1
|
Catlin NR, Cappon GD, Davenport SD, Stethem CM, Nowland WS, Campion SN, Bowman CJ. New approach methodologies to confirm developmental toxicity of pharmaceuticals based on weight of evidence. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 129:108686. [PMID: 39128486 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108686] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 08/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
The aim of embryo-fetal developmental toxicity assessments for pharmaceuticals is to inform potential risk of adverse pregnancy outcome, which has traditionally relied on studies in pregnant animals. Recent updates to international safety guidelines (ICH S5R3) have incorporated information on how to use weight of evidence and alternative assays to reduce animal use while still informing risk of fetal harm. Uptake of these alternative approaches has been slow due to limitations in understanding how alternative assays translate to in vivo effects and then relevance to human exposure. To understand the predictivity of new approach methodologies for developmental toxicity (DevTox NAMs), we used two pharmaceutical examples (glasdegib and lorlatinib) to illustrate the value of DevTox NAMs to complement weight of evidence (WoE) assessments while considering the relationship of concentration-effect levels in NAMs to in vivo studies. The in vitro results generated in a battery of assays (mEST, rWEC, zebrafish, and human based stem cells) confirmed the WoE based on literature and further confirmed by preliminary embryo-fetal development data. The data generated for these two compounds supports integrating DevTox NAMs into the developmental toxicity assessment for advanced cancer indications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natasha R Catlin
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, CT, USA.
| | - Gregg D Cappon
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, CT, USA; Current: ToxStrategies, Katy, TX, USA
| | - Scott D Davenport
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Christine M Stethem
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - William S Nowland
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Sarah N Campion
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, CT, USA
| | - Christopher J Bowman
- Drug Safety Research and Development, Pfizer Research & Development, Groton, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Guo Y, Fang R, Jiao Y, Liu J, Lu JT, Luo T. Divergent syntheses of complex Veratrum alkaloids. Nat Commun 2024; 15:7639. [PMID: 39223144 PMCID: PMC11369162 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52134-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The Veratrum alkaloids are a class of highly intricate natural products renowned for their complex structural and stereochemical characteristics, which underlie a diverse array of pharmacological activities ranging from anti-hypertensive properties to antimicrobial effects. These properties have generated substantial interest among both synthetic chemists and biologists. While numerous advancements have been made in the synthesis of jervanine and veratramine subtypes over the past 50 years, the total synthesis of highly oxidized cevanine subtypes has remained relatively scarce. Building on the efficiency of our previously developed strategy for constructing the hexacyclic carbon skeleton of the Veratrum alkaloid family via a stereoselective intramolecular Diels-Alder reaction and radical cyclization, here we show the development of a unified synthetic approach to access highly oxidized Veratrum alkaloids. This includes the total synthesis of (-)-zygadenine, (-)-germine, (-)-protoverine and the alkamine of veramadine A, by capitalizing on a meticulously designed sequence of redox manipulations and a late-stage neighboring-group participation strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinliang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Runting Fang
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang Jiao
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqi Liu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jia-Tian Lu
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Tuoping Luo
- Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry and Molecular Engineering of Ministry of Education, Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Science, College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Institute of Molecular Physiology, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Putnová I, Putnová BM, Hurník P, Štembírek J, Buchtová M, Kolísková P. Primary cilia-associated signalling in squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck region. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1413255. [PMID: 39234399 PMCID: PMC11372790 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1413255] [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: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head and neck originates from the mucosal lining of the upper aerodigestive tract, including the lip, tongue, nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx and hypopharynx. In this review, we summarise what is currently known about the potential function of primary cilia in the pathogenesis of this disease. As primary cilia represent a key cellular structure for signal transduction and are related to cell proliferation, an understanding of their role in carcinogenesis is necessary for the design of new treatment approaches. Here, we introduce cilia-related signalling in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and its possible association with HNSCC tumorigenesis. From this point of view, PDGF, EGF, Wnt and Hh signalling are discussed as all these pathways were found to be dysregulated in HNSCC. Moreover, we review the clinical potential of small molecules affecting primary cilia signalling to target squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iveta Putnová
- Laboratory of Molecular Morphogenesis, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Barbora Moldovan Putnová
- Laboratory of Molecular Morphogenesis, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Pathological Morphology and Parasitology, University of Veterinary Sciences Brno, Brno, Czechia
| | - Pavel Hurník
- Laboratory of Molecular Morphogenesis, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Pathology and Medical Genetics, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Pathology and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Jan Štembírek
- Laboratory of Molecular Morphogenesis, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Marcela Buchtová
- Laboratory of Molecular Morphogenesis, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| | - Petra Kolísková
- Laboratory of Molecular Morphogenesis, Institute of Animal Physiology and Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czechia
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czechia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sansom O, Bogani D, Reichenbach L, Wells S. Negative equity - the value of reporting negative results. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050937. [PMID: 39212951 PMCID: PMC11381924 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
A pervasive discussion point within the scientific community is the value of unpublished or unavailable data. Researchers, funders, ethical review bodies, editors and publishers have all highlighted the need to make more data available to enhance experimental planning and interpretation and to prevent others from repeating similar experiments. This is particularly important in the context of experimentation involving animals and efforts towards replacement, refinement and reduction. However, despite this broad agreement, sharing data that show inconclusive, statistically insignificant or unremarkable results is still not common practice. In this Editorial, we will highlight the value of what are often coined negative (or null) data and outline some emerging initiatives to address the gap between data generated in laboratories and data available to the wider scientific community.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Owen Sansom
- CRUK Scotland Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Debora Bogani
- Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell, Harwell Campus, Didcot OX11 0RD, UK
| | | | - Sara Wells
- Mary Lyon Centre at MRC Harwell, Harwell Campus, Didcot OX11 0RD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Shao H, Liu W, Fang Z, He H, Gao S. Synthesis of the DEF-Ring Spirocyclic Core of Cyclopamine. J Org Chem 2024; 89:4215-4220. [PMID: 38391306 DOI: 10.1021/acs.joc.3c02804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
A stereoselective synthesis of the DEF-ring spirocyclic core of cyclopamine was accomplished using commercially available materials. The key steps in the synthesis were (i) the enantioselective vinylogous Mannich reaction, followed by lactamization to generate the piperidine F ring, and (ii) intramolecular oxidative dearomative spiroetherification to construct the DEF-ring spirocyclic core of cyclopamine. We found that the stereochemistry of the spirocyclization was controlled by the configuration of the methyl group (C-20) in the substrate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Shao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular & Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Wenheng Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular & Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Zhengqi Fang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular & Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Haibing He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular & Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Molecule Intelligent Syntheses, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Wuhu Hospital Affiliated to East China Normal University, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| | - Shuanhu Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular & Process Engineering, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Molecule Intelligent Syntheses, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Wuhu Hospital Affiliated to East China Normal University, East China Normal University, Shanghai, 200062, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Shao H, Liu W, Liu M, He H, Zhou QL, Zhu SF, Gao S. Asymmetric Synthesis of Cyclopamine, a Hedgehog (Hh) Signaling Pathway Inhibitor. J Am Chem Soc 2023; 145:25086-25092. [PMID: 37948601 DOI: 10.1021/jacs.3c10362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Cyclopamine is a teratogenic steroidal alkaloid, which inhibits the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway by targeting the Smoothened (Smo) receptor. Suppression of Hh signaling with synthetic small molecules has been pursued as a therapeutic approach for the treatment of cancer. We report herein the asymmetric synthesis of cyclopamine based on a two-stage relay strategy. Stage-I: total synthesis of veratramine through a convergent approach, wherein a crucial photoinduced excited-state Nazarov reaction was applied to construct the basic [6-6-5-6] skeleton of C-nor-D-homo-steroid. Stage-II: conversion of veratramine to cyclopamine was achieved through a sequence of chemo-selective redox manipulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Shao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Wenheng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular and Process engineering, SKLPMPE, Sinopec research institute of petroleum processing Co., LTD., Beijing 100083, China, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Muhan Liu
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Haibing He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
- State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular and Process engineering, SKLPMPE, Sinopec research institute of petroleum processing Co., LTD., Beijing 100083, China, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| | - Qi-Lin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shou-Fei Zhu
- State Key Laboratory and Institute of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, College of Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Shuanhu Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Green Chemistry and Chemical Processes, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
- State Key Laboratory of Petroleum Molecular and Process engineering, SKLPMPE, Sinopec research institute of petroleum processing Co., LTD., Beijing 100083, China, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200062, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang Y, Beachy PA. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of Hedgehog signalling. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2023; 24:668-687. [PMID: 36932157 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00591-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
The Hedgehog signalling pathway has crucial roles in embryonic tissue patterning, postembryonic tissue regeneration, and cancer, yet aspects of Hedgehog signal transmission and reception have until recently remained unclear. Biochemical and structural studies surprisingly reveal a central role for lipids in Hedgehog signalling. The signal - Hedgehog protein - is modified by cholesterol and palmitate during its biogenesis, thereby necessitating specialized proteins such as the transporter Dispatched and several lipid-binding carriers for cellular export and receptor engagement. Additional lipid transactions mediate response to the Hedgehog signal, including sterol activation of the transducer Smoothened. Access of sterols to Smoothened is regulated by the apparent sterol transporter and Hedgehog receptor Patched, whose activity is blocked by Hedgehog binding. Alongside these lipid-centric mechanisms and their relevance to pharmacological pathway modulation, we discuss emerging roles of Hedgehog pathway activity in stem cells or their cellular niches, with translational implications for regeneration and restoration of injured or diseased tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiao Zhang
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute and Neuroscience Department, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Philip A Beachy
