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Grätz L, Sajkowska-Kozielewicz JJ, Wesslowski J, Kinsolving J, Bridge LJ, Petzold K, Davidson G, Schulte G, Kozielewicz P. NanoBiT- and NanoBiT/BRET-based assays allow the analysis of binding kinetics of Wnt-3a to endogenous Frizzled 7 in a colorectal cancer model. Br J Pharmacol 2024; 181:3819-3835. [PMID: 37055379 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Wnt binding to Frizzleds (FZD) is a crucial step that leads to the initiation of signalling cascades governing multiple processes during embryonic development, stem cell regulation and adult tissue homeostasis. Recent efforts have enabled us to shed light on Wnt-FZD pharmacology using overexpressed HEK293 cells. However, assessing ligand binding at endogenous receptor expression levels is important due to differential binding behaviour in a native environment. Here, we study FZD paralogue, FZD7, and analyse its interactions with Wnt-3a in live CRISPR-Cas9-edited SW480 cells typifying colorectal cancer. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH SW480 cells were CRISPR-Cas9-edited to insert a HiBiT tag on the N-terminus of FZD7, preserving the native signal peptide. These cells were used to study eGFP-Wnt-3a association with endogenous and overexpressed HiBiT-FZD7 using NanoBiT/bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET) and NanoBiT to measure ligand binding and receptor internalization. KEY RESULTS With this new assay the binding of eGFP-Wnt-3a to endogenous HiBiT-FZD7 was compared with overexpressed receptors. Receptor overexpression results in increased membrane dynamics, leading to an apparent decrease in binding on-rate and consequently in higher, up to 10 times, calculated Kd. Thus, measurements of binding affinities to FZD7 obtained in overexpressed cells are suboptimal compared with the measurements from endogenously expressing cells. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Binding affinity measurements in the overexpressing cells fail to replicate ligand binding affinities assessed in a (patho)physiologically relevant context where receptor expression is lower. Therefore, future studies on Wnt-FZD7 binding should be performed using receptors expressed under endogenous promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Grätz
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joanna J Sajkowska-Kozielewicz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Organic and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Janine Wesslowski
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems-Functional Molecular Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Julia Kinsolving
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lloyd J Bridge
- Department of Computer Science and Creative Technologies, University of the West England, Bristol, UK
| | - Katja Petzold
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Gary Davidson
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems-Functional Molecular Systems, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Gunnar Schulte
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paweł Kozielewicz
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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2
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Do M, Wu CCN, Sonavane PR, Juarez EF, Adams SR, Ross J, Rodriguez Y Baena A, Patel C, Mesirov JP, Carson DA, Advani SJ, Willert K. A FZD7-specific Antibody-Drug Conjugate Induces Ovarian Tumor Regression in Preclinical Models. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:113-124. [PMID: 34667113 PMCID: PMC8742765 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although WNT signaling is frequently dysregulated in solid tumors, drugging this pathway has been challenging due to off-tumor effects. Current clinical pan-WNT inhibitors are nonspecific and lead to adverse effects, highlighting the urgent need for more specific WNT pathway-targeting strategies. We identified elevated expression of the WNT receptor Frizzled class receptor 7 (FZD7) in multiple solid cancers in The Cancer Genome Atlas, particularly in the mesenchymal and proliferative subtypes of ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma, which correlate with poorer median patient survival. Moreover, we observed increased FZD7 protein expression in ovarian tumors compared with normal ovarian tissue, indicating that FZD7 may be a tumor-specific antigen. We therefore developed a novel antibody-drug conjugate, septuximab vedotin (F7-ADC), which is composed of a chimeric human-mouse antibody to human FZD7 conjugated to the microtubule-inhibiting drug monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). F7-ADC selectively binds human FZD7, potently kills ovarian cancer cells in vitro, and induces regression of ovarian tumor xenografts in murine models. To evaluate F7-ADC toxicity in vivo, we generated mice harboring a modified Fzd7 gene where the resulting Fzd7 protein is reactive with the human-targeting F7-ADC. F7-ADC treatment of these mice did not induce acute toxicities, indicating a potentially favorable safety profile in patients. Overall, our data suggest that the antibody-drug conjugate approach may be a powerful strategy to combat FZD7-expressing ovarian cancers in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myan Do
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Christina C N Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Pooja R Sonavane
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Edwin F Juarez
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Stephen R Adams
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Jason Ross
- Department of Global Creative Studio, Illumina, Inc., San Diego, California
| | | | - Charmi Patel
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Jill P Mesirov
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Dennis A Carson
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Sunil J Advani
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Karl Willert
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.
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Larasati Y, Boudou C, Koval A, Katanaev VL. Unlocking the Wnt pathway: Therapeutic potential of selective targeting FZD 7 in cancer. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:777-792. [PMID: 34915171 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The Wnt signaling is of paramount pathophysiological importance. Despite showing promising anticancer activities in pre-clinical studies, current Wnt pathway inhibitors face complications in clinical trials resulting from on-target toxicity. Hence, the targeting of pathway component(s) that are essential for cancer but dispensable for normal physiology is key to the development of a safe Wnt signaling inhibitor. Frizzled7 (FZD7) is a Wnt pathway receptor that is redundant in healthy tissues but crucial in various cancers. FZD7 modulates diverse aspects of carcinogenesis, including cancer growth, metastasis, maintenance of cancer stem cells, and chemoresistance. In this review, we describe state-of-the-art knowledge of the functions of FZD7 in carcinogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis. Next, we overview the development of small molecules and biomolecules that target FZD7. Finally, we discuss challenges and possibilities in developing FZD7-selective antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonika Larasati
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cédric Boudou
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alexey Koval
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vladimir L Katanaev
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland; School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia.
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4
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Frizzled 7 Activates β-Catenin-Dependent and β-Catenin-Independent Wnt Signalling Pathways During Developmental Morphogenesis: Implications for Therapeutic Targeting in Colorectal Cancer. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021. [PMID: 34455486 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Frizzled7 activates β-catenin-dependent and β-catenin-independent Wnt signalling pathways, is highly conserved through evolution from the ancient phylum hydra to man, plays essential roles in stem cells, tissue homeostasis and regeneration in the adult, and is upregulated in diverse cancers. Much of what is known about the core components of the Wnt signalling pathways was derived from studying the function of Frizzled7 orthologues in the development of lower organism. As we interrogate Frizzled7 signalling and function for therapeutic targeting in cancer, it is timely to revisit lower organisms to gain insight into the context dependent and dynamic nature of Wnt signalling for effective drug design.
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Captopril, a Renin-Angiotensin System Inhibitor, Attenuates Features of Tumor Invasion and Down-Regulates C-Myc Expression in a Mouse Model of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112734. [PMID: 34073112 PMCID: PMC8199217 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Approximately 25% of patients with colorectal cancer will present with or develop colorectal liver metastasis (CRLM). Surgical resection of CRLM offers these patients the best chance of a cure. However, liver resection and the subsequent regenerative response has been linked to tumor recurrence in the liver remnant. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is one of many pathways common to both post-hepatectomy liver regeneration and tumorigenesis. Wnt signaling modulates multiple genes of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS), and Wnt inhibition can attenuate fibrotic responses and improve cancer outcomes via diverse mechanisms. In this study, we investigate the effects of captopril, a RAS inhibitor (RASi), on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and phenotypic changes associated with tumor progression in the context of the regenerating liver. We show that RASi induced increased Wnt signaling whilst downregulating features of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, RASi induced significant down-regulation of Wnt target genes, c-myc and cyclin D1, indicating that expression of these genes can be down-regulated by RASi despite the accumulation of stabilized β-catenin. Abstract (1) Background: Recent clinical and experimental data suggests that the liver’s regenerative response following partial hepatectomy can stimulate tumor recurrence in the liver remnant. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway plays important roles in both colorectal cancer carcinogenesis and liver regeneration. Studies have shown that the Wnt/β-catenin pathway regulates multiple renin-angiotensin system (RAS) genes, whilst RAS inhibition (RASi) reduces tumor burden and progression. This study explores whether RASi attenuates features of tumor progression in the regenerating liver post-hepatectomy by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. (2) Methods: Male CBA mice underwent CRLM induction, followed one week later by 70% partial hepatectomy. Mice were treated daily with captopril, a RASi, at 250 mg/kg/day or vehicle control from experimental Day 4. Tumor and liver samples were analyzed for RAS and Wnt signaling markers using qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. (3) Results: Treatment with captopril reduced the expression of down-stream Wnt target genes, including a significant reduction in both c-myc and cyclin-D1, despite activating Wnt signaling. This was a tumor-specific response that was not elicited in corresponding liver samples. (4) Conclusions: We report for the first time decreased c-myc expression in colorectal tumors following RASi treatment in vivo. Decreased c-myc expression was accompanied by an attenuated invasive phenotype, despite increased Wnt signaling.
