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Fan Z, Hao Y, Huo Y, Cao F, Li L, Xu J, Song Y, Yang K. Modulators for palmitoylation of proteins and small molecules. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 271:116408. [PMID: 38621327 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2024.116408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
As an essential form of lipid modification for maintaining vital cellular functions, palmitoylation plays an important role in in the regulation of various physiological processes, serving as a promising therapeutic target for diseases like cancer and neurological disorders. Ongoing research has revealed that palmitoylation can be categorized into three distinct types: N-palmitoylation, O-palmitoylation and S-palmitoylation. Herein this paper provides an overview of the regulatory enzymes involved in palmitoylation, including palmitoyltransferases and depalmitoylases, and discusses the currently available broad-spectrum and selective inhibitors for these enzymes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeshuai Fan
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Yuchen Hao
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Yidan Huo
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Fei Cao
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis, Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China
| | - Longfei Li
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis, Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China
| | - Jianmei Xu
- Department of hematopathology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China
| | - Yali Song
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis, Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China
| | - Kan Yang
- Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Quality Control of Hebei Province, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hebei University, Baoding, 071002, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Diagnosis, Ministry of Education, Hebei University, Baoding, Hebei, 071002, China.
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Pierce MR, Hougland JL. A rising tide lifts all MBOATs: recent progress in structural and functional understanding of membrane bound O-acyltransferases. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1167873. [PMID: 37250116 PMCID: PMC10213974 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1167873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Acylation modifications play a central role in biological and physiological processes. Across a range of biomolecules from phospholipids to triglycerides to proteins, introduction of a hydrophobic acyl chain can dramatically alter the biological function and cellular localization of these substrates. Amongst the enzymes catalyzing these modifications, the membrane bound O-acyltransferase (MBOAT) family occupies an intriguing position as the combined substrate selectivities of the various family members span all three classes of these biomolecules. MBOAT-dependent substrates are linked to a wide range of health conditions including metabolic disease, cancer, and neurodegenerative disease. Like many integral membrane proteins, these enzymes have presented challenges to investigation due to their intractability to solubilization and purification. However, over the last several years new solubilization approaches coupled with computational modeling, crystallography, and cryoelectron microscopy have brought an explosion of structural information for multiple MBOAT family members. These studies enable comparison of MBOAT structure and function across members catalyzing modifications of all three substrate classes, revealing both conserved features amongst all MBOATs and distinct architectural features that correlate with different acylation substrates ranging from lipids to proteins. We discuss the methods that led to this renaissance of MBOAT structural investigations, our new understanding of MBOAT structure and implications for catalytic function, and the potential impact of these studies for development of new therapeutics targeting MBOAT-dependent physiological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah R. Pierce
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
| | - James L. Hougland
- Department of Chemistry, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- Department of Biology, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
- BioInspired Syracuse, Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, United States
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Abstract
In light of the demonstrated antagonism of Wnt5A signaling toward the growth of several bacterial pathogens, it was important to study the influence of Wnt5A on gut-resident bacteria and its outcome. Here, we demonstrate that in contrast to inhibiting the survival of the established gut pathogen Salmonella enterica, Wnt5A clearly promotes the survival of the common gut commensals Enterococcus faecalis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus within macrophages through a self-perpetuating Wnt5A-actin axis. A Wnt5A-actin axis furthermore regulates the subsistence of the natural bacterial population of the Peyer's patches, as is evident from the diminution in the countable bacterial CFU therein through the application of Wnt5A signaling and actin assembly inhibitors. Wnt5A dependency of the gut-resident bacterial population is also manifested in the notable difference between the bacterial diversities associated with the feces and Peyer's patches of Wnt5A heterozygous mice, which lack a functional copy of the Wnt5A gene, and their wild-type counterparts. Alterations in the gut commensal bacterial population resulting from either the lack of a copy of the Wnt5A gene or inhibitor-mediated attenuation of Wnt5A signaling are linked with significant differences in cell surface major histocompatibility complex (MHC) II levels and regulatory versus activated CD4 T cells associated with the Peyer's patches. Taken together, our findings reveal the significance of steady state Wnt5A signaling in shaping the gut commensal bacterial population and the T cell repertoire linked to it, thus unveiling a crucial control device for the maintenance of gut bacterial diversity and T cell homeostasis. IMPORTANCE Gut commensal bacterial diversity and T cell homeostasis are crucial entities of the host innate immune network, yet the molecular details of host-directed signaling pathways that sustain the steady state of gut bacterial colonization and T cell activation remain unclear. Here, we describe the protective role of a Wnt5A-actin axis in the survival of several gut bacterial commensals and its necessity in shaping gut bacterial colonization and the associated T cell repertoire. This study opens up new avenues of investigation into the role of the Wnt5A-actin axis in protection of the gut from dysbiosis-related inflammatory disorders.
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Alkailani MI, Aittaleb M, Tissir F. WNT signaling at the intersection between neurogenesis and brain tumorigenesis. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1017568. [PMID: 36267699 PMCID: PMC9577257 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1017568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurogenesis and tumorigenesis share signaling molecules/pathways involved in cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and death. Self-renewal of neural stem cells is a tightly regulated process that secures the accuracy of cell division and eliminates cells that undergo mitotic errors. Abnormalities in the molecular mechanisms controlling this process can trigger aneuploidy and genome instability, leading to neoplastic transformation. Mutations that affect cell adhesion, polarity, or migration enhance the invasive potential and favor the progression of tumors. Here, we review recent evidence of the WNT pathway’s involvement in both neurogenesis and tumorigenesis and discuss the experimental progress on therapeutic opportunities targeting components of this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maisa I. Alkailani
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mohamed Aittaleb
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Fadel Tissir
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- *Correspondence: Fadel Tissir,
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Raeisi M, Saberivand M, Velaei K, Aghaei N, Rahimi-Farsi N, Kharrati-Shishavan H, Hassanzadeh D, Mehdizadeh A. Porcn as a novel therapeutic target in cancer therapy: A review. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1979-1991. [PMID: 35971741 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11882] [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: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Wingless-related integration site (Wnt) signaling is one of the main oncogenic pathways in different malignancies. Therefore, targeting this pathway has been considered an exciting strategy in cancer treatment. Porcn is among the central enzymes in this pathway that has recently been considered for cancer-targeted therapy. As a membrane-bound O-acyltransferase, Porcn plays a critical role in wnt ligand palmitoylation and its subsequent secretion. In addition to Porcn's role in stem cell signaling and differentiation, recent findings have shown its role in developing and progressing colorectal, pancreatic, liver, head, and neck cancers. Developed small molecule inhibitors have also opened a promising window toward cancer treatment strategies. In this review, the structure and biological role of Porcn in different cancer-related signaling pathways and inhibitors used for inhibiting this enzyme are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mortaza Raeisi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Saberivand
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kobra Velaei
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Negar Aghaei
- Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Imam Sajjad Hospital, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | | | - Davoud Hassanzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Mehdizadeh
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Kornsuthisopon C, Chansaenroj A, Manokawinchoke J, Tompkins KA, Pirarat N, Osathanon T. Non-canonical Wnt signaling participates in Jagged1-induced osteo/odontogenic differentiation in human dental pulp stem cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7583. [PMID: 35534526 PMCID: PMC9085777 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-11596-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoblast differentiation requires the interaction of various cell signaling pathways to modulate cell responses. Notch and Wnt signaling are among the crucial pathways that control numerous biological processes, including osteo/odontogenic differentiation. The aim of the present study was to examine the involvement of Wnt signaling in the Jagged1-induced osteo/odontogenic differentiation in human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs). The Wnt-related gene expression was analyzed from publicly available data of Jagged1-treated human dental pulp cells. The mRNA expression of Wnt ligands (WNT2B, WNT5A, WNT5B, and WNT16) and Wnt inhibitors (DKK1, DKK2, and SOST) were confirmed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Among the Wnt ligands, WNT2B and WNT5A mRNA levels were upregulated after Jagged1 treatment. In contrast, the Wnt inhibitors DKK1, DKK2, and SOST mRNA levels were downregulated. Recombinant WNT5A, but not WNT2B, significantly promoted in vitro mineral deposition by hDPSCs. Wnt signaling inhibition using IWP-2, but not DKK1, inhibited Jagged1-induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization, and osteo/odontogenic marker gene expression in hDPSCs. In conclusion, Jagged1 promoted hDPSC osteo/odontogenic differentiation by modulating the non-canonical Wnt pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chatvadee Kornsuthisopon
- Dental Stem Cell Biology Research Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, 34 Henri-Dunant Rd. Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Ajjima Chansaenroj
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, 39 Henri-Dunant Rd. Pathumwan, Bangkok, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Jeeranan Manokawinchoke
- Dental Stem Cell Biology Research Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, 34 Henri-Dunant Rd. Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Kevin A Tompkins
- Office of Research Affairs, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand
| | - Nopadon Pirarat
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, 39 Henri-Dunant Rd. Pathumwan, Bangkok, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
| | - Thanaphum Osathanon
- Dental Stem Cell Biology Research Unit, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, 34 Henri-Dunant Rd. Pathumwan, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand. .,Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, 10330, Thailand.