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Developmental Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Ligands of the Hedgehog (HH) pathway are paracrine signaling molecules that coordinate tissue development in metazoans. A remarkable feature of HH signaling is the repeated use of cholesterol in steps spanning ligand biogenesis, secretion, dispersal, and reception on target cells. A cholesterol molecule covalently attached to HH ligands is used as a molecular baton by transfer proteins to guide their secretion, spread, and reception. On target cells, a signaling circuit composed of a cholesterol transporter and sensor regulates transmission of HH signals across the plasma membrane to the cytoplasm. The repeated use of cholesterol in signaling supports the view that the HH pathway likely evolved by coopting ancient systems to regulate the abundance or organization of sterol-like lipids in membranes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Siebold
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom;
| | - Rajat Rohatgi
- Departments of Biochemistry and Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Borlongan MC, Wang H. Profiling and targeting cancer stem cell signaling pathways for cancer therapeutics. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1125174. [PMID: 37305676 PMCID: PMC10247984 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1125174] [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: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenic cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation of cells within the tumor that express genetic and phenotypic profiles and signaling pathways distinct from the other tumor cells. CSCs have eluded many conventional anti-oncogenic treatments, resulting in metastases and relapses of cancers. Effectively targeting CSCs' unique self-renewal and differentiation properties would be a breakthrough in cancer therapy. A better characterization of the CSCs' unique signaling mechanisms will improve our understanding of the pathology and treatment of cancer. In this paper, we will discuss CSC origin, followed by an in-depth review of CSC-associated signaling pathways. Particular emphasis is given on CSC signaling pathways' ligand-receptor engagement, upstream and downstream mechanisms, and associated genes, and molecules. Signaling pathways associated with regulation of CSC development stand as potential targets of CSC therapy, which include Wnt, TGFβ (transforming growth factor-β)/SMAD, Notch, JAK-STAT (Janus kinase-signal transducers and activators of transcription), Hedgehog (Hh), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Lastly, we will also discuss milestone discoveries in CSC-based therapies, including pre-clinical and clinical studies featuring novel CSC signaling pathway cancer therapeutics. This review aims at generating innovative views on CSCs toward a better understanding of cancer pathology and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mia C. Borlongan
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Science College of Graduate Studies, Elk Grove, CA, United States
| | - Hongbin Wang
- Master Program of Pharmaceutical Science College of Graduate Studies, Elk Grove, CA, United States
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Elk Grove, CA, United States
- Department of Basic Science College of Medicine, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Čapek D, Safroshkin M, Morales-Navarrete H, Toulany N, Arutyunov G, Kurzbach A, Bihler J, Hagauer J, Kick S, Jones F, Jordan B, Müller P. EmbryoNet: using deep learning to link embryonic phenotypes to signaling pathways. Nat Methods 2023:10.1038/s41592-023-01873-4. [PMID: 37156842 DOI: 10.1038/s41592-023-01873-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways are essential for early embryogenesis, and reducing or abolishing their activity leads to characteristic developmental defects. Classification of phenotypic defects can identify the underlying signaling mechanisms, but this requires expert knowledge and the classification schemes have not been standardized. Here we use a machine learning approach for automated phenotyping to train a deep convolutional neural network, EmbryoNet, to accurately identify zebrafish signaling mutants in an unbiased manner. Combined with a model of time-dependent developmental trajectories, this approach identifies and classifies with high precision phenotypic defects caused by loss of function of the seven major signaling pathways relevant for vertebrate development. Our classification algorithms have wide applications in developmental biology and robustly identify signaling defects in evolutionarily distant species. Furthermore, using automated phenotyping in high-throughput drug screens, we show that EmbryoNet can resolve the mechanism of action of pharmaceutical substances. As part of this work, we freely provide more than 2 million images that were used to train and test EmbryoNet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Čapek
- Systems Biology of Development, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Hernán Morales-Navarrete
- Systems Biology of Development, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Nikan Toulany
- Systems Biology of Development, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany
| | | | - Anica Kurzbach
- Systems Biology of Development, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Johanna Bihler
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Julia Hagauer
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kick
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Felicity Jones
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ben Jordan
- Systems Biology of Development, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Patrick Müller
- Systems Biology of Development, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany.
- Friedrich Miescher Laboratory of the Max Planck Society, Tübingen, Germany.
- Centre for the Advanced Study of Collective Behaviour, Konstanz, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rayrikar AY, Wagh GA, Santra MK, Patra C. Ccn2a-FGFR1-SHH signaling is necessary for intervertebral disc homeostasis and regeneration in adult zebrafish. Development 2023; 150:dev201036. [PMID: 36458546 PMCID: PMC10108606 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is the primary cause of back pain in humans. However, the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of IVD degeneration is poorly understood. This study shows that zebrafish IVDs possess distinct and non-overlapping zones of cell proliferation and cell death. We find that, in zebrafish, cellular communication network factor 2a (ccn2a) is expressed in notochord and IVDs. Although IVD development appears normal in ccn2a mutants, the adult mutant IVDs exhibit decreased cell proliferation and increased cell death leading to IVD degeneration. Moreover, Ccn2a overexpression promotes regeneration through accelerating cell proliferation and suppressing cell death in wild-type aged IVDs. Mechanistically, Ccn2a maintains IVD homeostasis and promotes IVD regeneration by enhancing outer annulus fibrosus cell proliferation and suppressing nucleus pulposus cell death through augmenting FGFR1-SHH signaling. These findings reveal that Ccn2a plays a central role in IVD homeostasis and regeneration, which could be exploited for therapeutic intervention in degenerated human discs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amey Y. Rayrikar
- Department of Developmental Biology, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra 411004, India
- S P Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
| | - Ganesh A. Wagh
- Department of Developmental Biology, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra 411004, India
- S P Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
| | - Manas K. Santra
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
| | - Chinmoy Patra
- Department of Developmental Biology, Agharkar Research Institute, Pune, Maharashtra 411004, India
- S P Pune University, Pune, Maharashtra 411007, India
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Roy S. The Use of Small Molecules to Dissect Developmental and Regenerative Processes in Axolotls. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2562:175-181. [PMID: 36272075 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2659-7_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The axolotl provides an interesting model organism to study different biological processes that are of interest to basic biological sciences and biomedical research. Although axolotls have been in labs for close to 160 years, genetic manipulations still represent a major challenge for most labs. The use of small molecules to target specific signaling pathways allows studies to proceed in animals that are difficult to manipulate genetically. This chapter provides a description of how we administer these chemicals to axolotls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stéphane Roy
- Department of Stomatology, Faculty of Dentistry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Feng Z, Zhu S, Li W, Yao M, Song H, Wang RB. Current approaches and strategies to identify Hedgehog signaling pathway inhibitors for cancer therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 244:114867. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2022.114867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
|
14
|
Hirose T, Sugitani Y, Kurihara H, Kazama H, Kusaka C, Noda T, Takahashi H, Ohno S. PAR3 restricts the expansion of neural precursor cells by regulating hedgehog signaling. Development 2022; 149:277212. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.199931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
ABSTRACT
During brain development, neural precursor cells (NPCs) expand initially, and then switch to generating stage-specific neurons while maintaining self-renewal ability. Because the NPC pool at the onset of neurogenesis crucially affects the final number of each type of neuron, tight regulation is necessary for the transitional timing from the expansion to the neurogenic phase in these cells. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this transition are poorly understood. Here, we report that the telencephalon-specific loss of PAR3 before the start of neurogenesis leads to increased NPC proliferation at the expense of neurogenesis, resulting in disorganized tissue architecture. These NPCs demonstrate hyperactivation of hedgehog signaling in a smoothened-dependent manner, as well as defects in primary cilia. Furthermore, loss of PAR3 enhanced ligand-independent ciliary accumulation of smoothened and an inhibitor of smoothened ameliorated the hyperproliferation of NPCs in the telencephalon. Thus, these findings support the idea that PAR3 has a crucial role in the transition of NPCs from the expansion phase to the neurogenic phase by restricting hedgehog signaling through the establishment of ciliary integrity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomonori Hirose
- Yokohama City University School of Medicine 1 Department of Molecular Biology , , Yokohama 236-0004 , Japan
- Cancer Institute 2 Department of Cell Biology , , , Tokyo 135-8550 , Japan
- Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research 2 Department of Cell Biology , , , Tokyo 135-8550 , Japan
| | - Yoshinobu Sugitani
- Cancer Institute 2 Department of Cell Biology , , , Tokyo 135-8550 , Japan
- Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research 2 Department of Cell Biology , , , Tokyo 135-8550 , Japan
- Juntendo University School of Medicine 3 Department of Pathology and Oncology , , Tokyo 113-8421 , Japan
| | - Hidetake Kurihara
- Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine 4 Department of Anatomy and Life Structure , , Tokyo 113-8421 , Japan
- Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Health Science, Aino University 5 , Osaka 567-0012 , Japan
| | - Hiromi Kazama
- Yokohama City University School of Medicine 1 Department of Molecular Biology , , Yokohama 236-0004 , Japan
| | - Chiho Kusaka
- Yokohama City University School of Medicine 1 Department of Molecular Biology , , Yokohama 236-0004 , Japan
| | - Tetsuo Noda
- Cancer Institute 2 Department of Cell Biology , , , Tokyo 135-8550 , Japan
- Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research 2 Department of Cell Biology , , , Tokyo 135-8550 , Japan
- Director's Room, Cancer Institute, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research 6 , Tokyo 135-8550 , Japan
| | - Hidehisa Takahashi
- Yokohama City University School of Medicine 1 Department of Molecular Biology , , Yokohama 236-0004 , Japan
| | - Shigeo Ohno
- Yokohama City University School of Medicine 1 Department of Molecular Biology , , Yokohama 236-0004 , Japan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nicheperovich A, Townsend-Nicholson A. Towards Precision Oncology: The Role of Smoothened and Its Variants in Cancer. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12101648. [PMID: 36294790 PMCID: PMC9605185 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12101648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The G protein-coupled receptor Smoothened (Smo) is a central signal transducer of the Hedgehog (Hh) pathway which has been linked to diverse forms of tumours. Stimulated by advancements in structural and functional characterisation, the Smo receptor has been recognised as an important therapeutic target in Hh-driven cancers, and several Smo inhibitors have now been approved for cancer therapy. This receptor is also known to be an oncoprotein itself and its gain-of-function variants have been associated with skin, brain, and liver cancers. According to the COSMIC database, oncogenic mutations of Smo have been identified in various other tumours, although their oncogenic effect remains unknown in these tissues. Drug resistance is a common challenge in cancer therapies targeting Smo, and data analysis shows that healthy individuals also harbour resistance mutations. Based on the importance of Smo in cancer progression and the high incidence of resistance towards Smo inhibitors, this review suggests that detection of Smo variants through tumour profiling could lead to increased precision and improved outcomes of anti-cancer treatments.