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Targeting the crosstalk between canonical Wnt/β-catenin and inflammatory signaling cascades: A novel strategy for cancer prevention and therapy. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 227:107876. [PMID: 33930452 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Emerging scientific evidence indicates that inflammation is a critical component of tumor promotion and progression. Most cancers originate from sites of chronic irritation, infections and inflammation, underscoring that the tumor microenvironment is largely orchestrated by inflammatory cells and pro-inflammatory molecules. These inflammatory components are intimately involved in neoplastic processes which foster proliferation, survival, invasion, and migration, making inflammation the primary target for cancer prevention and treatment. The influence of inflammation and the immune system on the progression and development of cancer has recently gained immense interest. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, an evolutionarily conserved signaling strategy, has a critical role in regulating tissue development. It has been implicated as a major player in cancer development and progression with its regulatory role on inflammatory cascades. Many naturally-occurring and small synthetic molecules endowed with inherent anti-inflammatory properties inhibit this aberrant signaling pathway, making them a promising class of compounds in the fight against inflammatory cancers. This article analyzes available scientific evidence and suggests a crosslink between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and inflammatory pathways in inflammatory cancers, especially breast, gastrointestinal, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. We also highlight emerging experimental findings that numerous anti-inflammatory synthetic and natural compounds target the crosslink between Wnt/β-catenin pathway and inflammatory cascades to achieve cancer prevention and intervention. Current challenges, limitations, and future directions of research are also discussed.
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Flanagan DJ, Vincan E, Phesse TJ. Wnt Signaling in Cancer: Not a Binary ON:OFF Switch. Cancer Res 2019; 79:5901-5906. [PMID: 31431458 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-1362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the March 1 issue of Cancer Research, we identified the Wnt receptor Fzd7 as an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancer. In summary, we showed that pharmacological inhibition of Wnt receptors, or genetic deletion of Fzd7, blocks the initiation and growth of gastric tumors. Inhibiting Fzd receptors, specifically Fzd7, inhibits the growth of gastric cancer cells even in the presence of adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) mutation. Apc is located in the cytoplasm downstream of Fzd7 in the Wnt signaling cascade and APC mutations activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling, therefore, this result seems counterintuitive. Here, we analyze this result in greater detail in the context of current knowledge of Wnt signaling and discuss the wider implications of this aspect of Wnt signaling in other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth Vincan
- University of Melbourne and Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia. .,School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Toby J Phesse
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom. .,Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
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8
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Riddiough GE, Fifis T, Muralidharan V, Perini MV, Christophi C. Searching for the link; mechanisms underlying liver regeneration and recurrence of colorectal liver metastasis post partial hepatectomy. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 34:1276-1286. [PMID: 30828863 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.14644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite excellent treatment of primary colorectal cancer, the majority of deaths occur as a result of metastasis to the liver. Recent population studies have estimated that one quarter of patients with colorectal cancer will incur synchronous or metachronous colorectal liver metastasis. However, only one quarter of these patients will be eligible for potentially curative resection. Tumor recurrence occurs in reportedly 60% of patients undergoing hepatic resection, and the majority of intrahepatic recurrence occurs within the first 6 months of surgery. The livers innate ability to restore its homeostatic size, and volume facilitates major hepatic resection that currently offers the only chance of cure to patients with extensive hepatic metastases. Experimental and clinical evidence supports the notion that following partial hepatectomy, liver regeneration (LR) paradoxically drives tumor progression and increases the risk of recurrence. It is becoming increasingly clear that the processes that drive liver organogenesis, regeneration, and tumor progression are inextricably linked. This presents a major hurdle in the management of colorectal liver metastasis and other hepatic malignancies because therapies that reduce the risk of recurrence without hampering LR are sought. The processes and pathways underlying these phenomena are multiple, complex, and cross-communicate. In this review, we will summarize the common mechanisms contributing to both LR and tumor recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgina E Riddiough
- Department of Surgery, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Theodora Fifis
- Department of Surgery, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Marcos V Perini
- Department of Surgery, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christopher Christophi
- Department of Surgery, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria, Australia
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9
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Ye C, Xu M, Lin M, Zhang Y, Zheng X, Sun Y, Deng Y, Pan J, Xu Z, Lu X, Chi P. Overexpression of FZD7 is associated with poor survival in patients with colon cancer. Pathol Res Pract 2019; 215:152478. [DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2019.152478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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10
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Xu H, Peng L, Shen M, Xia Y, Li Z, He N. Shiga-like toxin I exerts specific and potent anti-tumour efficacy against gastric cancer cell proliferation when driven by tumour-preferential Frizzled-7 promoter. Cell Prolif 2019; 52:e12607. [PMID: 30955216 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.12607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 02/22/2019] [Accepted: 02/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Tumour-targeted gene therapy is a promising approach for effective control of gastric cancer cell proliferation. Our study aims to develop a cancer therapy which combines tumour-targeting promoters with cytotoxins. METHODS The expression of globotriaosylceramide (Gb3), which is a Shiga-like toxin I (Stx1) receptor, was verified in gastric cancer compared with normal stomach tissues as assessed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemical analysis. We therefore constructed the recombinant pFZD7-Stx1 plasmid vectors with tumour-preferential Frizzled-7 promoter and Stx1. pFZD7-Stx1 was used to treat gastric cancer in vitro and in vivo. The gastric cancer cell proliferation and tumour growth were identified after the transfection with the pFZD7-Stx1. RESULTS Globotriaosylceramide was obviously increased in gastric cancer compared with normal stomach. The gastric cancer cell proliferation and tumour growth decreased significantly after the transfection with the pFZD7-Stx1. CONCLUSION Frizzled-7 promoter is preferentially active, and Gb3 is abundant in gastric cancer cells. Frizzled-7 promoter and Stx1 may be used to determine a novel and relatively specific and potent gastric cancer therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongpan Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Lijun Peng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Drum Tower Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengjiao Shen
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanyan Xia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiyang Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Nongyue He
- State Key Laboratory of Bioelectronics, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Flanagan DJ, Barker N, Costanzo NSD, Mason EA, Gurney A, Meniel VS, Koushyar S, Austin CR, Ernst M, Pearson HB, Boussioutas A, Clevers H, Phesse TJ, Vincan E. Frizzled-7 Is Required for Wnt Signaling in Gastric Tumors with and Without Apc Mutations. Cancer Res 2019; 79:970-981. [PMID: 30622113 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-2095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A subset of patients with gastric cancer have mutations in genes that participate in or regulate Wnt signaling at the level of ligand (Wnt) receptor (Fzd) binding. Moreover, increased Fzd expression is associated with poor clinical outcome. Despite these findings, there are no in vivo studies investigating the potential of targeting Wnt receptors for treating gastric cancer, and the specific Wnt receptor transmitting oncogenic Wnt signaling in gastric cancer is unknown. Here, we use inhibitors of Wnt/Fzd (OMP-18R5/vantictumab) and conditional gene deletion to test the therapeutic potential of targeting Wnt signaling in preclinical models of intestinal-type gastric cancer and ex vivo organoid cultures. Pharmacologic targeting of Fzd inhibited the growth of gastric adenomas in vivo. We identified Fzd7 to be the predominant Wnt receptor responsible for transmitting Wnt signaling in human gastric cancer cells and mouse models of gastric cancer, whereby Fzd7-deficient cells were retained in gastric adenomas but were unable to respond to Wnt signals and consequently failed to proliferate. Genetic deletion of Fzd7 or treatment with vantictumab was sufficient to inhibit the growth of gastric adenomas with or without mutations to Apc. Vantictumab is currently in phase Ib clinical trials for advanced pancreatic, lung, and breast cancer. Our data extend the scope of patients that may benefit from this therapeutic approach as we demonstrate that this drug will be effective in treating patients with gastric cancer regardless of APC mutation status. SIGNIFICANCE: The Wnt receptor Fzd7 plays an essential role in gastric tumorigenesis irrespective of Apc mutation status, therefore targeting Wnt/Fzd7 may be of therapeutic benefit to patients with gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin J Flanagan
- University of Melbourne & Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nick Barker
- Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore, Singapore.,MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,NTU School of Biological Sciences, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Elizabeth A Mason
- University of Melbourne, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Austin Gurney
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Valerie S Meniel
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Koushyar
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Chloe R Austin
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias Ernst
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen B Pearson
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Toby J Phesse
- University of Melbourne & Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. .,European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Vincan
