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Xian G, Huang R, Xu M, Zhao H, Xu X, Chen Y, Ren H, Xu D, Zeng Q. Noncoding RNA regulates the expression of Krm1 and Dkk2 to synergistically affect aortic valve lesions. Exp Mol Med 2024:10.1038/s12276-024-01256-5. [PMID: 38945954 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01256-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is becoming an increasingly important global medical problem, but effective pharmacological treatments are lacking. Noncoding RNAs play a pivotal role in the progression of cardiovascular diseases, but their relationship with CAVD remains unclear. Sequencing data revealed differential expression of many noncoding RNAs in normal and calcified aortic valves, with significant differences in circHIPK3 and miR-182-5p expression. Overexpression of circHIPK3 ameliorated aortic valve lesions in a CAVD mouse model. In vitro experiments demonstrated that circHIPK3 inhibits the osteogenic response of aortic valve interstitial cells. Mechanistically, DEAD-box helicase 5 (DDX5) recruits methyltransferase 3 (METTL3) to promote the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of circHIPK3. Furthermore, m6A-modified circHIPK3 increases the stability of Kremen1 (Krm1) mRNA, and Krm1 is a negative regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Additionally, miR-182-5p suppresses the expression of Dickkopf2 (Dkk2), the ligand of Krm1, and attenuates the Krm1-mediated inhibition of Wnt signaling. Activation of the Wnt signaling pathway significantly contributes to the promotion of aortic valve calcification. Our study describes the role of the Krm1-Dkk2 axis in inhibiting Wnt signaling in aortic valves and suggests that noncoding RNAs are upstream regulators of this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaopeng Xian
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiac Function and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China
| | - Rong Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Minhui Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiac Function and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China
| | - Hengli Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiac Function and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China
| | - Xingbo Xu
- Department of Cardiology, University Medical Center of Goettingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Yangchao Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China
| | - Hao Ren
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiac Function and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Rheumatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dingli Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiac Function and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China.
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.
| | - Qingchun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Organ Failure Research, Department of Cardiology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardiac Function and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, 510515, Guangzhou, China.
- Bioland Laboratory (Guangzhou Regenerative Medicine and Health Guangdong Laboratory), Guangzhou, China.
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Pereiro X, Ruzafa N, Azkargorta M, Elortza F, Acera A, Ambrósio AF, Santiago AR, Vecino E. Müller glial cells located in the peripheral retina are more susceptible to high pressure: implications for glaucoma. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:5. [PMID: 38183095 PMCID: PMC10770903 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01186-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glaucoma, a progressive neurodegenerative disease, is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss worldwide. This study aims to elucidate the critical role of Müller glia (MG) in the context of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) death, particularly focusing on the influence of peripheral MG sensitivity to high pressure (HP). METHODS Co-cultures of porcine RGCs with MG were isolated from both the central and peripheral regions of pig retinas and subjected to both normal and HP conditions. Mass spectrometry analysis of the MG-conditioned medium was conducted to identify the proteins released by MG under all conditions. RESULTS Peripheral MG were found to secrete a higher quantity of neuroprotective factors, effectively promoting RGC survival under normal physiological conditions. However, under HP conditions, co-cultures with peripheral MG exhibited impaired RGC survival. Moreover, under HP conditions, peripheral MG significantly upregulated the secretion of proteins associated with apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation. CONCLUSIONS This study provides robust evidence suggesting the involvement of MG in RGC death in glaucoma, thus paving the way for future therapeutic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xandra Pereiro
- Experimental Ophthalmo-Biology Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940, Leioa, Spain.
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Noelia Ruzafa
- Experimental Ophthalmo-Biology Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940, Leioa, Spain
| | - Mikel Azkargorta
- Proteomics Platform, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), CIBERehdProteoRed-ISCIII, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, 48160, Derio, Spain
| | - Félix Elortza
- Proteomics Platform, CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), CIBERehdProteoRed-ISCIII, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, 48160, Derio, Spain
| | - Arantxa Acera
- Experimental Ophthalmo-Biology Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940, Leioa, Spain
| | - António Francisco Ambrósio
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Raquel Santiago
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Association for Innovation and Biomedical Research on Light and Image (AIBILI), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elena Vecino
- Experimental Ophthalmo-Biology Group, Department of Cell Biology and Histology, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, 48940, Leioa, Spain.
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Terhaar HM, Henriksen MDL, Mehaffy C, Hess A, McMullen RJ. The use of shotgun label-free quantitative proteomic mass spectrometry to evaluate the inflammatory response in aqueous humor from horses with uveitis compared to ophthalmologically healthy horses. Vet Ophthalmol 2024; 27:40-52. [PMID: 37144658 DOI: 10.1111/vop.13107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to use shotgun label-free tandem mass spectrometry (LF-MS/MS) to evaluate aqueous humor (AH) from horses with uveitis (UH) compared to ophthalmologically healthy horses (HH). ANIMALS STUDIED Twelve horses diagnosed with uveitis based on ophthalmic examination and six ophthalmologically healthy horses (postmortem) purchased for teaching purposes. PROCEDURES All horses received a complete ophthalmic examination and physical exam. Aqueous paracentesis was performed on all horses and AH total protein concentrations were measured with nanodrop (TPn) and refractometry (TPr). AH samples were analyzed with shotgun LF-MS/MS and proteomic data were compared between groups using Wilcoxon rank-sum test. RESULTS A total of 147 proteins were detected, 11 proteins had higher abundance in UH, and 38 proteins had lower abundance in UH. Proteins with higher abundance included apolipoprotein E, alpha-2-macroglobulin (A2M), alpha-2-HS-glycoprotein, prothrombin, fibrinogen, complement component 4 (C4), joining chain for IgA and IgM, afamin, and amine oxidase. There were positive correlations between TPn (p = .003) and TPr (p = .0001) compared to flare scores. CONCLUSION Differential abundance of A2M, prothrombin, fibrinogen, and C4 indicate upregulation of the complement and coagulation cascade in equine uveitis. Proinflammatory cytokines and the complement cascade have potential as therapeutic targets for equine uveitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Terhaar
- Comparative Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Michala de Linde Henriksen
- Comparative Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Carolina Mehaffy
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Ann Hess
- Department of Statistics, College of Natural Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
| | - Richard J McMullen
- Equine Ophthalmology, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, JT Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital, Auburn, Alabama, USA
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Al Shareef Z, Ershaid MNA, Mudhafar R, Soliman SSM, Kypta RM. Dickkopf-3: An Update on a Potential Regulator of the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235822. [PMID: 36497305 PMCID: PMC9738550 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dickkopf-3 (Dkk-3) is a member of the Dickkopf family protein of secreted Wingless-related integration site (Wnt) antagonists that appears to modulate regulators of the host microenvironment. In contrast to the clear anti-tumorigenic effects of Dkk-3-based gene therapies, the role of endogenous Dkk-3 in cancer is context-dependent, with elevated expression associated with tumor promotion and suppression in different settings. The receptors and effectors that mediate the diverse effects of Dkk-3 have not been characterized in detail, contributing to an ongoing mystery of its mechanism of action. This review compares the various functions of Dkk-3 in the tumor microenvironment, where Dkk-3 has been found to be expressed by subpopulations of fibroblasts, endothelial, and immune cells, in addition to epithelial cells. We also discuss how the activation or inhibition of Dkk-3, depending on tumor type and context, might be used to treat different types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Al Shareef
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +971-6505-7250
| | - Mai Nidal Asad Ershaid
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rula Mudhafar
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameh S. M. Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Robert M. Kypta
- CIC BioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, BRTA, Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160 Derio, Spain
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
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5
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Sharma S, Behl T, Sehgal A, Singh S, Sharma N, Bhatia S, Al-Harassi A, Bungau S, Mostafavi E. Possible Role of Wnt Signaling Pathway in Diabetic Retinopathy. Curr Drug Targets 2022; 23:1372-1380. [PMID: 35232336 DOI: 10.2174/1389450123666220301110140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The core of impaired vision in working people suffering from insulin-dependent and noninsulin- dependent diabetes mellitus is diabetic retinopathy (DR). The Wnt Protein Ligands family influences various processes; this ensures the cells are able to interact and co-ordinate various mobile functions, including cell growth, division, survival, apoptosis, migration, and cell destiny. The extracellular Wnt signal activates other signals. It is seen that Wnt pathways play an important role in inflammation, oxidative stress, and angiogenesis. It has been illustrated that the canonically preserved Wnt signaling system has a vital role in the homeostasis of adulthood. Developmental disorders in each of these stages will lead to serious eye problems and eventually blindness. There is, therefore, a need to specifically organize and regulate the growth of ocular tissues. In tissue specification and polarities, axonal exhaust, and maintenance of cells, especially in the central nervous system, Wnt/frizzled pathways play an important role. Thus, Wnt route antagonists may act as have been possible therapeutic options in DR by inhibiting aberrant Wnt signals. Elaborative and continued research in this area will help in the advancement of current knowledge in the field of DR, and eventually, this can lead to the development of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheetu Sharma
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Bidholi, Dehradun, India
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- GHG Khalsa College of Pharmacy, Gurusar Sadhar, Ludhiana, Punjab, India
| | - Sukhbir Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana, India
| | - Neelam Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala, Haryana, India
| | - Saurabh Bhatia
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Ahmed Al-Harassi
- Natural & Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, Nizwa, Oman
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, Oradea, Romania
| | - Ebrahim Mostafavi
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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6
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Chen X, Hu J, Wang Y, Lee Y, Zhao X, Lu H, Zhu G, Wang H, Jiang Y, Liu F, Chen Y, Kim BS, Zhou Q, Liu X, Wang X, Chang SH, Dong C. The FoxO4/DKK3 axis represses IFN-γ expression by Th1 cells and limits antimicrobial immunity. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:147566. [PMID: 36106640 PMCID: PMC9479610 DOI: 10.1172/jci147566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Forkhead box O transcriptional factors, especially FoxO1 and FoxO3a, play critical roles in physiologic and pathologic immune responses. However, the function of FoxO4, another main member of the FoxO family, in lymphoid cells is still poorly understood. Here, we showed that loss of FoxO4 in T cells augmented IFN-γ production of Th1 cells in vitro. Correspondingly, conditional deletion of FoxO4 in CD4+ T cells enhanced T cell–specific responses to Listeria monocytogenes infection in vivo. Genome-wide occupancy and transcriptomic analyses identified Dkk3 (encoding the Dickkopf-3 protein) as a direct transcriptional target of FoxO4. Consistent with the FoxO4-DKK3 relationship, recombinant DKK3 protein restored normal levels of IFN-γ production in FoxO4-deficient Th1 cells through the downregulation of lymphoid enhancer–binding factor 1 (Lef1) expression. Together, our data suggest a potential FoxO4/DKK3 axis in Th1 cell differentiation, providing what we believe to be an important insight and supplement for FoxO family proteins in T lymphocyte biology and revealing a promising target for the treatment of immune-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Chen
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jia Hu
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Department of Systems Biology, and
| | - Yunfei Wang
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Younghee Lee
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xiaohong Zhao
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Huiping Lu
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Annoroad Gene Technology Co. Ltd., Beijing, China
| | - Gengzhen Zhu
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Immunity and Metabolism, Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Liu
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yongzhen Chen
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Byung-Seok Kim
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Lung Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xindong Liu
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaohu Wang
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Seon Hee Chang
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chen Dong
- Institute for Immunology and School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Shanghai Immune Therapy Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-Affiliated Renji Hospital, Shanghai, China
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7
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Kano J, Wang H, Zhang H, Noguchi M. Roles of DKK3 in cellular adhesion, motility, and invasion through extracellular interaction with TGFBI. FEBS J 2022; 289:6385-6399. [DOI: 10.1111/febs.16529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Junko Kano
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine University of Tsukuba Japan
| | - Hongxin Wang
- Research Center for Advanced Measurement and Characterization National Institute for Materials Science Tsukuba Japan
| | - Han Zhang
- Research Center for Advanced Measurement and Characterization National Institute for Materials Science Tsukuba Japan
| | - Masayuki Noguchi
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine University of Tsukuba Japan
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Sehgal P, Lanauze C, Wang X, Hayer KE, Torres-Diz M, Leu NA, Sela Y, Stanger BZ, Lengner CJ, Thomas-Tikhonenko A. MYC Hyperactivates Wnt Signaling in APC/ CTNNB1-Mutated Colorectal Cancer Cells through miR-92a-Dependent Repression of DKK3. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:2003-2014. [PMID: 34593610 PMCID: PMC8642317 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Activation of Wnt signaling is among the earliest events in colon cancer development. It is achieved either via activating mutations in the CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin, the key transcription factor in the Wnt pathway, or most commonly by inactivating mutations affecting APC, a major β-catenin binding partner and negative regulator. However, our analysis of recent Pan Cancer Atlas data revealed that CTNNB1 mutations significantly co-occur with those affecting Wnt receptor complex components (e.g., Frizzled and LRP6), underscoring the importance of additional regulatory events even in the presence of common APC/CTNNB1 mutations. In our effort to identify non-mutational hyperactivating events, we determined that KRAS-transformed murine colonocytes overexpressing direct β-catenin target MYC show significant upregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway and reduced expression of Dickkopf 3 (DKK3), a reported ligand for Wnt co-receptors. We demonstrate that MYC suppresses DKK3 transcription through one of miR-17-92 cluster miRNAs, miR-92a. We further examined the role of DKK3 by overexpression and knockdown and discovered that DKK3 suppresses Wnt signaling in Apc-null murine colonic organoids and human colon cancer cells despite the presence of downstream activating mutations in the Wnt pathway. Conversely, MYC overexpression in the same cell lines resulted in hyperactive Wnt signaling, acquisition of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers, and enhanced migration/invasion in vitro and metastasis in a syngeneic orthotopic mouse colon cancer model. IMPLICATIONS: Our results suggest that the MYC→miR-92a-|DKK3 axis hyperactivates Wnt signaling, forming a feed-forward oncogenic loop.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Sehgal
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Claudia Lanauze
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Katharina E Hayer
- The Bioinformatics Group, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Manuel Torres-Diz
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - N Adrian Leu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Yogev Sela
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ben Z Stanger
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Christopher J Lengner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Andrei Thomas-Tikhonenko
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
- Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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9
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Kikuchi A, Matsumoto S, Sada R. Dickkopf signaling, beyond Wnt-mediated biology. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2021; 125:55-65. [PMID: 34801396 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2021.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dickkopf1 (DKK1) was originally identified as a secreted protein that antagonizes Wnt signaling. Although DKK1 is essential for the developmental process, its functions in postnatal and adult life are unclear. However, evidence is accumulating that DKK1 is involved in tumorigenesis in a manner unrelated to Wnt signaling. In addition, recent studies have revealed that DKK1 may control immune reactions, although the relationship of this to Wnt signaling is unknown. Other DKK family members, DKK2-4, are likely to have their own functions. Here, we review the possible novel functions of DKKs. We summarize the characteristics of receptors of DKKs and the signaling mechanisms through DKKs and their receptors, provide evidence showing that DKKs are involved in tumor aggressiveness independently of Wnt signaling, and emphasize promising cancer therapies targeting DKKs and receptors. Lastly, we discuss various physiological and pathological processes controlled by DKKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akira Kikuchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan.
