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Stewart RA, Ding Z, Jeon US, Goodman LB, Tran JJ, Zientko JP, Sabu M, Cadigan KM. Wnt target gene activation requires β-catenin separation into biomolecular condensates. PLoS Biol 2024; 22:e3002368. [PMID: 39316611 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays numerous essential roles in animal development and tissue/stem cell maintenance. The activation of genes regulated by Wnt/β-catenin signaling requires the nuclear accumulation of β-catenin, a transcriptional co-activator. β-catenin is recruited to many Wnt-regulated enhancers through direct binding to T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) family transcription factors. β-catenin has previously been reported to form phase-separated biomolecular condensates (BMCs), which was implicated as a component of β-catenin's mechanism of action. This function required aromatic amino acid residues in the intrinsically disordered regions (IDRs) at the N- and C-termini of the protein. In this report, we further explore a role for β-catenin BMCs in Wnt target gene regulation. We find that β-catenin BMCs are miscible with LEF1 BMCs in vitro and in cultured cells. We characterized a panel of β-catenin mutants with different combinations of aromatic residue mutations in human cell culture and Drosophila melanogaster. Our data support a model in which aromatic residues across both IDRs contribute to BMC formation and signaling activity. Although different Wnt targets have different sensitivities to loss of β-catenin's aromatic residues, the activation of every target examined was compromised by aromatic substitution. These mutants are not defective in nuclear import or co-immunoprecipitation with several β-catenin binding partners. In addition, residues in the N-terminal IDR with no previously known role in signaling are clearly required for the activation of various Wnt readouts. Consistent with this, deletion of the N-terminal IDR results in a loss of signaling activity, which can be rescued by the addition of heterologous IDRs enriched in aromatic residues. Overall, our work supports a model in which the ability of β-catenin to form biomolecular condensates in the nucleus is tightly linked to its function as a transcriptional co-regulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Stewart
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Zhihao Ding
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ung Seop Jeon
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Lauren B Goodman
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Jeannine J Tran
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - John P Zientko
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Malavika Sabu
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ken M Cadigan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
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2
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Lima YS, de Castro Lippi IC, da Luz Scheffer J, Lunardi JS, Alvarez MVN, Kadri SM, de Oliveira Orsi R. Food contamination with fipronil alters gene expression associated with foraging in Africanized honey bees. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2024; 31:52267-52278. [PMID: 39145909 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-024-34695-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Taking into consideration that bees can be contaminated by pesticides through the ingestion of contaminated floral resources, we can utilize genetic techniques to assess effects that are scarcely observed in behavioral studies. This study aimed to investigate the genetic effects of ingesting lethal and sublethal doses of the insecticide fipronil in foraging honey bees during two periods of acute exposure. Bees were exposed to fipronil through contaminated honey syrup at two dosages (LD50 = 0.19 µg/bee; LD50/100 = 0.0019 µg/bee) and for two durations (1 and 4 h). Following exposure, we measured syrup consumption per bee, analyzed the transcriptome of bee brain tissue, and identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs), categorizing them functionally based on gene ontology (GO). The results revealed a significant genetic response in honey bees after exposure to fipronil, regardless of the dosage used. Fipronil affected various metabolic, transport, and cellular regulation pathways, as well as detoxification processes and xenobiotic substance detection. Additionally, the downregulation of several DEGs belonging to the olfactory-binding protein (OBP) family was observed, suggesting potential physiological alterations in bees that may lead to disoriented behaviors and reduced foraging efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Souza Lima
- Center of Education, Science and Technology in Rational Beekeeping (NECTAR), College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isabella Cristina de Castro Lippi
- Center of Education, Science and Technology in Rational Beekeeping (NECTAR), College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaine da Luz Scheffer
- Center of Education, Science and Technology in Rational Beekeeping (NECTAR), College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Juliana Sartori Lunardi
- Center of Education, Science and Technology in Rational Beekeeping (NECTAR), College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Samir Moura Kadri
- Center of Education, Science and Technology in Rational Beekeeping (NECTAR), College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ricardo de Oliveira Orsi
- Center of Education, Science and Technology in Rational Beekeeping (NECTAR), College of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Sciences, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil.
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3
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Li Y, Jiang Z, Xu Y, Yan J, Wu Q, Huang S, Wang L, Xie Y, Wu X, Wang Y, Li Y, Fan X, Li F, Yuan W. Pygo-F773W Mutation Reveals Novel Functions beyond Wnt Signaling in Drosophila. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5998. [PMID: 38892188 PMCID: PMC11172468 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115998] [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: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Pygopus (Pygo) has been identified as a specific nuclear co-activator of the canonical Wingless (Wg)/Wnt signaling pathway in Drosophila melanogaster. Pygo proteins consist of two conserved domains: an N-terminal homologous domain (NHD) and a C-terminal plant homologous domain (PHD). The PHD's ability to bind to di- and trimethylated lysine 4 of histone H3 (H3K4me2/3) appears to be independent of Wnt signaling. There is ongoing debate regarding the significance of Pygo's histone-binding capacity. Drosophila Pygo orthologs have a tryptophan (W) > phenylalanine (F) substitution in their histone pocket-divider compared to vertebrates, leading to reduced histone affinity. In this research, we utilized CRISPR/Cas9 technology to introduce the Pygo-F773W point mutation in Drosophila, successfully establishing a viable homozygous Pygo mutant line for the first time. Adult mutant flies displayed noticeable abnormalities in reproduction, locomotion, heart function, and lifespan. RNA-seq and cluster analysis indicated that the mutation primarily affected pathways related to immunity, metabolism, and posttranslational modification in adult flies rather than the Wnt signaling pathway. Additionally, a reduction in H3K9 acetylation levels during the embryonic stage was observed in the mutant strains. These findings support the notion that Pygo plays a wider role in chromatin remodeling, with its involvement in Wnt signaling representing only a specific aspect of its chromatin-related functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fang Li
- The Laboratory of Heart Development Research, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China; (Y.L.); (Z.J.); (X.F.)
| | - Wuzhou Yuan
- The Laboratory of Heart Development Research, College of Life Science, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China; (Y.L.); (Z.J.); (X.F.)
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4
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Wu M, Dong H, Xu C, Sun M, Gao H, Bu F, Chen J. The Wnt-dependent and Wnt-independent functions of BCL9 in development, tumorigenesis, and immunity: Implications in therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dis 2024; 11:701-710. [PMID: 37692512 PMCID: PMC10491870 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.03.012] [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: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
B-cell CLL/lymphoma 9 (BCL9) is considered a key developmental regulator and a well-established oncogenic driver in multiple cancer types, mainly through potentiating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. However, increasing evidences indicate that BCL9 also plays multiple Wnt-independent roles. Herein, we summarized the updates of the canonical and non-canonical functions of BCL9 in cellular, physiological, or pathological processes. Moreover, we also concluded that the targeted inhibitors disrupt the interaction of β-catenin with BCL9 reported recently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjie Wu
- College of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, Institute of Hepatology and Metabolic Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Heng Dong
- College of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, Institute of Hepatology and Metabolic Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Chao Xu
- College of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, Institute of Hepatology and Metabolic Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Mengqing Sun
- College of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, Institute of Hepatology and Metabolic Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Haojin Gao
- College of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, Institute of Hepatology and Metabolic Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Fangtian Bu
- College of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, Institute of Hepatology and Metabolic Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
| | - Jianxiang Chen
- College of Pharmacy and Department of Hepatology, Institute of Hepatology and Metabolic Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
- Laboratory of Cancer Genomics, Division of Cellular and Molecular Research, National Cancer Centre, Singapore 169610, Singapore
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Class Anti-Cancer Chinese Medicines, Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicines of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311121, China
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5
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Spencer ZT, Ng VH, Benchabane H, Siddiqui GS, Duwadi D, Maines B, Bryant JM, Schwarzkopf A, Yuan K, Kassel SN, Mishra A, Pimentel A, Lebensohn AM, Rohatgi R, Gerber SA, Robbins DJ, Lee E, Ahmed Y. The USP46 deubiquitylase complex increases Wingless/Wnt signaling strength by stabilizing Arrow/LRP6. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6174. [PMID: 37798281 PMCID: PMC10556106 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41843-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The control of Wnt receptor abundance is critical for animal development and to prevent tumorigenesis, but the mechanisms that mediate receptor stabilization remain uncertain. We demonstrate that stabilization of the essential Wingless/Wnt receptor Arrow/LRP6 by the evolutionarily conserved Usp46-Uaf1-Wdr20 deubiquitylase complex controls signaling strength in Drosophila. By reducing Arrow ubiquitylation and turnover, the Usp46 complex increases cell surface levels of Arrow and enhances the sensitivity of target cells to stimulation by the Wingless morphogen, thereby increasing the amplitude and spatial range of signaling responses. Usp46 inactivation in Wingless-responding cells destabilizes Arrow, reduces cytoplasmic accumulation of the transcriptional coactivator Armadillo/β-catenin, and attenuates or abolishes Wingless target gene activation, which prevents the concentration-dependent regulation of signaling strength. Consequently, Wingless-dependent developmental patterning and tissue homeostasis are disrupted. These results reveal an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that mediates Wnt/Wingless receptor stabilization and underlies the precise activation of signaling throughout the spatial range of the morphogen gradient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary T Spencer
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Victoria H Ng
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Hassina Benchabane
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Ghalia Saad Siddiqui
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Deepesh Duwadi
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Ben Maines
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Jamal M Bryant
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Anna Schwarzkopf
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Kai Yuan
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Sara N Kassel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Anant Mishra
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Ashley Pimentel
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA
| | - Andres M Lebensohn
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Rajat Rohatgi
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Scott A Gerber
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, 03766, USA
| | - David J Robbins
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, 20057, USA
| | - Ethan Lee
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA.
| | - Yashi Ahmed
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Dartmouth Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, 03755, USA.
