Lui
- Therapeutic Immunology Group, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Ashleigh S Boyd
- Therapeutic Immunology Group, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Zoran V Popovic
- Department of Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center , Heidelberg , Germany ; Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Thomas Henry Fleming
- Department of Medicine I and Clinical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Gerhard Moldenhauer
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Peter P Nawroth
- Department of Medicine I and Clinical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Hermann-Josef Gröne
- Department of Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Herman Waldmann
- Therapeutic Immunology Group, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Thilo Oelert
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Bernd Arnold
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center , Heidelberg , Germany
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Ludwig J, Federico G, Prokosch S, Küblbeck G, Schmitt S, Klevenz A, Gröne HJ, Nitschke L, Arnold B. Dickkopf-3 Acts as a Modulator of B Cell Fate and Function. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2015; 194:2624-34. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1402160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Ho YY, Baechler EC, Ortmann W, Behrens TW, Graham RR, Bhangale TR, Pan W. Using gene expression to improve the power of genome-wide association analysis. Hum Hered 2014; 78:94-103. [PMID: 25096029 PMCID: PMC4152945 DOI: 10.1159/000362837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2013] [Accepted: 04/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS Genome-wide association (GWA) studies have reported susceptible regions in the human genome for many common diseases and traits; however, these loci only explain a minority of trait heritability. To boost the power of a GWA study, substantial research endeavors have been focused on integrating other available genomic information in the analysis. Advances in high through-put technologies have generated a wealth of genomic data and made combining SNP and gene expression data become feasible. RESULTS In this paper, we propose a novel procedure to incorporate gene expression information into GWA analysis. This procedure utilizes weights constructed by gene expression measurements to adjust p values from a GWA analysis. RESULTS from simulation analyses indicate that the proposed procedures may achieve substantial power gains, while controlling family-wise type I error rates at the nominal level. To demonstrate the implementation of our proposed approach, we apply the weight adjustment procedure to a GWA study on serum interferon-regulated chemokine levels in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. The study results can provide valuable insights for the functional interpretation of GWA signals. AVAILABILITY The R source code for implementing the proposed weighting procedure is available at http://www.biostat.umn.edu/∼yho/research.html.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen-Yi Ho
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Wei Pan
- Division of Biostatistics, University of Minnesota
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Zhang Y, Liu Y, Zhu XH, Zhang XD, Jiang DS, Bian ZY, Zhang XF, Chen K, Wei X, Gao L, Zhu LH, Yang Q, Fan GC, Lau WB, Ma X, Li H. Dickkopf-3 attenuates pressure overload-induced cardiac remodelling. Cardiovasc Res 2014; 102:35-45. [PMID: 24413772 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvu004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Dickkopf-3 (DKK3), a secreted protein in the Dickkopf family, is expressed in various tissues, including the heart, and has been shown to play an important role in tissue development. However, the biological function of DKK3 in the heart remains largely unexplored. This study aimed to examine the role of DKK3 in pathological cardiac hypertrophy. METHODS AND RESULTS We performed gain-of-function and loss-of-function studies using DKK3 cardiac-specific transgenic (TG) mice and DKK3 knockout (KO) mice (C57BL/6J background). Cardiac hypertrophy was induced by aortic banding. Cardiac hypertrophy was evaluated by echocardiographic, haemodynamic, pathological, and molecular analyses. Our results demonstrated that the loss of DKK3 exaggerated pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy, fibrosis, and dysfunction, whereas the overexpression of DKK3 protected the heart against pressure overload-induced cardiac remodelling. These beneficial effects were associated with the inhibition of the ASK1-JNK/p38 (apoptosis signal-regulating kinase 1-c-Jun N-terminal kinase/p38) signalling cascade. Parallel in vitro experiments confirmed these in vivo observations. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments suggested that physical interactions occurred between DKK3 and ASK1. Moreover, rescue experiments indicated that, in DKK3 TG mice, the activation of ASK1 using a cardiac-specific conditional ASK1 transgene reduced the functionality of DKK3 in response to pressure overload; furthermore, the inactivation of ASK1 by dominant-negative ASK1 rescued pressure overload-induced cardiac abnormalities in DKK3 KO mice. CONCLUSION Taken together, our findings indicate that DKK3 acts as a cardioprotective regulator of pathological cardiac hypertrophy and that this function largely occurs via the regulation of ASK1-JNK/p38 signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road 238, Wuhan 430060, PR China
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Schmolka N, Serre K, Grosso AR, Rei M, Pennington DJ, Gomes AQ, Silva-Santos B. Epigenetic and transcriptional signatures of stable versus plastic differentiation of proinflammatory γδ T cell subsets. Nat Immunol 2013; 14:1093-1100. [PMID: 23995235 PMCID: PMC4834994 DOI: 10.1038/ni.2702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2013] [Accepted: 08/06/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Two distinct subsets of γδ T cells that produce interleukin 17 (IL-17) (CD27(-) γδ T cells) or interferon-γ (IFN-γ) (CD27(+) γδ T cells) develop in the mouse thymus, but the molecular determinants of their functional potential in the periphery remain unknown. Here we conducted a genome-wide characterization of the methylation patterns of histone H3, along with analysis of mRNA encoding transcription factors, to identify the regulatory networks of peripheral IFN-γ-producing or IL-17-producing γδ T cell subsets in vivo. We found that CD27(+) γδ T cells were committed to the expression of Ifng but not Il17, whereas CD27(-) γδ T cells displayed permissive chromatin configurations at loci encoding both cytokines and their regulatory transcription factors and differentiated into cells that produced both IL-17 and IFN-γ in a tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Schmolka
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Karine Serre
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana R Grosso
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Margarida Rei
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Daniel J Pennington
- Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, UK
| | - Anita Q Gomes
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Bruno Silva-Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
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Romero D, Kawano Y, Bengoa N, Walker MM, Maltry N, Niehrs C, Waxman J, Kypta R. Downregulation of Dickkopf-3 disrupts prostate acinar morphogenesis through TGF-β/Smad signaling. J Cell Sci 2013; 126:1858-67. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.119388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of tissue organization is a hallmark of the early stages of cancer, and there is considerable interest in proteins that maintain normal tissue architecture. Prostate epithelial cells cultured in Matrigel form three-dimensional acini that mimic aspects of prostate gland development. The organization of these structures requires the tumor suppressor Dickkopf-3 (Dkk-3), a divergent member of the Dkk family of secreted Wnt signaling antagonists that is frequently downregulated in prostate cancer. To gain further insight into the function of Dkk-3 in the prostate, we compared the prostates of Dkk3 null mice with those of control littermates. We found increased proliferation of prostate epithelial cells in the mutant mice and changes in prostate tissue organization. Consistent with these observations, cell proliferation was elevated in acini formed by human prostate epithelial cells stably silenced for Dkk-3. Silencing of Dkk-3 increased TGF-β/Smad signaling and inhibitors of TGF-β/Smad signaling rescued the defective acinar phenotype caused by loss of Dkk-3. These findings suggest that Dkk-3 maintains the structural integrity of the prostate gland by limiting TGF-β/Smad signaling.
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