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7
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Morris A, Pagare PP, Li J, Zhang Y. Drug discovery efforts toward inhibitors of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the treatment of cancer: A composition-of-matter review (2010-2020). Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:1115-1127. [PMID: 34800684 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin pathway has a crucial role in the proliferation and differentiation of normal cells as well as the self-renewal and pluripotency of stem cells, including cancer stem cells (CSCs). Targeting this pathway with small-molecule chemotherapeutics, discovered via conventional efforts, has proved difficult. Recently, computer-aided drug discovery efforts have produced promising chemotherapeutics. A concerted effort to develop inhibitors of this pathway through more efficient and cost-effective drug discovery methods could lead to a significant increase in clinically relevant therapeutics. Herein, patents from 2010 to 2020 are reviewed to identify those that have disclosed composition of matter for small-molecule inhibitors of the Wnt/ β-catenin pathway for cancer. We believe that such efforts will provide insights for future therapeutic candidate discovery and development in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Morris
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Piyusha P Pagare
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; The Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery, and Development, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; The Institute for Structural Biology, Drug Discovery, and Development, School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
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8
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Hiremath IS, Goel A, Warrier S, Kumar AP, Sethi G, Garg M. The multidimensional role of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in human malignancies. J Cell Physiol 2021; 237:199-238. [PMID: 34431086 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several signaling pathways have been identified as important for developmental processes. One of such important cascades is the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which can regulate various physiological processes such as embryonic development, tissue homeostasis, and tissue regeneration; while its dysregulation is implicated in several pathological conditions especially cancers. Interestingly, deregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been reported to be closely associated with initiation, progression, metastasis, maintenance of cancer stem cells, and drug resistance in human malignancies. Moreover, several genetic and experimental models support the inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to answer the key issues related to cancer development. The present review focuses on different regulators of Wnt pathway and how distinct mutations, deletion, and amplification in these regulators could possibly play an essential role in the development of several cancers such as colorectal, melanoma, breast, lung, and leukemia. Additionally, we also provide insights on diverse classes of inhibitors of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which are currently in preclinical and clinical trial against different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishita S Hiremath
- Department of Bioengineering, Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India
| | - Arul Goel
- La Canada High School, La Canada Flintridge, California, USA
| | - Sudha Warrier
- Division of Cancer Stem Cells and Cardiovascular Regeneration, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore, Karnataka, India.,Cuor Stem Cellutions Pvt Ltd, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Gautam Sethi
- Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Manesar, Haryana, India
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9
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Sun M, Huang S, Gao Y. Lidocaine inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of epithelial ovarian cancer through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Transl Cancer Res 2021; 10:3479-3490. [PMID: 35116652 PMCID: PMC8799064 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-21-1047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lidocaine, an amide local anesthetic, has recently been found to have anticancer action in various cancer cells. However, the role of lidocaine in epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains largely unknown. In the present study, we investigated how lidocaine regulates the progression of EOC. METHODS Real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to examine the expression of Snail, Wnt, β-catenin, E-cadherin, vimentin, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-7, MMP-9, and vascular endothelial growth factor in lidocaine-treated cells. Cell proliferation assays, cell apoptosis assays, and cell migration assays were employed to verify the function of lidocaine in EOC cells. Cell proliferation and cell migration assays were employed to verify the function of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in lidocaine-treated EOC cells together with Wnt-overexpressing plasmids or inhibitor NVP-XAV939. RESULTS Lidocaine could inhibit proliferation, migration, and invasion, and induce apoptosis in ovarian cancer cells lines in a dose-dependent manner. Wnt/β-catenin signaling was involved in the suppression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition progression of ovarian cancer cells, which resulted in the downregulation of Snail and vimentin, as well as the upregulation of E-cadherin. Furthermore, overexpressed Wnt could reverse the carcinostatic effect of lidocaine, while Wnt inhibitor XAV-939 synergistically enhanced the antitumor effect of lidocaine. CONCLUSIONS Mechanistically, lidocaine could inhibit the proliferation and metastasis of EOC by the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to regulate the progression of EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Affiliated Nanjing Jiangbei Hospital of Nantong University, Nanjing, China
| | - Saisai Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yongtao Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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10
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Galli LM, Anderson MO, Gabriel Fraley J, Sanchez L, Bueno R, Hernandez DN, Maddox EU, Lingappa VR, Burrus LW. Determination of the membrane topology of PORCN, an O-acyl transferase that modifies Wnt signalling proteins. Open Biol 2021; 11:200400. [PMID: 34186010 PMCID: PMC8241489 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt gradients elicit distinct cellular responses, such as proliferation, specification, differentiation and survival in a dose-dependent manner. Porcupine (PORCN), a membrane-bound O-acyl transferase (MBOAT) that resides in the endoplasmic reticulum, catalyses the addition of monounsaturated palmitate to Wnt proteins and is required for Wnt gradient formation and signalling. In humans, PORCN mutations are causal for focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH), an X-linked dominant syndrome characterized by defects in mesodermal and endodermal tissues. PORCN is also an emerging target for cancer therapeutics. Despite the importance of this enzyme, its structure remains poorly understood. Recently, the crystal structure of DltB, an MBOAT family member from bacteria, was solved. In this report, we use experimental data along with homology modelling to DltB to determine the membrane topology of PORCN. Our studies reveal that PORCN has 11 membrane domains, comprising nine transmembrane spanning domains and two reentrant domains. The N-terminus is oriented towards the lumen while the C-terminus is oriented towards the cytosol. Like DltB, PORCN has a funnel-like structure that is encapsulated by multiple membrane-spanning helices. This new model for PORCN topology allows us to map residues that are important for biological activity (and implicated in FDH) onto its three-dimensional structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Galli
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Marc O Anderson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - J Gabriel Fraley
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Luis Sanchez
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Raymund Bueno
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - David N Hernandez
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Eva U Maddox
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | | | - Laura W Burrus
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
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Liu Z, Wang P, Wold EA, Song Q, Zhao C, Wang C, Zhou J. Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting the Canonical WNT Signaling Pathway for the Treatment of Cancer. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4257-4288. [PMID: 33822624 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Canonical WNT signaling is an important developmental pathway that has attracted increased attention for anticancer drug discovery. From the production and secretion of WNT ligands, their binding to membrane receptors, and the β-catenin destruction complex to the expansive β-catenin transcriptional complex, multiple components have been investigated as drug targets to modulate WNT signaling. Significant progress in developing WNT inhibitors such as porcupine inhibitors, tankyrase inhibitors, β-catenin/coactivators, protein-protein interaction inhibitors, casein kinase modulators, DVL inhibitors, and dCTPP1 inhibitors has been made, with several candidates (e.g., LGK-974, PRI-724, and ETC-159) in human clinical trials. Herein we summarize recent progress in the drug discovery and development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting the canonical WNT pathway, focusing on their specific target proteins, in vitro and in vivo activities, physicochemical properties, and therapeutic potential. The relevant opportunities and challenges toward maintaining the balance between efficacy and toxicity in effectively targeting this pathway are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqing Liu
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Pingyuan Wang
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Eric A Wold
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
| | - Qiaoling Song
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Chenyang Zhao
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Changyun Wang
- Institute of Evolution and Marine Biodiversity, College of Food Science and Technology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266003, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Chemical Biology Program, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB), Galveston, Texas 77555, United States
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12
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Suazo KF, Park KY, Distefano MD. A Not-So-Ancient Grease History: Click Chemistry and Protein Lipid Modifications. Chem Rev 2021; 121:7178-7248. [PMID: 33821625 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.0c01108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Protein lipid modification involves the attachment of hydrophobic groups to proteins via ester, thioester, amide, or thioether linkages. In this review, the specific click chemical reactions that have been employed to study protein lipid modification and their use for specific labeling applications are first described. This is followed by an introduction to the different types of protein lipid modifications that occur in biology. Next, the roles of click chemistry in elucidating specific biological features including the identification of lipid-modified proteins, studies of their regulation, and their role in diseases are presented. A description of the use of protein-lipid modifying enzymes for specific labeling applications including protein immobilization, fluorescent labeling, nanostructure assembly, and the construction of protein-drug conjugates is presented next. Concluding remarks and future directions are presented in the final section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiall F Suazo
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Keun-Young Park