Collapse
|
16
|
Modulation of Hedgehog Signaling for the Treatment of Basal Cell Carcinoma and the Development of Preclinical Models. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102376. [PMID: 36289637 PMCID: PMC9598418 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. While the survivability of BCC is high, many patients are excluded from clinically available treatments due to health risks or personal choice. Further, patients with advanced or metastatic disease have severely limited treatment options. The dysregulation of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling cascade drives onset and progression of BCC. As such, the modulation of this pathway has driven advancements in BCC research. In this review, we focus firstly on inhibitors that target the Hh pathway as chemotherapeutics against BCC. Two therapies targeting Hh signaling have been made clinically available for BCC patients, but these treatments suffer from limited initial efficacy and a high rate of chemoresistant tumor recurrence. Herein, we describe more recent developments of chemical scaffolds that have been designed to hopefully improve upon the available therapeutics. We secondly discuss the history and recent efforts involving modulation of the Hh genome as a method of producing in vivo models of BCC for preclinical research. While there are many advancements left to be made towards improving patient outcomes with BCC, it is clear that targeting the Hh pathway will remain at the forefront of research efforts in designing more effective chemotherapeutics as well as relevant preclinical models.
Collapse
|
17
|
Veratrum parviflorum: An Underexplored Source for Bioactive Steroidal Alkaloids. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27165349. [PMID: 36014585 PMCID: PMC9412450 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Plants of the Veratrum genus have been used throughout history for their emetic properties, rheumatism, and for the treatment of high blood pressure. However, inadvertent consumption of these plants, which resemble wild ramps, induces life-threatening side effects attributable to an abundance of steroidal alkaloids. Several of the steroidal alkaloids from Veratrum spp. have been investigated for their ability to antagonize the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway, a key pathway for embryonic development and cell proliferation. Uncontrolled activation of this pathway is linked to the development of various cancers; most notably, basal cell carcinoma and acute myeloid leukemia. Additional investigation of Veratrum spp. may lead to the identification of novel alkaloids with the potential to serve as chemotherapeutics. V. parviflorum is a relatively uncommon species of Veratrum that resides in the southeastern regions of North America. The phytochemical profile of this plant remains largely unexplored; however, bioactive steroidal alkaloids, including cyclopamine, veratramine, veratridine, and verazine were identified in its extract. The structural elucidation and bioactivity assessment of steroidal alkaloids in lesser abundance within the extract of V. parviflorum may yield potent Hh pathway inhibitors. This review seeks to consolidate the botanical and phytochemical information regarding V. parviflorum.
Collapse
|
18
|
Nguyen NM, Cho J. Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors as Targeted Cancer Therapy and Strategies to Overcome Drug Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031733. [PMID: 35163655 PMCID: PMC8835893 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling is a highly conserved pathway that plays a vital role during embryonic development. Recently, uncontrolled activation of this pathway has been demonstrated in various types of cancer. Therefore, Hh pathway inhibitors have emerged as an important class of anti-cancer agents. Unfortunately, however, their reputation has been tarnished by the emergence of resistance during therapy, necessitating clarification of mechanisms underlying the drug resistance. In this review, we briefly overview canonical and non-canonical Hh pathways and their inhibitors as targeted cancer therapy. In addition, we summarize the mechanisms of resistance to Smoothened (SMO) inhibitors, including point mutations of the drug binding pocket or downstream molecules of SMO, and non-canonical mechanisms to reinforce Hh pathway output. A distinct mechanism involving loss of primary cilia is also described to maintain GLI activity in resistant tumors. Finally, we address the main strategies to circumvent the drug resistance. These strategies include the development of novel and potent inhibitors targeting different components of the canonical Hh pathway or signaling molecules of the non-canonical pathway. Further studies are necessary to avoid emerging resistance to Hh inhibitors and establish an optimal customized regimen with improved therapeutic efficacy to treat various types of cancer, including basal cell carcinoma.
Collapse
|
19
|
Fang F, Sup M, Luzzi A, Ferrer X, Thomopoulos S. Hedgehog signaling underlying tendon and enthesis development and pathology. Matrix Biol 2022; 105:87-103. [PMID: 34954379 PMCID: PMC8821161 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2021.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Hedgehog (Hh) signaling has been widely acknowledged to play essential roles in many developmental processes, including endochondral ossification and growth plate maintenance. Furthermore, a rising number of studies have shown that Hh signaling is necessary for tendon enthesis development. Specifically, the well-tuned regulation of Hh signaling during development drives the formation of a mineral gradient across the tendon enthesis fibrocartilage. However, aberrant Hh signaling can also lead to pathologic heterotopic ossification in tendon or osteophyte formation at the enthesis. Therefore, the therapeutic potential of Hh signaling modulation for treating tendon and enthesis diseases remains uncertain. For example, increased Hh signaling may enhance tendon-to-bone healing by promoting the formation of mineralized fibrocartilage at the healing interface, but pathologic heterotopic ossification may also be triggered in the adjacent tendon. Further work is needed to elucidate the distinct functions of Hh signaling in the tendon and enthesis to support the development of therapies that target the pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Fang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University, Black Building, Room 1408, 650W 168 ST, New York, NY 10032-3702, United States
| | - McKenzie Sup
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Andrew Luzzi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University, Black Building, Room 1408, 650W 168 ST, New York, NY 10032-3702, United States
| | - Xavier Ferrer
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University, Black Building, Room 1408, 650W 168 ST, New York, NY 10032-3702, United States
| | - Stavros Thomopoulos
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Columbia University, Black Building, Room 1408, 650W 168 ST, New York, NY 10032-3702, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Columbia University, New York, NY, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Guo Q, Li S, Wang X, Han HS, Yin XJ, Li JC. Paeoniflorin improves the in vitro maturation of benzo(a)pyrene treated porcine oocytes via effects on the sonic hedgehog pathway. Theriogenology 2021; 180:72-81. [PMID: 34953351 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2021.12.016] [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: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) is a toxic substance that people are often exposed to. It has serious harmful effects on the body, and has a destructive effect on oocytes and cumulus cells. Here, we found that paeoniflorin (Pae), a traditional Chinese medicine monomer with antioxidant effects, decreased BaP-induced meiotic failure by increasing the activity of the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling pathway and reducing the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). We found that the in vitro maturation (IVM) rate was significantly increased (P < 0.05) in the 0.1 μM Pae and BaP (co-treatment) group compared with BaP group due to reduced ROS levels and increased mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ) and ATP content. The mRNA expression levels of oocyte maturation and cumulus cell expansion-related genes were also significantly higher in the co-treatment group. To demonstrate the quality of oocytes, the development capacity of parthenogenetically activated (PA) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryos from different treatment groups oocytes were determined.The blastocyst formation rate was significantly higher in PA and IVF embryos derived from oocytes in the co-treatment group than in those derived from oocytes in the BaP group. To further confirm that the SHH signaling pathway was involved in causing these effects of Pae, we treated oocytes with Pae and BaP in the presence or absence of cyclopamine (Cy), an inhibitor of this pathway. Cy abolished the effects of Pae in BaP treated porcine oocytes. In conclusion, Pae improves the IVM capacity of BaP-treated porcine oocytes by activating the SHH signaling pathway, inhibiting ROS production, and increasing ΔΨ.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qing Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Feed Resources and Nutrition Manipulation in Cold Region, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China
| | - Suo Li
- Jilin Agricultural University, Xincheng Street 2888, Changchun, 130118, China
| | - Xue Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Feed Resources and Nutrition Manipulation in Cold Region, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China
| | - Huan-Sheng Han
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Feed Resources and Nutrition Manipulation in Cold Region, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China
| | - Xi-Jun Yin
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Transgenic Animal and Embryo Engineering, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin, 133002, China.