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6
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Wang H, Bienz M, Yan XX, Xu W. Structural basis of the interaction between BCL9-Pygo and LDB-SSBP complexes in assembling the Wnt enhanceosome. Nat Commun 2023; 14:3702. [PMID: 37349336 PMCID: PMC10287724 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-39439-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt enhanceosome is responsible for transactivation of Wnt-responsive genes and a promising therapeutic target for treatment of numerous cancers with Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) or β-catenin mutations. How the Wnt enhanceosome is assembled remains poorly understood. Here we show that B-cell lymphoma 9 protein (BCL9), Pygopus (Pygo), LIM domain-binding protein 1 (LDB1) and single-stranded DNA-binding protein (SSBP) form a stable core complex within the Wnt enhanceosome. Their mutual interactions rely on a highly conserved N-terminal asparagine proline phenylalanine (NPF) motif of Pygo, through which the BCL9-Pygo complex binds to the LDB-SSBP core complex. Our crystal structure of a ternary complex comprising the N-terminus of human Pygo2, LDB1 and SSBP2 reveals a single LDB1-SSBP2 complex binding simultaneously to two Pygo2 molecules via their NPF motifs. These interactions critically depend on the NPF motifs which bind to a deep groove formed between LDB1 and SSBP2, potentially constituting a binding site for drugs blocking Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Analysis of human cell lines lacking LDB or Pygo supports the functional relevance of the Pygo-LDB1-SSBP2 interaction for Wnt/β-catenin-dependent transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyang Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mariann Bienz
- Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, CB2 0QH, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Xiao-Xue Yan
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Wenqing Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
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7
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Abstract
The Wnt pathway is central to a host of developmental and disease-related processes. The remarkable conservation of this intercellular signaling cascade throughout metazoan lineages indicates that it coevolved with multicellularity to regulate the generation and spatial arrangement of distinct cell types. By regulating cell fate specification, mitotic activity, and cell polarity, Wnt signaling orchestrates development and tissue homeostasis, and its dysregulation is implicated in developmental defects, cancer, and degenerative disorders. We review advances in our understanding of this key pathway, from Wnt protein production and secretion to relay of the signal in the cytoplasm of the receiving cell. We discuss the evolutionary history of this pathway as well as endogenous and synthetic modulators of its activity. Finally, we highlight remaining gaps in our knowledge of Wnt signal transduction and avenues for future research. Expected final online publication date for the Annual Review of Biochemistry, Volume 91 is June 2022. Please see http://www.annualreviews.org/page/journal/pubdates for revised estimates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen Youngsoo Rim
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Developmental Biology, and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA;
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute and Oncode Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Nusse
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Department of Developmental Biology, and Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA;
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8
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Bou-Rouphael J, Durand BC. T-Cell Factors as Transcriptional Inhibitors: Activities and Regulations in Vertebrate Head Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:784998. [PMID: 34901027 PMCID: PMC8651982 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.784998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its first discovery in the late 90s, Wnt canonical signaling has been demonstrated to affect a large variety of neural developmental processes, including, but not limited to, embryonic axis formation, neural proliferation, fate determination, and maintenance of neural stem cells. For decades, studies have focused on the mechanisms controlling the activity of β-catenin, the sole mediator of Wnt transcriptional response. More recently, the spotlight of research is directed towards the last cascade component, the T-cell factor (TCF)/Lymphoid-Enhancer binding Factor (LEF), and more specifically, the TCF/LEF-mediated switch from transcriptional activation to repression, which in both embryonic blastomeres and mouse embryonic stem cells pushes the balance from pluri/multipotency towards differentiation. It has been long known that Groucho/Transducin-Like Enhancer of split (Gro/TLE) is the main co-repressor partner of TCF/LEF. More recently, other TCF/LEF-interacting partners have been identified, including the pro-neural BarH-Like 2 (BARHL2), which belongs to the evolutionary highly conserved family of homeodomain-containing transcription factors. This review describes the activities and regulatory modes of TCF/LEF as transcriptional repressors, with a specific focus on the functions of Barhl2 in vertebrate brain development. Specific attention is given to the transcriptional events leading to formation of the Organizer, as well as the roles and regulations of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in growth of the caudal forebrain. We present TCF/LEF activities in both embryonic and neural stem cells and discuss how alterations of this pathway could lead to tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Béatrice C. Durand
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR7622, IBPS Developmental Biology Laboratory, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
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9
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Naked cuticle inhibits wingless signaling in Drosophila wing development. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 576:1-6. [PMID: 34474244 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.08.077] [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: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling is one of the major signaling pathways that regulate cell differentiation, tissue patterning and stem cell homeostasis and its dysfunction causes many human diseases, such as cancer. It is of tremendous interests to understand how Wnt signaling is regulated in a precise manner both temporally and spatially. Naked cuticle (Nkd) acts as a negative-feedback inhibitor for Wingless (Wg, a fly Wnt) signaling in Drosophila embryonic development. However, the role of Nkd remains controversial in later fly development, particularly on the canonical Wg pathway. In the present study, we show that nkd is essential for wing pattern formation, such that both gain and loss of nkd result in the disruption of Wg target expression in larvae stage and abnormal adult wing morphologies. Furthermore, we demonstrate that a thirty amino acid fragment in Nkd, identified previously in Wharton lab, is critical for the canonical Wg signaling, but is dispensable for Wg/planar cell polarity pathway. Putting aside the pleiotropic nature of nkd function, i.e. its role in the Decapentaplegic signaling, we conclude that Nkd universally inhibits the canonical Wg pathway across a life span of Drosophila development.
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10
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Wrona A, Sejda A, Dziadziuszko R, Jassem J. Prognostic Significance of Wnt1, Wnt2, E-Cadherin, and β-catenin Expression in Operable Non-small Cell Lung Cancer. J Histochem Cytochem 2021; 69:711-722. [PMID: 34666560 DOI: 10.1369/00221554211048550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of Wnt family proteins, E-cadherin, and β-catenin in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is unclear. In this study, we assessed the expression of these proteins as well as their reciprocal interaction and clinical relevance in NSCLC. Immunohistochemical expression of Wnt1, Wnt2, E-cadherin, and β-catenin was assessed in 208 patients with NSCLC who underwent curative pulmonary resection. Expression of Wnt1, Wnt2, and E-cadherin was found in 49.5%, 22.3%, and 37.4% of the patients, respectively, whereas expression of membranous and cytoplasmic β-catenin was found in 23.7% and 34.8% of the patients, respectively. The expression of Wnt1 and E-cadherin was lower in squamous cell carcinoma than in adenocarcinoma and large cell carcinoma, and the expression of both Wnt proteins, E-cadherin, and membranous β-catenin was lower in poorly differentiated compared with well-differentiated tumors. None of the analyzed proteins was associated with relapse-free or overall survival. Expression of Wnt1, Wnt2, E-cadherin, and β-catenin is a common occurrence in NSCLC and is related to tumor histology and grade. However, these proteins have no prognostic role in operable NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Wrona
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Sejda
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Rafał Dziadziuszko
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Jacek Jassem
- Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
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11
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Vafaizadeh V, Buechel D, Rubinstein N, Kalathur RKR, Bazzani L, Saxena M, Valenta T, Hausmann G, Cantù C, Basler K, Christofori G. The interactions of Bcl9/Bcl9L with β-catenin and Pygopus promote breast cancer growth, invasion, and metastasis. Oncogene 2021; 40:6195-6209. [PMID: 34545187 PMCID: PMC8553620 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02016-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling is an established regulator of cellular state and its critical contributions to tumor initiation, malignant tumor progression and metastasis formation have been demonstrated in various cancer types. Here, we investigated how the binding of β-catenin to the transcriptional coactivators B-cell CLL/lymphoma 9 (Bcl9) and Bcl9-Like (Bcl9L) affected mammary gland carcinogenesis in the MMTV-PyMT transgenic mouse model of metastatic breast cancer. Conditional knockout of both Bcl9 and Bcl9L resulted into tumor cell death. In contrast, disrupting the interaction of Bcl9/Bcl9L with β-catenin, either by deletion of their HD2 domains or by a point mutation in the N-terminal domain of β-catenin (D164A), diminished primary tumor growth and tumor cell proliferation and reduced tumor cell invasion and lung metastasis. In comparison, the disruption of HD1 domain-mediated binding of Bcl9/Bcl9L to Pygopus had only moderate effects. Interestingly, interfering with the β-catenin-Bcl9/Bcl9L-Pygo chain of adapters only partially impaired the transcriptional response of mammary tumor cells to Wnt3a and TGFβ treatments. Together, the results indicate that Bcl9/Bcl9L modulate but are not critically required for canonical Wnt signaling in its contribution to breast cancer growth and malignant progression, a notion consistent with the “just-right” hypothesis of Wnt-driven tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vida Vafaizadeh
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | - David Buechel
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Natalia Rubinstein
- Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ravi K R Kalathur
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Lorenzo Bazzani
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Meera Saxena
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tomas Valenta
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - George Hausmann
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Cantù
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.,Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Konrad Basler
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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12
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Sinha A, Fan VB, Ramakrishnan AB, Engelhardt N, Kennell J, Cadigan KM. Repression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by SOX9 and Mastermind-like transcriptional coactivator 2. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/8/eabe0849. [PMID: 33597243 PMCID: PMC7888933 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abe0849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling requires inhibition of a multiprotein destruction complex that targets β-catenin for proteasomal degradation. SOX9 is a potent antagonist of the Wnt pathway and has been proposed to act through direct binding to β-catenin or the β-catenin destruction complex. Here, we demonstrate that SOX9 promotes turnover of β-catenin in mammalian cell culture, but this occurs independently of the destruction complex and the proteasome. This activity requires SOX9's ability to activate transcription. Transcriptome analysis revealed that SOX9 induces the expression of the Notch coactivator Mastermind-like transcriptional activator 2 (MAML2), which is required for SOX9-dependent Wnt/β-catenin antagonism. MAML2 promotes β-catenin turnover independently of Notch signaling, and MAML2 appears to associate directly with β-catenin in an in vitro binding assay. This work defines a previously unidentified pathway that promotes β-catenin degradation, acting in parallel to established mechanisms. SOX9 uses this pathway to restrict Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhishek Sinha