| | - Shinji Matsumoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ryota Sada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan; Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (OTRI), Osaka University, 2-2 Yamada-oka, Suita 565-0871, Osaka, Japan
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10
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Wahlin KJ, Cheng J, Jurlina SL, Jones MK, Dash NR, Ogata A, Kibria N, Ray S, Eldred KC, Kim C, Heng JS, Phillips J, Johnston RJ, Gamm DM, Berlinicke C, Zack DJ. CRISPR Generated SIX6 and POU4F2 Reporters Allow Identification of Brain and Optic Transcriptional Differences in Human PSC-Derived Organoids. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:764725. [PMID: 34869356 PMCID: PMC8635054 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.764725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) represent a powerful tool to investigate human eye development and disease. When grown in 3D, they can self-assemble into laminar organized retinas; however, variation in the size, shape and composition of individual organoids exists. Neither the microenvironment nor the timing of critical growth factors driving retinogenesis are fully understood. To explore early retinal development, we developed a SIX6-GFP reporter that enabled the systematic optimization of conditions that promote optic vesicle formation. We demonstrated that early hypoxic growth conditions enhanced SIX6 expression and promoted eye formation. SIX6 expression was further enhanced by sequential inhibition of Wnt and activation of sonic hedgehog signaling. SIX6 + optic vesicles showed RNA expression profiles that were consistent with a retinal identity; however, ventral diencephalic markers were also present. To demonstrate that optic vesicles lead to bona fide "retina-like" structures we generated a SIX6-GFP/POU4F2-tdTomato dual reporter line that labeled the entire developing retina and retinal ganglion cells, respectively. Additional brain regions, including the hypothalamus and midbrain-hindbrain (MBHB) territories were identified by harvesting SIX6 + /POU4F2- and SIX6- organoids, respectively. Using RNAseq to study transcriptional profiles we demonstrated that SIX6-GFP and POU4F2-tdTomato reporters provided a reliable readout for developing human retina, hypothalamus, and midbrain/hindbrain organoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl J. Wahlin
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States,*Correspondence: Karl J. Wahlin,
| | - Jie Cheng
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Shawna L. Jurlina
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Melissa K. Jones
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas R. Dash
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Anna Ogata
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Nawal Kibria
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Sunayan Ray
- Shiley Eye Institute, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Kiara C. Eldred
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Catherine Kim
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jacob S. Heng
- Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Jenny Phillips
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Robert J. Johnston
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - David M. Gamm
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States,McPherson Eye Research Institute, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Cynthia Berlinicke
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Donald J. Zack
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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11
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Arnold F, Mahaddalkar PU, Kraus JM, Zhong X, Bergmann W, Srinivasan D, Gout J, Roger E, Beutel AK, Zizer E, Tharehalli U, Daiss N, Russell R, Perkhofer L, Oellinger R, Lin Q, Azoitei N, Weiss F, Lerch MM, Liebau S, Katz S, Lechel A, Rad R, Seufferlein T, Kestler HA, Ott M, Sharma AD, Hermann PC, Kleger A. Functional Genomic Screening During Somatic Cell Reprogramming Identifies DKK3 as a Roadblock of Organ Regeneration. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2100626. [PMID: 34306986 PMCID: PMC8292873 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202100626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Somatic cell reprogramming and tissue repair share relevant factors and molecular programs. Here, Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) is identified as novel factor for organ regeneration using combined transcription-factor-induced reprogramming and RNA-interference techniques. Loss of Dkk3 enhances the generation of induced pluripotent stem cells but does not affect de novo derivation of embryonic stem cells, three-germ-layer differentiation or colony formation capacity of liver and pancreatic organoids. However, DKK3 expression levels in wildtype animals and serum levels in human patients are elevated upon injury. Accordingly, Dkk3-null mice display less liver damage upon acute and chronic failure mediated by increased proliferation in hepatocytes and LGR5+ liver progenitor cell population, respectively. Similarly, recovery from experimental pancreatitis is accelerated. Regeneration onset occurs in the acinar compartment accompanied by virtually abolished canonical-Wnt-signaling in Dkk3-null animals. This results in reduced expression of the Hedgehog repressor Gli3 and increased Hedgehog-signaling activity upon Dkk3 loss. Collectively, these data reveal Dkk3 as a key regulator of organ regeneration via a direct, previously unacknowledged link between DKK3, canonical-Wnt-, and Hedgehog-signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Arnold
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Pallavi U Mahaddalkar
- Institute for Diabetes and RegenerationHelmholtz Zentrum MünchenIngolstädter Landstraße 185764 NeuherbergGermany
| | - Johann M. Kraus
- Institute of Medical Systems BiologyUlm UniversityAlbert‐Einstein Allee 1189081 UlmGermany
| | - Xiaowei Zhong
- Department of GastroenterologyHepatology and EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolFeodor‐Lynen‐Str. 730625 HannoverGermany
| | - Wendy Bergmann
- Core Facility for Cell Sorting and Cell AnalysisUniversity Medical Center RostockSchillingallee 7018057 RostockGermany
| | - Dharini Srinivasan
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Johann Gout
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Elodie Roger
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Alica K. Beutel
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Eugen Zizer
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Umesh Tharehalli
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Nora Daiss
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Ronan Russell
- Diabetes CenterUniversity of CaliforniaSan FranciscoCA94143USA
| | - Lukas Perkhofer
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Rupert Oellinger
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional GenomicsTranslaTUM Cancer CenterTechnical University of MunichIsmaninger Str. 2281675 MunichGermany
| | - Qiong Lin
- Bayer AG Research & DevelopmentPharmaceuticalsMüllerstraße 17813353 BerlinGermany
| | - Ninel Azoitei
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Frank‐Ulrich Weiss
- Department of Medicine AUniversity Medicine GreifswaldFerdinand‐Sauerbruch‐Straße17475 GreifswaldGermany
| | - Markus M. Lerch
- Department of Medicine AUniversity Medicine GreifswaldFerdinand‐Sauerbruch‐Straße17475 GreifswaldGermany
- Klinikum der Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität München‐GroßhadernMarchioninistraße 1581377 MünchenGermany
| | - Stefan Liebau
- Institute of Neuroanatomy & Developmental Biology INDBEberhard Karls University TübingenÖsterbergstr. 372074 TübingenGermany
| | - Sarah‐Fee Katz
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - André Lechel
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Roland Rad
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional GenomicsTranslaTUM Cancer CenterTechnical University of MunichIsmaninger Str. 2281675 MunichGermany
| | - Thomas Seufferlein
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Hans A. Kestler
- Institute of Medical Systems BiologyUlm UniversityAlbert‐Einstein Allee 1189081 UlmGermany
| | - Michael Ott
- Department of GastroenterologyHepatology and EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolFeodor‐Lynen‐Str. 730625 HannoverGermany
| | - Amar Deep Sharma
- Department of GastroenterologyHepatology and EndocrinologyHannover Medical SchoolFeodor‐Lynen‐Str. 730625 HannoverGermany
| | - Patrick C. Hermann
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
| | - Alexander Kleger
- Department of Internal Medicine IUniversity Hospital UlmAlbert‐Einstein Allee 2389081 UlmGermany
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12
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Kassumeh S, Weber GR, Nobl M, Priglinger SG, Ohlmann A. The neuroprotective role of Wnt signaling in the retina. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1524-1528. [PMID: 33433466 PMCID: PMC8323680 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.303010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been shown to play a major role during embryonic development and maturation of the central nervous system including the retina. It has a significant impact on retinal vessel formation and maturation, as well as on the establishment of synaptic structures and neuronal function in the central nervous system. Mutations in components of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade may lead to severe retinal diseases, while dysregulation of Wnt signaling can contribute to disease progression. Apart from the angiogenic role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, research in the last decades leads to the theory of a protective effect of Wnt/β-catenin signaling on damaged neurons. In this review, we focus on the neuroprotective properties of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway as well as its downstream signaling in the retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kassumeh
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Mathildenstrasse 8, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Gregor R Weber
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Mathildenstrasse 8, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Nobl
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Mathildenstrasse 8, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Siegfried G Priglinger
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Mathildenstrasse 8, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Ohlmann
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Mathildenstrasse 8, 80336 Munich, Germany
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13
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Aghaizu ND, Jin H, Whiting PJ. Dysregulated Wnt Signalling in the Alzheimer's Brain. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E902. [PMID: 33255414 PMCID: PMC7761504 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10120902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt signalling system is essential for both the developing and adult central nervous system. It regulates numerous cellular functions ranging from neurogenesis to blood brain barrier biology. Dysregulated Wnt signalling can thus have significant consequences for normal brain function, which is becoming increasingly clear in Alzheimer's disease (AD), an age-related neurodegenerative disorder that is the most prevalent form of dementia. AD exhibits a range of pathophysiological manifestations including aberrant amyloid precursor protein processing, tau pathology, synapse loss, neuroinflammation and blood brain barrier breakdown, which have been associated to a greater or lesser degree with abnormal Wnt signalling. Here we provide a comprehensive overview of the role of Wnt signalling in the CNS, and the research that implicates dysregulated Wnt signalling in the ageing brain and in AD pathogenesis. We also discuss the opportunities for therapeutic intervention in AD via modulation of the Wnt signalling pathway, and highlight some of the challenges and the gaps in our current understanding that need to be met to enable that goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nozie D. Aghaizu
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - Hanqing Jin
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
| | - Paul J. Whiting
- UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK;
- ARUK Drug Discovery Institute (DDI), University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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14
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Stanchfield ML, Webster SE, Webster MK, Linn CL. Involvement of HB-EGF/Ascl1/Lin28a Genes in Dedifferentiation of Adult Mammalian Müller Glia. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:200. [PMID: 32923455 PMCID: PMC7457012 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies from this lab have determined that dedifferentiation of Müller glia occurs after eye drop application of an α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) agonist, PNU-282987, to the adult rodent eye. PNU-282987 acts on α7 nAChRs on retinal pigment epithelial cells to stimulate production of Müller-derived progenitor cells (MDPCs) and ultimately lead to neurogenesis. This current study was designed to test the hypothesis that the activation of genes involved in the HB-EGF/Ascl1/Lin28a signaling pathway in Müller glia leads to the genesis of MDPCs. RNA-seq was performed on a Müller glial cell line (rMC-1) following contact with supernatant collected from a retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell line treated with PNU-282987. Differentially regulated genes were compared with published literature of Müller glia dedifferentiation that occurs in lower vertebrate regeneration and early mammalian development. HB-EGF was significantly up-regulated by 8 h and expression increased through 12 h. By 48 h, up-regulation of Ascl1 and Lin28a was observed, two genes known to be rapidly induced in dedifferentiating zebrafish Müller glia. Up-regulation of other genes known to be involved in mammalian development and zebrafish regeneration were also observed, as well as down-regulation of some factors necessary for Müller glia cell identity. RNA-seq results were verified using qRT-PCR. Using immunocytochemistry, the presence of markers associated with MDCP identity, Otx2, Nestin, and Vsx2, were found to be expressed in the 48 h treatment group cultures. This study is novel in its demonstration that Müller glia in adult rodents can be induced into regenerative activity by stimulating genes involved in the HB-EGF/Ascl1/Lin28a pathway that leads to MDPCs after introducing conditioned media from PNU-282987 treated RPE. This study furthers our understanding of the mechanism by which Müller glia dedifferentiate in response to PNU-282987 in the adult mammalian retina.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan L Stanchfield
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Sarah E Webster
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Mark K Webster
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
| | - Cindy L Linn
- Department of Biological Sciences, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, United States
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15
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Transcriptome analysis of genes related to gonad differentiation and development in Muscovy ducks. BMC Genomics 2020; 21:438. [PMID: 32590948 PMCID: PMC7318502 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-020-06852-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex-related genes play a crucial role in gonadal differentiation into testes or ovaries. However, the genetic control of gonadal differentiation in Muscovy ducks remains unknown. Therefore, the objective of our study was to screen new candidate genes associated with ovarian and testicular development. RESULTS In this study, 24 males before gonadal differentiation (MB), 24 females before gonadal differentiation (FB), 24 males after gonadal differentiation (MA) and 24 females after gonadal differentiation (FA) were selected from Putian Muscovy ducks, forming 4 groups. RNA-Seq revealed 101.76 Gb of clean reads and 2800 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 46 in MB vs FB, 609 in MA vs FA, 1027 in FA vs FB, and 1118 in MA vs MB. A total of 146 signalling pathways were enriched by KEGG analysis, among which 20, 108, 108 and 116 signalling pathways were obtained in MB vs FB, MA vs MB, MA vs FA and FA vs FB, respectively. In further GO and KEGG analyses, a total of 21 candidate genes related to gonad differentiation and development in Muscovy ducks were screened. Among these, 9 genes were involved in the differentiation and development of the testes, and 12 genes were involved in the differentiation and development of the ovaries. In addition, RNA-Seq data revealed 2744 novel genes. CONCLUSIONS RNA-Seq data revealed 21 genes related to gonadal differentiation and development in Muscovy ducks. We further identified 12 genes, namely, WNT5B, HTRA3, RSPO3, BMP3, HNRNPK, NIPBL, CREB3L4, DKK3, UBE2R2, UBPL3KCMF1, ANXA2, and OSR1, involved in the differentiation and development of ovaries. Moreover, 9 genes, namely, TTN, ATP5A1, DMRT1, DMRT3, AMH, MAP3K1, PIK3R1, AGT and ADAMTSL1, were related to the differentiation and development of testes. Moreover, after gonadal differentiation, DMRT3, AMH, PIK3R1, ADAMTSL1, AGT and TTN were specifically highly expressed in males. WNT5B, ANXA2 and OSR1 were specifically highly expressed in females. These results provide valuable information for studies on the sex control of Muscovy ducks and reveal novel candidate genes for the differentiation and development of testes and ovaries.
