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Niu X, Liu W, Zhang Y, Liu J, Zhang J, Li B, Qiu Y, Zhao P, Wang Z, Wang Z. Cancer plasticity in therapy resistance: Mechanisms and novel strategies. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 76:101114. [PMID: 38924995 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Therapy resistance poses a significant obstacle to effective cancer treatment. Recent insights into cell plasticity as a new paradigm for understanding resistance to treatment: as cancer progresses, cancer cells experience phenotypic and molecular alterations, corporately known as cell plasticity. These alterations are caused by microenvironment factors, stochastic genetic and epigenetic changes, and/or selective pressure engendered by treatment, resulting in tumor heterogeneity and therapy resistance. Increasing evidence suggests that cancer cells display remarkable intrinsic plasticity and reversibly adapt to dynamic microenvironment conditions. Dynamic interactions between cell states and with the surrounding microenvironment form a flexible tumor ecosystem, which is able to quickly adapt to external pressure, especially treatment. Here, this review delineates the formation of cancer cell plasticity (CCP) as well as its manipulation of cancer escape from treatment. Furthermore, the intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms driving CCP that promote the development of therapy resistance is summarized. Novel treatment strategies, e.g., inhibiting or reversing CCP is also proposed. Moreover, the review discusses the multiple lines of ongoing clinical trials globally aimed at ameliorating therapy resistance. Such advances provide directions for the development of new treatment modalities and combination therapies against CCP in the context of therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Niu
- China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110122, China; Experimental Center of BIOQGene, YuanDong International Academy Of Life Sciences, 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Wenjing Liu
- Medical Oncology Department of Thoracic Cancer (2), Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Yinling Zhang
- Department of Oncology Radiotherapy 1, Qingdao Central Hospital, University of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Qingdao, Shandong 266042, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, China
| | - Jianjun Zhang
- Department of Gastric Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 101149, China
| | - Yue Qiu
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Department of Medical Imaging, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China
| | - Zhongmiao Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China.
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases 1, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Cancer Hospital of Dalian University of Technology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, Liaoning 110042, China.
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2
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Sun H, Gao Y, Ma X, Deng Y, Bi L, Li L. Mechanism and application of feedback loops formed by mechanotransduction and histone modifications. Genes Dis 2024; 11:101061. [PMID: 39071110 PMCID: PMC11282412 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.06.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Mechanical stimulation is the key physical factor in cell environment. Mechanotransduction acts as a fundamental regulator of cell behavior, regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and exhibiting specific signature alterations during the pathological process. As research continues, the role of epigenetic science in mechanotransduction is attracting attention. However, the molecular mechanism of the synergistic effect between mechanotransduction and epigenetics in physiological and pathological processes has not been clarified. We focus on how histone modifications, as important components of epigenetics, are coordinated with multiple signaling pathways to control cell fate and disease progression. Specifically, we propose that histone modifications can form regulatory feedback loops with signaling pathways, that is, histone modifications can not only serve as downstream regulators of signaling pathways for target gene transcription but also provide feedback to regulate signaling pathways. Mechanotransduction and epigenetic changes could be potential markers and therapeutic targets in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Sun
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yafang Gao
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Xinyu Ma
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Yizhou Deng
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Lintao Bi
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
| | - Lisha Li
- The Key Laboratory of Pathobiology, Ministry of Education, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, China
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3
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Pang Q, Tang Z, Luo L. The crosstalk between oncogenic signaling and ferroptosis in cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 197:104349. [PMID: 38626848 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis, a novel form of cell death regulation, was identified in 2012. It is characterized by unique features that differentiate it from other types of cell death, including necrosis, apoptosis, autophagy, and pyroptosis. Ferroptosis is defined by an abundance of iron ions and lipid peroxidation, resulting in alterations in subcellular structures, an elevation in reactive oxygen species (ROS), a reduction in glutathione (GSH) levels, and an augmentation in Fe (II) cytokines. Ferroptosis, a regulated process, is controlled by an intricate network of signaling pathways, where multiple stimuli can either enhance or hinder the process. This review primarily examines the defensive mechanisms of ferroptosis and its interaction with the tumor microenvironment. The analysis focuses on the pathways that involve AMPK, p53, NF2, mTOR, System Xc-, Wnt, Hippo, Nrf2, and cGAS-STING. The text discusses the possibilities of employing a combination therapy that targets several pathways for the treatment of cancer. It emphasizes the necessity for additional study in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianghu Pang
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, China
| | - Zhirou Tang
- The First Clinical College, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, China
| | - Lianxiang Luo
- The Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Guangdong Zhanjiang,School of Ocean and Tropical Medicine. Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, China.
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4
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MacLean MR, Walker OL, Arun RP, Fernando W, Marcato P. Informed by Cancer Stem Cells of Solid Tumors: Advances in Treatments Targeting Tumor-Promoting Factors and Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4102. [PMID: 38612911 PMCID: PMC11012648 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subpopulation within tumors that promote cancer progression, metastasis, and recurrence due to their self-renewal capacity and resistance to conventional therapies. CSC-specific markers and signaling pathways highly active in CSCs have emerged as a promising strategy for improving patient outcomes. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic targets associated with CSCs of solid tumors across various cancer types, including key molecular markers aldehyde dehydrogenases, CD44, epithelial cellular adhesion molecule, and CD133 and signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, Notch, and Sonic Hedgehog. We discuss a wide array of therapeutic modalities ranging from targeted antibodies, small molecule inhibitors, and near-infrared photoimmunotherapy to advanced genetic approaches like RNA interference, CRISPR/Cas9 technology, aptamers, antisense oligonucleotides, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, CAR natural killer cells, bispecific T cell engagers, immunotoxins, drug-antibody conjugates, therapeutic peptides, and dendritic cell vaccines. This review spans developments from preclinical investigations to ongoing clinical trials, highlighting the innovative targeting strategies that have been informed by CSC-associated pathways and molecules to overcome therapeutic resistance. We aim to provide insights into the potential of these therapies to revolutionize cancer treatment, underscoring the critical need for a multi-faceted approach in the battle against cancer. This comprehensive analysis demonstrates how advances made in the CSC field have informed significant developments in novel targeted therapeutic approaches, with the ultimate goal of achieving more effective and durable responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya R. MacLean
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Olivia L. Walker
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Raj Pranap Arun
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
| | - Wasundara Fernando
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Biology, Acadia University, Wolfville, NS B4P 2R6, Canada
| | - Paola Marcato
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (M.R.M.); (O.L.W.); (R.P.A.); (W.F.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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5
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Peña-Oyarzún D, Flores T, Torres VA, Quest AFG, Lobos-González L, Kretschmar C, Contreras P, Maturana-Ramírez A, Criollo A, Reyes M. Inhibition of PORCN Blocks Wnt Signaling to Attenuate Progression of Oral Carcinogenesis. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:209-223. [PMID: 37812478 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-0318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is commonly preceded by potentially malignant lesions, referred to as oral dysplasia. We recently reported that oral dysplasia is associated with aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, due to overexpression of Wnt ligands in a Porcupine (PORCN)-dependent manner. Pharmacologic inhibition of PORCN precludes Wnt secretion and has been proposed as a potential therapeutic approach to treat established cancers. Nevertheless, there are no studies that explore the effects of PORCN inhibition at the different stages of oral carcinogenesis. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We performed a model of tobacco-induced oral cancer in vitro, where dysplastic oral keratinocytes (DOK) were transformed into oral carcinoma cells (DOK-TC), and assessed the effects of inhibiting PORCN with the C59 inhibitor. Similarly, an in vivo model of oral carcinogenesis and ex vivo samples derived from patients diagnosed with oral dysplasia and OSCC were treated with C59. RESULTS Both in vitro and ex vivo oral carcinogenesis approaches revealed decreased levels of nuclear β-catenin and Wnt3a, as observed by immunofluorescence and IHC analyses. Consistently, reduced protein and mRNA levels of survivin were observed after treatment with C59. Functionally, treatment with C59 in vitro resulted in diminished cell migration, viability, and invasion. Finally, by using an in vivo model of oral carcinogenesis, we found that treatment with C59 prevented the development of OSCC by reducing the size and number of oral tumor lesions. CONCLUSIONS The inhibition of Wnt ligand secretion with C59 represents a feasible treatment to prevent the progression of early oral lesions toward OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Peña-Oyarzún
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Interdisciplinary Center for Research in Territorial Health of the Aconcagua Valley (CIISTe Aconcagua), School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, San Felipe Campus, Universidad de Valparaiso, Chile
| | - Tania Flores
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Research Centre in Dental Science (CICO), Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- Department of Pathology and Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vicente A Torres
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrew F G Quest
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Center for studies on Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Lorena Lobos-González
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Center for Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Clínica Alemana-Universidad del Desarrollo, Santiago, Chile
| | - Catalina Kretschmar
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pamela Contreras
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Laboratory of Cellular Communication, Center for studies on Exercise, Metabolism and Cancer (CEMC), Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrea Maturana-Ramírez
- Department of Pathology and Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alfredo Criollo
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Montserrat Reyes
- Department of Pathology and Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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6
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Silva P, Atukorallaya D. Characterising the Effect of Wnt/β-Catenin Signalling on Melanocyte Development and Patterning: Insights from Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10692. [PMID: 37445870 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a well-established model organism for studying melanocyte biology due to its remarkable similarity to humans. The Wnt signalling pathway is a conserved signal transduction pathway that plays a crucial role in embryonic development and regulates many aspects of the melanocyte lineage. Our study was designed to investigate the effect of Wnt signalling activity on zebrafish melanocyte development and patterning. Stereo-microscopic examinations were used to screen for changes in melanocyte count, specific phenotypic differences, and distribution in zebrafish, while microscopic software tools were used to analyse the differences in pigment dispersion of melanocytes exposed to LiCl (Wnt enhancer) and W-C59 (Wnt inhibitor). Samples exposed to W-C59 showed low melanocyte densities and defects in melanocyte phenotype and patterning, whereas LiCl exposure demonstrated a stimulatory effect on most aspects of melanocyte development. Our study demonstrates the crucial role of Wnt signalling in melanocyte lineage and emphasises the importance of a balanced Wnt signalling level for proper melanocyte development and patterning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Praneeth Silva
- Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada
| | - Devi Atukorallaya
- Department of Oral Biology, Dr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0W2, Canada
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7
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Manfreda L, Rampazzo E, Persano L. Wnt Signaling in Brain Tumors: A Challenging Therapeutic Target. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12050729. [PMID: 37237541 DOI: 10.3390/biology12050729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The involvement of Wnt signaling in normal tissue homeostasis and disease has been widely demonstrated over the last 20 years. In particular, dysregulation of Wnt pathway components has been suggested as a relevant hallmark of several neoplastic malignancies, playing a role in cancer onset, progression, and response to treatments. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the instructions provided by Wnt signaling during organogenesis and, particularly, brain development. Moreover, we recapitulate the most relevant mechanisms through which aberrant Wnt pathway activation may impact on brain tumorigenesis and brain tumor aggressiveness, with a particular focus on the mutual interdependency existing between Wnt signaling components and the brain tumor microenvironment. Finally, the latest anti-cancer therapeutic approaches employing the specific targeting of Wnt signaling are extensively reviewed and discussed. In conclusion, here we provide evidence that Wnt signaling, due to its pleiotropic involvement in several brain tumor features, may represent a relevant target in this context, although additional efforts will be needed to: (i) demonstrate the real clinical impact of Wnt inhibition in these tumors; (ii) overcome some still unsolved concerns about the potential systemic effects of such approaches; (iii) achieve efficient brain penetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Manfreda
- Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova, Via Giustininani, 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Pediatric Research Institute, Corso Stati Uniti, 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Elena Rampazzo
- Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova, Via Giustininani, 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Pediatric Research Institute, Corso Stati Uniti, 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Persano
- Department of Women and Children's Health, University of Padova, Via Giustininani, 3, 35128 Padova, Italy
- Pediatric Research Institute, Corso Stati Uniti, 4, 35127 Padova, Italy
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8
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Yang Q, Qin T, An T, Wu H, Xu G, Xiang J, Lei K, Zhang S, Xia J, Su G, Wang D, Xue M, Kong L, Zhang W, Wu S, Li Y. Novel PORCN inhibitor WHN-88 targets Wnt/β-catenin pathway and prevents the growth of Wnt-driven cancers. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 945:175628. [PMID: 36858339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is a classical and crucial oncogenic pathway in many carcinomas, and Porcupine (PORCN) is an O-acyltransferase, which is indispensable and highly specific for catalyzing palmitoylation of Wnt ligands and facilitating their secretion and biofunction. Targeting PORCN provides a promising approach to specifically cure Wnt-driven cancers from the root. In this study, we designed series of pyridonyl acetamide compounds, and discovered a novel PORCN inhibitor WHN-88 with a unique di-iodinated pyridone structural fragment, which is significantly different from the reported inhibitors. We demonstrated that WHN-88 effectively abolished palmitoylation of Wnt ligands and prevented their secretion and the subsequent Wnt/β-catenin signaling transduction. Further experiments showed that, at well-tolerated doses, WHN-88 remarkably suppressed the spontaneous occurrence and growth of MMTV-Wnt1 murine breast tumors. Consistently, WHN-88 also notably restrained the progress of xenografted Wnt-driven human tumors, including PA-1 teratocarcinoma with high autocrine Wnt signaling and Aspc-1 pancreatic carcinoma with Wnt-sensitizing RNF43 mutation. Additionally, we disclosed that WHN-88 inhibited cancer cell stemness obviously. Together, we verified WHN-88 is a novel PORCN inhibitor with potent efficacy against the Wnt-driven cancers. Our findings enriched the structural types of PORCN inhibitors, and facilitated the development and application of PORCN inhibiting therapy in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qihong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Tong Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Tao An
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, 250353, Shandong, China
| | - Hongna Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Jin Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants/School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, China
| | - Kangfan Lei
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Shaohua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Jie Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Guifeng Su
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Minggao Xue
- Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Lingmei Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China
| | - Wenxuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Song Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substance and Function of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica, Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100050, China.
| | - Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, 650201, China; Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry for Natural Resource, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650091, China.
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9
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Abstract
Intercellular communication by Wnt proteins governs many essential processes during development, tissue homeostasis and disease in all metazoans. Many context-dependent effects are initiated in the Wnt-producing cells and depend on the export of lipidated Wnt proteins. Although much focus has been on understanding intracellular Wnt signal transduction, the cellular machinery responsible for Wnt secretion became better understood only recently. After lipid modification by the acyl-transferase Porcupine, Wnt proteins bind their dedicated cargo protein Evi/Wntless for transport and secretion. Evi/Wntless and Porcupine are conserved transmembrane proteins, and their 3D structures were recently determined. In this Review, we summarise studies and structural data highlighting how Wnts are transported from the ER to the plasma membrane, and the role of SNX3-retromer during the recycling of its cargo receptor Evi/Wntless. We also describe the regulation of Wnt export through a post-translational mechanism and review the importance of Wnt secretion for organ development and cancer, and as a future biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Wolf
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Signalling and Functional Genomics and Heidelberg University, BioQuant and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Michael Boutros
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Division of Signalling and Functional Genomics and Heidelberg University, BioQuant and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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10
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Di Bartolomeo L, Vaccaro F, Irrera N, Borgia F, Li Pomi F, Squadrito F, Vaccaro M. Wnt Signaling Pathways: From Inflammation to Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021575. [PMID: 36675086 PMCID: PMC9867176 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways are involved in cell differentiation and homeostasis, but also in tumorigenesis. In fact, an exaggerated activation of Wnt signaling may promote tumor growth and invasion. We summarize the most intriguing evidence about the role of Wnt signaling in cutaneous carcinogenesis, in particular in the pathogenesis of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). Wnt signaling is involved in several ways in the development of skin tumors: it may modulate the inflammatory tumor microenvironment, synergize with Sonic Hedgehog pathway in the onset of basal cell carcinoma, and contribute to the progression from precancerous to malignant lesions and promote the epithelial-mesenchymal transition in squamous cell carcinoma. Targeting Wnt pathways may represent an additional efficient approach in the management of patients with NMSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Di Bartolomeo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Federico Vaccaro
- Department of Dermatology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Borgia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Li Pomi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Mario Vaccaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Dermatology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
- Correspondence:
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11
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Raeisi M, Saberivand M, Velaei K, Aghaei N, Rahimi-Farsi N, Kharrati-Shishavan H, Hassanzadeh D, Mehdizadeh A. Porcn as a novel therapeutic target in cancer therapy: A review. Cell Biol Int 2022; 46:1979-1991. [PMID: 35971741 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11882] [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: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Wingless-related integration site (Wnt) signaling is one of the main oncogenic pathways in different malignancies. Therefore, targeting this pathway has been considered an exciting strategy in cancer treatment. Porcn is among the central enzymes in this pathway that has recently been considered for cancer-targeted therapy. As a membrane-bound O-acyltransferase, Porcn plays a critical role in wnt ligand palmitoylation and its subsequent secretion. In addition to Porcn's role in stem cell signaling and differentiation, recent findings have shown its role in developing and progressing colorectal, pancreatic, liver, head, and neck cancers. Developed small molecule inhibitors have also opened a promising window toward cancer treatment strategies. In this review, the structure and biological role of Porcn in different cancer-related signaling pathways and inhibitors used for inhibiting this enzyme are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mortaza Raeisi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Maryam Saberivand
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kobra Velaei
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Negar Aghaei
- Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Imam Sajjad Hospital, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | | | - Davoud Hassanzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Mehdizadeh
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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12
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Yasmin IA, Mohana Sundaram S, Banerjee A, Varier L, Dharmarajan A, Warrier S. Netrin-like domain of sFRP4, a Wnt antagonist inhibits stemness, metastatic and invasive properties by specifically blocking MMP-2 in cancer stem cells from human glioma cell line U87MG. Exp Cell Res 2021; 409:112912. [PMID: 34762897 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112912] [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: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Rapid proliferation, high stemness potential, high invasiveness and apoptotic evasion are the distinctive hallmarks of glioma malignancy. The dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is the key factor regulating glioma malignancy. Wnt antagonist, secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (sFRP4), which has a prominent pro-apoptotic role in glioma stem cells, has two functional domains, the netrin-like domain (NLD), and cysteine-rich domain (CRD) both of which contribute to apoptotic properties of the whole protein. However, there are no reports elucidating the specific effects of individual domains of sFRP4 in inhibiting the invasive properties of glioma. This study explores the efficacy of the domains of sFRP4 in inhibiting the key hallmarks of glioblastoma such as invasion, metastasis, and stemness. We overexpressed sFRP4 and its domains in the glioblastoma cell line, U87MG cells and observed that both CRD and NLD domains played prominent roles in attenuating cancer stem cell properties. Significantly, we could demonstrate for the first time that both NLD and CRD domains negatively impacted the key driver of metastasis and migration, the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2). Mechanistically, compared to CRD, NLD domain suppressed MMP-2 mediated invasion more effectively in glioma cells as observed in matrigel invasion assay and a function-blocking antibody assay. Fluorescent matrix degradation assay further revealed that NLD reduces matrix degradation. NLD also significantly disrupted fibronectin assembly and decreased cell adhesion in another glioma cell line LN229. In conclusion, the NLD peptide of sFRP4 could be a potent short peptide therapeutic candidate for targeting MMP-2-mediated invasion in the highly malignant glioblastoma multiforme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ishmat Ara Yasmin
- Division of Cancer Stem Cells and Cardiovascular Regeneration, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore, 560 065, India
| | - S Mohana Sundaram
- Division of Cancer Stem Cells and Cardiovascular Regeneration, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore, 560 065, India
| | - Anasuya Banerjee
- Division of Cancer Stem Cells and Cardiovascular Regeneration, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore, 560 065, India
| | | | - Arun Dharmarajan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Technology and Research, Sri Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research, Chennai, 600 116, India
| | - Sudha Warrier
- Division of Cancer Stem Cells and Cardiovascular Regeneration, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore, 560 065, India; Cuor Stem Cellutions Pvt Ltd, Manipal Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Bangalore, 560 065, India.