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Biological Sciences Building, 1105 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Vinson B Fan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Biological Sciences Building, 1105 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Aravinda-Bharathi Ramakrishnan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Biological Sciences Building, 1105 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Nicole Engelhardt
- Department of Biology, Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604, USA
| | - Jennifer Kennell
- Department of Biology, Vassar College, 124 Raymond Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY 12604, USA
| | - Ken M Cadigan
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Biological Sciences Building, 1105 North University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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13
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Söderholm S, Cantù C. The WNT/β‐catenin dependent transcription: A tissue‐specific business. WIREs Mech Dis 2020; 13:e1511. [PMID: 33085215 PMCID: PMC9285942 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
β‐catenin‐mediated Wnt signaling is an ancient cell‐communication pathway in which β‐catenin drives the expression of certain genes as a consequence of the trigger given by extracellular WNT molecules. The events occurring from signal to transcription are evolutionarily conserved, and their final output orchestrates countless processes during embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Importantly, a dysfunctional Wnt/β‐catenin pathway causes developmental malformations, and its aberrant activation is the root of several types of cancer. A rich literature describes the multitude of nuclear players that cooperate with β‐catenin to generate a transcriptional program. However, a unified theory of how β‐catenin drives target gene expression is still missing. We will discuss two types of β‐catenin interactors: transcription factors that allow β‐catenin to localize at target regions on the DNA, and transcriptional co‐factors that ultimately activate gene expression. In contrast to the presumed universality of β‐catenin's action, the ensemble of available evidence suggests a view in which β‐catenin drives a complex system of responses in different cells and tissues. A malleable armamentarium of players might interact with β‐catenin in order to activate the right “canonical” targets in each tissue, developmental stage, or disease context. Discovering the mechanism by which each tissue‐specific β‐catenin response is executed will be crucial to comprehend how a seemingly universal pathway fosters a wide spectrum of processes during development and homeostasis. Perhaps more importantly, this could ultimately inform us about which are the tumor‐specific components that need to be targeted to dampen the activity of oncogenic β‐catenin. This article is categorized under:Cancer > Molecular and Cellular Physiology Cancer > Genetics/Genomics/Epigenetics Cancer > Stem Cells and Development
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Söderholm
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine Linköping University Linköping Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Faculty of Health Science Linköping University Linköping Sweden
| | - Claudio Cantù
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine Linköping University Linköping Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Division of Molecular Medicine and Virology, Faculty of Health Science Linköping University Linköping Sweden
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14
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Structure and function of Pygo in organ development dependent and independent Wnt signalling. Biochem Soc Trans 2020; 48:1781-1794. [PMID: 32677664 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200393] [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] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Pygo is a nuclear protein containing two conserved domains, NHD and PHD, which play important roles in embryonic development and carcinogenesis. Pygo was first identified as a core component of the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway. However, it has also been reported that the function of Pygo is not always Wnt/β-catenin signalling dependent. In this review, we summarise the functions of both domains of Pygo and show that their functions are synergetic. The PHD domain mainly combines with transcription co-factors, including histone 3 and Bcl9/9l. The NHD domain mainly recruits histone methyltransferase/acetyltransferase (HMT/HAT) to modify lysine 4 of the histone 3 tail (H3K4) and interacts with Chip/LIM-domain DNA-binding proteins (ChiLS) to form enhanceosomes to regulate transcriptional activity. Furthermore, we summarised chromatin modification differences of Pygo in Drosophila (dPygo) and vertebrates, and found that Pygo displayes a chromatin silencing function in Drosophila, while in vertebates, Pygo has a chromatin-activating function due to the two substitution of two amino acid residues. Next, we confirmed the relationship between Pygo and Bcl9/9l and found that Pygo-Bcl/9l are specifically partnered both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. Finally, we discuss whether transcriptional activity of Pygo is Wnt/β-catenin dependent during embryonic development. Available information indications that the transcriptional activity of Pygo in embryonic development is either Wnt/β-catenin dependent or independent in both tissue-specific and cell-specific-modes.
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15
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Saxena M, Kalathur RKR, Rubinstein N, Vettiger A, Sugiyama N, Neutzner M, Coto-Llerena M, Kancherla V, Ercan C, Piscuoglio S, Fischer J, Fagiani E, Cantù C, Basler K, Christofori G. A Pygopus 2-Histone Interaction Is Critical for Cancer Cell Dedifferentiation and Progression in Malignant Breast Cancer. Cancer Res 2020; 80:3631-3648. [PMID: 32586983 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-2910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2019] [Revised: 04/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Pygopus 2 (Pygo2) is a coactivator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling that can bind bi- or trimethylated lysine 4 of histone-3 (H3K4me2/3) and participate in chromatin reading and writing. It remains unknown whether the Pygo2-H3K4me2/3 association has a functional relevance in breast cancer progression in vivo. To investigate the functional relevance of histone-binding activity of Pygo2 in malignant progression of breast cancer, we generated a knock-in mouse model where binding of Pygo2 to H3K4me2/3 was rendered ineffective. Loss of Pygo2-histone interaction resulted in smaller, differentiated, and less metastatic tumors, due, in part, to decreased canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling. RNA- and ATAC-sequencing analyses of tumor-derived cell lines revealed downregulation of TGFβ signaling and upregulation of differentiation pathways such as PDGFR signaling. Increased differentiation correlated with a luminal cell fate that could be reversed by inhibition of PDGFR activity. Mechanistically, the Pygo2-histone interaction potentiated Wnt/β-catenin signaling, in part, by repressing the expression of Wnt signaling antagonists. Furthermore, Pygo2 and β-catenin regulated the expression of miR-29 family members, which, in turn, repressed PDGFR expression to promote dedifferentiation of wild-type Pygo2 mammary epithelial tumor cells. Collectively, these results demonstrate that the histone binding function of Pygo2 is important for driving dedifferentiation and malignancy of breast tumors, and loss of this binding activates various differentiation pathways that attenuate primary tumor growth and metastasis formation. Interfering with the Pygo2-H3K4me2/3 interaction may therefore serve as an attractive therapeutic target for metastatic breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: Pygo2 represents a potential therapeutic target in metastatic breast cancer, as its histone-binding capability promotes β-catenin-mediated Wnt signaling and transcriptional control in breast cancer cell dedifferentiation, EMT, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera Saxena
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
| | | | | | - Andrea Vettiger
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nami Sugiyama
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Melanie Neutzner
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Caner Ercan
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Jonas Fischer
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Ernesta Fagiani
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claudio Cantù
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine Linköping; Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health Science, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Konrad Basler
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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16
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Andrews PGP, Popadiuk C, Belbin TJ, Kao KR. Augmentation of Myc-Dependent Mitotic Gene Expression by the Pygopus2 Chromatin Effector. Cell Rep 2019; 23:1516-1529. [PMID: 29719262 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitotic segregation of chromosomes requires precise coordination of many factors, yet evidence is lacking as to how genes encoding these elements are transcriptionally controlled. Here, we found that the Pygopus (Pygo)2 chromatin effector is indispensable for expression of the MYC-dependent genes that regulate cancer cell division. Depletion of Pygo2 arrested SKOV-3 cells at metaphase, which resulted from the failure of chromosomes to capture spindle microtubules, a critical step for chromosomal biorientation and segregation. This observation was consistent with global chromatin association findings in HeLa S3 cells, revealing the enrichment of Pygo2 and MYC at promoters of biorientation and segmentation genes, at which Pygo2 maintained histone H3K27 acetylation. Immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assays demonstrated MYC and Pygo2 interacting in nuclei, corroborated in a heterologous MYC-driven prostate cancer model that was distinct from Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Our evidence supports a role for Pygo2 as an essential component of MYC oncogenic activity required for mitosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip G P Andrews
- Terry Fox Cancer Research Labs, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's Campus, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Catherine Popadiuk
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's Campus, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Thomas J Belbin
- Discipline of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's Campus, NL A1B 3V6, Canada
| | - Kenneth R Kao
- Terry Fox Cancer Research Labs, Division of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's Campus, NL A1B 3V6, Canada; Discipline of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University, St. John's Campus, NL A1B 3V6, Canada.
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17
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Magri MS, Domínguez-Cejudo MA, Casares F. Wnt controls the medial-lateral subdivision of the Drosophila head. Biol Lett 2019; 14:rsbl.2018.0258. [PMID: 30045903 PMCID: PMC6083221 DOI: 10.1098/rsbl.2018.0258] [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: 04/12/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
In insects, the subdivision of the head into a lateral region, harbouring the compound eyes (CEs), and a dorsal (medial) region, where the ocelli localize, is conserved. This organization might have been already present in the insects' euarthropodan ancestors. In Drosophila, the Wnt-1 homologue wingless (wg) plays a major role in the genetic subdivision of the head. To analyse specifically the role of wg signalling in the development of the dorsal head, we attenuated this pathway specifically in this region by genetic means. We find that loss of wg signalling transforms the dorsal/medial head into lateral head structures, including the development of ectopic CEs. Our genetic analysis further suggests that wg signalling organizes the dorsal head medial–lateral axis by controlling, at least in part, the expression domains of the transcription factors Otd and Ey/Pax6.
