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Lee SH, Platt S, Lim CH, Ito M, Myung P. The development of hair follicles and nail. Dev Biol 2024; 513:3-11. [PMID: 38759942 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024]
Abstract
The hair follicle and nail unit develop and regenerate through epithelial-mesenchymal interactions. Here, we review some of the key signals and molecular interactions that regulate mammalian hair follicle and nail formation during embryonic development and how these interactions are reutilized to promote their regeneration during adult homeostasis and in response to skin wounding. Finally, we highlight the role of some of these signals in mediating human hair follicle and nail conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soung-Hoon Lee
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology and Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sarah Platt
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Chae Ho Lim
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology and Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mayumi Ito
- The Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology and Department of Cell Biology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peggy Myung
- Department of Dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
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2
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Huybrechts Y, Appelman-Dijkstra NM, Steenackers E, Van Beylen W, Mortier G, Hendrickx G, Van Hul W. A Mosaic Variant in CTNNB1/β-catenin as a Novel Cause for Osteopathia Striata With Cranial Sclerosis. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:1891-1898. [PMID: 38173341 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
CONTEXT Osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis (OSCS) is a rare bone disorder with X-linked dominant inheritance, characterized by a generalized hyperostosis in the skull and long bones and typical metaphyseal striations in the long bones. So far, loss-of-function variants in AMER1 (also known as WTX or FAM123B), encoding the APC membrane recruitment protein 1 (AMER1), have been described as the only molecular cause for OSCS. AMER1 promotes the degradation of β-catenin via AXIN stabilization, acting as a negative regulator of the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway, a central pathway in bone formation. OBJECTIVE In this study, we describe a Dutch adult woman with an OSCS-like phenotype, namely, generalized high bone mass and characteristic metaphyseal striations, but no genetic variant affecting AMER1. RESULTS Whole exome sequencing led to the identification of a mosaic missense variant (c.876A > C; p.Lys292Asn) in CTNNB1, coding for β-catenin. The variant disrupts an amino acid known to be crucial for interaction with AXIN, a key factor in the β-catenin destruction complex. Western blotting experiments demonstrate that the p.Lys292Asn variant does not significantly affect the β-catenin phosphorylation status, and hence stability in the cytoplasm. Additionally, luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate the effect of p.Lys292Asn β-catenin on canonical WNT signaling. These studies indicate an average 70-fold increase in canonical WNT signaling activity by p.Lys292Asn β-catenin. CONCLUSION In conclusion, this study indicates that somatic variants in the CTNNB1 gene could explain the pathogenesis of unsolved cases of osteopathia striata.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yentl Huybrechts
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Natasha M Appelman-Dijkstra
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2300 Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ellen Steenackers
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Wouter Van Beylen
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Geert Mortier
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
- Laboratory for Skeletal Dysplasia Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
- Center for Human Genetics, University Hospital Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Gretl Hendrickx
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
- Laboratory for Skeletal Dysplasia Research, Department of Human Genetics, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Van Hul
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, 2650 Edegem, Belgium
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3
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Tlenshieva AM, Shalakhmetova TM, Witeska M. Effect of Pb, Cu and Zn on development and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway genes expression of Ctenopharyngodon idella. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae092. [PMID: 38883410 PMCID: PMC11170660 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae092] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 05/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Pollution of the aquatic environment with heavy metals is a serious environmental problem, since they accumulate in aquatic organisms and can affect their development and worsen their condition. According to the scheme of Fig. 1 zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) or lead (Pb) were studied when exposed to concentrations of: Zn (0.01; 0.1; 1 mg/L), Cu (0.001; 0.01; 0.1 mg/L), Pb (0.006; 0.06; 0.6 mg/L) for 144 h after fertilization (hpf) on the grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), one of the important commercial fish species of Kazakhstan, the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the expression of genes of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway involved in development. All metals significantly reduced survival, hatching rate, and changed biometric parameters and heart rate of cupid larvae. In addition, these metals (mainly Pb and Cu) inhibited superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and mRNA transcription of genes encoding genes of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These results showed that Pb, Cu and Zn not only affect the survival and development of fish at an early stage of life, but also cause oxidative stress and prevent fish detoxification.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Tlenshieva
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, The Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - T M Shalakhmetova
- Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, The Republic of Kazakhstan
| | - M Witeska
- Department of Ichthyology and Biotechnology in Aquaculture Institute of Animal Science, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Poland
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4
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Stanton E, Sheridan S, Urata M, Chai Y. From Bedside to Bench and Back: Advancing Our Understanding of the Pathophysiology of Cleft Palate and Implications for the Future. Cleft Palate Craniofac J 2024; 61:759-773. [PMID: 36457208 DOI: 10.1177/10556656221142098] [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] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To provide a comprehensive understanding of the pathophysiology of cleft palate (CP) and future perspectives. DESIGN Literature review. SETTING Setting varied across studies by level of care and geographical locations. INTERVENTIONS No interventions were performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Primary outcome measures were to summarize our current understanding of palatogenesis in humans and animal models, the pathophysiology of CP, and potential future treatment modalities. RESULTS Animal research has provided considerable insight into the pathophysiology, molecular and cellular mechanisms of CP that have allowed for the development of novel treatment strategies. However, much work has yet to be done to connect our mouse model investigations and discoveries to CP in humans. The success of innovative strategies for tissue regeneration in mice provides promise for an exciting new avenue for improved and more targeted management of cleft care with precision medicine in patients. However, significant barriers to clinical translation remain. Among the most notable challenges include the differences in some aspects of palatogenesis and tissue repair between mice and humans, suggesting that potential therapies that have worked in animal models may not provide similar benefits to humans. CONCLUSIONS Increased translation of pathophysiological and tissue regeneration studies to clinical trials will bridge a wide gap in knowledge between animal models and human disease. By enhancing interaction between basic scientists and clinicians, and employing our animal model findings of disease mechanisms in concert with what we glean in the clinic, we can generate a more targeted and improved treatment algorithm for patients with CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Stanton
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Samuel Sheridan
- Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Mark Urata
- Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Division of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Yang Chai
- Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Ostrow School of Dentistry, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Myszczyszyn A, Popp O, Kunz S, Sporbert A, Jung S, Penning LC, Fendler A, Mertins P, Birchmeier W. Mice with renal-specific alterations of stem cell-associated signaling develop symptoms of chronic kidney disease but surprisingly no tumors. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0282938. [PMID: 38512983 PMCID: PMC10957084 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Previously, we found that Wnt and Notch signaling govern stem cells of clear cell kidney cancer (ccRCC) in patients. To mimic stem cell responses in the normal kidney in vitro in a marker-unbiased fashion, we have established tubular organoids (tubuloids) from total single adult mouse kidney epithelial cells in Matrigel and serum-free conditions. Deep proteomic and phosphoproteomic analyses revealed that tubuloids resembled renewal of adult kidney tubular epithelia, since tubuloid cells displayed activity of Wnt and Notch signaling, long-term proliferation and expression of markers of proximal and distal nephron lineages. In our wish to model stem cell-derived human ccRCC, we have generated two types of genetic double kidney mutants in mice: Wnt-β-catenin-GOF together with Notch-GOF and Wnt-β-catenin-GOF together with a most common alteration in ccRCC, Vhl-LOF. An inducible Pax8-rtTA-LC1-Cre was used to drive recombination specifically in adult kidney epithelial cells. We confirmed mutagenesis of β-catenin, Notch and Vhl alleles on DNA, protein and mRNA target gene levels. Surprisingly, we observed symptoms of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in mutant mice, but no increased proliferation and tumorigenesis. Thus, the responses of kidney stem cells in the tubuloid and genetic systems produced different phenotypes, i.e. enhanced renewal versus CKD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Myszczyszyn
- Cancer Research Program, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Popp
- Proteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Severine Kunz
- Electron Microscopy, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Anje Sporbert
- Advanced Light Microscopy, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Simone Jung
- Cancer Research Program, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Louis C. Penning
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annika Fendler
- Cancer Research Program, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Philipp Mertins
- Proteomics, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
| | - Walter Birchmeier
- Cancer Research Program, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC), Berlin, Germany
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Sharifi KA, Farzad F, Soldozy S, DeWitt MR, Price RJ, Sheehan J, Kalani MYS, Tvrdik P. Exploring the dynamics of adult Axin2 cell lineage integration into dentate gyrus granule neurons. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1353142. [PMID: 38449734 PMCID: PMC10915230 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1353142] [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: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The Wnt pathway plays critical roles in neurogenesis. The expression of Axin2 is induced by Wnt/β-catenin signaling, making this gene a reliable indicator of canonical Wnt activity. We employed pulse-chase genetic lineage tracing with the Axin2-CreERT2 allele to follow the fate of Axin2+ lineage in the adult hippocampal formation. We found Axin2 expressed in astrocytes, neurons and endothelial cells, as well as in the choroid plexus epithelia. Simultaneously with the induction of Axin2 fate mapping by tamoxifen, we marked the dividing cells with 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU). Tamoxifen induction led to a significant increase in labeled dentate gyrus granule cells three months later. However, none of these neurons showed any EdU signal. Conversely, six months after the pulse-chase labeling with tamoxifen/EdU, we identified granule neurons that were positive for both EdU and tdTomato lineage tracer in each animal. Our data indicates that Axin2 is expressed at multiple stages of adult granule neuron differentiation. Furthermore, these findings suggest that the integration process of adult-born neurons from specific cell lineages may require more time than previously thought.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadijeh A Sharifi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Faraz Farzad
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Sauson Soldozy
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center and New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Matthew R DeWitt
- Department of Focused Ultrasound Cancer Immunotherapy Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Richard J Price
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Jason Sheehan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - M Yashar S Kalani
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- School of Medicine, St. John's Neuroscience Institute, University of Oklahoma, Tulsa, OK, United States
| | - Petr Tvrdik
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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Kal S, Mahata S, Jati S, Mahata SK. Mitochondrial-derived peptides: Antidiabetic functions and evolutionary perspectives. Peptides 2024; 172:171147. [PMID: 38160808 PMCID: PMC10838678 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2023.171147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondrial-derived peptides (MDPs) are a novel class of bioactive microproteins encoded by short open-reading frames (sORF) in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). Currently, three types of MDPs have been identified: Humanin (HN), MOTS-c (Mitochondrial ORF within Twelve S rRNA type-c), and SHLP1-6 (small Humanin-like peptide, 1 to 6). The 12 S ribosomal RNA (MT-RNR1) gene harbors the sequence for MOTS-c, whereas HN and SHLP1-6 are encoded by the 16 S ribosomal RNA (MT-RNR2) gene. Special genetic codes are used in mtDNA as compared to nuclear DNA: (i) ATA and ATT are used as start codons in addition to the standard start codon ATG; (ii) AGA and AGG are used as stop codons instead of coding for arginine; (iii) the standard stop codon UGA is used to code for tryptophan. While HN, SHLP6, and MOTS-c are encoded by the H (heavy owing to high guanine + thymine base composition)-strand of the mtDNA, SHLP1-5 are encoded by the L (light owing to less guanine + thymine base composition)-strand. MDPs attenuate disease pathology including Type 1 diabetes (T1D), Type 2 diabetes (T2D), gestational diabetes, Alzheimer's disease (AD), cardiovascular diseases, prostate cancer, and macular degeneration. The current review will focus on the MDP regulation of T2D, T1D, and gestational diabetes along with an emphasis on the evolutionary pressures for conservation of the amino acid sequences of MDPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satadeepa Kal
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sumana Mahata
- Department of Anesthesiology, Riverside University Health System, Moreno Valley, CA, USA
| | - Suborno Jati
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Sushil K Mahata
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA.