- University of Melbourne & Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. .,School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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Albuquerque C, Pebre Pereira L. Wnt Signalling-Targeted Therapy in the CMS2 Tumour Subtype: A New Paradigm in CRC Treatment? ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1110:75-100. [PMID: 30623367 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-02771-1_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancers (CRC) belonging to the consensus molecular subtype 2 (CMS2) have the highest incidence rate, affect mainly the distal colon and rectum, and are characterized by marked Wnt/β-catenin/Transcription Factor 7-Like 2 (TCF7L2) pathway activation and also by activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signalling. Despite having the highest overall survival, CMS2 tumours are often diagnosed at stage III when an adjuvant chemotherapy-based regimen is recommended. Nevertheless, colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs) and circulating tumour cells may still evade the current therapeutic options and metastasize, stressing the need to develop more tailored therapeutic strategies. For example, activation of EGFR signalling is being used as a target for tailored therapy, however, therapy resistance is frequently observed. Therefore, targeting the Wnt signalling axis represents an additional therapeutic strategy, considering that CMS2 tumours are "Wnt-addicted". Several efforts have been made to identify Wnt antagonists, either of synthetic or natural origin. However, an inverse gradient of Wnt/β-catenin/TCF7L2 signalling activity during CRC progression has been suggested, with early stage and metastatic tumours displaying high and low Wnt signalling activities, respectively, which lead us to revisit the "just-right" signalling model. This may pinpoint the use of Wnt signalling agonists instead of antagonists for treatment of metastatic stages, in a context-dependent fashion. Moreover, the poor immunogenicity of these tumours challenges the use of recently emerged immunotherapies. This chapter makes a journey about CMS2 tumour characterization, their conventional treatment, and how modulation of Wnt signalling or immune response may be applied to CRC therapy. It describes the newest findings in this field and indicates where more research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Albuquerque
- Molecular Pathobiology Research Unit, Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Lisbon Francisco Gentil, E.P.E., Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Lucília Pebre Pereira
- Molecular Pathobiology Research Unit, Portuguese Institute of Oncology of Lisbon Francisco Gentil, E.P.E., Lisbon, Portugal
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13
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Vincan E, Schwab RHM, Flanagan DJ, Moselen JM, Tran BM, Barker N, Phesse TJ. The Central Role of Wnt Signaling and Organoid Technology in Personalizing Anticancer Therapy. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2017; 153:299-319. [PMID: 29389521 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt pathway is at the heart of organoid technology, which is set to revolutionize the cancer field. We can now predetermine a patient's response to any given anticancer therapy by exposing tumor organoids established from the patient's own tumor. This cutting-edge biomedical platform translates to patients being treated with the correct drug at the correct dose from the outset, a truly personalized and precise medical approach. A high throughput drug screen on organoids also allows drugs to be tested in limitless combinations. More recently, the tumor cells that are resistant to the therapy given to a patient were selected in culture using the patient's organoids. The resistant tumor organoids were then screened empirically to identify drugs that will kill the resistant cells. This information allows diagnosis in real-time to either prevent tumor recurrence or effectively treat the recurring tumor. Furthermore, the ability to culture stem cell-derived epithelium as organoids has enabled us to begin to understand how a stem cell becomes a cancer cell or to pin-point the genetic alteration that underlies a given genetic syndrome. Here we summarize these advances and the central role of Wnt signaling, and identify the next challenges for organoid technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Vincan
- Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia.
| | - Renate H M Schwab
- Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dustin J Flanagan
- Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jean M Moselen
- Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bang M Tran
- Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Nick Barker
- A*STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore
| | - Toby J Phesse
- Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
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Driehuis E, Clevers H. WNT signalling events near the cell membrane and their pharmacological targeting for the treatment of cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:4547-4563. [PMID: 28244067 PMCID: PMC5727251 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
WNT signalling is an essential signalling pathway for all multicellular animals. Although first described more than 30 years ago, new components and regulators of the pathway are still being discovered. Considering its importance in both embryonic development and adult homeostasis, it is not surprising that this pathway is often deregulated in human diseases such as cancer. Recently, it became clear that in addition to cytoplasmic components such as β-catenin, other, membrane-bound or extracellular, components of the WNT pathway are also altered in cancer. This review gives an overview of the recent discoveries on WNT signalling events near the cell membrane. Furthermore, membrane-associated components of the WNT pathway, which are more accessible for therapeutic intervention, as well therapeutic approaches that already target those components will be discussed. In this way, we hope to stimulate the development of effective anti-cancer therapies that target this fascinating pathway. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on WNT Signalling: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.24/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Else Driehuis
- Hubrecht InstituteRoyal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)UtrechtThe Netherlands
- University medical center (UMC)UtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht InstituteRoyal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)UtrechtThe Netherlands
- University medical center (UMC)UtrechtThe Netherlands
- Princess Maxime Center (PMC)UtrechtThe Netherlands
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15
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Cai H, Chen Y, Yang X, Ma S, Wang Q, Zhang Y, Niu X, Ding G, Yuan Y. Let7b modulates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in liver cancer cells via downregulated Frizzled4. Tumour Biol 2017; 39:1010428317716076. [PMID: 28671046 DOI: 10.1177/1010428317716076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Let7 microRNA implicated in many cellular processes and participated in the progress of various tumors. Similarly, Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role in morphogenesis, differentiation, cell survival, and proliferation. However, there is little research focusing on the relevance between Let7b and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, especially in liver cancer cell. To study this, human liver cancer cells HUH7 and MHCC97H were cultured, enhanced, or inhibited the expression of Let7b in two cell lines. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of Wnt signaling-related protein β-catenin and Frizzled family receptor. CD24+133+ was used as a cancer stem cell marker, and the proportion of CD24+133+ in liver cancer cell lines was observed by flow cytometry. The proliferation, invasiveness, and migration of liver cancer cells were assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide, transwell, and wound healing assays. The research revealed that enhanced expression of Let7b decreased the expression of Frizzled4, while inhibited Let7b expression increased Frizzled4 expression. Enhanced Let7b expression reduced the proportion of cancer stem cell in liver cancer cell; meanwhile, Let7b inhibition increased the proportion of cancer stem cell. Upregulated Let7b expression repressed the proliferation, invasion, and migration of liver cancer cell. This study showed that Let7b modulates the proliferation, invasiveness, and migration of liver cancer cell and reduces the proportion of cancer stem cells in liver cancer cell by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway via downregulated Frizzled4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Cai
- 1 Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,2 Department of Oncological Surgery, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yifeng Chen
- 2 Department of Oncological Surgery, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiaojun Yang
- 1 Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Shixun Ma
- 1 Department of General Surgery, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qi Wang
- 3 Department of Ultrasonic Medicine, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yupeng Zhang
- 2 Department of Oncological Surgery, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Xiangdong Niu
- 4 Department of General Surgery, Gansu University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Guogan Ding
- 2 Department of Oncological Surgery, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- 5 Department of Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
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16
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Flanagan DJ, Vincan E, Phesse TJ. Winding back Wnt signalling: potential therapeutic targets for treating gastric cancers. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:4666-4683. [PMID: 28568899 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer persists as a frequent and deadly disease that claims over 700 000 lives annually. Gastric cancer is a multifactorial disease that is genetically, cytologically and architecturally more heterogeneous than other gastrointestinal cancers, making it therapeutically challenging. As such, and largely attributed to late-stage diagnosis, gastric cancer patients show only partial response to standard chemo and targeted molecular therapies, highlighting an urgent need to develop new targeted therapies for this disease. Wnt signalling has a well-documented history in the genesis of many cancers and is, therefore, an attractive therapeutic target. As such, drug discovery has focused on developing inhibitors that target multiple nodes of the Wnt signalling cascade, some of which have progressed to clinical trials. The collective efforts of patient genomic profiling has uncovered genetic lesions to multiple components of the Wnt pathway in gastric cancer patients, which strongly suggest that Wnt-targeted therapies could offer therapeutic benefits for gastric cancer patients. These data have been supported by studies in mouse models of gastric cancer, which identify Wnt signalling as a driver of gastric tumourigenesis. Here, we review the current literature regarding Wnt signalling in gastric cancer and highlight the suitability of each class of Wnt inhibitor as a potential treatment for gastric cancer patients, in relation to the type of Wnt deregulation observed. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on WNT Signalling: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.24/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin J Flanagan
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Vincan
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Toby J Phesse
