1
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Evaluation of AXIN1 and AXIN2 as targets of tankyrase inhibition in hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7470. [PMID: 33811251 PMCID: PMC8018973 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-87091-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
AXIN1 mutations are observed in 8-10% of hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) and originally were considered to support tumor growth by aberrantly enhancing β-catenin signaling. This view has however been challenged by reports showing neither a clear nuclear β-catenin accumulation nor clearly enhanced expression of β-catenin target genes. Here, using nine HCC lines, we show that AXIN1 mutation or siRNA mediated knockdown contributes to enhanced β-catenin signaling in all AXIN1-mutant and non-mutant lines, also confirmed by reduced signaling in AXIN1-repaired SNU449 cells. Both AXIN1 and AXIN2 work synergistically to control β-catenin signaling. While in the AXIN1-mutant lines, AXIN2 is solely responsible for keeping signaling in check, in the non-mutant lines both AXIN proteins contribute to β-catenin regulation to varying levels. The AXIN proteins have gained substantial interest in cancer research for a second reason. Their activity in the β-catenin destruction complex can be increased by tankyrase inhibitors, which thus may serve as a therapeutic option to reduce the growth of β-catenin-dependent cancers. At concentrations that inhibit tankyrase activity, some lines (e.g. HepG2, SNU398) were clearly affected in colony formation, but in most cases apparently independent from effects on β-catenin signaling. Overall, our analyses show that AXIN1 inactivation leads to enhanced β-catenin signaling in HCC cell lines, questioning the strong statements that have been made in this regard. Enhancing AXIN activity by tankyrase monotherapy provides however no effective treatment to affect their growth exclusively through reducing β-catenin signaling.
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2
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Abdelwahab EMM, Rapp J, Feller D, Csongei V, Pal S, Bartis D, Thickett DR, Pongracz JE. Wnt signaling regulates trans-differentiation of stem cell like type 2 alveolar epithelial cells to type 1 epithelial cells. Respir Res 2019; 20:204. [PMID: 31492143 PMCID: PMC6731587 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-019-1176-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Type 2 alveolar epithelial cells (AT2s) behave as stem cells and show clonal proliferation upon alveolar injury followed by trans-differentiation (TD) into Type 1 alveolar epithelial cells (AT1s). In the present study we identified signaling pathways involved in the physiological AT2-to-AT1 TD process. Methods AT2 cells can be isolated from human lungs and cultured in vitro where they undergo TD into AT1s. In the present study we identified signaling pathways involved in the physiological AT2-to-AT1 TD process using Affymetrix microarray, qRT-PCR, fluorescence microscopy, and an in vitro lung aggregate culture. Results Affymetrix microarray revealed Wnt signaling to play a crucial role in the TD process. Wnt7a was identified as a ligand regulating the AT1 marker, Aquaporin 5 (AQP5). Artificial Neural Network (ANN) analysis of the Affymetrix data exposed ITGAV: Integrin alpha V (ITGAV), thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) and epithelial membrane protein 2 (EMP2) as Wnt signaling targets. Conclusions Wnt signaling targets that can serve as potential alveolar epithelial repair targets in future therapies of the gas exchange surface after injury. As ITGAV is significantly increases during TD and is regulated by Wnt signaling, ITGAV might be a potential target to speed up the alveolar healing process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elhusseiny Mohamed Mahmud Abdelwahab
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, University of Pecs, 2 Rokus Str, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary.,Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, 20 Ifjusag Str, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary
| | - Judit Rapp
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, University of Pecs, 2 Rokus Str, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary.,Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, 20 Ifjusag Str, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary
| | - Diana Feller
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, University of Pecs, 2 Rokus Str, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary.,Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, 20 Ifjusag Str, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary
| | - Veronika Csongei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, University of Pecs, 2 Rokus Str, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary.,Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, 20 Ifjusag Str, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary
| | - Szilard Pal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, School of Pharmacy, University of Pecs, 2 Rokus Str, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary
| | - Domokos Bartis
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, University of Pecs, 2 Rokus Str, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary.,Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, 20 Ifjusag Str, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary.,Respiratory Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Aging, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - David R Thickett
- Respiratory Research Group, Institute of Inflammation and Aging, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Judit Erzsebet Pongracz
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Pharmacy, University of Pecs, 2 Rokus Str, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary. .,Szentagothai Research Centre, University of Pecs, 20 Ifjusag Str, Pecs, H-7624, Hungary.