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
| | - Mark D Distefano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455, United States
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13
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Chen S, Yuan X, Xu H, Yi M, Liu S, Wen F. WNT974 Inhibits Proliferation, Induces Apoptosis, and Enhances Chemosensitivity to Doxorubicin in Lymphoma Cells by Inhibiting Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e923799. [PMID: 32597418 PMCID: PMC7346748 DOI: 10.12659/msm.923799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Upregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been demonstrated to promote tumor proliferation and chemoresistance in lymphoma. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor WNT974 in lymphoma cells. Material/Methods Human lymphoma cell lines HUT-78 and BJAB were treated with or without 1 μM WNT974±0.15 μg/L doxorubicin (Dox). Cell viability and proliferation were evaluated by CCK-8 and colony formation assay. Expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), KI67, and apoptotic-related proteins including Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved-caspase3, and cleaved-caspase9, together with Wnt pathway proteins Wnt, β-catenin, Axin2, and c-Myc, were detected by Western blot analysis. Flow cytometry was used to calculate the ratio of apoptotic cells. Results In HUT-78 and BJAB cells, 1 μM WNT974 significantly reduced viability and colony formation. The expression of 2 markers of tumor cell proliferation, protein PCNA and KI67, was also reduced by WNT974. Treatment with 1 μM WNT974 for 48 h increased the rate of cell apoptosis, inhibited the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2, and enhanced pro-apoptotic proteins Bax, cleaved-caspase3, and cleaved-caspase9 expression in both cell lines. After treatment with WNT974 plus Dox, cell viability was markedly decreased compared with Dox treatment alone. Mechanistically, WNT974 prevented the expression of Wnt, Axin2, β-catenin, and its target gene c-Myc. Conclusions WNT974 effectively treats lymphoma by inhibiting cell proliferation, inducing cell apoptosis, and enhancing chemosensitivity to Dox, and these effects are dependent on blocking Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senmin Chen
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Xiuli Yuan
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Huanli Xu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Meng Yi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Sixi Liu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (mainland)
| | - Feiqiu Wen
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China (mainland)
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14
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Modeling of Wnt-mediated tissue patterning in vertebrate embryogenesis. PLoS Comput Biol 2020; 16:e1007417. [PMID: 32579554 PMCID: PMC7340325 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1007417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
During embryogenesis, morphogens form a concentration gradient in responsive tissue, which is then translated into a spatial cellular pattern. The mechanisms by which morphogens spread through a tissue to establish such a morphogenetic field remain elusive. Here, we investigate by mutually complementary simulations and in vivo experiments how Wnt morphogen transport by cytonemes differs from typically assumed diffusion-based transport for patterning of highly dynamic tissue such as the neural plate in zebrafish. Stochasticity strongly influences fate acquisition at the single cell level and results in fluctuating boundaries between pattern regions. Stable patterning can be achieved by sorting through concentration dependent cell migration and apoptosis, independent of the morphogen transport mechanism. We show that Wnt transport by cytonemes achieves distinct Wnt thresholds for the brain primordia earlier compared with diffusion-based transport. We conclude that a cytoneme-mediated morphogen transport together with directed cell sorting is a potentially favored mechanism to establish morphogen gradients in rapidly expanding developmental systems.
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15
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Kalantary-Charvadeh A, Hosseini V, Mehdizadeh A, Darabi M. Application of porcupine inhibitors in stem cell fate determination. Chem Biol Drug Des 2020; 96:1052-1068. [PMID: 32419352 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Porcupine (Porcn), a membrane-bound O-acyltransferase, is an endoplasmic reticulum-located protein that has catalytic activity. Porcn is involved in post-translational lipid modification of wingless-Int (Wnt) proteins and serves as an indispensable step in the Wnt proper secretion and signaling. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting Porcn catalytic function in vitro and in vivo are of great interest not only for treating cancer and fibrotic disorders but also in the field of regenerative medicine. Although a number of studies have been conducted, the exact role of Porcn in stem cell fate is not entirely clear. In some cases, Porcn inhibition declined differentiation rate, and in others, it induced stem cell differentiation toward specific lineages. In this review, we first elaborated the Porcn catalytic activity and its inhibitors. Then, we discussed about the recently reported results of Porcn inhibitors in stem cells self-renewal and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashkan Kalantary-Charvadeh
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Hosseini
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Mehdizadeh
- Endocrine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masoud Darabi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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16
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Martin-Medina A, Lehmann M, Burgy O, Hermann S, Baarsma HA, Wagner DE, De Santis MM, Ciolek F, Hofer TP, Frankenberger M, Aichler M, Lindner M, Gesierich W, Guenther A, Walch A, Coughlan C, Wolters P, Lee JS, Behr J, Königshoff M. Increased Extracellular Vesicles Mediate WNT5A Signaling in Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2020; 198:1527-1538. [PMID: 30044642 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.201708-1580oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a lethal lung disease characterized by lung epithelial cell injury, increased (myo)fibroblast activation, and extracellular matrix deposition. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) regulate intercellular communication by carrying a variety of signaling mediators, including WNT (wingless/integrated) proteins. The relevance of EVs in pulmonary fibrosis and their potential contribution to disease pathogenesis, however, remain unexplored.Objectives: To characterize EVs and study the role of EV-bound WNT signaling in IPF.Methods: We isolated EVs from BAL fluid (BALF) from experimental lung fibrosis as well as samples from IPF, non-IPF interstitial lung disease (ILD), non-ILD, and healthy volunteers from two independent cohorts. EVs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and Western blotting. Primary human lung fibroblasts (phLFs) were used for EV isolation and analyzed by metabolic activity assays, cell counting, quantitative PCR, and Western blotting upon WNT gain- and loss-of-function studies.Measurements and Main Results: We found increased EVs, particularly exosomes, in BALF from experimental lung fibrosis as well as from patients with IPF. WNT5A was secreted on EVs in lung fibrosis and induced by transforming growth factor-β in primary human lung fibroblasts. The phLF-derived EVs induced phLF proliferation, which was attenuated by WNT5A silencing and antibody-mediated inhibition and required intact EV structure. Similarly, EVs from IPF BALF induced phLF proliferation, which was mediated by WNT5A.Conclusions: Increased EVs function as carriers for signaling mediators, such as WNT5A, in IPF and thus contribute to disease pathogenesis. Characterization of EV secretion and composition may lead to novel approaches to diagnose and develop treatments for pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aina Martin-Medina
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Ludwig Maximilian University, University Hospital Grosshadern, and Helmholtz Center Munich, member of the German Center of Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Mareike Lehmann
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Ludwig Maximilian University, University Hospital Grosshadern, and Helmholtz Center Munich, member of the German Center of Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Olivier Burgy
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Sarah Hermann
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Ludwig Maximilian University, University Hospital Grosshadern, and Helmholtz Center Munich, member of the German Center of Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Hoeke A Baarsma
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Ludwig Maximilian University, University Hospital Grosshadern, and Helmholtz Center Munich, member of the German Center of Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Darcy E Wagner
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Ludwig Maximilian University, University Hospital Grosshadern, and Helmholtz Center Munich, member of the German Center of Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Martina M De Santis
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Ludwig Maximilian University, University Hospital Grosshadern, and Helmholtz Center Munich, member of the German Center of Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Ciolek
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Ludwig Maximilian University, University Hospital Grosshadern, and Helmholtz Center Munich, member of the German Center of Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas P Hofer
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Ludwig Maximilian University, University Hospital Grosshadern, and Helmholtz Center Munich, member of the German Center of Lung Research, Munich, Germany.,Center for Thoracic Surgery, Asklepios Biobank for Lung Diseases, Asklepios Clinic Munich-Gauting, Munich, Germany
| | - Marion Frankenberger
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Ludwig Maximilian University, University Hospital Grosshadern, and Helmholtz Center Munich, member of the German Center of Lung Research, Munich, Germany
| | - Michaela Aichler
- Institute of Pathology, Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Michael Lindner
- Center for Thoracic Surgery, Asklepios Biobank for Lung Diseases, Asklepios Clinic Munich-Gauting, Munich, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Gesierich
- Center for Thoracic Surgery, Asklepios Biobank for Lung Diseases, Asklepios Clinic Munich-Gauting, Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Guenther
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universities of Giessen and Marburg Lung Center, Justus Liebig University of Giessen, member of the German Center for Lung Research, Giessen, Germany.,Agaplesion Lung Clinic Waldhof Elgershausen, Greifenstein, Germany.,European IPF Network and European IPF Registry, Giessen, Germany; and
| | - Axel Walch
- Institute of Pathology, Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Helmholtz Center Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christina Coughlan
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Paul Wolters
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Joyce S Lee
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
| | - Jürgen Behr
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Ludwig Maximilian University, University Hospital Grosshadern, and Helmholtz Center Munich, member of the German Center of Lung Research, Munich, Germany.,Center for Thoracic Surgery, Asklepios Biobank for Lung Diseases, Asklepios Clinic Munich-Gauting, Munich, Germany
| | - Melanie Königshoff
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Ludwig Maximilian University, University Hospital Grosshadern, and Helmholtz Center Munich, member of the German Center of Lung Research, Munich, Germany.,Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, and
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17
