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Bennett NE, Parker DV, Mangano RS, Baum JE, Northcutt LA, Miller JS, Beadle EP, Rhoades JA. Pharmacologic Hedgehog inhibition modulates the cytokine profile of osteolytic breast cancer cells. J Bone Oncol 2024; 47:100625. [PMID: 39183755 PMCID: PMC11342115 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2024.100625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The establishment and progression of bone metastatic breast cancer is supported by immunosuppressive myeloid populations that enable tumor growth by dampening the innate and adaptive immune response. Much work remains to understand how to target these tumor-myeloid interactions to improve treatment outcomes. Noncanonical Hedgehog signaling is an essential component of bone metastatic tumor progression, and prior literature suggests a potential role for Hedgehog signaling and its downstream effector Gli2 in modulating immune responses. In this work, we sought to identify if inhibition of noncanonical Hedgehog signaling alters the cytokine profile of osteolytic breast cancer cells and the subsequent communication between the tumor cells and myeloid cells. Examination of large patient databases revealed significant relationships between Gli2 expression and expression of markers of myeloid maturation and activation as well as cytokine expression. We found that treatment with HPI-1 reduced tumor cell expression of numerous cytokine genes, including CSF1, CSF2, and CSF3, as well as CCL2 and IL6. Secreted CSF-1 (M-CSF) was also reduced by treatment. Changes in tumor-secreted factors resulted in polarization of THP-1 monocytes toward a proinflammatory phenotype, characterized by increased CD14 and CD40 surface marker expression. We therefore propose M-CSF as a novel target of Hedgehog inhibition with potential future applications in altering the immune microenvironment in addition to its known roles in reducing tumor-induced bone disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie E. Bennett
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Dominique V. Parker
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Rachel S. Mangano
- Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, United States
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Jennifer E. Baum
- Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, United States
- Master’s Program in Biomedical Sciences, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Logan A. Northcutt
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Jade S. Miller
- Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, United States
- Pharmacology Training Program, Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Erik P. Beadle
- Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, United States
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
| | - Julie A. Rhoades
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
- Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, United States
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States
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2
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Ding J, Yang YY, Li PT, Ma Y, Zhang L, Zhou Y, Jin C, Li HY, Zhu YF, Liu XP, Liu ZJ, Jia HL, Liu PG, Wu J. TGF-β1/SMAD3-driven GLI2 isoform expression contributes to aggressive phenotypes of hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216768. [PMID: 38453045 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216768] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling is activated in response to liver injury, and modulates organogenesis. However, the role of non-canonical hedgehog activation via TGF-β1/SMAD3 in hepatic carcinogenesis is poorly understood. TGF-β1/SMAD3-mediated non-canonical activation was found in approximately half of GLI2-positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and two new GLI2 isoforms with transactivating activity were identified. Phospho-SMAD3 interacted with active GLI2 isoforms to transactivate downstream genes in modulation of stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, chemo-resistance and metastasis in poorly-differentiated hepatoma cells. Non-canonical activation of hedgehog signaling was confirmed in a transgenic HBV-associated HCC mouse model. Inhibition of TGF-β/SMAD3 signaling reduced lung metastasis in a mouse in situ hepatic xenograft model. In another cohort of 55 HCC patients, subjects with high GLI2 expression had a shorter disease-free survival than those with low expression. Moreover, co-positivity of GLI2 with SMAD3 was observed in 87.5% of relapsed HCC patients with high GLI2 expression, indicating an increased risk of post-resection recurrence of HCC. The findings underscore that suppressing the non-canonical hedgehog signaling pathway may confer a potential strategy in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Jing'an District Central Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Yong-Yu Yang
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Peng-Tao Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, The National Key Clinical Specialty, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuan Zhou
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Cheng Jin
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hui-Yan Li
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuan-Fei Zhu
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Xiu-Ping Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Zheng-Jin Liu
- Department of Pathology, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China
| | - Hu-Liang Jia
- Department of General Surgery, Huashan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200041, China
| | - Ping-Guo Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, The National Key Clinical Specialty, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361004, China.
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China; Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China; Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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3
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Singh S, Budiman T, Redmond D, Gupta V. Modulation of canonical Wnt signaling regulates peribiliary mesenchymal identity during homeostasis and injury. Hepatol Commun 2024; 8:e0368. [PMID: 38251878 PMCID: PMC10805418 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The matrix and associated mesenchyme of the extrahepatic bile ducts are distinct, which could drive diseases with a predilection for these ducts, such as primary sclerosing cholangitis. We aimed to understand the molecular drivers of peribiliary mesenchymal cell (PMC) identity in the extrahepatic bile ducts and dissect how this changed in the context of injury using an entirely in vivo approach with transcriptomic analysis. METHODS AND RESULTS Single-cell sequencing with a receptor-ligand analysis showed that PMCs had the most interactions with surrounding cells. Wnt4, Wnt5a, and Wnt7b were identified as the major ligands secreted from PMCs and cholangiocytes that interacted in both paracrine and autocrine fashion. Bile duct ligation caused an increase in all 3 Wingless/Integrated ligands and Axin2 with an associated increase in the transcription factors T-box transcription factor (Tbx)2 and Tbx3. Conversely, Indian hedgehog secretion decreased without an associated decrease in hedgehog signaling effectors. Loss of smoothened within PMCs did not impact hedgehog signaling effectors or cellular identity, whereas smoothened gain of function led to myofibroblast transdifferentiation with upregulation of Tbx2 and Tbx3 without injury. Loss of β-catenin caused a decrease in expression of all 3 Gli transcription factors and associated mesenchymal gene expression, which was phenocopied with compound Gli2 and Gli3 loss in uninjured PMCs. With injury, loss of β-catenin resulted in decreased myofibroblast transdifferentiation with reduced Tbx2 and Tbx3 expression. CONCLUSIONS Our results show how modulation of canonical Wingless/Integrated signaling in PMCs is important for regulating basal mesenchymal gene expression and initiating a myogenic gene transcriptional program during injury. They also highlight reciprocating interactions between the hedgehog and Wingless/Integrated signaling pathways within PMCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serrena Singh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Tifanny Budiman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - David Redmond
- Department of Medicine, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Ansary Stem Cell Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Vikas Gupta
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Digestive Diseases, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Jan N, Sofi S, Qayoom H, Haq BU, Shabir A, Mir MA. Targeting breast cancer stem cells through retinoids: A new hope for treatment. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 192:104156. [PMID: 37827439 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.104156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a complex and diverse disease accounting for nearly 30% of all cancers diagnosed in females. But unfortunately, patients develop resistance to the existing chemotherapeutic regimen, resulting in approximately 90% treatment failure. With over half a million deaths annually, it is imperative to explore new therapeutic approaches to combat the disease. Within a breast tumor, a small sub-population of heterogeneous cells, with a unique ability of self-renew and differentiation and responsible for tumor formation, initiation, and recurrence are referred to as breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs). These BCSCs have been identified as one of the main contributors to chemoresistance in breast cancer, making them an attractive target for developing novel therapeutic strategies. These cells exhibit surface biomarkers such as CD44+, CD24-/LOW, ALDH, CD133, and CD49f phenotypes. Higher expression of CD44+ and ALDH activity has been associated with the formation of tumors in various cancers. Moreover, the abnormal regulation of signaling pathways, including Hedgehog, Notch, β-catenin, JAK/STAT, and P13K/AKT/mTOR, leads to the formation of cancer stem cells, resulting in the development of tumors. The growing drug resistance in BC is a significant challenge, highlighting the need for new therapeutic strategies to combat this dreadful disease. Retinoids, a large group of synthetic derivatives of vitamin A, have been studied as chemopreventive agents in clinical trials and have been shown to regulate various crucial biological functions including vision, development, inflammation, and metabolism. On a cellular level, the retinoid activity has been well characterized and translated and is known to induce differentiation and apoptosis, which play important roles in the outcome of the transformation of tissues into malignant. Retinoids have been investigated extensively for their use in the treatment and prevention of cancer due to their high receptor-binding affinity to directly modulate gene expression programs. Therefore, in this study, we aim to summarize the current understanding of BCSCs, their biomarkers, and the associated signaling pathways. Retinoids, such as Adapalene, a third-generation retinoid, have shown promising anti-cancer potential and may serve as therapeutic agents to target BCSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nusrat Jan
- Department of Bioresources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006, India
| | - Shazia Sofi
- Department of Bioresources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006, India
| | - Hina Qayoom
- Department of Bioresources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006, India
| | - Burhan Ul Haq
- Department of Bioresources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006, India
| | - Aisha Shabir
- Department of Bioresources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006, India
| | - Manzoor Ahmad Mir
- Department of Bioresources, School of Biological Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006, India.
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Huang Y, Jiang C, Chen L, Han J, Liu M, Zhou T, Dong N, Xu K. Gli1 promotes the phenotypic transformation of valve interstitial cells through Hedgehog pathway activation exacerbating calcific aortic valve disease. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:2053-2066. [PMID: 37151880 PMCID: PMC10158026 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.74123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is the most prevalent human valve disease worldwide. Multiple factors induce "irreversible" pathological changes in the aortic valve leaflets, resulting in changes in cardiac hemodynamics, eventually leading to heart failure. However, no effective pharmaceutical interventions have been found and prosthetic valve replacement is the only curative approach. Glioma-associated oncogene 1 (Gli1) exerts a regulatory role on cardiovascular diseases, and it is already a therapeutic target to combat tumors. Our research aimed to explore the role and basic mechanism of Gli1 in CAVD, to pave the way for the discovery of effective drugs in the treatment of CAVD. Human aortic valve tissues were obtained to evaluate Gli1 expression and primary valve interstitial cells (VICs) were used to perform related experiments. The results showed that Gli1 promoted cell proliferation and significantly accelerated cell osteogenic transformation through the up-regulation of the osteogenic factors Runx2 and Alp, in turn through the AKT signaling pathway by targeting P130cas expression. Furthermore, Gli1 was activated by TGF-β and sonic hedgehog through the canonical and non-canonical Hedgehog signaling pathways in VICs. Our results indicated that Gli1 promoted cell proliferation and accelerated cell osteogenic transformation in VICs, providing a new strategy for the therapy of CAVD by targeting Gli1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuming Huang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Chen Jiang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Juanjuan Han
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Ming Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Tingwen Zhou
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Nianguo Dong
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Prof. Nianguo Dong, Dean, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China. (); Prof. Kang Xu, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China. ()
| | - Kang Xu
- Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China
- ✉ Corresponding authors: Prof. Nianguo Dong, Dean, Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China. (); Prof. Kang Xu, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Chinese Materia Medica Processing, College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan 430065, China. ()
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6
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A novel mechanism of regulation of the oncogenic transcription factor GLI3 by toll-like receptor signaling. Oncotarget 2022; 13:944-959. [PMID: 35937499 PMCID: PMC9348707 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor GLI3 is a member of the GLI family and has been shown to be regulated by canonical hedgehog (HH) signaling through smoothened (SMO). Little is known about SMO-independent regulation of GLI3. Here, we identify TLR signaling as a novel pathway regulating GLI3 expression. We show that GLI3 expression is induced by LPS/TLR4 in human monocyte cell lines and peripheral blood CD14+ cells. Further analysis identified TRIF, but not MyD88, signaling as the adapter used by TLR4 to regulate GLI3. Using pharmacological and genetic tools, we identified IRF3 as the transcription factor regulating GLI3 downstream of TRIF. Furthermore, using additional TLR ligands that signal through TRIF such as the TLR4 ligand, MPLA and the TLR3 ligand, Poly(I:C), we confirm the role of TRIF-IRF3 in the regulation of GLI3. We found that IRF3 directly binds to the GLI3 promoter region and this binding was increased upon stimulation of TRIF-IRF3 with Poly(I:C). Furthermore, using Irf3 -/- MEFs, we found that Poly(I:C) stimulation no longer induced GLI3 expression. Finally, using macrophages from mice lacking Gli3 expression in myeloid cells (M-Gli3-/- ), we found that in the absence of Gli3, LPS stimulated macrophages secrete less CCL2 and TNF-α compared with macrophages from wild-type (WT) mice. Taken together, these results identify a novel TLR-TRIF-IRF3 pathway that regulates the expression of GLI3 that regulates inflammatory cytokines and expands our understanding of the non-canonical signaling pathways involved in the regulation of GLI transcription factors.