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3
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Mook RA, Wang J, Ren XR, Piao H, Lyerly HK, Chen W. Identification of novel triazole inhibitors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling based on the Niclosamide chemotype. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2019; 29:317-321. [PMID: 30551901 PMCID: PMC6688898 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.11.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway is an underlying mechanism in multiple diseases, particularly in cancer. Until recently, identifying agents that target this pathway has been difficult and as a result, no approved drugs exist that specifically target this pathway. We reported previously that the anthelmintic drug Niclosamide inhibits the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and suppresses colorectal cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo. In an effort to build on this finding, we sought to discover new Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors that expanded the chemotype structural diversity. Here, we asked a specific SAR question unresolved in previous SAR studies of Niclosamide's inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling to identify a new structural class of Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibitors based on a triazole motif. Similar to Niclosamide, we found that the new triazole derivatives internalized Frizzled-1 GFP receptors, inhibited Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the TOPflash assay and reduced Wnt/β-catenin target gene levels in CRC cells harboring mutations in the Wnt pathway. Moreover, in pilot SAR studies, we found the Wnt/β-catenin SAR trends in the anilide region were generally similar between the two chemical classes of inhibitors. Overall, these studies demonstrate the ability to use the SAR of the Niclosamide salicylanilide chemical class to expand the structural diversity of Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Mook
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States.
| | - Jiangbo Wang
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Xiu-Rong Ren
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Hailan Piao
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - H Kim Lyerly
- Department of Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States
| | - Wei Chen
- Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, United States.
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4
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Zhang LS, Kang X, Lu J, Zhang Y, Wu X, Wu G, Zheng J, Tuladhar R, Shi H, Wang Q, Morlock L, Yao H, Huang LJS, Maire P, Kim J, Williams N, Xu J, Chen C, Zhang CC, Lum L. Installation of a cancer promoting WNT/SIX1 signaling axis by the oncofusion protein MLL-AF9. EBioMedicine 2019; 39:145-158. [PMID: 30528456 PMCID: PMC6354558 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.11.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chromosomal translocation-induced expression of the chromatin modifying oncofusion protein MLL-AF9 promotes acute myelocytic leukemia (AML). Whereas WNT/β-catenin signaling has previously been shown to support MLL-AF9-driven leukemogenesis, the mechanism underlying this relationship remains unclear. METHODS We used two novel small molecules targeting WNT signaling as well as a genetically modified mouse model that allow targeted deletion of the WNT protein chaperone Wntless (WLS) to evaluate the role of WNT signaling in AML progression. ATAC-seq and transcriptome profiling were deployed to understand the cellular consequences of disrupting a WNT signaling in leukemic initiating cells (LICs). FINDINGS We identified Six1 to be a WNT-controlled target gene in MLL-AF9-transformed leukemic initiating cells (LICs). MLL-AF9 alters the accessibility of Six1 DNA to the transcriptional effector TCF7L2, a transducer of WNT/β-catenin gene expression changes. Disruption of WNT/SIX1 signaling using inhibitors of the Wnt signaling delays the development of AML. INTERPRETATION By rendering TCF/LEF-binding elements controlling Six1 accessible to TCF7L2, MLL-AF9 promotes WNT/β-catenin-dependent growth of LICs. Small molecules disrupting WNT/β-catenin signaling block Six1 expression thereby disrupting leukemia driven by MLL fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Shu Zhang
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xunlei Kang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jianming Lu
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Yuannyu Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Wu
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Guojin Wu
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Junke Zheng
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rubina Tuladhar
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Heping Shi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Qiaoling Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lorraine Morlock
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Huiyu Yao
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lily Jun-Shen Huang
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Pascal Maire
- Institut Cochin, Université Paris-Descartes, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR, 8104, Paris, France; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1016, Paris, France
| | - James Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Noelle Williams
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chuo Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Cheng Cheng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lawrence Lum
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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Glaeser K, Urban M, Fenech E, Voloshanenko O, Kranz D, Lari F, Christianson JC, Boutros M. ERAD-dependent control of the Wnt secretory factor Evi. EMBO J 2018; 37:embj.201797311. [PMID: 29378775 PMCID: PMC5813261 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201797311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 01/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Active regulation of protein abundance is an essential strategy to modulate cellular signaling pathways. Within the Wnt signaling cascade, regulated degradation of β-catenin by the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) affects the outcome of canonical Wnt signaling. Here, we found that abundance of the Wnt cargo receptor Evi (Wls/GPR177), which is required for Wnt protein secretion, is also regulated by the UPS through endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-associated degradation (ERAD). In the absence of Wnt ligands, Evi is ubiquitinated and targeted for ERAD in a VCP-dependent manner. Ubiquitination of Evi involves the E2-conjugating enzyme UBE2J2 and the E3-ligase CGRRF1. Furthermore, we show that a triaging complex of Porcn and VCP determines whether Evi enters the secretory or the ERAD pathway. In this way, ERAD-dependent control of Evi availability impacts the scale of Wnt protein secretion by adjusting the amount of Evi to meet the requirement of Wnt protein export. As Wnt and Evi protein levels are often dysregulated in cancer, targeting regulatory ERAD components might be a useful approach for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Glaeser
- Division of Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manuela Urban
- Division of Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Emma Fenech
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Oksana Voloshanenko
- Division of Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dominique Kranz
- Division of Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Federica Lari
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Michael Boutros
- Division of Signaling and Functional Genomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
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6
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Abstract
We describe here a technique for delivering the porcupine inhibitor WNT974 (formerly LGK974) in mice. The protocol entails once-a-day oral delivery of WNT974 for up to 3 months at a concentration sufficient to achieve systemic Wnt pathway inhibition with limited toxicity as measured by weight change. This route of delivery enables extended durations of Wnt signaling inhibition in a mammalian model organism.