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Dzobo K, Thomford NE, Senthebane DA. Targeting the Versatile Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Cancer Biology and Therapeutics: From Concept to Actionable Strategy. OMICS-A JOURNAL OF INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY 2019; 23:517-538. [PMID: 31613700 DOI: 10.1089/omi.2019.0147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This expert review offers a critical synthesis of the latest insights and approaches at targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in various cancers such as colorectal cancer, melanoma, leukemia, and breast and lung cancers. Notably, from organogenesis to cancer, the Wnt/β-catenin signaling displays varied and highly versatile biological functions in animals, with virtually all tissues requiring the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in one way or the other. Aberrant expression of the members of the Wnt/β-catenin has been implicated in many pathological conditions, particularly in human cancers. Mutations in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway genes have been noted in diverse cancers. Biochemical and genetic data support the idea that inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is beneficial in cancer therapeutics. The interaction of this important pathway with other signaling systems is also noteworthy, but remains as an area for further research and discovery. In addition, formation of different complexes by components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the precise roles of these complexes in the cytoplasmic milieu are yet to be fully elucidated. This article highlights the latest medical technologies in imaging, single-cell omics, use of artificial intelligence (e.g., machine learning techniques), genome sequencing, quantum computing, molecular docking, and computational softwares in modeling interactions between molecules and predicting protein-protein and compound-protein interactions pertinent to the biology and therapeutic value of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. We discuss these emerging technologies in relationship to what is currently needed to move from concept to actionable strategies in translating the Wnt/β-catenin laboratory discoveries to Wnt-targeted cancer therapies and diagnostics in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Medical Biochemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nicholas Ekow Thomford
- Pharmacogenetics Research Group, Division of Human Genetics, Department of Pathology and Institute of Infectious Diseases and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dimakatso A Senthebane
- International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Medical Biochemistry and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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18
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Torres VI, Godoy JA, Inestrosa NC. Modulating Wnt signaling at the root: Porcupine and Wnt acylation. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 198:34-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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19
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Tuladhar R, Yarravarapu N, Ma Y, Zhang C, Herbert J, Kim J, Chen C, Lum L. Stereoselective fatty acylation is essential for the release of lipidated WNT proteins from the acyltransferase Porcupine (PORCN). J Biol Chem 2019; 294:6273-6282. [PMID: 30737280 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.007268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Revised: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The maintenance of adult animal tissues depends upon highly conserved intercellular signaling molecules that include the secreted WNT proteins. Although it is generally accepted that lipidation of WNTs by the acyltransferase Porcupine (PORCN) and their subsequent recognition by the Wntless (WLS) protein is essential for their cellular secretion, the molecular understanding of this process remains limited. Using structurally diverse fatty acyl donor analogs and mouse embryonic fibroblasts expressing PORCN protein from different metazoan phyla, we demonstrate here that PORCN active-site features, which are conserved across the animal kingdom, enforce cis-Δ9 fatty acylation of WNTs. Aberrant acylation of a WNT with an exogenously supplied trans-Δ9 fatty acid induced the accumulation of WNT-PORCN complexes, suggesting that the fatty acyl species is critical for the extrication of lipidated WNTs from PORCN. Our findings reveal a previously unrecognized fatty acyl-selective checkpoint in the manufacturing of a lipoprotein that forms a basis for WNT signaling sensitivity to trans fats and to PORCN inhibitors in clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - James Kim
- Internal Medicine and .,Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390
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20
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Zhang LS, Kang X, Lu J, Zhang Y, Wu X, Wu G, Zheng J, Tuladhar R, Shi H, Wang Q, Morlock L, Yao H, Huang LJS, Maire P, Kim J, Williams N, Xu J, Chen C, Zhang CC, Lum L. Installation of a cancer promoting WNT/SIX1 signaling axis by the oncofusion protein MLL-AF9. EBioMedicine 2019; 39:145-158. [PMID: 30528456 PMCID: PMC6354558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [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: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromosomal translocation-induced expression of the chromatin modifying oncofusion protein MLL-AF9 promotes acute myelocytic leukemia (AML). Whereas WNT/β-catenin signaling has previously been shown to support MLL-AF9-driven leukemogenesis, the mechanism underlying this relationship remains unclear. METHODS We used two novel small molecules targeting WNT signaling as well as a genetically modified mouse model that allow targeted deletion of the WNT protein chaperone Wntless (WLS) to evaluate the role of WNT signaling in AML progression. ATAC-seq and transcriptome profiling were deployed to understand the cellular consequences of disrupting a WNT signaling in leukemic initiating cells (LICs). FINDINGS We identified Six1 to be a WNT-controlled target gene in MLL-AF9-transformed leukemic initiating cells (LICs). MLL-AF9 alters the accessibility of Six1 DNA to the transcriptional effector TCF7L2, a transducer of WNT/β-catenin gene expression changes. Disruption of WNT/SIX1 signaling using inhibitors of the Wnt signaling delays the development of AML. INTERPRETATION By rendering TCF/LEF-binding elements controlling Six1 accessible to TCF7L2, MLL-AF9 promotes WNT/β-catenin-dependent growth of LICs. Small molecules disrupting WNT/β-catenin signaling block Six1 expression thereby disrupting leukemia driven by MLL fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Shu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xunlei Kang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jianming Lu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yuannyu Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Wu
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Guojin Wu
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Junke Zheng
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rubina Tuladhar
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Heping Shi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Qiaoling Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lorraine Morlock
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Huiyu Yao
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lily Jun-Shen Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Pascal Maire
- Institut Cochin, Université Paris-Descartes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR, 8104, Paris, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1016, Paris, France
| | - James Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Noelle Williams
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chuo Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Cheng Cheng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lawrence Lum
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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21
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Safian D, Ryane N, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Fsh stimulates Leydig cell Wnt5a production, enriching zebrafish type A spermatogonia. J Endocrinol 2018; 239:351-363. [PMID: 30400013 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) modulates vertebrate spermatogenesis by regulating somatic cell functions in the testis. We have found previously that zebrafish Fsh stimulated the differentiating proliferation of type A undifferentiated spermatogonia (Aund) in an androgen-independent manner by regulating the production of growth factors and other signaling molecules in both Sertoli (SCs) and Leydig cells (LCs). For example, Fsh triggered the release of Igf3 that subsequently activated β-catenin signaling to promote the differentiating proliferation of Aund. In the present study, we report that Fsh moreover uses the non-canonical Wnt pathway to promote the proliferation and accumulation of Aund. Initially, we found that the stimulatory effect of Fsh on the proliferation activity of Aund was further strengthened when β-catenin signaling was inhibited, resulting in an accumulation of Aund. We then showed that this Fsh-induced accumulation of Aund was associated with increased transcript levels of the non-canonical Wnt ligand, wnt5a. In situ hybridization of insl3 mRNA, a gene expressed in LCs, combined with Wnt5a immunocytochemistry identified LCs as the cellular source of Wnt5a in the adult zebrafish testis. Addition of an antagonist of Wnt5a to incubations with Fsh decreased both the proliferation activity and the relative section area occupied by Aund, while an agonist of Wnt5a increased these same parameters for Aund. Taken together, our data suggest that Fsh triggered LCs to release Wnt5a, which then promoted the proliferation and accumulation of Aund. Hence, Fsh uses non-canonical Wnt signaling to ensure the production of Aund, while also triggering β-catenin signaling via Igf3 to ensure spermatogonial differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Safian
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, NL-3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Najoua Ryane
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, NL-3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, NL-3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rüdiger W Schulz
- Reproductive Biology Group, Division Developmental Biology, Department of Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, NL-3584 CH Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Reproduction and Developmental Biology Group, Institute of Marine Research, Nordnes, Bergen, Norway
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22
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Lee CJ, Rana MS, Bae C, Li Y, Banerjee A. In vitro reconstitution of Wnt acylation reveals structural determinants of substrate recognition by the acyltransferase human Porcupine. J Biol Chem 2018; 294:231-245. [PMID: 30420431 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt proteins regulate a large number of processes, including cellular growth, differentiation, and tissue homeostasis, through the highly conserved Wnt signaling pathway in metazoans. Porcupine (PORCN) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident integral membrane enzyme that catalyzes posttranslational modification of Wnts with palmitoleic acid, an unsaturated lipid. This unique form of lipidation with palmitoleic acid is a vital step in the biogenesis and secretion of Wnt, and PORCN inhibitors are currently in clinical trials for cancer treatment. However, PORCN-mediated Wnt lipidation has not been reconstituted in vitro with purified enzyme. Here, we report the first successful purification of human PORCN and confirm, through in vitro reconstitution with the purified enzyme, that PORCN is necessary and sufficient for Wnt acylation. By systematically examining a series of substrate variants, we show that PORCN intimately recognizes the local structure of Wnt around the site of acylation. Our in vitro assay enabled us to examine the activity of PORCN with a range of fatty acyl-CoAs with varying length and unsaturation. The selectivity of human PORCN across a spectrum of fatty acyl-CoAs suggested that the kink in the unsaturated acyl chain is a key determinant of PORCN-mediated catalysis. Finally, we show that two putative PORCN inhibitors that were discovered with cell-based assays indeed target human PORCN. Together, these results provide discrete, high-resolution biochemical insights into the mechanism of PORCN-mediated Wnt acylation and pave the way for further detailed biochemical and structural studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chul-Jin Lee