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16
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Xu Y, Nowrangi D, Liang H, Wang T, Yu L, Lu T, Lu Z, Zhang JH, Luo B, Tang J. DKK3 attenuates JNK and AP-1 induced inflammation via Kremen-1 and DVL-1 in mice following intracerebral hemorrhage. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:130. [PMID: 32331523 PMCID: PMC7181567 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01794-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most devastating stroke subtype, with a poor prognosis and few proven treatments. Neuroinflammation is associated with ICH-induced brain injury and unfavorable outcomes. There is growing evidence that Dickkopf (DKK) 3 plays a key role in the adaptive anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective responses following intracerebral hemorrhage. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of DKK3 against brain edema and neuroinflammation in a mice model of ICH. METHODS Male, adult CD1 mice were subjected to sham or ICH surgery using a collagenase injection model. ICH animals received either recombinant DKK3, Kremen-1 siRNA, or DVL-1 siRNA. The neurobehavioral deficits were evaluated at 24 h, 72 h, and 28 days after ICH induction. Western blot and immunofluorescence were employed to examine the expression and localization of DKK3, Kremen-1, Dishevelled-1 (DVL-1), c-JUN N-terminal kinase (JNK), Activator protein-1 (AP-1), cleaved caspase-1, NF-κB, and IL-1β in the brain. RESULTS The expression of endogenous DKK3 and DVL-1 was transiently decreased after ICH compared to that in the sham group. Compared to the mice of ICH, exogenous rDKK3 administration reduced the brain water content and affected the neurological functions in ICH mice. Moreover, DKK3 was colocalized with Kremen-1 in microglia. Using a Kremen-1 or DVL-1 siRNA-induced in vivo knockdown approach, we demonstrated that the effects of DKK3 against ICH were mediated, at least partly, by the Kremen-1 and DVL-1 pathways. CONCLUSIONS DKK3 improves the neurological outcomes, potentially by decreasing JNK/AP-1-mediated inflammation, thereby ameliorating the short- and long-term sequelae after ICH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Non-coding RNA Transformation Research of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11041 Campus St, Risley Hall, Room 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
- Department of Neurology, Wannan Medical College First Affiliated Hospital, Wuhu, 241000, Anhui, China
| | - Derek Nowrangi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11041 Campus St, Risley Hall, Room 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Hui Liang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Zhejiang, 310003, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tian Wang
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11041 Campus St, Risley Hall, Room 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Lingyan Yu
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11041 Campus St, Risley Hall, Room 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Tai Lu
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11041 Campus St, Risley Hall, Room 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Zhengyang Lu
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11041 Campus St, Risley Hall, Room 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - John H Zhang
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11041 Campus St, Risley Hall, Room 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA
| | - Benyan Luo
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Qingchun Road 79, Zhejiang, 310003, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jiping Tang
- Department of Basic Sciences, Division of Physiology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11041 Campus St, Risley Hall, Room 219, Loma Linda, CA, 92350, USA.
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17
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Wohl SG, Hooper MJ, Reh TA. MicroRNAs miR-25, let-7 and miR-124 regulate the neurogenic potential of Müller glia in mice. Development 2019; 146:dev179556. [PMID: 31383796 PMCID: PMC6765125 DOI: 10.1242/dev.179556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Müller glial cells (MG) generate retinal progenitor (RPC)-like cells after injury in non-mammalian species, although this does not occur in the mammalian retina. Studies have profiled gene expression in these cells to define genes that may be relevant to their differences in neurogenic potential. However, less is known about differences in micro-RNA (miRNA) expression. In this study, we compared miRNAs from RPCs and MG to identify miRNAs more highly expressed in RPCs, and others more highly expressed in MG. To determine whether these miRNAs are relevant to the difference in neurogenic potential between these two cell types, we tested them in dissociated cultures of MG using either mimics or antagomiRs to increase or reduce expression, respectively. Among the miRNAs tested, miR-25 and miR-124 overexpression, or let-7 antagonism, induced Ascl1 expression and conversion of ∼40% of mature MG into a neuronal/RPC phenotype. Our results suggest that the differences in miRNA expression between MG and RPCs contribute to their difference in neurogenic potential, and that manipulations in miRNAs provide a new tool with which to reprogram MG for retinal regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie G Wohl
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Biological and Vision Sciences, The State University of New York, College of Optometry, New York, NY 10036, USA
| | - Marcus J Hooper
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Thomas A Reh
- Department of Biological Structure, University of Washington, School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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18
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Bhattacharyya S, Feferman L, Tobacman JK. Dihydrotestosterone inhibits arylsulfatase B and Dickkopf Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor (DKK)-3 leading to enhanced Wnt signaling in prostate epithelium in response to stromal Wnt3A. Prostate 2019; 79:689-700. [PMID: 30801800 DOI: 10.1002/pros.23776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In tissue microarrays, immunostaining of the enzyme arylsulfatase B (ARSB; N-acetylgalactosamine-4-sulfatase) was less in recurrent prostate cancers and in cancers with higher Gleason scores. In cultured prostate stem cells, decline in ARSB increased Wnt signaling through effects on Dickkopf Wnt Signaling Pathway Inhibitor (DKK)3. The effects of androgen exposure on ARSB and the impact of decline in ARSB on Wnt signaling in prostate tissue were unknown. METHODS Epithelial and stromal tissues from malignant and normal human prostate were obtained by laser capture microdissection. mRNA expression of ARSB, galactose-6-sulfate-sulfatase (GALNS) and Wnt-signaling targets was determined by QPCR. Non-malignant human epithelial and stromal prostate cells were grown in tissue culture, including two-cell layer cultures. ARSB was silenced by specific siRNA, and epithelial cells were treated with stromal spent media following treatment with IWP-2, an inhibitor of Wnt secretion, and by exogenous recombinant human Wnt3A. Promoter methylation was detected using specific DKK3 and ARSB promoter primers. The effects of DHT and of ARSB overexpression on DKK expression were determined. Cell proliferation was assessed by BrdU incorporation. RESULTS Normal stroma showed higher expression of vimentin, ARSB, and Wnt3A than epithelium. Normal epithelium had higher expression of E-cadherin, galactose 6-sulfate-sulfatase (GALNS), and DKK3 than stroma. In malignant epithelium, expression of ARSB and DKK3 declined, and expression of GALNS and Wnt signaling targets increased. In cultured prostate epithelial cells, Wnt-mediated signaling was greatest when ARSB was silenced and cells were exposed to exogenous Wnt3A. Exposure to 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) increased ARSB and DKK3 promoter rmethylation, and effects of DHT on DKK3 expression were reversed when ARSB was overexpressed. CONCLUSIONS Androgen-induced declines in ARSB and DKK3 may contribute to prostate carcinogenesis by sustained activation of Wnt signaling in prostate epithelium in response to stromal Wnt3A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Bhattacharyya
- Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago and Jesse Brown VAMC, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Leo Feferman
- Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago and Jesse Brown VAMC, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Joanne K Tobacman
- Department of Medicine, The University of Illinois at Chicago and Jesse Brown VAMC, Chicago, Illinois
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19
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Brown BA, Connolly GM, Mill CEJ, Williams H, Angelini GD, Johnson JL, George SJ. Aging differentially modulates the Wnt pro-survival signalling pathways in vascular smooth muscle cells. Aging Cell 2019; 18:e12844. [PMID: 30548452 PMCID: PMC6351844 DOI: 10.1111/acel.12844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 08/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously reported pro-survival effects of Wnt3a and Wnt5a proteins in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Wnt5a achieved this through induction of Wnt1-inducible signalling pathway protein-1 (WISP-1) consequent to β-catenin/CREB-dependent, TCF-independent, signalling. However, we found that as atherosclerosis advances, although Wnt5a protein was increased, WISP-1 was reduced. We hypothesized this disconnect could be due to aging. In this study, we elucidate the mechanism underlying Wnt3a pro-survival signalling and demonstrate the differential effect of age on Wnt3a- and Wnt5a-mediated survival. We show Wnt3a protein was expressed in human atherosclerotic coronary arteries and co-located with macrophages and VSMCs. Meanwhile, Wnt3a stimulation of primary mouse VSMCs increased β-catenin nuclear translocation and TCF, but not CREB, activation. Wnt3a increased mRNA expression of the pro-survival factor WISP-2 in a TCF-dependent manner. Functionally, β-catenin/TCF inhibition or WISP-2 neutralization significantly impaired Wnt3a-mediated VSMC survival. WISP-2 was upregulated in human atherosclerosis and partly co-localized with Wnt3a. The pro-survival action of Wnt3a was effective in VSMCs from young (2 month) and old (18-20 month) mice, whereas Wnt5a-mediated rescue was impaired with age. Further investigation revealed that although Wnt5a induced β-catenin nuclear translocation in VSMCs from both ages, CREB phosphorylation and WISP-1 upregulation did not occur in old VSMCs. Unlike Wnt5a, pro-survival Wnt3a signalling involves β-catenin/TCF and WISP-2. While Wnt3a-mediated survival was unchanged with age, Wnt5a-mediated survival was lost due to impaired CREB activation and WISP-1 regulation. Greater understanding of the effect of age on Wnt signalling may identify targets to promote VSMC survival in elderly patients with atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bethan A. Brown
- Bristol Medical School University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary Bristol UK
| | - Georgia M. Connolly
- Bristol Medical School University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary Bristol UK
| | - Carina E. J. Mill
- Bristol Medical School University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary Bristol UK
| | - Helen Williams
- Bristol Medical School University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary Bristol UK
| | - Gianni D. Angelini
- Bristol Medical School University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary Bristol UK
| | - Jason L. Johnson
- Bristol Medical School University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary Bristol UK
| | - Sarah J. George
- Bristol Medical School University of Bristol, Bristol Royal Infirmary Bristol UK
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20