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13
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Trujano-Camacho S, Cantú-de León D, Delgado-Waldo I, Coronel-Hernández J, Millan-Catalan O, Hernández-Sotelo D, López-Camarillo C, Pérez-Plasencia C, Campos-Parra AD. Inhibition of Wnt-β-Catenin Signaling by ICRT14 Drug Depends of Post-Transcriptional Regulation by HOTAIR in Human Cervical Cancer HeLa Cells. Front Oncol 2021; 11:729228. [PMID: 34778043 PMCID: PMC8580948 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.729228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Cervical cancer (CC), in addition to HPV infection, the most relevant alteration during CC initiation and progression is the aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Several inhibitory drugs of this pathway are undergoing preclinical and clinical studies. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are associated with resistance to treatments. In this regard, understanding the efficiency of drugs that block the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in CC is of relevance to eventually propose successful target therapies in patients with this disease. METHODS We analyzed the levels of expression of 249 components of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in a group of 109 CC patients. Three drugs that blocking specific elements of Wnt/β-catenin pathway (C59, NSC668036 and ICRT14) by TOP FLASH assays and qRT-PCR were tested in vitro in CC cells. RESULTS 137 genes of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway were up-regulated and 112 down-regulated in CC patient's samples, demonstrating that this pathway is dysregulated. C59 was an efficient drug to inhibit Wnt/β-catenin pathway in CC cells. NSC668036, was not able to inhibit the transcriptional activity of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Strikingly, ICRT14 was neither able to inhibit this pathway in HeLa cells, due to HOTAIR interaction with β-catenin, maintaining the Wnt/β-catenin pathway activated. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate a mechanism by which HOTAIR evades the effect of ICRT14, a Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitory drug, in HeLa cell line. The emergence of these mechanisms reveals new scenarios in the design of target therapies used in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel Trujano-Camacho
- Postgraduate in Experimental Biology, DCBS, Autonomous Metropolitan University-Iztapalapa, Iztapalapa, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - David Cantú-de León
- Unidad de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Cancerología, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Izamary Delgado-Waldo
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | | | - Oliver Millan-Catalan
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Daniel Hernández-Sotelo
- Laboratorio de Epigenética del Cáncer, Facultad de Ciencias Químico Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo de los Bravo, Mexico
| | - César López-Camarillo
- Posgrado en Ciencias Genómicas, Universidad Autónoma de la Ciudad de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Carlos Pérez-Plasencia
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Ciudad de México, Mexico
- Unidad de Biomedicina, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Tlalnepantla, Mexico
| | - Alma D. Campos-Parra
- Laboratorio de Genómica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INCan), Ciudad de México, Mexico
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14
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Yu F, Yu C, Li F, Zuo Y, Wang Y, Yao L, Wu C, Wang C, Ye L. Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers and targeted therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:307. [PMID: 34456337 PMCID: PMC8403677 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00701-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been broadly implicated in human cancers and experimental cancer models of animals. Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is tightly linked with the increment of prevalence, advancement of malignant progression, development of poor prognostics, and even ascendence of the cancer-associated mortality. Early experimental investigations have proposed the theoretical potential that efficient repression of this signaling might provide promising therapeutic choices in managing various types of cancers. Up to date, many therapies targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers have been developed, which is assumed to endow clinicians with new opportunities of developing more satisfactory and precise remedies for cancer patients with aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling. However, current facts indicate that the clinical translations of Wnt/β-catenin signaling-dependent targeted therapies have faced un-neglectable crises and challenges. Therefore, in this study, we systematically reviewed the most updated knowledge of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers and relatively targeted therapies to generate a clearer and more accurate awareness of both the developmental stage and underlying limitations of Wnt/β-catenin-targeted therapies in cancers. Insights of this study will help readers better understand the roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers and provide insights to acknowledge the current opportunities and challenges of targeting this signaling in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changhao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feifei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanqin Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yitian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenzhou Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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15
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Gaggianesi M, Di Franco S, Pantina VD, Porcelli G, D'Accardo C, Verona F, Veschi V, Colarossi L, Faldetta N, Pistone G, Bongiorno MR, Todaro M, Stassi G. Messing Up the Cancer Stem Cell Chemoresistance Mechanisms Supported by Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2021; 11:702642. [PMID: 34354950 PMCID: PMC8330815 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.702642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the recent advances in cancer patient management and in the development of targeted therapies, systemic chemotherapy is currently used as a first-line treatment for many cancer types. After an initial partial response, patients become refractory to standard therapy fostering rapid tumor progression. Compelling evidence highlights that the resistance to chemotherapeutic regimens is a peculiarity of a subpopulation of cancer cells within tumor mass, known as cancer stem cells (CSCs). This cellular compartment is endowed with tumor-initiating and metastasis formation capabilities. CSC chemoresistance is sustained by a plethora of grow factors and cytokines released by neighboring tumor microenvironment (TME), which is mainly composed by adipocytes, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune and endothelial cells. TME strengthens CSC refractoriness to standard and targeted therapies by enhancing survival signaling pathways, DNA repair machinery, expression of drug efflux transporters and anti-apoptotic proteins. In the last years many efforts have been made to understand CSC-TME crosstalk and develop therapeutic strategy halting this interplay. Here, we report the combinatorial approaches, which perturb the interaction network between CSCs and the different component of TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Gaggianesi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Simone Di Franco
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Davide Pantina
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaetana Porcelli
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Caterina D'Accardo
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Verona
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Veronica Veschi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | | | - Naida Faldetta
- Department of Surgery, Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Pistone
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Maria Rita Bongiorno
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Matilde Todaro
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giorgio Stassi
- Department of Surgical Oncological and Stomatological Sciences (DICHIRONS), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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16
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Ito N, Riyadh MA, Ahmad SAI, Hattori S, Kanemura Y, Kiyonari H, Abe T, Furuta Y, Shinmyo Y, Kaneko N, Hirota Y, Lupo G, Hatakeyama J, Abdulhaleem M FA, Anam MB, Yamaguchi M, Takeo T, Takebayashi H, Takebayashi M, Oike Y, Nakagata N, Shimamura K, Holtzman MJ, Takahashi Y, Guillemot F, Miyakawa T, Sawamoto K, Ohta K. Dysfunction of the proteoglycan Tsukushi causes hydrocephalus through altered neurogenesis in the subventricular zone in mice. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:13/587/eaay7896. [PMID: 33790026 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aay7896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The lateral ventricle (LV) is flanked by the subventricular zone (SVZ), a neural stem cell (NSC) niche rich in extrinsic growth factors regulating NSC maintenance, proliferation, and neuronal differentiation. Dysregulation of the SVZ niche causes LV expansion, a condition known as hydrocephalus; however, the underlying pathological mechanisms are unclear. We show that deficiency of the proteoglycan Tsukushi (TSK) in ependymal cells at the LV surface and in the cerebrospinal fluid results in hydrocephalus with neurodevelopmental disorder-like symptoms in mice. These symptoms are accompanied by altered differentiation and survival of the NSC lineage, disrupted ependymal structure, and dysregulated Wnt signaling. Multiple TSK variants found in patients with hydrocephalus exhibit reduced physiological activity in mice in vivo and in vitro. Administration of wild-type TSK protein or Wnt antagonists, but not of hydrocephalus-related TSK variants, in the LV of TSK knockout mice prevented hydrocephalus and preserved SVZ neurogenesis. These observations suggest that TSK plays a crucial role as a niche molecule modulating the fate of SVZ NSCs and point to TSK as a candidate for the diagnosis and therapy of hydrocephalus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naofumi Ito
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - M Asrafuzzaman Riyadh
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research, Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072, Australia
| | - Shah Adil Ishtiyaq Ahmad
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail-1902, Bangladesh
| | - Satoko Hattori
- Division of System Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan
| | - Yonehiro Kanemura
- Department of Biomedical Research and Innovation, Institute for Clinical Research, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, 2-1-14, Hoensaka, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0006, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kiyonari
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minami-machi,Chuou-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takaya Abe
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minami-machi,Chuou-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan
| | - Yasuhide Furuta
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima Minami-machi,Chuou-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.,Mouse Genetics Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Yohei Shinmyo
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Department of Medical Neuroscience, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kanazawa University, 13-1, Takara-cho, Ishikawa 920-8640, Japan
| | - Naoko Kaneko
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
| | - Yuki Hirota
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan.,Keio University School of Medicine, 35 Shinanomachi, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Giuseppe Lupo
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology "C. Darwin", Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, Rome 00185, Italy
| | - Jun Hatakeyama
- Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Felemban Athary Abdulhaleem M
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Department of Biology, Faculty of Applied Science, Umm Al-Qura University, 21955, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Badrul Anam
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Program for Leading Graduate Schools "HIGO Program", Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yamaguchi
- Department of Physiology, Kochi Medical School, Kochi University, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
| | - Toru Takeo
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Hirohide Takebayashi
- Division of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, 1-757 Asahimachi, Chuo-ku, Niigata 951-8510, Japan
| | - Minoru Takebayashi
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, Faculty of Life Science, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Yuichi Oike
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan
| | - Naomi Nakagata
- Division of Reproductive Engineering, Center for Animal Resources and Development (CARD), Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Kenji Shimamura
- Department of Brain Morphogenesis, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Michael J Holtzman
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110-1093, USA
| | - Yoshiko Takahashi
- Department of Zoology, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kitashirakawa, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 606-8502, Japan.,AMED Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan
| | | | - Tsuyoshi Miyakawa
- Division of System Medical Science, Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan
| | - Kazunobu Sawamoto
- Department of Developmental and Regenerative Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Science, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan.,Division of Neural Development and Regeneration, National Institute for Physiological Sciences, Okazaki 444-8585, Japan
| | - Kunimasa Ohta
- Department of Developmental Neurobiology, Graduate School of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan. .,Stem Cell-Based Tissue Regeneration Research and Education Unit, Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,Program for Leading Graduate Schools "HIGO Program", Kumamoto University, 1-1-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-8556, Japan.,AMED Core Research for Evolutional Science and Technology (AMED-CREST), Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED), Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan.,Department of Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Kyushu University, 744 Motooka, Nishi-ku, Fukuoka 819-0395, Japan
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17
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Jang J, Song J, Sim I, Yoon Y. Wnt-C59 inhibits proinflammatory cytokine expression by reducing the interaction between β-catenin and NF-κB in LPS-stimulated epithelial and macrophage cells. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 25:307-319. [PMID: 34193644 PMCID: PMC8255128 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2021.25.4.307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the Wnt pathway causes various diseases including cancer, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, osteoporosis, obesity and chronic kidney diseases. The modulation of dysregulated Wnt pathway is absolutely necessary. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect and the mechanism of action of Wnt-C59, a Wnt signaling inhibitor, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated epithelial cells and macrophage cells. Wnt-C59 showed a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect by suppressing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines including IL6, CCL2, IL1A, IL1B, and TNF in LPS-stimulated cells. The dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in LPS stimulated cells was suppressed by Wnt-C59 treatment. The level of β-catenin, the executor protein of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, was elevated by LPS and suppressed by Wnt-C59. Overexpression of β-catenin rescued the suppressive effect of Wnt-C59 on proinflammatory cytokine expression and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activity. We found that the interaction between β-catenin and NF-κB, measured by co-immunoprecipitation assay, was elevated by LPS and suppressed by Wnt-C59 treatment. Both NF-κB activity for its target DNA binding and the reporter activity of NF-κB-responsive promoter showed identical patterns with the interaction between β-catenin and NF-κB. Altogether, our findings suggest that the anti-inflammatory effect of Wnt-C59 is mediated by the reduction of the cellular level of β-catenin and the interaction between β-catenin and NF-κB, which results in the suppressions of the NF-κB activity and proinflammatory cytokine expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewoong Jang