| | - Jing-Chun Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China; Heilongjiang Key Laboratory of Efficient Utilization of Feed Resources and Nutrition Manipulation in Cold Region, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, 163319, China.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lin HP, Wang Z, Yang C. LncRNA DUXAP10 Upregulation and the Hedgehog Pathway Activation Are Critically Involved in Chronic Cadmium Exposure-Induced Cancer Stem Cell-Like Property. Toxicol Sci 2021; 184:33-45. [PMID: 34373904 PMCID: PMC8677432 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfab099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a well-known lung carcinogen. However, the mechanism of Cd carcinogenesis remains to be clearly defined. Cd has been shown to act as a weak mutagen, suggesting that it may exert tumorigenic effect through nongenotoxic ways, such as epigenetic mechanisms. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) refer to RNA molecules that are longer than 200 nucleotides in length but lack protein-coding capacities. Regulation of gene expressions by lncRNAs is considered as one of important epigenetic mechanisms. The goal of this study is to investigate the mechanism of Cd carcinogenesis focusing on the role of lncRNA dysregulations. Cd-induced malignant transformation of human bronchial epithelia BEAS-2B cells was accomplished by a 9-month low-dose Cd (CdCl2, 2.5 µM) exposure. The Cd-exposed cells formed significantly more colonies in soft agar, displayed cancer stem cell (CSC)-like property, and formed tumors in nude mice. Mechanistically, chronic low-dose Cd exposure did not cause significant genotoxic effects but dysregulated lncRNA expressions. Further Q-PCR analysis confirmed the significant upregulation of the oncogenic lncRNA DUXAP10 in Cd-transformed cells. DUXAP10 knockdown in Cd-transformed cells significantly reduced their CSC-like property. Further mechanistic studies showed that the Hedgehog pathway is activated in Cd-transformed cells and inhibition of this pathway reduces Cd-induced CSC-like property. DUXAP10 knockdown caused the Hedgehog pathway inactivation in Cd-transformed cells. Furthermore, Pax6 expression was upregulated in Cd-transformed cells and Pax6 knockdown significantly reduced their DUXAP10 levels and CSC-like property. In summary, these findings suggest that the lncRNA DUXAP10 upregulation may play an important role in Cd carcinogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hsuan-Pei Lin
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky 40506, USA
| | - Zhishan Wang
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44109, USA
| | - Chengfeng Yang
- Division of Cancer Biology, Department of Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio 44109, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Hasan S, Asakawa S, Watabe S, Kinoshita S. Regulation of the Expression of the Myosin Heavy Chain (MYH) Gene myh14 in Zebrafish Development. MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2021; 23:821-835. [PMID: 34490548 DOI: 10.1007/s10126-021-10066-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The human sarcomeric myosin heavy chain gene MYH14 contains an intronic microRNA, miR-499. Our previous studies demonstrated divergent genomic organization and expression patterns of myh14/miR-499 among teleosts; however, the regulatory mechanism is partly known. In this study, we report the regulation of myh14 expression in zebrafish, Danio rerio. Zebrafish myh14 has three paralogs, myh14-1, myh14-2, and myh14-3. Detailed promoter analysis suggested that a 5710-bp 5'-flanking region of myh14-1 and a 5641-bp region of myh14-3 contain a necessary regulatory region to recapitulate specific expression during embryonic development. The 5'-flanking region of zebrafish myh14-1 and its torafugu ortholog shared two distal and a single proximal conserved region. The two distal conserved regions had no effect on zebrafish myh14-1 expression, in contrast to torafugu expression, suggesting an alternative regulatory mechanism among the myh14 orthologs. Comparison among the 5'-flanking regions of the myh14 paralogs revealed two conserved regions. Deletion of these conserved regions significantly reduced the promoter activity of myh14-3 but had no effect on myh14-1, indicating different cis-regulatory mechanisms of myh14 paralogs. Loss of function of miR-499 resulted in a marked reduction in slow muscle fibers in embryonic development. Our study identified different cis-regulatory mechanisms controlling the expression of myh14/miR-499 and an indispensable role of miR-499 in muscle fiber-type specification in zebrafish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharmin Hasan
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan.
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Texas A&M International University, 5201 University Blvd., Laredo, TX, 78041, USA.
| | - Shuichi Asakawa
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| | - Shugo Watabe
- School of Marine Bioscience, Kitasato University, Minami-ku, Sagamihara, Kanagawa, 252-0373, Japan
| | - Shigeharu Kinoshita
- Department of Aquatic Bioscience, Graduate School of Agricultural and Life Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, Tokyo, 113-8657, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Dirks ML, Seale JT, Collins JM, McDougal OM. Review: Veratrum californicum Alkaloids. Molecules 2021; 26:5934. [PMID: 34641477 PMCID: PMC8513088 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Veratrum spp. grow throughout the world and are especially prevalent in high mountain meadows of North America. All parts of Veratrum plants have been used for the treatment of ailments including injuries, hypertension, and rheumatic pain since as far back as the 1600s. Of the 17-45 Veratrum spp., Veratrum californicum alkaloids have been proven to possess favorable medicinal properties associated with inhibition of hedgehog (Hh) pathway signaling. Aberrant Hh signaling leads to proliferation of over 20 cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, prostate and colon among others. Six of the most well-studied V. californicum alkaloids are cyclopamine (1), veratramine (2), isorubijervine (3), muldamine (4), cycloposine (5), and veratrosine (6). Recent inspection of the ethanolic extract from V. californicum root and rhizome via liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry has detected up to five additional alkaloids that are proposed to be verazine (7), etioline (8), tetrahydrojervine (9), dihydrojervine (10), 22-keto-26-aminocholesterol (11). For each alkaloid identified or proposed in V. californicum, this review surveys literature precedents for extraction methods, isolation, identification, characterization and bioactivity to guide natural product drug discovery associated with this medicinal plant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madison L. Dirks
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA; (M.L.D.); (J.T.S.)
| | - Jared T. Seale
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA; (M.L.D.); (J.T.S.)
| | - Joseph M. Collins
- Biomolecular Sciences Ph.D. Program, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA;
| | - Owen M. McDougal
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Boise State University, Boise, ID 83725, USA; (M.L.D.); (J.T.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
NanoBRET and NanoBiT/BRET-Based Ligand Binding Assays Permit Quantitative Assessment of Small Molecule Ligand Binding to Smoothened. Methods Mol Biol 2021. [PMID: 34562254 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1701-4_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
Smoothened (SMO) is a G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that mediates Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. SMO activity is regulated following the binding of Hh to the transmembrane protein Patched. Overactive SMO signaling is oncogenic, and hence this receptor is a target for several marketed drugs. However, development of new SMO ligands has been hampered by the fact that current radioligand and fluorescence-based binding assays are not high-throughput scalable. Here, we demonstrate two Nanoluciferase (Nluc) bioluminescence resonance energy transfer-based ligand binding assays (NanoBRET and NanoBiT/BRET) which provide a sensitive and high-throughput-compatible tool in drug screening efforts. In the described assays, SMO is N-terminally tagged either with full-length nanoluciferase or the partial HiBiT sequence, and subsequently binding of BODIPY-cyclopamine is assessed by quantifying resonance energy transfer between the receptor and the fluorescent ligand. Additionally, the assay allows performing competition binding experiments using commercially available SMO ligands, such as the SMO agonist SAG1.3.