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7
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Sargazi ML, Jafarinejad-Farsangi S, Moazzam-Jazi M, Rostamzadeh F, Karam ZM. The crosstalk between long non-coding RNAs and the hedgehog signaling pathway in cancer. Med Oncol 2022; 39:127. [PMID: 35716241 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01710-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) is a conserved signaling pathway that is involved in embryo development as well as adult tissue maintenance and repair in invertebrates and vertebrates. Abnormal activation of this pathway in various types of malignant drug- and apoptosis-resistant tumors has made it a therapeutic target against tumorigenesis. Thus, understanding the molecular mechanisms that promote the activation or inhibition of this pathway is critical. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), a subclass of non-coding RNAs with a length of > 200 nt, affect the expression of Hh signaling components via a variety of transcriptional and post-transcriptional processes. This review focuses on the crosstalk between lncRNAs and the Hh pathway in carcinogenesis, outlines the broad role of Hh-related lncRNAs in tumor progression, and illustrates their clinical diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Lotfian Sargazi
- Student Research Committee, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Jehad Blvd, Ebn Sina Avenue, 7619813159, Kerman, Iran
| | - Saeideh Jafarinejad-Farsangi
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, 7619813159, Kerman, Iran.
| | - Maryam Moazzam-Jazi
- Cellular and Molecular Endocrine Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, 19839-63113, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Rostamzadeh
- Cardiovascular Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, 7619813159, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Miri Karam
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Institute of Basic and Clinical Physiology Sciences, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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8
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Zeng LH, Barkat MQ, Syed SK, Shah S, Abbas G, Xu C, Mahdy A, Hussain N, Hussain L, Majeed A, Khan KUR, Wu X, Hussain M. Hedgehog Signaling: Linking Embryonic Lung Development and Asthmatic Airway Remodeling. Cells 2022; 11:1774. [PMID: 35681469 PMCID: PMC9179967 DOI: 10.3390/cells11111774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of the embryonic lung demands complex endodermal-mesodermal interactions, which are regulated by a variety of signaling proteins. Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is vital for lung development. It plays a key regulatory role during several morphogenic mechanisms, such as cell growth, differentiation, migration, and persistence of cells. On the other hand, abnormal expression or loss of regulation of Hh signaling leads to airway asthmatic remodeling, which is characterized by cellular matrix modification in the respiratory system, goblet cell hyperplasia, deposition of collagen, epithelial cell apoptosis, proliferation, and activation of fibroblasts. Hh also targets some of the pathogens and seems to have a significant function in tissue repairment and immune-related disorders. Similarly, aberrant Hh signaling expression is critically associated with the etiology of a variety of other airway lung diseases, mainly, bronchial or tissue fibrosis, lung cancer, and pulmonary arterial hypertension, suggesting that controlled regulation of Hh signaling is crucial to retain healthy lung functioning. Moreover, shreds of evidence imply that the Hh signaling pathway links to lung organogenesis and asthmatic airway remodeling. Here, we compiled all up-to-date investigations linked with the role of Hh signaling in the development of lungs as well as the attribution of Hh signaling in impairment of lung expansion, airway remodeling, and immune response. In addition, we included all current investigational and therapeutic approaches to treat airway asthmatic remodeling and immune system pathway diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling-Hui Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University City College, 51 Huzhou Street, Hangzhou 310015, China;
| | - Muhammad Qasim Barkat
- Key Laboratory of CFDA for Respiratory Drug Research, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (M.Q.B.); (C.X.)
| | - Shahzada Khurram Syed
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Health Sciences, University of Management and Technology Lahore, Lahore 54000, Pakistan;
| | - Shahid Shah
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (S.S.); (G.A.); (L.H.)
| | - Ghulam Abbas
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (S.S.); (G.A.); (L.H.)
| | - Chengyun Xu
- Key Laboratory of CFDA for Respiratory Drug Research, Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; (M.Q.B.); (C.X.)
| | - Amina Mahdy
- Medical Pharmacology Department, International School of Medicine, Istanbul Medipol University, Istanbul 34000, Turkey;
| | - Nadia Hussain
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Al Ain University, Al Ain 64141, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Liaqat Hussain
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan; (S.S.); (G.A.); (L.H.)
| | - Abdul Majeed
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Mulatn 60000, Pakistan;
| | - Kashif-ur-Rehman Khan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan;
| | - Ximei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Zhejiang University City College, 51 Huzhou Street, Hangzhou 310015, China;
| | - Musaddique Hussain
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan;
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9
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Uehara K, Koyanagi-Aoi M, Koide T, Itoh T, Aoi T. Epithelial-derived factors induce muscularis mucosa of human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived gastric organoids. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:820-834. [PMID: 35245440 PMCID: PMC9023774 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Human gastric development has not been well studied. The generation of human pluripotent stem cell-derived gastric organoids (hGOs) comprising gastric marker-expressing epithelium without an apparent smooth muscle (SM) structure has been reported. We modified previously reported protocols to generate hGOs with muscularis mucosa (MM) from hiPSCs. Time course analyses revealed that epithelium development occurred prior to MM formation. Sonic hedgehog (SHH) and TGF-β1 were secreted by the epithelium. HH and TGF-β signal inhibition prevented subepithelial MM formation. A mechanical property of the substrate promoted SM differentiation around hGOs in the presence of TGF-β. TGF-β signaling was shown to influence the HH signaling and mechanical properties. In addition, clinical specimen findings suggested the involvement of TGF-β signaling in MM formation in recovering gastric ulcers. HH and TGF-β signaling from the epithelium to the stroma and the mechanical properties of the subepithelial environment may influence the emergence of MM in human stomach tissue. We successfully induce hGOs with MM by culturing for 8 weeks The emergence of MM occurs after epithelial maturation HH, TGF-β, and the mechanical environment are suggested to be involved in MM formation
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichiro Uehara
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, Kobe 6500017, Japan; Department of iPS Cell Applications, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe 6500017, Japan; Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe 6500017, Japan
| | - Michiyo Koyanagi-Aoi
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, Kobe 6500017, Japan; Department of iPS Cell Applications, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe 6500017, Japan; Center for Human Resource Development for Regenerative Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe 6500017, Japan
| | - Takahiro Koide
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, Kobe 6500017, Japan; Department of iPS Cell Applications, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe 6500017, Japan; Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe 6500017, Japan
| | - Tomoo Itoh
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe 6500017, Japan
| | - Takashi Aoi
- Division of Advanced Medical Science, Graduate School of Science, Technology and Innovation, Kobe University, Kobe 6500017, Japan; Department of iPS Cell Applications, Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe University, Kobe 6500017, Japan; Center for Human Resource Development for Regenerative Medicine, Kobe University Hospital, Kobe 6500017, Japan.
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10
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Wasson CW, Caballero-Ruiz B, Gillespie J, Derrett-Smith E, Mankouri J, Denton CP, Canettieri G, Riobo-Del Galdo NA, Del Galdo F. Induction of Pro-Fibrotic CLIC4 in Dermal Fibroblasts by TGF-β/Wnt3a Is Mediated by GLI2 Upregulation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11030530. [PMID: 35159339 PMCID: PMC8834396 DOI: 10.3390/cells11030530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2022] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Chloride intracellular channel 4 (CLIC4) is a recently discovered driver of fibroblast activation in Scleroderma (SSc) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF). CLIC4 expression and activity are regulated by TGF-β signalling through the SMAD3 transcription factor. In view of the aberrant activation of canonical Wnt-3a and Hedgehog (Hh) signalling in fibrosis, we investigated their role in CLIC4 upregulation. Here, we show that TGF-β/SMAD3 co-operates with Wnt3a/β-catenin and Smoothened/GLI signalling to drive CLIC4 expression in normal dermal fibroblasts, and that the inhibition of β-catenin and GLI expression or activity abolishes TGF-β/SMAD3-dependent CLIC4 induction. We further show that the expression of the pro-fibrotic marker α-smooth muscle actin strongly correlates with CLIC4 expression in dermal fibroblasts. Further investigations revealed that the inhibition of CLIC4 reverses morphogen-dependent fibroblast activation. Our data highlights that CLIC4 is a common downstream target of TGF-β, Hh, and Wnt-3a through signalling crosstalk and we propose a potential therapeutic avenue using CLIC4 inhibitors
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W. Wasson
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS29JT, UK; (J.G.); (F.D.G.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Begoña Caballero-Ruiz
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS29JT, UK; (B.C.-R.); (J.M.); (N.A.R.-D.G.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00196 Rome, Italy;
| | - Justin Gillespie
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS29JT, UK; (J.G.); (F.D.G.)
| | - Emma Derrett-Smith
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Division of Medicine, London NW32PF, UK; (E.D.-S.); (C.P.D.)
| | - Jamel Mankouri
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS29JT, UK; (B.C.-R.); (J.M.); (N.A.R.-D.G.)
| | - Christopher P. Denton
- Centre for Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, UCL Division of Medicine, London NW32PF, UK; (E.D.-S.); (C.P.D.)
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00196 Rome, Italy;
| | - Natalia A. Riobo-Del Galdo
- School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds LS29JT, UK; (B.C.-R.); (J.M.); (N.A.R.-D.G.)
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS29JT, UK
| | - Francesco Del Galdo
- Leeds Institute of Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Leeds, Leeds LS29JT, UK; (J.G.); (F.D.G.)
- Scleroderma Programme, NIHR Leeds Musculoskeletal Biomedical Research Centre, Leeds LS29JT, UK
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11
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Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors against Tumor Microenvironment. Cells 2021; 10:cells10113135. [PMID: 34831357 PMCID: PMC8619966 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Targeting the hedgehog (HH) pathway to treat aggressive cancers of the brain, breast, pancreas, and prostate has been ongoing for decades. Gli gene amplifications have been long discovered within malignant glioma patients, and since then, inhibitors against HH pathway-associated molecules have successfully reached the clinical stage where several of them have been approved by the FDA. Albeit this success rate implies suitable progress, clinically used HH pathway inhibitors fail to treat patients with metastatic or recurrent disease. This is mainly due to heterogeneous tumor cells that have acquired resistance to the inhibitors along with the obstacle of effectively targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME). Severe side effects such as hyponatremia, diarrhea, fatigue, amenorrhea, nausea, hair loss, abnormal taste, and weight loss have also been reported. Furthermore, HH signaling is known to be involved in the regulation of immune cell maturation, angiogenesis, inflammation, and polarization of macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. It is critical to determine key mechanisms that can be targeted at different levels of tumor development and progression to address various clinical issues. Hence current research focus encompasses understanding how HH controls TME to develop TME altering and combinatorial targeting strategies. In this review, we aim to discuss the pros and cons of targeting HH signaling molecules, understand the mechanism involved in treatment resistance, reveal the role of the HH pathway in anti-tumor immune response, and explore the development of potential combination treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitors with HH pathway inhibitors to target HH-driven cancers.