- Department of Microbiology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Jaewon Song
- Department of Microbiology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Inae Sim
- Department of Microbiology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Korea
| | - Yoosik Yoon
- Department of Microbiology, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul 06974, Korea
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18
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Galli LM, Anderson MO, Gabriel Fraley J, Sanchez L, Bueno R, Hernandez DN, Maddox EU, Lingappa VR, Burrus LW. Determination of the membrane topology of PORCN, an O-acyl transferase that modifies Wnt signalling proteins. Open Biol 2021; 11:200400. [PMID: 34186010 PMCID: PMC8241489 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt gradients elicit distinct cellular responses, such as proliferation, specification, differentiation and survival in a dose-dependent manner. Porcupine (PORCN), a membrane-bound O-acyl transferase (MBOAT) that resides in the endoplasmic reticulum, catalyses the addition of monounsaturated palmitate to Wnt proteins and is required for Wnt gradient formation and signalling. In humans, PORCN mutations are causal for focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH), an X-linked dominant syndrome characterized by defects in mesodermal and endodermal tissues. PORCN is also an emerging target for cancer therapeutics. Despite the importance of this enzyme, its structure remains poorly understood. Recently, the crystal structure of DltB, an MBOAT family member from bacteria, was solved. In this report, we use experimental data along with homology modelling to DltB to determine the membrane topology of PORCN. Our studies reveal that PORCN has 11 membrane domains, comprising nine transmembrane spanning domains and two reentrant domains. The N-terminus is oriented towards the lumen while the C-terminus is oriented towards the cytosol. Like DltB, PORCN has a funnel-like structure that is encapsulated by multiple membrane-spanning helices. This new model for PORCN topology allows us to map residues that are important for biological activity (and implicated in FDH) onto its three-dimensional structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Galli
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Marc O Anderson
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - J Gabriel Fraley
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Luis Sanchez
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Raymund Bueno
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - David N Hernandez
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | - Eva U Maddox
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
| | | | - Laura W Burrus
- Department of Biology, San Francisco State University, 1600 Holloway Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94132, USA
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19
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Jang J, Song J, Sim I, Kwon YV, Yoon Y. Wnt-Signaling Inhibitor Wnt-C59 Suppresses the Cytokine Upregulation in Multiple Organs of Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Endotoxemic Mice via Reducing the Interaction between β-Catenin and NF-κB. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126249. [PMID: 34200709 PMCID: PMC8230366 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Sepsis is characterized by multiple-organ dysfunction caused by the dysregulated host response to infection. Until now, however, the role of the Wnt signaling has not been fully characterized in multiple organs during sepsis. This study assessed the suppressive effect of a Wnt signaling inhibitor, Wnt-C59, in the kidney, lung, and liver of lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemic mice, serving as an animal model of sepsis. We found that Wnt-C59 elevated the survival rate of these mice and decreased their plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines and organ-damage biomarkers, such as BUN, ALT, and AST. The Wnt/β-catenin and NF-κB pathways were stimulated and proinflammatory cytokines were upregulated in the kidney, lung, and liver of endotoxemic mice. Wnt-C59, as a Wnt signaling inhibitor, inhibited the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, and its interaction with the NF-κB pathway, which resulted in the inhibition of NF-κB activity and proinflammatory cytokine expression. In multiple organs of endotoxemic mice, Wnt-C59 significantly reduced the β-catenin level and interaction with NF-κB. Our findings suggest that the anti-endotoxemic effect of Wnt-C59 is mediated via reducing the interaction between β-catenin and NF-κB, consequently suppressing the associated cytokine upregulation in multiple organs. Thus, Wnt-C59 may be useful for the suppression of the multiple-organ dysfunction during sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewoong Jang
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea; (J.J.); (J.S.); (I.S.)
| | - Jaewon Song
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea; (J.J.); (J.S.); (I.S.)
| | - Inae Sim
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea; (J.J.); (J.S.); (I.S.)
| | - Young V. Kwon
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Yoosik Yoon
- Department of Microbiology, College of Medicine, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Korea; (J.J.); (J.S.); (I.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-10-4599-8231
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20
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Thyroid Cancer Stem-Like Cells: From Microenvironmental Niches to Therapeutic Strategies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10071455. [PMID: 33916320 PMCID: PMC8037626 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10071455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Thyroid cancer (TC) is the most common endocrine malignancy. Recent progress in thyroid cancer biology revealed a certain degree of intratumoral heterogeneity, highlighting the coexistence of cellular subpopulations with distinct proliferative capacities and differentiation abilities. Among those subpopulations, cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are hypothesized to drive TC heterogeneity, contributing to its metastatic potential and therapy resistance. CSCs principally exist in tumor areas with specific microenvironmental conditions, the so-called stem cell niches. In particular, in thyroid cancer, CSCs' survival is enhanced in the hypoxic niche, the immune niche, and some areas with specific extracellular matrix composition. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about thyroid CSCs, the tumoral niches that allow their survival, and the implications for TC therapy.
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21
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Xie J, Huang L, Lu YG, Zheng DL. Roles of the Wnt Signaling Pathway in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 7:590912. [PMID: 33469547 PMCID: PMC7814318 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.590912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common type of head and neck tumor. It is a high incidence malignant tumor associated with a low survival rate and limited treatment options. Accumulating conclusions indicate that the Wnt signaling pathway plays a vital role in the pathobiological process of HNSCC. The canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway affects a variety of cellular progression, enabling tumor cells to maintain and further promote the immature stem-like phenotype, proliferate, prolong survival, and gain invasiveness. Genomic studies of head and neck tumors have shown that although β-catenin is not frequently mutated in HNSCC, its activity is not inhibited by mutations in upstream gene encoding β-catenin, NOTCH1, FAT1, and AJUBA. Genetic defects affect the components of the Wnt pathway in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and the epigenetic mechanisms that regulate inhibitors of the Wnt pathway. This paper aims to summarize the groundbreaking discoveries and recent advances involving the Wnt signaling pathway and highlight the relevance of this pathway in head and neck squamous cell cancer, which will help provide new insights into improving the treatment of human HNSCC by interfering with the transcriptional signaling of Wnt.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Xie
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Preventive Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Li Huang
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Dentistry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - You-Guang Lu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.,Department of Preventive Dentistry, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Da-Li Zheng
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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22
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Lai KKY, Kahn M. Pharmacologically Targeting the WNT/β-Catenin Signaling Cascade: Avoiding the Sword of Damocles. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 269:383-422. [PMID: 34463849 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
WNT/β-catenin signaling plays fundamental roles in numerous developmental processes and in adult tissue homeostasis and repair after injury, by controlling cellular self-renewal, activation, division, differentiation, movement, genetic stability, and apoptosis. As such, it comes as no surprise that dysregulation of WNT/β-catenin signaling is associated with various diseases, including cancer, fibrosis, neurodegeneration, etc. Although multiple agents that specifically target the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway have been studied preclinically and a number have entered clinical trials, none has been approved by the FDA to date. In this chapter, we provide our insights as to the reason(s) it has been so difficult to safely pharmacologically target the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway and discuss the significant efforts undertaken towards this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keane K Y Lai
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Michael Kahn
- Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA.
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23
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Zhang Y, Wang X. Targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in cancer. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:165. [PMID: 33276800 PMCID: PMC7716495 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00990-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 642] [Impact Index Per Article: 160.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway facilitates cancer stem cell renewal, cell proliferation and differentiation, thus exerting crucial roles in tumorigenesis and therapy response. Accumulated investigations highlight the therapeutic potential of agents targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer. Wnt ligand/ receptor interface, β-catenin destruction complex and TCF/β-catenin transcription complex are key components of the cascade and have been targeted with interventions in preclinical and clinical evaluations. This scoping review aims at outlining the latest progress on the current approaches and perspectives of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway targeted therapy in various cancer types. Better understanding of the updates on the inhibitors, antagonists and activators of Wnt/β-catenin pathway rationalizes innovative strategies for personalized cancer treatment. Further investigations are warranted to confirm precise and secure targeted agents and achieve optimal use with clinical benefits in malignant diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,School of medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 250021, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,Department of Hematology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,School of medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,Shandong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Lymphoma, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jinan, 250021, Shandong, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 250021, China.
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24
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Kim SY, Mongey R, Wang P, Rothery S, Gaboriau DCA, Hind M, Griffiths M, Dean CH. The acid injury and repair (AIR) model: A novel ex-vivo tool to understand lung repair. Biomaterials 2020; 267:120480. [PMID: 33157373 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2020.120480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Research into mechanisms underlying lung injury and subsequent repair responses is currently of paramount importance. There is a paucity of models that bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo research. Such intermediate models are critical for researchers to decipher the mechanisms that drive repair and to test potential new treatments for lung repair and regeneration. Here we report the establishment of a new tool, the Acid Injury and Repair (AIR) model, that will facilitate studies of lung tissue repair. In this model, injury is applied to a restricted area of a precision-cut lung slice using hydrochloric acid, a clinically relevant driver. The surrounding area remains uninjured, thus mimicking the heterogeneous pattern of injury frequently observed in lung diseases. We show that in response to injury, the percentage of progenitor cells (pro surfactant protein C, proSP-C and TM4SF1 positive) significantly increases in the injured region. Whereas in the uninjured area, the percentage of proSP-C/TM4SF1 cells remains unchanged but proliferating cells (Ki67 positive) increase. These effects are modified in the presence of inhibitors of proliferation (Cytochalasin D) and Wnt secretion (C59) demonstrating that the AIR model is an important new tool for research into lung disease pathogenesis and potential regenerative medicine strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Yunsun Kim
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Róisín Mongey
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Peizhu Wang
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen Rothery
- Facility for Imaging by Light Microscopy, NHLI, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David C A Gaboriau
- Facility for Imaging by Light Microscopy, NHLI, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Matthew Hind
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK; National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Respiratory Biomedical Research Unit at the Royal Brompton & Harefield NHS Foundation Trust and Imperial College, London, UK
| | - Mark Griffiths
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK; Peri-Operative Medicine Department, St Bartholomew's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Charlotte H Dean
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College London, London, UK; MRC Harwell Institute, Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire, UK.