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Affiliation(s)
- M S Magri
- GEM-DMC2 María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence, The CABD (CSIC-UPO-JA), 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - M A Domínguez-Cejudo
- GEM-DMC2 María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence, The CABD (CSIC-UPO-JA), 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - F Casares
- GEM-DMC2 María de Maeztu Unit of Excellence, The CABD (CSIC-UPO-JA), 41013 Seville, Spain
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18
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Won JH, Kim GW, Kim JY, Cho DG, Kwon B, Bae YK, Cho KO. ADAMTS Sol narae cleaves extracellular Wingless to generate a novel active form that regulates cell proliferation in Drosophila. Cell Death Dis 2019; 10:564. [PMID: 31332194 PMCID: PMC6646336 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-019-1794-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 06/14/2019] [Accepted: 07/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Wnt/ Wingless (Wg) is essential for embryonic development and adult homeostasis in all metazoans, but the mechanisms by which secreted Wnt/Wg is processed remain largely unknown. A Drosophila Sol narae (Sona) is a member of ADisintegrin And Metalloprotease with ThromboSpondin motif (ADAMTS) family, and positively regulates Wg signaling by promoting Wg secretion. Here we report that Sona and Wg are secreted by both conventional Golgi and exosomal transports, and Sona cleaves extracellular Wg at the two specific sites, leading to the generation of N-terminal domain (NTD) and C-terminal domain (CTD) fragments. The cleaved forms of extracellular Wg were detected in the extracellular region of fly wing discs, and its level was substantially reduced in sona mutants. Transient overexpression of Wg-CTD increased wing size while prolonged overexpression caused lethality and developmental defects. In contrast, Wg-NTD did not induce any phenotype. Moreover, the wing defects and lethality induced by sona RNAi were considerably rescued by Wg-CTD, indicating that a main function of extracellular Sona is the generation of Wg-CTD. Wg-CTD stabilized cytoplasmic Armadillo (Arm) and had genetic interactions with components of canonical Wg signaling. Wg-CTD also induced Wg downstream targets such as Distal-less (Dll) and Vestigial (Vg). Most importantly, Cyclin D (Cyc D) was induced by Wg-CTD but not by full-length Wg. Because Sona also induces Cyc D in a cell non-autonomous manner, Wg-CTD generated by Sona in the extracellular region activates a subset of Wg signaling whose major function is the regulation of cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Hoon Won
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Go-Woon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Ja-Young Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Dong-Gyu Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Buki Kwon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Young-Kyung Bae
- Center for Bioanalysis, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science, 267 Gajung-ro, Yuseung-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Kyung-Ok Cho
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 291 Daehak-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea.
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19
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Wang Z, Tacchelly-Benites O, Noble GP, Johnson MK, Gagné JP, Poirier GG, Ahmed Y. A Context-Dependent Role for the RNF146 Ubiquitin Ligase in Wingless/Wnt Signaling in Drosophila. Genetics 2019; 211:913-923. [PMID: 30593492 PMCID: PMC6404254 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.118.301393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt signal transduction pathway triggers the development of colorectal cancer. The ADP-ribose polymerase Tankyrase (TNKS) mediates proteolysis of Axin-a negative regulator of Wnt signaling-and provides a promising therapeutic target for Wnt-driven diseases. Proteolysis of TNKS substrates is mediated through their ubiquitination by the poly-ADP-ribose (pADPr)-dependent RING-domain E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF146/Iduna. Like TNKS, RNF146 promotes Axin proteolysis and Wnt pathway activation in some cultured cell lines, but in contrast with TNKS, RNF146 is dispensable for Axin degradation in colorectal carcinoma cells. Thus, the contexts in which RNF146 is essential for TNKS-mediated Axin destabilization and Wnt signaling remain uncertain. Herein, we tested the requirement for RNF146 in TNKS-mediated Axin proteolysis and Wnt pathway activation in a range of in vivo settings. Using null mutants in Drosophila, we provide genetic and biochemical evidence that Rnf146 and Tnks function in the same proteolysis pathway in vivo Furthermore, like Tnks, Drosophila Rnf146 promotes Wingless signaling in multiple developmental contexts by buffering Axin levels to ensure they remain below the threshold at which Wingless signaling is inhibited. However, in contrast with Tnks, Rnf146 is dispensable for Wingless target gene activation and the Wingless-dependent control of intestinal stem cell proliferation in the adult midgut during homeostasis. Together, these findings demonstrate that the requirement for Rnf146 in Tnks-mediated Axin proteolysis and Wingless pathway activation is dependent on physiological context, and suggest that, in some cell types, functionally redundant pADPr-dependent E3 ligases or other compensatory mechanisms promote the Tnks-dependent proteolysis of Axin in both mammalian and Drosophila cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghan Wang
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College HB7400, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
| | - Ofelia Tacchelly-Benites
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College HB7400, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
| | - Geoffrey P Noble
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College HB7400, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
| | - Megan K Johnson
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College HB7400, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
| | - Jean-Philippe Gagné
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, CHUL Pavilion, Axe Oncologie, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Guy G Poirier
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Québec-Université Laval, CHUL Pavilion, Axe Oncologie, Québec G1V 4G2, Canada
| | - Yashi Ahmed
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College HB7400, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755
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20
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Wingless Signaling: A Genetic Journey from Morphogenesis to Metastasis. Genetics 2018; 208:1311-1336. [PMID: 29618590 DOI: 10.1534/genetics.117.300157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This FlyBook chapter summarizes the history and the current state of our understanding of the Wingless signaling pathway. Wingless, the fly homolog of the mammalian Wnt oncoproteins, plays a central role in pattern generation during development. Much of what we know about the pathway was learned from genetic and molecular experiments in Drosophila melanogaster, and the core pathway works the same way in vertebrates. Like most growth factor pathways, extracellular Wingless/Wnt binds to a cell surface complex to transduce signal across the plasma membrane, triggering a series of intracellular events that lead to transcriptional changes in the nucleus. Unlike most growth factor pathways, the intracellular events regulate the protein stability of a key effector molecule, in this case Armadillo/β-catenin. A number of mysteries remain about how the "destruction complex" destabilizes β-catenin and how this process is inactivated by the ligand-bound receptor complex, so this review of the field can only serve as a snapshot of the work in progress.
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21
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Grainger S, Willert K. Mechanisms of Wnt signaling and control. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2018; 10:e1422. [PMID: 29600540 PMCID: PMC6165711 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway is a highly conserved system that regulates complex biological processes across all metazoan species. At the cellular level, secreted Wnt proteins serve to break symmetry and provide cells with positional information that is critical to the patterning of the entire body plan. At the organismal level, Wnt signals are employed to orchestrate fundamental developmental processes, including the specification of the anterior-posterior body axis, induction of the primitive streak and ensuing gastrulation movements, and the generation of cell and tissue diversity. Wnt functions extend into adulthood where they regulate stem cell behavior, tissue homeostasis, and damage repair. Disruption of Wnt signaling activity during embryonic development or in adults results in a spectrum of abnormalities and diseases, including cancer. The molecular mechanisms that underlie the myriad of Wnt-regulated biological effects have been the subject of intense research for over three decades. This review is intended to summarize our current understanding of how Wnt signals are generated and interpreted. This article is categorized under: Biological Mechanisms > Cell Signaling Developmental Biology > Stem Cell Biology and Regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Grainger
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine University of California San Diego La Jolla California
| | - Karl Willert
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine University of California San Diego La Jolla California
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22
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Wang Z, Tian A, Benchabane H, Tacchelly-Benites O, Yang E, Nojima H, Ahmed Y. The ADP-ribose polymerase Tankyrase regulates adult intestinal stem cell proliferation during homeostasis in Drosophila. Development 2017; 143:1710-20. [PMID: 27190037 DOI: 10.1242/dev.127647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2015] [Accepted: 03/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling controls intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation, and is aberrantly activated in colorectal cancer. Inhibitors of the ADP-ribose polymerase Tankyrase (Tnks) have become lead therapeutic candidates for Wnt-driven cancers, following the recent discovery that Tnks targets Axin, a negative regulator of Wnt signaling, for proteolysis. Initial reports indicated that Tnks is important for Wnt pathway activation in cultured human cell lines. However, the requirement for Tnks in physiological settings has been less clear, as subsequent studies in mice, fish and flies suggested that Tnks was either entirely dispensable for Wnt-dependent processes in vivo, or alternatively, had tissue-specific roles. Here, using null alleles, we demonstrate that the regulation of Axin by the highly conserved Drosophila Tnks homolog is essential for the control of ISC proliferation. Furthermore, in the adult intestine, where activity of the Wingless pathway is graded and peaks at each compartmental boundary, Tnks is dispensable for signaling in regions where pathway activity is high, but essential where pathway activity is relatively low. Finally, as observed previously for Wingless pathway components, Tnks activity in absorptive enterocytes controls the proliferation of neighboring ISCs non-autonomously by regulating JAK/STAT signaling. These findings reveal the requirement for Tnks in the control of ISC proliferation and suggest an essential role in the amplification of Wnt signaling, with relevance for development, homeostasis and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenghan Wang
- Department of Genetics and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Ai Tian
- Department of Genetics and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Hassina Benchabane
- Department of Genetics and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Ofelia Tacchelly-Benites
- Department of Genetics and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Eungi Yang
- Department of Genetics and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - Hisashi Nojima
- The Francis Crick Institute, Mill Hill Laboratory, London NW7 1AA, UK
| | - Yashi Ahmed
- Department of Genetics and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
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23
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Hall ET, Pradhan-Sundd T, Samnani F, Verheyen EM. The protein phosphatase 4 complex promotes the Notch pathway and wingless transcription. Biol Open 2017; 6:1165-1173. [PMID: 28652317 PMCID: PMC5576076 DOI: 10.1242/bio.025221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/Wingless (Wg) pathway controls cell fate specification, tissue differentiation and organ development across organisms. Using an in vivo RNAi screen to identify novel kinase and phosphatase regulators of the Wg pathway, we identified subunits of the serine threonine phosphatase Protein Phosphatase 4 (PP4). Knockdown of the catalytic and regulatory subunits of PP4 cause reductions in the Wg pathway targets Senseless and Distal-less. We find that PP4 regulates the Wg pathway by controlling Notch-driven wg transcription. Genetic interaction experiments identified that PP4 likely promotes Notch signaling within the nucleus of the Notch-receiving cell. Although the PP4 complex is implicated in various cellular processes, its role in the regulation of Wg and Notch pathways was previously uncharacterized. Our study identifies a novel role of PP4 in regulating Notch pathway, resulting in aberrations in Notch-mediated transcriptional regulation of the Wingless ligand. Furthermore, we show that PP4 regulates proliferation independent of its interaction with Notch. Summary: The protein phosphatase 4 complex promotes Notch signaling and target gene expression during Drosophila wing development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric T Hall
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Tirthadipa Pradhan-Sundd
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Faaria Samnani
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
| | - Esther M Verheyen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Centre for Cell Biology, Development and Disease, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada
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24
