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Jin X, Wang S, Luo L, Yan F, He Q. Targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signal pathway for the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer: Potential for advancement. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 227:116463. [PMID: 39102994 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116463] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 07/25/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers (GICs) are highly prevalent cancers that threaten human health worldwide. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been reported to play a pivotal role in the carcinogenesis of GICs. Numerous interventions targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in GICs are currently being tested in clinical trials with promising results. Unfortunately, there are no clinically approved drugs that effectively target this pathway. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the impact of clinical therapies targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in GICs. By integrating data from bioinformatics databases and recent literature from the past five years, we examine the heterogeneous expression and regulatory mechanisms of Wnt/β-catenin pathway genes and proteins in GICs. Specifically, we focus on expression patterns, mutation frequencies, and clinical prognoses to understand their implications for treatment strategies. Additionally, we discuss recent clinical trial efforts targeting this pathway. Understanding the inhibitors currently under clinical investigation may help optimize foundational research and clinical strategies. We hope that elucidating the current status of precision therapeutic stratification for patients targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway will guide future innovations in precision medicine for GICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xizhi Jin
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China; Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, PR China
| | - Sijie Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China
| | - Lihua Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China.
| | - Fangjie Yan
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China; Innovation Institute for Artificial Intelligence in Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310018, PR China.
| | - Qiaojun He
- Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Anti-Cancer Drug Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, PR China.
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2
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Piercey O, Tie J, Hollande F, Wong HL, Mariadason J, Desai J. BRAF V600E-Mutant Metastatic Colorectal Cancer: Current Evidence, Future Directions, and Research Priorities. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2024; 23:215-229. [PMID: 38816264 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2024.04.004] [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: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer represents a distinct molecular phenotype known for its aggressive biological behavior, resistance to standard therapies, and poor survival rates. Improved understanding of the biology of the BRAF oncogene has led to the development of targeted therapies that have paved the way for a paradigm shift in managing this disease. However, despite significant recent advancements, responses to targeted therapies are short-lived, and several challenges remain. In this review, we discuss how progress in treating BRAFV600E-mutant metastatic colorectal cancer has been made through a better understanding of its unique biological and clinical features. We provide an overview of the evidence to support current treatment approaches and discuss critical areas of need and future research strategies that hold the potential to refine clinical practice further. We also discuss some challenging aspects of managing this disease, particularly the complexity of acquired resistance mechanisms that develop under the selective pressure of targeted therapies and rational strategies being investigated to overcome them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver Piercey
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Jeanne Tie
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
| | - Frederic Hollande
- Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Clinical Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Hui-Li Wong
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
| | - John Mariadason
- Olivia Newton John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, Heidelberg, Australia; School of Medicine, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jayesh Desai
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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3
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Stone RA, Tobias JW, Wei W, Carlstedt X, Zhang L, Iuvone PM, Nickla DL. Diurnal gene expression patterns in retina and choroid distinguish myopia progression from myopia onset. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0307091. [PMID: 39028695 PMCID: PMC11259283 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0307091] [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: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The world-wide prevalence of myopia (nearsightedness) is increasing, but its pathogenesis is incompletely understood. Among many putative mechanisms, laboratory and clinical findings have implicated circadian biology in the etiology of myopia. Consistent with a circadian hypothesis, we recently reported a marked variability in diurnal patterns of gene expression in two crucial tissues controlling post-natal refractive development - the retina and choroid-at the onset of form-deprivation myopia in chick, a widely studied and validated model. To extend these observations, we assayed gene expression by RNA-Seq in retina and choroid during the progression of established unilateral form-deprivation myopia of chick. We assayed gene expression every 4 hours during a single day from myopic and contralateral control eyes. Retinal and choroidal gene expression in myopic vs. control eyes during myopia progression differed strikingly at discrete times during the day. Very few differentially expressed genes occurred at more than one time in either tissue during progressing myopia. Similarly, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis pathways varied markedly by time during the day. Some of the differentially expressed genes in progressing myopia coincided with candidate genes for human myopia, but only partially corresponded with genes previously identified at myopia onset. Considering other laboratory findings and human genetics and epidemiology, these results further link circadian biology to the pathogenesis of myopia; but they also point to important mechanistic differences between the onset of myopia and the progression of established myopia. Future laboratory and clinical investigations should systematically incorporate circadian mechanisms in studying the etiology of myopia and in seeking more effective treatments to normalize eye growth in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A. Stone