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25
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Reyes M, Flores T, Betancur D, Peña-Oyarzún D, Torres VA. Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Oral Carcinogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21134682. [PMID: 32630122 PMCID: PMC7369957 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oral carcinogenesis is a complex and multifactorial process that involves cumulative genetic and molecular alterations, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation, impaired DNA repair and defective cell death. At the early stages, the onset of potentially malignant lesions in the oral mucosa, or oral dysplasia, is associated with higher rates of malignant progression towards carcinoma in situ and invasive carcinoma. Efforts have been made to get insights about signaling pathways that are deregulated in oral dysplasia, as these could be translated into novel markers and might represent promising therapeutic targets. In this context, recent evidence underscored the relevance of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in oral dysplasia, as this pathway is progressively "switched on" through the different grades of dysplasia (mild, moderate and severe dysplasia), with the consequent nuclear translocation of β-catenin and expression of target genes associated with the maintenance of representative traits of oral dysplasia, namely cell proliferation and viability. Intriguingly, recent studies provide an unanticipated connection between active β-catenin signaling and deregulated endosome trafficking in oral dysplasia, highlighting the relevance of endocytic components in oral carcinogenesis. This review summarizes evidence about the role of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the underlying mechanisms that account for its aberrant activation in oral carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Reyes
- Department of Pathology and Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; (T.F.); (D.B.)
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (V.A.T.)
| | - Tania Flores
- Department of Pathology and Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; (T.F.); (D.B.)
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
- Research Centre in Dental Science (CICO), Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4780000, Chile
| | - Diego Betancur
- Department of Pathology and Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile; (T.F.); (D.B.)
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
| | - Daniel Peña-Oyarzún
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Vicente A. Torres
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile;
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (V.A.T.)
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26
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Kalantary-Charvadeh A, Hosseini V, Mehdizadeh A, Darabi M. Application of porcupine inhibitors in stem cell fate determination. Chem Biol Drug Des 2020; 96:1052-1068. [PMID: 32419352 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.13704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Porcupine (Porcn), a membrane-bound O-acyltransferase, is an endoplasmic reticulum-located protein that has catalytic activity. Porcn is involved in post-translational lipid modification of wingless-Int (Wnt) proteins and serves as an indispensable step in the Wnt proper secretion and signaling. Small-molecule inhibitors targeting Porcn catalytic function in vitro and in vivo are of great interest not only for treating cancer and fibrotic disorders but also in the field of regenerative medicine. Although a number of studies have been conducted, the exact role of Porcn in stem cell fate is not entirely clear. In some cases, Porcn inhibition declined differentiation rate, and in others, it induced stem cell differentiation toward specific lineages. In this review, we first elaborated the Porcn catalytic activity and its inhibitors. Then, we discussed about the recently reported results of Porcn inhibitors in stem cells self-renewal and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashkan Kalantary-Charvadeh
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Hosseini
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Mehdizadeh
- Endocrine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masoud Darabi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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27
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Zhao Z, Liu H, Li Y, Tian J, Deng S. Wnt-C59 Attenuates Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy via Interruption of Wnt Pathway. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e923025. [PMID: 32279067 PMCID: PMC7171430 DOI: 10.12659/msm.923025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cardiac hypertrophy usually results in heart failure and is an important cause of mortality worldwide. Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway hyper-activation is involved in the pathogenesis and progression of cardiac hypertrophy. Wnt-C59 is a small molecular compound, which strongly and specifically targets at Porcupine to pharmacologically inhibit Wnt palmitoylation, secretion, and other biological activities. However, the role of Wnt-C59 in cardiac hypertrophy remains unknown. Material/Methods We performed transverse aortic constriction (TAC) in adult male mice to induce pressure overload and establish an in vivo model of cardiac hypertrophy. Angiotensin II (Ang-II) was utilized to culture cardiomyocyte to establish a model of in vitro cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Daily administration of Porcupine inhibitor Wnt-C59 was performed for 4 weeks after TAC surgery. Results Wnt-C59 significantly improved cardiac function and enhanced survival of mice subjected to TAC surgery. Histologically, Wnt-C59 attenuated TAC-induced increase in heart mass, cross-section area of cardiomyocyte, cardiac fibrosis, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and expression of the hypertrophic biomarkers β-MHC, ANP, and BNP. TAC-induced oxidative stress was also ameliorated by Wnt-C59. Wnt-C59 attenuated Ang-II-induced in vitro cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, as indicated by decreased cell size and lower expression of ANP, BNP, and β-MHC. Moreover, Wnt/β-catenin activation was blocked by Wnt-C59 in cardiac hypertrophy, as indicated by decreased protein expression of Wnt3a and β-catenin and the Wnt target genes cyclin D1 and c-Myc. Conclusions Collectively, Porcupine inhibitor Wnt-C59 attenuates pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophic via interruption of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and it might be a promising drug for patients with cardiac hypertrophy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengbo Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China (mainland).,Department of Cardiology, Jiulongpo District People's Hospital, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Han Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Yu Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Jingxiu Tian
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China (mainland)
| | - Songbai Deng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China (mainland)
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28
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Lepore S, Lettini G, Condelli V, Sisinni L, Piscazzi A, Simeon V, Zoppoli P, Pedicillo MC, Natalicchio MI, Pietrafesa M, Landriscina M. Comparative Gene Expression Profiling of Tobacco-Associated HPV-Positive versus Negative Oral Squamous Carcinoma Cell Lines. Int J Med Sci 2020; 17:112-124. [PMID: 31929745 PMCID: PMC6945558 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.35133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: HPV-positive oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) are specific biological and clinical entities, characterized by a more favorable prognosis compared to HPV-negative OSCCs and occurring generally in non-smoking and non-drinking younger individuals. However, poor information is available on the molecular and the clinical behavior of HPV-positive oral cancers occurring in smoking/drinking subjects. Thus, this study was designed to compare, at molecular level, two OSCC cell lines, both derived from drinking and smoking individuals and differing for presence/absence of HPV infection. Methods: HPV-negative UPCI-SCC-131 and HPV16-positive UPCI-SCC-154 cell lines were compared by whole genome gene expression profiling and subsequently studied for activation of Wnt/βCatenin signaling pathway by the expression of several Wnt-target genes, βCatenin intracellular localization, stem cell features and miRNA let-7e. Gene expression data were validated in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) public datasets. Results: Gene expression analysis identified Wnt/βCatenin pathway as the unique signaling pathway more active in HPV-negative compared to HPV-positive OSCC cells and this observation was confirmed upon evaluation of several Wnt-target genes (i.e., Cyclin D1, Cdh1, Cdkn2a, Cd44, Axin2, c-Myc and Tcf1). Interestingly, HPV-negative OSCC cells showed higher levels of total βCatenin and its active form, increase of its nuclear accumulation and more prominent stem cell traits. Furthermore, miRNA let-7e was identified as potential upstream regulator responsible for the downregulation of Wnt/βCatenin signaling cascade since its silencing in UPCI-SCC-154 cell resulted in upregulation of Wnt-target genes. Finally, the analysis of two independent gene expression public datasets of human HNSCC cell lines and tumors confirmed that Wnt/βCatenin pathway is more active in HPV-negative compared to HPV-positive tumors derived from individuals with smoking habit. Conclusions: These data suggest that lack of HPV infection is associated with more prominent activation of Wnt/βCatenin signaling pathway and gain of stem-like traits in tobacco-related OSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Lepore
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Giacomo Lettini
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Valentina Condelli
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Lorenza Sisinni
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Annamaria Piscazzi
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy
| | - Vittorio Simeon
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy
- Medical Statistics Unit, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Pietro Zoppoli
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Maria Carmela Pedicillo
- Anatomic Pathology Unit, Department of Clinic and Experimental Medicine; University of Foggia, Italy
| | | | - Michele Pietrafesa
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy
| | - Matteo Landriscina
- Laboratory of Pre-Clinical and Translational Research, IRCCS, Referral Cancer Center of Basilicata, Rionero in Vulture, Italy
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Italy
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29
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Wnt Signaling in the Regulation of Immune Cell and Cancer Therapeutics. Cells 2019; 8:cells8111380. [PMID: 31684152 PMCID: PMC6912555 DOI: 10.3390/cells8111380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is one of the important pathways to play a major role in various biological processes, such as embryonic stem-cell development, tissue regeneration, cell differentiation, and immune cell regulation. Recent studies suggest that Wnt signaling performs an essential function in immune cell modulation and counteracts various disorders. Nonetheless, the emerging role and mechanism of action of this signaling cascade in immune cell regulation, as well as its involvement in various cancers, remain debatable. The Wnt signaling in immune cells is very diverse, e.g., the tolerogenic role of dendritic cells, the development of natural killer cells, thymopoiesis of T cells, B-cell-driven initiation of T-cells, and macrophage actions in tissue repair, regeneration, and fibrosis. The purpose of this review is to highlight the current therapeutic targets in (and the prospects of) Wnt signaling, as well as the potential suitability of available modulators for the development of cancer immunotherapies. Although there are several Wnt inhibitors relevant to cancer, it would be worthwhile to extend this approach to immune cells.
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Huang TX, Guan XY, Fu L. Therapeutic targeting of the crosstalk between cancer-associated fibroblasts and cancer stem cells. Am J Cancer Res 2019; 9:1889-1904. [PMID: 31598393 PMCID: PMC6780671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 08/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play critical roles in cancer progression and treatment failure. CAFs display extreme phenotypic heterogeneity and functional diversity. Some subpopulations of CAFs have the ability to reconstitute cancer stemness by promoting the expansion of cancer stem cells (CSCs) or by inducing the generation of CSCs from differentiated cancer cells. CAFs regulate cancer stemness in different types of solid tumors by activating a wide array of CSC-related signaling by secreting proteins and exosomes. As feedback, the CSCs can also induce the proliferation and further activation of CAFs to promote their CSC-supporting activities, thus completing the loop of CAF-CSC crosstalk. Current research on targeting CAF-CSC crosstalk could be classified into (i) specific depletion of CAF subpopulations that have CSC-supporting activities and (ii) targeting molecular signaling in CAF-CSC crosstalk, such as the IL6/STAT3, TGF-β/SDF-1/PI3K, WNT/β-catenin, HGF/cMET and SHH/Hh pathways. Strategies targeting CAF-CSC crosstalk may open new avenues for overcoming cancer progression and therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tu-Xiong Huang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, Department of Pharmacology and Shenzhen International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University School of MedicineShenzhen, China
| | - Xin-Yuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong KongHong Kong
| | - Li Fu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability & Disease Prevention, Department of Pharmacology and Shenzhen International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University School of MedicineShenzhen, China
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Lang CMR, Chan CK, Veltri A, Lien WH. Wnt Signaling Pathways in Keratinocyte Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11091216. [PMID: 31438551 PMCID: PMC6769728 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Revised: 08/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The skin functions as a barrier between the organism and the surrounding environment. Direct exposure to external stimuli and the accumulation of genetic mutations may lead to abnormal cell growth, irreversible tissue damage and potentially favor skin malignancy. Skin homeostasis is coordinated by an intricate signaling network, and its dysregulation has been implicated in the development of skin cancers. Wnt signaling is one such regulatory pathway orchestrating skin development, homeostasis, and stem cell activation. Aberrant regulation of Wnt signaling cascades not only gives rise to tumor initiation, progression and invasion, but also maintains cancer stem cells which contribute to tumor recurrence. In this review, we summarize recent studies highlighting functional evidence of Wnt-related oncology in keratinocyte carcinomas, as well as discussing preclinical and clinical approaches that target oncogenic Wnt signaling to treat cancers. Our review provides valuable insight into the significance of Wnt signaling for future interventions against keratinocyte carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chim Kei Chan
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Anthony Veltri
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Wen-Hui Lien
- de Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium.