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Cell Signalling and Cancer Laboratory, European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
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17
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Schwab RHM, Amin N, Flanagan DJ, Johanson TM, Phesse TJ, Vincan E. Wnt is necessary for mesenchymal to epithelial transition in colorectal cancer cells. Dev Dyn 2017; 247:521-530. [PMID: 28560804 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2017] [Revised: 05/13/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis underlies most colorectal cancer mortality. Cancer cells spread through the body as single cells or small clusters of cells that have an invasive, mesenchymal, nonproliferative phenotype. At the secondary site, they revert to a proliferative "tumor constructing" epithelial phenotype to rebuild a tumor. We previously developed a unique in vitro three-dimensional model, called LIM1863-Mph, which faithfully recapitulates these reversible transitions that underpin colorectal cancer metastasis. Wnt signaling plays a key role in these transitions and is initiated by the coupling of extracellular Wnt to Frizzled (FZD). Using the LIM1863-Mph model system we demonstrated that the Wnt receptor FZD7 is necessary for mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET). Here we investigate the role of Wnt in MET. RESULTS Wnt secretion is dependent on palmitoylation by Porcupine (PORC). A PORC inhibitor (IWP2) that prevents Wnt secretion, blocked the epithelial transition of mesenchymal LIM1863-Mph cells. Wnt gene array analysis identified several Wnts that are upregulated in epithelial compared with mesenchymal LIM1863-Mph cells, suggesting these ligands in MET. Wnt2B was the most abundant differentially expressed Wnt gene. Indeed, recombinant Wnt2B could overcome the IWP2-mediated block in epithelial transition of mesenchymal LIM1863-Mph cells. CONCLUSIONS Wnt2B co-operates with Frizzled7 to mediate MET in colorectal cancer. Developmental Dynamics 247:521-530, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renate H M Schwab
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Melbourne and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nancy Amin
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Melbourne and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Dustin J Flanagan
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Melbourne and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Timothy M Johanson
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Melbourne and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Toby J Phesse
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Melbourne and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Vincan
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, University of Melbourne and the Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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18
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Flanagan DJ, Barker N, Nowell C, Clevers H, Ernst M, Phesse TJ, Vincan E. Loss of the Wnt receptor frizzled 7 in the mouse gastric epithelium is deleterious and triggers rapid repopulation in vivo. Dis Model Mech 2017; 10:971-980. [PMID: 28600348 PMCID: PMC5560064 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.029876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The gastric epithelium consists of tubular glandular units, each containing several differentiated cell types, and populations of stem cells, which enable the stomach to secrete the acid, mucus and various digestive enzymes required for its function. Very little is known about which cell signalling pathways are required for homeostasis of the gastric epithelium. Many diseases, such as cancer, arise as a result of deregulation of signalling pathways that regulate homeostasis of the diseased organ. Therefore, it is important to understand the biology of how normal conditions are maintained in a tissue to help inform the mechanisms driving disease in that same tissue, and to identify potential points of therapeutic intervention. Wnt signalling regulates several cell functions, including proliferation, differentiation and migration, and plays a crucial role during homeostasis of several tissues, including the intestinal epithelium. Wnt3a is required in the culture medium of gastric organoids, suggesting it is also important for the homeostasis of the gastric epithelium, but this has not been investigated in vivo. Here, we show that the Wnt receptor frizzled 7 (Fzd7), which is required for the homeostasis of the intestine, is expressed in the gastric epithelium and is required for gastric organoid growth. Gastric-specific loss of Fzd7 in the adult gastric epithelium of mice is deleterious and triggers rapid epithelial repopulation, which we believe is the first observation of this novel function for this tissue. Taken together, these data provide functional evidence of a crucial role for Wnt signalling, via the Fzd7 receptor, during homeostasis of the gastric epithelium. Editors’ choice: Wnt signalling regulates homeostasis of the gastric epithelium via the Fzd7 receptor, which could be a target for therapeutic intervention in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin J Flanagan
- University of Melbourne and Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia
| | - Nick Barker
- Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore 138648, Singapore.,MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH8 9YL, UK
| | - Cameron Nowell
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, 3584CT Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Matthias Ernst
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Australia and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| | - Toby J Phesse
- University of Melbourne and Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia .,European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Elizabeth Vincan
- University of Melbourne and Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia .,School of Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845, Australia
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19
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Anti-Proliferative Effects of Human Anti-FZD7 Single Chain Antibodies on Colorectal Cancer Cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.5812/semj.45219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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20
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Frizzled7: A Promising Achilles' Heel for Targeting the Wnt Receptor Complex to Treat Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2016; 8:cancers8050050. [PMID: 27196929 PMCID: PMC4880867 DOI: 10.3390/cancers8050050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2016] [Revised: 05/03/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Frizzled7 is arguably the most studied member of the Frizzled family, which are the cognate Wnt receptors. Frizzled7 is highly conserved through evolution, from Hydra through to humans, and is expressed in diverse organisms, tissues and human disease contexts. Frizzled receptors can homo- or hetero-polymerise and associate with several co-receptors to transmit Wnt signalling. Notably, Frizzled7 can transmit signalling via multiple Wnt transduction pathways and bind to several different Wnt ligands, Frizzled receptors and co-receptors. These promiscuous binding and functional properties are thought to underlie the pivotal role Frizzled7 plays in embryonic developmental and stem cell function. Recent studies have identified that Frizzled7 is upregulated in diverse human cancers, and promotes proliferation, progression and invasion, and orchestrates cellular transitions that underscore cancer metastasis. Importantly, Frizzled7 is able to regulate Wnt signalling activity even in cancer cells which have mutations to down-stream signal transducers. In this review we discuss the various aspects of Frizzled7 signalling and function, and the implications these have for therapeutic targeting of Frizzled7 in cancer.
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21
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Xu H, Gong L, Xia Y, Qu L, Li Q, Pang L, Si J, Li Z. Frizzled-7 promoter is highly active in tumors and promoter-driven Shiga-like toxin I inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma growth. Oncotarget 2015; 6:39908-23. [PMID: 26498690 PMCID: PMC4741869 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Frizzled-7 protein plays a significant role in the formation of several malignant tumors. Up regulation of the Frizzled-7 in cancer cell lines is associated with nuclear accumulation of wild-type β-catenin from the Wnt/β-catenin pathway which is frequently activated in tumors. To analyze activity of the Frizzled-7 promoter in tumor cells, we constructed two recombinant plasmid vectors in which the Frizzled-7 promoter was used to drive the expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and Shiga-like toxin I (Stx1) (pFZD7-GFP/Stx1) genes. The Frizzled-7 protein was found to be expressed in the cancer cell lines but not in the normal cell lines. The GFP expression was restricted to the cancer cell lines and xenografts in the BALB/C mice but not to normal cell lines. Moreover, cell proliferation and tumor growth decreased significantly after transfection with the pFZD7-Stx1. Results from this study will help determine a highly effective strategy for gene therapy of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongpan Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
| | - Lailing Gong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
| | - Yanyan Xia
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
| | - Lili Qu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
| | - Qiwen Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
| | - Lu Pang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
| | - Jin Si
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210008, China
| | - Zhiyang Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
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22
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Ghahhari NM, Babashah S. Interplay between microRNAs and WNT/β-catenin signalling pathway regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancer. Eur J Cancer 2015; 51:1638-49. [PMID: 26025765 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2015.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 04/29/2015] [Accepted: 04/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The WNT/β-catenin signalling implies its significance in maintaining an epithelial cell phenotype, proper cell-cell junctions, and tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of the members of this pathway involves in the development of cancer and an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) required for metastasis. Loss of E-cadherin is the major contributor to an EMT process and is largely influenced by the WNT/β-catenin signalling. An E-cadherin/β-catenin complex maintains epithelial integrity and disturbance of this complex and WNT/β-catenin pathway will ultimately lead to the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and transcription of EMT-promoting genes. WNT/β-catenin signalling is controlled by microRNAs (miRNAs), several of which are either up- or downregulated during EMT. The strong association between the expression of the WNT signalling components with miRNAs in the initiation and achievement of an EMT phenotype is suggestive of introducing these miRNAs as therapeutic targets against metastatic tumours. Therefore, this review aims to describe these putative miRNAs in altering the WNT/β-catenin signalling in EMT, and whether targeting them is a useful therapeutic option for human invasive tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sadegh Babashah
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
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23