Collapse
|
25
|
Decoding the Roles of Astrocytes and Hedgehog Signaling in Medulloblastoma. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:3058-3070. [PMID: 34436033 PMCID: PMC8395412 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol28040267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The molecular evolution of medulloblastoma is more complex than previously imagined, as emerging evidence suggests that multiple interactions between the tumor cells and components of the tumor microenvironment (TME) are important for tumor promotion and progression. The identification of several molecular networks within the TME, which interact with tumoral cells, has provided new clues to understand the tumorigenic roles of many TME components as well as potential therapeutic targets. In this review, we discuss the most recent studies regarding the roles of astrocytes in supporting sonic hedgehog (SHH) subgroup medulloblastoma (MB) and provide an overview of MB progression through SHH expression and signal transduction mechanisms into the complex tumor microenvironment. In addition, we highlight the associations between tumor and stromal cells as possible prognostic markers that could be targeted with new therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
26
|
Lima Bezerra JJ, Vieira Pinheiro AA, Barbosa Lucena R. Phytochemistry and teratogenic potential of Mimosa tenuiflora (willd.) poir. (Fabaceae) in ruminants: A systematic review. Toxicon 2021; 195:78-85. [PMID: 33727031 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2021.03.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) Poir. (Fabaceae) is a plant native to Brazil and occurs in the phytogeographic domains of Caatinga and Cerrado. Relevant studies have investigated the chemical components of this plant and others have already demonstrated its teratogenic potential. It has been proven that this plant causes congenital malformations in farm animals and, consequently, financial losses to farmers in the Brazilian semiarid region. The present work aimed to carry out a bibliographic survey on the teratogenic effects of M. tenuiflora in ruminants and to group the chemical compounds occurring in this species. For this, databases were consulted and twenty-four articles published in the last 30 years (1990-2020) were included. According to the scientific documents analyzed, M. tenuiflora has embryotoxic, fetotoxic and abortive potential in farm animals, especially sheep and goats. The main classes of chemical compounds present in this species are alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and terpenoids. It is likely that some of these substances, mainly the indole alkaloid N,N-dimethyltryptamine, are related to the teratogenic effects reported in ruminants in the Brazilian semiarid region.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- José Jailson Lima Bezerra
- Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Departamento de Botânica, Av. da Engenharia, S/n, Cidade Universitária, 50670-420, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Anderson Angel Vieira Pinheiro
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Instituto de Pesquisa Em Fármacos e Medicamentos - IpeFarM, Cidade Universitária, 58051-970, João Pessoa, PB, Brazil
| | - Ricardo Barbosa Lucena
- Universidade Federal da Paraíba, Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Rodovia PB 079 - Km 12, 58397-000, Areia, PB, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Jung J, Kim J, Huh TL, Rhee M. Trim46 contributes to the midbrain development via Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway in zebrafish embryos. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2021; 25:56-64. [PMID: 33717417 PMCID: PMC7935121 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2021.1889661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
TRIM46 is a RING finger E3 ligase which belongs to TRIM (tripartite motif-containing) protein family. TRIM46 is required for neuronal polarity and axon specification by driving the formation of parallel microtubule arrays, whereas its embryological functions remain to be determined yet. Expression patterns and biological functions of trim46a, a zebrafish homologue of TRIM46, were studied in zebrafish embryo. First, maternal transcripts of trim46a were present at 1 cell stage whereas zygotic messages were abundant in the eyes, MHB (Midbrain-Hindbrain Boundary) and hindbrain at 24 hpf (hours post fertilization). Second, transcriptional regulatory region of trim46a contains cis-acting elements binding a transcriptional factor Foxa2. Transcription of foxa2 is positively regulated by Sonic Hedgehog (SHH), and treatment of cyclopamine, an SHH inhibitor, represses transcription of foxa2 in 4 hpf through 24 hpf embryos. Third, the transcriptional repression of foxa2 inhibited transcription of trim46a to cause developmental defects in the midbrain and MHB. Finally, spatiotemporal expression patterns of a midbrain marker otx2b in the developmental defects confirmed inhibition of SHH by cyclopamine caused underdevelopment of the midbrain and MHB at 24 hpf. We propose a signaling network where trim46a contributes to development of the midbrain and MHB via Foxa2, a downstream element of SHH signaling in zebrafish embryogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jangham Jung
- Department of Life Science, BK21 Plus Program, Graduate School, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Jaehun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Tae-Lin Huh
- School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | - Myungchull Rhee
- Department of Life Science, BK21 Plus Program, Graduate School, Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Biological Sciences, College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Rahi S, Mehan S. Understanding Abnormal SMO-SHH Signaling in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Potential Drug Target and Therapeutic Goals. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 42:931-953. [PMID: 33206287 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-01010-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism is a multifactorial neurodevelopmental condition; it demonstrates some main characteristics, such as impaired social relationships and increased repetitive behavior. The initiation of autism spectrum disorder is mostly triggered during brain development by the deregulation of signaling pathways. Sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling is one such mechanism that influences neurogenesis and neural processes during the development of the central nervous system. SMO-SHH signaling is also an important part of a broad variety of neurological processes, including neuronal cell differentiation, proliferation, and survival. Dysregulation of SMO-SHH signaling leads to many physiological changes that lead to neurological disorders such as ASD and contribute to cognitive decline. The aberrant downregulation of SMO-SHH signals contributes to the proteolytic cleavage of GLI (glioma-associated homolog) into GLI3 (repressor), which increases oxidative stress, neuronal excitotoxicity, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis by suppressing target gene expression. We outlined in this review that SMO-SHH deregulation plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of autism and addresses the current status of SMO-SHH pathway modulators. Additionally, a greater understanding of the SHH signaling pathway is an effort to improve successful treatment for autism and other neurological disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saloni Rahi
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Sidharth Mehan
- Neuropharmacology Division, Department of Pharmacology, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Booker BE, Steg AD, Kovac S, Landen CN, Amm HM. The use of hedgehog antagonists in cancer therapy: a comparison of clinical outcomes and gene expression analyses. Cancer Biol Ther 2020; 21:873-883. [PMID: 32914706 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2020.1806640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog (HH) signaling, a critical developmental pathway, has been implicated in cancer initiation and progression. With vismodegib and sonidegib having been approved for clinical use, increasing numbers of HH inhibitors alone and in combination with chemotherapies are in clinical trials. Here we highlight the clinical research on HH antagonists and the genetics of response to these compounds in human cancers. Selectivity of HH inhibitors, determined by decreased pathway transcriptional activity, has been demonstrated in many clinical trials. Patients with advanced/metastatic basal cell carcinoma have benefited the most, whereas HH antagonists did little to improve survival rates in other cancers. Correlation between clinical response and HH gene expression vary among different cancer types. Predicting response and resistance to HH inhibitors presents a challenge and continues to remain an important area of research. New approaches combine standard of care chemotherapies and molecularly targeted therapies to increase the clinical utility of HH inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Burthia E Booker
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Adam D Steg
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University , Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Stefan Kovac
- McWhorter School of Pharmacy, Samford University , Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Charles N Landen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Virginia , Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Hope M Amm
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham , Birmingham, AL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Beames TG, Lipinski RJ. Gene-environment interactions: aligning birth defects research with complex etiology. Development 2020; 147:147/21/dev191064. [PMID: 32680836 DOI: 10.1242/dev.191064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Developmental biologists rely on genetics-based approaches to understand the origins of congenital abnormalities. Recent advancements in genomics have made it easier than ever to investigate the relationship between genes and disease. However, nonsyndromic birth defects often exhibit non-Mendelian inheritance, incomplete penetrance or variable expressivity. The discordance between genotype and phenotype indicates that extrinsic factors frequently impact the severity of genetic disorders and vice versa. Overlooking gene-environment interactions in birth defect etiology limits our ability to identify and eliminate avoidable risks. We present mouse models of sonic hedgehog signaling and craniofacial malformations to illustrate both the importance of and current challenges in resolving gene-environment interactions in birth defects. We then prescribe approaches for overcoming these challenges, including use of genetically tractable and environmentally responsive in vitro systems. Combining emerging technologies with molecular genetics and traditional animal models promises to advance our understanding of birth defect etiology and improve the identification and protection of vulnerable populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tyler G Beames
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA.,Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Robert J Lipinski
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA .,Molecular and Environmental Toxicology Center, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Arraf AA, Yelin R, Reshef I, Jadon J, Abboud M, Zaher M, Schneider J, Vladimirov FK, Schultheiss TM. Hedgehog Signaling Regulates Epithelial Morphogenesis to Position the Ventral Embryonic Midline. Dev Cell 2020; 53:589-602.e6. [PMID: 32437643 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2020.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Despite much progress toward understanding how epithelial morphogenesis is shaped by intra-epithelial processes including contractility, polarity, and adhesion, much less is known regarding how such cellular processes are coordinated by extra-epithelial signaling. During embryogenesis, the coelomic epithelia on the two sides of the chick embryo undergo symmetrical lengthening and thinning, converging medially to generate and position the dorsal mesentery (DM) in the embryonic midline. We find that Hedgehog signaling, acting through downstream effectors Sec5 (ExoC2), an exocyst complex component, and RhoU (Wrch-1), a small GTPase, regulates coelomic epithelium morphogenesis to guide DM midline positioning. These effects are accompanied by changes in epithelial cell-cell alignment and N-cadherin and laminin distribution, suggesting Hedgehog regulation of cell organization within the coelomic epithelium. These results indicate a role for Hedgehog signaling in regulating epithelial morphology and provide an example of how transcellular signaling can modulate specific cellular processes to shape tissue morphogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alaa A Arraf
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Ronit Yelin
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Inbar Reshef
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Julian Jadon