- Cell Biology and Neurobiology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Mitra S Rana
- Cell Biology and Neurobiology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Chanhyung Bae
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Section, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, NINDS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Yan Li
- Protein/Peptide Sequencing Facility, NINDS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Anirban Banerjee
- Cell Biology and Neurobiology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
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23
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Grainger S, Willert K. Mechanisms of Wnt signaling and control. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2018; 10:e1422. [PMID: 29600540 PMCID: PMC6165711 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway is a highly conserved system that regulates complex biological processes across all metazoan species. At the cellular level, secreted Wnt proteins serve to break symmetry and provide cells with positional information that is critical to the patterning of the entire body plan. At the organismal level, Wnt signals are employed to orchestrate fundamental developmental processes, including the specification of the anterior-posterior body axis, induction of the primitive streak and ensuing gastrulation movements, and the generation of cell and tissue diversity. Wnt functions extend into adulthood where they regulate stem cell behavior, tissue homeostasis, and damage repair. Disruption of Wnt signaling activity during embryonic development or in adults results in a spectrum of abnormalities and diseases, including cancer. The molecular mechanisms that underlie the myriad of Wnt-regulated biological effects have been the subject of intense research for over three decades. This review is intended to summarize our current understanding of how Wnt signals are generated and interpreted. This article is categorized under: Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling Developmental Biology > Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Grainger
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine University of California San Diego La Jolla California
| | - Karl Willert
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine University of California San Diego La Jolla California
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24
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Safian D, Bogerd J, Schulz RW. Igf3 activates β-catenin signaling to stimulate spermatogonial differentiation in zebrafish. J Endocrinol 2018; 238:245-257. [PMID: 29941503 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Follicle-stimulating hormone (Fsh) is a major regulator of spermatogenesis, targeting somatic cell functions in the testes. We reported previously that zebrafish Fsh promoted the differentiation of type A undifferentiated spermatogonia (Aund) by stimulating the production of factors that advance germ cell differentiation, such as androgens, insulin-like peptide 3 (Insl3) and insulin-like growth factor 3 (Igf3). In addition, Fsh also modulated the transcript levels of several other genes, including some belonging to the Wnt signaling pathway. Here, we evaluated if and how Fsh utilizes part of the canonical Wnt pathway to regulate the development of spermatogonia. We quantified the proliferation activity and relative section areas occupied by Aund and type A differentiating (Adiff) spermatogonia and we analyzed the expression of selected genes in response to recombinant proteins and pharmacological inhibitors. We found that from the three downstream mediators of Fsh activity we examined, Igf3, but not 11-ketotestosterone or Insl3, modulated the transcript levels of two β-catenin sensitive genes (cyclinD1 and axin2). Using a zebrafish β-catenin signaling reporter line, we showed that Igf3 activated β-catenin signaling in type A spermatogonia and that this activation did not depend on the release of Wnt ligands. Pharmacological inhibition of the β-catenin or of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathways revealed that Igf3 activated β-catenin signaling in a manner involving PI3K to promote the differentiation of Aund to Adiff spermatogonia. This mechanism represents an intriguing example for a pituitary hormone like Fsh using Igf signaling to recruit the evolutionary conserved, local β-catenin signaling pathway to regulate spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Safian
- Reproductive Biology GroupDivision Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology , Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Bogerd
- Reproductive Biology GroupDivision Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology , Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rüdiger W Schulz
- Reproductive Biology GroupDivision Developmental Biology, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Department of Biology , Faculty of Science, University of Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Reproduction and Developmental Biology GroupInstitute of Marine Research, Nordnes, Bergen, Norway
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25
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Schulte G, Wright SC. Frizzleds as GPCRs - More Conventional Than We Thought! Trends Pharmacol Sci 2018; 39:828-842. [PMID: 30049420 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
For more than 30 years, WNT/β-catenin and planar cell polarity signaling has formed the basis for what we understand to be the primary output of the interaction between WNTs and their cognate receptors known as Frizzleds (FZDs). In the shadow of these pathways, evidence for the involvement of heterotrimeric G proteins in WNT signaling has grown substantially over the years - redefining the complexity of the WNT signaling network. Moreover, the distinct characteristics of FZD paralogs are becoming better understood, and we can now apply concepts valid for classical GPCRs to grasp FZDs as molecular machines at the interface of ligand binding and intracellular effects. This review discusses recent developments in the field of WNT/FZD signaling in the context of GPCR pharmacology, and identifies remaining mysteries with an emphasis on structural and kinetic components that support this dogma shift.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Schulte
- Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum 6D, Tomtebodavägen 16, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Shane C Wright
- Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Biomedicum 6D, Tomtebodavägen 16, Karolinska Institutet, S-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
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26
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Abstract
Head and neck cancer presents primarily as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), a debilitating malignancy fraught with high morbidity, poor survival rates, and limited treatment options. Mounting evidence indicates that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays important roles in the pathobiology of HNSCC. Wnt/β-catenin signaling affects multiple cellular processes that endow cancer cells with the ability to maintain and expand immature stem-like phenotypes, proliferate, extend survival, and acquire aggressive characteristics by adopting mesenchymal traits. A central component of canonical Wnt signaling is β-catenin, which balances its role as a structural component of E-cadherin junctions with its function as a transcriptional coactivator of numerous target genes. Recent genomic characterization of head and neck cancer revealed that while β-catenin is not frequently mutated in HNSCC, its activity is unchecked by more common mutations in genes encoding upstream regulators of β-catenin, NOTCH1, FAT1, and AJUBA. Wnt/β-catenin signaling affects a wide range epigenetic and transcriptional activities, mediated by the interaction of β-catenin with different transcription factors and transcriptional coactivators and corepressors. Furthermore, Wnt/β-catenin functions in a network with many signaling and metabolic pathways that modulate its activity. In addition to its effects on tumor epithelia, β-catenin activity regulates the tumor microenvironment by regulating extracellular matrix remodeling, fibrotic processes, and immune response. These multifunctional oncogenic effects of β-catenin make it an attractive bona fide target for HNSCC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Alamoud
- 1 Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - M A Kukuruzinska
- 1 Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Boston University School of Dental Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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27
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Abstract
Transcriptional control of oxytocinergic cell development influences social, sexual, and appetite related behaviors and is implicated in disorders such as autism and Prader-Willi syndrome. Mediator 12 (Med12) is a transcriptional coactivator required for multiple facets of brain development including subsets of serotonergic and dopaminergic neurons. We surveyed hormone gene expression within the hypothalamo-pituitary axis of med12 mutant zebrafish embryos with a focus on oxytocin (oxt) expression. Some transcripts, such as oxt, vasopressin (avp) and corticotrophin releasing hormone (crh) are undetectable in the med12 mutant, while others are upregulated or downregulated to varying degrees. In med12 mutants, the expression patterns of upstream transcriptional regulators of oxytocinergic cell development remain largely intact in the pre-optic area, suggesting a more direct influence of Med12 on oxt expression. We show that Med12 is required for Wnt signaling in zebrafish. However, oxt expression is unaffected in Wnt-inhibited embryos indicating independence of Wnt signaling. In fact, overactive Wnt signaling inhibits oxt expression, and we identify a Wnt-sensitive period starting at 24 h post fertilization (hpf). Thus, Med12 and repression of Wnt signaling display critical but unrelated roles in regulating oxt expression. Summary: Mediator 12, a transcriptional coactivator, greatly enhances Wnt signaling in the developing embryo. Separate from its role in Wnt signaling, Mediator 12 is required for oxytocin expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma D Spikol
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, 4000 Reservoir Rd., Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Eric Glasgow
- Department of Oncology, Georgetown University, 4000 Reservoir Rd., Washington, DC 20057, USA
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28
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Schneider JA, Logan SK. Revisiting the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in prostate cancer. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2018; 462:3-8. [PMID: 28189566 PMCID: PMC5550366 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2017.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a widely accepted therapeutic target in prostate cancer and multiple studies indicate that the AR and Wnt/β-catenin pathways intersect. Recent genome-wide analysis of prostate cancer metastases illustrate the importance of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in prostate cancer and compel us to reexamine the interaction of the AR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways. This review includes newer areas of interest such as non-canonical Wnt signaling and the role of Wnts in prostate cancer stem cells. The effort to develop Wnt modulating therapeutics, both biologics and small molecules, is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Schneider
- Departments of Urology, Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States
| | - Susan K Logan
- Departments of Urology, Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, United States.