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Zhou L, Husted H, Moore T, Lu M, Deng D, Liu Y, Ramachandran V, Arumugam T, Niehrs C, Wang H, Chiao P, Ling J, Curran MA, Maitra A, Hung MC, Lee JE, Logsdon CD, Hwang RF. Suppression of stromal-derived Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) inhibits tumor progression and prolongs survival in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Sci Transl Med 2018; 10:eaat3487. [PMID: 30355799 PMCID: PMC6752716 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aat3487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a dismal prognosis, and it is unclear whether its stromal infiltrate contributes to its aggressiveness. Here, we demonstrate that Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) is produced by pancreatic stellate cells and is present in most human PDAC. DKK3 stimulates PDAC growth, metastasis, and resistance to chemotherapy with both paracrine and autocrine mechanisms through NF-κB activation. Genetic ablation of DKK3 in an autochthonous model of PDAC inhibited tumor growth, induced a peritumoral infiltration of CD8+ T cells, and more than doubled survival. Treatment with a DKK3-blocking monoclonal antibody inhibited PDAC progression and chemoresistance and prolonged survival. The combination of DKK3 inhibition with immune checkpoint inhibition was more effective in reducing tumor growth than either treatment alone and resulted in a durable improvement in survival, suggesting that DKK3 neutralization may be effective as a single targeted agent or in combination with chemotherapy or immunotherapy for PDAC.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
- Animals
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Neutralizing/therapeutic use
- Autocrine Communication/drug effects
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Pancreatic Ductal/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Chemokines
- Deoxycytidine/analogs & derivatives
- Deoxycytidine/pharmacology
- Deoxycytidine/therapeutic use
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Progression
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Gene Silencing
- Humans
- Immunotherapy
- Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Nude
- NF-kappa B/metabolism
- Neutralization Tests
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Pancreatic Neoplasms/pathology
- Pancreatic Stellate Cells/drug effects
- Pancreatic Stellate Cells/metabolism
- Pancreatic Stellate Cells/pathology
- Paracrine Communication/drug effects
- Survival Analysis
- Gemcitabine
- Pancreatic Neoplasms
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Affiliation(s)
- Liran Zhou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hongmei Husted
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Todd Moore
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mason Lu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Defeng Deng
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Vijaya Ramachandran
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Thiruvengadam Arumugam
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Christof Niehrs
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Paul Chiao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jianhua Ling
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Michael A Curran
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Anirban Maitra
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jeffrey E Lee
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Craig D Logsdon
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rosa F Hwang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
- Department of Breast Surgical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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21
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Vashistha H, Marrero L, Reiss K, Cohen AJ, Malhotra A, Javed T, Bradley A, Abbruscato F, Giusti S, Jimenez A, Mehra S, Kaushal D, Giorgio M, Pelicci PG, Kakoki M, Singhal PC, Bunnell B, Meggs LG. Aging phenotype(s) in kidneys of diabetic mice are p66ShcA dependent. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2018; 315:F1833-F1842. [PMID: 30207172 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00608.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The p66ShcA protein controls cellular responses to oxidative stress, senescence, and apoptosis. Here, we test the hypothesis that aging phenotype(s) commonly associated with the broad category of chronic kidney disease are accelerated in diabetic kidneys and linked to the p66ShcA locus. At the organ level, tissue stem cells antagonize senescent phenotypes by replacing old dysfunctional cells. Using established methods, we isolated a highly purified population of stem cell antigen-1-positive mesenchymal stem cells (Sca-1+ MSCs) from kidneys of wild-type (WT) and p66 knockout (p66 KO) mice. Cells were plated in culture medium containing normal glucose (NG) or high glucose (HG). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism was substantially increased in WT MSCs in HG medium in association with increased cell death by apoptosis and acquisition of the senescent phenotype. DNA microarray analysis detected striking differences in the expression profiles of WT and p66 KO-MSCs in HG medium. Unexpectedly, the analysis for p66 KO-MSCs revealed upregulation of Wnt genes implicated in self-renewal and differentiation. To test the in vivo consequences of constitutive p66 expression in diabetic kidneys, we crossed the Akita diabetic mouse with the p66KO mouse. Homozygous mutation at the p66 locus delays or prevents aging phenotype(s) in the kidney that may be precursors to diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Vashistha
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Health System , New Orleans, Louisiana.,Neurological Cancer Research, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - L Marrero
- Neurological Cancer Research, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - K Reiss
- Neurological Cancer Research, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - A J Cohen
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Health System , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - A Malhotra
- Immunology and Inflammation Center, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Manhasset, New York, New York
| | - T Javed
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Health System , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - A Bradley
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Health System , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - F Abbruscato
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Health System , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - S Giusti
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Health System , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - A Jimenez
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Health System , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - S Mehra
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane Primate Center, Tulane University , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - D Kaushal
- Department of Microbiology, Tulane Primate Center, Tulane University , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - M Giorgio
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology , Milan , Italy
| | - P G Pelicci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology , Milan , Italy
| | - M Kakoki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory of Medicine, University of North Carolina , Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - P C Singhal
- Immunology and Inflammation Center, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research and Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra-Northwell, Manhasset, New York, New York
| | - B Bunnell
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Tulane University , New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - L G Meggs
- Institute of Translational Research, Ochsner Health System , New Orleans, Louisiana.,Neurological Cancer Research, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center , New Orleans, Louisiana
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22
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Busceti CL, Di Menna L, Bianchi F, Mastroiacovo F, Di Pietro P, Traficante A, Bozza G, Niehrs C, Battaglia G, Bruno V, Fornai F, Volpe M, Rubattu S, Nicoletti F. Dickkopf-3 Causes Neuroprotection by Inducing Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:292. [PMID: 30258353 PMCID: PMC6143799 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dickkopf-3 (Dkk3) is an atypical member of the Dkk family of Wnt inhibitors, which has been implicated in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. However, the role of Dkk3 in mechanisms of cell degeneration and protection is unknown. We used Dkk3 knockout mice to examine how endogenous Dkk3 influences ischemic brain damage. In addition, we used primary cultures of astrocytes or mixed cultures of astrocytes and neurons to investigate the action of Dkk3 on cell damage and dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms. In a model of focal brain ischemia induced by permanent middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion (MCAO) Dkk3−/− mice showed a significantly greater infarct size with respect to their wild-type counterparts at all time points investigated (1, 3 and 7 days after MCAO). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that Dkk3 expression was enhanced at the borders of the ischemic focus, and was predominantly detected in astrocytes. This raised the possibility that Dkk3 produced by astrocytes acted as a protective molecule. We tested this hypothesis using either primary cultures of cortical astrocytes or mixed cortical cultures containing both neurons and astrocytes. Genetic deletion of Dkk3 was permissive to astrocyte damage induced by either oxidative stress or glucose deprivation. In addition, application of human recombinant Dkk3 (hrDkk3) was highly protective against oxidative stress in cultured astrocytes. We tested the hypothesis that the protective activity of Dkk3 was mediated byvascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Interestingly, glucose deprivation up-regulated both Dkk3 and VEGF in cultured astrocytes prepared from wild-type mice. VEGF induction was not observed in astrocytes lacking Dkk3 (i.e., in cultures prepared from Dkk3−/− mice). In mixed cultures of cortical cells, excitotoxic neuronal death induced by a brief pulse with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) was significantly enhanced when Dkk3 was lacking in astrocytes, whereas post-NMDA addition of hrDkk3 was neuroprotective. Neuroprotection by hrDkk3 was significantly reduced by pharmacological blockade of type-2 VEGF receptors and was mimicked by hrVEGF. These data offer the first evidence that Dkk3 protects both neurons and astrocytes against a variety of toxic insults, and at least in culture, protection involves VEGF induction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Christof Niehrs
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Allianz, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Valeria Bruno
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Volpe
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Speranza Rubattu
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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23
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Characterization of canonical Wnt signalling changes after induced disruption of Müller cell in murine retina. Exp Eye Res 2018; 175:173-180. [PMID: 29913166 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2018.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Revised: 06/06/2018] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Müller cells are the primary glia in the retina, playing a critical role in retinal homeostasis and retinal pathology. This study evaluated the canonical Wnt signalling pathway and its downstream effects on retinal degeneration in a transgenic mouse model of inducible Müller cell disruption. Increased expression of the LacZ reporter gene in the retina suggested Wnt signalling had been activated after induced Müller cell disruption. Activation was validated by observing nuclear translocation of β-Catenin. The mRNA expression of 80 Wnt related genes were assessed using real-time PCR. The Wnt signalling inhibitors Dkk1, Dkk3 and sFRP3 were significantly downregulated. Furthermore, the ubiquitin-mediated β-Catenin proteolysis genes β-TrCP and SHFM3, were also significantly downregulated. The downstream target genes of the Wnt signalling, including Fra1, CyclinD2 and C-Myc were upregulated. The changes of these genes at the protein level were validated by Western blot. Their distributions in the retina were evaluated by immunofluorescent staining. Our findings indicate that Müller cells are involved in retinal Wnt signalling. Activation of Wnt signalling and its downstream target genes may play important roles in photoreceptor degeneration and neovascularization occurring in the retina after induced disruption of Müller cells.