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Elm L, Levidou G. The Molecular Landscape of Thymic Epithelial Tumors: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1554. [PMID: 38338833 PMCID: PMC10855681 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031554] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are characterized by their extreme rarity and variable clinical presentation, with the inadequacy of the use of histological classification alone to distinguish biologically indolent from aggressive cases. The utilization of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) to unravel the intricate genetic landscape of TETs could offer us a comprehensive understanding that is crucial for precise diagnoses, prognoses, and potential therapeutic strategies. Despite the low tumor mutational burden of TETS, NGS allows for exploration of specific genetic signatures contributing to TET onset and progression. Thymomas exhibit a limited mutational load, with prevalent GTF2I and HRAS mutations. On the other hand, thymic carcinomas (TCs) exhibit an elevated mutational burden, marked by frequent mutations in TP53 and genes associated with epigenetic regulation. Moreover, signaling pathway analyses highlight dysregulation in crucial cellular functions and pathways. Targeted therapies, and ongoing clinical trials show promising results, addressing challenges rooted in the scarcity of actionable mutations and limited genomic understanding. International collaborations and data-sharing initiatives are crucial for breakthroughs in TETs research.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgia Levidou
- Department of Pathology, Nuremberg Clinic, Paracelsus Medical University, 90419 Nuremberg, Germany;
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9
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Granados AA, Kanrar N, Elowitz MB. Combinatorial expression motifs in signaling pathways. CELL GENOMICS 2024; 4:100463. [PMID: 38216284 PMCID: PMC10794782 DOI: 10.1016/j.xgen.2023.100463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
In animal cells, molecular pathways often comprise families of variant components, such as ligands or receptors. These pathway components are differentially expressed by different cell types, potentially tailoring pathway function to cell context. However, it has remained unclear how pathway expression profiles are distributed across cell types and whether similar profiles can occur in dissimilar cell types. Here, using single-cell gene expression datasets, we identified pathway expression motifs, defined as recurrent expression profiles that are broadly distributed across diverse cell types. Motifs appeared in core pathways, including TGF-β, Notch, Wnt, and the SRSF splice factors, and involved combinatorial co-expression of multiple components. Motif usage was weakly correlated between pathways in adult cell types and during dynamic developmental transitions. Together, these results suggest a mosaic view of cell type organization, in which different cell types operate many of the same pathways in distinct modes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro A Granados
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Applied Physics, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Nivedita Kanrar
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Applied Physics, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA
| | - Michael B Elowitz
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Department of Applied Physics, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91125, USA.
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10
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Fatima F, Chourasiya NK, Mishra M, Kori S, Pathak S, Das R, Kashaw V, Iyer AK, Kashaw SK. Curcumin and its Derivatives Targeting Multiple Signaling Pathways to Elicit Anticancer Activity: A Comprehensive Perspective. Curr Med Chem 2024; 31:3668-3714. [PMID: 37221681 DOI: 10.2174/0929867330666230522144312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The uncontrolled growth and spread of aberrant cells characterize the group of disorders known as cancer. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 analysis of cancer patients in either developed countries or developing countries the main concern cancers are breast cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer which may rise eventually. Natural substances with dietary origins have gained interest for their low toxicity, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. The evaluation of dietary natural products as chemopreventive and therapeutic agents, the identification, characterization, and synthesis of their active components, as well as the enhancement of their delivery and bioavailability, have all received significant attention. Thus, the treatment strategy for concerning cancers must be significantly evaluated and may include the use of phytochemicals in daily lifestyle. In the present perspective, we discussed one of the potent phytochemicals, that has been used over the past few decades known as curcumin as a panacea drug of the "Cure-all" therapy concept. In our review firstly we included exhausted data from in vivo and in vitro studies on breast cancer, lung cancer, and liver cancer which act through various cancer-targeting pathways at the molecular level. Now, the second is the active constituent of turmeric known as curcumin and its derivatives are enlisted with their targeted protein in the molecular docking studies, which help the researchers design and synthesize new curcumin derivatives with respective implicated molecular and cellular activity. However, curcumin and its substituted derivatives still need to be investigated with unknown targeting mechanism studies in depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Firdous Fatima
- Integrated Drug Discovery Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour University (A Central University), Sagar (MP), India
| | - Nikhil Kumar Chourasiya
- Integrated Drug Discovery Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour University (A Central University), Sagar (MP), India
| | - Mitali Mishra
- Integrated Drug Discovery Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour University (A Central University), Sagar (MP), India
| | - Shivam Kori
- Integrated Drug Discovery Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour University (A Central University), Sagar (MP), India
| | - Sandhya Pathak
- Department of Chemistry, Dr. Harisingh Gour University (A Central University), Sagar (MP), India
| | - Ratnesh Das
- Department of Chemistry, Dr. Harisingh Gour University (A Central University), Sagar (MP), India
| | - Varsha Kashaw
- Sagar Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sagar (M.P.), India
| | - Arun K Iyer
- Use-inspired Biomaterials & Integrated Nano Delivery (U-BiND) Systems Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Molecular Imaging Program, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Sushil Kumar Kashaw
- Integrated Drug Discovery Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Harisingh Gour University (A Central University), Sagar (MP), India
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Sharifi KA, Farzad F, Soldozy S, Price RJ, Kalani MYS, Tvrdik P. Dynamics of Adult Axin2 Cell Lineage Integration in Granule Neurons of the Dentate Gyrus. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.09.570930. [PMID: 38106115 PMCID: PMC10723478 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.09.570930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
The Wnt pathway plays critical roles in neurogenesis. The expression of Axin2 is induced by Wnt/β-catenin signaling, making this gene a sensitive indicator of canonical Wnt activity. We employed pulse-chase genetic lineage tracing with the Axin2-CreERT2 allele to follow the fate of Axin2 -positive cells in the adult hippocampal formation. We found Axin2 expressed in astrocytes, neurons and endothelial cells, as well as in the choroid plexus epithelia. Simultaneously with tamoxifen induction of Axin2 fate mapping, the dividing cells were marked with 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU). Tamoxifen induction resulted in significant increase of dentate gyrus granule cells three months later; however, none of these neurons contained EdU signal. Conversely, six months after the tamoxifen/EdU pulse-chase labeling, EdU-positive granule neurons were identified in each animal. Our data imply that Axin2 is expressed at several different stages of adult granule neuron differentiation and suggest that the process of integration of the adult-born neurons from certain cell lineages may take longer than previously thought.
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12
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Dev A, Vachher M, Prasad CP. β-catenin inhibitors in cancer therapeutics: intricacies and way forward. Bioengineered 2023; 14:2251696. [PMID: 37655825 PMCID: PMC10478749 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2023.2251696] [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: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
β-catenin is an evolutionary conserved, quintessential, multifaceted protein that plays vital roles in cellular homeostasis, embryonic development, organogenesis, stem cell maintenance, cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, apoptosis, and pathogenesis of various human diseases including cancer. β-catenin manifests both signaling and adhesive features. It acts as a pivotal player in intracellular signaling as a component of versatile WNT signaling cascade involved in embryonic development, homeostasis as well as in carcinogenesis. It is also involved in Ca2+ dependent cell adhesion via interaction with E-cadherin at the adherens junctions. Aberrant β-catenin expression and its nuclear accumulation promote the transcription of various oncogenes including c-Myc and cyclinD1, thereby contributing to tumor initiation, development, and progression. β-catenin's expression is closely regulated at various levels including its stability, sub-cellular localization, as well as transcriptional activity. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of regulation of β-catenin and its atypical expression will provide researchers not only the novel insights into the pathogenesis and progression of cancer but also will help in deciphering new therapeutic avenues. In the present review, we have summarized the dual functions of β-catenin, its role in signaling, associated mutations as well as its role in carcinogenesis and tumor progression of various cancers. Additionally, we have discussed the challenges associated with targeting β-catenin molecule with the presently available drugs and suggested the possible way forward in designing new therapeutic alternatives against this oncogene.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arundhathi Dev
- Department of Medical Oncology (Laboratory), DR BRAIRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Meenakshi Vachher
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Home Economics, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Chandra Prakash Prasad
- Department of Medical Oncology (Laboratory), DR BRAIRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Bai R, Guo Y, Liu W, Song Y, Yu Z, Ma X. The Roles of WNT Signaling Pathways in Skin Development and Mechanical-Stretch-Induced Skin Regeneration. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1702. [PMID: 38136575 PMCID: PMC10741662 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The WNT signaling pathway plays a critical role in a variety of biological processes, including development, adult tissue homeostasis maintenance, and stem cell regulation. Variations in skin conditions can influence the expression of the WNT signaling pathway. In light of the above, a deeper understanding of the specific mechanisms of the WNT signaling pathway in different physiological and pathological states of the skin holds the potential to significantly advance clinical treatments of skin-related diseases. In this review, we present a comprehensive analysis of the molecular and cellular mechanisms of the WNT signaling pathway in skin development, wound healing, and mechanical stretching. Our review sheds new light on the crucial role of the WNT signaling pathway in the regulation of skin physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxue Bai
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Yaotao Guo
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Department of The Cadet Team 6, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Yajuan Song
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Zhou Yu
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Xianjie Ma
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
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14
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González YR, Kamkar F, Jafar-Nejad P, Wang S, Qu D, Alvarez LS, Hawari D, Sonnenfeld M, Slack RS, Albert PR, Park DS, Joselin A. PFTK1 kinase regulates axogenesis during development via RhoA activation. BMC Biol 2023; 21:240. [PMID: 37907898 PMCID: PMC10617079 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-023-01732-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PFTK1/Eip63E is a member of the cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) family and plays an important role in normal cell cycle progression. Eip63E expresses primarily in postnatal and adult nervous system in Drosophila melanogaster but its role in CNS development remains unknown. We sought to understand the function of Eip63E in the CNS by studying the fly ventral nerve cord during development. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that Eip63E regulates axogenesis in neurons and its deficiency leads to neuronal defects. Functional interaction studies performed using the same system identify an interaction between Eip63E and the small GTPase Rho1. Furthermore, deficiency of Eip63E homolog in mice, PFTK1, in a newly generated PFTK1 knockout mice results in increased axonal outgrowth confirming that the developmental defects observed in the fly model are due to defects in axogenesis. Importantly, RhoA phosphorylation and activity are affected by PFTK1 in primary neuronal cultures. We report that GDP-bound inactive RhoA is a substrate of PFTK1 and PFTK1 phosphorylation is required for RhoA activity. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our work establishes an unreported neuronal role of PFTK1 in axon development mediated by phosphorylation and activation of GDP-bound RhoA. The results presented add to our understanding of the role of Cdks in the maintenance of RhoA-mediated axon growth and its impact on CNS development and axonal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Kamkar
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Paymaan Jafar-Nejad
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
- Present Address: Ionis Pharmaceuticals Inc., Carlsbad, CA, 92010, USA
| | - Suzi Wang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Dianbo Qu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Leticia Sanchez Alvarez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Dina Hawari
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Margaret Sonnenfeld
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Ruth S Slack
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - Paul R Albert
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, K1H 8M5, Canada
| | - David S Park
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
| | - Alvin Joselin
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada.