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - John W. Tobias
- Penn Genomics and Sequencing Core, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Wenjie Wei
- Department of Ophthalmology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
| | - Xia Carlstedt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Disease, New England College of Optometry, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lixin Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Disease, New England College of Optometry, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - P. Michael Iuvone
- Department of Ophthalmology & Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Debora L. Nickla
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Disease, New England College of Optometry, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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Zheng W, Gan Y, Yang Y, Peng K, Li F, Zhao H, Gu W, Jiang M. Clinicopathological features and mucosal microbiota in gastric mucosal damage between nodular and non-nodular gastritis in children with Helicobacter pylori infection. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111813. [PMID: 38493689 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Nodular gastritis (NG) represents a frequently observed clinical presentation of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection in pediatric patients. This investigation aimed to explore the microbiota and histological features of the gastric mucosa in children with H. pylori colonized NG. MAIN METHODS The current investigation examined a sample of 120 children who underwent gastroscopy due to symptoms of gastrointestinal distress, which showed that 64 were patients with H. pylori infection. Endoscopic procedures were conducted to acquire mucosal biopsies for the purpose of DNA extraction and histopathological analysis. The 16S rRNA profiling was utilized to examine the gastric mucosal microbiota. KEY FINDINGS In conjunction with endoscopic evaluation, 26 of 64 patients were diagnosed with NG. The NG group had significantly higher inflammation scores and activity scores on histological assessment than the non-NG group. The NG group exhibited a significant reduction in the richness levels of the five genera. In terms of the predicted functions, the pathways of synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies and phagosome in the NG group were less abundant compared with the non-NG group, while the Wnt signaling pathway was significantly enriched. NG does not increase a microbial community that possesses genotoxic potential within the gastric mucosa. SIGNIFICANCE In conclusion, NG group exhibited significant severe inflammation and reduced abundance levels of several bacterial genera compared to the non-NG group. However, individuals with NG did not have a dysregulated microbial community with genotoxic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongjie Gan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yaofeng Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kerong Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fubang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weizhong Gu
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mizu Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou, China; Pediatric Endoscopy Center and Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, Hangzhou, China.
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5
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Tsubosaka A, Komura D, Kakiuchi M, Katoh H, Onoyama T, Yamamoto A, Abe H, Seto Y, Ushiku T, Ishikawa S. Stomach encyclopedia: Combined single-cell and spatial transcriptomics reveal cell diversity and homeostatic regulation of human stomach. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113236. [PMID: 37819756 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The stomach is an important digestive organ with various biological functions. However, because of the complexity of its cellular and glandular composition, its precise cellular biology has yet to be elucidated. In this study, we conducted single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and subcellular-level spatial transcriptomics analysis of the human stomach and constructed the largest dataset to date: a stomach encyclopedia. This dataset consists of approximately 380,000 cells from scRNA-seq and the spatial transcriptome, enabling integrated analyses of transcriptional and spatial information of gastric and metaplastic cells. This analysis identified LEFTY1 as an uncharacterized stem cell marker, which was confirmed through lineage tracing analysis. A wide variety of cell-cell interactions between epithelial and stromal cells, including PDGFRA+BMP4+WNT5A+ fibroblasts, was highlighted in the developmental switch of intestinal metaplasia. Our extensive dataset will function as a fundamental resource in investigations of the stomach, including studies of development, aging, and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayumu Tsubosaka
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku 1130033, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Komura
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku 1130033, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Miwako Kakiuchi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku 1130033, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroto Katoh
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku 1130033, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takumi Onoyama
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku 1130033, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Gastroenterology and Nephrology, Department of Multidisciplinary Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tottori University, 36-1, Nishicho, Yonago 683-8504, Tottori, Japan
| | - Asami Yamamoto
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku 1130033, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Abe
- Dpartment of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku 1130033, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuyuki Seto
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-kyu 1130033, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Ushiku
- Dpartment of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1, Hongo, Bunkyo-ku 1130033, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shumpei Ishikawa
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku 1130033, Tokyo, Japan; Division of Pathology, National Cancer Center Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, 6-5-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa 277-8577, Chiba, Japan.