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24
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Toledo EM, Gyllborg D, Arenas E. Translation of WNT developmental programs into stem cell replacement strategies for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:4716-4724. [PMID: 28547771 PMCID: PMC5727333 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signalling is a highly conserved pathway across species that is critical for normal development and is deregulated in multiple disorders including cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Wnt signalling is critically required for midbrain dopaminergic (mDA) neuron development and maintenance. Understanding the molecular processes controlled by Wnt signalling may thus hold the key to understand the physiopathology and to develop novel therapies aimed at preventing the loss of mDA neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). Pharmacological tools to activate Wnt signalling have been used to translate in vivo developmental processes into protocols for the generation of bona fide mDA neurons from human pluripotent stem cells. Moreover, these protocols are currently being fine-tuned to generate mDA neurons for clinical trials in PD. At the same time, a vast amount of molecular details of Wnt signalling continues to emerge and remains to be implemented into new protocols. We hereby review novel pharmacological tools to activate Wnt signalling and how single-cell RNA-sequencing is contributing to unravel the complexity of this pathway in the developing human ventral midbrain, generating novel hypotheses and identifying new players and opportunities to further improve cell replacement therapy for PD. 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)
- Enrique M Toledo
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Daniel Gyllborg
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
| | - Ernest Arenas
- Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Medical Biochemistry and BiophysicsKarolinska InstitutetStockholmSweden
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25
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Yoo HN, Park KH, Jung EY, Kim YM, Kook SY, Jeon SJ. Non-invasive prediction of preterm birth in women with cervical insufficiency or an asymptomatic short cervix (≤25 mm) by measurement of biomarkers in the cervicovaginal fluid. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0180878. [PMID: 28700733 PMCID: PMC5507270 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0180878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To determine whether various proteins in the cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) known to be involved in immune regulation, alone or in combination with clinical risk factors, can predict spontaneous preterm delivery (SPTD) in women with cervical insufficiency or a short cervix (≤25 mm). METHODS This retrospective cohort study included 62 asymptomatic women with cervical insufficiency (n = 27) or an asymptomatic short cervix (n = 35) at 18-27 weeks. CVF swab samples were taken for assays of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP), interleukin (IL)-8, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, and Dickkopf-related protein 3 (DKK3) before cervical examination, and maternal blood was collected for the determination of the C-reactive protein (CRP) level. The primary outcome measurement was SPTD at <32 weeks of gestation. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curves were used for the statistical analyses. RESULTS The rate of SPTD at <32 weeks was 40.3% (25/62). The CVF levels of VDBP, TIMP-1, and DKK3, but not IL-8 and MMP-9, were significantly higher in the women who had SPTD at <32 weeks than in those who did not deliver spontaneously at <32 weeks. The women who had SPTD at <32 weeks had a significantly more advanced cervical dilatation at presentation and a higher level of serum CRP. Using the stepwise regression analysis, a prediction model was developed by combining various proteins in the CVF and clinical factors, resulting in the inclusion of cervical dilatation, CVF VDBP, and use of corticosteroids (area under curve, 0.909). CONCLUSIONS In women with cervical insufficiency or a short cervix, VDBP, TIMP-1, and DKK3 in the CVF may be useful as non-invasive predictors of SPTD at <32 weeks. A combination of these markers and clinical factors appears to improve the predictability of SPTD compared with the markers alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ha-Na Yoo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Kyo Hoon Park
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
- * E-mail:
| | - Eun Young Jung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Yu Mi Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Song Yi Kook
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
| | - Se Jeong Jeon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea
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26
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Kikuchi A, Fumoto K, Kimura H. The Dickkopf1-cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 axis creates a novel signalling pathway and may represent a molecular target for cancer therapy. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:4651-4665. [PMID: 28514532 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Revised: 04/28/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Dickkopf 1 (DKK1) is a secreted protein and antagonizes oncogenic Wnt signalling by binding to the Wnt co-receptor, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6. DKK1 has also been suggested to regulate its own signalling, associated with tumour aggressiveness. However, the underlying mechanism by which DKK1 promotes cancer cell proliferation has remained to be clarified for a long time. The cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4), originally identified as an endoplasmic reticulum membrane protein, was recently found to act as a novel DKK1 receptor. DKK1 stimulates cancer cell proliferation when CKAP4 is expressed on the cell surface membrane. Although there are no tyrosine residues in the intracellular region of CKAP4, CKAP4 forms a complex with PI3K upon the binding of DKK1, leading to the activation of Akt. Both DKK1 and CKAP4 are frequently expressed in pancreatic and lung tumours, and their simultaneous expression is negatively correlated with prognosis. Knockdown of CKAP4 in cancer cells and treatment of mice with the anti-CKAP4 antibody inhibit Akt activity in cancer cells and suppress xenograft tumour formation, suggesting that CKAP4 may represent a therapeutic target for cancers expressing both DKK1 and CKAP4. This review will provide details of the novel DKK1-CKAP4 signalling axis that promotes cancer proliferation and discuss the possibility of targeting this pathway in future cancer drug development. 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)
- Akira Kikuchi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Katsumi Fumoto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Kimura
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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27
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Qui S, Kano J, Noguchi M. Dickkopf 3 attenuates xanthine dehydrogenase expression to prevent oxidative stress-induced apoptosis. Genes Cells 2017; 22:406-417. [PMID: 28299863 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Dickkopf (DKK) 3 is a DKK glycoprotein family member that controls cell fate during embryogenesis and exerts opposing effects on survival in a cell type-dependent manner; however, the mechanisms governing its pro-apoptosis versus pro-survival functions remain unclear. Here, we investigated DKK3 function in Li21 hepatoma cells and tPH5CH immortalized hepatocytes. DKK3 knockdown by siRNA resulted in reactive oxygen species accumulation and subsequent apoptosis, which were abrogated by administration of the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine. Moreover, forced DKK3 over-expression induced resistance to hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 )-induced apoptosis. Expression analysis by cDNA microarray showed that xanthine dehydrogenase (XDH) expression was significantly lower in Li21 and tPH5CHDKK3-over-expressing cells in response to H2 O2 treatment when compared to that in their respective mock-transfected controls, whereas a marked increase was observed in H2 O2 -treated DKK3 knockdown cells. Thus, these data suggest that DKK3 promotes cell survival during oxidative stress by suppressing the expression of the superoxide-producing enzyme XDH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Qui
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Junko Kano
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
| | - Masayuki Noguchi
- Department of Diagnostic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8575, Japan
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28
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Cheng WL, Yang Y, Zhang XJ, Guo J, Gong J, Gong FH, She ZG, Huang Z, Xia H, Li H. Dickkopf-3 Ablation Attenuates the Development of Atherosclerosis in ApoE-Deficient Mice. J Am Heart Assoc 2017; 6:JAHA.116.004690. [PMID: 28219919 PMCID: PMC5523766 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.116.004690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Background Dickkopf‐3 (DKK3) is a negative regulator of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, which is involved in inflammation. However, little is known about the relationship between DKK3 expression and the progression of atherosclerosis. The aim of the present study was to define the role of DKK3 and its potential mechanism in the development of atherosclerosis. Methods and Results Immunofluorescence analysis showed that DKK3 was strongly expressed in macrophages of atherosclerotic plaques from patients with coronary heart disease and in hyperlipidemic mice. The expression level was significantly increased in atherogenesis. DKK3−/−ApoE−/− mice exhibited a significant decrease in atherosclerotic lesions in the entire aorta, aortic sinus, and brachiocephalic arteries. Transplantation of bone marrow from DKK3−/−ApoE−/− mice into lethally irradiated ApoE−/− recipients resulted in a reduction of atherosclerotic lesions, compared with the lesions in recipients transplanted with ApoE−/− donor cells, suggesting that the effect of DKK3 deficiency was largely mediated by bone marrow–derived cells. A reduction in the necrotic core size, accompanied by increased collagen content and smooth muscle cells and decreased accumulation of macrophages and lipids, contributed to the stability of plaques in DKK3−/−ApoE−/− mice. Furthermore, multiple proinflammatory cytokines exhibited marked decreases in DKK3−/−ApoE−/− mice. Finally, we observed that DKK3 ablation increased β‐catenin expression in the nuclei of macrophages both in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions DKK3 expression in macrophages is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis through modulation of inflammation and inactivation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Lin Cheng
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,The Institute of Model Animals of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,The Institute of Model Animals of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Junhong Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,The Institute of Model Animals of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Gong
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,The Institute of Model Animals of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fu-Han Gong
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhi-Gang She
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,The Institute of Model Animals of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zan Huang
- College of Life Science, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hao Xia
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China .,Cardiovascular Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China .,The Institute of Model Animals of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Medical Research Institute, School of Medicine, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Wong CH, Li YJ, Chen YC. Therapeutic potential of targeting acinar cell reprogramming in pancreatic cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:7046-57. [PMID: 27610015 PMCID: PMC4988312 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i31.7046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a common pancreatic cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer death in the United States. Treating this life-threatening disease remains challenging due to the lack of effective prognosis, diagnosis and therapy. Apart from pancreatic duct cells, acinar cells may also be the origin of PDAC. During pancreatitis or combined with activating KRas(G12D) mutation, acinar cells lose their cellular identity and undergo a transdifferentiation process called acinar-to-ductal-metaplasia (ADM), forming duct cells which may then transform into pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and eventually PDAC. During ADM, the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases, Wnt, Notch and phosphatidylinositide 3-kinases/Akt signaling inhibits the transcription of acinar-specific genes, including Mist and amylase, but promotes the expression of ductal genes, such as cytokeratin-19. Inhibition of this transdifferentiation process hinders the development of PanIN and PDAC. In addition, the transdifferentiated cells regain acinar identity, indicating ADM may be a reversible process. This provides a new therapeutic direction in treating PDAC through cancer reprogramming. Many studies have already demonstrated the success of switching PanIN/PDAC back to normal cells through the use of PD325901, the expression of E47, and the knockdown of Dickkopf-3. In this review, we discuss the signaling pathways involved in ADM and the therapeutic potential of targeting reprogramming in order to treat PDAC.
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Bhavanasi D, Speer KF, Klein PS. CKAP4 is identified as a receptor for Dickkopf in cancer cells. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:2419-21. [PMID: 27322056 DOI: 10.1172/jci88620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The secretory protein Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) is a known Wnt antagonist and has been shown to suppress tumorigenesis in some cancer cells; however, it is also upregulated in many types of cancer and associated with poor prognosis. Wnt-independent mechanisms by which DKK-1 promotes cancer cell proliferation are not well understood. In this issue of the JCI, Kimura and colleagues demonstrate that DKK-1 interacts with cytoskeleton-associated protein 4 (CKAP4) to promote activation of AKT. They show that both DKK-1 and CKAP4 are frequently upregulated in pancreatic and lung cancers. Importantly, targeting this interaction with an anti-CKAP4 antibody prevented tumor formation in murine xenograft models. These results identify a previously unrecognized DKK-1-mediated pathway and suggest CKAP4 as a potential therapeutic target for certain cancers.
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Snelling SJB, Davidson RK, Swingler TE, Le LTT, Barter MJ, Culley KL, Price A, Carr AJ, Clark IM. Dickkopf-3 is upregulated in osteoarthritis and has a chondroprotective role. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2016; 24:883-91. [PMID: 26687825 PMCID: PMC4863878 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2015.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Dickkopf-3 (Dkk3) is a non-canonical member of the Dkk family of Wnt antagonists and its upregulation has been reported in microarray analysis of cartilage from mouse models of osteoarthritis (OA). In this study we assessed Dkk3 expression in human OA cartilage to ascertain its potential role in chondrocyte signaling and cartilage maintenance. METHODS Dkk3 expression was analysed in human adult OA cartilage and synovial tissues and during chondrogenesis of ATDC5 and human mesenchymal stem cells. The role of Dkk3 in cartilage maintenance was analysed by incubation of bovine and human cartilage explants with interleukin-1β (IL1β) and oncostatin-M (OSM). Dkk3 gene expression was measured in cartilage following murine hip avulsion. Whether Dkk3 influenced Wnt, TGFβ and activin cell signaling was assessed in primary human chondrocytes and SW1353 chondrosarcoma cells using qRT-PCR and luminescence assays. RESULTS Increased gene and protein levels of Dkk3 were detected in human OA cartilage, synovial tissue and synovial fluid. DKK3 gene expression was decreased during chondrogenesis of both ATDC5 cells and humans MSCs. Dkk3 inhibited IL1β and OSM-mediated proteoglycan loss from human and bovine cartilage explants and collagen loss from bovine cartilage explants. Cartilage DKK3 expression was decreased following hip avulsion injury. TGFβ signaling was enhanced by Dkk3 whilst Wnt3a and activin signaling were inhibited. CONCLUSIONS We provide evidence that Dkk3 is upregulated in OA and may have a protective effect on cartilage integrity by preventing proteoglycan loss and helping to restore OA-relevant signaling pathway activity. Targeting Dkk3 may be a novel approach in the treatment of OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- S J B Snelling
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - R K Davidson
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - T E Swingler
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - L T T Le
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
| | - M J Barter
- Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK
| | - K L Culley
- Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - A Price
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - A J Carr
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - I M Clark
- School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK
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Key role of Dkk3 protein in inhibition of cancer cell proliferation: An in silico identification. J Theor Biol 2016; 393:98-104. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2015.12.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 11/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Dkk3 prevents familial dilated cardiomyopathy development through Wnt pathway. J Transl Med 2016; 96:239-48. [PMID: 26641069 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2015.145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Revised: 09/18/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, the role of Dickkopf 3 (Dkk3) on the pathogenesis of familial dilated cardiomyopathy (FDCM), and whether and how Dkk3 interferes with Wnt signaling in heart tissues remains unknown. Here, we demonstrate that strong Dkk3 expression was markedly downregulated in adult hearts from WT mice, and Dkk3 expression was upregulated suddenly in hearts from DCM mouse models. Using Dkk3 transgenic and knockout mice, as well as cTnT(R141W) transgenic mice, which manifests progressive chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction and has pathologic phenotypes similar to human DCM patients, we determined that transgenic expression of Dkk3 increased survival rate, improved cardiac morphology breakage and dysfunction, and ameliorated cardiac pathological changes in the cTnT(R141W) mice. In contrast, Dkk3 knockout reduced the survival rate and aggravated the pathological phenotypes of the cTnT(R141W) mice. The protective effects of Dkk3 appeared clearly at 3 months of age, peaked at 6 months of age, and decreased at 10 months of age in the cTnT(R141W) mice. Furthermore, we determined that Dkk3 upregulated Dvl1 (Dishevelled 1) and key proteins of the canonical Wnt pathway (cytoplasmic and nuclear β-catenin, c-Myc, and Axin2) and downregulated key proteins of the noncanonical Wnt pathway (c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CAMKII), and histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4)). In contrast, Dkk3 knockout reversed these changes in the cTnT(R141W) mice. In summary, Dkk3 could prevent FDCM development in mice, especially in the compensatory stage, and probably through activation of the canonical and inhibition of the noncanonical Wnt pathway, which suggested that Dkk3 could serve as a therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiomyopathy and heart failure.