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12
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Abraham A, Matsui W. Hedgehog Signaling in Myeloid Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194888. [PMID: 34638372 PMCID: PMC8507617 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Hedgehog signaling pathway is aberrantly activated in many myeloid malignancies, and pathway inhibition is clinically beneficial in specific patients with acute myeloid leukemia. However, even with the approval of these agents, the role of Hedgehog signaling in other myeloid disorders is less clear. In this review, we summarize the laboratory studies that have examined Hedgehog signaling in normal and malignant hematopoiesis as well as the clinical studies that have been carried out in several myeloid leukemias. Finally, we explore potential strategies to further expand the use of pathway inhibitors as therapies for these diseases. Abstract Myeloid malignancies arise from normal hematopoiesis and include several individual disorders with a wide range of clinical manifestations, treatment options, and clinical outcomes. The Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is aberrantly activated in many of these diseases, and glasdegib, a Smoothened (SMO) antagonist and HH pathway inhibitor, has recently been approved for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The efficacy of SMO inhibitors in AML suggests that they may be broadly active, but clinical studies in other myeloid malignancies have been largely inconclusive. We will discuss the biological role of the HH pathway in normal hematopoiesis and myeloid malignancies and review clinical studies targeting HH signaling in these diseases. In addition, we will examine SMO-independent pathway activation and highlight potential strategies that may expand the clinical utility of HH pathway antagonists.
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13
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Chai JY, Sugumar V, Alshawsh MA, Wong WF, Arya A, Chong PP, Looi CY. The Role of Smoothened-Dependent and -Independent Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Tumorigenesis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1188. [PMID: 34572373 PMCID: PMC8466551 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh)-glioma-associated oncogene homolog (GLI) signaling pathway is highly conserved among mammals, with crucial roles in regulating embryonic development as well as in cancer initiation and progression. The GLI transcription factors (GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3) are effectors of the Hh pathway and are regulated via Smoothened (SMO)-dependent and SMO-independent mechanisms. The SMO-dependent route involves the common Hh-PTCH-SMO axis, and mutations or transcriptional and epigenetic dysregulation at these levels lead to the constitutive activation of GLI transcription factors. Conversely, the SMO-independent route involves the SMO bypass regulation of GLI transcription factors by external signaling pathways and their interacting proteins or by epigenetic and transcriptional regulation of GLI transcription factors expression. Both routes of GLI activation, when dysregulated, have been heavily implicated in tumorigenesis of many known cancers, making them important targets for cancer treatment. Hence, this review describes the various SMO-dependent and SMO-independent routes of GLI regulation in the tumorigenesis of multiple cancers in order to provide a holistic view of the paradigms of hedgehog signaling networks involving GLI regulation. An in-depth understanding of the complex interplay between GLI and various signaling elements could help inspire new therapeutic breakthroughs for the treatment of Hh-GLI-dependent cancers in the future. Lastly, we have presented an up-to-date summary of the latest findings concerning the use of Hh inhibitors in clinical developmental studies and discussed the challenges, perspectives, and possible directions regarding the use of SMO/GLI inhibitors in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Yi Chai
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
| | - Vaisnevee Sugumar
- School of Medicine, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia;
| | | | - Won Fen Wong
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur 50603, Malaysia;
| | - Aditya Arya
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Building 184, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia;
| | - Pei Pei Chong
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
| | - Chung Yeng Looi
- School of Biosciences, Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia; (J.Y.C.); (P.P.C.)
- Centre for Drug Discovery and Molecular Pharmacology (CDDMP), Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, Taylor’s University, 1 Jalan Taylors, Subang Jaya 47500, Malaysia
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Hedgehog/GLI Signaling Pathway: Transduction, Regulation, and Implications for Disease. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143410. [PMID: 34298625 PMCID: PMC8304605 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Hedgehog/GLI (Hh/GLI) pathway plays a major role during development and it is commonly dysregulated in many diseases, including cancer. This highly concerted series of ligands, receptors, cytoplasmic signaling molecules, transcription factors, and co-regulators is involved in regulating the biological functions controlled by this pathway. Activation of Hh/GLI in cancer is most often through a non-canonical method of activation, independent of ligand binding. This review is intended to summarize our current understanding of the Hh/GLI signaling, non-canonical mechanisms of pathway activation, its implication in disease, and the current therapeutic strategies targeting this cascade. Abstract The Hh/GLI signaling pathway was originally discovered in Drosophila as a major regulator of segment patterning in development. This pathway consists of a series of ligands (Shh, Ihh, and Dhh), transmembrane receptors (Ptch1 and Ptch2), transcription factors (GLI1–3), and signaling regulators (SMO, HHIP, SUFU, PKA, CK1, GSK3β, etc.) that work in concert to repress (Ptch1, Ptch2, SUFU, PKA, CK1, GSK3β) or activate (Shh, Ihh, Dhh, SMO, GLI1–3) the signaling cascade. Not long after the initial discovery, dysregulation of the Hh/GLI signaling pathway was implicated in human disease. Activation of this signaling pathway is observed in many types of cancer, including basal cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma, colorectal, prostate, pancreatic, and many more. Most often, the activation of the Hh/GLI pathway in cancer occurs through a ligand-independent mechanism. However, in benign disease, this activation is mostly ligand-dependent. The upstream signaling component of the receptor complex, SMO, is bypassed, and the GLI family of transcription factors can be activated regardless of ligand binding. Additional mechanisms of pathway activation exist whereby the entirety of the downstream signaling pathway is bypassed, and PTCH1 promotes cell cycle progression and prevents caspase-mediated apoptosis. Throughout this review, we summarize each component of the signaling cascade, non-canonical modes of pathway activation, and the implications in human disease, including cancer.
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15
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Cui H, Yu W, Yu M, Luo Y, Yang M, Cong R, Chu X, Gao G, Zhong M. GPR126 regulates colorectal cancer cell proliferation by mediating HDAC2 and GLI2 expression. Cancer Sci 2021; 112:1798-1810. [PMID: 33629464 PMCID: PMC8088945 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The G‐protein‐coupled receptor 126 (GPR126) may play an important role in tumor development, although its role remains poorly understood. We found that GPR126 had higher expression in most colorectal cancer cell lines than in normal colon epithelial cell lines, and higher expression levels in colorectal cancer tissues than in normal adjacent colon tissues. GPR126 knockdown induced by shRNA inhibited cell viability and colony formation in HT‐29, HCT116, and LoVo cells, decreased BrdU incorporation into newly synthesized proliferating HT‐29 cells, led to an arrest of cell cycle progression at the G1 phase in HCT‐116 and HT‐29 cells, and suppressed tumorigenesis of HT‐29, HCT116, and LoVo cells in nude mouse xenograft models. GPR126 knockdown engendered decreased transcription and translation of histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2), previously implicated in the activation of GLI1 and GLI2 in the Hedgehog signaling pathway. Ectopic expression of HDAC2 in GPR126‐silenced cells restored cell viability and proliferation, GLI2 luciferase reporter activity, partially recovered GLI2 expression, and reduced the cell cycle arrest. HDAC2 regulated GLI2 expression and, along with GLI2, it bound to the PTCH1 promoter, as evidenced by a chip assay with HT‐29 cells. Purmorphamine, a hedgehog agonist, largely restored the cell viability and expression of GLI2 proteins in GPR126‐silenced HT‐29 cells, whereas GANT61, a hedgehog inhibitor, further enhanced the GPR126 knockdown‐induced inhibitory effects. Our findings demonstrate that GPR126 regulates colorectal cancer cell proliferation by mediating the expression of HDAC2 and GLI2, therefore it may represent a suitable therapeutic target for colorectal cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengxiang Cui
- Medical Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjie Yu
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Minhao Yu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Luo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingming Yang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ruochen Cong
- Medical Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xin Chu
- Medical Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ganglong Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Zhong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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16
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Massah S, Foo J, Li N, Truong S, Nouri M, Xie L, Prins GS, Buttyan R. Gli activation by the estrogen receptor in breast cancer cells: Regulation of cancer cell growth by Gli3. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 522:111136. [PMID: 33347954 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gli is an oncogenic transcription factor family thought to be involved in breast cancer (BrCa) cell growth. Gli activity is regulated by a post-translational proteolytic process that is suppressed by Hedgehog signaling. In prostate cancer cells, however, Gli activation is mediated by an interaction of active androgen receptor proteins with Gli3 that stabilizes Gli3 in its un-proteolyzed form. Here we show that the estrogen receptor (ER), ERα, also binds Gli3 and activates Gli in BrCa cells. Moreover, we show that ER + BrCa cells are dependent on Gli3 for cancer cell growth. METHODS Transfection with Gli-luciferase reporter was used to report Gli activity in 293FT or BrCa cells (MCF7, T47D, MDA-MB-453) with or without steroid ligands. Co-immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation were used to show association of Gli3 with ERα. Gli3 stability was determined by western blots of BrCa cell extracts. ERα knockdown or destabilization (by fulvestrant) was used to assess how loss of ERα affects estradiol-induced Gli reporter activity, formation of intranuclear ERα-Gli3 complexes and Gli3 stability. Expression of Gli1 and/or other endogenous Gli-target genes in BrCa cells were measured by qPCR in the presence or absence of estradiol. Gli3 knockdown was assessed for effects on BrCa cell growth using the Cyquant assay. RESULTS ERα co-transfection increased Gli reporter activity in 293FT cells that was further increased by estradiol. Gli3 co-precipitated in ERα immunoprecipitates. Acute (2 h) estradiol increased Gli reporter activity and the formation of intranuclear ERα-Gli3 complexes in ER + BrCa cells but more chronic estradiol (48 h) reduced ERα-Gli complexes commensurate with reduced ERα levels. Gli3 stability and endogenous activity was only increased by more chronic estradiol treatment. Fulvestrant or ERα knockdown suppressed E2-induction of Gli activity, intranuclear ERα-Gli3 complexes and stabilization of Gli3. Gli3 knockdown significantly reduced the growth of BrCa cells. CONCLUSIONS ERα interacts with Gli3 in BrCa cells and estradiol treatment leads to Gli3 stabilization and increased expression of Gli-target genes. Furthermore, we found tthat Gli3 is necessary for BrCa cell growth. These results support the idea that the ERα-Gli interaction and Gli3 may be novel targets for effective control of BrCa growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Massah
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Canada; The Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Jane Foo
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Canada; Interdisciplinary Oncology, University of British Columbia, Canada
| | - Na Li
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Canada
| | | | | | - Lishi Xie
- The Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Canada
| | - Gail S Prins
- The Department of Urology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Canada
| | - Ralph Buttyan
- The Vancouver Prostate Centre, Canada; The Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Canada.