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29
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Abstract
We describe here a technique for delivering the porcupine inhibitor WNT974 (formerly LGK974) in mice. The protocol entails once-a-day oral delivery of WNT974 for up to 3 months at a concentration sufficient to achieve systemic Wnt pathway inhibition with limited toxicity as measured by weight change. This route of delivery enables extended durations of Wnt signaling inhibition in a mammalian model organism.
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30
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Jiang H, Zhang X, Chen X, Aramsangtienchai P, Tong Z, Lin H. Protein Lipidation: Occurrence, Mechanisms, Biological Functions, and Enabling Technologies. Chem Rev 2018; 118:919-988. [PMID: 29292991 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrev.6b00750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Protein lipidation, including cysteine prenylation, N-terminal glycine myristoylation, cysteine palmitoylation, and serine and lysine fatty acylation, occurs in many proteins in eukaryotic cells and regulates numerous biological pathways, such as membrane trafficking, protein secretion, signal transduction, and apoptosis. We provide a comprehensive review of protein lipidation, including descriptions of proteins known to be modified and the functions of the modifications, the enzymes that control them, and the tools and technologies developed to study them. We also highlight key questions about protein lipidation that remain to be answered, the challenges associated with answering such questions, and possible solutions to overcome these challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jiang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Xiao Chen
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Pornpun Aramsangtienchai
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Zhen Tong
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
| | - Hening Lin
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Cornell University , Ithaca, New York 14853, United States
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31
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Gao X, Hannoush RN. A Decade of Click Chemistry in Protein Palmitoylation: Impact on Discovery and New Biology. Cell Chem Biol 2017; 25:236-246. [PMID: 29290622 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Protein palmitoylation plays diverse roles in regulating the trafficking, stability, and activity of cellular proteins. The advent of click chemistry has propelled the field of protein palmitoylation forward by providing specific, sensitive, rapid, and easy-to-handle methods for studying protein palmitoylation. This year marks the 10th anniversary since the first click chemistry-based fatty acid probes for detecting protein lipid modifications were reported. The goal of this review is to highlight key biological advancements in the field of protein palmitoylation during the past 10 years. In particular, we discuss the impact of click chemistry on enabling protein palmitoylation proteomics methods, uncovering novel lipid modifications on proteins and elucidating their functions, as well as the development of non-radioactive biochemical and enzymatic assays. In addition, this review provides context for building and exploring new research avenues in protein palmitoylation through the use of clickable fatty acid probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinxin Gao
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Rami N Hannoush
- Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA.
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32
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Yamaguchi K, Zhu C, Ohsugi T, Yamaguchi Y, Ikenoue T, Furukawa Y. Bidirectional reporter assay using HAL promoter and TOPFLASH improves specificity in high-throughput screening of Wnt inhibitors. Biotechnol Bioeng 2017; 114:2868-2882. [PMID: 28755500 DOI: 10.1002/bit.26394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Constitutive activation of Wnt signaling plays an important role in colorectal and liver tumorigenesis. Cell-based assays using synthetic TCF/LEF (T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor) reporters, as readouts of β-catenin/TCF-dependent transcriptional activity, have contributed greatly to the discovery of small molecules that modulate Wnt signaling. In the present study, we report a novel screening method, called a bidirectional dual reporter assay. Integrated transcriptome analysis identified a histidine ammonia-lyase gene (HAL) that was negatively regulated by β-catenin/TCF-dependent transcriptional activity. We leveraged a promoter region of the HAL gene as another transcriptional readout of Wnt signaling. Cells stably expressing both an optimized HAL reporter and the TCF/LEF reporter enabled bidirectional reporter activities in response to Wnt signaling. Increased HAL reporter activity and decreased TCF/LEF reporter activity were observed simultaneously in the cells when β-catenin/TCF7L2 was inhibited. Notably, this method could decrease the number of false positives observed when screening an inhibitor library compared with the conventional TCF/LEF assay. We found that Brefeldin A, a disruptor of the Golgi apparatus, inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The utility of our system could be expanded to examine other disease-associated pathways beyond the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Yamaguchi
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chi Zhu
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Ohsugi
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuko Yamaguchi
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuneo Ikenoue
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoichi Furukawa
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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33
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Palmitoylation of proteins in cancer. Biochem Soc Trans 2017; 45:409-416. [DOI: 10.1042/bst20160233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 02/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Post-translational modification of proteins by attachment of palmitate serves as a mechanism to regulate protein localization and function in both normal and malignant cells. Given the essential role that palmitoylation plays in cancer cell signaling, approaches that target palmitoylated proteins and palmitoyl acyltransferases (PATs) have the potential for therapeutic intervention in cancer. Highlighted here are recent advances in understanding the importance of protein palmitoylation in tumorigenic pathways. A new study has uncovered palmitoylation sites within the epidermal growth factor receptor that regulate receptor trafficking, signaling and sensitivity to tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Global data analysis from nearly 150 cancer studies reveals genomic alterations in several PATs that may account for their ability to function as tumor suppressors or oncogenes. Selective inhibitors have recently been developed that target hedgehog acyltransferase (Hhat) and Porcupine (Porcn), the acyltransferases that modify hedgehog and Wnt proteins, respectively. These inhibitors, coupled with targeted knockdown of Hhat and Porcn, reveal the essential functions of fatty acylation of secreted morphogens in a wide variety of human tumors.
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34
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Zhan T, Rindtorff N, Boutros M. Wnt signaling in cancer. Oncogene 2017; 36:1461-1473. [PMID: 27617575 PMCID: PMC5357762 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1702] [Impact Index Per Article: 243.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Revised: 07/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling is one of the key cascades regulating development and stemness, and has also been tightly associated with cancer. The role of Wnt signaling in carcinogenesis has most prominently been described for colorectal cancer, but aberrant Wnt signaling is observed in many more cancer entities. Here, we review current insights into novel components of Wnt pathways and describe their impact on cancer development. Furthermore, we highlight expanding functions of Wnt signaling for both solid and liquid tumors. We also describe current findings how Wnt signaling affects maintenance of cancer stem cells, metastasis and immune control. Finally, we provide an overview of current strategies to antagonize Wnt signaling in cancer and challenges that are associated with such approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Zhan
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, Heidelberg University, Department Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg University, Department of Internal Medicine II, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - N Rindtorff
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, Heidelberg University, Department Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - M Boutros
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division Signaling and Functional Genomics, Heidelberg University, Department Cell and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine Mannheim, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
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35
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Development of a triazole class of highly potent Porcn inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:5891-5895. [PMID: 27876319 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The acyltransferase Porcupine (Porcn) is essential for the secretion of Wnt proteins which contribute to embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and tumorigenesis. We have previously discovered four molecular scaffolds harboring Porcn-inhibitory activity. Comparison of their structures led to the identification of a general scaffold that can be readily assembled by modular synthesis. We report herein the development of a triazole version of this new class of Porcn inhibitors. This study yielded IWP-O1, a Porcn inhibitor with an EC50 value of 80pM in a cultured cell reporter assay of Wnt signaling. Additionally, IWP-O1 has significantly improved metabolic stability over our previously reported Porcn inhibitors.