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7
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Chemical Modulation of WNT Signaling in Cancer. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 153:245-269. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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8
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Ferri M, Liscio P, Carotti A, Asciutti S, Sardella R, Macchiarulo A, Camaioni E. Targeting Wnt-driven cancers: Discovery of novel tankyrase inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2017; 142:506-522. [PMID: 29107427 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Recent years have seen substantially heightened interest in the discovery of tankyrase inhibitors (TNKSi) as new promising anticancer agents. In this framework, the aim of this review article is focused on the description of potent TNKSi also endowed with disruptor activity toward the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Beginning with an overview of the most characterized TNKSi deriving from several drug design approaches and classifying them on the basis of the molecular interactions with the target, we discuss only those ones acting against Wnt cancer cell lines. In addition, comprehensive structure property relationships (SPR) emerging from the hit evolution processes and preclinical results are provided. We then review the most promising TNKSi hitherto reported in literature, acting in vivo models of Wnt-driven cancers. Some outlooks on current issues and future directions in this field are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Ferri
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Paride Liscio
- TES Pharma, Via P. Togliatti 22bis, 06073 Terrioli, Corciano, Italy
| | - Andrea Carotti
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefania Asciutti
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Department of Oncological Sciences, 1425 Madison Ave, New York, NY 10029 USA
| | - Roccaldo Sardella
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonio Macchiarulo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy
| | - Emidio Camaioni
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Via del Liceo 1, 06123 Perugia, Italy.
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9
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Jia J, Qiao Y, Pilo MG, Cigliano A, Liu X, Shao Z, Calvisi DF, Chen X. Tankyrase inhibitors suppress hepatocellular carcinoma cell growth via modulating the Hippo cascade. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184068. [PMID: 28877210 PMCID: PMC5587291 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous data indicate that Tankyrase inhibitors exert anti-growth functions in many cancer cell lines due to their ability to inactivate the YAP protooncogene. In the present manuscript, we investigated the effect of Tankyrase inhibitors on the growth of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines and the molecular mechanisms involved. For this purpose, we performed cell proliferation assay by colony-forming ability in seven human HCC cells subjected to XAV-939 and G007-LK Tankyrase inhibitors. Noticeably, the two Tankyrase inhibitors suppressed the HCC cell growth in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that Tankyrase inhibitors synergized with MEK and AKT inhibitors to suppress HCC cell proliferation. At the molecular level, Tankyrase inhibitors significantly decreased YAP protein levels, reduced the expression of YAP target genes, and inhibited YAP/TEAD luciferase reporter activity. In addition, Tankyrase inhibitors administration was accompanied by upregulation of Angiomotin-like 1 (AMOTL1) and Angiomotin-like 2 (AMOTL2) proteins, two major negative regulators of YAP. Altogether, the present data indicate that XAV-939 and G007-LK Tankyrase inhibitors could suppress proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and downregulate YAP/TAZ by stabilizing AMOTL1 and AMOTL2 proteins, thus representing new potential anticancer drugs against hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaoyuan Jia
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Second Hospital, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Yu Qiao
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
| | - Maria G. Pilo
- Institue of Pathology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Antonio Cigliano
- Institue of Pathology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Xianqiong Liu
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zixuan Shao
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- Lowell High School, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Diego F. Calvisi
- Institue of Pathology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
- * E-mail: (XC); (DFC)
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
- School of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- * E-mail: (XC); (DFC)
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Lanyon-Hogg T, Faronato M, Serwa RA, Tate EW. Dynamic Protein Acylation: New Substrates, Mechanisms, and Drug Targets. Trends Biochem Sci 2017; 42:566-581. [PMID: 28602500 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 04/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Post-translational attachment of lipids to proteins is found in all organisms, and is important for many biological processes. Acylation with myristic and palmitic acids are among the most common lipid modifications, and understanding reversible protein palmitoylation dynamics has become a particularly important goal. Linking acyltransferase enzymes to disease states can be challenging due to a paucity of robust models, compounded by functional redundancy between many palmitoyl transferases; however, in cases such as Wnt or Hedgehog signalling, small molecule inhibitors have been identified, with some progressing to clinical trials. In this review, we present recent developments in our understanding of protein acylation in human health and disease through use of chemical tools, global profiling of acylated proteomes, and functional studies of specific protein targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Lanyon-Hogg
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Monica Faronato
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Remigiusz A Serwa
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Edward W Tate
- Institute of Chemical Biology, Department of Chemistry, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK.