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Torres VI, Godoy JA, Inestrosa NC. Modulating Wnt signaling at the root: Porcupine and Wnt acylation. Pharmacol Ther 2019; 198:34-45. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Reyes M, Peña-Oyarzun D, Maturana A, Torres VA. Nuclear localization of β-catenin and expression of target genes are associated with increased Wnt secretion in oral dysplasia. Oral Oncol 2019; 94:58-67. [PMID: 31178213 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2019.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the localization of β-catenin in oral dysplastic cells, the expression of target genes upregulated in oral dysplasia, and the role of Wnt ligands in these events. MATERIALS AND METHODS Subcellular localization of total and non-phosphorylated (transcriptionally active) β-catenin was evaluated by immunofluorescence and biochemical fractionation in dysplastic oral keratinocytes (DOK), non-dysplastic oral keratinocytes (OKF6), oral squamous carcinoma cells (CAL27) and primary oral keratinocytes. Tcf/Lef-dependent transcription was measured by luciferase reporter assays. Expression of target genes, survivin and cyclin D1, was evaluated by RT-qPCR and Western blotting. Wnt secretion was inhibited with the inhibitor of porcupine, C59. Wnt3a and β-catenin were evaluated in biopsies by tissue immunofluorescence. RESULTS Immunofluorescence and fractionation experiments showed augmented nuclear β-catenin (total and transcriptionally active) in DOK, when compared with OKF6 and CAL27 cells. Intriguingly, conditioned medium from DOK promoted nuclear accumulation of β-catenin and Tcf/Lef-dependent transcription in OKF6 and primary oral keratinocytes, suggesting the participation of secreted factors. Treatment of DOK with C59 decreased Wnt3a secretion, nuclear β-catenin and the expression of survivin and cyclin D1 at both mRNA and protein levels. Accordingly, DOK secreted higher Wnt3a levels than OKF6, and inhibition of Wnt3a secretion prevented DOK-induced Tcf/Lef-dependent transcription in OKF6. These observations were confirmed in clinical samples, since tissue immunofluorescence analysis showed simultaneous expression of Wnt3a and nuclear β-catenin in oral dysplasia, but not in healthy mucosa biopsies. CONCLUSION These data indicate that secretion of Wnt ligands is critical for β-catenin nuclear localization and expression of target genes in oral dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Montserrat Reyes
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Department of Pathology and Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Daniel Peña-Oyarzun
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrea Maturana
- Department of Pathology and Oral Medicine, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Vicente A Torres
- Institute for Research in Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile; Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile.
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Le PN, Keysar SB, Miller B, Eagles JR, Chimed TS, Reisinger J, Gomez KE, Nieto C, Jackson BC, Somerset HL, Morton JJ, Wang XJ, Jimeno A. Wnt signaling dynamics in head and neck squamous cell cancer tumor-stroma interactions. Mol Carcinog 2018; 58:398-410. [PMID: 30378175 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 10/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Wnt pathway activation maintains the cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype and promotes tumor progression, making it an attractive target for anti-cancer therapy. Wnt signaling at the tumor and tumor microenvironment (TME) front have not been investigated in depth in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). In a cohort of 48 HNSCCs, increased Wnt signaling, including Wnt genes (AXIN2, LGR6, WISP1) and stem cell factors (RET, SOX5, KIT), were associated with a more advanced clinical stage. Key Wnt pathway proteins were most abundant at the cancer epithelial-stromal boundary. To investigate these observations, we generated three pairs of cancer-cancer associated fibroblast (CAF) cell lines derived from the same HNSCC patients. 3D co-culture of cancer spheres and CAFs mimicked these in vivo interactions, and using these we observed increased expression of Wnt genes (eg, WNT3A, WNT7A, WNT16) in both compartments. Of these Wnt ligands, we found Wnt3a, and less consistently Wnt16, activated Wnt signaling in both cancer cells and CAFs. Wnt activation increased CSC characteristics like sphere formation and invasiveness, which was further regulated by the presence of CAFs. Time lapse microscopy also revealed preferential Wnt activation of cancer cells. Wnt inhibitors, OMP-18R5 and OMP-54F28, significantly reduced growth of HNSCC patient-derived xenografts and suppressed Wnt activation at the tumor epithelial-stromal boundary. Taken together, our findings suggest that Wnt signaling is initiated in cancer cells which then activate CAFs, and in turn perpetuate a paracrine signaling loop. This suggests that targeting Wnt signaling in the TME is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phuong N Le
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine (UCDSOM), Aurora, Colorado
| | - Stephen B Keysar
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine (UCDSOM), Aurora, Colorado
| | - Bettina Miller
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine (UCDSOM), Aurora, Colorado
| | - Justin R Eagles
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine (UCDSOM), Aurora, Colorado
| | - Tugs-Saikhan Chimed
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine (UCDSOM), Aurora, Colorado
| | - Julie Reisinger
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine (UCDSOM), Aurora, Colorado
| | - Karina E Gomez
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine (UCDSOM), Aurora, Colorado
| | - Cera Nieto
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine (UCDSOM), Aurora, Colorado
| | - Brian C Jackson
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine (UCDSOM), Aurora, Colorado
| | | | - John J Morton
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine (UCDSOM), Aurora, Colorado
| | - Xiao-Jing Wang
- Department of Pathology, UCDSOM, Aurora, Colorado.,Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, UCDSOM, Aurora, Colorado.,Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Antonio Jimeno
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Denver School of Medicine (UCDSOM), Aurora, Colorado.,Gates Center for Regenerative Medicine, UCDSOM, Aurora, Colorado
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Lee CJ, Rana MS, Bae C, Li Y, Banerjee A. In vitro reconstitution of Wnt acylation reveals structural determinants of substrate recognition by the acyltransferase human Porcupine. J Biol Chem 2018; 294:231-245. [PMID: 30420431 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt proteins regulate a large number of processes, including cellular growth, differentiation, and tissue homeostasis, through the highly conserved Wnt signaling pathway in metazoans. Porcupine (PORCN) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-resident integral membrane enzyme that catalyzes posttranslational modification of Wnts with palmitoleic acid, an unsaturated lipid. This unique form of lipidation with palmitoleic acid is a vital step in the biogenesis and secretion of Wnt, and PORCN inhibitors are currently in clinical trials for cancer treatment. However, PORCN-mediated Wnt lipidation has not been reconstituted in vitro with purified enzyme. Here, we report the first successful purification of human PORCN and confirm, through in vitro reconstitution with the purified enzyme, that PORCN is necessary and sufficient for Wnt acylation. By systematically examining a series of substrate variants, we show that PORCN intimately recognizes the local structure of Wnt around the site of acylation. Our in vitro assay enabled us to examine the activity of PORCN with a range of fatty acyl-CoAs with varying length and unsaturation. The selectivity of human PORCN across a spectrum of fatty acyl-CoAs suggested that the kink in the unsaturated acyl chain is a key determinant of PORCN-mediated catalysis. Finally, we show that two putative PORCN inhibitors that were discovered with cell-based assays indeed target human PORCN. Together, these results provide discrete, high-resolution biochemical insights into the mechanism of PORCN-mediated Wnt acylation and pave the way for further detailed biochemical and structural studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chul-Jin Lee
- Cell Biology and Neurobiology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Mitra S Rana
- Cell Biology and Neurobiology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Chanhyung Bae
- Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Section, Porter Neuroscience Research Center, NINDS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Yan Li
- Protein/Peptide Sequencing Facility, NINDS, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892
| | - Anirban Banerjee
- Cell Biology and Neurobiology Branch, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892.
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Chibby suppresses aerobic glycolysis and proliferation of nasopharyngeal carcinoma via the Wnt/β-catenin-Lin28/let7-PDK1 cascade. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:104. [PMID: 29764469 PMCID: PMC5952826 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0769-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Great progress has been achieved in the study of the aerobic glycolysis or the so-called Warburg effect in a variety of cancers; however, the regulation of the Warburg effect in Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has not been completely defined. METHODS Gene expression pattern of NPC cells were used to test associations between Chibby and β-catenin expression. Chibby siRNAs and over-expression vector were transfected into NPC cells to down-regulate or up-regulate Chibby expression. Loss- and gain-of function assays were performed to investigate the role of Chibby in NPC cells. Western blot, cell proliferation, Glucose uptake, Lactate release, ATP level, and O2 consumption assays were used to determine the mechanism of Chibby regulation of underlying targets. Finally, immunohistochemistry assay of fresh NPC and nasopharyngeal normal tissue sample were used to detect the expression of Chibby, β-Catenin, and PDK1 by immunostaining. RESULTS We observed that Chibby, a β-catenin-associated antagonist, is down-regulated in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines and inhibits Wnt/β-Catenin signaling induced Warburg effect. Mechanism study revealed that Chibby regulates aerobic glycolysis in NPC cells through pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 1(PDK1), an important enzyme involved in glucose metabolism. Moreover, Chibby suppresses aerobic glycolysis of NPC via Wnt/β-Catenin-Lin28/let7-PDK1 cascade. Chibby and PDK1 are critical for Wnt/β-Catenin signaling induced NPC cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, immunostaining assay of tissue samples provides an important clinical relevance among Chibby, Wnt/β-Catenin signaling and PDK1. CONCLUSIONS Our study reveals an association between Chibby expression and cancer aerobic glycolysis, which highlights the importance of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in regulation of energy metabolism of NPC. These results indicate that Chibby and PDK1 are the potential target for NPC treatment.