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Asad M, Wong MK, Tan TZ, Choolani M, Low J, Mori S, Virshup D, Thiery JP, Huang RYJ. FZD7 drives in vitro aggressiveness in Stem-A subtype of ovarian cancer via regulation of non-canonical Wnt/PCP pathway. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1346. [PMID: 25032869 PMCID: PMC4123093 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2014.302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2014] [Revised: 05/27/2014] [Accepted: 06/09/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) can be classified into five biologically distinct molecular subgroups: epithelial-A (Epi-A), Epi-B, mesenchymal (Mes), Stem-A and Stem-B. Among them, Stem-A expresses genes relating to stemness and is correlated with poor clinical prognosis. In this study, we show that frizzled family receptor 7 (FZD7), a receptor for Wnt signalling, is overexpressed in the Stem-A subgroup. To elucidate the functional roles of FZD7, we used an RNA interference gene knockdown approach in three Stem-A cell lines: CH1, PA1 and OV-17R. Si-FZD7 OC cells showed reduced cell proliferation with an increase in the G0/G1 sub-population, with no effect on apoptosis. The cells also displayed a distinctive morphologic change by colony compaction to become more epithelial-like and polarised with smaller internuclear distances and increased z-axis height. Immunofluorescence (IF) staining patterns of pan-cadherin and β-catenin suggested an increase in cadherin-based cell–cell adhesion in si-FZD7 cells. We also observed a significant rearrangement in the actin cytoskeleton and an increase in tensile contractility in si-FZD7 OC cells, as evident by the loss of stress fibres and the redistribution of phospho-myosin light chain (pMLC) from the sites of cell–cell contacts to the periphery of cell colonies. Furthermore, there was reciprocal regulation of RhoA (Ras homolog family member A) and Rac1 (Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rho family, small GTP-binding protein Rac1)) activities upon FZD7 knockdown, with a significant reduction in RhoA activity and a concomitant upregulation in Rac1 activity. These changes in pMLC and RhoA, as well as the increased TopFlash reporter activities in si-FZD7 cells, suggested involvement of the non-canonical Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway. Selected PCP pathway genes (cadherin EGF LAG seven-pass G-type receptor 3 (CELSR3), prickle homolog 4 (Drosophila) (PRICKLE4), dishevelled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (DAAM1), profilin 2 (PFN2), protocadherin 9 (PCDH9), protocadherin α1 (PCDHA1), protocadherin β17 pseudogene (PCDHB17), protocadherin β3 (PCDHB3), sprouty homolog 1 (SPRY1) and protein tyrosine kinase 7 (PTK7)) were found to be more highly expressed in Stem-A than non Stem-A subgroup of OC. Taken together, our results suggest that FZD7 might drive aggressiveness in Stem-A OC by regulating cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, maintenance of the Mes phenotype and cell migration via casein kinase 1ɛ-mediated non-canonical Wnt/PCP pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Asad
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
| | - M K Wong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
| | - T Z Tan
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
| | - M Choolani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - J Low
- 1] Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore [2] National University Cancer Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - S Mori
- Division of Cancer Genomics, Cancer Institute of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, 3-8-31 Ariake, Koto-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - D Virshup
- Duke NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - J P Thiery
- 1] Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore [2] National University Cancer Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore [3] Department of Biochemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore [4] Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - R Y-J Huang
- 1] Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Centre for Translational Medicine NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, Singapore, Singapore [2] Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, National University Hospital of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore [3] National University Cancer Institute of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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24
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Zimmerman ZF, Moon RT, Chien AJ. Targeting Wnt pathways in disease. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2012; 4:cshperspect.a008086. [PMID: 23001988 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a008086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Wnt-mediated signal transduction pathways have long been recognized for their roles in regulating embryonic development, and have more recently been linked to cancer, neurologic diseases, inflammatory diseases, and disorders of endocrine function and bone metabolism in adults. Although therapies targeting Wnt signaling are attractive in theory, in practice it has been difficult to obtain specific therapeutics because many components of Wnt signaling pathways are also involved in other cellular processes, thereby reducing the specificity of candidate therapeutics. New technologies, and advances in understanding the mechanisms of Wnt signaling, have improved our understanding of the nuances of Wnt signaling and are leading to promising new strategies to target Wnt signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary F Zimmerman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, 98195, USA
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25
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Neurotrophin-3 modulates breast cancer cells and the microenvironment to promote the growth of breast cancer brain metastasis. Oncogene 2012; 32:4064-77. [PMID: 23001042 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 07/16/2012] [Accepted: 07/31/2012] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis, which remains incompletely characterized at the molecular and biochemical levels, is a highly specific process. Despite the ability of disseminated cancer cells to intravasate into distant tissues, it has been long recognized that only a limited subset of target organs develop clinically overt metastases. Therefore, subsequent adaptation of disseminated cancer cells to foreign tissue microenvironment determines the metastatic latency and tissue tropism of these cells. As a result, studying interactions between the disseminated cancer cells and the adjacent stromal cells will provide a better understanding of what constitutes a favorable or unfavorable microenvironment for disseminated cancer cells in a tissue-specific manner. Previously, we reported a protein signature of brain metastasis showing increased ability of brain metastatic breast cancer cells to counteract oxidative stress. In this study, we showed that another protein from the brain metastatic protein signature, neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), has a dual function of regulating the metastatic growth of metastatic breast cancer cells and reducing the activation of immune response in the brain. More importantly, increased NT-3 secretion in metastatic breast cancer cells results in a reversion of mesenchymal-like (EMT) state to epithelial-like (MET) state and vice versa. Ectopic expression of NT-3 in EMT-like breast cancer cells reduces their migratory ability and increases the expression of HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) and E-cadherin at the cell-cell junction. In addition, both endogenous and ectopic expression of NT-3 reduced the number of fully activated cytotoxic microglia. In summary, NT-3 appears to promote growth of metastatic breast cancer cells in the brain by facilitating the re-epithelialization of metastatic breast cancer cells and downmodulating the cytotoxic response of microglia. Most importantly, our results provide new insights into the latency and development of central nervous system macrometastases in patients with HER2-positive breast tumors and provide mechanistic rationale to target HER2 signaling for HER2-positive breast cancer brain metastasis.
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26
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Ueno K, Hirata H, Hinoda Y, Dahiya R. Frizzled homolog proteins, microRNAs and Wnt signaling in cancer. Int J Cancer 2012; 132:1731-40. [PMID: 22833265 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.27746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/10/2012] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signaling pathways play important roles in tumorigenesis and are initiated by binding of Wnt to various receptors including frizzleds (FZDs). FZDs are one of several families of receptors comprised of FZD/LRP/ROR2/RYK in the Wnt signaling pathway. Expression of some FZD receptors are up regulated, thereby activating the Wnt signaling pathway and is correlated with cancer malignancy and patient outcomes (recurrence and survival) in many cancers. The FZD family contains ten genes in humans and their function has not been completely examined including the regulatory mechanisms of FZD genes in cancer. Knockdown of FZDs may suppress the Wnt signaling pathway resulting in decreased cell growth, invasion, motility and metastasis of cancer cells. Recently a number of microRNAs (miRNAs) have been identified and reported to be important in several cancers. MiRNAs regulate target gene expression at both the transcription and translation levels. The study of miRNA is a newly emerging field and promises to be helpful in understanding the pathogenesis of FZDs in cancer. In addition, miRNAs may be useful in regulating FZDs in cancer cells. Therefore, the aim of this review is to discuss current knowledge of the functional mechanisms of FZDs in cancer, including regulation by miRNAs and the potential for possible use of miRNAs and FZDs in future clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Ueno
- Department of Urology, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA
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Lee JS, Hur MW, Lee SK, Choi WI, Kwon YG, Yun CO. A novel sLRP6E1E2 inhibits canonical Wnt signaling, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and induces mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in lung cancer. PLoS One 2012; 7:e36520. [PMID: 22606268 PMCID: PMC3351461 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2011] [Accepted: 04/03/2012] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt pathway contributes to human cancer progression. Antagonists that interfere with Wnt ligand/receptor interactions can be useful in cancer treatments. In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of a soluble Wnt receptor decoy in cancer gene therapy. We designed a Wnt antagonist sLRP6E1E2, and generated a replication-incompetent adenovirus (Ad), dE1-k35/sLRP6E1E2, and a replication-competent oncolytic Ad, RdB-k35/sLRP6E1E2, both expressing sLRP6E1E2. sLRP6E1E2 prevented Wnt-mediated stabilization of cytoplasmic β-catenin, decreased Wnt/β-catenin signaling and cell proliferation via the mitogen-activated protein kinase, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase pathways. sLRP6E1E2 induced apoptosis, cytochrome c release, and increased cleavage of PARP and caspase-3. sLRP6E1E2 suppressed growth of the human lung tumor xenograft, and reduced motility and invasion of cancer cells. In addition, sLRP6E1E2 upregulated expression of epithelial marker genes, while sLRP6E1E2 downregulated mesenchymal marker genes. Taken together, sLRP6E1E2, by inhibiting interaction between Wnt and its receptor, suppressed Wnt-induced cell proliferation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Sun Lee