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15
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Zhang C, Tannous E, Thomas A, Jung N, Ma E, Zheng JJ. Dexamethasone Modulates the Dynamics of Wnt Signaling in Human Trabecular Meshwork Cells. Vision (Basel) 2023; 7:43. [PMID: 37368816 DOI: 10.3390/vision7020043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Trabecular meshwork (TM) tissue is highly specialized, and its structural integrity is crucial for maintaining homeostatic intraocular pressure (IOP). The administration of glucocorticoids, such as dexamethasone (DEX), can perturb the TM structure and significantly increase IOP in susceptible individuals, resulting in ocular diseases such as steroid-induced glaucoma, a form of open-angle glaucoma. Although the exact mechanism involved in steroid-induced glaucoma remains elusive, increasing evidence suggests that DEX may act through various signaling cascades in TM cells. Despite uncertainty surrounding the specific process by which steroid-induced glaucoma occurs, there is growing evidence to indicate that DEX can impact multiple signaling pathways within TM cells. In this study, we examined the impact of DEX treatment on the Wnt signaling pathway in TM cells, given that Wnt signaling has been reported to play a crucial role in regulating extracellular matrix (ECM) levels in the TM. To further elucidate the role of Wnt signaling in the glaucomatous phenotype, we examined mRNA expression patterns between Wnt signaling markers AXIN2 and sFRP1 and DEX-mediated induction of myocilin (MYOC) mRNA and protein levels over 10 days in DEX-treated primary TM cells. We observed a sequential pattern of peak expression between AXIN2, sFRP1, and MYOC. Based on the study, we propose that sFRP1 upregulation could be a result of a negative feedback mechanism generated by stressed TM cells to suppress abnormal Wnt signaling activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Zhang
- Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, The Molecular Biology Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Elizabeth Tannous
- Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, The Molecular Biology Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Alseena Thomas
- Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, The Molecular Biology Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Natalia Jung
- Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, The Molecular Biology Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Edmond Ma
- Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, The Molecular Biology Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Jie J Zheng
- Stein Eye Institute, Department of Ophthalmology, David Geffen School of Medicine, The Molecular Biology Institute at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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16
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Ritter J, Lisec K, Klinner M, Heinrich M, von Schweinitz D, Kappler R, Hubertus J. Genetic Disruption of Cilia-Associated Signaling Pathways in Patients with VACTERL Association. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:children10050882. [PMID: 37238430 DOI: 10.3390/children10050882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
VACTERL association is a rare malformation complex consisting of vertebral defects, anorectal malformation, cardiovascular defects, tracheoesophageal fistulae with esophageal atresia, renal malformation, and limb anomalies. According to current knowledge, VACTERL is based on a multifactorial pathogenesis including genomic alterations. This study aimed to improve the understanding of the genetic mechanisms in the development of VACTERL by investigating the genetic background with a focus on signaling pathways and cilia function. The study was designed as genetic association study. For this, whole-exome sequencing with subsequent functional enrichment analyses was performed for 21 patients with VACTERL or a VACTERL-like phenotype. In addition, whole-exome sequencing was performed for three pairs of parents and Sanger-sequencing was performed for ten pairs of parents. Analysis of the WES-data revealed genetic alteration in the Shh- and Wnt-signaling pathways. Additional performed functional enrichment analysis identified an overrepresentation of the cilia, including 47 affected ciliary genes with clustering in the DNAH gene family and the IFT-complex. The examination of the parents showed that most of the genetic changes were inherited. In summary, this study indicates three genetically determined damage mechanisms for VACTERL with the potential to influence each other, namely Shh- and Wnt-signaling pathway disruption, structural cilia defects and disruption of the ciliary signal transduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Ritter
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Munich University, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Straße 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Kristina Lisec
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Munich University, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Marina Klinner
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Munich University, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Martina Heinrich
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Munich University, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Dietrich von Schweinitz
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Munich University, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Roland Kappler
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Munich University, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Jochen Hubertus
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Dr. von Hauner Children's Hospital, LMU Munich University, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Marien Hospital Witten, Ruhr-University Bochum, 58452 Witten, Germany
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17
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Oxidative stress-triggered Wnt signaling perturbation characterizes the tipping point of lung adeno-to-squamous transdifferentiation. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:16. [PMID: 36627278 PMCID: PMC9832009 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01227-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Lkb1 deficiency confers the Kras-mutant lung cancer with strong plasticity and the potential for adeno-to-squamous transdifferentiation (AST). However, it remains largely unknown how Lkb1 deficiency dynamically regulates AST. Using the classical AST mouse model (Kras LSL-G12D/+;Lkb1flox/flox, KL), we here comprehensively analyze the temporal transcriptomic dynamics of lung tumors at different stages by dynamic network biomarker (DNB) and identify the tipping point at which the Wnt signaling is abruptly suppressed by the excessive accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through its downstream effector FOXO3A. Bidirectional genetic perturbation of the Wnt pathway using two different Ctnnb1 conditional knockout mouse strains confirms its essential role in the negative regulation of AST. Importantly, pharmacological activation of the Wnt pathway before but not after the tipping point inhibits squamous transdifferentiation, highlighting the irreversibility of AST after crossing the tipping point. Through comparative transcriptomic analyses of mouse and human tumors, we find that the lineage-specific transcription factors (TFs) of adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma form a "Yin-Yang" counteracting network. Interestingly, inactivation of the Wnt pathway preferentially suppresses the adenomatous lineage TF network and thus disrupts the "Yin-Yang" homeostasis to lean towards the squamous lineage, whereas ectopic expression of NKX2-1, an adenomatous lineage TF, significantly dampens such phenotypic transition accelerated by the Wnt pathway inactivation. The negative correlation between the Wnt pathway and AST is further observed in a large cohort of human lung adenosquamous carcinoma. Collectively, our study identifies the tipping point of AST and highlights an essential role of the ROS-Wnt axis in dynamically orchestrating the homeostasis between adeno- and squamous-specific TF networks at the AST tipping point.
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18
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Wang J, Cui K, Hua G, Han D, Yang Z, Li T, Yang X, Zhang Y, Cai G, Deng X, Deng X. Skin-specific transgenic overexpression of ovine β-catenin in mice. Front Genet 2023; 13:1059913. [PMID: 36685951 PMCID: PMC9847499 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1059913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
β-catenin is a conserved molecule that plays an important role in hair follicle development. In this study, we generated skin-specific overexpression of ovine β-catenin in transgenic mice by pronuclear microinjection. Results of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing and Southern blot showed that the ovine β-catenin gene was successfully transferred into mice, and the exogenous β-catenin gene was passed down from the first to sixth generations. Furthermore, real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (qRT-PCR) and western blot analysis showed that β-catenin mRNA was specifically expressed in the skin of transgenic mice. The analysis of F6 phenotypes showed that overexpression of β-catenin could increase hair follicle density by prematurely promoting the catagen-to-anagen transition. The results showed that ovine β-catenin could also promote hair follicle development in mice. We, therefore, demonstrate domestication traits in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiankui Wang
- Key laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Kai Cui
- Key laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China,Key Laboratory of Feed Biotechnology, Ministry of Agriculture/Feed Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guoying Hua
- Key laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Deping Han
- Key laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Zu Yang
- Key laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Tun Li
- Key laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Key laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Key laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Ganxian Cai
- Key laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaotian Deng
- Key laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuemei Deng
- Key laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Agriculture, Beijing Key Laboratory of Animal Genetic Improvement, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Xuemei Deng,
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19
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Mechanism and Role of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Osteosarcoma. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12121882. [PMID: 36551309 PMCID: PMC9775044 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is the most common malignant bone tumor, often occurring in children and adolescents. The etiology of most patients is unclear, and the current conventional treatment methods are chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical resection. However, the sensitivity of osteosarcoma to radiotherapy and chemotherapy is low, and the prognosis is poor. The development of new and useful treatment strategies for improving patient survival is an urgent need. It has been found that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (ERS) affects tumor angiogenesis, invasion, etc. By summarizing the literature related to osteosarcoma and ERS, we found that the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway activated by ERS has a regulatory role in osteosarcoma proliferation, apoptosis, and chemoresistance. In osteosarcoma, the UPR pathway plays an important role by crosstalk with autophagy, oxidative stress, and other pathways. Overall, this article focuses on the relationship between ERS and osteosarcoma and reviews the potential of drugs or gene targets associated with ERS for the treatment of osteosarcoma.