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García-Reyes B, Witt L, Jansen B, Karasu E, Gehring T, Leban J, Henne-Bruns D, Pichlo C, Brunstein E, Baumann U, Wesseler F, Rathmer B, Schade D, Peifer C, Knippschild U. Discovery of Inhibitor of Wnt Production 2 (IWP-2) and Related Compounds As Selective ATP-Competitive Inhibitors of Casein Kinase 1 (CK1) δ/ε. J Med Chem 2018; 61:4087-4102. [PMID: 29630366 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitors of Wnt production (IWPs) are known antagonists of the Wnt pathway, targeting the membrane-bound O-acyltransferase porcupine (Porcn) and thus preventing a crucial Wnt ligand palmitoylation. Since IWPs show structural similarities to benzimidazole-based CK1 inhibitors, we hypothesized that IWPs could also inhibit CK1 isoforms. Molecular modeling revealed a plausible binding mode of IWP-2 in the ATP binding pocket of CK1δ which was confirmed by X-ray analysis. In vitro kinase assays demonstrated IWPs to be ATP-competitive inhibitors of wtCK1δ. IWPs also strongly inhibited the gatekeeper mutant M82FCK1δ. When profiled in a panel of 320 kinases, IWP-2 specifically inhibited CK1δ. IWP-2 and IWP-4 also inhibited the viability of various cancer cell lines. By a medicinal chemistry approach, we developed improved IWP-derived CK1 inhibitors. Our results suggest that the effects of IWPs are not limited to Porcn, but also might influence CK1δ/ε-related pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Balbina García-Reyes
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery , Ulm University Hospital , Albert-Einstein-Allee 23 , D-89081 Ulm , Germany
| | - Lydia Witt
- Institute of Pharmacy , Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel , Gutenbergstraße 76 , D-24116 Kiel , Germany
| | - Björn Jansen
- Institute of Pharmacy , Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel , Gutenbergstraße 76 , D-24116 Kiel , Germany
| | - Ebru Karasu
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery , Ulm University Hospital , Albert-Einstein-Allee 23 , D-89081 Ulm , Germany
| | - Tanja Gehring
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery , Ulm University Hospital , Albert-Einstein-Allee 23 , D-89081 Ulm , Germany
| | - Johann Leban
- Oncotyrol GmbH , Karl-Kapferer-Straße 5 , 6020 Innsbruck , Austria
| | - Doris Henne-Bruns
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery , Ulm University Hospital , Albert-Einstein-Allee 23 , D-89081 Ulm , Germany
| | - Christian Pichlo
- Department for Chemistry , University of Cologne , Zülpicher Str. 47B , D-50674 Cologne , Germany
| | - Elena Brunstein
- Department for Chemistry , University of Cologne , Zülpicher Str. 47B , D-50674 Cologne , Germany
| | - Ulrich Baumann
- Department for Chemistry , University of Cologne , Zülpicher Str. 47B , D-50674 Cologne , Germany
| | - Fabian Wesseler
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology , TU Dortmund University , Otto-Hahn-Str. 6 , D-44227 Dortmund , Germany
| | - Bernd Rathmer
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology , TU Dortmund University , Otto-Hahn-Str. 6 , D-44227 Dortmund , Germany
| | - Dennis Schade
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology , TU Dortmund University , Otto-Hahn-Str. 6 , D-44227 Dortmund , Germany.,Institute of Pharmacy , Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University of Greifswald , Felix-Hausdorff-Str. 1 , D-17489 Greifswald , Germany
| | - Christian Peifer
- Institute of Pharmacy , Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel , Gutenbergstraße 76 , D-24116 Kiel , Germany
| | - Uwe Knippschild
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery , Ulm University Hospital , Albert-Einstein-Allee 23 , D-89081 Ulm , Germany
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Katoh M. Canonical and non-canonical WNT signaling in cancer stem cells and their niches: Cellular heterogeneity, omics reprogramming, targeted therapy and tumor plasticity (Review). Int J Oncol 2017; 51:1357-1369. [PMID: 29048660 PMCID: PMC5642388 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2017.4129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 310] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), which have the potential for self-renewal, differentiation and de-differentiation, undergo epigenetic, epithelial-mesenchymal, immunological and metabolic reprogramming to adapt to the tumor microenvironment and survive host defense or therapeutic insults. Intra-tumor heterogeneity and cancer-cell plasticity give rise to therapeutic resistance and recurrence through clonal replacement and reactivation of dormant CSCs, respectively. WNT signaling cascades cross-talk with the FGF, Notch, Hedgehog and TGFβ/BMP signaling cascades and regulate expression of functional CSC markers, such as CD44, CD133 (PROM1), EPCAM and LGR5 (GPR49). Aberrant canonical and non-canonical WNT signaling in human malignancies, including breast, colorectal, gastric, lung, ovary, pancreatic, prostate and uterine cancers, leukemia and melanoma, are involved in CSC survival, bulk-tumor expansion and invasion/metastasis. WNT signaling-targeted therapeutics, such as anti-FZD1/2/5/7/8 monoclonal antibody (mAb) (vantictumab), anti-LGR5 antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) (mAb-mc-vc-PAB-MMAE), anti-PTK7 ADC (PF-06647020), anti-ROR1 mAb (cirmtuzumab), anti-RSPO3 mAb (rosmantuzumab), small-molecule porcupine inhibitors (ETC-159, WNT-C59 and WNT974), tankyrase inhibitors (AZ1366, G007-LK, NVP-TNKS656 and XAV939) and β-catenin inhibitors (BC2059, CWP232228, ICG-001 and PRI-724), are in clinical trials or preclinical studies for the treatment of patients with WNT-driven cancers. WNT signaling-targeted therapeutics are applicable for combination therapy with BCR-ABL, EGFR, FLT3, KIT or RET inhibitors to treat a subset of tyrosine kinase-driven cancers because WNT and tyrosine kinase signaling cascades converge to β-catenin for the maintenance and expansion of CSCs. WNT signaling-targeted therapeutics might also be applicable for combination therapy with immune checkpoint blockers, such as atezolizumab, avelumab, durvalumab, ipilimumab, nivolumab and pembrolizumab, to treat cancers with immune evasion, although the context-dependent effects of WNT signaling on immunity should be carefully assessed. Omics monitoring, such as genome sequencing and transcriptome tests, immunohistochemical analyses on PD-L1 (CD274), PD-1 (PDCD1), ROR1 and nuclear β-catenin and organoid-based drug screening, is necessary to determine the appropriate WNT signaling-targeted therapeutics for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Katoh
- Department of Omics Network, National Cancer Center, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
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Katoh M, Katoh M. Molecular genetics and targeted therapy of WNT-related human diseases (Review). Int J Mol Med 2017; 40:587-606. [PMID: 28731148 PMCID: PMC5547940 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 07/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Canonical WNT signaling through Frizzled and LRP5/6 receptors is transduced to the WNT/β-catenin and WNT/stabilization of proteins (STOP) signaling cascades to regulate cell fate and proliferation, whereas non-canonical WNT signaling through Frizzled or ROR receptors is transduced to the WNT/planar cell polarity (PCP), WNT/G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) and WNT/receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling cascades to regulate cytoskeletal dynamics and directional cell movement. WNT/β-catenin signaling cascade crosstalks with RTK/SRK and GPCR-cAMP-PKA signaling cascades to regulate β-catenin phosphorylation and β-catenin-dependent transcription. Germline mutations in WNT signaling molecules cause hereditary colorectal cancer, bone diseases, exudative vitreoretinopathy, intellectual disability syndrome and PCP-related diseases. APC or CTNNB1 mutations in colorectal, endometrial and prostate cancers activate the WNT/β-catenin signaling cascade. RNF43, ZNRF3, RSPO2 or RSPO3 alterations in breast, colorectal, gastric, pancreatic and other cancers activate the WNT/β-catenin, WNT/STOP and other WNT signaling cascades. ROR1 upregulation in B-cell leukemia and solid tumors and ROR2 upregulation in melanoma induce invasion, metastasis and therapeutic resistance through Rho-ROCK, Rac-JNK, PI3K-AKT and YAP signaling activation. WNT signaling in cancer, stromal and immune cells dynamically orchestrate immune evasion and antitumor immunity in a cell context-dependent manner. Porcupine (PORCN), RSPO3, WNT2B, FZD5, FZD10, ROR1, tankyrase and β-catenin are targets of anti-WNT signaling therapy, and ETC-159, LGK974, OMP-18R5 (vantictumab), OMP-54F28 (ipafricept), OMP-131R10 (rosmantuzumab), PRI-724 and UC-961 (cirmtuzumab) are in clinical trials for cancer patients. Different classes of anti-WNT signaling therapeutics are necessary for the treatment of APC/CTNNB1-, RNF43/ZNRF3/RSPO2/RSPO3- and ROR1-types of human cancers. By contrast, Dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1), SOST and glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) are targets of pro-WNT signaling therapy, and anti-DKK1 (BHQ880 and DKN-01) and anti-SOST (blosozumab, BPS804 and romosozumab) monoclonal antibodies are being tested in clinical trials for cancer patients and osteoporotic post-menopausal women. WNT-targeting therapeutics have also been applied as reagents for in vitro stem-cell processing in the field of regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Masaru Katoh
- Department of Omics Network, National Cancer Center, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
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Tran FH, Zheng JJ. Modulating the wnt signaling pathway with small molecules. Protein Sci 2017; 26:650-661. [PMID: 28120389 PMCID: PMC5368067 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2017] [Revised: 01/13/2017] [Accepted: 01/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signaling is a critical component during embryonic development and also plays an important role in regulating adult tissue homeostasis. Abnormal activation of Wnt signaling has been implicated in many cancers, while reduced activity of Wnt signaling leads to poor wound healing and structural formations. Thus, extensive efforts have been focused on developing small molecules that have potential to either inhibit or activate the pathway, hoping these molecules can offer leads for novel approaches in treating different human diseases. Many small-molecule inhibitors specifically target various elements, such as Frizzled, Disheveled, Porcupine, or Tankyrase, within the Wnt signaling pathways. These small molecules not only have the potential to be further developed as therapeutic reagents, but they may also be used as chemical probes to dissect the underlying mechanism of the Wnt signaling pathways. Therefore, their respective mechanisms and effective dosages are highly pertinent. Aiming to provide an overview of those molecules in a concise, easy-to-use manner, we summarize and organize the current research on them so that it may be helpful for utilization in different studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Freddi Huan Tran
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCalifornia90095
| | - Jie J. Zheng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stein Eye Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLALos AngelesCalifornia90095
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los AngelesLos AngelesCalifornia90095
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Yu J, Huang Y, Liu L, Wang J, Yin J, Huang L, Chen S, Li J, Yuan H, Yang G, Liu W, Wang H, Pei Q, Guo C. Genetic polymorphisms of Wnt/β-catenin pathway genes are associated with the efficacy and toxicities of radiotherapy in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Oncotarget 2016; 7:82528-82537. [PMID: 27769064 PMCID: PMC5347711 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) is the normative therapeutic treatment for primary nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of genes in Wnt/β-catenin pathway are correlated to the development, prognosis, and treatment benefit of various cancers. However, it has not been established whether SNPs of Wnt/β-catenin pathway are associated with nasopharyngeal tumorigenesis and the efficacy of RT in NPC patients. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to investigate the nine potentially functional SNPs of four genes in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and genotyped these in 188 NPC patients treated with RT. To achieve this goal, associations between these SNPs and the RT's curative efficacy, as well as acute radiation-induced toxic reaction were determined by multifactorial logistic regression. We observed that catenin beta 1 gene (CTNNB1) rs1880481 and rs3864004, and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta gene (GSK3β) rs3755557 polymorphisms were significantly associated with poorer efficacy of RT in NPC patients. Moreover, GSK3β rs375557 and adenomatous polyposis coli gene (APC) rs454886 polymorphisms were correlated with acute grade 3-4 radiation-induced dermatitis and oral mucositis, respectively. In conclusion, this study suggests that gene polymorphisms of Wnt/β-catenin may be novel prognostic factors for NPC patients treated with RT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Yu