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17
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Di Gregorio J, Robuffo I, Spalletta S, Giambuzzi G, De Iuliis V, Toniato E, Martinotti S, Conti P, Flati V. The Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition as a Possible Therapeutic Target in Fibrotic Disorders. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:607483. [PMID: 33409282 PMCID: PMC7779530 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.607483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a chronic and progressive disorder characterized by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix, which leads to scarring and loss of function of the affected organ or tissue. Indeed, the fibrotic process affects a variety of organs and tissues, with specific molecular background. However, two common hallmarks are shared: the crucial role of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) and the involvement of the inflammation process, that is essential for initiating the fibrotic degeneration. TGF-β in particular but also other cytokines regulate the most common molecular mechanism at the basis of fibrosis, the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT). EMT has been extensively studied, but not yet fully explored as a possible therapeutic target for fibrosis. A deeper understanding of the crosstalk between fibrosis and EMT may represent an opportunity for the development of a broadly effective anti-fibrotic therapy. Here we report the evidences of the relationship between EMT and multi-organ fibrosis, and the possible therapeutic approaches that may be developed by exploiting this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Di Gregorio
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Iole Robuffo
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Section of Chieti, Chieti, Italy
| | - Sonia Spalletta
- Department of Clinical Pathology, E. Profili Hospital, Fabriano, Ancona, Italy
| | - Giulia Giambuzzi
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo De Iuliis
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Elena Toniato
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Stefano Martinotti
- Department of Medical and Oral Sciences and Biotechnologies, University “G. d’Annunzio”, Chieti, Italy
| | - Pio Conti
- Postgraduate Medical School, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Flati
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
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Sonic Hedgehog Signature in Pediatric Primary Bone Tumors: Effects of the GLI Antagonist GANT61 on Ewing's Sarcoma Tumor Growth. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12113438. [PMID: 33228057 PMCID: PMC7699338 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The poor clinical outcomes for Osteosarcoma (OS) and Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) patients underscore the urgency of developing novel therapeutic strategies for these pathologies. In this context, the emerging role of Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling in cancer has been critically evaluated, focusing on the potential for targeting SHH signaling as an anticancer strategy. The aims of this work were (1) to highlight and to compare a possible SHH/Gli signature between OS and ES, (2) to strengthen our knowledge concerning the role of EWS-FLI1 in the SHH signature in ES and (3) to evaluate the effect of the specific Gli inhibitor GANT61 in vivo on the growth of ES tumors using an orthotopic mice model. Our work identifies Gli1 as a promising therapeutic target in ES and demonstrates that GANT61, through inhibition of Gli1 transcriptional activity, may be a promising therapeutic strategy hindering ES tumor progression, and specifically primary tumor growth. Abstract Osteosarcoma (OS) and Ewing’s sarcoma (ES) are the most common malignant bone tumors in children and adolescents. In many cases, the prognosis remains very poor. The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway, strongly involved in the development of many cancers, regulate transcription via the transcriptional factors Gli1-3. In this context, RNAseq analysis of OS and ES cell lines reveals an increase of some major compounds of the SHH signaling cascade in ES cells, such as the transcriptional factor Gli1. This increase leads to an augmentation of the transcriptional response of Gli1 in ES cell lines, demonstrating a dysregulation of Gli1 signaling in ES cells and thus the rationale for targeting Gli1 in ES. The use of a preclinical model of ES demonstrates that GANT61, an inhibitor of the transcriptional factor Gli1, reduces ES primary tumor growth. In vitro experiments show that GANT61 decreases the viability of ES cell, mainly through its ability to induce caspase-3/7-dependent cell apoptosis. Taken together, these results demonstrates that GANT61 may be a promising therapeutic strategy for inhibiting the progression of primary ES tumors.
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Fania L, Didona D, Morese R, Campana I, Coco V, Di Pietro FR, Ricci F, Pallotta S, Candi E, Abeni D, Dellambra E. Basal Cell Carcinoma: From Pathophysiology to Novel Therapeutic Approaches. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8110449. [PMID: 33113965 PMCID: PMC7690754 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8110449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common human cancer worldwide, and is a subtype of nonmelanoma skin cancer, characterized by a constantly increasing incidence due to an aging population and widespread sun exposure. Although the mortality from BCC is negligible, this tumor can be associated with significant morbidity and cost. This review presents a literature overview of BCC from pathophysiology to novel therapeutic approaches. Several histopathological BCC subtypes with different prognostic values have been described. Dermoscopy and, more recently, reflectance confocal microscopy have largely improved BCC diagnosis. Although surgery is the first-line treatment for localized BCC, other nonsurgical local treatment options are available. BCC pathogenesis depends on the interaction between environmental and genetic characteristics of the patient. Specifically, an aberrant activation of Hedgehog signaling pathway is implicated in its pathogenesis. Notably, Hedgehog signaling inhibitors, such as vismodegib and sonidegib, are successfully used as targeted treatment for advanced or metastatic BCC. Furthermore, the implementation of prevention measures has demonstrated to be useful in the patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Fania
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Dario Didona
- Department of Dermatology and Allergology, Philipps University, 35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Roberto Morese
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
| | - Irene Campana
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
| | - Valeria Coco
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
| | - Francesca Romana Di Pietro
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
| | - Francesca Ricci
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
| | - Sabatino Pallotta
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Damiano Abeni
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
| | - Elena Dellambra
- Istituto Dermopatico dell’Immacolata-IRCCS, via dei Monti di Creta 104, 00167 Rome, Italy; (R.M.); (I.C.); (V.C.); (F.R.D.P.); (F.R.); (S.P.); (E.C.); (D.A.); (E.D.)
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McCleary-Wheeler AL, Paradise BD, Almada LL, Carlson AJ, Marks DL, Vrabel A, Vera RE, Sigafoos AN, Olson RL, Fernandez-Zapico ME. TFII-I-mediated polymerase pausing antagonizes GLI2 induction by TGFβ. Nucleic Acids Res 2020; 48:7169-7181. [PMID: 32544250 PMCID: PMC7367210 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkaa476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The modulation of GLI2, an oncogenic transcription factor commonly upregulated in cancer, is in many cases not due to genetic defects, suggesting dysregulation through alternative mechanisms. The identity of these molecular events remains for the most part unknown. Here, we identified TFII-I as a novel repressor of GLI2 expression. Mapping experiments suggest that the INR region of the GLI2 promoter is necessary for GLI2 repression. ChIP studies showed that TFII-I binds to this INR. TFII-I knockdown decreased the binding of NELF-A, a component of the promoter–proximal pausing complex at this site, and enriched phosphorylated RNAPII serine 2 in the GLI2 gene body. Immunoprecipitation studies demonstrate TFII-I interaction with SPT5, another pausing complex component. TFII-I overexpression antagonized GLI2 induction by TGFβ, a known activator of GLI2 in cancer cells. TGFβ reduced endogenous TFII-I binding to the INR and increased RNAPII SerP2 in the gene body. We demonstrate that this regulatory mechanism is not exclusive of GLI2. TGFβ-induced genes CCR7, TGFβ1 and EGR3 showed similar decreased TFII-I and NELF-A INR binding and increased RNAPII SerP2 in the gene body post-TGFβ treatment. Together these results identify TFII-I as a novel repressor of a subset of TGFβ-responsive genes through the regulation of RNAPII pausing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela L McCleary-Wheeler
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Brooke D Paradise
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.,Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Luciana L Almada
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Annika J Carlson
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - David L Marks
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Anne Vrabel
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Renzo E Vera
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Ashley N Sigafoos
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Rachel L Olson
- Schulze Center for Novel Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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21
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Large-scale pan-cancer analysis reveals broad prognostic association between TGF-β ligands, not Hedgehog, and GLI1/2 expression in tumors. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14491. [PMID: 32879407 PMCID: PMC7468122 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71559-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
GLI1 expression is broadly accepted as a marker of Hedgehog pathway activation in tumors. Efficacy of Hedgehog inhibitors is essentially limited to tumors bearing activating mutations of the pathway. GLI2, a critical Hedgehog effector, is necessary for GLI1 expression and is a direct transcriptional target of TGF-β/SMAD signaling. We examined the expression correlations of GLI1/2 with TGFB and HH genes in 152 distinct transcriptome datasets totaling over 23,500 patients and representing 37 types of neoplasms. Their prognostic value was measured in over 15,000 clinically annotated tumor samples from 26 tumor types. In most tumor types, GLI1 and GLI2 follow a similar pattern of expression and are equally correlated with HH and TGFB genes. However, GLI1/2 broadly share prognostic value with TGFB genes and a mesenchymal/EMT signature, not with HH genes. Our results provide a likely explanation for the frequent failure of anti-Hedgehog therapies in tumors, as they suggest a key role for TGF-β, not Hedgehog, ligands, in tumors with elevated GLI1/2-expression.
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22
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Lézot F, Corre I, Morice S, Rédini F, Verrecchia F. SHH Signaling Pathway Drives Pediatric Bone Sarcoma Progression. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030536. [PMID: 32110934 PMCID: PMC7140443 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary bone tumors can be divided into two classes, benign and malignant. Among the latter group, osteosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma are the most prevalent malignant primary bone tumors in children and adolescents. Despite intensive efforts to improve treatments, almost 40% of patients succumb to the disease. Specifically, the clinical outcome for metastatic osteosarcoma or Ewing sarcoma remains poor; less than 30% of patients who present metastases will survive 5 years after initial diagnosis. One common and specific point of these bone tumors is their ability to deregulate bone homeostasis and remodeling and divert them to their benefit. Over the past years, considerable interest in the Sonic Hedgehog (SHH) pathway has taken place within the cancer research community. The activation of this SHH cascade can be done through different ways and, schematically, two pathways can be described, the canonical and the non-canonical. This review discusses the current knowledge about the involvement of the SHH signaling pathway in skeletal development, pediatric bone sarcoma progression and the related therapeutic options that may be possible for these tumors.