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Man-Wook Hur
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong Kyung Lee
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Institute for Cancer Research, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Won-Il Choi
- Brain Korea 21 Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Guen Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chae-Ok Yun
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Hanyang University, Seoul, Korea
- * E-mail:
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King TD, Zhang W, Suto MJ, Li Y. Frizzled7 as an emerging target for cancer therapy. Cell Signal 2012; 24:846-51. [PMID: 22182510 PMCID: PMC3268941 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2011.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2011] [Accepted: 12/04/2011] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Wnt proteins are secreted glycoproteins that bind to the N-terminal extra-cellular cysteine-rich domain of the Frizzled (Fzd) receptor family. The Fzd receptors can respond to Wnt proteins in the presence of Wnt co-receptors to activate the canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathways. Recent studies indicated that, among the Fzd family, Fzd7 is the Wnt receptor most commonly upregulated in a variety of cancers including colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma and triple negative breast cancer. Fzd7 plays an important role in stem cell biology and cancer development and progression. In addition, it has been demonstrated that siRNA knockdown of Fzd7, the anti-Fzd7 antibody or the extracellular peptide of Fzd7 (soluble Fzd7 peptide) displayed anti-cancer activity in vitro and in vivo mainly due to the inhibition of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of Fzd7 by small interfering peptides or a small molecule inhibitor suppressed β-catenin-dependent tumor cell growth. Therefore, targeted inhibition of Fzd7 represents a rational and promising new approach for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taj D. King
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research Institute, 2000 Ninth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research Institute, 2000 Ninth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | - Mark J. Suto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research Institute, 2000 Ninth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research Institute, 2000 Ninth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
| | - Yonghe Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Drug Discovery Division, Southern Research Institute, 2000 Ninth Avenue South, Birmingham, AL 35205, USA
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Schulte G. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology. LXXX. The class Frizzled receptors. Pharmacol Rev 2011; 62:632-67. [PMID: 21079039 DOI: 10.1124/pr.110.002931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor class Frizzled, which has recently been categorized as a separate group of G protein-coupled receptors by the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, consists of 10 Frizzleds (FZD(1-10)) and Smoothened (SMO). The FZDs are activated by secreted lipoglycoproteins of the Wingless/Int-1 (WNT) family, whereas SMO is indirectly activated by the Hedgehog (HH) family of proteins acting on the transmembrane protein Patched (PTCH). Recent years have seen major advances in our knowledge about these seven-transmembrane-spanning proteins, including: receptor function, molecular mechanisms of signal transduction, and the receptor's role in embryonic patterning, physiology, cancer, and other diseases. Despite intense efforts, many question marks and challenges remain in mapping receptor-ligand interaction, signaling routes, mechanisms of specificity and how these molecular details underlie disease and also the receptor's important role in physiology. This review therefore focuses on the molecular aspects of WNT/FZD and HH/SMO signaling discussing receptor structure, mechanisms of signal transduction, accessory proteins, receptor dynamics, and the possibility of targeting these signaling pathways pharmacologically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Schulte
- Section of Receptor Biology & Signaling, Dept. of Physiology & Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Over-expression of Ephb4 is associated with carcinogenesis of gastric cancer. Dig Dis Sci 2011; 56:698-706. [PMID: 20686847 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-010-1346-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2009] [Accepted: 07/12/2010] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gastric cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed malignancies in the world. The gene expression profile and molecular grouping of gastric cancer has been a challenging task due to its inherent complexity and variation among individuals. AIMS To determine the molecular mechanism associated with gastric carcinogenesis. METHODS We analyzed the gene expression profiles of 20 cancerous tissues and their tumor-adjacent tissue from patients with gastric cancer by using a 14 K cDNA microarray. The differentially expressed genes and their products were verified by semiquantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR), western blotting and immunohistochemistry of gastric cancer and normal tissue samples. RESULTS A total of 69 genes were found to be differentially regulated in the cancerous tissue. Among them, genes such as CDH17, ETV4, S100A6, S100A11, Ephb4, and KLK10 were confirmed by RT-PCR to be up-regulated, while genes such as NK4 and PPP2R1B were down-regulated. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry indicated that Ephb4 was over-expressed and localized to the cytoplasm of gastric cancer cells. Moreover, Ephb4 protein was observed as being significantly related to tumor size and pN category (p = 0.001 and 0.007, respectively). CONCLUSIONS These newly identified genes might provide a valuable resource for understanding the molecular mechanism associated with the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer and for finding potential diagnostic markers of gastric cancer.
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Wei W, Chua MS, Grepper S, So SK. Soluble Frizzled-7 receptor inhibits Wnt signaling and sensitizes hepatocellular carcinoma cells towards doxorubicin. Mol Cancer 2011; 10:16. [PMID: 21314951 PMCID: PMC3050858 DOI: 10.1186/1476-4598-10-16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2010] [Accepted: 02/11/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are limited therapeutic options for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common liver malignancy worldwide. Recent studies have identified the Frizzled-7 receptor (FZD7), important for activation of Wnt-mediated signaling, as a potential therapeutic target for HCC and other cancers. METHODS We hypothesized that the extracellular domain of FZD7 (sFZD7) would be a clinically more relevant therapeutic modality than previously studied approaches to target FZD7. We expressed and purified sFZD7 from E. coli, and tested its functional activity to interact with Wnt3, its ability to inhibit Wnt3-mediated signaling, and its potential for combinatorial therapy in HCC. RESULTS sFZD7 pulled down Wnt3 from Huh7 cells, and decreased β-catenin/Tcf4 transcriptional activity in HCC cells. In vitro, sFZD7 dose-dependently decreased viability of three HCC cell lines (HepG2, Hep40, and Huh7, all with high FZD7 and Wnt3 mRNA), but had little effect on normal hepatocytes from three donors (all with low level FZD7 and Wnt3 mRNA). When combined with doxorubicin, sFZD7 enhanced the growth inhibitory effects of doxorubicin against HCC cells in vitro, and against Huh7 xenografts in vivo. Reduced expressions of c-Myc, cyclin D1, and survivin were observed in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, sFZD7 altered the levels of phosphorylated AKT and ERK1/2 induced by doxorubicin treatment in vitro, suggesting that several critical pathways are involved in the chemosensitizing effect of sFZD7. CONCLUSIONS We propose that sFZD7 is a feasible therapeutic agent with specific activity, which can potentially be combined with other chemotherapeutic agents for the improved management of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wei
- Asian Liver Center, Department of Surgery, 1201 Welch Road, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Mei-Sze Chua
- Asian Liver Center, Department of Surgery, 1201 Welch Road, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Susan Grepper
- CellzDirect/Invitrogen, 4301 Emperor Blvd, Durham, NC 27703, USA
| | - Samuel K So
- Asian Liver Center, Department of Surgery, 1201 Welch Road, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Nambotin SB, Lefrancois L, Sainsily X, Berthillon P, Kim M, Wands JR, Chevallier M, Jalinot P, Scoazec JY, Trepo C, Zoulim F, Merle P. Pharmacological inhibition of Frizzled-7 displays anti-tumor properties in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hepatol 2011; 54:288-99. [PMID: 21055837 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2010.06.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2010] [Revised: 06/17/2010] [Accepted: 06/22/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS We previously reported the frequent overexpression of the FZD7 membrane receptor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its role for controlling cancer phenotype. Herein, this study aimed at assessing the anticancer properties of compounds inhibiting FZD7 activity by disrupting its binding with the cytosolic Dishevelled (DVL) adaptator. METHODS We have designed small interfering peptides (RHPDs) that are able to enter within cells and to competitively antagonize the binding of FZD7 to the PDZ domain of DVL. Their anti-neoplastic properties were assessed in vitro on a panel of human HCC cell lines and in vivo on the SV40-TAg transgenic mouse model of HCC. RESULTS We have shown that RHPDs decrease cell viability via apoptosis depending on their affinity for PDZ, with a therapeutic index between cancerous and non-cancerous cells. RHPD properties were linked to β-catenin degradation and PKCδ activation. In transgenic mice, intra-tumor injection of RHPDs inhibited HCC progression. CONCLUSIONS We have completed a proof-of-concept showing that in vitro and in vivo the pharmacological inhibition of FZD7 displays anti-cancerous properties against HCC. The mechanisms can involve β-catenin and PKCδ modulations. Further studies are warranted to design protocols showing the compatibility with systemic in vivo applications.
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Abstract
Cells in tissues do not exist as isolated entities but are part of the three-dimensional tissue architecture. Consequently, some aspects of cell behaviour cannot be mimicked by simple in vitro monolayer culture systems. Moreover, cell shape and behaviour is not rigid but is dynamic and can be regulated by intrinsic and extrinsic factors. For example, tumour cells in epithelium-derived cancer such as colorectal cancer often retain significant features of the colonic mucosa. However, as the tumour progresses, the morphology of the tumour cells often undergoes a transition from an epithelial morphology to a mesenchymal morphology. This transition is important as it signifies a change in the tumour phenotype to a more aggressive, invasive, and eventually metastatic phenotype. In vitro models that allow the study of this transition are needed. One such model is the LIM1863 colon carcinoma cells that normally grow as organoids but can be adapted to efficiently undergo an epithelial to mesenchymal transition that can be reversed. This system has allowed the study of the genes such as Frizzled 7 that are involved in this dynamic and reversible epithelial to mesenchymal transition.