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Utreja A, Dyment NA, Yadav S, Villa MM, Li Y, Jiang X, Nanda R, Rowe DW. Cell and matrix response of temporomandibular cartilage to mechanical loading. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2016; 24:335-44. [PMID: 26362410 PMCID: PMC4757844 DOI: 10.1016/j.joca.2015.08.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/18/2015] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The generation of transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent proteins (GFPs) has greatly aided our understanding of the development of connective tissues such as bone and cartilage. Perturbation of a biological system such as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) within its adaptive remodeling capacity is particularly useful in analyzing cellular lineage progression. The objectives of this study were to determine: (i) if GFP reporters expressed in the TMJ indicate the different stages of cell maturation in fibrocartilage and (ii) how mechanical loading affects cellular response in different regions of the cartilage. DESIGN/METHODS Four-week-old transgenic mice harboring combinations of fluorescent reporters (Dkk3-eGFP, Col1a1(3.6 kb)-GFPcyan, Col1a1(3.6 kb)-GFPtpz, Col2a1-GFPcyan, and Col10a1-RFPcherry) were used to analyze the expression pattern of transgenes in the mandibular condylar cartilage (MCC). To study the effect of TMJ loading, animals were subjected to forced mouth opening with custom springs exerting 50 g force for 1 h/day for 5 days. Dynamic mineralization and cellular proliferation (EdU-labeling) were assessed in loaded vs control mice. RESULTS Dkk3 expression was seen in the superficial zone of the MCC, followed by Col1 in the cartilage zone, Col2 in the prehypertrophic zone, and Col10 in the hypertrophic zone at and below the tidemark. TMJ loading increased expression of the GFP reporters and EdU-labeling of cells in the cartilage, resulting in a thickness increase of all layers of the cartilage. In addition, mineral apposition increased resulting in Col10 expression by unmineralized cells above the tidemark. CONCLUSION The TMJ responded to static loading by forming thicker cartilage through adaptive remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Utreja
- Department of Orthodontics and Oral Facial Genetics, Indiana University School of Dentistry, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - N A Dyment
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - S Yadav
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - M M Villa
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Y Li
- Biology Department, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT 06117, USA
| | - X Jiang
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - R Nanda
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06032, USA
| | - D W Rowe
- Center for Regenerative Medicine and Skeletal Development, School of Dental Medicine, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT 06032, USA.
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Dickkopf 3 Promotes the Differentiation of a Rostrolateral Midbrain Dopaminergic Neuronal Subset In Vivo and from Pluripotent Stem Cells In Vitro in the Mouse. J Neurosci 2015; 35:13385-401. [PMID: 26424886 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1722-15.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Wingless-related MMTV integration site 1 (WNT1)/β-catenin signaling plays a crucial role in the generation of mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons, including the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) subpopulation that preferentially degenerates in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the precise functions of WNT1/β-catenin signaling in this context remain unknown. Stem cell-based regenerative (transplantation) therapies for PD have not been implemented widely in the clinical context, among other reasons because of the heterogeneity and incomplete differentiation of the transplanted cells. This might result in tumor formation and poor integration of the transplanted cells into the dopaminergic circuitry of the brain. Dickkopf 3 (DKK3) is a secreted glycoprotein implicated in the modulation of WNT/β-catenin signaling. Using mutant mice, primary ventral midbrain cells, and pluripotent stem cells, we show that DKK3 is necessary and sufficient for the correct differentiation of a rostrolateral mdDA neuron subset. Dkk3 transcription in the murine ventral midbrain coincides with the onset of mdDA neurogenesis and is required for the activation and/or maintenance of LMX1A (LIM homeobox transcription factor 1α) and PITX3 (paired-like homeodomain transcription factor 3) expression in the corresponding mdDA precursor subset, without affecting the proliferation or specification of their progenitors. Notably, the treatment of differentiating pluripotent stem cells with recombinant DKK3 and WNT1 proteins also increases the proportion of mdDA neurons with molecular SNc DA cell characteristics in these cultures. The specific effects of DKK3 on the differentiation of rostrolateral mdDA neurons in the murine ventral midbrain, together with its known prosurvival and anti-tumorigenic properties, make it a good candidate for the improvement of regenerative and neuroprotective strategies in the treatment of PD. Significance statement: We show here that Dickkopf 3 (DKK3), a secreted modulator of WNT (Wingless-related MMTV integration site)/β-catenin signaling, is both necessary and sufficient for the proper differentiation and survival of a rostrolateral (parabrachial pigmented nucleus and dorsomedial substantia nigra pars compacta) mesodiencephalic dopaminergic neuron subset, using Dkk3 mutant mice and murine primary ventral midbrain and pluripotent stem cells. The progressive loss of these dopamine-producing mesodiencephalic neurons is a hallmark of human Parkinson's disease, which can up to now not be halted by clinical treatments of this disease. Thus, the soluble DKK3 protein might be a promising new agent for the improvement of current protocols for the directed differentiation of pluripotent and multipotent stem cells into mesodiencephalic dopaminergic neurons and for the promotion of their survival in situ.
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Neely BA, Soper JL, Gulland FMD, Bell PD, Kindy M, Arthur JM, Janech MG. Proteomic analysis of cerebrospinal fluid in California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) with domoic acid toxicosis identifies proteins associated with neurodegeneration. Proteomics 2015; 15:4051-63. [DOI: 10.1002/pmic.201500167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2015] [Revised: 08/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin A. Neely
- Department of Medicine; Division of Nephrology; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
| | | | | | - P. Darwin Bell
- Department of Medicine; Division of Nephrology; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
| | - Mark Kindy
- Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences Center; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
- Department of Veterans’ Affairs; Research Service; Charleston SC USA
| | - John M. Arthur
- Department of Internal Medicine; Division of Nephrology; University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences; Little Rock AR USA
| | - Michael G. Janech
- Department of Medicine; Division of Nephrology; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
- Marine Biomedicine and Environmental Sciences Center; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
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Guo Q, Qin W. DKK3 blocked translocation of β-catenin/EMT induced by hypoxia and improved gemcitabine therapeutic effect in pancreatic cancer Bxpc-3 cell. J Cell Mol Med 2015; 19:2832-41. [PMID: 26395974 PMCID: PMC4687707 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2015] [Accepted: 08/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway is activated in pancreatic cancer initiation and progression. Dickkopf-related protein 3 (DKK3) is a member of the human Dickkopf family and an antagonist of Wnt ligand activity. However, the function of DKK3 in this pathway in pancreatic cancer is rarely known. We examined the expression of DKK3 in six human pancreatic cancer cell lines, 75 pancreatic cancer and 75 adjacent non-cancerous tissues. Dickkopf-related protein 3 was frequently silenced and methylation in pancreatic cancer cell lines (3/6). The expression of DKK3 was significantly lower in pancreatic cancer tissues than in adjacent normal pancreas tissues. Further, ectopic expression of DKK3 inhibits nuclear translocation of β-catenin induced by hypoxia in pancreatic cancer Bxpc-3 cell. The forced expression of DKK3 markedly suppressed migration and the stem cell-like phenotype of pancreatic cancer Bxpc-3 cell in hypoxic conditions through reversing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The stable expression of DKK3 sensitizes pancreatic cancer Bxpc-3 cell to gemcitabine, delays tumour growth and augments gemcitabine therapeutic effect in pancreatic cancer xenotransplantation model. Thus, we conclude from our finding that DKK3 is a tumour suppressor and improved gemcitabine therapeutic effect through inducing apoptosis and regulating β-catenin/EMT signalling in pancreatic cancer Bxpc-3 cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingqu Guo
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Qin
- Department of Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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Drelon C, Berthon A, Mathieu M, Martinez A, Val P. Adrenal cortex tissue homeostasis and zonation: A WNT perspective. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2015; 408:156-64. [PMID: 25542843 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2014.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The adrenal cortex plays essential roles in the control of sodium and water homeostasis, stress response, inflammation and metabolism, through secretion of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids. Coordinated production of these hormones relies on functional zonation of the cortex, characterised by expression of Cyp11b2 under the control of angiotensin II and plasma potassium level in zona glomerulosa (ZG) and Cyp11b1 under the control of ACTH in zona fasciculata (ZF). The mechanisms involved in the establishment of functional zonation and its maintenance during centripetal cortex cell renewal are still poorly understood. Here, we hypothesise that the hormonal and signalling pathways that control adrenal cortex function are also involved in cortical zonation. In particular, we summarise evidence on the role of WNT/β-catenin signalling in ZG differentiation and how tight control of its activity is required to shape the adult cortex. In this context, we discuss the potential role of known WNT regulators and the possibility of a reciprocal cross-talk between PKA and WNT signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Coralie Drelon
- Laboratoire Génétique Reproduction et Développement -GReD- CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Clermont Université, 24 Avenue des Landais, Aubière Cedex 63171, France
| | - Annabel Berthon
- Laboratoire Génétique Reproduction et Développement -GReD- CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Clermont Université, 24 Avenue des Landais, Aubière Cedex 63171, France; Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1103, USA
| | - Mickael Mathieu
- Laboratoire Génétique Reproduction et Développement -GReD- CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Clermont Université, 24 Avenue des Landais, Aubière Cedex 63171, France
| | - Antoine Martinez
- Laboratoire Génétique Reproduction et Développement -GReD- CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Clermont Université, 24 Avenue des Landais, Aubière Cedex 63171, France
| | - Pierre Val
- Laboratoire Génétique Reproduction et Développement -GReD- CNRS UMR 6293, Inserm U1103, Clermont Université, 24 Avenue des Landais, Aubière Cedex 63171, France.