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36
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Biochemical Analysis of Tankyrase Activity in Zebrafish In Vitro and In Vivo. Methods Mol Biol 2016. [PMID: 27590155 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6393-5_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
The activity of tankyrase (Tnks) enzymes modulates the activity of the β-catenin destruction complex in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Here, we describe a method for determining the accessibility of various zebrafish tissues in vivo and in vitro to small molecule inhibitors of Tankyrase enzymes. This biochemical assay will facilitate chemically based studies focused on understanding the role of Tankyrase in cell fate reprogramming and tissue homeostasis and provide insights into the potential role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in these processes.
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37
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Monitoring Wnt Protein Acylation Using an In Vitro Cyclo-Addition Reaction. Methods Mol Biol 2016. [PMID: 27590147 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6393-5_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]
Abstract
We describe here a technique for visualizing the lipidation status of Wnt proteins using azide-alkyne cycloaddition chemistry (click chemistry) and SDS-PAGE. This protocol incorporates in vivo labeling of a Wnt-IgG Fc fusion protein using an alkynylated palmitate probe but departs from a traditional approach by incorporating a secondary cycloaddition reaction performed on single-step purified Wnt protein immobilized on protein A resin. This approach mitigates experimental noise by decreasing the contribution of labeling from other palmitoylated proteins and by providing a robust method for normalizing labeling efficiency based on protein abundance.
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38
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Galli LM, Zebarjadi N, Li L, Lingappa VR, Burrus LW. Divergent effects of Porcupine and Wntless on WNT1 trafficking, secretion, and signaling. Exp Cell Res 2016; 347:171-183. [PMID: 27492485 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2016.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Revised: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/31/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Loss-of-function studies have identified Porcupine (PORCN) and Wntless (WLS) as essential mediators of Wnt secretion and signaling. Whereas PORCN is thought to palmitoylate Wnt proteins, WLS is believed to transport palmitoylated Wnt proteins to the cell surface. However, little is known about how these two proteins cooperate to regulate Wnt palmitoylation, trafficking, secretion, and signaling. We first investigated possible interactions between PORCN, WLS, and WNT1, by carrying out co-immunoprecipitation studies. These studies demonstrate the existence of a complex containing PORCN and WLS. They further show that PORCN and WLS compete for binding to WNT1. Then, we used gain-of-function studies to investigate the cooperation between PORCN and WLS as well as possible biochemical interactions between PORCN, WLS, and WNT1. Consistent with the proposed roles for PORCN and WLS, we show that overexpression of PORCN promotes palmitoylation of WNT1 while overexpression of WLS does not. Overexpression of PORCN enhances the ability of WLS to promote WNT1 trafficking to the cell surface as well as secretion, but decreases the ability of WLS to activate WNT1 signaling in target cell. These observations suggest that the levels of WNT1 on the cell surface and in the media are not the sole determinants of the activation of Wnt signaling in target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Galli
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Navid Zebarjadi
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Lydia Li
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | | | - Laura W Burrus
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA.
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39
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Arthofer E, Hot B, Petersen J, Strakova K, Jäger S, Grundmann M, Kostenis E, Gutkind JS, Schulte G. WNT Stimulation Dissociates a Frizzled 4 Inactive-State Complex with Gα12/13. Mol Pharmacol 2016; 90:447-59. [PMID: 27458145 DOI: 10.1124/mol.116.104919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Frizzleds (FZDs) are unconventional G protein-coupled receptors that belong to the class Frizzled. They are bound and activated by the Wingless/Int-1 lipoglycoprotein (WNT) family of secreted lipoglycoproteins. To date, mechanisms of signal initiation and FZD-G protein coupling remain poorly understood. Previously, we showed that FZD6 assembles with Gαi1/Gαq (but not with Gαs, Gαo and Ga12/13), and that these inactive-state complexes are dissociated by WNTs and regulated by the phosphoprotein Dishevelled (DVL). Here, we investigated the inactive-state assembly of heterotrimeric G proteins with FZD4, a receptor important in retinal vascular development and frequently mutated in Norrie disease or familial exudative vitreoretinopathy. Live-cell imaging experiments using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching show that human FZD4 assembles-in a DVL-independent manner-with Gα12/13 but not representatives of other heterotrimeric G protein subfamilies, such as Gαi1, Gαo, Gαs, and Gαq The FZD4-G protein complex dissociates upon stimulation with WNT-3A, WNT-5A, WNT-7A, and WNT-10B. In addition, WNT-induced dynamic mass redistribution changes in untransfected and, even more so, in FZD4 green fluorescent protein-transfected cells depend on Gα12/13 Furthermore, expression of FZD4 and Gα12 or Gα13 in human embryonic kidney 293 cells induces WNT-dependent membrane recruitment of p115-RHOGEF (RHO guanine nucleotide exchange factor, molecular weight 115 kDa), a direct target of Gα12/13 signaling, underlining the functionality of an FZD4-Gα12/13-RHO signaling axis. In summary, Gα12/13-mediated WNT/FZD4 signaling through p115-RHOGEF offers an intriguing and previously unappreciated mechanistic link of FZD4 signaling to cytoskeletal rearrangements and RHO signaling with implications for the regulation of angiogenesis during embryonic and tumor development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Arthofer
- Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (E.A., B.H., J.P., K.S., S.J., G.S.); Section on Molecular Signal Transduction, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (E.A.); Faculty of Science, Institute of Experimental Biology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic (K.S., G.S.); Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany (M.G., E.K.); Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California (J.S.G.)
| | - Belma Hot
- Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (E.A., B.H., J.P., K.S., S.J., G.S.); Section on Molecular Signal Transduction, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (E.A.); Faculty of Science, Institute of Experimental Biology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic (K.S., G.S.); Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany (M.G., E.K.); Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California (J.S.G.)
| | - Julian Petersen
- Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (E.A., B.H., J.P., K.S., S.J., G.S.); Section on Molecular Signal Transduction, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (E.A.); Faculty of Science, Institute of Experimental Biology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic (K.S., G.S.); Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany (M.G., E.K.); Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California (J.S.G.)
| | - Katerina Strakova
- Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (E.A., B.H., J.P., K.S., S.J., G.S.); Section on Molecular Signal Transduction, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (E.A.); Faculty of Science, Institute of Experimental Biology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic (K.S., G.S.); Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany (M.G., E.K.); Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California (J.S.G.)
| | - Stefan Jäger
- Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (E.A., B.H., J.P., K.S., S.J., G.S.); Section on Molecular Signal Transduction, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (E.A.); Faculty of Science, Institute of Experimental Biology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic (K.S., G.S.); Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany (M.G., E.K.); Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California (J.S.G.)
| | - Manuel Grundmann
- Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (E.A., B.H., J.P., K.S., S.J., G.S.); Section on Molecular Signal Transduction, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (E.A.); Faculty of Science, Institute of Experimental Biology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic (K.S., G.S.); Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany (M.G., E.K.); Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California (J.S.G.)
| | - Evi Kostenis
- Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (E.A., B.H., J.P., K.S., S.J., G.S.); Section on Molecular Signal Transduction, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (E.A.); Faculty of Science, Institute of Experimental Biology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic (K.S., G.S.); Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany (M.G., E.K.); Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California (J.S.G.)
| | - J Silvio Gutkind
- Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (E.A., B.H., J.P., K.S., S.J., G.S.); Section on Molecular Signal Transduction, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (E.A.); Faculty of Science, Institute of Experimental Biology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic (K.S., G.S.); Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany (M.G., E.K.); Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California (J.S.G.)
| | - Gunnar Schulte
- Section of Receptor Biology and Signaling, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden (E.A., B.H., J.P., K.S., S.J., G.S.); Section on Molecular Signal Transduction, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland (E.A.); Faculty of Science, Institute of Experimental Biology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic (K.S., G.S.); Molecular, Cellular and Pharmacobiology Section, Institute for Pharmaceutical Biology, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany (M.G., E.K.); Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California (J.S.G.)