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23
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Schulz A, Gorodetska I, Behrendt R, Fuessel S, Erdmann K, Foerster S, Datta K, Mayr T, Dubrovska A, Muders MH. Linking NRP2 With EMT and Chemoradioresistance in Bladder Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 9:1461. [PMID: 32038994 PMCID: PMC6986262 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropilin-2 (NRP2) is a prognostic indicator for reduced survival in bladder cancer (BCa) patients. Together with its major ligand, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C, NRP2 expression is a predictive factor for treatment outcome in response to radiochemotherapy in BCa patients who underwent transurethral resection. Therefore, we investigated the benefit of combining cisplatin-based chemotherapy with irradiation treatment in the BCa cell line RT112 exhibiting or lacking endogenous NRP2 expression in order to evaluate NRP2 as potential therapeutic target. We have identified a high correlation of NRP2 and the glioma-associated oncogene family zinc finger 2 (GLI2) transcripts in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) cohort of BCa patients and a panel of 15 human BCa cell lines. Furthermore, we used in vitro BCa models to show the transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGFβ1)-dependent regulation of NRP2 and GLI2 expression levels. Since NRP2 was shown to bind TGFβ1, associate with TGFβ receptors, and enhance TGFβ1 signaling, we evaluated downstream signaling pathways using an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-assay in combination with a PCR profiling array containing 84 genes related to EMT. Subsequent target validation in NRP2 knockout and knockdown models revealed secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1/OPN/Osteopontin) as a downstream target positively regulated by NRP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Schulz
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ielizaveta Gorodetska
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Rayk Behrendt
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute for Immunology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Susanne Fuessel
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kati Erdmann
- Department of Urology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sarah Foerster
- Rudolf Becker Laboratory for Prostate Cancer Research, Center of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kaustubh Datta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Thomas Mayr
- Rudolf Becker Laboratory for Prostate Cancer Research, Center of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology – OncoRay, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael H. Muders
- Rudolf Becker Laboratory for Prostate Cancer Research, Center of Pathology, University of Bonn Medical Center, Bonn, Germany
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24
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Zheng L, Rui C, Zhang H, Chen J, Jia X, Xiao Y. Sonic hedgehog signaling in epithelial tissue development. Regen Med Res 2019; 7:3. [PMID: 31898580 PMCID: PMC6941452 DOI: 10.1051/rmr/190004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway is essential for embryonic development and tissue regeneration. The dysfunction of SHH pathway is involved in a variety of diseases, including cancer, birth defects, and other diseases. Here we reviewed recent studies on main molecules involved in the SHH signaling pathway, specifically focused on their function in epithelial tissue and appendages development, including epidermis, touch dome, hair, sebaceous gland, mammary gland, tooth, nail, gastric epithelium, and intestinal epithelium. The advance in understanding the SHH signaling pathway will give us more clues to the mechanisms of tissue repair and regeneration, as well as the development of new treatment for diseases related to dysregulation of SHH signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zheng
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Central Lab of Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Hangzhou PR China
| | - Chen Rui
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Central Lab of Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Hangzhou PR China
| | - Hao Zhang
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Central Lab of Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Hangzhou PR China
| | - Jing Chen
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Central Lab of Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Hangzhou PR China
| | - Xiuzhi Jia
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Central Lab of Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Hangzhou PR China
| | - Ying Xiao
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Central Lab of Biomedical Research Center, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University Hangzhou PR China
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25
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Piirsoo A, Pink A, Kasak L, Kala M, Kasvandik S, Ustav M, Piirsoo M. Differential phosphorylation determines the repressor and activator potencies of GLI1 proteins and their efficiency in modulating the HPV life cycle. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0225775. [PMID: 31770404 PMCID: PMC6879148 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0225775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signalling pathway plays multiple roles during embryonic development and under pathological conditions. Although the core components of the Shh pathway are conserved, the regulation of signal transduction varies significantly among species and cell types. Protein kinases Ulk3 and Pka are involved in the Shh pathway as modulators of the activities of Gli transcription factors, which are the nuclear mediators of the signal. Here, we investigate the regulation and activities of two GLI1 isoforms, full-length GLI1 (GLI1FL) and GLI1ΔN. The latter protein lacks the first 128 amino acids including the conserved phosphorylation cluster and the binding motif for SUFU, the key regulator of GLI activity. Both GLI1 isoforms are co-expressed in all human cell lines analysed and possess similar DNA binding activity. ULK3 potentiates the transcriptional activity of both GLI1 proteins, whereas PKA inhibits the activity of GLI1ΔN, but not GLI1FL. In addition to its well-established role as a transcriptional activator, GLI1FL acts as a repressor by inhibiting transcription from the early promoters of human papillomavirus type 18 (HPV18). Additionally, compared to GLI1ΔN, GLI1FL is a more potent suppressor of replication of several HPV types. Altogether, our data show that the N-terminal part of GLI1FL is crucial for the realization of its full potential as a transcriptional regulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla Piirsoo
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Anne Pink
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Lagle Kasak
- Department of Chemistry and Biotechnology, Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn, Estonia
| | - Martin Kala
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Sergo Kasvandik
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mart Ustav
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Marko Piirsoo
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
- * E-mail:
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26
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Ozretić P, Hanžić N, Proust B, Sabol M, Trnski D, Radić M, Musani V, Ciribilli Y, Milas I, Puljiz Z, Bosnar MH, Levanat S, Slade N. Expression profiles of p53/p73, NME and GLI families in metastatic melanoma tissue and cell lines. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12470. [PMID: 31462745 PMCID: PMC6713730 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48882-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Unlike other tumours, TP53 is rarely mutated in melanoma; however, it fails to function as a tumour suppressor. We assume that its functions might be altered through interactions with several families of proteins, including p53/p73, NME and GLI. To elucidate the potential interplay among these families we analysed the expression profiles of aforementioned genes and proteins in a panel of melanoma cell lines, metastatic melanoma specimens and healthy corresponding tissue. Using qPCR a higher level of NME1 gene expression and lower levels of Δ40p53β, ΔNp73, GLI1, GLI2 and PTCH1 were observed in tumour samples compared to healthy tissue. Protein expression of Δ133p53α, Δ160p53α and ΔNp73α isoforms, NME1 and NME2, and N'ΔGLI1, GLI1FL, GLI2ΔN isoforms was elevated in tumour tissue, whereas ∆Np73β was downregulated. The results in melanoma cell lines, in general, support these findings. In addition, we correlated expression profiles with clinical features and outcome. Higher Δ133p53β and p53α mRNA and both GLI1 mRNA and GLI3R protein expression had a negative impact on the overall survival. Shorter overall survival was also connected with lower p53β and NME1 gene expression levels. In conclusion, all examined genes may have implications in melanoma development and functional inactivity of TP53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petar Ozretić
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Nikolina Hanžić
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Bastien Proust
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Sabol
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Diana Trnski
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Martina Radić
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Vesna Musani
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Yari Ciribilli
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology (CIBIO), University of Trento, Via Sommarive 9, Povo (Trento), IT-38123, Italy
| | - Ivan Milas
- Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Vinogradska cesta 29, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Zvonimir Puljiz
- Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center, Vinogradska cesta 29, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Herak Bosnar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sonja Levanat
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Neda Slade
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička cesta 54, HR-10000, Zagreb, Croatia.
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27
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Peng L, Yang C, Yin J, Ge M, Wang S, Zhang G, Zhang Q, Xu F, Dai Z, Xie L, Li Y, Si JQ, Ma K. TGF-β2 Induces Gli1 in a Smad3-Dependent Manner Against Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury After Isoflurane Post-conditioning in Rats. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:636. [PMID: 31297044 PMCID: PMC6608402 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Isoflurane (ISO) post-conditioning attenuates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, but the underlying mechanism is incompletely elucidated. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathways govern a wide range of mechanisms in the central nervous system. We aimed to investigate the effect of the TGF-β2/Smad3 and sonic hedgehog (Shh)/Glioblastoma (Gli) signaling pathway and their crosstalk in the hippocampus of rats with ISO post-conditioning after cerebral I/R injury. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), 1.5 h occlusion and 24 h reperfusion (MCAO/R). To assess the effect of ISO after I/R injury, various approaches were used, including neurobehavioral tests, TTC staining, HE staining, Nissl staining, TUNEL staining, immunofluorescence (IF), qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) and Western blot. The ISO post-conditioning group (ISO group) received 1 h ISO post-conditioning when reperfusion was initiated, leading to lower infarct volumes and neurologic deficit scores, more surviving neurons, and less damaged and apoptotic neurons. IF staining, qRT-PCR and Western blot showed high expression levels of TGF-β2, Shh and Gli1 in the hippocampal CA1 of the ISO group. Phosphorylated Smad3 (p-Smad3), Patched (Ptch), and Smoothed (Smo) were also increased at protein level in the ISO group, whereas total Smad3 expression did not change in all groups. When TGF-β2 inhibitor, pirfenidone, or Smad3 inhibitor, SIS3 HCl, were administered, the expression levels of p-Smad3 and Gli1 were reduced, and surviving pyramidal neurons decreased. By contrast, the expression levels of TGF-β2 and p-Smad3 did not change significantly after pre-injection of Smo inhibitor cyclopamine, but reduced the expression levels of Shh, Ptch, and Gli1. Moreover, Gli showed the lowest expression levels with pirfenidone combined with cyclopamine. These findings indicate that the TGF-β and hedgehog signaling pathways mediate the neuroprotection of ISO post-conditioning after cerebral I/R injury, and crosstalk between two pathways at the Gli1 level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Chengwei Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jiangwen Yin
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Mingyue Ge
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Guixing Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Qingtong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Feng Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Zhigang Dai
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Liping Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Jun-Qiang Si
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
| | - Ketao Ma
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Key Laboratory of Xinjiang Endemic and Ethnic Diseases, Shihezi University, Shihezi, China
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28
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Pietrobono S, Gagliardi S, Stecca B. Non-canonical Hedgehog Signaling Pathway in Cancer: Activation of GLI Transcription Factors Beyond Smoothened. Front Genet 2019; 10:556. [PMID: 31244888 PMCID: PMC6581679 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 190] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog-GLI (HH-GLI) pathway is a highly conserved signaling that plays a critical role in controlling cell specification, cell–cell interaction and tissue patterning during embryonic development. Canonical activation of HH-GLI signaling occurs through binding of HH ligands to the twelve-pass transmembrane receptor Patched 1 (PTCH1), which derepresses the seven-pass transmembrane G protein-coupled receptor Smoothened (SMO). Thus, active SMO initiates a complex intracellular cascade that leads to the activation of the three GLI transcription factors, the final effectors of the HH-GLI pathway. Aberrant activation of this signaling has been implicated in a wide variety of tumors, such as those of the brain, skin, breast, gastrointestinal, lung, pancreas, prostate and ovary. In several of these cases, activation of HH-GLI signaling is mediated by overproduction of HH ligands (e.g., prostate cancer), loss-of-function mutations in PTCH1 or gain-of-function mutations in SMO, which occur in the majority of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), SHH-subtype medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma. Besides the classical canonical ligand-PTCH1-SMO route, mounting evidence points toward additional, non-canonical ways of GLI activation in cancer. By non-canonical we refer to all those mechanisms of activation of the GLI transcription factors occurring independently of SMO. Often, in a given cancer type canonical and non-canonical activation of HH-GLI signaling co-exist, and in some cancer types, more than one mechanism of non-canonical activation may occur. Tumors harboring non-canonical HH-GLI signaling are less sensitive to SMO inhibition, posing a threat for therapeutic efficacy of these antagonists. Here we will review the most recent findings on the involvement of alternative signaling pathways in inducing GLI activity in cancer and stem cells. We will also discuss the rationale of targeting these oncogenic pathways in combination with HH-GLI inhibitors as a promising anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pietrobono
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Sinforosa Gagliardi
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit - Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
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29
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Abstract
In this review, Goding and Arnheiter present the current understanding of MITF's role and regulation in development and disease and highlight key areas where our knowledge of MITF regulation and function is limited. All transcription factors are equal, but some are more equal than others. In the 25 yr since the gene encoding the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) was first isolated, MITF has emerged as a key coordinator of many aspects of melanocyte and melanoma biology. Like all transcription factors, MITF binds to specific DNA sequences and up-regulates or down-regulates its target genes. What marks MITF as being remarkable among its peers is the sheer range of biological processes that it appears to coordinate. These include cell survival, differentiation, proliferation, invasion, senescence, metabolism, and DNA damage repair. In this article we present our current understanding of MITF's role and regulation in development and disease, as well as those of the MITF-related factors TFEB and TFE3, and highlight key areas where our knowledge of MITF regulation and function is limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford OX3 7DQ, United Kingdom
| | - Heinz Arnheiter
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Heath, Bethesda, Maryland 20824, USA
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Role of Hedgehog Signaling in Breast Cancer: Pathogenesis and Therapeutics. Cells 2019; 8:cells8040375. [PMID: 31027259 PMCID: PMC6523618 DOI: 10.3390/cells8040375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women, only followed by lung cancer. Given the importance of BC in public health, it is essential to identify biomarkers to predict prognosis, predetermine drug resistance and provide treatment guidelines that include personalized targeted therapies. The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays an essential role in embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and stem cell renewal. Several lines of evidence endorse the important role of canonical and non-canonical Hh signaling in BC. In this comprehensive review we discuss the role of Hh signaling in breast development and homeostasis and its contribution to tumorigenesis and progression of different subtypes of BC. We also examine the efficacy of agents targeting different components of the Hh pathway both in preclinical models and in clinical trials. The contribution of the Hh pathway in BC tumorigenesis and progression, its prognostic role, and its value as a therapeutic target vary according to the molecular, clinical, and histopathological characteristics of the BC patients. The evidence presented here highlights the relevance of the Hh signaling in BC, and suggest that this pathway is key for BC progression and metastasis.