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20
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From Nucleus to Organs: Insights of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Molecular Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232314919. [PMID: 36499247 PMCID: PMC9738205 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232314919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a markedly established regulator of a plethora of cellular and molecular processes. Its initial role in the detoxification of xenobiotic compounds has been partially overshadowed by its involvement in homeostatic and organ physiology processes. In fact, the discovery of its ability to bind specific target regulatory sequences has allowed for the understanding of how AHR modulates such processes. Thereby, AHR presents functions in transcriptional regulation, chromatin architecture modifications and participation in different key signaling pathways. Interestingly, such fields of influence end up affecting organ and tissue homeostasis, including regenerative response both to endogenous and exogenous stimuli. Therefore, from classical spheres such as canonical transcriptional regulation in embryonic development, cell migration, differentiation or tumor progression to modern approaches in epigenetics, senescence, immune system or microbiome, this review covers all aspects derived from the balance between regulation/deregulation of AHR and its physio-pathological consequences.
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21
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Mundaca-Escobar M, Cepeda RE, Sarrazin AF. The organizing role of Wnt signaling pathway during arthropod posterior growth. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:944673. [PMID: 35990604 PMCID: PMC9389326 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.944673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling pathways are recognized for having major roles in tissue patterning and cell proliferation. In the last years, remarkable progress has been made in elucidating the molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie sequential segmentation and axial elongation in various arthropods, and the canonical Wnt pathway has emerged as an essential factor in these processes. Here we review, with a comparative perspective, the current evidence concerning the participation of this pathway during posterior growth, its degree of conservation among the different subphyla within Arthropoda and its relationship with the rest of the gene regulatory network involved. Furthermore, we discuss how this signaling pathway could regulate segmentation to establish this repetitive pattern and, at the same time, probably modulate different cellular processes precisely coupled to axial elongation. Based on the information collected, we suggest that this pathway plays an organizing role in the formation of the body segments through the regulation of the dynamic expression of segmentation genes, via controlling the caudal gene, at the posterior region of the embryo/larva, that is necessary for the correct sequential formation of body segments in most arthropods and possibly in their common segmented ancestor. On the other hand, there is insufficient evidence to link this pathway to axial elongation by controlling its main cellular processes, such as convergent extension and cell proliferation. However, conclusions are premature until more studies incorporating diverse arthropods are carried out.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andres F. Sarrazin
- CoDe-Lab, Instituto de Química, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
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22
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Yu S, Luo F, Xu Y, Zhang Y, Jin LH. Drosophila Innate Immunity Involves Multiple Signaling Pathways and Coordinated Communication Between Different Tissues. Front Immunol 2022; 13:905370. [PMID: 35911716 PMCID: PMC9336466 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.905370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune response provides the first line of defense against invading pathogens, and immune disorders cause a variety of diseases. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster employs multiple innate immune reactions to resist infection. First, epithelial tissues function as physical barriers to prevent pathogen invasion. In addition, macrophage-like plasmatocytes eliminate intruders through phagocytosis, and lamellocytes encapsulate large particles, such as wasp eggs, that cannot be phagocytosed. Regarding humoral immune responses, the fat body, equivalent to the mammalian liver, secretes antimicrobial peptides into hemolymph, killing bacteria and fungi. Drosophila has been shown to be a powerful in vivo model for studying the mechanism of innate immunity and host-pathogen interactions because Drosophila and higher organisms share conserved signaling pathways and factors. Moreover, the ease with which Drosophila genetic and physiological characteristics can be manipulated prevents interference by adaptive immunity. In this review, we discuss the signaling pathways activated in Drosophila innate immunity, namely, the Toll, Imd, JNK, JAK/STAT pathways, and other factors, as well as relevant regulatory networks. We also review the mechanisms by which different tissues, including hemocytes, the fat body, the lymph gland, muscles, the gut and the brain coordinate innate immune responses. Furthermore, the latest studies in this field are outlined in this review. In summary, understanding the mechanism underlying innate immunity orchestration in Drosophila will help us better study human innate immunity-related diseases.
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23
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Kadian LK, Arora M, Prasad CP, Pramanik R, Chauhan SS. Signaling pathways and their potential therapeutic utility in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:1014-1032. [PMID: 34990001 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-021-02763-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Esophageal cancer is a complex gastrointestinal malignancy with an extremely poor outcome. Approximately 80% of cases of this malignancy in Asian countries including India are of squamous cell origin, termed Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ESCC).The five-year survival rate in ESCC patients is less than 20%. Neo-adjuvant chemo-radiotherapy (NACRT) followed by surgical resection remains the major therapeutic strategy for patients with operable ESCC. However, resistance to NACRT and local recurrence after initial treatment are the leading cause of dismal outcomes in these patients. Therefore, an alternative strategy to promote response to the therapy and reduce the post-operative disease recurrence is highly needed. At the molecular level, wide variations have been observed in tumor characteristics among different populations, nevertheless, several common molecular features have been identified which orchestrate disease progression and clinical outcome in the malignancy. Therefore, determination of candidate molecular pathways for targeted therapy remains the mainstream idea of focus in ESCC research. In this review, we have discussed the key signaling pathways associated with ESCC, i.e., Notch, Wnt, and Nrf2 pathways, and their crosstalk during disease progression. We further discuss the recent developments of novel agents to target these pathways in the context of targeted cancer therapy. In-depth research of the signaling pathways, gene signatures, and a combinatorial approach may help in discovering targeted therapy for ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- L K Kadian
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - M Arora
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - C P Prasad
- Department of Medical Oncology (Lab), Dr. B. R. Ambedkar-IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - R Pramanik
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dr. B. R. Ambedkar-IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - S S Chauhan
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India.
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24
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Chatterjee S, Sil PC. ROS-Influenced Regulatory Cross-Talk With Wnt Signaling Pathway During Perinatal Development. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:889719. [PMID: 35517861 PMCID: PMC9061994 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.889719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Over a century ago, it was found that a rapid burst of oxygen is needed and produced by the sea urchin oocyte to activate fertilization and block polyspermy. Since then, scientific research has taken strides to establish that Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), besides being toxic effectors of cellular damage and death, also act as molecular messengers in important developmental signaling cascades, thereby modulating them. Wnt signaling pathway is one such developmental pathway, which has significant effects on growth, proliferation, and differentiation of cells at the earliest embryonic stages of an organism, apart from being significant role-players in the instances of cellular transformation and cancer when this tightly-regulated system encounters aberrations. In this review, we discuss more about the Wnt and ROS signaling pathways, how they function, what roles they play overall in animals, and mostly about how these two major signaling systems cross paths and interplay in mediating major cellular signals and executing the predestined changes during the perinatal condition, in a systematic manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Parames C Sil
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
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25
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Daisy Precilla S, Biswas I, Kuduvalli SS, Anitha TS. Crosstalk between PI3K/AKT/mTOR and WNT/β-Catenin signaling in GBM - Could combination therapy checkmate the collusion? Cell Signal 2022; 95:110350. [PMID: 35525406 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2022.110350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme is one of the calamitous primary glial brain tumors with extensive heterogeneity at cellular and molecular levels. While maximal surgical resection trailed by radio and chemotherapy employing temozolomide remains the gold-standard treatment for malignant glioma patients, the overall prognosis remains dismal and there exists an unmet need for effective therapeutic strategies. In this context, we hypothesize that proper understanding of signaling pathways responsible for glioblastoma multiforme proliferation would be the first trump card while searching for novel targeted therapies. Among the pathways aberrantly activated, PI3K/AKT/mTOR is the most significant pathway, that is clinically implicated in malignancies such as high-grade glioma. Further, the WNT/β-Catenin cascade is well-implicated in several malignancies, while its role in regulating glioma pathogenesis has only emerged recently. Nevertheless, oncogenic activation of both these pathways is a frequent event in malignant glioma that facilitates tumor proliferation, stemness and chemo-resistance. Recently, it has been reported that the cross-talk of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway with multiple signaling pathways could promote glioma progression and reduce the sensitivity of glioma cells to the standard therapy. However, very few studies had focused on the relationship between PI3K/AKT/mTOR and WNT/β-Catenin pathways in glioblastoma multiforme. Interestingly, in homeostatic and pathologic circumstances, both these pathways depict fine modulation and are connected at multiple levels by upstream and downstream effectors. Thus, gaining deep insights on the collusion between these pathways would help in discovering unique therapeutic targets for glioblastoma multiforme management. Hence, the current review aims to address, "the importance of inter-play between PI3K/AKT/mTOR and WNT/β-Catenin pathways", and put forward, "the possibility of combinatorially targeting them", for glioblastoma multiforme treatment enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Daisy Precilla
- Central Inter-Disciplinary Research Facility, School of Biological Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to-be University), Puducherry, India
| | - Indrani Biswas
- Central Inter-Disciplinary Research Facility, School of Biological Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to-be University), Puducherry, India
| | - Shreyas S Kuduvalli
- Central Inter-Disciplinary Research Facility, School of Biological Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to-be University), Puducherry, India
| | - T S Anitha
- Central Inter-Disciplinary Research Facility, School of Biological Sciences, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (Deemed to-be University), Puducherry, India.
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26
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Neogi K, Murumkar PR, Sharma P, Yadav P, Tewari M, Karunagaran D, Nayak PK, Yadav MR. Design, synthesis and evaluation of 4,7-disubstituted 8-methoxyquinazoline derivatives as potential cytotoxic agents targeting β-catenin/TCF4 signaling pathway. Transl Oncol 2022; 19:101395. [PMID: 35325837 PMCID: PMC8938628 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel 4,7-disubstituted 8-methoxyquinazoline based derivativesdisrupting β-catenin/TCF4 interactions were synthesized. Cytotoxic potencies of these derivatives were found to be comparable with imatinib mesylate against constitutively activated β-catenin/TCF4 signaling cancer cells (IC50 ranged from 5.64 ± 0.68 to 23.18 ±0.45 μM against HCT116 and HepG2 cells). Compound (18B) was found to be the most potent compound. Compound (18B) induced apoptosis and inhibited cell migration against HCT116 and HepG2 cells. Compound (18B) significantly downregulated β-catenin/TCF4 signaling pathway (reduced TOP-luciferase activity), β-catenin and TCF4 protein expression, and mRNA levels of c-MYC and Cyclin D1 (Wnt target genes) against HCT116 cells and showed cytotoxicity against primary human gallbladder cancer cells (IC50 8.50±1.44).
Overactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by accumulated β-catenin in the nucleus has been shown to play a crucial role in the etiology of cancer. Interaction of β-catenin with Transcription factor 4 (TCF4) is a key step for the activation of Wnt genes in response to upstream signals of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Hence, down regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling or targeting downstream events by selective β-catenin/TCF4 protein–protein interaction inhibitors could be a potential therapeutic strategy against such cancers. In this study structure-based drug design approach was followed to design novel 4,7-disubstituted 8-methoxyquinazoline-based derivatives which could act as potential cytotoxic agents inhibiting the β-catenin/TCF4 protein–protein interactions. Fifteen compounds possessing 4,7-disubstituted 8-methoxyquinazoline scaffold were synthesized. Cytotoxic potential of the synthesised derivatives were determined against constitutively activated β-catenin/TCF4 signaling pathway cancer cells (HCT116 and HepG2) using the sulforhodamine B assay. The most potent compound (18B) was selected for detailed biological evaluation. Cell morphology, Hoechst 33342 and Annexin V/PI staining were used to detect apoptosis, while inhibition of cell migration was assessed by in vitro wound healing assay against HCT116 and HepG2 cells. Effect on β-catenin/TCF mediated transcriptional activity was assessed by TOPFlash/FOPFlash assay, TCF4 and β-catenin protein expression by immunocytofluorescence, and Wnt target genes (like c-MYC and Cyclin D1) mRNA levels by RT-PCR against HCT116 cells. Cytotoxic potency of the most potential compound (18B) against primary human gallbladder cancer cells was also evaluated. The derivatives showed interactions with active site residues of β-catenin and were capable of hindering the TCF4 binding, thereby disrupting β-catenin/TCF4 interactions. Cytotoxic potencies (IC50) of these derivatives ranged from 5.64 ± 0.68 to 23.18 ± 0.45 μM against HCT116 and HepG2 cells respectively. Compound (18B), the most potent compound among the series, induced apoptosis and inhibited cell migration against HCT116 and HepG2 cells. Mechanistic studies indicated that compound (18B) downregulated β-catenin/TCF4 signaling pathway, β-catenin and TCF4 protein expression, and mRNA levels of c-MYC andCyclin D1 in HCT116 cells and showed cytotoxicity against primary human gallbladder cancer cells with IC50 value of 8.50 ± 1.44 μM. Thus, novel 4,7-disubstituted 8-methoxyquinazoline derivatives were identified as potential cytotoxic agents with potencies comparable to that of imatinib mesylate. Compound (18B) represents a promising lead molecule as anticancer agent against colon, hepatocellular and gallbladder cancers targeting β-catenin/TCF4 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Neogi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technorlogy, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Prashant R Murumkar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
| | - Priyanshu Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Poonam Yadav
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mallika Tewari
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Devarajan Karunagaran
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Prasanta Kumar Nayak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technorlogy, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Mange Ram Yadav
- Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India.
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27
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Houschyar KS, Borrelli MR, Rein S, Tapking C, Popp D, Palackic A, Puladi B, Ooms M, Houschyar M, Branski LK, Schmitt L, Modabber A, Rübben A, Hölzle F, Yazdi AS. Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a potential therapeutic target for the Wnt signaling pathway. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PLASTIC SURGERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s00238-022-01958-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck region accounts for 3% of all tumors worldwide. The incidence is higher in men, with most carcinomas found in the oral cavity. At the point of initial diagnosis, distant metastases are rare. The Wnt signaling pathway is critically involved in cell development and stemness and has been associated with SCC. Understanding precisely how Wnt signaling regulates SCC progression and how it can, therefore, be modulated for the therapeutic benefit has enormous potential in the treatment of head and neck SCC. In this review, we will describe the underlying mechanisms of Wnt signaling and outline how Wnt signaling controls cellular processes both in homeostasis and in the development and progression of SCC.Level of evidence: Not gradable.
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28
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Taylor RL, Soriano CS, Williams S, Dzulova D, Ashworth J, Hall G, Gale T, Lloyd IC, Inglehearn CF, Toomes C, Douzgou S, Black GC. Bi-allelic mutation of CTNNB1 causes a severe form of syndromic microphthalmia, persistent foetal vasculature and vitreoretinal dysplasia. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2022; 17:110. [PMID: 35246174 PMCID: PMC8896279 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-022-02239-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inherited vitreoretinopathies arise as a consequence of congenital retinal vascularisation abnormalities. They represent a phenotypically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders that can have a major impact on vision. Several genes encoding proteins and effectors of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway have been associated and precise diagnosis, although difficult, is essential for proper clinical management including syndrome specific management where appropriate. This work aimed to investigate the molecular basis of disease in a single proband born to consanguineous parents, who presented with microphthalmia, persistent foetal vasculature, posterior lens vacuoles, vitreoretinal dysplasia, microcephaly, hypotelorism and global developmental delay, and was registered severely visually impaired by 5 months of age. Methods Extensive genomic pre-screening, including microarray comparative genomic hybridisation and sequencing of a 114 gene panel associated with cataract and congenital ophthalmic disorders was conducted by an accredited clinical laboratory. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was undertaken on a research basis and in vitro TOPflash transcriptional reporter assay was utilised to assess the impact of the putative causal variant.
Results In the proband, WES revealed a novel, likely pathogenic homozygous mutation in the cadherin-associated protein beta-1 gene (CTNNB1), c.884C>G; p.(Ala295Gly), which encodes a co-effector molecule of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The proband’s parents were shown to be heterozygous carriers but ophthalmic examination did not detect any abnormalities. Functional assessment of the missense variant demonstrated significant reduction of β-catenin activity. Conclusions This is the first report of a biallelic disease-causing variation in CTNNB1. We conclude that this biallelic, transcriptional inactivating mutation of CTNNB1 causes a severe, syndromic form of microphthalmia, persistent foetal vasculature and vitreoretinal dysplasia that results in serious visual loss in infancy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13023-022-02239-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L Taylor
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC), 6Th Floor St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Carla Sanjuro Soriano
- Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK.,Inserm, Institute for Neurosciences of Montpellier, University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Simon Williams
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Denisa Dzulova
- Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Jane Ashworth
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Georgina Hall
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC), 6Th Floor St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - Theodora Gale
- Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC), 6Th Floor St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK
| | - I Christopher Lloyd
- Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,Paediatric Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London, UK
| | - Chris F Inglehearn
- Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Carmel Toomes
- Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine, St. James's University Hospital, Leeds, UK
| | - Sofia Douzgou
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC), 6Th Floor St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.,Department of Medical Genetics, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Graeme C Black
- Division of Evolution and Genomic Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK. .,Manchester Centre for Genomic Medicine, St Mary's Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Sciences Centre (MAHSC), 6Th Floor St Mary's Hospital, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9WL, UK.
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29
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Li T, Chan RW, Lee CL, Chiu PC, Li RH, Ng EH, Yeung WS. WNT5A Interacts With FZD5 and LRP5 to Regulate Proliferation and Self-Renewal of Endometrial Mesenchymal Stem-Like Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:837827. [PMID: 35295855 PMCID: PMC8919396 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.837827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial mesenchymal stem-like cells (eMSC) reside in the basal layer of the endometrium and are responsible for cyclic regeneration during the reproductive lives of women. Myometrial cells act as a component of the niche and regulate the stem cell fate through the activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling via WNT5A. Since WNT5A-responsive mechanisms on eMSC are still uncertain, we hypothesize that the WNT ligand–WNT5A works to activate WNT/β-catenin signaling through binding to Frizzled receptors (FZDs) and co-receptor low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5). Among the various receptors that have been reported to interact with WNT5A, we found FZD5 abundantly expressed by eMSC when compared to unfractionated stromal cells. Neutralizing the protein expression by using anti-FZD5 antibody suppressed the stimulatory effects on phenotypic expression and the clonogenicity of eMSC in a myometrial cell–eMSC co-culture system as well as in an L-Wnt5a conditioned medium. Gene silencing of FZD5 not only reduced the binding of WNT5A to eMSC but also decreased the TCF/LEF transcriptional activities and expression of active β-catenin. Inhibition of LRP coreceptors with recombinant Dickkopf-1 protein significantly reduced the binding affinity of eMSC to WNT5A as well as the proliferation and self-renewal activity. During postpartum remodeling in mouse endometrium, active β-catenin (ABC) was detected in label-retaining stromal cells (LRSCs), and these ABC+ LRSCs express FZD5 and LRP5, suggesting the activation of WNT/β-catenin signaling. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate the interaction of WNT5A, FZD5, and LRP5 in regulating the proliferation and self-renewal of eMSC through WNT/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Rachel W.S. Chan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Rachel W S. Chan, ; William S B. Yeung,
| | - Cheuk-Lun Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Philip C.N. Chiu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Raymond H.W. Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ernest H.Y. Ng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - William S.B. Yeung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Rachel W S. Chan, ; William S B. Yeung,
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30
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Fujimori S, Ohigashi I, Abe H, Matsushita Y, Katagiri T, Taketo MM, Takahama Y, Takada S. Fine-tuning of β-catenin in mouse thymic epithelial cells is required for postnatal T-cell development. eLife 2022; 11:69088. [PMID: 35042581 PMCID: PMC8769649 DOI: 10.7554/elife.69088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In the thymus, the thymic epithelium provides a microenvironment essential for the development of functionally competent and self-tolerant T cells. Previous findings showed that modulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in mouse thymic epithelial cells (TECs) disrupts embryonic thymus organogenesis. However, the role of β-catenin in TECs for postnatal T-cell development remains to be elucidated. Here, we analyzed gain-of-function (GOF) and loss-of-function (LOF) of β-catenin highly specific in mouse TECs. We found that GOF of β-catenin in TECs results in severe thymic dysplasia and T-cell deficiency beginning from the embryonic period. By contrast, LOF of β-catenin in TECs reduces the number of cortical TECs and thymocytes modestly and only postnatally. These results indicate that fine-tuning of β-catenin expression within a permissive range is required for TECs to generate an optimal microenvironment to support postnatal T-cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayumi Fujimori
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University
- National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
| | - Izumi Ohigashi
- Division of Experimental Immunology, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University
| | - Hayato Abe
- Student Laboratory, School of Medicine, Tokushima University
| | - Yosuke Matsushita
- Division of Genome Medicine, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University
| | - Toyomasa Katagiri
- Division of Genome Medicine, Institute of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tokushima University
| | - Makoto M Taketo
- Institute for Advancement of Clinical and Translational Science, Kyoto University Hospital
| | - Yousuke Takahama
- Experimental Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health
| | - Shinji Takada
- National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences
- Department of Basic Biology in the School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI)
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31
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Lou T, Liu C, Qu H, Zhang Z, Wang S, Zhuang H. FOXA1 can be modulated by HDAC3 in the progression of epithelial ovarian carcinoma. J Transl Med 2022; 20:19. [PMID: 34991620 PMCID: PMC8740004 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03224-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
FOXA1 is associated with malignant tumors, but the function of FOXA1 in EOC is unclear. HDAC3 can influence the proliferation, migration and invasion ability of EOC. In this study, we wanted to explore the function of FOXA1 in ovarian cancer and the relationship between HDAC3 and FOXA1.The expression of HDAC3 and FOXA1 was detected by immunohistochemical staining of primary lesions from 127 epithelial ovarian carcinoma patients. A proliferation assay, a Transwell assay, an apoptosis assay and animal experiments were used to assess the proliferation, invasion and apoptosis abilities of ovarian cancer cells before and after transfection with FOXA1. The relevance of the in vitro findings was confirmed in xenografts. The H-scores for FOXA1 and HDAC3 staining in FIGO stage III-IV were noticeably higher and predicted adverse clinical outcomes in patients with ovarian cancer. The expression level of HDAC3 was significantly correlated with the expression level of FOXA1. Invasion, proliferation and apoptosis capacity and tumor formation were decreased in the FOXA1-knockdown cells. Experiments in xenografts confirmed that HDAC3 mediated tumor formation. In conclusion, FOXA1 can be modulated by HDAC3 through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and FOXA1 plays essential roles in the proliferation, apoptosis and invasion of EOC cell lines and xenograft experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Lou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, North Road of Workers Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Chongdong Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, North Road of Workers Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Hong Qu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, North Road of Workers Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Zhiqiang Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, North Road of Workers Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Shuzhen Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, North Road of Workers Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Huiyu Zhuang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University, No.8, North Road of Workers Stadium, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100020, China.