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Cheng D, Liu J, Han D, Zhang G, Gao W, Hsieh MH, Ng N, Kasibhatla S, Tompkins C, Li J, Steffy A, Sun F, Li C, Seidel HM, Harris JL, Pan S. Discovery of Pyridinyl Acetamide Derivatives as Potent, Selective, and Orally Bioavailable Porcupine Inhibitors. ACS Med Chem Lett 2016; 7:676-80. [PMID: 27437076 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.6b00038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Blockade of aberrant Wnt signaling is an attractive therapeutic approach in multiple cancers. We developed and performed a cellular high-throughput screen for inhibitors of Wnt secretion and pathway activation. A lead structure (GNF-1331) was identified from the screen. Further studies identified the molecular target of GNF-1331 as Porcupine, a membrane bound O-acyl transferase. Structure-activity relationship studies led to the discovery of a novel series of potent and selective Porcupine inhibitors. Compound 19, GNF-6231, demonstrated excellent pathway inhibition and induced robust antitumor efficacy in a mouse MMTV-WNT1 xenograft tumor model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dai Cheng
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jun Liu
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Dong Han
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Guobao Zhang
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Wenqi Gao
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Mindy H. Hsieh
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Nicholas Ng
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Shailaja Kasibhatla
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Celin Tompkins
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jie Li
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Auzon Steffy
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Fangxian Sun
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Chun Li
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - H. Martin Seidel
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Jennifer L. Harris
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
| | - Shifeng Pan
- Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation, 10675 John Jay Hopkins Drive, San Diego, California 92121, United States
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Lum L, Chen C. Chemical Disruption of Wnt-dependent Cell Fate Decision-making Mechanisms in Cancer and Regenerative Medicine. Curr Med Chem 2016; 22:4091-103. [PMID: 26310918 DOI: 10.2174/0929867322666150827094015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2015] [Revised: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cell-to-cell signaling molecules such as the Wnt proteins that directly influence the expression of cell-type specific transcriptional programs are essential for tissue generation in metazoans. The mechanisms supporting cellular responses to these molecules represent potential points of intervention for directing cell fate outcomes in therapeutic contexts. Small molecules that modulate Wnt-mediated cellular responses have proven to be powerful probes for Wnt protein function in diverse biological settings including cancer, development, and regeneration. Whereas efforts to develop these chemicals as therapeutic agents have dominated conversation, the unprecedented modes-of-action associated with these molecules and their implications for drug development deserve greater examination. In this review, we will discuss how medicinal chemistry efforts focused on first in class small molecules targeting two Wnt pathway components--the polytopic Porcupine (Porcn) acyltransferase and the cytoplasmic Tankyrase (Tnks) poly-ADP-ribosylases--have contributed to our understanding of the druggable genome and expanded the armamentarium of chemicals that can be used to influence cell fate decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - C Chen
- Department of Cell Biology and Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, 75390, USA.
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Specification of embryonic stem cell-derived tissues into eye fields by Wnt signaling using rostral diencephalic tissue-inducing culture. Mech Dev 2016; 141:90-99. [PMID: 27151576 DOI: 10.1016/j.mod.2016.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 04/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The eyes are subdivided from the rostral diencephalon in early development. How the neuroectoderm regulates this subdivision, however, is largely unknown. Taking advantage of embryonic stem cell (ESC) culture using a Rax reporter line to monitor rostral diencephalon formation, we found that ESC-derived tissues at day 7 grown in Glasgow Minimum Expression Media (GMEM) containing knockout serum replacement (KSR) exhibited higher levels of expression of axin2, a Wnt target gene, than those grown in chemically defined medium (CDM). Surprisingly, Wnt agonist facilitated eye field-like tissue specification in CDM. In contrast, the addition of Wnt antagonist diminished eye field tissue formation in GMEM+KSR. Furthermore, the morphological formation of the eye tissue anlage, including the optic vesicle, was accompanied by Wnt signaling activation. Additionally, using CDM culture, we developed an efficient method for generating Rax+/Chx10+ retinal progenitors, which could become fully stratified retina. Here we provide a new avenue for exploring the mechanisms of eye field specification in vitro.
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43
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Nile AH, Hannoush RN. Fatty acylation of Wnt proteins. Nat Chem Biol 2016; 12:60-9. [DOI: 10.1038/nchembio.2005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Abstract
Wnt proteins are conserved signalling molecules that have an essential role in regulating diverse processes during embryogenesis and adult tissue homoeostasis. Wnts are post-translationally modified by palmitoylation, which is essential for Wnt secretion and function. Intriguingly, the crystal structure of XWnt8 in complex with the extracellular domain of the Frizzled 8 cysteine-rich domain (Fzd8-CRD) revealed that Wnts use the fatty acid as a 'hotspot' residue to engage its receptor, which is a unique mode of receptor-ligand recognition. In addition, there are several lines of evidence suggesting that Wnts engage several signalling modulators and alternative receptors by means of fatty acids as a critical contact residue. In the present article, we review our current understanding of Wnt acylation and its functional role in Wnt signalling regulation.
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Fatty acyl donor selectivity in membrane bound O-acyltransferases and communal cell fate decision-making. Biochem Soc Trans 2016; 43:235-9. [PMID: 25849923 DOI: 10.1042/bst20140282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The post-translational modification of proteins with lipid moieties confers spatial and temporal control of protein function by restricting their subcellular distribution or movement in the extracellular milieu. Yet, little is known about the significance of lipid selectivity to the activity of proteins targeted for such modifications. Membrane bound O-acyl transferases (MBOATs) are a superfamily of multipass enzymes that transfer fatty acids on to lipid or protein substrates. Three MBOATs constitute a subfamily with secreted signalling molecules for substrates, the Wnt, Hedgehog (Hh) and Ghrelin proteins. Given their important roles in adult tissue homoeostasis, all three molecules and their respective associated acyltransferases provide a framework for interrogating the role of extracellular acylation events in cell-to-cell communication. Here, we discuss how the preference for a fatty acyl donor in the Wnt acyltransferase porcupine (Porcn) and possibly in other protein lipidation enzymes may provide a means for coupling metabolic health at the single cell level to communal cell fate decision-making in complex multicellular organisms.
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Xu Z, Li J, Wu Y, Sun Z, Luo L, Hu Z, He S, Zheng J, Zhang H, Zhang X. Design, synthesis, and evaluation of potent Wnt signaling inhibitors featuring a fused 3-ring system. Eur J Med Chem 2016; 108:154-165. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2015.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Revised: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 11/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Facchinello N, Schiavone M, Vettori A, Argenton F, Tiso N. Monitoring Wnt Signaling in Zebrafish Using Fluorescent Biosensors. Methods Mol Biol 2016; 1481:81-94. [PMID: 27590154 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-6393-5_9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
In this chapter, we are presenting methods to monitor and quantify in vivo canonical Wnt signaling activities at single-cell resolution in zebrafish. Our technology is based on artificial enhancers, obtained by polymerization of TCF binding elements, cloned upstream to ubiquitous or tissue-specific promoters. The different promoter/enhancer combinations are used to drive fluorescent protein reporter constructs integrated in the zebrafish germline by microinjection of fertilized zebrafish eggs. Fish with a single integration site are selected by Mendelian analysis of fluorescent carriers, and heterozygous offspring are used to monitor and quantify canonical Wnt activities. Open source public domain software such as ImageJ/Fiji is used to calculate the integrated densities in the region of interest and compare the effect of experimental conditions on control and treated animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Facchinello
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Marco Schiavone
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Andrea Vettori
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, Padova, 35131, Italy
| | - Francesco Argenton
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, Padova, 35131, Italy.
| | - Natascia Tiso
- Dipartimento di Biologia, Università degli Studi di Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, Padova, 35131, Italy
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Roos J, Grösch S, Werz O, Schröder P, Ziegler S, Fulda S, Paulus P, Urbschat A, Kühn B, Maucher I, Fettel J, Vorup-Jensen T, Piesche M, Matrone C, Steinhilber D, Parnham MJ, Maier TJ. Regulation of tumorigenic Wnt signaling by cyclooxygenase-2, 5-lipoxygenase and their pharmacological inhibitors: A basis for novel drugs targeting cancer cells? Pharmacol Ther 2016; 157:43-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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Small-molecule inhibitors of Wnt signaling pathway: towards novel anticancer therapeutics. Future Med Chem 2015; 7:2485-505. [PMID: 26670195 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.15.159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Wnt signaling pathway involves secreted glycoproteins that bind to the Frizzled family receptors to activate intracellular signal transduction events that regulate cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration and many critical aspects of developmental biology. DISCUSSION Aberrant Wnt signaling underlies a wide range of pathologies in humans including tumor initiation, tumor growth, cell senescence, cell death, differentiation and metastasis. The inhibition of Wnt signaling offers a novel approach for anticancer therapeutics. CONCLUSION Focusing on recent developments, we reviewed the small-molecule inhibitors targeting various components of Wnt signaling pathways and the progress from the discovery of lead compounds to highly potent inhibitors with significant therapeutic potential.
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Dong Y, Li K, Xu Z, Ma H, Zheng J, Hu Z, He S, Wu Y, Sun Z, Luo L, Li J, Zhang H, Zhang X. Exploration of the linkage elements of porcupine antagonists led to potent Wnt signaling pathway inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem 2015; 23:6855-68. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2015.09.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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