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Flack JE, Mieszczanek J, Novcic N, Bienz M. Wnt-Dependent Inactivation of the Groucho/TLE Co-repressor by the HECT E3 Ubiquitin Ligase Hyd/UBR5. Mol Cell 2017; 67:181-193.e5. [PMID: 28689657 PMCID: PMC5592244 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Extracellular signals are transduced to the cell nucleus by effectors that bind to enhancer complexes to operate transcriptional switches. For example, the Wnt enhanceosome is a multiprotein complex associated with Wnt-responsive enhancers through T cell factors (TCF) and kept silent by Groucho/TLE co-repressors. Wnt-activated β-catenin binds to TCF to overcome this repression, but how it achieves this is unknown. Here, we discover that this process depends on the HECT E3 ubiquitin ligase Hyd/UBR5, which is required for Wnt signal responses in Drosophila and human cell lines downstream of activated Armadillo/β-catenin. We identify Groucho/TLE as a functionally relevant substrate, whose ubiquitylation by UBR5 is induced by Wnt signaling and conferred by β-catenin. Inactivation of TLE by UBR5-dependent ubiquitylation also involves VCP/p97, an AAA ATPase regulating the folding of various cellular substrates including ubiquitylated chromatin proteins. Thus, Groucho/TLE ubiquitylation by Hyd/UBR5 is a key prerequisite that enables Armadillo/β-catenin to activate transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua E Flack
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Juliusz Mieszczanek
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Nikola Novcic
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Mariann Bienz
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
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25
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Ahmad SM. Conserved signaling mechanisms in Drosophila heart development. Dev Dyn 2017; 246:641-656. [PMID: 28598558 DOI: 10.1002/dvdy.24530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transduction through multiple distinct pathways regulates and orchestrates the numerous biological processes comprising heart development. This review outlines the roles of the FGFR, EGFR, Wnt, BMP, Notch, Hedgehog, Slit/Robo, and other signaling pathways during four sequential phases of Drosophila cardiogenesis-mesoderm migration, cardiac mesoderm establishment, differentiation of the cardiac mesoderm into distinct cardiac cell types, and morphogenesis of the heart and its lumen based on the proper positioning and cell shape changes of these differentiated cardiac cells-and illustrates how these same cardiogenic roles are conserved in vertebrates. Mechanisms bringing about the regulation and combinatorial integration of these diverse signaling pathways in Drosophila are also described. This synopsis of our present state of knowledge of conserved signaling pathways in Drosophila cardiogenesis and the means by which it was acquired should facilitate our understanding of and investigations into related processes in vertebrates. Developmental Dynamics 246:641-656, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaad M Ahmad
- Department of Biology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana.,The Center for Genomic Advocacy, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Indiana
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26
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Tian A, Benchabane H, Wang Z, Zimmerman C, Xin N, Perochon J, Kalna G, Sansom OJ, Cheng C, Cordero JB, Ahmed Y. Intestinal stem cell overproliferation resulting from inactivation of the APC tumor suppressor requires the transcription cofactors Earthbound and Erect wing. PLoS Genet 2017; 13:e1006870. [PMID: 28708826 PMCID: PMC5510812 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1006870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction directs intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation during homeostasis. Hyperactivation of Wnt signaling initiates colorectal cancer, which most frequently results from truncation of the tumor suppressor Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). The β-catenin-TCF transcription complex activates both the physiological expression of Wnt target genes in the normal intestinal epithelium and their aberrantly increased expression in colorectal tumors. Whether mechanistic differences in the Wnt transcription machinery drive these distinct levels of target gene activation in physiological versus pathological states remains uncertain, but is relevant for the design of new therapeutic strategies. Here, using a Drosophila model, we demonstrate that two evolutionarily conserved transcription cofactors, Earthbound (Ebd) and Erect wing (Ewg), are essential for all major consequences of Apc1 inactivation in the intestine: the hyperactivation of Wnt target gene expression, excess number of ISCs, and hyperplasia of the epithelium. In contrast, only Ebd, but not Ewg, mediates the Wnt-dependent regulation of ISC proliferation during homeostasis. Therefore, in the adult intestine, Ebd acts independently of Ewg in physiological Wnt signaling, but cooperates with Ewg to induce the hyperactivation of Wnt target gene expression following Apc1 loss. These findings have relevance for human tumorigenesis, as Jerky (JRK/JH8), the human Ebd homolog, promotes Wnt pathway hyperactivation and is overexpressed in colorectal, breast, and ovarian cancers. Together, our findings reveal distinct requirements for Ebd and Ewg in physiological Wnt pathway activation versus oncogenic Wnt pathway hyperactivation following Apc1 loss. Such differentially utilized transcription cofactors may offer new opportunities for the selective targeting of Wnt-driven cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Tian
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States of America
| | - Hassina Benchabane
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States of America
| | - Zhenghan Wang
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States of America
| | - Chloe Zimmerman
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States of America
| | - Nan Xin
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States of America
| | - Jessica Perochon
- Wolfson Wohl Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Gabriela Kalna
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Owen J. Sansom
- CRUK Beatson Institute, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Chao Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States of America
| | - Julia B. Cordero
- Wolfson Wohl Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Yashi Ahmed
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, United States of America
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27
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Li B, Orton D, Neitzel LR, Astudillo L, Shen C, Long J, Chen X, Kirkbride KC, Doundoulakis T, Guerra ML, Zaias J, Fei DL, Rodriguez-Blanco J, Thorne C, Wang Z, Jin K, Nguyen DM, Sands LR, Marchetti F, Abreu MT, Cobb MH, Capobianco AJ, Lee E, Robbins DJ. Differential abundance of CK1α provides selectivity for pharmacological CK1α activators to target WNT-dependent tumors. Sci Signal 2017; 10:eaak9916. [PMID: 28655862 PMCID: PMC5555225 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.aak9916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Constitutive WNT activity drives the growth of various human tumors, including nearly all colorectal cancers (CRCs). Despite this prominence in cancer, no WNT inhibitor is currently approved for use in the clinic largely due to the small number of druggable signaling components in the WNT pathway and the substantial toxicity to normal gastrointestinal tissue. We have shown that pyrvinium, which activates casein kinase 1α (CK1α), is a potent inhibitor of WNT signaling. However, its poor bioavailability limited the ability to test this first-in-class WNT inhibitor in vivo. We characterized a novel small-molecule CK1α activator called SSTC3, which has better pharmacokinetic properties than pyrvinium, and found that it inhibited the growth of CRC xenografts in mice. SSTC3 also attenuated the growth of a patient-derived metastatic CRC xenograft, for which few therapies exist. SSTC3 exhibited minimal gastrointestinal toxicity compared to other classes of WNT inhibitors. Consistent with this observation, we showed that the abundance of the SSTC3 target, CK1α, was decreased in WNT-driven tumors relative to normal gastrointestinal tissue, and knocking down CK1α increased cellular sensitivity to SSTC3. Thus, we propose that distinct CK1α abundance provides an enhanced therapeutic index for pharmacological CK1α activators to target WNT-driven tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Li
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Darren Orton
- StemSynergy Therapeutics Inc., Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Leif R Neitzel
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Luisana Astudillo
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Chen Shen
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Jun Long
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Xi Chen
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | | | | | | | - Julia Zaias
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Dennis Liang Fei
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Jezabel Rodriguez-Blanco
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Curtis Thorne
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Wang
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ke Jin
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Dao M Nguyen
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Laurence R Sands
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Floriano Marchetti
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Maria T Abreu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Melanie H Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Anthony J Capobianco
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Ethan Lee
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - David J Robbins
- Molecular Oncology Program, Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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28
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Li J, Yu B, Deng P, Cheng Y, Yu Y, Kevork K, Ramadoss S, Ding X, Li X, Wang CY. KDM3 epigenetically controls tumorigenic potentials of human colorectal cancer stem cells through Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15146. [PMID: 28440295 PMCID: PMC5414094 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Human colorectal cancer stem cells (CSCs) are tumour initiating cells that can self-renew and are highly tumorigenic and chemoresistant. While genetic mutations associated with human colorectal cancer development are well-known, little is known about how and whether epigenetic factors specifically contribute to the functional properties of human colorectal CSCs. Here we report that the KDM3 family of histone demethylases plays an important role in tumorigenic potential and survival of human colorectal CSCs by epigenetically activating Wnt target gene transcription. The depletion of KDM3 inhibits tumorigenic growth and chemoresistance of human colorectal CSCs. Mechanistically, KDM3 not only directly erases repressive H3K9me2 marks, but also helps to recruit histone methyltransferase MLL1 to promote H3K4 methylation, thereby promoting Wnt target gene transcription. Our results suggest that KDM3 is a critical epigenetic factor in Wnt signalling that orchestrates chromatin changes and transcription in human colorectal CSCs, identifying potential therapeutic targets for effective elimination of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiong Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry and Broad Stem Cell Research Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Bo Yu
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry and Broad Stem Cell Research Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Peng Deng
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry and Broad Stem Cell Research Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Yingduan Cheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry and Broad Stem Cell Research Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Yongxin Yu
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry and Broad Stem Cell Research Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Kareena Kevork
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry and Broad Stem Cell Research Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Sivakumar Ramadoss
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry and Broad Stem Cell Research Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Xiangming Ding
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Xinmin Li
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
| | - Cun-Yu Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry and Broad Stem Cell Research Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095, USA
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29
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Houston DW. Vertebrate Axial Patterning: From Egg to Asymmetry. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 953:209-306. [PMID: 27975274 PMCID: PMC6550305 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-46095-6_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The emergence of the bilateral embryonic body axis from a symmetrical egg has been a long-standing question in developmental biology. Historical and modern experiments point to an initial symmetry-breaking event leading to localized Wnt and Nodal growth factor signaling and subsequent induction and formation of a self-regulating dorsal "organizer." This organizer forms at the site of notochord cell internalization and expresses primarily Bone Morphogenetic Protein (BMP) growth factor antagonists that establish a spatiotemporal gradient of BMP signaling across the embryo, directing initial cell differentiation and morphogenesis. Although the basics of this model have been known for some time, many of the molecular and cellular details have only recently been elucidated and the extent that these events remain conserved throughout vertebrate evolution remains unclear. This chapter summarizes historical perspectives as well as recent molecular and genetic advances regarding: (1) the mechanisms that regulate symmetry-breaking in the vertebrate egg and early embryo, (2) the pathways that are activated by these events, in particular the Wnt pathway, and the role of these pathways in the formation and function of the organizer, and (3) how these pathways also mediate anteroposterior patterning and axial morphogenesis. Emphasis is placed on comparative aspects of the egg-to-embryo transition across vertebrates and their evolution. The future prospects for work regarding self-organization and gene regulatory networks in the context of early axis formation are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas W Houston
- Department of Biology, The University of Iowa, 257 BB, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA.