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Bao MW, Cai Z, Zhang XJ, Li L, Liu X, Wan N, Hu G, Wan F, Zhang R, Zhu X, Xia H, Li H. Dickkopf-3 protects against cardiac dysfunction and ventricular remodelling following myocardial infarction. Basic Res Cardiol 2015; 110:25. [PMID: 25840773 DOI: 10.1007/s00395-015-0481-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2014] [Revised: 03/26/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) is a secreted glycoprotein of the Dickkopf family (DKK1-4) that modulates Wnt signalling. DKK3 has been reported to regulate cell development, proliferation, apoptosis, and immune response. However, the functional role of DKK3 in cardiac remodelling after myocardial infarction (MI) has not yet been elucidated. This study aimed to explore the functional significance of DKK3 in the regulation of post-MI remodelling and its underlying mechanisms. MI was induced by surgical left anterior descending coronary artery ligation in transgenic mice expressing cardiac-specific DKK3 and DKK3 knockout (KO) mice as well as their non-transgenic and DKK3(+/+) littermates. Our results demonstrated that after MI, mice with DKK3 deficiency had increased mortality, greater infarct size, and exacerbated left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. Significantly, at 1 week post-MI, the hearts of DKK3-KO mice exhibited increased apoptosis, inflammation, and LV remodelling compared with the hearts of their DKK3(+/+) littermates. Conversely, DKK3 overexpression led to the opposite phenotype after infarction. Similar results were observed in cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes exposed to hypoxia in vitro. Mechanistically, DKK3 promotes cardioprotection by interrupting the ASK1-JNK/p38 signalling cascades. In conclusion, our results indicate that DKK3 protects against the development of MI-induced cardiac remodelling via negative regulation of the ASK1-JNK/p38 signalling pathway. Thus, our study suggests that DKK3 may represent a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of heart failure after MI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Wei Bao
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Jiefang Road 238, Wuhan, 430060, People's Republic of China
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Meister M, Papatriantafyllou M, Nordström V, Kumar V, Ludwig J, Lui KO, Boyd AS, Popovic ZV, Fleming TH, Moldenhauer G, Nawroth PP, Gröne HJ, Waldmann H, Oelert T, Arnold B. Dickkopf-3, a tissue-derived modulator of local T-cell responses. Front Immunol 2015; 6:78. [PMID: 25759692 PMCID: PMC4338807 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The adaptive immune system protects organisms from harmful environmental insults. In parallel, regulatory mechanisms control immune responses in order to assure preservation of organ integrity. Yet, molecules involved in the control of T-cell responses in peripheral tissues are poorly characterized. Here, we investigated the function of Dickkopf-3 in the modulation of local T-cell reactivity. Dkk3 is a secreted, mainly tissue-derived protein with highest expression in organs considered as immune-privileged such as the eye, embryo, placenta, and brain. While T-cell development and activation status in naïve Dkk3-deficient mice was comparable to littermate controls, we found that Dkk3 contributes to the immunosuppressive microenvironment that protects transplanted, class-I mismatched embryoid bodies from T-cell-mediated rejection. Moreover, genetic deletion or antibody-mediated neutralization of Dkk3 led to an exacerbated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). This phenotype was accompanied by a change of T-cell polarization displayed by an increase of IFNγ-producing T cells within the central nervous system. In the wild-type situation, Dkk3 expression in the brain was up-regulated during the course of EAE in an IFNγ-dependent manner. In turn, Dkk3 decreased IFNγ activity and served as part of a negative feedback mechanism. Thus, our findings suggest that Dkk3 functions as a tissue-derived modulator of local CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Meister
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center , Heidelberg , Germany
| | | | - Viola Nordström
- Department of Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Varun Kumar
- Department of Medicine I and Clinical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Julia Ludwig
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Kathy O Lui
- Therapeutic Immunology Group, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Ashleigh S Boyd
- Therapeutic Immunology Group, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Zoran V Popovic
- Department of Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center , Heidelberg , Germany ; Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg , Mannheim , Germany
| | - Thomas Henry Fleming
- Department of Medicine I and Clinical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Gerhard Moldenhauer
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Peter P Nawroth
- Department of Medicine I and Clinical Chemistry, University of Heidelberg , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Hermann-Josef Gröne
- Department of Molecular Pathology, German Cancer Research Center , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Herman Waldmann
- Therapeutic Immunology Group, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Thilo Oelert
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center , Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Bernd Arnold
- Department of Molecular Immunology, German Cancer Research Center , Heidelberg , Germany
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Matthes M, Preusse M, Zhang J, Schechter J, Mayer D, Lentes B, Theis F, Prakash N, Wurst W, Trümbach D. Mouse IDGenes: a reference database for genetic interactions in the developing mouse brain. DATABASE-THE JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL DATABASES AND CURATION 2014; 2014:bau083. [PMID: 25145340 PMCID: PMC4139671 DOI: 10.1093/database/bau083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The study of developmental processes in the mouse and other vertebrates includes the understanding of patterning along the anterior–posterior, dorsal–ventral and medial– lateral axis. Specifically, neural development is also of great clinical relevance because several human neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, autism disorders or drug addiction and also brain malformations are thought to have neurodevelopmental origins, i.e. pathogenesis initiates during childhood and adolescence. Impacts during early neurodevelopment might also predispose to late-onset neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease. The neural tube develops from its precursor tissue, the neural plate, in a patterning process that is determined by compartmentalization into morphogenetic units, the action of local signaling centers and a well-defined and locally restricted expression of genes and their interactions. While public databases provide gene expression data with spatio-temporal resolution, they usually neglect the genetic interactions that govern neural development. Here, we introduce Mouse IDGenes, a reference database for genetic interactions in the developing mouse brain. The database is highly curated and offers detailed information about gene expressions and the genetic interactions at the developing mid-/hindbrain boundary. To showcase the predictive power of interaction data, we infer new Wnt/β-catenin target genes by machine learning and validate one of them experimentally. The database is updated regularly. Moreover, it can easily be extended by the research community. Mouse IDGenes will contribute as an important resource to the research on mouse brain development, not exclusively by offering data retrieval, but also by allowing data input. Database URL:http://mouseidgenes.helmholtz-muenchen.de.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Matthes
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Emil-Ramannstr. 8, 85354 Freising, Germany, Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München, Zentrum Mathematik, Boltzmannstr. 3, 85747 Garching, Germany, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 München, Germany, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), Standort München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungsgenetik, c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Emil-Ramannstr. 8, 85354 Freising, Germany, Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München, Zentrum Mathematik, Boltzmannstr. 3, 85747 Garching, Germany, Max-Planck-In
| | - Martin Preusse
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Emil-Ramannstr. 8, 85354 Freising, Germany, Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München, Zentrum Mathematik, Boltzmannstr. 3, 85747 Garching, Germany, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 München, Germany, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), Standort München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungsgenetik, c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Emil-Ramannstr. 8, 85354 Freising, Germany, Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München, Zentrum Mathematik, Boltzmannstr. 3, 85747 Garching, Germany, Max-Planck-In
| | - Jingzhong Zhang
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Emil-Ramannstr. 8, 85354 Freising, Germany, Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München, Zentrum Mathematik, Boltzmannstr. 3, 85747 Garching, Germany, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 München, Germany, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), Standort München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungsgenetik, c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany
| | - Julia Schechter
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Emil-Ramannstr. 8, 85354 Freising, Germany, Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München, Zentrum Mathematik, Boltzmannstr. 3, 85747 Garching, Germany, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 München, Germany, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), Standort München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungsgenetik, c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany
| | - Daniela Mayer
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Emil-Ramannstr. 8, 85354 Freising, Germany, Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München, Zentrum Mathematik, Boltzmannstr. 3, 85747 Garching, Germany, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 München, Germany, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), Standort München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungsgenetik, c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany
| | - Bernd Lentes
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Emil-Ramannstr. 8, 85354 Freising, Germany, Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München, Zentrum Mathematik, Boltzmannstr. 3, 85747 Garching, Germany, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 München, Germany, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), Standort München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungsgenetik, c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany
| | - Fabian Theis
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Emil-Ramannstr. 8, 85354 Freising, Germany, Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München, Zentrum Mathematik, Boltzmannstr. 3, 85747 Garching, Germany, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 München, Germany, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), Standort München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungsgenetik, c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Emil-Ramannstr. 8, 85354 Freising, Germany, Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München, Zentrum Mathematik, Boltzmannstr. 3, 85747 Garching, Germany, Max-Planck-In
| | - Nilima Prakash
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Emil-Ramannstr. 8, 85354 Freising, Germany, Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München, Zentrum Mathematik, Boltzmannstr. 3, 85747 Garching, Germany, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 München, Germany, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), Standort München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungsgenetik, c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Wurst
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Emil-Ramannstr. 8, 85354 Freising, Germany, Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München, Zentrum Mathematik, Boltzmannstr. 3, 85747 Garching, Germany, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 München, Germany, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), Standort München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungsgenetik, c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Emil-Ramannstr. 8, 85354 Freising, Germany, Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München, Zentrum Mathematik, Boltzmannstr. 3, 85747 Garching, Germany, Max-Planck-In
| | - Dietrich Trümbach
- Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Emil-Ramannstr. 8, 85354 Freising, Germany, Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München, Zentrum Mathematik, Boltzmannstr. 3, 85747 Garching, Germany, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 2-10, 80804 München, Germany, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen e. V. (DZNE), Standort München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Entwicklungsgenetik, c/o Helmholtz Zentrum München, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany and Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Adolf-Butenandt-Institut, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Schillerstr. 44, 80336 München, Germany Institute of Developmental Genetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München-Weihenstephan, Lehrstuhl für Genetik, Emil-Ramannstr. 8, 85354 Freising, Germany, Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany, Technische Universität München, Zentrum Mathematik, Boltzmannstr. 3, 85747 Garching, Germany, Max-Planck-In
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Forsdahl S, Kiselev Y, Hogseth R, Mjelle JE, Mikkola I. Pax6 regulates the expression of Dkk3 in murine and human cell lines, and altered responses to Wnt signaling are shown in FlpIn-3T3 cells stably expressing either the Pax6 or the Pax6(5a) isoform. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102559. [PMID: 25029272 PMCID: PMC4100929 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pax6 is a transcription factor important for early embryo development. It is expressed in several cancer cell lines and tumors. In glioblastoma, PAX6 has been shown to function as a tumor suppressor. Dickkopf 3 (Dkk3) is well established as a tumor suppressor in several tumor types, but not much is known about the regulation of its expression. We have previously found that Pax6 and Pax6(5a) increase the expression of the Dkk3 gene in two stably transfected mouse fibroblast cell lines. In this study the molecular mechanism behind this regulation is looked at. Western blot and reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) confirmed higher level of Dkk3 expression in both Pax6 and Pax6(5a) expressing cell lines compared to the control cell line. By the use of bioinformatics and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) we have mapped a functional Pax6 binding site in the mouse Dkk3 promoter. The minimal Dkk3 promoter fragment required for transcriptional activation by Pax6 and Pax6(5a) was a 200 bp region just upstream of the transcriptional start site. Mutation of the evolutionary conserved binding site in this region abrogated transcriptional activation and binding of Pax6/Pax6(5a) to the mouse Dkk3 promoter. Since the identified Pax6 binding site in this promoter is conserved, RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to look for regulation of Dkk3/REIC expression in human cell lines. Six of eight cell lines tested showed changes in Dkk3/REIC expression after PAX6 siRNA knockdown. Interestingly, we observed that the Pax6/Pax6(5a) expressing mouse fibroblast cell lines were less responsive to canonical Wnt pathway stimulation than the control cell line when TOP/FOP activity and the levels of active β-catenin and GSK3-β Ser9 phosphorylation were measured after LiCl stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siri Forsdahl
- Research Group of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, UiT – The Artic University of Norway, Tromsoe, Norway
| | - Yury Kiselev
- Research Group of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, UiT – The Artic University of Norway, Tromsoe, Norway
- Norwegian Translational Cancer Research Center, Department of Medical Biology, UiT – The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsoe, Norway
| | - Rune Hogseth
- Research Group of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, UiT – The Artic University of Norway, Tromsoe, Norway
| | - Janne E. Mjelle
- Research Group of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, UiT – The Artic University of Norway, Tromsoe, Norway
| | - Ingvild Mikkola
- Research Group of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, UiT – The Artic University of Norway, Tromsoe, Norway
- * E-mail:
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Alfonso RJ, Gorroño-Etxebarria I, Rabano M, Vivanco MDM, Kypta R. Dickkopf-3 alters the morphological response to retinoic acid during neuronal differentiation of human embryonal carcinoma cells. Dev Neurobiol 2014; 74:1243-54. [DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Accepted: 06/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Miriam Rabano
- Cell Biology and Stem Cells Unit; CIC bioGUNE; Spain
| | | | - Robert Kypta
- Cell Biology and Stem Cells Unit; CIC bioGUNE; Spain
- Department of Surgery and Cancer; Imperial College London; United Kingdom
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Hiyama A, Yokoyama K, Nukaga T, Sakai D, Mochida J. A complex interaction between Wnt signaling and TNF-α in nucleus pulposus cells. Arthritis Res Ther 2013; 15:R189. [PMID: 24286133 PMCID: PMC3978705 DOI: 10.1186/ar4379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2013] [Accepted: 10/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Increased expression of the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α in intervertebral discs (IVDs) leads to inflammation, which results in progressive IVD degeneration. We have previously reported that activation of Wnt-β-catenin (hereafter called Wnt) signaling suppresses the proliferation of nucleus pulposus cells and induces cell senescence, suggesting that Wnt signaling triggers the process of degeneration of the IVD. However, it is not known whether cross talk between TNF-α and Wnt signaling plays a role in the regulation of nucleus pulposus cells. The goal of the present study was to examine the effect of the interaction between Wnt signaling and the proinflammatory cytokine TNF-α in nucleus pulposus cells. Methods Cells isolated from rat nucleus pulposus regions of IVDs were cultured in monolayers, and the expression and promoter activity of Wnt signaling and TNF-α were evaluated. We also examined whether the inhibition of Wnt signaling using cotransfection with Dickkopf (DKK) isoforms and Sclerostin (SOST) could block the effects of pathological TNF-α expression in nucleus pulposus cells. Results TNF-α stimulated the expression and promoter activity of Wnt signaling in nucleus pulposus cells. In addition, the activation of Wnt signaling by 6-bromoindirubin-3′-oxime (BIO), which is a selective inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) activity that activates Wnt signaling, increased TNF-α expression and promoter activity. Conversely, the suppression of TNF-α promoter activity using a β-catenin small interfering RNA was evident. Moreover, transfection with DKK-3, DKK-4, or SOST, which are inhibitors of Wnt signaling, blocked Wnt signaling-mediated TNF-α activation; these effects were not observed for DKK-1 or DKK-2. Conclusions Here, we have demonstrated that Wnt signaling regulates TNF-α and that Wnt signaling and TNF-α form a positive-feedback loop in nucleus pulposus cells. The results of the present study provide in vitro evidence that activation of Wnt signaling upregulates the TNF-α expression and might cause the degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells. We speculate that blocking this pathway might protect nucleus pulposus cells against degeneration.