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Frizzled-7 as a potential therapeutic target in colorectal cancer. Neoplasia 2008; 10:697-705. [PMID: 18592008 DOI: 10.1593/neo.08320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2008] [Revised: 04/16/2008] [Accepted: 04/18/2008] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated whether one of the Wnt receptors, frizzled-7 (FZD7), functions in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells harboring an APC or CTNNB1 mutation and may be a potential therapeutic target for sporadic CRCs. The expression level of FZD gene family members in colon cancer cells and primary CRC tissues were determined by real-time PCR. Activation of the Wnt signaling pathway was evaluated by TOPflash assay. The expression level of Wnt target genes was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction and/or Western blot analysis. Cell growth and cell invasion were assessed by MTS and matrigel assays, respectively. Among 10 FZD gene family members, FZD7 mRNA was predominantly expressed in six colon cancer cell lines with APC or CTNNB1 mutation. These six cell lines were transfected with FZD7 cDNA together with a TOPflash reporter plasmid, resulting in a 1.5- to 24.3-fold increase of Tcf transcriptional activity. The mRNA expression levels of seven known Wnt target genes were also increased by 1.5- to 3.4-fold after transfection of FZD7 cDNA into HCT-116 cells. The six cell lines were then cotransfected with FZD7-siRNA and a TOPflash reporter plasmid, which reduced Tcf transcriptional activity to 20% to 80%. FZD7-siRNA was shown to significantly decrease cell viability and in vitro invasion activity after transfection into HCT-116 cells. Our present data demonstrated that FZD7 activates the canonical Wnt pathway in colon cancer cells despite the presence of APC or CTNNB1 mutation and that FZD7-siRNA may be used as a therapeutic reagent for CRCs.
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Voronkov AE, Baskin II, Palyulin VA, Zefirov NS. Molecular model of the Wnt protein binding site on the surface of dimeric CRD domain of the hFzd8 receptor. DOKL BIOCHEM BIOPHYS 2008; 419:75-8. [PMID: 18505162 DOI: 10.1134/s1607672908020087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- A E Voronkov
- Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, 119991 Russia
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Abstract
Dysregulation of growth factors and their receptors is central to human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We previously demonstrated that the Frizzled-7 membrane receptor mediating the Wnt signalling can activate the beta-catenin pathway and promotes malignancy in human hepatitis B virus-related HCCs. Expression patterns of all the 10 Frizzled receptors, and their extracellular soluble autoparacrine regulators (19 Wnt activators and 4 sFRP inhibitors) were assessed by real-time RT-PCR in 62 human HCC of different etiologies and their matched peritumorous areas. Immunostaining was performed to localise Frizzled on cell types in liver tissues. Regulation of three known Frizzled-dependent pathways (beta-catenin, protein kinase C, and C-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase) was measured in tissues by western blot. We found that eight Frizzled-potentially activating events were pleiotropically dysregulated in 95% HCC and 68% peritumours as compared to normal livers (upregulations of Frizzled-3/6/7 and Wnt3/4/5a, or downregulation of sFRP1/5), accumulating gradually with severity of fibrosis in peritumours and loss of differentiation status in tumours. The hepatocytes supported the Wnt/Frizzled signalling since specifically overexpressing Frizzled receptors in liver tissues. Dysregulation of the eight Frizzled-potentially activating events was associated with differential activation of the three known Frizzled-dependent pathways. This study provides an extensive analysis of the Wnt/Frizzled receptor elements and reveals that the dysregulation may be one of the most common and earliest events described thus far during hepatocarcinogenesis.
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The upstream components of the Wnt signalling pathway in the dynamic EMT and MET associated with colorectal cancer progression. Clin Exp Metastasis 2008; 25:657-63. [PMID: 18350253 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-008-9156-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2007] [Accepted: 02/23/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The constitutive activation of beta-catenin-dependent ('canonical') Wnt signalling is a necessary initiating event in the genesis of most colorectal cancers. As this constitutive activation occurs through genetic mutation of one of the down-stream components of the signalling pathway, it was presumed that additional regulation of beta-catenin-dependent Wnt signalling would be inconsequential. However, it is now recognised that additional modulation of beta-catenin-dependent Wnt signalling is involved in tumour progression, and many of the genes associated with tumour invasion and metastasis are beta-catenin/TCF transcriptional target genes that are dynamically regulated during cancer progression. Intriguingly, the demonstration that naturally occurring inhibitors of Wnt-Frizzled (FZD) interaction are bona fide tumour suppressors in this cancer suggests that additional modulation of Wnt signalling is via the upstream components of the pathway. This is corroborated by recent studies that demonstrate tumour-promoting roles for Wnt and FZD per se. Moreover, both beta-catenin-dependent and beta-catenin-independent Wnt/FZD-mediated signalling is implicated during the dynamic and reversible EMT and MET that underscore colorectal cancer progression. Importantly, therapeutic targeting of the Wnt signalling pathway at the plasma membrane is clearly indicated by the profound anti-tumour activity of small molecule inhibitors and dominant-negative receptor constructs that target the receptor complex. The potential to effectively target EMT and MET processes at the plasma membrane via the upstream components of the Wnt signalling pathway offers new hope for anti-cancer therapy.
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Voronkov AE, Baskin II, Palyulin VA, Zefirov NS. Molecular modeling of modified peptides, potent inhibitors of the xWNT8 and hWNT8 proteins. J Mol Graph Model 2008; 26:1179-87. [PMID: 18296089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmgm.2007.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2007] [Revised: 10/26/2007] [Accepted: 10/26/2007] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Signaling pathways of Wnt-proteins and Fzd-receptors play important role in processes of growth and development of stem cells and in many types of cancers. The binding of the Wnt-proteins and Fzd-receptors is a complicated process, in which 19 Wnt-proteins and 10 Fzd-receptors are involved. Such a large number of combinations of Wnt-Fzd pairs leads to many different influences of Fzd-Wnt-complexes on the development and differentiation of stem cells. The molecular models of xWnt8, hWnt8, mFzd8, hFzd8-proteins and their complexes were constructed and studied in the present work. The amino acids of the binding sites of proteins which participate in these complexes formation and the protein-protein interactions were studied. The pharmacophoric model of the binding site on the xWnt8 and hWnt8-proteins was constructed. In this work we suggested the peptidomimetic ligands, which can be used for the inhibition of the xWnt8-mFzd8 and hWnt8-hFzd8 proteins formation. The de novo design method of Allegrow software was used for the predictions of most prospective functional groups of the peptidomimetic ligands. These ligands can be used as inhibitors of xWnt8-mFzd8 and hWnt8-hFzd8 complex formation and also can be used for drug design by other methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- A E Voronkov
- Department of Chemistry, M.V. Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russian Federation.