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Manar Abboud
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Mira Zaher
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Jenny Schneider
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Fanny K Vladimirov
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 31096, Israel
| | - Thomas M Schultheiss
- Department of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 31096, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Abstract
Progress toward a convergent approach for the enantioselective synthesis of the Veratrum alkaloid jervine is presented. The two requisite fragments were stereoselectively and efficiently fashioned from economical and readily available reagents. Key reactions include (a) a highly diastereoselective Ireland-Claisen rearrangement to establish the necessary cis-relationship between the amine and methyl group on the tetrahydrofuran E-ring; (b) a diastereoselective selenoetherification reaction that enabled the assembly of the D/E oxaspiro[4.5]decene in the needed configuration; and (c) an enzymatic desymmetrization of an abundant achiral diol en route to a key four-carbon building block as a practical alternative to a protected Roche ester reduction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Blane P Zavesky
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3290, United States
| | - Pedro De Jesús Cruz
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3290, United States
| | - Jeffrey S Johnson
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599-3290, United States
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Toro-Tapia G, Das RM. Primary cilium remodeling mediates a cell signaling switch in differentiating neurons. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2020; 6:eabb0601. [PMID: 32494754 PMCID: PMC7252506 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abb0601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Cellular differentiation leads to the formation of specialized cell types and complex morphological variations. Often, differentiating cells transition between states by switching how they respond to the signaling environment. However, the mechanisms regulating these transitions are poorly understood. Differentiating neurons delaminate from the neuroepithelium through the regulated process of apical abscission, which mediates an acute loss of polarity and primary cilium disassembly. Using high-resolution live-cell imaging in chick neural tube, we show that these cells retain an Arl13b+ particle, which elongates and initiates intraflagellar trafficking as it transits toward the cell body, indicating primary cilium remodeling. Notably, disrupting cilia during and after remodeling inhibits axon extension and leads to axon collapse, respectively. Furthermore, cilium remodeling corresponds to a switch from a canonical to noncanonical cellular response to Shh. This work transforms our understanding of how cells can rapidly reinterpret signals to produce qualitatively different responses within the same tissue context.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Toro-Tapia
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Function, Faculty of Biology Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Kaur S, Gupta S, Chaudhary M, Khursheed MA, Mitra S, Kurup AJ, Ramachandran R. let-7 MicroRNA-Mediated Regulation of Shh Signaling and the Gene Regulatory Network Is Essential for Retina Regeneration. Cell Rep 2019; 23:1409-1423. [PMID: 29719254 PMCID: PMC5946716 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Revised: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 03/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Upon injury, Müller glia cells of the zebrafish retina reprogram themselves to progenitor cells with stem cell characteristics. This necessity for retina regeneration is often compromised in mammals. We explored the significance of developmentally inevitable Sonic hedgehog signaling and found its necessity in MG reprogramming during retina regeneration. We report on stringent translational regulation of sonic hedgehog, smoothened, and patched1 by let-7 microRNA, which is regulated by Lin28a, in Müller glia (MG)-derived progenitor cells (MGPCs). We also show Shh-signaling-mediated induction of Ascl1 in mouse and zebrafish retina. Moreover, Shh-signaling-dependent regulation of matrix metalloproteinase9, in turn, regulates Shha levels and genes essential for retina regeneration, such as lin28a, zic2b, and foxn4. These observations were further confirmed through whole-retina RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis. This mechanistic gene expression network could lead to a better understanding of retina regeneration and, consequently, aid in designing strategies for therapeutic intervention in human retinal diseases. Shh signaling is essential for MG dedifferentiation during retina regeneration Shh signaling components are regulated by let-7 microRNA in the zebrafish retina A regulatory feedback loop between Mmp9 and Shh signaling is active in the retina Shh signaling induced a gene-regulatory network involving mmp9, ascl1a, zic2b, and foxn4
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simran Kaur
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Knowledge City, SAS Nagar, Sector 81, Manauli PO, 140306 Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Shivangi Gupta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Knowledge City, SAS Nagar, Sector 81, Manauli PO, 140306 Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Mansi Chaudhary
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Knowledge City, SAS Nagar, Sector 81, Manauli PO, 140306 Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Mohammad Anwar Khursheed
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Knowledge City, SAS Nagar, Sector 81, Manauli PO, 140306 Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Soumitra Mitra
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Knowledge City, SAS Nagar, Sector 81, Manauli PO, 140306 Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Akshai Janardhana Kurup
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Knowledge City, SAS Nagar, Sector 81, Manauli PO, 140306 Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Rajesh Ramachandran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Mohali, Knowledge City, SAS Nagar, Sector 81, Manauli PO, 140306 Mohali, Punjab, India.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Koiwa J, Shiromizu T, Adachi Y, Ikejiri M, Nakatani K, Tanaka T, Nishimura Y. Generation of a Triple-Transgenic Zebrafish Line for Assessment of Developmental Neurotoxicity during Neuronal Differentiation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2019; 12:E145. [PMID: 31554324 PMCID: PMC6958351 DOI: 10.3390/ph12040145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
: The developing brain is extremely sensitive to many chemicals. Exposure to neurotoxicants during development has been implicated in various neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders, including autism spectrum disorders and schizophrenia. Various screening methods have been used to assess the developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) of chemicals, with most assays focusing on cell viability, apoptosis, proliferation, migration, neuronal differentiation, and neuronal network formation. However, assessment of toxicity during progenitor cell differentiation into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes often requires immunohistochemistry, which is a reliable but labor-intensive and time-consuming assay. Here, we report the development of a triple-transgenic zebrafish line that expresses distinct fluorescent proteins in neurons (Cerulean), astrocytes (mCherry), and oligodendrocytes (mCitrine), which can be used to detect DNT during neuronal differentiation. Using in vivo fluorescence microscopy, we could detect DNT by 6 of the 10 neurotoxicants tested after exposure to zebrafish from 12 h to 5 days' post-fertilization. Moreover, the chemicals could be clustered into three main DNT groups based on the fluorescence pattern: (i) inhibition of neuron and oligodendrocyte differentiation and stimulation of astrocyte differentiation; (ii) inhibition of neuron and oligodendrocyte differentiation; and (iii) inhibition of neuron and astrocyte differentiation, which suggests that reporter expression reflects the toxicodynamics of the chemicals. Thus, the triple-transgenic zebrafish line developed here may be a useful tool to assess DNT during neuronal differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junko Koiwa
- Department of Integrative Pharmacology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
| | - Takashi Shiromizu
- Department of Integrative Pharmacology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
| | - Yuka Adachi
- Department of Integrative Pharmacology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
| | - Makoto Ikejiri
- Department of Central Laboratory, Mie University Hospital, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
| | - Kaname Nakatani
- Department of Genomic Medicine, Mie University Hospital, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
| | - Toshio Tanaka
- Department of Systems Pharmacology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
| | - Yuhei Nishimura
- Department of Integrative Pharmacology, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Shono T, Thiery AP, Cooper RL, Kurokawa D, Britz R, Okabe M, Fraser GJ. Evolution and Developmental Diversity of Skin Spines in Pufferfishes. iScience 2019; 19:1248-1259. [PMID: 31353167 PMCID: PMC6831732 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Teleost fishes develop remarkable varieties of skin ornaments. The developmental basis of these structures is poorly understood. The order Tetraodontiformes includes diverse fishes such as the ocean sunfishes, triggerfishes, and pufferfishes, which exhibit a vast assortment of scale derivatives. Pufferfishes possess some of the most extreme scale derivatives, dermal spines, erected during their characteristic puffing behavior. We demonstrate that pufferfish scale-less spines develop through conserved gene interactions that underlie general vertebrate skin appendage formation, including feathers and hair. Spine development retains conservation of the EDA (ectodysplasin) signaling pathway, important for the development of diverse vertebrate skin appendages, including these modified scale-less spines of pufferfish. Further modification of genetic signaling from both CRISPR-Cas9 and small molecule inhibition leads to loss or reduction of spine coverage, providing a mechanism for skin appendage diversification observed throughout the pufferfishes. Pufferfish spines have evolved broad variations in body coverage, enabling adaptation to diverse ecological niches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Shono
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; Department of Anatomy, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Alexandre P Thiery
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Rory L Cooper
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK
| | - Daisuke Kurokawa
- Misaki Marine Biological Station, School of Science, University of Tokyo, Miura, Kanagawa 238-0225, Japan
| | - Ralf Britz
- Department of Life Sciences, Natural History Museum, London SW7 5BD, UK
| | - Masataka Okabe
- Department of Anatomy, The Jikei University School of Medicine, Minato, Tokyo 105-8461, Japan
| | - Gareth J Fraser
- Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, Bateson Centre, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2TN, UK; Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville 32611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Palmquist-Gomes P, Pérez-Pomares JM, Guadix JA. Cellular identities in an unusual presentation of cyclopia in a chick embryo. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART B-MOLECULAR AND DEVELOPMENTAL EVOLUTION 2019; 332:179-186. [PMID: 31298492 DOI: 10.1002/jez.b.22893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cyclopia is a congenital anomaly characterized by the presence of a single or partially divided eye in a single orbit at the body midline. This condition is usually associated with other severe facial malformations, such as the absence of the nose and, on rare occasions, the presence of a proboscis located above the ocular structures. The developmental origin of cyclopia in vertebrates is the failure of the embryonic prosencephalon to divide properly during the formation of the two bilateral eyes. Although the developmental origin of the cyclopia-associated proboscis is not clear, it has been suggested that this unique structure results from the disrupted morphogenesis of the olfactory placodes, the main organizers of the developing nose. In this study, we report a spontaneous congenital case of cyclopia with a proboscis-like appendage in a chick embryo. By means of both conventional histology and immunohistochemical methods, we have analyzed this anomaly in detail to suggest an alternative identity for the anatomical embryonic features of cyclopic vertebrate embryos displaying a proboscis. Our findings are discussed in the context of previously reported cases of cyclopia, and provide additional insight into this complex congenital malformation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul Palmquist-Gomes