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11
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Blockade to pathological remodeling of infarcted heart tissue using a porcupine antagonist. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2017; 114:1649-1654. [PMID: 28143939 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1621346114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The secreted Wnt signaling molecules are essential to the coordination of cell-fate decision making in multicellular organisms. In adult animals, the secreted Wnt proteins are critical for tissue regeneration and frequently contribute to cancer. Small molecules that disable the Wnt acyltransferase Porcupine (Porcn) are candidate anticancer agents in clinical testing. Here we have systematically assessed the effects of the Porcn inhibitor (WNT-974) on the regeneration of several tissue types to identify potentially unwanted chemical effects that could limit the therapeutic utility of such agents. An unanticipated observation from these studies is proregenerative responses in heart muscle induced by systemic chemical suppression of Wnt signaling. Using in vitro cultures of several cell types found in the heart, we delineate the Wnt signaling apparatus supporting an antiregenerative transcriptional program that includes a subunit of the nonfibrillar collagen VI. Similar to observations seen in animals exposed to WNT-974, deletion of the collagen VI subunit, COL6A1, has been shown to decrease aberrant remodeling and fibrosis in infarcted heart tissue. We demonstrate that WNT-974 can improve the recovery of heart function after left anterior descending coronary artery ligation by mitigating adverse remodeling of infarcted tissue. Injured heart tissue exposed to WNT-974 exhibits decreased scarring and reduced Col6 production. Our findings support the development of Porcn inhibitors as antifibrotic agents that could be exploited to promote heart repair following injury.
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12
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Development of a triazole class of highly potent Porcn inhibitors. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2016; 26:5891-5895. [PMID: 27876319 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2016.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2016] [Revised: 11/03/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The acyltransferase Porcupine (Porcn) is essential for the secretion of Wnt proteins which contribute to embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and tumorigenesis. We have previously discovered four molecular scaffolds harboring Porcn-inhibitory activity. Comparison of their structures led to the identification of a general scaffold that can be readily assembled by modular synthesis. We report herein the development of a triazole version of this new class of Porcn inhibitors. This study yielded IWP-O1, a Porcn inhibitor with an EC50 value of 80pM in a cultured cell reporter assay of Wnt signaling. Additionally, IWP-O1 has significantly improved metabolic stability over our previously reported Porcn inhibitors.
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13
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Cárdenas-García M, González-Pérez PP, Montagna S, Cortés OS, Caballero EH. Modeling Intercellular Communication as a Survival Strategy of Cancer Cells: An In Silico Approach on a Flexible Bioinformatics Framework. Bioinform Biol Insights 2016; 10:5-18. [PMID: 26997867 PMCID: PMC4790585 DOI: 10.4137/bbi.s38075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Intercellular communication is very important for cell development and allows a group of cells to survive as a population. Cancer cells have a similar behavior, presenting the same mechanisms and characteristics of tissue formation. In this article, we model and simulate the formation of different communication channels that allow an interaction between two cells. This is a first step in order to simulate in the future processes that occur in healthy tissue when normal cells surround a cancer cell and to interrupt the communication, thus preventing the spread of malignancy into these cells. The purpose of this study is to propose key molecules, which can be targeted to allow us to break the communication between cancer cells and surrounding normal cells. The simulation is carried out using a flexible bioinformatics platform that we developed, which is itself based on the metaphor chemistry-based model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pedro P. González-Pérez
- Departamento de Matemáticas Aplicadas y Sistemas, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Sara Montagna
- Dipartimento di Informatica – Scienza e Ingegneria, Università degli Studi di Bologna, Bologna, Italia
| | - Oscar Sánchez Cortés
- Departamento de Matemáticas Aplicadas y Sistemas, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Ciudad de México, México
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