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32
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Nayak P, Neogi K, Tewari M, Singh A, Sharma K, Tej GVC, Verma S, Gupta S. Transcription factor 4 expression and correlation with tumor progression in gallbladder cancer. J Cancer Res Ther 2022; 18:668-676. [DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_1381_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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33
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Arosh JA, Lee J, Banu SK. Effects of dual inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2 pathways on endometrial pro-inflammatory, hormonal, and epigenetic microenvironment in endometriosis. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2022; 539:111446. [PMID: 34478807 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2021.111446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent and progesterone-resistant gynecological inflammatory disease of reproductive-age women. The prevalence of endometriosis is ~5-10% in reproductive-age women, increasing to 20-30% in women with subfertility. The current anti-estrogen therapies can be prescribed only for a short time because of the undesirable side effects on menstruation, pregnancy, bone health, and failure to prevent a recurrence. The causes of endometriosis-associated infertility are multifactorial and poorly understood. The objective of the present study was to determine the inhibitory effects of AKT and/or ERK1/2 pathways on the microenvironment of the endometrium in a xenograft mouse model of endometriosis of human origin. Results indicate that dual inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2 pathways, but not inhibition of either AKT or ERK1/2 pathway, suppresses the growth of the endometriotic lesions in vivo. Dual inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2 pathways suppresses the production of proinflammatory cytokines, decreases E2 biosynthesis and signaling, and restores progesterone receptor-B signaling components in the epithelial and stromal cells of the endometrium in a cell-specific manner. These results together suggest that dual inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2 pathways suppresses the estrogen-dominant state and concomitantly increases the progesterone-responsive state of the endometrium. Therefore, dual inhibition of AKT and ERK1/2 pathways could emerge as long-term nonsteroidal therapy for endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe A Arosh
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Texas, 77843, College Station, USA.
| | - JeHoon Lee
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Texas, 77843, College Station, USA
| | - Sakhila K Banu
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Cell Signaling Laboratory, Department of Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, Texas, 77843, College Station, USA
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Ishidori H, Okihara H, Ogawa T, Abe Y, Kato C, Aung PT, Fujita A, Kokai S, Ono T. Nasal obstruction during the growth period modulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and brain-derived neurotrophic factor production in association with tyrosine kinase receptor B mRNA reduction in mouse hippocampus. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:5-17. [PMID: 34842314 PMCID: PMC9300175 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
There is accumulating evidence that nasal obstruction induces high‐level brain dysfunction, including memory and learning deficits. We previously demonstrated that unilateral nasal obstruction (UNO) during the growth period increases the expression of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). The expression of BDNF is regulated by the Wnt/β‐Catenin pathway, which is linked to neuronal differentiation, proliferation, and maintenance. However, little is known about whether Wnt3a protein expression could be an index for modulations analyses in the Wnt/β‐Catenin pathway caused by UNO during the growth period. This study aimed to investigate the effects of UNO during the growth period on the Wnt/β‐Catenin pathway in the hippocampus using combined behavioural, biochemical, and histological approaches. Male BALB/C mice were randomly divided into the control (CONT; n = 6) and experimental (UNO; n = 6) groups. Blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) levels were measured, and a passive avoidance test was performed in mice aged 15 weeks. Brain tissues were subjected to immunohistochemistry, real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction, and western blot analysis. Compared with control mice, UNO mice had lower SpO2 levels and exhibited memory/learning impairments during behavioural testing. Moreover, Wnt3a protein, BDNF mRNA, and tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) mRNA expression levels were significantly lower in the hippocampus in the UNO group than in the CONT group. Our findings suggested that UNO during the growth period appeared to modulate the hippocampal Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and BDNF production in association with TrkB mRNA reduction, thereby resulting in memory and learning impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hideyuki Ishidori
- Department of Orthodontic Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidemasa Okihara
- Department of Orthodontic Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takuya Ogawa
- Department of Orthodontic Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasunori Abe
- Department of Orthodontic Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chiho Kato
- Department of Orthodontic Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Phyo Thura Aung
- Department of Orthodontic Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akiyo Fujita
- Department of Orthodontic Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Kokai
- Department of Orthodontic Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takashi Ono
- Department of Orthodontic Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University (TMDU), Tokyo, Japan
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35
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Abou Azar F, Lim GE. Metabolic Contributions of Wnt Signaling: More Than Controlling Flight. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:709823. [PMID: 34568323 PMCID: PMC8458764 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.709823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The canonical Wnt signaling pathway is ubiquitous throughout the body and influences a diverse array of physiological processes. Following the initial discovery of the Wnt signaling pathway during wing development in Drosophila melanogaster, it is now widely appreciated that active Wnt signaling in mammals is necessary for the development and growth of various tissues involved in whole-body metabolism, such as brain, liver, pancreas, muscle, and adipose. Moreover, elegant gain- and loss-of-function studies have dissected the tissue-specific roles of various downstream effector molecules in the regulation of energy homeostasis. This review attempts to highlight and summarize the contributions of the Wnt signaling pathway and its downstream effectors on whole-body metabolism and their influence on the development of metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and obesity. A better understanding of the Wnt signaling pathway in these tissues may aid in guiding the development of future therapeutics to treat metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic Abou Azar
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Cardiometabolic Axis, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Gareth E Lim
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Cardiometabolic Axis, Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
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36
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Ho S, Tsang MHY, Fung JLF, Huang H, Chow CB, Cheng SSW, Luk HM, Chung BHY, Lo IFM. CTNNB1-related neurodevelopmental disorder in a Chinese population: A case series. Am J Med Genet A 2021; 188:130-137. [PMID: 34558805 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.62504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
CTNNB1-related disorder is an autosomal dominant neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by a variable degree of cognitive impairment, microcephaly, truncal hypotonia, peripheral spasticity, visual defects, and dysmorphic features. In this case series, we report the clinical and molecular findings of nine Chinese patients affected by CTNNB1-related disorders. The facial features of these affected individuals appear to resemble what had been previously described, with thin upper lip (77.8%) and hypoplastic alae nasi (77.8%) being the most common. Frequently reported clinical characteristics in our cohort include developmental delay (100%), peripheral spasticity (88.9%), truncal hypotonia (66.7%), microcephaly (66.7%), and dystonia (44.4%). While various eye manifestations were reported, two affected individuals (22.2%) in our cohort had familial exudative vitreoretinopathy. One of the affected individuals had craniosynostosis, a feature not reported in the literature before. To our knowledge, this is the first reported Chinese case series of CTNNB1-related neurodevelopmental disorders. Further studies are required to look into whether ethnic differences play a role in phenotypic variations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Ho
- Clinical Genetic Service, Department of Health, Hong Kong, China
| | - Mandy Ho-Yin Tsang
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jasmine Lee-Fong Fung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Haibo Huang
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chun-Bong Chow
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Ho-Ming Luk
- Clinical Genetic Service, Department of Health, Hong Kong, China
| | - Brian Hon-Yin Chung
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ivan Fai-Man Lo
- Clinical Genetic Service, Department of Health, Hong Kong, China
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Pang X, Wang X, Wang Y, Pu L, Shi J, Burdekin N, Shi B, Li C. Sox9CreER-mediated deletion of β-catenin in palatal mesenchyme results in delayed palatal elevation accompanied with repressed canonical Wnt signaling and reduced actin polymerization. Genesis 2021; 59:e23441. [PMID: 34390177 DOI: 10.1002/dvg.23441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2021] [Revised: 07/03/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Cleft palate is a good model to pushing us toward a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of spatiotemporal patterns in tissues and organisms because of the multiple-step processes such as elevation and fusion. Previous studies have shown that the epithelial β-catenin is crucial for palatal fusion, however, the function of the mesenchymal β-catenin remains elusive. We investigate the role of mesenchymal β-catenin in palatal development by generating a β-catenin conditional knockout mouse (CKO) (Sox9CreER; Ctnnb1F/F ). We found that the CKO mice exhibited delayed palatal elevation, leading to cleft palate in both in vivo and ex vivo. Abnormal cell proliferation and repressed mesenchymal canonical Wnt signaling were found in the CKO palate. Interestingly, Filamentous actin (F-actin) polymerization was significantly reduced in the palatal mesenchyme of mutant embryos. Furthermore, overexpression of adenovirus-mediated transfection with Acta1 in the mutant could help to elevate the palatal shelves but could not prevent cleft palate in ex vivo. Our results suggest that conditionally knock out β-catenin in the palatal mesenchyme by Sox9CreER leading to delayed palatal elevation, which results in repressed mesenchymal canonical Wnt signaling, decreased cell proliferation, and reduced actin polymerization, finally causes cleft palate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxiao Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoming Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yahong Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingling Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiayu Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Nathaniel Burdekin
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Bing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenghao Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases & Department of Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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38
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Shinozuka T, Takada S. Morphological and Functional Changes of Roof Plate Cells in Spinal Cord Development. J Dev Biol 2021; 9:jdb9030030. [PMID: 34449633 PMCID: PMC8395932 DOI: 10.3390/jdb9030030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The most dorsal region, or roof plate, is the dorsal organizing center of developing spinal cord. This region is also involved in development of neural crest cells, which are the source of migratory neural crest cells. During early development of the spinal cord, roof plate cells secrete signaling molecules, such as Wnt and BMP family proteins, which regulate development of neural crest cells and dorsal spinal cord. After the dorso-ventral pattern is established, spinal cord dynamically changes its morphology. With this morphological transformation, the lumen of the spinal cord gradually shrinks to form the central canal, a cavity filled with cerebrospinal fluid that is connected to the ventricular system of the brain. The dorsal half of the spinal cord is separated by a glial structure called the dorsal (or posterior) median septum. However, underlying mechanisms of such morphological transformation are just beginning to be understood. Recent studies reveal that roof plate cells dramatically stretch along the dorso-ventral axis, accompanied by reduction of the spinal cord lumen. During this stretching process, the tips of roof plate cells maintain contact with cells surrounding the shrinking lumen, eventually exposed to the inner surface of the central canal. Interestingly, Wnt expression remains in stretched roof plate cells and activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling in ependymal cells surrounding the central canal. Wnt/β-catenin signaling in ependymal cells promotes proliferation of neural progenitor and stem cells in embryonic and adult spinal cord. In this review, we focus on the role of the roof plate, especially that of Wnt ligands secreted by roof plate cells, in morphological changes occurring in the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuma Shinozuka
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Aichi, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Aichi, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (S.T.)