- Department of Animal Biology, Institute of Biomedicine of Málaga (IBIMA), Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Area of Biotechnology, Andalusian Centre for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), Campanillas, Málaga, Spain
| | - José María Pérez-Pomares
- Department of Animal Biology, Institute of Biomedicine of Málaga (IBIMA), Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Area of Biotechnology, Andalusian Centre for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), Campanillas, Málaga, Spain
| | - Juan Antonio Guadix
- Department of Animal Biology, Institute of Biomedicine of Málaga (IBIMA), Faculty of Sciences, University of Málaga, Málaga, Spain.,Area of Biotechnology, Andalusian Centre for Nanomedicine and Biotechnology (BIONAND), Campanillas, Málaga, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Carpenter RL, Ray H. Safety and Tolerability of Sonic Hedgehog Pathway Inhibitors in Cancer. Drug Saf 2019; 42:263-279. [PMID: 30649745 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-018-0777-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The hedgehog pathway, for which sonic hedgehog (Shh) is the most prominent ligand, is highly conserved and is tightly associated with embryonic development in a number of species. This pathway is also tightly associated with the development of several types of cancer, including basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and acute promyelocytic leukemia, among many others. Inactivating mutations in Patched-1 (PTCH1), leading to ligand-independent pathway activation, are frequent in several cancer types, but most prominent in BCC. This has led to the development of several compounds targeting this pathway as a cancer therapeutic. These compounds target the inducers of this pathway in Smoothened (SMO) and the GLI transcription factors, although targeting SMO has had the most success. Despite the many attempts at targeting this pathway, only three US FDA-approved drugs for cancers affect the Shh pathway. Two of these compounds, vismodegib and sonidegib, target SMO to suppress signaling from either PTCH1 or SMO mutations that lead to upregulation of the pathway. The other approved compound is arsenic trioxide, which can suppress this pathway at the level of the GLI proteins, although current evidence suggests it also has other targets. This review focuses on the safety and tolerability of these clinically approved drugs targeting the Shh pathway, along with a discussion on other Shh pathway inhibitors being developed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard L Carpenter
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1001 E. 3rd St, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA. .,Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1001 E. 3rd St, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA. .,Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, 535 Barnhill Dr., Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
| | - Haimanti Ray
- Medical Sciences, Indiana University School of Medicine, 1001 E. 3rd St, Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Binder M, Chmielarz P, Mckinnon PJ, Biggs LC, Thesleff I, Balic A. Functionally Distinctive Ptch Receptors Establish Multimodal Hedgehog Signaling in the Tooth Epithelial Stem Cell Niche. Stem Cells 2019; 37:1238-1248. [PMID: 31145830 DOI: 10.1002/stem.3042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Continuous growth of the mouse incisor teeth is due to the life-long maintenance of epithelial stem cells (SCs) in their niche called cervical loop (CL). Several signaling factors regulate SC maintenance and/or their differentiation to achieve organ homeostasis. Previous studies indicated that Hedgehog signaling is crucial for both the maintenance of the SCs in the niche, as well as for their differentiation. How Hedgehog signaling regulates these two opposing cellular behaviors within the confinement of the CL remains elusive. In this study, we used in vitro organ and cell cultures to pharmacologically attenuate Hedgehog signaling. We analyzed expression of various genes expressed in the SC niche to determine the effect of altered Hedgehog signaling on the cellular hierarchy within the niche. These genes include markers of SCs (Sox2 and Lgr5) and transit-amplifying cells (P-cadherin, Sonic Hedgehog, and Yap). Our results show that Hedgehog signaling is a critical survival factor for SCs in the niche, and that the architecture and the diversity of the SC niche are regulated by multiple Hedgehog ligands. We demonstrated the presence of an additional Hedgehog ligand, nerve-derived Desert Hedgehog, secreted in the proximity of the CL. In addition, we provide evidence that Hedgehog receptors Ptch1 and Ptch2 elicit independent responses, which enable multimodal Hedgehog signaling to simultaneously regulate SC maintenance and differentiation. Our study indicates that the cellular hierarchy in the continuously growing incisor is a result of complex interplay of two Hedgehog ligands with functionally distinct Ptch receptors. Stem Cells 2019;37:1238-1248.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Binder
- Research Program in Developmental Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Piotr Chmielarz
- Research Program in Developmental Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Brain Biochemistry, Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Krakow, Poland
| | - Peter J Mckinnon
- Department of Genetics, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Leah C Biggs
- Research Program in Developmental Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Irma Thesleff
- Research Program in Developmental Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Anamaria Balic
- Research Program in Developmental Biology, Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ohuchi H, Sato K, Habuta M, Fujita H, Bando T. Congenital eye anomalies: More mosaic than thought? Congenit Anom (Kyoto) 2019; 59:56-73. [PMID: 30039880 DOI: 10.1111/cga.12304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2018] [Revised: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The eye is a sensory organ that primarily captures light and provides the sense of sight, as well as delivering non-visual light information involving biological rhythms and neurophysiological activities to the brain. Since the early 1990s, rapid advances in molecular biology have enabled the identification of developmental genes, genes responsible for human congenital diseases, and relevant genes of mutant animals with various anomalies. In this review, we first look at the development of the eye, and we highlight seminal reports regarding archetypal gene defects underlying three developmental ocular disorders in humans: (1) holoprosencephaly (HPE), with cyclopia being exhibited in the most severe cases; (2) microphthalmia, anophthalmia, and coloboma (MAC) phenotypes; and (3) anterior segment dysgenesis (ASDG), known as Peters anomaly and its related disorders. The recently developed methods, such as next-generation sequencing and genome editing techniques, have aided the discovery of gene mutations in congenital eye diseases and gene functions in normal eye development. Finally, we discuss Pax6-genome edited mosaic eyes and propose that somatic mosaicism in developmental gene mutations should be considered a causal factor for variable phenotypes, sporadic cases, and de novo mutations in human developmental disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hideyo Ohuchi
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Keita Sato
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Munenori Habuta
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Fujita
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Bando
- Department of Cytology and Histology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Abramyan J. Hedgehog Signaling and Embryonic Craniofacial Disorders. J Dev Biol 2019; 7:E9. [PMID: 31022843 PMCID: PMC6631594 DOI: 10.3390/jdb7020009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Since its initial discovery in a Drosophila mutagenesis screen, the Hedgehog pathway has been revealed to be instrumental in the proper development of the vertebrate face. Vertebrates possess three hedgehog paralogs: Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Indian hedgehog (Ihh), and Desert hedgehog (Dhh). Of the three, Shh has the broadest range of functions both in the face and elsewhere in the embryo, while Ihh and Dhh play more limited roles. The Hedgehog pathway is instrumental from the period of prechordal plate formation early in the embryo, until the fusion of the lip and secondary palate, which complete the major patterning events of the face. Disruption of Hedgehog signaling results in an array of developmental disorders in the face, ranging from minor alterations in the distance between the eyes to more serious conditions such as severe clefting of the lip and palate. Despite its critical role, Hedgehog signaling seems to be disrupted through a number of mechanisms that may either be direct, as in mutation of a downstream target of the Hedgehog ligand, or indirect, such as mutation in a ciliary protein that is otherwise seemingly unrelated to the Hedgehog pathway. A number of teratogens such as alcohol, statins and steroidal alkaloids also disrupt key aspects of Hedgehog signal transduction, leading to developmental defects that are similar, if not identical, to those of Hedgehog pathway mutations. The aim of this review is to highlight the variety of roles that Hedgehog signaling plays in developmental disorders of the vertebrate face.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John Abramyan
- Department of Natural Sciences, University of Michigan-Dearborn, Dearborn, MI 48128, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Schulte G, Kozielewicz P. Structural insight into Class F receptors - What have we learnt regarding agonist-induced activation? Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2019; 126 Suppl 6:17-24. [PMID: 30925000 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Class F receptors, including the ten Frizzleds (FZD1-10 ) and SMO, mediate the effects of WNTs and hedgehog proteins and belong to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). While the recent, high-resolution insight into mechanisms of GPCR activation provides a better understanding of receptor activation in Class A, B and C GPCRs, it remains unclear how Class F receptors bind their ligands, how ligand binding is translated to receptor activation and how signal initiation and specification are achieved. Here, we summarize recent efforts in elucidating Class F receptor structure and activation mechanisms and critically discuss the progress made in this area. A better understanding of the activation mechanisms of Class F receptors is required to engage in mechanism-based and structure-guided drug discovery to exploit the large therapeutic potential of targeting these receptors pharmacologically.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gunnar Schulte
- Section of Receptor Biology & Signaling, Department Physiology & Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paweł Kozielewicz
- Section of Receptor Biology & Signaling, Department Physiology & Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Galperin I, Dempwolff L, Diederich WE, Lauth M. Inhibiting Hedgehog: An Update on Pharmacological Compounds and Targeting Strategies. J Med Chem 2019; 62:8392-8411. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ilya Galperin
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Lukas Dempwolff
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Wibke E. Diederich
- School of Pharmacy, Center for Tumor and Immune Biology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
- Core Facility Medicinal Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Matthias Lauth
- Center for Tumor and Immune Biology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, Hans-Meerwein-Straße 3, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Curran T. Reproducibility of academic preclinical translational research: lessons from the development of Hedgehog pathway inhibitors to treat cancer. Open Biol 2019; 8:rsob.180098. [PMID: 30068568 PMCID: PMC6119869 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.180098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Academic translational research is growing at a great pace at a time in which questions have been raised about the reproducibility of preclinical findings. The development of Hedgehog (HH) pathway inhibitors for the treatment of cancer over the past two decades offers a case study for understanding the root causes of failure to predict clinical outcomes arising from academic preclinical translational research. Although such inhibitors were once hoped to be efficacious in up to 25% of human cancer, clinical studies showed responses only in basal cell carcinoma and the HH subtype of medulloblastoma. Close examination of the published studies reveals limitations in the models used, lack of quantitative standards, utilization of high drug concentrations associated with non-specific toxicities and improper use of cell line and mouse models. In part, these issues arise from scientific complexity, for example, the failure of tumour cell lines to maintain HH pathway activity in vitro, but a greater contributing factor appears to be the influence of unconscious bias. There was a strong expectation that HH pathway inhibitors would make a profound impact on human cancer and experiments were designed with this assumption in mind.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tom Curran