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30
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Lam AK, Phillips BT. Wnt Signaling Polarizes C. elegans Asymmetric Cell Divisions During Development. Results Probl Cell Differ 2017; 61:83-114. [PMID: 28409301 PMCID: PMC6057142 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-53150-2_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Asymmetric cell division is a common mode of cell differentiation during the invariant lineage of the nematode, C. elegans. Beginning at the four-cell stage, and continuing throughout embryogenesis and larval development, mother cells are polarized by Wnt ligands, causing an asymmetric inheritance of key members of a Wnt/β-catenin signal transduction pathway termed the Wnt/β-catenin asymmetry pathway. The resulting daughter cells are distinct at birth with one daughter cell activating Wnt target gene expression via β-catenin activation of TCF, while the other daughter displays transcriptional repression of these target genes. Here, we seek to review the body of evidence underlying a unified model for Wnt-driven asymmetric cell division in C. elegans, identify global themes that occur during asymmetric cell division, as well as highlight tissue-specific variations. We also discuss outstanding questions that remain unanswered regarding this intriguing mode of asymmetric cell division.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arielle Koonyee Lam
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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31
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Ali F, Yamaguchi K, Fukuoka M, Elhelaly AE, Kuwata K. Logical design of an anti-cancer agent targeting the plant homeodomain in Pygopus2. Cancer Sci 2016; 107:1321-8. [PMID: 27324116 PMCID: PMC5021024 DOI: 10.1111/cas.12995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2016] [Accepted: 06/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Pygopus2 (Pygo2) is a component of the Wnt signaling pathway, which is required for β-catenin mediated transcription. Plant homeodomain (PHD) finger in Pygo2 intercalates the methylated histone 3 (H3K4me) tail and HD1 domain of BCL9 that binds to β-catenin. Thus, PHD finger may be a potential target for the logical design of an anti-cancer drug. Here, we found that Spiro[2H-naphthol[1,2-b]pyran-2,4'-piperidine]-1'ethanol,3,4-dihydro-4-hydroxy-α-(6-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)) termed JBC117 interacts with D339, A348, R356, V376 and A378 in PHD corresponding to the binding sites with H3K4me and/or HD1, and has strong anti-cancer effects. For colon (HCT116) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines, IC50 values were 2.6 ± 0.16 and 3.3 ± 0.14 μM, respectively, while 33.80 ± 0.15 μM for the normal human fibroblast cells. JBC117 potently antagonized the cellular effects of β-catenin-dependent activity and also inhibited the migration and invasion of cancer cells. In vivo studies showed that the survival time of mice was significantly prolonged by the subcutaneous injection of JBC117 (10 mg/kg/day). In conclusion, JBC117 is a novel anti-cancer lead compound targeting the PHD finger of Pygo2 and has a therapeutic effect against colon and lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdausi Ali
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Keiichi Yamaguchi
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | - Mayuko Fukuoka
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan
| | | | - Kazuo Kuwata
- United Graduate School of Drug Discovery and Medical Information Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.
- Department of Gene and Development, Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu University, Gifu, Japan.
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32
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Blundon MA, Schlesinger DR, Parthasarathy A, Smith SL, Kolev HM, Vinson DA, Kunttas-Tatli E, McCartney BM, Minden JS. Proteomic analysis reveals APC-dependent post-translational modifications and identifies a novel regulator of β-catenin. Development 2016; 143:2629-40. [PMID: 27287809 DOI: 10.1242/dev.130567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2015] [Accepted: 05/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signaling generates patterns in all embryos, from flies to humans, and controls cell fate, proliferation and metabolic homeostasis. Inappropriate Wnt pathway activation results in diseases, including colorectal cancer. The adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) tumor suppressor gene encodes a multifunctional protein that is an essential regulator of Wnt signaling and cytoskeletal organization. Although progress has been made in defining the role of APC in a normal cellular context, there are still significant gaps in our understanding of APC-dependent cellular function and dysfunction. We expanded the APC-associated protein network using a combination of genetics and a proteomic technique called two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). We show that loss of Drosophila Apc2 causes protein isoform changes reflecting misregulation of post-translational modifications (PTMs), which are not dependent on β-catenin transcriptional activity. Mass spectrometry revealed that proteins involved in metabolic and biosynthetic pathways, protein synthesis and degradation, and cell signaling are affected by Apc2 loss. We demonstrate that changes in phosphorylation partially account for the altered PTMs in APC mutants, suggesting that APC mutants affect other types of PTM. Finally, through this approach Aminopeptidase P was identified as a new regulator of β-catenin abundance in Drosophila embryos. This study provides new perspectives on the cellular effects of APC that might lead to a deeper understanding of its role in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malachi A Blundon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Danielle R Schlesinger
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Amritha Parthasarathy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Samantha L Smith
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Hannah M Kolev
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - David A Vinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ezgi Kunttas-Tatli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Brooke M McCartney
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jonathan S Minden
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
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33
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Lovato TL, Cripps RM. Regulatory Networks that Direct the Development of Specialized Cell Types in the Drosophila Heart. J Cardiovasc Dev Dis 2016; 3. [PMID: 27695700 PMCID: PMC5044875 DOI: 10.3390/jcdd3020018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The Drosophila cardiac tube was once thought to be a simple linear structure, however research over the past 15 years has revealed significant cellular and molecular complexity to this organ. Prior reviews have focused upon the gene regulatory networks responsible for the specification of the cardiac field and the activation of cardiac muscle structural genes. Here we focus upon highlighting the existence, function, and development of unique cell types within the dorsal vessel, and discuss their correspondence to analogous structures in the vertebrate heart.
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34
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Zhou C, Zhang Y, Dai J, Zhou M, Liu M, Wang Y, Chen XZ, Tang J. Pygo2 functions as a prognostic factor for glioma due to its up-regulation of H3K4me3 and promotion of MLL1/MLL2 complex recruitment. Sci Rep 2016; 6:22066. [PMID: 26902498 PMCID: PMC4763266 DOI: 10.1038/srep22066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Pygo2 has been discovered as an important Wnt signaling component contributing to the activation of Wnt-target gene transcription. In the present study, we discovered that Pygo2 mRNA and protein levels were up-regulated in the majority of (152/209) human brain glioma tissues and five glioma cell lines, and significantly correlated with the age, the WHO tumor classification and poor patient survival. The histone methyltransferase complex components (WDR5, Ash2, and menin, but not CXCC1 or NCOA6) were down-regulated at the promoter loci of Wnt target genes after Pygo2 knockdown, and this was accompanied by the down-regulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway activity. Further, we demonstrated that the involvement of Pygo2 in the activation of the Wnt pathway in human glioma progression is through up-regulation of the H3K4me3 (but not H3K4me2) by promoting the recruitment of the histone methyltransferase MLL1/MLL2 complex to Wnt target gene promoters. Thus, our study provided evidence that Pygo2 functions as a novel prognostic marker and represents a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cefan Zhou
- Membrane Protein Disease and Cancer Research Center, Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation, College of Bioengineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430068, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Membrane Protein Disease and Cancer Research Center, Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation, College of Bioengineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430068, China
| | - Jun Dai
- Membrane Protein Disease and Cancer Research Center, Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation, College of Bioengineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430068, China
| | - Mengzhou Zhou
- Membrane Protein Disease and Cancer Research Center, Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation, College of Bioengineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430068, China
| | - Miao Liu
- Neurology department, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430060, China
| | - Yefu Wang
- The State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430072, China
| | - Xing-Zhen Chen
- Membrane Protein Disease and Cancer Research Center, Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation, College of Bioengineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430068, China.,Membrane Protein Disease Research Group, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jingfeng Tang
- Membrane Protein Disease and Cancer Research Center, Provincial Cooperative Innovation Center of Industrial Fermentation, College of Bioengineering, Hubei University of Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430068, China
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35
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Tian A, Benchabane H, Wang Z, Ahmed Y. Regulation of Stem Cell Proliferation and Cell Fate Specification by Wingless/Wnt Signaling Gradients Enriched at Adult Intestinal Compartment Boundaries. PLoS Genet 2016; 12:e1005822. [PMID: 26845150 PMCID: PMC4742051 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1005822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal stem cell (ISC) self-renewal and proliferation are directed by Wnt/β-catenin signaling in mammals, whereas aberrant Wnt pathway activation in ISCs triggers the development of human colorectal carcinoma. Herein, we have utilized the Drosophila midgut, a powerful model for ISC regulation, to elucidate the mechanisms by which Wingless (Wg)/Wnt regulates intestinal homeostasis and development. We provide evidence that the Wg signaling pathway, activation of which peaks at each of the major compartment boundaries of the adult intestine, has essential functions. Wg pathway activation in the intestinal epithelium is required not only to specify cell fate near compartment boundaries during development, but also to control ISC proliferation within compartments during homeostasis. Further, in contrast with the previous focus on Wg pathway activation within ISCs, we demonstrate that the primary mechanism by which Wg signaling regulates ISC proliferation during homeostasis is non-autonomous. Activation of the Wg pathway in absorptive enterocytes is required to suppress JAK-STAT signaling in neighboring ISCs, and thereby their proliferation. We conclude that Wg signaling gradients have essential roles during homeostasis and development of the adult intestine, non-autonomously controlling stem cell proliferation inside compartments, and autonomously specifying cell fate near compartment boundaries. The highly conserved Wingless/Wnt signal transduction pathway directs many cellular processes in metazoans and its deregulation underlies numerous human congenital diseases and cancers. Most notably, more than 80% of colon cancers arise from aberrant activation of the Wnt pathway. A better understanding of how Wnt signaling functions in the intestinal stem cells (ISCs) during homeostasis and in disease states is thus critical. The Drosophila digestive tract provides a powerful genetic model and an entry point to study these questions. Here, we find that the Wg ligand and pathway activation are enriched at Drosophila intestinal compartment boundaries and are essential for development and homeostasis of the adult gut. During homeostasis, Wg signaling in enterocytes is required to prevent the overproliferation of ISCs non-autonomously. In addition, during development, Wg signaling ensures proper cell fate specification near compartment boundaries. These findings provide insight into the mechanisms underlying the Wg-dependent regulation of adult intestinal function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Tian
- Department of Genetics and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Hassina Benchabane
- Department of Genetics and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Zhenghan Wang
- Department of Genetics and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
| | - Yashi Ahmed
- Department of Genetics and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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36
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Roos J, Grösch S, Werz O, Schröder P, Ziegler S, Fulda S, Paulus P, Urbschat A, Kühn B, Maucher I, Fettel J, Vorup-Jensen T, Piesche M, Matrone C, Steinhilber D, Parnham MJ, Maier TJ. Regulation of tumorigenic Wnt signaling by cyclooxygenase-2, 5-lipoxygenase and their pharmacological inhibitors: A basis for novel drugs targeting cancer cells? Pharmacol Ther 2016; 157:43-64. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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37