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6
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McGowan KP, Delgado E, Hibdon ES, Samuelson LC. Differential sensitivity to Wnt signaling gradients in human gastric organoids derived from corpus and antrum. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2023; 325:G158-G173. [PMID: 37338119 PMCID: PMC10393332 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00092.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signaling regulates gastric stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Although similar Wnt gradients exist within the corpus and antrum of the human stomach, there are striking differences in gland architecture and disease manifestation that suggest Wnt may differentially regulate progenitor cell function in each compartment. In this study, we tested sensitivities to Wnt activation in human gastric corpus and antral organoids to determine whether progenitor cells have region-specific differences in Wnt responsiveness. Human patient-matched corpus and antral organoids were grown in the presence of varying concentrations of the Wnt pathway activator CHIR99021 to assess regional sensitivity to Wnt signaling on growth and proliferation. Corpus organoids were further studied to understand how high Wnt affected cellular differentiation and progenitor cell function. A lower concentration of CHIR99021 stimulated peak growth in corpus organoids compared with patient-matched antral organoids. Supramaximal Wnt signaling levels in corpus organoids suppressed proliferation, altered morphology, reduced surface cell differentiation, and increased differentiation of deep glandular neck and chief cells. Surprisingly, corpus organoids grown in high CHIR99021 had enhanced organoid forming potential, indicating that progenitor cell function was maintained in these nonproliferative, deep glandular cell-enriched organoids. Passaging high-Wnt quiescent organoids into low Wnt rescued normal growth, morphology, and surface cell differentiation. Our findings suggest that human corpus progenitor cells have a lower threshold for optimal Wnt signaling than antral progenitor cells. We demonstrate that Wnt signaling in the corpus regulates a bimodal axis of differentiation, with high Wnt promoting deep glandular cell differentiation and suppressing proliferation while simultaneously promoting progenitor cell function.NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that human gastric corpus organoids have a lower Wnt signaling threshold to drive optimal growth relative to patient-matched antral organoids. Paradoxically, supramaximal Wnt levels suppress corpus organoid proliferation, yet promote differentiation toward deep glandular cell types while simultaneously enhancing progenitor cell function. These findings provide novel insights into how Wnt signaling differentially regulates homeostasis in the human gastric corpus and antrum and contextualizes patterns of Wnt activation diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin P McGowan
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Elizabeth Delgado
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Elise S Hibdon
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
| | - Linda C Samuelson
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States
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7
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Lim MCC, Jantaree P, Naumann M. The conundrum of Helicobacter pylori-associated apoptosis in gastric cancer. Trends Cancer 2023:S2405-8033(23)00080-8. [PMID: 37230895 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori is a human microbial pathogen that colonizes the gastric epithelium and causes type B gastritis with varying degrees of active inflammatory infiltrates. The underlying chronic inflammation induced by H. pylori and other environmental factors may promote the development of neoplasms and adenocarcinoma of the stomach. Dysregulation of various cellular processes in the gastric epithelium and in different cells of the microenvironment is a hallmark of H. pylori infection. We address the conundrum of H. pylori-associated apoptosis and review distinct mechanisms induced in host cells that either promote or suppress apoptosis in gastric epithelial cells, often simultaneously. We highlight key processes in the microenvironment that contribute to apoptosis and gastric carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle C C Lim
- Institute of Experimental Internal Medicine, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Phatcharida Jantaree
- Institute of Experimental Internal Medicine, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Michael Naumann
- Institute of Experimental Internal Medicine, Otto von Guericke University Magdeburg, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
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8