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Pierrat MJ, Marsaud V, Mauviel A, Javelaud D. Transcriptional repression of the tyrosinase-related protein 2 gene by transforming growth factor-β and the Kruppel-like transcription factor GLI2. J Dermatol Sci 2019; 94:321-329. [PMID: 31208857 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tyrosinase-Related Protein 2 (TRP2) is an enzyme involved in melanogenesis, that also exerts proliferative, anti-apoptotic and immunogenic functions in melanoma cells. TRP2 transcription is regulated by the melanocytic master transcription factor MITF. GLI2, a transcription factor that acts downstream of Hedgehog signaling, is also a direct transcriptional target of the TGF-β/SMAD pathway that contributes to melanoma progression and exerts transcriptional antagonistic activities against MITF. OBJECTIVES To characterize the molecular events responsible for TGF-β and GLI2 repression of TRP2 expression. METHODS In silico promoter analysis, transient cell transfection experiments with 5'-end TRP2 promoter deletion constructs, chromatin immuno-precipitation, and site-directed promoter mutagenesis were used to dissect the molecular mechanisms of TRP2 gene regulation by TGF-β and GLI2. RESULTS We demonstrate that TGF-β and GLI2-specific TRP2 repression involves direct mechanisms that occur in addition to MITF downregulation by TGF-β and GLI2. We identify two functional GLI2 binding sites within the TRP2 promoter that are critical for TGF-β and GLI2 responsiveness, one of them overlapping a CREB binding site. GLI2 and CREB competing for the same cis-element is associated with opposite transcriptional outcome. CONCLUSION Our results further refine the understanding of how TGF-β and GLI2 control the phenotypic plasticity of melanoma cells. In particular, we identify critical GLI2-binding cis-elements within the TRP2 promoter region that allow for its transcriptional repression independently from MITF concomitant downregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Jeanne Pierrat
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U1021, CNRS UMR3347, Team "TGF-ß and Oncogenesis", Equipe Labellisée LIGUE 2016, F-91400, Orsay, France; Université Paris-Sud, F-91400, Orsay, France
| | - Véronique Marsaud
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U1021, CNRS UMR3347, Team "TGF-ß and Oncogenesis", Equipe Labellisée LIGUE 2016, F-91400, Orsay, France; Université Paris-Sud, F-91400, Orsay, France
| | - Alain Mauviel
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U1021, CNRS UMR3347, Team "TGF-ß and Oncogenesis", Equipe Labellisée LIGUE 2016, F-91400, Orsay, France; Université Paris-Sud, F-91400, Orsay, France.
| | - Delphine Javelaud
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U1021, CNRS UMR3347, Team "TGF-ß and Oncogenesis", Equipe Labellisée LIGUE 2016, F-91400, Orsay, France; Université Paris-Sud, F-91400, Orsay, France.
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How Bad Is the Hedgehog? GLI-Dependent, Hedgehog-Independent Cancers on the Importance of Biomarkers for Proper Patients Selection. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc 2018; 19:S87-S88. [PMID: 30471761 DOI: 10.1016/j.jisp.2018.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Hedgehog (HH) signaling plays an important role both during embryonic development and adult life. It is involved in the regulation of cell differentiation, cell proliferation and tissue polarity, as well as in the maintenance of stem cells, tissue repair, and regeneration (Briscoe and Therond, 2013; Jiang and Hui, 2008). Three ligands, Indian, Sonic, and Desert HH, can activate this pathway. Binding of HH ligands to their receptor, PTCH1 (Figure 1) lift its inhibition on SMO, resulting in activation and nuclear translocation of GLI transcription factors (Javelaud et al., 2012). The vertebrate GLI gene family is composed of three distinct genes GLI1, GLI2, and GLI3, encoding Krüppel-like transcription factors. GLI proteins exhibit distinct regulations, biochemical properties, and target genes. GLI3 acts as the main repressor of the pathway in the absence of HH ligands, whereas, in their presence, GLI2 is the main HH effector that drives the expression of GLI1 (Briscoe and Therond, 2013).
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Dittmer J. Breast cancer stem cells: Features, key drivers and treatment options. Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 53:59-74. [PMID: 30059727 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The current view is that breast cancer is a stem cell disease characterized by the existence of cancer cells with stem-like features and tumor-initiating potential. These cells are made responsible for tumor dissemination and metastasis. Common therapies by chemotherapeutic drugs fail to eradicate these cells and rather increase the pool of cancer stem cells in tumors, an effect that may increase the likelyhood of recurrence. Fifteen years after the first evidence for a small stem-like subpopulation playing a major role in breast cancer initiation has been published a large body of knowledge has been accumulated regarding the signaling cascades and proteins involved in maintaining stemness in breast cancer. Differences in the stem cell pool size and in mechanisms regulating stemness in the different breast cancer subtypes have emerged. Overall, this knowledge offers new approaches to intervene with breast cancer stem cell activity. New options are particularly needed for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer subtype, which is particularly rich in cancer stem cells and is also the subtype for which specific therapies are still not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Dittmer
- Clinic for Gynecology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Germany.
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The identification of fibrosis-driving myofibroblast precursors reveals new therapeutic avenues in myelofibrosis. Blood 2018; 131:2111-2119. [PMID: 29572380 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2018-02-834820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Myofibroblasts are fibrosis-driving cells and are well characterized in solid organ fibrosis, but their role and cellular origin in bone marrow fibrosis remains obscure. Recent work has demonstrated that Gli1+ and LepR+ mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are progenitors of fibrosis-causing myofibroblasts in the bone marrow. Genetic ablation of Gli1+ MSCs or pharmacologic targeting of hedgehog (Hh)-Gli signaling ameliorated fibrosis in mouse models of myelofibrosis (MF). Moreover, pharmacologic or genetic intervention in platelet-derived growth factor receptor α (Pdgfrα) signaling in Lepr+ stromal cells suppressed their expansion and ameliorated MF. Improved understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms in the hematopoietic stem cell niche that govern the transition of MSCs to myofibroblasts and myofibroblast expansion in MF has led to new paradigms in the pathogenesis and treatment of MF. Here, we highlight the central role of malignant hematopoietic clone-derived megakaryocytes in reprogramming the hematopoietic stem cell niche in MF with potential detrimental consequences for hematopoietic reconstitution after allogenic stem cell transplantation, so far the only therapeutic approach in MF considered to be curative. We and others have reported that targeting Hh-Gli signaling is a therapeutic strategy in solid organ fibrosis. Data indicate that targeting Gli proteins directly inhibits Gli1+ cell proliferation and myofibroblast differentiation, which results in reduced fibrosis severity and improved organ function. Although canonical Hh inhibition (eg, smoothened [Smo] inhibition) failed to improve pulmonary fibrosis, kidney fibrosis, or MF, the direct inhibition of Gli proteins ameliorated fibrosis. Therefore, targeting Gli proteins directly might be an interesting and novel therapeutic approach in MF.