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Fiedler M, Graeb M, Mieszczanek J, Rutherford TJ, Johnson CM, Bienz M. An ancient Pygo-dependent Wnt enhanceosome integrated by Chip/LDB-SSDP. eLife 2015; 4:e09073. [PMID: 26312500 PMCID: PMC4571689 DOI: 10.7554/elife.09073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 08/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
TCF/LEF factors are ancient context-dependent enhancer-binding proteins that are activated by β-catenin following Wnt signaling. They control embryonic development and adult stem cell compartments, and their dysregulation often causes cancer. β-catenin-dependent transcription relies on the NPF motif of Pygo proteins. Here, we use a proteomics approach to discover the Chip/LDB-SSDP (ChiLS) complex as the ligand specifically binding to NPF. ChiLS also recognizes NPF motifs in other nuclear factors including Runt/RUNX2 and Drosophila ARID1, and binds to Groucho/TLE. Studies of Wnt-responsive dTCF enhancers in the Drosophila embryonic midgut indicate how these factors interact to form the Wnt enhanceosome, primed for Wnt responses by Pygo. Together with previous evidence, our study indicates that ChiLS confers context-dependence on TCF/LEF by integrating multiple inputs from lineage and signal-responsive factors, including enhanceosome switch-off by Notch. Its pivotal function in embryos and stem cells explain why its integrity is crucial in the avoidance of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Fiedler
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Graeb
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Juliusz Mieszczanek
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor J Rutherford
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher M Johnson
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Mariann Bienz
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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38
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Li Q, Li Y, Gu B, Fang L, Zhou P, Bao S, Huang L, Dai X. Akt Phosphorylates Wnt Coactivator and Chromatin Effector Pygo2 at Serine 48 to Antagonize Its Ubiquitin/Proteasome-mediated Degradation. J Biol Chem 2015; 290:21553-67. [PMID: 26170450 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m115.639419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Pygopus 2 (Pygo2/PYGO2) is an evolutionarily conserved coactivator and chromatin effector in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway that regulates cell growth and differentiation in various normal and malignant tissues. Although PYGO2 is highly overexpressed in a number of human cancers, the molecular mechanism underlying its deregulation is largely unknown. Here we report that Pygo2 protein is degraded through the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway and is posttranslationally stabilized through phosphorylation by activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt signaling. Specifically, Pygo2 is stabilized upon inhibition of the proteasome, and its intracellular level is regulated by Cullin 4 (Cul4) and DNA damage-binding protein 1 (DDB1), components of the Cul4-DDB1 E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Furthermore, Pygo2 is phosphorylated at multiple residues, and Akt-mediated phosphorylation at serine 48 leads to its decreased ubiquitylation and increased stability. Finally, we provide evidence that Akt and its upstream growth factors act in parallel with Wnt to stabilize Pygo2. Taken together, our findings highlight chromatin regulator Pygo2 as a common node downstream of oncogenic Wnt and Akt signaling pathways and underscore posttranslational modification, particularly phosphorylation and ubiquitylation, as a significant mode of regulation of Pygo2 protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuling Li
- From the Department of Biological Chemistry, the State Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Center for Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China, and
| | - Yuewei Li
- the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065
| | - Bingnan Gu
- From the Department of Biological Chemistry
| | - Lei Fang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California 92697
| | - Pengbo Zhou
- the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York 10065
| | - Shilai Bao
- the State Key Laboratory of Molecular and Developmental Biology, Center for Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China, and
| | - Lan Huang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California 92697,
| | - Xing Dai
- From the Department of Biological Chemistry,
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Li M, Chao L, Wu J, Xu H, Shen S, Chen S, Gao X, Yu N, Wang Z. Pygo2 siRNA Inhibit the Growth and Increase Apoptosis of U251 Cell by Suppressing Histone H3K4 Trimethylation. J Mol Neurosci 2015; 56:949-955. [PMID: 25869613 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-015-0558-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The development of novel therapeutic strategies for glioma requires the identification of molecular targets involved in malignancy. Pygopus (Pygo) is a new discovered and specific downstream component of canonical Wnt signaling. Our previous study has demonstrated that Pygo2 is highly expressed in and promotes the growth of glioma cells. However, the role of Pygo2 in glioma remains to be elucidated. In the current study, we investigated the role of Pygo2 in human glioma U251 cells and showed that knocking down of the expression of Pygo2 in U251 cells using lentivirally expressed siRNA have inhibited cell proliferation and increased apoptosis through decreasing H3K4me3 expression. Moreover, we found Pygo2 was enriched in U251 glioma cancer stem-like cells and Pygo2 siRNA resulted in a reduced number as well as size of tumor spheres. According to our result, this paper now links mechanistically Pygo2's role in histone modification to its enhancement/reduction of proliferation/apoptosis in glioma cells and indicate that Pygo2 may play an important role in self-renew and proliferation in U251 glioma cancer stem-like cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingcong Li
- The First Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350103, The People's Republic of China
| | - Linlin Chao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350103, The People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361003, The People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230000, People's Republic of China
| | - Shanghan Shen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361003, The People's Republic of China
| | - Sifang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361003, The People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Gao
- The First Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian Province, 350103, The People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361003, The People's Republic of China
| | - Zhanxiang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian Province, 361003, The People's Republic of China.
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Qian G, Zhu L, Li G, Liu X, Wang Y. Distinct expression patterns and functions of the pygopus genes in amphioxus and zebrafish early embryogenesis. Genes Genomics 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s13258-015-0266-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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41
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Legent K, Liu HH, Treisman JE. Drosophila Vps4 promotes Epidermal growth factor receptor signaling independently of its role in receptor degradation. Development 2015; 142:1480-91. [PMID: 25790850 DOI: 10.1242/dev.117960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2014] [Accepted: 02/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Endocytic trafficking of signaling receptors is an important mechanism for limiting signal duration. Components of the Endosomal Sorting Complexes Required for Transport (ESCRT), which target ubiquitylated receptors to intra-lumenal vesicles (ILVs) of multivesicular bodies, are thought to terminate signaling by the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and direct it for lysosomal degradation. In a genetic screen for mutations that affect Drosophila eye development, we identified an allele of Vacuolar protein sorting 4 (Vps4), which encodes an AAA ATPase that interacts with the ESCRT-III complex to drive the final step of ILV formation. Photoreceptors are largely absent from Vps4 mutant clones in the eye disc, and even when cell death is genetically prevented, the mutant R8 photoreceptors that develop fail to recruit surrounding cells to differentiate as R1-R7 photoreceptors. This recruitment requires EGFR signaling, suggesting that loss of Vps4 disrupts the EGFR pathway. In imaginal disc cells mutant for Vps4, EGFR and other receptors accumulate in endosomes and EGFR target genes are not expressed; epistasis experiments place the function of Vps4 at the level of the receptor. Surprisingly, Vps4 is required for EGFR signaling even in the absence of Shibire, the Dynamin that internalizes EGFR from the plasma membrane. In ovarian follicle cells, in contrast, Vps4 does not affect EGFR signaling, although it is still essential for receptor degradation. Taken together, these findings indicate that Vps4 can promote EGFR activity through an endocytosis-independent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Legent
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine of the Skirball Institute and Department of Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, 540 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Hui Hua Liu
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine of the Skirball Institute and Department of Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, 540 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Jessica E Treisman
- Kimmel Center for Biology and Medicine of the Skirball Institute and Department of Cell Biology, NYU School of Medicine, 540 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
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42
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Lin X, Wang G. Development of a RNAi-based release of insects carrying a dominant lethal (RIDL) system in Drosophila melanogaster. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11434-014-0667-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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43
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Abstract
The Wnt/Wingless (Wg) signaling cascade controls a number of biological processes in animal development and adult life; aberrant Wnt/Wg signaling can cause diseases. In the 1980s genes were discovered that encode core Wnt/Wg pathway components: their mutant phenotypes were similar and an outline of a signaling cascade emerged. Over the years our knowledge of this important signaling system increased and more components were uncovered that are instrumental for Wnt/Wg secretion and transduction. Here we provide an overview of these discoveries, the technologies involved, with a particular focus on the important role Drosophila screens played in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Heinz Jenny
- a University of Zurich; Institute of Molecular Life Sciences ; Zurich , Switzerland
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44
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Hall ET, Verheyen EM. Ras-activated Dsor1 promotes Wnt signaling in Drosophila development. J Cell Sci 2015; 128:4499-511. [DOI: 10.1242/jcs.175240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt/Wingless (Wg) and Ras/MAPK signaling both play fundamental roles in growth, cell-fate determination, and when dysregulated, can lead to tumorigenesis. Several conflicting modes of interaction between Ras/MAPK and Wnt signaling have been identified in specific cellular contexts, causing synergistic or antagonistic effects on target genes. We find novel evidence that the dual specificity kinase MEK, Downstream of Raf1 (Dsor1), is required for Wnt signaling. Knockdown of Dsor1 results in loss of Wg target gene expression, as well as reductions in stabilized Armadillo (Arm; Drosophila β-catenin). We have identified a close physical interaction between Dsor1 and Arm, and find that catalytically inactive Dsor1 causes a reduction inactive Arm. These results suggest that Dsor1 normally counteracts the Axin-mediated destruction of Arm. We find that Ras-Dsor1 activity is independent of upstream activation by EGFR, rather it appears to be activated by the insulin-like growth factor receptor to promote Wg signaling. Together our results suggest novel crosstalk between Insulin and Wg signaling via Dsor1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric T. Hall
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Esther M. Verheyen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, British Columbia, Canada
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45
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The metazoan-specific mediator subunit 26 (Med26) is essential for viability and is found at both active genes and pericentric heterochromatin in Drosophila melanogaster. Mol Cell Biol 2014; 34:2710-20. [PMID: 24820420 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.01365-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human MED26 was originally purified in the cofactor required for the Sp1 activation complex (CRSP) as a 70-kDa component named CRSP70. This polypeptide was specific to metazoans and the “small” form of the Mediator complex. We report here that a Drosophila melanogaster homologue of MED26 similarly interacts with other components of the core Drosophila Mediator complex but not with the kinase module and is recruited to genes upon activation. Using a null allele of Med26, we show that Med26 is required for organismal viability but not for cell proliferation or survival. Clones lacking Med26 in the wing disc lead to loss of the adult wing margin and reduced expression of genes involved in wing margin formation. Surprisingly, when polytene chromosomes from the salivary gland were examined using antibodies to Med26, it was apparent that a fraction of the protein was associated with the chromocenter, which contains pericentric heterochromatin. This staining colocalizes with heterochromatin protein 1 (HP1). Immunoprecipitation experiments show that Med26 interacts with HP1. The interaction is mediated through the chromoshadow domain of HP1 and through the conserved motif in the carboxy terminus of the Med26 protein. This work is the first characterization of the metazoan-specific Mediator subunit in an animal model.