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Yu M, Zloty D, Cowan B, Shapiro J, Haegert A, Bell RH, Warshawski L, Carr N, McElwee KJ. Superficial, nodular, and morpheiform basal-cell carcinomas exhibit distinct gene expression profiles. J Invest Dermatol 2008; 128:1797-805. [PMID: 18200053 DOI: 10.1038/sj.jid.5701243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 288] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Basal-cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common neoplasm in humans, occurs in a variety of morphological presentations. The mechanisms of BCC development downstream of the initial genetic mutations are not well understood, and different BCC morphological presentations might exhibit distinct gene expression patterns. We investigated superficial (n=8), nodular (n=8), and morpheiform (n=7) BCCs using 21K cDNA microarrays. Global gene expression profiles between respective BCC subtypes, and as compared with normal skin (n=8), were statistically defined by significance analysis of microarrays (SAM). Thirty-seven genes were subsequently validated by quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis using an expanded set of 31 BCCs. Gene ontology analysis indicated that gene expression patterns of BCC subtypes in multiple biological processes showed significant variation, particularly in genes associated with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. Notably, genes involved in response to DNA-damage stimulus were uniquely upregulated in morpheiform BCCs. Our results indicate a relative similarity in gene expression between nodular and superficial BCC subtypes. In contrast, morpheiform BCCs are more diverse, with gene expression patterns consistent with their more "invasive" phenotype. These data may help us understand the complex behavior of BCC subtypes and may eventually lead to new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Yu
- Department of Dermatology and Skin Science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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Brynczka C, Merrick BA. The p53 transcriptional target gene wnt7b contributes to NGF-inducible neurite outgrowth in neuronal PC12 cells. Differentiation 2008; 76:795-808. [PMID: 18177422 DOI: 10.1111/j.1432-0436.2007.00261.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Differentiation of PC12 cells by nerve growth factor (NGF) is characterized by changes in signal transduction pathways leading to growth arrest and neurite extension. The transcription factor p53, involved in regulating cell cycle and apoptosis, is also activated during PC12 differentiation and contributes to each of these processes but the mechanisms are incompletely understood. NGF signaling stabilizes p53 protein expression, which enables its transcriptional regulation of target genes, including the newly identified target, wnt7b, a member of the wnt family of secreted morphogens. We tested the hypothesis that wnt7b expression is a factor in NGF-dependent neurite outgrowth of differentiating PC12 cells. Wnt7b transcript and protein levels are increased following NGF treatment in a p53-dependent manner, as demonstrated by a reduction in wnt7b protein levels following stable shRNA-mediated silencing of p53. In addition, overexpressed human tp53 was capable of inducing marked wnt7b expression in neuronal PC12 cells but tp53 overexpression did not elevate wnt7b levels in several tested human tumor cell lines. Ectopic wnt7b overexpression was sufficient to rescue neurite outgrowth in NGF-treated p53-silenced PC12 cells, which could be blocked by c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibition with SP600125 and did not involve beta-catenin nuclear translocation. Addition of sFRP1 to differentiation medium inhibited wnt7b-dependent phosphorylation of JNK, demonstrating that wnt7b is secreted and signals through a JNK-dependent mechanism in PC12 cells. We further identify an NGF-inducible subset of wnt receptors that likely supports wnt7b-mediated neurite extension in PC12 cells. In conclusion, wnt7b is a novel p53-regulated neuritogenic factor in PC12 cells that in conjunction with NGF-regulated Fzd expression is involved in p53-dependent neurite outgrowth through noncanonical JNK signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Brynczka
- National Center for Toxicogenomics, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC 27709, USA
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DeAlmeida VI, Miao L, Ernst JA, Koeppen H, Polakis P, Rubinfeld B. The soluble wnt receptor Frizzled8CRD-hFc inhibits the growth of teratocarcinomas in vivo. Cancer Res 2007; 67:5371-9. [PMID: 17545618 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-0266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling is important for normal cell proliferation and differentiation, and mutations in pathway components are associated with human cancers. Recent studies suggest that altered wnt ligand/receptor interactions might also contribute to human tumorigenesis. Therefore, agents that antagonize wnt signaling at the extracellular level would be attractive therapeutics for these cancers. We have generated a soluble wnt receptor comprising the Frizzled8 cysteine-rich domain (CRD) fused to the human Fc domain (F8CRDhFc) that exhibits favorable pharmacologic properties in vivo. Potent antitumor efficacy was shown using the mouse mammary tumor virus-Wnt1 tumor model under dosing conditions that did not produce detectable toxicity in regenerating tissue compartments. In vitro, F8CRDhFc inhibited autocrine wnt signaling in the teratoma cell lines PA-1, NTera-2, Tera-2, and NCCIT. In vivo, systemic administration of F8CRDhFc significantly retarded the growth of tumor xenografts derived from two of these cell lines, PA-1 and NTera-2. Pharmacodynamic markers of wnt signaling, identified by gene expression analysis of cultured teratoma cells, were also modulated in the tumor xenografts following treatment with F8CRDhFc. Additionally, these markers could be used as indicators of treatment efficacy and might also be useful in identifying patients that would benefit from the therapeutic agent. This is the first report showing the efficacy of a soluble wnt receptor as an antitumor agent and suggests that further development of wnt antagonists will have utility in treating human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venita I DeAlmeida
- Department of Cancer Pathways, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California 94080, USA
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Vincan E, Brabletz T, Faux MC, Ramsay RG. A human three-dimensional cell line model allows the study of dynamic and reversible epithelial-mesenchymal and mesenchymal-epithelial transition that underpins colorectal carcinogenesis. Cells Tissues Organs 2007; 185:20-8. [PMID: 17587804 DOI: 10.1159/000101299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental morphogenesis relies on cell transitions between epithelial and mesenchymal states. Colorectal cancer (CRC) progression can also be described as 'morphogenesis' as it involves epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereby tumour cells become more invasive and metastatic. Subsequently, the disseminated tumour cells must undergo a reverse transition (MET), as the pathology of most primary tumours is re-capitulated by their established metastases. Disseminated tumour cells can remain 'dormant' for many years. Consequently, tumour initiation at the secondary site is the rate-limiting step in metastasis. Metastasis is governed by cell intrinsic and extrinsic (microenvironment) factors, thus much of what we know about metastasis is drawn from in vivo model systems. However, the molecular mechanisms controlling release from 'dormancy' are still largely unknown due to the complexity this presents for the in vivo situation. An in vitro morphogenesis culture system would present a great advantage. To this end, we have established a unique model of CRC morphogenesis, using a variant of the human cell line LIM1863 (LIM1863-Mph). In this model system LIM1863-Mph cells show plasticity between epithelial and mesenchymal states. The transitions are reversible and bear the phenotypic hallmarks of CRC morphogenesis. Importantly, we have demonstrated a pivotal role for FZD7 in these phenotype transitions, implicating Wnt signalling in orchestrating CRC morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Vincan
- Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia.
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Fujii N, You L, Xu Z, Uematsu K, Shan J, He B, Mikami I, Edmondson LR, Neale G, Zheng J, Guy RK, Jablons DM. An antagonist of dishevelled protein-protein interaction suppresses beta-catenin-dependent tumor cell growth. Cancer Res 2007; 67:573-9. [PMID: 17234765 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-2726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent progress in the development of inhibitors of protein-protein interactions has opened the door for developing drugs that act by novel and selective mechanisms. Building on that work, we designed a small-molecule inhibitor of the Wnt signaling pathway, which is aberrantly activated across a wide range of human tumors. The compound, named FJ9, disrupts the interaction between the Frizzed-7 Wnt receptor and the PDZ domain of Dishevelled, down-regulating canonical Wnt signaling and suppressing tumor cell growth. The antitumorigenic effects of FJ9 were pronounced, including induction of apoptosis in human cancer cell lines and tumor growth inhibition in a mouse xenograft model. FJ9 is thus among the first non-peptide inhibitors to show therapeutic efficacy through disruption of PDZ protein-protein interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoaki Fujii
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Thoracic Oncology Labratory, University of California San Francisco, and Department of Structural Biology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA.
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Chien AJ, Moon RT. WNTS and WNT receptors as therapeutic tools and targets in human disease processes. FRONT BIOSCI-LANDMRK 2007; 12:448-57. [PMID: 17127309 PMCID: PMC3132106 DOI: 10.2741/2074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The body of scientific literature linking Wnts and Wnt-associated proteins to human disease processes continues to grow in parallel with new discoveries from basic science laboratories that further characterize the elaborate cellular events following the binding of Wnts to their receptors. While Wnt-mediated signaling has long been known to play a major role in human carcinogenesis, accumulating evidence indicates that Wnts are also important mediators of inflammation and recovery from injury. The binding of secreted Wnt ligands to their receptors offers an attractive and accessible target for therapeutic regulation of these signaling pathways. Several promising preliminary studies have already addressed potential avenues for the manipulation of Wnt signaling in disease processes. This review will focus on disease processes involving the regulation of Wnt signaling at the level of Wnt binding to its target receptors. Wnt proteins, Wnt receptors, and secreted Wnt inhibitors are attractive as potential therapeutic agents and targets due to their extracellular location. In addition, since Wnt signaling results in a diverse array of downstream intracellular events, many of which are not fully understood, the targeting of this pathway at the most upstream site of pathway activation also provides a strategic advantage for therapy. As the list of Wnt-related diseases continues to grow, advances in our understanding of the biochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying Wnt signaling may ultimately translate into innovative ways to treat Wnt-related disease processes in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andy J. Chien
- Department of Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Washington
| | - Randall T. Moon
- Department of Pharmacology and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle WA, 98195
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Vincan E, Darcy PK, Farrelly CA, Faux MC, Brabletz T, Ramsay RG. Frizzled-7 dictates three-dimensional organization of colorectal cancer cell carcinoids. Oncogene 2006; 26:2340-52. [PMID: 17016432 DOI: 10.1038/sj.onc.1210026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) involves spatial and temporal occurrences of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), whereby tumour cells acquire a more invasive and metastatic phenotype. Subsequently, the disseminated mesenchymal tumour cells must undergo a reverse transition (mesenchymal-epithelial transition, MET) at the site of metastases, as most metastases recapitulate the pathology of their corresponding primary tumours. Importantly, initiation of tumour growth at the secondary site is the rate-limiting step in metastasis. However, investigation of this dynamic reversible EMT and MET that underpins CRC morphogenesis has been hindered by a lack of suitable in vitro models. To this end, we have established a unique in vitro model of CRC morphogenesis, which we term LIM1863-Mph (morphogenetic). LIM1863-Mph cells spontaneously undergo cyclic transitions between two-dimensional monolayer (migratory, mesenchymal) and three-dimensional sphere (carcinoid, epithelial) states. Using RNAi, we demonstrate that FZD7 is necessary for MET of the monolayer cells as loss of FZD7 results in the persistence of a mesenchymal state (increased SNAI2/decreased E-cadherin). Moreover, FZD7 is also required for migration of the LIM1863-Mph monolayer cells. During development, FZD7 orchestrates either migratory or epithelialization events depending on the context. Our findings strongly implicate similar functional diversity for FZD7 during CRC morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Vincan
- Research Division, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, East Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
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