| | - Shinji Takada
- Exploratory Research Center on Life and Living Systems, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Aichi, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- National Institute for Basic Biology, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Aichi, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Department of Basic Biology, School of Life Science, The Graduate University for Advanced Studies (SOKENDAI), 5-1 Higashiyama, Myodaiji, Aichi, Okazaki 444-8787, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.S.); (S.T.)
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Focșa IO, Budișteanu M, Bălgrădean M. Clinical and genetic heterogeneity of primary ciliopathies (Review). Int J Mol Med 2021; 48:176. [PMID: 34278440 PMCID: PMC8354309 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.5009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Ciliopathies comprise a group of complex disorders, with involvement of the majority of organs and systems. In total, >180 causal genes have been identified and, in addition to Mendelian inheritance, oligogenicity, genetic modifications, epistatic interactions and retrotransposon insertions have all been described when defining the ciliopathic phenotype. It is remarkable how the structural and functional impairment of a single, minuscule organelle may lead to the pathogenesis of highly pleiotropic diseases. Thus, combined efforts have been made to identify the genetic substratum and to determine the pathophysiological mechanism underlying the clinical presentation, in order to diagnose and classify ciliopathies. Yet, predicting the phenotype, given the intricacy of the genetic cause and overlapping clinical characteristics, represents a major challenge. In the future, advances in proteomics, cell biology and model organisms may provide new insights that could remodel the field of ciliopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Ofelia Focșa
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Medicine and Pharmacy 'Carol Davila', 021901 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Magdalena Budișteanu
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, 'Prof. Dr. Alexandru Obregia' Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, 041914 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihaela Bălgrădean
- Department of Pediatrics and Pediatric Nephrology, Emergency Clinical Hospital for Children 'Maria Skłodowska Curie', 077120 Bucharest, Romania
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Mani S, Radhakrishnan S, Cheramangalam RN, Harkar S, Rajendran S, Ramanan N. Shh-Mediated Increase in β-Catenin Levels Maintains Cerebellar Granule Neuron Progenitors in Proliferation. THE CEREBELLUM 2021; 19:645-664. [PMID: 32495183 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-020-01138-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cerebellar granule neuron progenitors (CGNPs) give rise to the cerebellar granule neurons in the developing cerebellum. Generation of large number of these neurons is made possible by the high proliferation rate of CGNPs in the external granule layer (EGL) in the dorsal cerebellum. Here, we show that upregulation of β-catenin can maintain murine CGNPs in a state of proliferation. Further, we show that β-catenin mRNA and protein levels can be regulated by the mitogen Sonic hedgehog (Shh). Shh signaling led to an increase in the level of the transcription factor N-myc. N-myc was found to bind the β-catenin promoter, and the increase in β-catenin mRNA and protein levels could be prevented by blocking N-myc upregulation downstream of Shh signaling. Furthermore, blocking Wingless-type MMTV integration site (Wnt) signaling by Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor Dickkopf 1 (Dkk-1) in the presence of Shh did not prevent the upregulation of β-catenin. We propose that in culture, Shh signaling regulates β-catenin expression through N-myc and results in increased CGNP proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyamala Mani
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, 560012, India. .,Curadev Pharma, Pvt. Ltd., B-87, Sector 83, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201305, India. .,Université de Paris, Inserm UMR 1141 NeuroDiderot, F-75019, Paris, France.
| | | | | | - Shalini Harkar
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, 560012, India
| | - Samyutha Rajendran
- Centre for Neuroscience, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, 560012, India
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41
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Tang X, Zuo C, Fang P, Liu G, Qiu Y, Huang Y, Tang R. Targeting Glioblastoma Stem Cells: A Review on Biomarkers, Signal Pathways and Targeted Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:701291. [PMID: 34307170 PMCID: PMC8297686 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.701291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) remains the most lethal and common primary brain tumor, even after treatment with multiple therapies, such as surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiation. Although great advances in medical development and improvements in therapeutic methods of GBM have led to a certain extension of the median survival time of patients, prognosis remains poor. The primary cause of its dismal outcomes is the high rate of tumor recurrence, which is closely related to its resistance to standard therapies. During the last decade, glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) have been successfully isolated from GBM, and it has been demonstrated that these cells are likely to play an indispensable role in the formation, maintenance, and recurrence of GBM tumors, indicating that GSCs are a crucial target for treatment. Herein, we summarize the current knowledge regarding GSCs, their related signaling pathways, resistance mechanisms, crosstalk linking mechanisms, and microenvironment or niche. Subsequently, we present a framework of targeted therapy for GSCs based on direct strategies, including blockade of the pathways necessary to overcome resistance or prevent their function, promotion of GSC differentiation, virotherapy, and indirect strategies, including targeting the perivascular, hypoxic, and immune niches of the GSCs. In summary, targeting GSCs provides a tremendous opportunity for revolutionary approaches to improve the prognosis and therapy of GBM, despite a variety of challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuejia Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Department of Pharmacy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenghai Zuo
- Department of Neurosurgery and Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Pengchao Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guojing Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yongyi Qiu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Ninth People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Rongrui Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, University-Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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42
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Wang M, Li C, Shi W. FAM84B acts as a tumor promoter in human glioma via affecting the Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway. Biofactors 2021; 47:600-611. [PMID: 33759248 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Family with sequence similarity 84, member B (FAM84B) has recently emerged as an oncoprotein in multiple types of cancer. However, whether FAM84B modulates the progression of glioma has not been determined. The goals of this work were to assess the possible relationship between FAM84B and glioma. Our data revealed high FAM84B level in glioma specimens and exhibited that the overexpression of FAM84B was correlated with a low survival rate in glioma patients. Cellular functional assays showed that silencing of FAM84B prohibited the proliferation and invasion, and induced the apoptosis of glioma cells. Further results determined that the knockdown of FAM84B remarkably decreased the levels of phosphorylated Akt and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β, and active β-catenin. Inhibition of Akt abolished the FAM84B-mediated promotion effects on Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The subcutaneous xenograft assay confirmed that the silencing of FAM84B significantly prohibited the tumorigenicity of glioma cells in vivo. Collectively, the findings from this work demonstrate that the downregulation of FAM84B exhibits a cancer-suppressive role in human glioma through the regulation of Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjuan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chengliang Li
- Department of General Practice, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
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43
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Chaudhary R, Morris RJ, Steinson E. The multifactorial roles of microglia and macrophages in the maintenance and progression of glioblastoma. J Neuroimmunol 2021; 357:577633. [PMID: 34153803 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2021.577633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
The functional characteristics of glial cells, in particular microglia, have attained considerable importance in several diseases, including glioblastoma, the most hostile and malignant type of intracranial tumor. Microglia performs a highly significant role in the brain's inflammatory response mechanism. They exhibit anti-tumor properties via phagocytosis and the activation of a number of different cytotoxic substances. Some tumor-derived factors, however, transform these microglial cells into immunosuppressive and tumor-supportive, facilitating survival and progression of tumorigenic cells. Glioma-associated microglia and/or macrophages (GAMs) accounts for a large proportion of glioma infiltrating cells. Once within the tumor, GAMs exhibit a distinct phenotype of initiation that subsequently supports the growth and development of tumorigenic cells, angiogenesis and stimulates the infiltration of healthy brain regions. Interventions that suppress or prohibit the induction of GAMs at the tumor site or attenuate their immunological activities accommodating anti-tumor actions are likely to exert positive impact on glioblastoma treatment. In the present paper, we aim to summarize the most recent knowledge of microglia and its physiology, as well as include a very brief description of different molecular factors involved in microglia and glioblastoma interplay. We further address some of the major signaling pathways that regulate the baseline motility of glioblastoma progression. Finally, we discussed a number of therapeutic approaches regarding glioblastoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rishabh Chaudhary
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Vidya Vihar, Raebareli Road, Lucknow, India.
| | - Rhianna J Morris
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Mansfield Road, Oxford OX1 3QT, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Steinson
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
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A catenin of the plakophilin-subfamily, Pkp3, responds to canonical-Wnt pathway components and signals. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 563:31-39. [PMID: 34058472 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.05.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrate beta-catenin plays a key role as a transducer of canonical-Wnt signals. We earlier reported that, similar to beta-catenin, the cytoplasmic signaling pool of p120-catenin-isoform1 is stabilized in response to canonical-Wnt signals. To obtain a yet broader view of the Wnt-pathway's impact upon catenin proteins, we focused upon plakophilin3 (plakophilin-3; Pkp3) as a representative of the plakophilin-catenin subfamily. Promoting tissue integrity, the plakophilins assist in linking desmosomal cadherins to intermediate filaments at desmosome junctions, and in common with other catenins they perform additional functions including in the nucleus. In this report, we test whether canonical-Wnt pathway components modulate Pkp3 protein levels. We find that in common with beta-catenin and p120-catenin-isoform1, Pkp3 is stabilized in the presence of a Wnt-ligand or a dominant-active form of the LRP6 receptor. Pkp3's levels are conversely lowered upon expressing destruction-complex components such as GSK3β and Axin, and in further likeness to beta-catenin and p120-isoform1, Pkp3 associates with GSK3beta and Axin. Finally, we note that Pkp3-catenin trans-localizes into the nucleus in response to Wnt-ligand and its exogenous expression stimulates an accepted Wnt reporter. These findings fit an expanded model where context-dependent Wnt-signals or pathway components modulate Pkp3-catenin levels. Future studies will be needed to assess potential gene regulatory, cell adhesive, or cytoskeletal effects.