- Center of Clinical Pharmacology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yuling Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangxi Province Tumor Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330029, China
| | - Lijuan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, Nanchang 330029, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangxi Province Tumor Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330029, China
| | - Jiye Yin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Lihua Huang
- Center for Medical Experiments, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Shaojun Chen
- Department of Oncology, Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Guangxi Medical University, Liuzhou, Guangxi 545005, China
| | - Jingao Li
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Jiangxi Province Tumor Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330029, China
| | - Hong Yuan
- Center of Clinical Pharmacology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Guoping Yang
- Center of Clinical Pharmacology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Wenyu Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Hai Wang
- Xiangya Medical College, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Qi Pei
- Center of Clinical Pharmacology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Chengxian Guo
- Center of Clinical Pharmacology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
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McCubrey JA, Rakus D, Gizak A, Steelman LS, Abrams SL, Lertpiriyapong K, Fitzgerald TL, Yang LV, Montalto G, Cervello M, Libra M, Nicoletti F, Scalisi A, Torino F, Fenga C, Neri LM, Marmiroli S, Cocco L, Martelli AM. Effects of mutations in Wnt/β-catenin, hedgehog, Notch and PI3K pathways on GSK-3 activity-Diverse effects on cell growth, metabolism and cancer. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2016; 1863:2942-2976. [PMID: 27612668 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2016.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a serine/threonine kinase that participates in an array of critical cellular processes. GSK-3 was first characterized as an enzyme that phosphorylated and inactivated glycogen synthase. However, subsequent studies have revealed that this moon-lighting protein is involved in numerous signaling pathways that regulate not only metabolism but also have roles in: apoptosis, cell cycle progression, cell renewal, differentiation, embryogenesis, migration, regulation of gene transcription, stem cell biology and survival. In this review, we will discuss the roles that GSK-3 plays in various diseases as well as how this pivotal kinase interacts with multiple signaling pathways such as: PI3K/PTEN/Akt/mTOR, Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK, Wnt/beta-catenin, hedgehog, Notch and TP53. Mutations that occur in these and other pathways can alter the effects that natural GSK-3 activity has on regulating these signaling circuits that can lead to cancer as well as other diseases. The novel roles that microRNAs play in regulation of the effects of GSK-3 will also be evaluated. Targeting GSK-3 and these other pathways may improve therapy and overcome therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
| | - Dariusz Rakus
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Gizak
- Department of Animal Molecular Physiology, Institute of Experimental Biology, Wroclaw University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Steve L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Kvin Lertpiriyapong
- Department of Comparative Medicine, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Timothy L Fitzgerald
- Department of Surgery, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Li V Yang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Section, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, USA
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Bio-medical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Aurora Scalisi
- Unit of Oncologic Diseases, ASP-Catania, Catania 95100, Italy
| | - Francesco Torino
- Department of Systems Medicine, Chair of Medical Oncology, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Concettina Fenga
- Department of Biomedical, Odontoiatric, Morphological and Functional Images, Occupational Medicine Section - Policlinico "G. Martino" - University of Messina, Messina 98125, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sandra Marmiroli
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Aminuddin A, Ng PY. Promising Druggable Target in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Wnt Signaling. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:244. [PMID: 27570510 PMCID: PMC4982242 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 07/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Canonical Wnt signaling pathway, also known as Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, is a crucial mechanism for cellular maintenance and development. It regulates cell cycle progression, apoptosis, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Dysregulation of this pathway correlates with oncogenesis in various tissues including breast, colon, pancreatic as well as head and neck cancers. Furthermore, the canonical Wnt signaling pathway has also been described as one of the critical signaling pathways for regulation of normal stem cells as well as cancer cells with stem cell-like features, termed cancer stem cells (CSC). In this review, we will briefly describe the basic mechanisms of Wnt signaling pathway and its crucial roles in the normal regulation of cellular processes as well as in the development of cancer. Next, we will highlight the roles of canonical Wnt signaling pathway in the regulation of CSC properties namely self-renewal, differentiation, metastasis, and drug resistance abilities, particularly in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Finally, we will examine the findings of several recent studies which explore druggable targets in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway which could be valuable to improve the treatment outcome for head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amnani Aminuddin
- Drug Discovery and Development Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Pei Yuen Ng
- Drug Discovery and Development Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
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Zhang J, Wen X, Ren XY, Li YQ, Tang XR, Wang YQ, He QM, Yang XJ, Sun Y, Liu N, Ma J. YPEL3 suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2016; 35:109. [PMID: 27400785 PMCID: PMC4940860 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0384-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Background Metastasis remains the major cause of death in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Yippee-like 3 (YPEL3) plays an important role in tumorigenesis. However, its function and mechanism in NPC has not been systematically explored. Methods We evaluated YPEL3 expression in NPC cell lines and tissues using real-time PCR and western blotting. Then, we established NPC cell lines that stably overexpressed YPEL3 and knocked down YPEL3 expression to explore its function in NPC in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we investigated the potential mechanism of YPEL3 action by identifying the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway downstream genes using western blotting. Results YPEL3 was downregulated in NPC cell lines and tissue samples. Ectopic expression of YPEL3 inhibited NPC cell migration and invasion in vitro; while silencing of YPEL3 promoted NPC cell migration and invasion. Further study indicated that overexpression of YPEL3 inhibited NPC cell epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and that silencing it enhanced EMT. Overexpression of YPEL3 suppressed NPC cell lung metastasis in vivo. The mechanism study determined that YPEL3 suppressed the expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway downstream genes and the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Conclusions YPEL3 suppresses NPC EMT and metastasis by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which would help better understanding the molecular mechanisms of NPC metastasis and provide novel therapeutic targets for NPC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wen
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xian-Yue Ren
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Qin Li
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Ran Tang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya-Qin Wang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Mei He
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Jing Yang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Sun
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Na Liu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jun Ma
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center; State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center of Cancer Medicine, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Jiang R, Niu X, Huang Y, Wang X. β-Catenin is important for cancer stem cell generation and tumorigenic activity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2016; 48:229-37. [PMID: 26849897 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmv134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with poor prognosis and recurrence in South China. The hard eradication of NPC in clinic is predominantly due to cancer stem cells (CSCs). Increasing evidence revealed that the aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin was positively correlated with the produce of CSCs. To further investigate the effect of β-catenin on CSCs and tumorigenesis in NPC, a CNE2 cell line (pLKO.1-sh-β-catenin-CNE2) with stably suppressed expression of β-catenin was used in this study. The expressions of biomarkers in CSCs including c-myc, Nanog, Oct3/4, Sox2, EpCAM as well as adhesion-related proteins like E-cadherin and vimentin were analyzed by western blot analysis and immunofluorescent staining. The proliferation and migration abilities were investigated by MTT assay and Transwell assay, respectively. Cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. Finally, xenograft was performed to determine the effect of β-catenin on oncogenesis in vivo. Results showed that the expressions of c-myc, Nanog, Oct3/4, Sox2, and EpCAM were all decreased in pLKO.1-sh-β-catenin-CNE2 cells. It was also found that vimentin was downregulated, while E-cadherin was upregulated. Results of MTT and Transwell assays suggested that the proliferation and migration abilities were impaired by silencing of β-catenin, and more cells were arrested in G1 phase when compared with the control. In vivo study indicated that the tumor growth was markedly suppressed in experimental group. Based on current findings, β-catenin may function as an essential protein for the maintenance of migration and proliferation abilities of NPC cells, and a complicated network consisting of c-myc, Nanog, Oct3/4, Sox2, EpCAM, E-cadherin, vimentin, and β-catenin may be involved in the inherent regulation mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 2000031, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Niu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 2000031, China
| | - Yuxiang Huang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 2000031, China
| | - Xiaosheng Wang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 2000031, China
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Dialysis encephalopathy: precipitating factors and improvement in prognosis. Clin Nephrol 1981; 13:60. [PMID: 32456660 PMCID: PMC7249421 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00901-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) contribute to the initiation, recurrence, and metastasis of cancer; however, there are still no drugs targeting CSCs in clinical application. There are several signaling pathways playing critical roles in CSC progression, such as the Wnt, Hedgehog, Notch, Hippo, and autophagy signaling pathways. Additionally, targeting the ferroptosis signaling pathway was recently shown to specifically kill CSCs. Therefore, targeting these pathways may suppress CSC progression. The structure of small-molecule drugs shows a good spatial dispersion, and its chemical properties determine its good druggability and pharmacokinetic properties. These characteristics make small-molecule drugs show a great advantage in drug development, which is increasingly popular in the market. Thus, in this review, we will summarize the current researches on the small-molecule compounds suppressing CSC progression, including inhibitors of Wnt, Notch, Hedgehog, and autophagy pathways, and activators of Hippo and ferroptosis pathways. These small-molecule compounds emphasize CSC importance in tumor progression and propose a new strategy to treat cancer in clinic via targeting CSCs.
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