- Children's Research Institute, Children's Mercy Kansas City, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MI 64108, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zhu M, Wang H, Wang C, Fang Y, Zhu T, Zhao W, Dong X, Zhang X. L-4, a Well-Tolerated and Orally Active Inhibitor of Hedgehog Pathway, Exhibited Potent Anti-tumor Effects Against Medulloblastoma in vitro and in vivo. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:89. [PMID: 30846937 PMCID: PMC6393386 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of aberrant Hedgehog (Hh) pathway had been proved to be a promising therapeutic intervention in cancers like basal cell carcinoma (BCC), medulloblastoma (MB), and so on. Two drugs (Vismodegib, Sonidegib) were approved to treat BCC and more inhibitors are in clinical investigation. However, the adverse effects and drug resistance restricted the use of Hh inhibitors. In the present study, 61 synthesized compounds containing central backbone of phthalazine or dimethylpyridazine were screened as candidates of new Hh signaling inhibitors by performing dual luciferase reporter assay. Among the compounds, L-4 exhibited an IC50 value of 2.33 nM in the Shh-Light II assay. L-4 strongly inhibited the Hh pathway in vitro and blocked the Hh pathway by antagonizing the smoothened receptor (Smo). Remarkably, L-4 could significantly suppress the Hh pathway activity provoked by Smo mutant (D473H) which showed strong resistant properties to existing drugs such as Vismodegib. Orally administered L-4 exhibited prominent dose-dependent anti-tumor efficacy in vivo in Ptch+/-; p53-/- MB allograft model. Furthermore, L-4 showed good tolerance in acute toxicity test using ICR mice. These evidences indicated that L-4 was a potent, well-tolerated, orally active inhibitor of Hedgehog pathway, and might be a promising candidate in development of Hh-targeted anti-cancer drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mingfei Zhu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenglin Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanfen Fang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tong Zhu
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Weili Zhao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochun Dong
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiongwen Zhang
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Molecular Therapeutics and New Drug Development, School of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Girardi D, Barrichello A, Fernandes G, Pereira A. Targeting the Hedgehog Pathway in Cancer: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020153. [PMID: 30759860 PMCID: PMC6406365 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Revised: 02/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog pathway (HhP) plays an important role in normal embryonic development and its abnormal function has been linked to a variety of neoplasms. Recently, the complex mechanisms involved in this pathway have been deciphered and the cross talks with other important pathways involved in carcinogenesis have been characterized. This knowledge has led to the development of targeted therapies against key components of HhP, which culminated in the approval of vismodegib for the treatment of advanced basal cell carcinoma in 2012. Since then, other compounds have been developed and evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies with interesting results. Today, several medications against components of the HhP have demonstrated clinical activity as monotherapies and in combination with cytotoxic treatment or other targeted therapies against mitogenic pathways that are linked to the HhP. This review aims to clarify the mechanism of the HhP and the complex crosstalk with others pathways involved in carcinogenesis and to discuss both the evidence associated with the growing number of medications and combined therapies addressing this pathway and future perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Girardi
- Division of Medical Oncology, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasilia, 70200-730, Brazil.
| | - Adriana Barrichello
- Division of Medical Oncology, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasilia, 70200-730, Brazil.
| | - Gustavo Fernandes
- Division of Medical Oncology, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasilia, 70200-730, Brazil.
| | - Allan Pereira
- Division of Medical Oncology, Hospital Sírio-Libanês, Brasilia, 70200-730, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Raleigh DR, Reiter JF. Misactivation of Hedgehog signaling causes inherited and sporadic cancers. J Clin Invest 2019; 129:465-475. [PMID: 30707108 DOI: 10.1172/jci120850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hedgehog pathway is critical for the development of diverse organs. Misactivation of the Hedgehog pathway can cause developmental abnormalities and cancers, including medulloblastoma, the most common pediatric brain tumor, and basal cell carcinoma, the most common cancer in the United States. Here, we review how basic, translational, and clinical studies of the Hedgehog pathway have helped reveal how cells communicate, how intercellular communication controls development, how signaling goes awry to cause cancer, and how to use targeted molecular agents to treat both inherited and sporadic cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David R Raleigh
- Department of Radiation Oncology.,Department of Neurological Surgery, and
| | - Jeremy F Reiter
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Li H, Li Q, Yu H. Molecular Characterization of the Hedgehog Signaling Pathway and Its Necessary Function on Larval Myogenesis in the Pacific Oyster Crassostrea gigas. Front Physiol 2018; 9:1536. [PMID: 30568594 PMCID: PMC6290081 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.01536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog signaling pathway participates in a chain of necessary physiological activities and dysregulation of the hedgehog signaling has been implicated in birth defects and diseases. Although substantial studies have uncovered that the hedgehog pathway is both sufficient and necessary for patterning vertebrate muscle differentiation, limited knowledge is available about its role in molluscan myogenesis. Here, the present study firstly identified and characterized the key genes (CgHh, CgPtc, CgSmo, CgGli) in the hedgehog pathway of the Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, and investigated the function of this pathway in embryonic myogenesis of C. gigas. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the functional domains of the key genes were highly conserved among species. Quantitative analysis indicated that CgHh, CgPtc, CgGli mRNA began to accumulate during the blastula to gastrulation stages and accumulated throughout trochophore and into the D-shaped stage. RNA localization patterns by whole-mount in situ hybridization revealed that the key genes own the strongest specific staining in gastrulation, trochophore, and D-shaped stage. Hedgehog pathway genes showed a high expression level in myogenesis stage including trochophore and D-shaped stages, suggesting that the hedgehog pathway would be involved in myogenesis of C. gigas. In adult oysters, the key genes were expressed at various tissues, indicating that hedgehog pathway governed a series of development events. To further examine the role of hedgehog signaling in C. gigas myogenesis, we used cyclopamine treatment in C. gigas larvae to inhibit the signaling pathway. The quantification of the expression of the key genes in hedgehog pathway showed that expressions of key genes were severely down-regulated in treated larvae compared with normal larvae. The velum retractors, ventral retractors, anterior adductor, and posterior adductor muscles of larvae treated with cyclopamine at 4-6 μM for 6-12 h were severely destroyed, suggesting that the hedgehog pathway took part in the myogenesis of C. gigas. These findings provide a foundation for uncovering the molecular mechanisms of hedgehog signaling in molluscan physiological activity and enable us to better understand the signaling pathway involving in molluscan physiological activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huijuan Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Qi Li
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Hong Yu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture, Ministry of Education, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Gong P, Li M, Zou C, Tian Q, Xu Z. Tissue Plasminogen Activator Causes Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cell Injury After Oxygen Glucose Deprivation by Inhibiting Sonic Hedgehog Signaling. Neurochem Res 2018; 44:441-449. [PMID: 30552546 PMCID: PMC6394519 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2697-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The thrombolytic activity of tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) has undisputed benefits. However, the documented neurotoxicity of tPA raises important issues. Currently, common treatments for stroke might not be optimum if exogenous tPA can pass through the blood–brain barrier and enter the brain, thus adding to the deleterious effects of tPA within the cerebral parenchyma. Here, we determined whether tPA could damage brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) during cerebral ischemia. We showed that treatment of BMECs with tPA decreased trans-endothelial electrical resistance and cell proliferation, and blocked the cell cycle at the G0–G1 phase. In addition, the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway was involved in tPA-induced BMECs dysfunction. However, tPA-enhanced oxygen glucose deprivation-induced BMECs dysfunction was eliminated by Shh administration and the effects could be reversed by Shh inhibitors. Taken together, these results demonstrate that tPA administration might result in damage to the endothelial barrier owing to blocked Shh signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pian Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 9 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei Province, China
| | - Mingchang Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 9 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Changlin Zou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 9 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qi Tian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 9 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei Province, China
| | - Zhou Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, No. 9 Zhangzhidong Road, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430072, Hubei Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Pietrobono S, Stecca B. Targeting the Oncoprotein Smoothened by Small Molecules: Focus on Novel Acylguanidine Derivatives as Potent Smoothened Inhibitors. Cells 2018; 7:cells7120272. [PMID: 30558232 PMCID: PMC6316656 DOI: 10.3390/cells7120272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hedgehog-GLI (HH) signaling was originally identified as a critical morphogenetic pathway in embryonic development. Since its discovery, a multitude of studies have reported that HH signaling also plays key roles in a variety of cancer types and in maintaining tumor-initiating cells. Smoothened (SMO) is the main transducer of HH signaling, and in the last few years, it has emerged as a promising therapeutic target for anticancer therapy. Although vismodegib and sonidegib have demonstrated effectiveness for the treatment of basal cell carcinoma (BCC), their clinical use has been hampered by severe side effects, low selectivity against cancer stem cells, and the onset of mutation-driven drug resistance. Moreover, SMO antagonists are not effective in cancers where HH activation is due to mutations of pathway components downstream of SMO, or in the case of noncanonical, SMO-independent activation of the GLI transcription factors, the final mediators of HH signaling. Here, we review the current and rapidly expanding field of SMO small-molecule inhibitors in experimental and clinical settings, focusing on a class of acylguanidine derivatives. We also discuss various aspects of SMO, including mechanisms of resistance to SMO antagonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pietrobono
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit⁻Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Tumor Cell Biology Unit⁻Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research, Prevention and Clinical Network (ISPRO), 50139 Florence, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|