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Panaccione I, Napoletano F, Forte AM, Kotzalidis GD, Del Casale A, Rapinesi C, Brugnoli C, Serata D, Caccia F, Cuomo I, Ambrosi E, Simonetti A, Savoja V, De Chiara L, Danese E, Manfredi G, Janiri D, Motolese M, Nicoletti F, Girardi P, Sani G. Neurodevelopment in schizophrenia: the role of the wnt pathways. Curr Neuropharmacol 2013; 11:535-58. [PMID: 24403877 PMCID: PMC3763761 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x113119990037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2012] [Revised: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 05/12/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To review the role of Wnt pathways in the neurodevelopment of schizophrenia. METHODS SYSTEMATIC PUBMED SEARCH, USING AS KEYWORDS ALL THE TERMS RELATED TO THE WNT PATHWAYS AND CROSSING THEM WITH EACH OF THE FOLLOWING AREAS: normal neurodevelopment and physiology, neurodevelopmental theory of schizophrenia, schizophrenia, and antipsychotic drug action. RESULTS Neurodevelopmental, behavioural, genetic, and psychopharmacological data point to the possible involvement of Wnt systems, especially the canonical pathway, in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia and in the mechanism of antipsychotic drug action. The molecules most consistently found to be associated with abnormalities or in antipsychotic drug action are Akt1, glycogen synthase kinase3beta, and beta-catenin. However, the extent to which they contribute to the pathophysiology of schizophrenia or to antipsychotic action remains to be established. CONCLUSIONS The study of the involvement of Wnt pathway abnormalities in schizophrenia may help in understanding this multifaceted clinical entity; the development of Wnt-related pharmacological targets must await the collection of more data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella Panaccione
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Napoletano
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Maria Forte
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio D. Kotzalidis
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Del Casale
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Rapinesi
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Brugnoli
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Serata
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Caccia
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Cuomo
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Ambrosi
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessio Simonetti
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Savoja
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Lavinia De Chiara
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Danese
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Manfredi
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Delfina Janiri
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- NEUROMED, Pozzilli, Isernia, Italy
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Girardi
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Centro Lucio Bini, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Sani
- NESMOS Department (Neuroscience, Mental Health, and Sensory Organs), Sapienza University, School of Medicine and Psychology, Sant’Andrea Hospital, Rome, Italy
- Centro Lucio Bini, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Department of Clinical and Behavioural Neurology, Neuropsychiatry Laboratory, Rome, Italy
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Zenzmaier C, Sampson N, Plas E, Berger P. Dickkopf-related protein 3 promotes pathogenic stromal remodeling in benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer. Prostate 2013; 73:1441-52. [PMID: 23765731 PMCID: PMC3842835 DOI: 10.1002/pros.22691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Compartment-specific epithelial and stromal expression of the secreted glycoprotein Dickkopf-related protein (Dkk)-3 is altered in age-related proliferative disorders of the human prostate. This study aimed to determine the effect of Dkk-3 on prostate stromal remodeling that is stromal proliferation, fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and expression of angiogenic factors in vitro. METHODS Lentiviral-delivered overexpression and shRNA-mediated knockdown of DKK3 were applied to primary human prostatic stromal cells (PrSCs). Cellular proliferation was analyzed by BrdU incorporation ELISA. Expression of Dkk-3, apoptosis-related genes, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors and angiogenic factors were analyzed by qPCR, Western blot analysis or ELISA. Fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation was monitored by smooth muscle cell actin and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 mRNA and protein levels. The relevance of Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways was assessed by cytoplasmic/nuclear β-catenin levels and phosphorylation of AKT. RESULTS Knockdown of DKK3 significantly attenuated PrSC proliferation as well as fibroblast-to-myofibroblast differentiation and increased the expression of the vessel stabilizing factor angiopoietin-1. DKK3 knockdown did not affect subcellular localization or levels of β-catenin but attenuated AKT phosphorylation in PrSCs. Consistently the PI3K/AKT inhibitor LY294002 mimicked the effects of DKK3 knockdown. CONCLUSIONS Dkk-3 promotes fibroblast proliferation and myofibroblast differentiation and regulates expression of angiopoietin-1 in prostatic stroma potentially via enhancing PI3K/AKT signaling. Thus, elevated Dkk-3 in the stroma of the diseased prostate presumably regulates stromal remodeling by enhancing proliferation and differentiation of stromal cells and contributing to the angiogenic switch observed in BPH and PCa. Therefore, Dkk-3 represents a potential therapeutic target for stromal remodeling in BPH and PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Zenzmaier
- Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of InnsbruckInnsbruck, Austria
- Department of Internal Medicine, Innsbruck Medical UniversityInnsbruck, Austria
- *Correspondence to: Christoph Zenzmaier, PhD, Peter Berger, PhD, Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of Innsbruck, Rennweg 10, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. E-mail: ,
| | - Natalie Sampson
- Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of InnsbruckInnsbruck, Austria
- Department of Urology, Innsbruck Medical UniversityInnsbruck, Austria
| | - Eugen Plas
- Department of Urology, Hanusch HospitalVienna, Austria
| | - Peter Berger
- Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of InnsbruckInnsbruck, Austria
- *Correspondence to: Christoph Zenzmaier, PhD, Peter Berger, PhD, Institute for Biomedical Aging Research, University of Innsbruck, Rennweg 10, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. E-mail: ,
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Subramaniam S, Sreenivas P, Cheedipudi S, Reddy VR, Shashidhara LS, Chilukoti RK, Mylavarapu M, Dhawan J. Distinct transcriptional networks in quiescent myoblasts: a role for Wnt signaling in reversible vs. irreversible arrest. PLoS One 2013; 8:e65097. [PMID: 23755177 PMCID: PMC3670900 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0065097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Most cells in adult mammals are non-dividing: differentiated cells exit the cell cycle permanently, but stem cells exist in a state of reversible arrest called quiescence. In damaged skeletal muscle, quiescent satellite stem cells re-enter the cell cycle, proliferate and subsequently execute divergent programs to regenerate both post-mitotic myofibers and quiescent stem cells. The molecular basis for these alternative programs of arrest is poorly understood. In this study, we used an established myogenic culture model (C2C12 myoblasts) to generate cells in alternative states of arrest and investigate their global transcriptional profiles. Using cDNA microarrays, we compared G0 myoblasts with post-mitotic myotubes. Our findings define the transcriptional program of quiescent myoblasts in culture and establish that distinct gene expression profiles, especially of tumour suppressor genes and inhibitors of differentiation characterize reversible arrest, distinguishing this state from irreversibly arrested myotubes. We also reveal the existence of a tissue-specific quiescence program by comparing G0 C2C12 myoblasts to isogenic G0 fibroblasts (10T1/2). Intriguingly, in myoblasts but not fibroblasts, quiescence is associated with a signature of Wnt pathway genes. We provide evidence that different levels of signaling via the canonical Wnt pathway characterize distinct cellular states (proliferation vs. quiescence vs. differentiation). Moderate induction of Wnt signaling in quiescence is associated with critical properties such as clonogenic self-renewal. Exogenous Wnt treatment subverts the quiescence program and negatively affects clonogenicity. Finally, we identify two new quiescence-induced regulators of canonical Wnt signaling, Rgs2 and Dkk3, whose induction in G0 is required for clonogenic self-renewal. These results support the concept that active signal-mediated regulation of quiescence contributes to stem cell properties, and have implications for pathological states such as cancer and degenerative disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Prethish Sreenivas
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | - Sirisha Cheedipudi
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Jyotsna Dhawan
- CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, India
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Bangalore, India
- * E-mail:
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48
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Maupin KA, Droscha CJ, Williams BO. A Comprehensive Overview of Skeletal Phenotypes Associated with Alterations in Wnt/β-catenin Signaling in Humans and Mice. Bone Res 2013; 1:27-71. [PMID: 26273492 DOI: 10.4248/br201301004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 01/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway plays key roles in differentiation and development and alterations in this signaling pathway are causally associated with numerous human diseases. While several laboratories were examining roles for Wnt signaling in skeletal development during the 1990s, interest in the pathway rose exponentially when three key papers were published in 2001-2002. One report found that loss of the Wnt co-receptor, Low-density lipoprotein related protein-5 (LRP5), was the underlying genetic cause of the syndrome Osteoporosis pseudoglioma (OPPG). OPPG is characterized by early-onset osteoporosis causing increased susceptibility to debilitating fractures. Shortly thereafter, two groups reported that individuals carrying a specific point mutation in LRP5 (G171V) develop high-bone mass. Subsequent to this, the causative mechanisms for these observations heightened the need to understand the mechanisms by which Wnt signaling controlled bone development and homeostasis and encouraged significant investment from biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies to develop methods to activate Wnt signaling to increase bone mass to treat osteoporosis and other bone disease. In this review, we will briefly summarize the cellular mechanisms underlying Wnt signaling and discuss the observations related to OPPG and the high-bone mass disorders that heightened the appreciation of the role of Wnt signaling in normal bone development and homeostasis. We will then present a comprehensive overview of the core components of the pathway with an emphasis on the phenotypes associated with mice carrying genetically engineered mutations in these genes and clinical observations that further link alterations in the pathway to changes in human bone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin A Maupin
- Program for Skeletal Pathobiology and Center for Tumor Metastasis, Van Andel Research Institute , 333 Bostwick NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Casey J Droscha
- Program for Skeletal Pathobiology and Center for Tumor Metastasis, Van Andel Research Institute , 333 Bostwick NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
| | - Bart O Williams
- Program for Skeletal Pathobiology and Center for Tumor Metastasis, Van Andel Research Institute , 333 Bostwick NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503, USA
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Karamariti E, Margariti A, Winkler B, Wang X, Hong X, Baban D, Ragoussis J, Huang Y, Han JDJ, Wong MM, Sag CM, Shah AM, Hu Y, Xu Q. Smooth muscle cells differentiated from reprogrammed embryonic lung fibroblasts through DKK3 signaling are potent for tissue engineering of vascular grafts. Circ Res 2013; 112:1433-43. [PMID: 23529184 DOI: 10.1161/circresaha.111.300415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Smooth muscle cells (SMCs) are a key component of tissue-engineered vessels. However, the sources by which they can be isolated are limited. OBJECTIVE We hypothesized that a large number of SMCs could be obtained by direct reprogramming of fibroblasts, that is, direct differentiation of specific cell lineages before the cells reaching the pluripotent state. METHODS AND RESULTS We designed a combined protocol of reprogramming and differentiation of human neonatal lung fibroblasts. Four reprogramming factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4, and cMYC) were overexpressed in fibroblasts under reprogramming conditions for 4 days with cells defined as partially-induced pluripotent stem (PiPS) cells. PiPS cells did not form tumors in vivo after subcutaneous transplantation in severe combined immunodeficiency mice and differentiated into SMCs when seeded on collagen IV and maintained in differentiation media. PiPS-SMCs expressed a panel of SMC markers at mRNA and protein levels. Furthermore, the gene dickkopf 3 was found to be involved in the mechanism of PiPS-SMC differentiation. It was revealed that dickkopf 3 transcriptionally regulated SM22 by potentiation of Wnt signaling and interaction with Kremen1. Finally, PiPS-SMCs repopulated decellularized vessel grafts and ultimately gave rise to functional tissue-engineered vessels when combined with previously established PiPS-endothelial cells, leading to increased survival of severe combined immunodeficiency mice after transplantation of the vessel as a vascular graft. CONCLUSIONS We developed a protocol to generate SMCs from PiPS cells through a dickkopf 3 signaling pathway, useful for generating tissue-engineered vessels. These findings provide a new insight into the mechanisms of SMC differentiation with vast therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Karamariti
- Cardiovascular Division, British Heart Foundation Centre, King's College London, UK
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Onai T, Takai A, Setiamarga DHE, Holland LZ. Essential role of Dkk3 for head formation by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin and Nodal/Vg1 signaling pathways in the basal chordate amphioxus. Evol Dev 2012; 14:338-50. [PMID: 22765205 DOI: 10.1111/j.1525-142x.2012.00552.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
To dissect the molecular mechanism of head specification in the basal chordate amphioxus, we investigated the function of Dkk3, a secreted protein in the Dickkopf family, which is expressed anteriorly in early embryos. Amphioxus Dkk3 has three domains characteristic of Dkk3 proteins-an N-terminal serine rich domain and two C-terminal cysteine-rich domains (CRDs). In addition, amphioxus Dkk3 has a TGFβ-receptor 2 domain, which is not present in Dkk3 proteins of other species. As vertebrate Dkk3 proteins have been reported to regulate either Nodal signaling or Wnt/β-catenin signaling but not both in the same species, we tested the effects of Dkk3 on signaling by these two pathways in amphioxus embryos. Loss of function experiments with an anti-sense morpholino oligonucleotide (MO) against amphioxus Dkk3 resulted in larvae with truncated heads and concomitant loss of expression of anterior gene markers. The resemblance of the headless phenotype to that from upregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling with BIO, a GSK3β inhibitor, suggested that Dkk3 might inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling. In addition, the Dkk3 MO rescued dorsal structures in amphioxus embryos treated with SB505124, an inhibitor of Nodal signaling, indicating that amphioxus Dkk3 can also inhibit Nodal signaling. In vitro assays in Xenopus animal caps showed that Nodal inhibition is largely due to domains other than the TGFβ domain. We conclude that amphioxus Dkk3 regulates head formation by modulating both Wnt/β-catenin and Nodal signaling, and that these functions may have been partitioned among various vertebrate lineages during evolution of Dkk3 proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Onai
- Marine Biology Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, 92093-0202, USA
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