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Gairola K, Gururani S, Bahuguna A, Garia V, Pujari R, Dubey SK. Natural products targeting cancer stem cells: Implications for cancer chemoprevention and therapeutics. J Food Biochem 2021; 45:e13772. [PMID: 34028051 DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.13772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Cancer, being the leading cause of death in the globe, has been one of the major thrust areas of research worldwide. In a new paradigm about neoplastic transformations, the initiation and recurrence of disease is attributed to few mutated cells in bulk of tumor called cancer stem cells (CSCs). CSCs have capacity of self-renewal and differentiation, which are known for resistance to radio and chemotherapy leading to recurrence of the disease even after treatment. Most of traditional drugs implicated in cancer therapy targeting primary tumors have substantial toxicity to the physiological system and have not been efficient in targeting these CSCs leading to poor prognosis. Targeting these CSCs in bulk of tumor might be novel strategy for cancer chemoprevention and therapeutics. Diet-derived interventions and diverse natural products are known to target these CSCs and related signaling pathways, namely, Wnt, Notch, and Hedgehog pathways, which are implicated for CSC self-renewal. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Cancer remains a global challenge even in this century. Poor prognosis, survival rate, and recurrence of the disease have been the major concerns in traditional cancer therapy regimes. Targeting cancer stem cells might be novel strategy for elimination and cure of the chronic disease as they are known to modulate all stages of carcinogenesis and responsible for recurrence and resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The evidence support that natural products might inhibit, delay, or reverse the process of tumorigenesis and modulate the different signaling pathways implicated for cancer stem cells self-renewal and differentiation. Natural products have minimal toxicity compared to traditional cancer therapy drugs since they have long been utilized in our food habits without any major side effects reported. Thus, targeting cancer stem cells with natural product might be a novel strategy for drug development in cancer chemoprevention and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanchan Gairola
- Department of Biochemistry, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India
| | - Shriya Gururani
- Department of Biochemistry, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India
| | - Ananya Bahuguna
- Department of Biochemistry, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India
| | - Vaishali Garia
- Department of Biochemistry, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India
| | - Rohit Pujari
- Department of Biochemistry, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India
| | - Shiv K Dubey
- Department of Biochemistry, G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, India
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Teufel S, Köckemann P, Fabritius C, Wolff LI, Bertrand J, Pap T, Hartmann C. Loss of the WNT9a ligand aggravates the rheumatoid arthritis-like symptoms in hTNF transgenic mice. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:494. [PMID: 33990546 PMCID: PMC8121832 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-03786-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Agonists and antagonists of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway are modulators of pathological aspects of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Their activity is primarily modifying bone loss and bone formation, as shown in animal models of RA. More recently, modulation of Wnt signaling by the antagonist Sclerostin has also been shown to influence soft-tissue-associated inflammatory aspects of the disease pointing towards a role of Wnt signaling in soft-tissue inflammation as well. Yet, nothing is known experimentally about the role of Wnt ligands in RA. Here we provide evidence that altering Wnt signaling at the level of a ligand affects all aspects of the rheumatoid arthritic disease. WNT9a levels are increased in the pannus tissue of RA patients, and stimulation of synovial fibroblasts (SFB) with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) leads to increased transcription of Wnt9a. Loss of Wnt9a in a chronic TNF-dependent RA mouse model results in an aggravation of disease progression with enhanced pannus formation and joint destruction. Yet, loss of its activity in the acute K/BxN serum-transfer induced arthritis (STIA) mouse model, which is independent of TNF signaling, has no effect on disease severity or progression. Thus, suggesting a specific role for WNT9a in TNF-triggered RA. In synovial fibroblasts, WNT9a can activate the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway, but it can also activate P38- and downregulate NFκB signaling. Based on in vitro data, we propose that loss of Wnt9a creates a slight proinflammatory and procatabolic environment that boosts the TNF-mediated inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Teufel
- Department of Bone and Skeletal Research, Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Westphalian Wilhelm University, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Petra Köckemann
- Department of Bone and Skeletal Research, Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Westphalian Wilhelm University, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Christine Fabritius
- Department of Bone and Skeletal Research, Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Westphalian Wilhelm University, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Lena I Wolff
- Department of Bone and Skeletal Research, Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Westphalian Wilhelm University, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Jessica Bertrand
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Pap
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Westphalian Wilhelm University, 48149, Münster, Germany
| | - Christine Hartmann
- Department of Bone and Skeletal Research, Institute of Musculoskeletal Medicine, Medical Faculty of the Westphalian Wilhelm University, 48149, Münster, Germany.
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SPATS1 (spermatogenesis-associated, serine-rich 1) is not essential for spermatogenesis and fertility in mouse. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251028. [PMID: 33945571 PMCID: PMC8096103 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
SPATS1 (spermatogenesis-associated, serine-rich 1) is an evolutionarily conserved, testis-specific protein that is differentially expressed during rat male meiotic prophase. Some reports have suggested a link between SPATS1 underexpression/mutation and human pathologies such as male infertility and testicular cancer. Given the absence of functional studies, we generated a Spats1 loss-of-function mouse model using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The phenotypic analysis showed no overt phenotype in Spats1-/- mice, with both males and females being fertile. Flow cytometry and histological analyses did not show differences in the testicular content and histology between WT and knockout mice. Moreover, no significant differences in sperm concentration, motility, and morphology, were observed between WT and KO mice. These results were obtained both for young adults and for aged animals. Besides, although an involvement of SPATS1 in the Wnt signaling pathway has been suggested, we did not detect changes in the expression levels of typical Wnt pathway-target genes in mutant individuals. Thus, albeit Spats1 alteration might be a risk factor for male testicular health, we hereby show that this gene is not individually essential for male fertility and spermatogenesis in mouse.
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Herrera A, Menendez A, Torroba B, Ochoa A, Pons S. Dbnl and β-catenin promote pro-N-cadherin processing to maintain apico-basal polarity. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212044. [PMID: 33939796 PMCID: PMC8097490 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202007055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural tube forms when neural stem cells arrange into a pseudostratified, single-cell–layered epithelium, with a marked apico-basal polarity, and in which adherens junctions (AJs) concentrate in the subapical domain. We previously reported that sustained β-catenin expression promotes the formation of enlarged apical complexes (ACs), enhancing apico-basal polarity, although the mechanism through which this occurs remained unclear. Here, we show that β-catenin interacts with phosphorylated pro-N-cadherin early in its transit through the Golgi apparatus, promoting propeptide excision and the final maturation of N-cadherin. We describe a new β-catenin–dependent interaction of N-cadherin with Drebrin-like (Dbnl), an actin-binding protein that is involved in anterograde Golgi trafficking of proteins. Notably, Dbnl knockdown led to pro-N-cadherin accumulation and limited AJ formation. In brief, we demonstrate that Dbnl and β-catenin assist in the maturation of pro-N-cadherin, which is critical for AJ formation and for the recruitment AC components like aPKC and, consequently, for the maintenance of apico-basal polarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Herrera
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anghara Menendez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Blanca Torroba
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Ochoa
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sebastián Pons
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Abstract
The DEAD-box helicase family member DDX3X (DBX, DDX3) functions in nearly all stages of RNA metabolism and participates in the progression of many diseases, including virus infection, inflammation, intellectual disabilities and cancer. Over two decades, many studies have gradually unveiled the role of DDX3X in tumorigenesis and tumour progression. In fact, DDX3X possesses numerous functions in cancer biology and is closely related to many well-known molecules. In this review, we describe the function of DDX3X in RNA metabolism, cellular stress response, innate immune response, metabolic stress response in pancreatic β cells and embryo development. Then, we focused on the role of DDX3X in cancer biology and systematically demonstrated its functions in various aspects of tumorigenesis and development. To provide a more intuitive understanding of the role of DDX3X in cancer, we summarized its functions and specific mechanisms in various types of cancer and presented its involvement in cancer-related signalling pathways.
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Yaglova NV, Tsomartova DA, Obernikhin SS, Nazimova SV, Ivanova MY, Chereshneva EV, Yaglov VV, Lomanovskaya TA. Transcription factors β-catenin and Hex in postnatal development of the rat adrenal cortex: implication in proliferation control. Heliyon 2021; 7:e05932. [PMID: 33490685 PMCID: PMC7809185 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e05932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcriptional regulation of growth, maturation, and cell turnover in adrenal cortex during postnatal development has been significantly less studied than in embryonic period, while elucidation of factors mediating its normal postnatal morphogenesis could clarify mechanisms of tumorigenesis in adrenal cortex. Expression of transcription factors Hex, β-catenin, and Wnt signaling in the adrenal cortex of male pubertal and postpubertal Wistar rats were examined. Adrenal cortex morphology and hormone production during postnatal development were also studied. Adrenocortical zones demonstrated similar reduction of Ki-67-expressing cells, but different patterns of morphological and functional changes. Age-dependent decrease in percentage of cells with membrane localization of β-catenin and stable rate of cells with nuclear β-catenin, indicative of Wnt signaling activation, were revealed in each cortical zone. Nuclear β-catenin was not observed in immature areas of zona fasciculata. No association between Wnt signaling activation and rates of proliferation as well as changes in secretion of adrenocortical hormones was observed in postnatal development of rat adrenal cortex. Hex, known as antiproliferative factor, showed up-regulation of expression after puberty. Strong inverse correlations between ratio of Hex-positive cells and proliferating cells were found in zona glomerulosa and zona fasciculata. Zona reticularis demonstrated moderate correlation. Thus, these findings suggest a role for Hex in proliferation control during postnatal development of the rat adrenal cortex and possible implication of Hex down-regulation in adrenocortical dysplasia and neoplasia, which requires further study. Evaluation of Hex expression may also be considered a potent tool in assessment of cell proliferation in rat adrenal cortex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya V Yaglova
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dibakhan A Tsomartova
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Histology, Cytology, and Embryology, Federal State Funded Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Sergey S Obernikhin
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Svetlana V Nazimova
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marina Y Ivanova
- Department of Histology, Cytology, and Embryology, Federal State Funded Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elizaveta V Chereshneva
- Department of Histology, Cytology, and Embryology, Federal State Funded Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valentin V Yaglov
- Laboratory of Endocrine System Development, Federal State Budgetary Institution Research Institute of Human Morphology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tatiana A Lomanovskaya
- Department of Histology, Cytology, and Embryology, Federal State Funded Educational Institution of Higher Education I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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