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46
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Dewald DN, Steinmetz EL, Walldorf U. Homeodomain-interacting protein kinase (Hipk) phosphorylates the small SPOC family protein Spenito. INSECT MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2014; 23:706-719. [PMID: 25040100 DOI: 10.1111/imb.12117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The Drosophila homeodomain-interacting protein kinase (Hipk) is a versatile regulator involved in a variety of pathways, such as Notch and Wingless signalling, thereby acting in processes including the promotion of eye development or control of cell numbers in the nervous system. In vertebrates, extensive studies have related its homologue HIPK2 to important roles in the control of p53-mediated apoptosis and tumour suppression. Spenito (Nito) belongs to the group of small SPOC family proteins and has a role, amongst others, as a regulator of Wingless signalling downstream of Armadillo. In the present study, we show that both proteins have an enzyme-substrate relationship, adding a new interesting component to the broad range of Hipk interactions, and we map several phosphorylation sites of Nito. Furthermore, we were able to define a preliminary consensus motif for Hipk target sites, which will simplify the identification of new substrates of this kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- D N Dewald
- Developmental Biology, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
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47
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Cantù C, Zimmerli D, Hausmann G, Valenta T, Moor A, Aguet M, Basler K. Pax6-dependent, but β-catenin-independent, function of Bcl9 proteins in mouse lens development. Genes Dev 2014; 28:1879-84. [PMID: 25184676 PMCID: PMC4197948 DOI: 10.1101/gad.246140.114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Bcl9 and Bcl9l (Bcl9/9l) encode Wnt signaling components that mediate the interaction between β-catenin and Pygo. Cantù et al. find that Bcl9/9l contribute in a Pygo-dependent, but β-catenin-independent, fashion to eye lens formation. Pax6, the master regulator of eye differentiation, directly activates Bcl9 and Bcl9l transcription. Bcl9 and Bcl9l (Bcl9/9l) encode Wnt signaling components that mediate the interaction between β-catenin and Pygopus (Pygo) via two evolutionarily conserved domains, HD1 and HD2, respectively. We generated mouse strains lacking these domains to probe the β-catenin-dependent and β-catenin-independent roles of Bcl9/9l and Pygo during mouse development. While lens development is critically dependent on the presence of the HD1 domain, it is not affected by the lack of the HD2 domain, indicating that Bcl9/9l act in this context in a β-catenin-independent manner. Furthermore, we uncover a new regulatory circuit in which Pax6, the master regulator of eye development, directly activates Bcl9/9l transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Cantù
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dario Zimmerli
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - George Hausmann
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tomas Valenta
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Moor
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, School of Life Sciences, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Michel Aguet
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, School of Life Sciences, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Konrad Basler
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland;
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48
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Collu GM, Hidalgo-Sastre A, Brennan K. Wnt-Notch signalling crosstalk in development and disease. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:3553-67. [PMID: 24942883 PMCID: PMC11113451 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1644-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 137] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The Notch and Wnt pathways are two of only a handful of highly conserved signalling pathways that control cell-fate decisions during animal development (Pires-daSilva and Sommer in Nat Rev Genet 4: 39-49, 2003). These two pathways are required together to regulate many aspects of metazoan development, ranging from germ layer patterning in sea urchins (Peter and Davidson in Nature 474: 635-639, 2011) to the formation and patterning of the fly wing (Axelrod et al in Science 271:1826-1832, 1996; Micchelli et al in Development 124:1485-1495, 1997; Rulifson et al in Nature 384:72-74, 1996), the spacing of the ciliated cells in the epidermis of frog embryos (Collu et al in Development 139:4405-4415, 2012) and the maintenance and turnover of the skin, gut lining and mammary gland in mammals (Clayton et al in Nature 446:185-189, 2007; Clevers in Cell 154:274-284, 2013; Doupe et al in Dev Cell 18:317-323, 2010; Lim et al in Science 342:1226-1230, 2013; Lowell et al in Curr Biol 10:491-500, 2000; van et al in Nature 435:959-963, 2005; Yin et al in Nat Methods 11:106-112, 2013). In addition, many diseases, including several cancers, are caused by aberrant signalling through the two pathways (Bolós et al in Endocr Rev 28: 339-363, 2007; Clevers in Cell 127: 469-480, 2006). In this review, we will outline the two signalling pathways, describe the different points of interaction between them, and cover how these interactions influence development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna M Collu
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK,
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49
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Meffre D, Grenier J, Bernard S, Courtin F, Dudev T, Shackleford G, Jafarian-Tehrani M, Massaad C. Wnt and lithium: a common destiny in the therapy of nervous system pathologies? Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 71:1123-48. [PMID: 23749084 PMCID: PMC11113114 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-013-1378-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Revised: 04/26/2013] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signaling is required for neurogenesis, the fate of neural progenitors, the formation of neuronal circuits during development, neuron positioning and polarization, axon and dendrite development and finally for synaptogenesis. This signaling pathway is also implicated in the generation and differentiation of glial cells. In this review, we describe the mechanisms of action of Wnt signaling pathways and their implication in the development and correct functioning of the nervous system. We also illustrate how a dysregulated Wnt pathway could lead to psychiatric, neurodegenerative and demyelinating pathologies. Lithium, used for the treatment of bipolar disease, inhibits GSK3β, a central enzyme of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Thus, lithium could, to some extent, mimic Wnt pathway. We highlight the possible dialogue between lithium therapy and modulation of Wnt pathway in the treatment of the diseases of the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delphine Meffre
- UMR 8194 CNRS, University Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75270 Paris Cedex 6, France
| | - Julien Grenier
- UMR 8194 CNRS, University Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75270 Paris Cedex 6, France
| | - Sophie Bernard
- UMR 8194 CNRS, University Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75270 Paris Cedex 6, France
| | - Françoise Courtin
- UMR 8194 CNRS, University Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75270 Paris Cedex 6, France
| | - Todor Dudev
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, 11529 Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C
- Faculty of Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Sofia, 1 James Bourchier Avenue, 1164 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | | | | | - Charbel Massaad
- UMR 8194 CNRS, University Paris Descartes, 45 rue des Saints-Pères, 75270 Paris Cedex 6, France
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50
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Li J, Chen X, Ding X, Cheng Y, Zhao B, Lai ZC, Al Hezaimi K, Hakem R, Guan KL, Wang CY. LATS2 suppresses oncogenic Wnt signaling by disrupting β-catenin/BCL9 interaction. Cell Rep 2013; 5:1650-63. [PMID: 24360964 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2013.11.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal activation of Wnt/β-catenin-mediated transcription is associated with a variety of human cancers. Here, we report that LATS2 inhibits oncogenic Wnt/β-catenin-mediated transcription by disrupting the β-catenin/BCL9 interaction. LATS2 directly interacts with β-catenin and is present on Wnt target gene promoters. Mechanistically, LATS2 inhibits the interaction between BCL9 and β-catenin and subsequent recruitment of BCL9, independent of LATS2 kinase activity. LATS2 is downregulated and inversely correlated with the levels of Wnt target genes in human colorectal cancers. Moreover, nocodazole, an antimicrotubule drug, potently induces LATS2 to suppress tumor growth in vivo by targeting β-catenin/BCL9. Our results suggest that LATS2 is not only a key tumor suppressor in human cancer but may also be an important target for anticancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiong Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Xiaohong Chen
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital University of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Xiangming Ding
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yingduan Cheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Zhi-Chun Lai
- Departments of Biology and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Khalid Al Hezaimi
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eng.A.B Research Chair for Growth Factors and Bone Regeneration, Division of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, King Saud University, Riyadh 11545, Saudi Arabia
| | - Razqallah Hakem
- Division of Cellular & Molecular Biology, Department of Medical Biophysics, Ontario Cancer Institute, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada
| | - Kun-Liang Guan
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Cun-Yu Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Signaling, Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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