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Machado MV, Diehl AM. Hedgehog signalling in liver pathophysiology. J Hepatol 2018; 68:550-562. [PMID: 29107151 PMCID: PMC5957514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2017.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Liver disease remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide despite recent successes in the field of viral hepatitis, because increases in alcohol consumption and obesity are fuelling an epidemic of chronic fatty liver disease for which there are currently no effective medical therapies. About 20% of individuals with chronic liver injury ultimately develop end-stage liver disease due to cirrhosis. Hence, treatments to prevent and reverse cirrhosis in individuals with ongoing liver injury are desperately needed. The development of successful treatments requires an improved understanding of the mechanisms controlling liver disease progression. The liver responds to diverse insults with a conserved wound healing response, suggesting that it might be generally beneficial to optimise pathways that are crucial for effective liver repair. The Hedgehog pathway has emerged as a potential target based on compelling preclinical and clinical data, which demonstrate that it critically regulates the liver's response to injury. Herein, we will summarise evidence of the Hedgehog pathway's role in liver disease and discuss how modulating pathway activity might be applied to improve liver disease outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Verdelho Machado
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA,Gastroenterology Department, Hospital de Santa Maria, CHLN, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Anna Mae Diehl
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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36
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Cannonier SA, Gonzales CB, Ely K, Guelcher SA, Sterling JA. Hedgehog and TGFβ signaling converge on Gli2 to control bony invasion and bone destruction in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:76062-76075. [PMID: 27738315 PMCID: PMC5340177 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. OSCC invasion into the lymph nodes and mandible correlates with increased rates of recurrence and lower overall survival. Tumors that infiltrate mandibular bone proliferate rapidly and induce bone destruction. While survival rates have increased 12% over the last 20 years, this improvement is attributed to general advances in prevention, earlier detection, and updated treatments. Additionally, despite decades of research, the molecular mechanisms of OSCC invasion into the mandible are not well understood. Parathyroid Hormone-related Protein (PTHrP), has been shown to be essential for mandibular invasion in OSCC animal models, and our previous studies demonstrate that the transcription factor Gli2 increases PTHrP expression in tumor metastasis to bone. In OSCC, we investigated regulators of Gli2, including Hedgehog, TGFβ, and Wnt signaling to elucidate how PTHrP expression is controlled. Here we show that canonical Hedgehog and TGFβ signaling cooperate to increase PTHrP expression and mandibular invasion in a Gli2-dependent manner. Additionally, in an orthotopic model of mandibular invasion, inhibition of Gli2 using shRNA resulted in a significant decrease of both PTHrP expression and bony invasion. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that multiple signaling pathways converge on Gli2 to mediate PTHrP expression and bony invasion, highlighting Gli2 as a therapeutic target to prevent bony invasion in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shellese A Cannonier
- Department of Veteran Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville TN 37212, USA.,Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN 37232, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN 37232, USA
| | - Cara B Gonzales
- Department of Comprehensive Dentistry, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio Dental School, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Kim Ely
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN 37232, USA
| | - Scott A Guelcher
- Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN 37232, USA.,Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN 37235, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN 37235, USA
| | - Julie A Sterling
- Department of Veteran Affairs, Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville TN 37212, USA.,Center for Bone Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN 37232, USA.,Department of Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN 37232, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville TN 37235, USA.,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville TN 37232, USA
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Cohen-Solal KA, Kaufman HL, Lasfar A. Transcription factors as critical players in melanoma invasiveness, drug resistance, and opportunities for therapeutic drug development. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2017; 31:241-252. [DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Karine A. Cohen-Solal
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey; New Brunswick NJ USA
- Section of Surgical Oncology Research; Department of Surgery; Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; New Brunswick NJ USA
| | - Howard L. Kaufman
- Department of Surgery; Rutgers University; New Brunswick NJ USA
- Department of Medicine; Rutgers University; New Brunswick NJ USA
| | - Ahmed Lasfar
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey; New Brunswick NJ USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology; Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy; Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Piscataway NJ USA
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38
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Bakshi A, Chaudhary SC, Rana M, Elmets CA, Athar M. Basal cell carcinoma pathogenesis and therapy involving hedgehog signaling and beyond. Mol Carcinog 2017; 56:2543-2557. [PMID: 28574612 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 06/01/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) of the skin is driven by aberrant hedgehog signaling. Thus blocking this signaling pathway by small molecules such as vismodegib inhibits tumor growth. Primary cilium in the epidermal cells plays an integral role in the processing of hedgehog signaling-related proteins. Recent genomic studies point to the involvement of additional genetic mutations that might be associated with the development of BCCs, suggesting significance of other signaling pathways, such as WNT, NOTCH, mTOR, and Hippo, aside from hedgehog in the pathogenesis of this human neoplasm. Some of these pathways could be regulated by noncoding microRNA. Altered microRNA expression profile is recognized with the progression of these lesions. Stopping treatment with Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors often leads to tumor reoccurrence in the patients with basal cell nevus syndrome, who develop 10-100 of BCCs. In addition, the initial effectiveness of these SMO inhibitors is impaired due to the onset of mutations in the drug-binding domain of SMO. These data point to a need to develop strategies to overcome tumor recurrence and resistance and to enhance efficacy by developing novel single agent-based or multiple agents-based combinatorial approaches. Immunotherapy and photodynamic therapy could be additional successful approaches particularly if developed in combination with chemotherapy for inoperable and metastatic BCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anshika Bakshi
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama.,Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Sandeep C Chaudhary
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Mehtab Rana
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Craig A Elmets
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
| | - Mohammad Athar
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Diseases Research Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama
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39
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Positive regulatory interactions between YAP and Hedgehog signalling in skin homeostasis and BCC development in mouse skin in vivo. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0183178. [PMID: 28820907 PMCID: PMC5562304 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0183178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Skin is a highly plastic tissue that undergoes tissue turnover throughout life, but also in response to injury. YAP and Hedgehog signalling play a central role in the control of epidermal stem/progenitor cells in the skin during embryonic development, in postnatal tissue homeostasis and in skin carcinogenesis. However, the genetic contexts in which they act to control tissue homeostasis remain mostly unresolved. We provide compelling evidence that epidermal YAP and Hedgehog/GLI2 signalling undergo positive regulatory interactions in the control of normal epidermal homeostasis and in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) development, which in the large majority of cases is caused by aberrant Hedgehog signalling activity. We report increased nuclear YAP and GLI2 activity in the epidermis and BCCs of K14-CreER/Rosa-SmoM2 transgenic mouse skin, accompanied with increased ROCK signalling and ECM remodelling. Furthermore, we found that epidermal YAP activity drives GLI2 nuclear accumulation in the skin of YAP2-5SA-ΔC mice, which depends on epidermal β-catenin activation. Lastly, we found prominent nuclear activity of GLI2, YAP and β-catenin, concomitant with increased ROCK signalling and stromal fibrosis in human BCC. Our work provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the interplay between cell signalling events and mechanical force in normal tissue homeostasis in vivo, that could potentially be perturbed in BCC development.
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40
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Pantazi E, Gemenetzidis E, Teh MT, Reddy SV, Warnes G, Evagora C, Trigiante G, Philpott MP. GLI2 Is a Regulator of β-Catenin and Is Associated with Loss of E-Cadherin, Cell Invasiveness, and Long-Term Epidermal Regeneration. J Invest Dermatol 2017; 137:1719-1730. [PMID: 28300597 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2016.11.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Revised: 10/31/2016] [Accepted: 11/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Uncontrolled hedgehog (HH)/glioma-associated oncogene (GLI) and WNT/β-catenin signaling are important events in the genesis of many cancers including skin cancer and are often implicated in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. However, because of the complexity and context dependency of both pathways, little is known about HH and WNT interactions in human carcinogenesis. In the current study, we provide evidence of HH/glioma-associated oncogene family zinc finger 2 (GLI2)-WNT/β-catenin signaling crosstalk in human keratinocytes. Overexpression of GLI2ΔN in human keratinocytes resulted in cytoplasmic accumulation and nuclear relocalization of β-catenin in vitro and in 3D organotypic cultures, accompanied by upregulation of WNT genes. Induction of GLI2ΔN enhanced the β-catenin-dependent transcriptional activation and the subsequent activation of β-catenin target genes including cyclin-D1. Additionally, GLI2 overexpression was associated with decreased E-cadherin protein levels; increased expression of SNAIL, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and integrin β1; and increased cell invasion in 3D organotypic cultures. Invasion was reduced by WNT inhibition, thus unveiling the direct role of GLI2/WNT crosstalk in cell invasion. We show that GLI2 overexpression supported long-term epidermal regeneration in 3D organotypic cultures, and resulted in the manifestation of an undifferentiated basal/stem cell-associated phenotype in human keratinocytes. Both these observations are consistent with the role of β-catenin and SNAIL in epidermal stem cell maintenance. This work suggests that GLI2 is a regulator of β-catenin and provides insights into its role in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Pantazi
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Emilios Gemenetzidis
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Muy-Teck Teh
- Department of Diagnostic and Oral Sciences, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Sreekanth Vootukuri Reddy
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Gary Warnes
- Imaging and Flow Cytometry Core facilities, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Chris Evagora
- Pathology Core facilities, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Giuseppe Trigiante
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Michael P Philpott
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
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Di Gregorio J, Sferra R, Speca S, Vetuschi A, Dubuquoy C, Desreumaux P, Pompili S, Cristiano L, Gaudio E, Flati V, Latella G. Role of glycogen synthase kinase-3β and PPAR-γ on epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in DSS-induced colorectal fibrosis. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0171093. [PMID: 28207769 PMCID: PMC5313173 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0171093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Intestinal fibrosis is characterized by abnormal production and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins by activated myofibroblasts. The main progenitor cells of activated myofibroblasts are the fibroblasts and the epithelial cells, the latter through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Aim To evaluate the action of the new PPAR-γ modulator, GED-0507-34 Levo (GED) on the expression of EMT associated and regulatory proteins such as TGF-β, Smad3, E-cadherin, Snail, ZEB1, β-catenin, and GSK-3β, in a mouse model of DSS-induced intestinal fibrosis. Methods Chronic colitis and fibrosis were induced by oral administration of 2.5% DSS (w/v) for 6 weeks. GW9662 (GW), a selective PPAR-γ inhibitor, was also administered by intraperitoneal injection at the dose of 1 mg/kg/day combined with GED treatment. All drugs were administered at the beginning of the second cycle of DSS (day 12). 65 mice were randomly divided into five groups (H2O as controls n = 10, H2O+GED n = 10, DSS n = 15, DSS+GED n = 15, DSS+GED+GW n = 15). The colon was excised for macroscopic examination and histological and morphometric analyses. The level of expression of molecules involved in EMT and fibrosis, like TGF-β, Smad3, E-cadherin, Snail, ZEB1, β-catenin, GSK-3β and PPAR-γ, was assessed by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, western blot and Real Time PCR. Results GED improved the DSS-induced chronic colitis and fibrosis. GED was able to reduce the expression of the main fibrosis markers (α-SMA, collagen I-III and fibronectin) as well as the pivotal pro-fibrotic molecules IL-13, TGF-β and Smad3, while it increased the anti-fibrotic PPAR-γ. All these GED effects were nullified by co-administration of GW with GED. Furthermore, GED was able to normalize the expression levels of E-cadherin and β-catenin and upregulated GSK-3β, that are all known to be involved both in EMT and fibrosis. Conclusions The DSS-induced intestinal fibrosis was improved by the new PPAR-γ modulator GED-0507-34 Levo through the modulation of EMT mediators and pro-fibrotic molecules and through GSK-3β induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Di Gregorio
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Roberta Sferra
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Silvia Speca
- University of Lille, U995, Lille Inflammation Research International Center (LIRIC), F-59000 Lille, France
- IBD, Lille, France
| | - Antonella Vetuschi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Pierre Desreumaux
- University of Lille, U995, Lille Inflammation Research International Center (LIRIC), F-59000 Lille, France
- IBD, Lille, France
- CHR Lille, Service des Maladies de l’Appareil Digestif et de la Nutrition, Hôpital Claude Huriez, Lille, France
| | - Simona Pompili
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Loredana Cristiano
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Department of Human Anatomy, University of Rome La Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Flati
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Giovanni Latella
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, Gastroenterology Unit, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
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Abstract
Cytokines of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family, including TGF-βs, bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs), activins, and Nodal, play crucial roles in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis by regulating cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation, as well as stem-cell self-renewal and lineage-specific differentiation. Smad proteins are critical downstream mediators of these signaling activities. In addition to regulating the transcription of direct target genes of TGF-β, BMP, activin, or Nodal, Smad proteins also participate in extensive cross talk with other signaling pathways, often in a cell-type- or developmental stage-specific manner. These combinatorial signals often produce context-, time-, and location-dependent biological outcomes that are critical for development. This review discusses recent progress in our understanding of the cross talk between Smad proteins and signaling pathways of Wnt, Notch, Hippo, Hedgehog (Hh), mitogen-activated protein (MAP), kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunxin Luo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, and Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720
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43
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Luo K. Signaling Cross Talk between TGF-β/Smad and Other Signaling Pathways. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2017. [PMID: 27836834 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cytokines of the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) family, including TGF-βs, bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs), activins, and Nodal, play crucial roles in embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis by regulating cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation, as well as stem-cell self-renewal and lineage-specific differentiation. Smad proteins are critical downstream mediators of these signaling activities. In addition to regulating the transcription of direct target genes of TGF-β, BMP, activin, or Nodal, Smad proteins also participate in extensive cross talk with other signaling pathways, often in a cell-type- or developmental stage-specific manner. These combinatorial signals often produce context-, time-, and location-dependent biological outcomes that are critical for development. This review discusses recent progress in our understanding of the cross talk between Smad proteins and signaling pathways of Wnt, Notch, Hippo, Hedgehog (Hh), mitogen-activated protein (MAP), kinase, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-Akt, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), and Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunxin Luo
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, and Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, California 94720
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44
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Faião-Flores F, Alves-Fernandes DK, Pennacchi PC, Sandri S, Vicente ALSA, Scapulatempo-Neto C, Vazquez VL, Reis RM, Chauhan J, Goding CR, Smalley KS, Maria-Engler SS. Targeting the hedgehog transcription factors GLI1 and GLI2 restores sensitivity to vemurafenib-resistant human melanoma cells. Oncogene 2016; 36:1849-1861. [PMID: 27748762 PMCID: PMC5378933 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2015] [Revised: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) therapy for melanoma patients harboring the V600E mutation is initially highly effective, but almost all patients relapse within a few months. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underpinning BRAFi-based therapy is therefore an important issue. Here we identified a previously unsuspected mechanism of BRAFi resistance driven by elevated Hedgehog (Hh) pathway activation that is observed in a cohort of melanoma patients after vemurafenib treatment. Specifically, we demonstrate that melanoma cell lines, with acquired in vitro-induced vemurafenib resistance, show increased levels of glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 and 2 (GLI1/GLI2) compared with naïve cells. We also observed these findings in clinical melanoma specimens. Moreover, the increased expression of the transcription factors GLI1/GLI2 was independent of canonical Hh signaling and was instead correlated with the noncanonical Hh pathway, involving TGFβ/SMAD (transforming growth factor-β/Sma- and Mad-related family) signaling. Knockdown of GLI1 and GLI2 restored sensitivity to vemurafenib-resistant cells, an effect associated with both growth arrest and senescence. Treatment of vemurafenib-resistant cells with the GLI1/GLI2 inhibitor Gant61 led to decreased invasion of the melanoma cells in a three-dimensional skin reconstruct model and was associated with a decrease in metalloproteinase (MMP2/MMP9) expression and microphthalmia transcription factor upregulation. Gant61 monotherapy did not alter the drug sensitivity of naïve cells, but could reverse the resistance of melanoma cells chronically treated with vemurafenib. We further noted that alternating dosing schedules of Gant61 and vemurafenib prevented the onset of BRAFi resistance, suggesting that this could be a potential therapeutic strategy for the prevention of therapeutic escape. Our results suggest that targeting the Hh pathway in BRAFi-resistant melanoma may represent a viable therapeutic strategy to restore vemurafenib sensitivity, reducing or even inhibiting the acquired chemoresistance in melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Faião-Flores
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - D K Alves-Fernandes
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - P C Pennacchi
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - S Sandri
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - A L S A Vicente
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - C Scapulatempo-Neto
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - V L Vazquez
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Department of Surgery Melanoma/Sarcoma, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - R M Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Guimarães, Portugal
| | - J Chauhan
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - C R Goding
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - K S Smalley
- The Department of Tumor Biology, The Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - S S Maria-Engler
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Toxicological Analysis, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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45
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Habib JG, O'Shaughnessy JA. The hedgehog pathway in triple-negative breast cancer. Cancer Med 2016; 5:2989-3006. [PMID: 27539549 PMCID: PMC5083752 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2016] [Revised: 05/26/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains challenging due to the underlying heterogeneity of this disease coupled with the lack of predictive biomarkers and effective targeted therapies. Intratumoral heterogeneity, particularly enrichment for breast cancer stem cell‐like subpopulations, has emerged as a leading hypothesis for systemic therapy resistance and clinically aggressive course of poor prognosis TNBC. A growing body of literature supports the role of the stem cell renewal Hedgehog (Hh) pathway in breast cancer. Emerging preclinical data also implicate Hh signaling in TNBC pathogenesis. Herein, we review the evidence for a pathophysiologic role of Hh signaling in TNBC and explore mechanisms of crosstalk between the Hh pathway and other key signaling networks as well as their potential implications for Hh‐targeted interventions in TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joyce G Habib
- Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Dallas, Texas
| | - Joyce A O'Shaughnessy
- Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center, Dallas, Texas.
- Texas Oncology, Dallas, Texas.
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46
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Murk W, DeWan AT. Genome-wide search identifies a gene-gene interaction between 20p13 and 2q14 in asthma. BMC Genet 2016; 17:102. [PMID: 27387956 PMCID: PMC4936310 DOI: 10.1186/s12863-016-0376-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Many studies have attempted to identify gene-gene interactions affecting asthma susceptibility. However, these studies have typically used candidate gene approaches in limiting the genetic search space, and there have been few searches for gene-gene interactions on a genome-wide scale. We aimed to conduct a genome-wide gene-gene interaction study for asthma, using data from the GABRIEL Consortium. Results A two-stage study design was used, including a screening analysis (N = 1625 subjects) and a follow-up analysis (N = 5264 subjects). In the screening analysis, all pairwise interactions among 301,547 SNPs were evaluated, encompassing a total of 4.55 × 1010 interactions. Those with a screening interaction p-value < 10−5 were evaluated in the follow-up analysis. No interaction selected from the screening analysis met strict statistical significance in the follow-up (p-value < 1.45 × 10−7). However, the top-ranked interaction (rs910652 [20p13] × rs11684871 [2q14]) in the follow-up (p-value = 1.58 × 10−6) was significant in one component of a replication analysis. This interaction was notable in that rs910652 is located within 78 kilobases of ADAM33, which is one of the most well studied asthma susceptibility genes. In addition, rs11684871 is located in or near GLI2, which may have biologically relevant roles in asthma. Conclusions Using a genome-wide approach, we identified and found suggestive evidence of replication for a gene-gene interaction in asthma involving loci that are potentially highly relevant in asthma pathogenesis. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12863-016-0376-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Murk
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St., New Haven, CT, 06510, USA
| | - Andrew T DeWan
- Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, 60 College St., New Haven, CT, 06510, USA.
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Gao Y, Vincent DF, Davis AJ, Sansom OJ, Bartholin L, Li Q. Constitutively active transforming growth factor β receptor 1 in the mouse ovary promotes tumorigenesis. Oncotarget 2016; 7:40904-40918. [PMID: 27344183 PMCID: PMC5173031 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the well-established tumor suppressive role of TGFβ proteins, depletion of key TGFβ signaling components in the mouse ovary does not induce a growth advantage. To define the role of TGFβ signaling in ovarian tumorigenesis, we created a mouse model expressing a constitutively active TGFβ receptor 1 (TGFBR1) in ovarian somatic cells using conditional gain-of-function approach. Remarkably, these mice developed ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors with complete penetrance, leading to reproductive failure and mortality. The tumors expressed multiple granulosa cell markers and caused elevated serum inhibin and estradiol levels, reminiscent of granulosa cell tumors. Consistent with the tumorigenic effect, overactivation of TGFBR1 altered tumor microenvironment by promoting angiogenesis and enhanced ovarian cell proliferation, accompanied by impaired cell differentiation and dysregulated expression of critical genes in ovarian function. By further exploiting complementary genetic models, we substantiated our finding that constitutively active TGFBR1 is a potent oncogenic switch in mouse granulosa cells. In summary, overactivation of TGFBR1 drives gonadal tumor development. The TGFBR1 constitutively active mouse model phenocopies a number of morphological, hormonal, and molecular features of human granulosa cell tumors and are potentially valuable for preclinical testing of targeted therapies to treat granulosa cell tumors, a class of poorly defined ovarian malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Gao
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - David F. Vincent
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Jane Davis
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Owen J. Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Laurent Bartholin
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR5286, Lyon, France
| | - Qinglei Li
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
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48
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Kramann R. Hedgehog Gli signalling in kidney fibrosis. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2016; 31:1989-1995. [PMID: 27229466 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfw102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Kidney fibrosis is the common final pathway of virtually all progressive injury to the kidney and a promising therapeutic target in chronic kidney disease (CKD). The Hedgehog pathway has been reported to be critical in kidney development, and recent evidence suggests a role in kidney injury and fibrosis. This review provides an overview of recent data suggesting an important role of Gli transcriptional activators in kidney injury and repair. We have reported that the hedgehog transcriptional activator Gli1 specifically marks perivascular mesenchymal stem cells, which are an important source of kidney myofibroblasts. Genetic ablation of these cells ameliorated kidney and heart fibrosis and stabilized organ function after injury. Recent data suggest that Gli2 is an important driver of myofibroblast cell cycle progression and a promising therapeutic target in kidney fibrosis progression and CKD. However, the non-canonical mechanism of Gli activation in kidney fibrosis remains an open question, and further studies are needed to elucidate the role of Hedgehog Gli and Gli1+ perivascular cells in human kidney fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Kramann
- Division of Nephrology and Clinical Immunology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelstr 30, Aachen 52074, Germany
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Zhang J, Tian XJ, Xing J. Signal Transduction Pathways of EMT Induced by TGF-β, SHH, and WNT and Their Crosstalks. J Clin Med 2016; 5:jcm5040041. [PMID: 27043642 PMCID: PMC4850464 DOI: 10.3390/jcm5040041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 01/31/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key step in development, wound healing, and cancer development. It involves cooperation of signaling pathways, such as transformation growth factor-β (TGF-β), Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), and WNT pathways. These signaling pathways crosstalk to each other and converge to key transcription factors (e.g., SNAIL1) to initialize and maintain the process of EMT. The functional roles of multi-signaling pathway crosstalks in EMT are sophisticated and, thus, remain to be explored. In this review, we focused on three major signal transduction pathways that promote or regulate EMT in carcinoma. We discussed the network structures, and provided a brief overview of the current therapy strategies and drug development targeted to these three signal transduction pathways. Finally, we highlighted systems biology approaches that can accelerate the process of deconstructing complex networks and drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Zhang
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
| | - Xiao-Jun Tian
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
| | - Jianhua Xing
- Department of Computational and Systems Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, USA.
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50
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Cofer ZC, Cui S, EauClaire SF, Kim C, Tobias JW, Hakonarson H, Loomes KM, Matthews RP. Methylation Microarray Studies Highlight PDGFA Expression as a Factor in Biliary Atresia. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151521. [PMID: 27010479 PMCID: PMC4806872 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Biliary atresia (BA) is a progressive fibro-inflammatory disorder that is the leading indication for liver transplantation in children. Although there is evidence implicating genetic, infectious, environmental, and inflammatory causes, the etiology of BA remains unknown. We have recently reported that cholangiocytes from BA patients showed decreased DNA methylation relative to disease- and non-disease controls, supporting a potential role for DNA hypomethylation in BA etiopathogenesis. In the current study, we examined the methylation status of specific genes in human BA livers using methylation microarray technology. We found global DNA hypomethylation in BA samples as compared to disease- and non-disease controls at specific genetic loci. Hedgehog pathway members, SHH and GLI2, known to be upregulated in BA, were both hypomethylated, validating this approach as an investigative tool. Another region near the PDGFA locus was the most significantly hypomethylated in BA, suggesting potential aberrant expression. Validation assays confirmed increased transcriptional and protein expression of PDGFA in BA livers. We also show that PDGF-A protein is specifically localized to cholangiocytes in human liver samples. Injection of PDGF-AA protein dimer into zebrafish larvae caused biliary developmental and functional defects. In addition, activation of the Hedgehog pathway caused increased expression of PDGF-A in zebrafish larvae, providing a previously unrecognized link between PDGF and the Hedgehog pathway. Our findings implicate DNA hypomethylation as a specific factor in mediating overexpression of genes associated with BA and identify PDGF as a new candidate in BA pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenobia C. Cofer
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Shuang Cui
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Steven F. EauClaire
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Cecilia Kim
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - John W. Tobias
- Penn Center for Biomedical Informatics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Hakon Hakonarson
- Center for Applied Genomics, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Kathleen M. Loomes
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Randolph P. Matthews
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
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