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Fritsche K, Boccellato F, Schlaermann P, Koeppel M, Denecke C, Link A, Malfertheiner P, Gut I, Meyer TF, Berger H. DNA methylation in human gastric epithelial cells defines regional identity without restricting lineage plasticity. Clin Epigenetics 2022; 14:193. [PMID: 36585699 PMCID: PMC9801550 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-022-01406-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic modifications in mammalian DNA are commonly manifested by DNA methylation. In the stomach, altered DNA methylation patterns have been observed following chronic Helicobacter pylori infections and in gastric cancer. In the context of epigenetic regulation, the regional nature of the stomach has been rarely considered in detail. RESULTS Here, we establish gastric mucosa derived primary cell cultures as a reliable source of native human epithelium. We describe the DNA methylation landscape across the phenotypically different regions of the healthy human stomach, i.e., antrum, corpus, fundus together with the corresponding transcriptomes. We show that stable regional DNA methylation differences translate to a limited extent into regulation of the transcriptomic phenotype, indicating a largely permissive epigenetic regulation. We identify a small number of transcription factors with novel region-specific activity and likely epigenetic impact in the stomach, including GATA4, IRX5, IRX2, PDX1 and CDX2. Detailed analysis of the Wnt pathway reveals differential regulation along the craniocaudal axis, which involves non-canonical Wnt signaling in determining cell fate in the proximal stomach. By extending our analysis to pre-neoplastic lesions and gastric cancers, we conclude that epigenetic dysregulation characterizes intestinal metaplasia as a founding basis for functional changes in gastric cancer. We present insights into the dynamics of DNA methylation across anatomical regions of the healthy stomach and patterns of its change in disease. Finally, our study provides a well-defined resource of regional stomach transcription and epigenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Fritsche
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Francesco Boccellato
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Philipp Schlaermann
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Max Koeppel
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Denecke
- Center for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, Center of Innovative Surgery (ZIC), Department of Surgery, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Campus Mitte, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Link
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto-Von-Guericke University Hospital, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter Malfertheiner
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto-Von-Guericke University Hospital, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Ivo Gut
- Centro Nacional de Análisis Genómico (CNAG-CRG), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Thomas F Meyer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
- Laboratory of Infection Oncology, Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian Albrecht University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein - Campus Kiel, Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 12, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Hilmar Berger
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
- Laboratory of Infection Oncology, Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian Albrecht University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein - Campus Kiel, Rosalind-Franklin-Straße 12, 24105, Kiel, Germany.
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9
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Abstract
Like most solid tumours, the microenvironment of epithelial-derived gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC) consists of a variety of stromal cell types, including fibroblasts, and neuronal, endothelial and immune cells. In this article, we review the role of the immune microenvironment in the progression of chronic inflammation to GAC, primarily the immune microenvironment driven by the gram-negative bacterial species Helicobacter pylori. The infection-driven nature of most GACs has renewed awareness of the immune microenvironment and its effect on tumour development and progression. About 75-90% of GACs are associated with prior H. pylori infection and 5-10% with Epstein-Barr virus infection. Although 50% of the world's population is infected with H. pylori, only 1-3% will progress to GAC, with progression the result of a combination of the H. pylori strain, host susceptibility and composition of the chronic inflammatory response. Other environmental risk factors include exposure to a high-salt diet and nitrates. Genetically, chromosome instability occurs in ~50% of GACs and 21% of GACs are microsatellite instability-high tumours. Here, we review the timeline and pathogenesis of the events triggered by H. pylori that can create an immunosuppressive microenvironment by modulating the host's innate and adaptive immune responses, and subsequently favour GAC development.
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10
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Wang C, Gao Y, Liang W, Lu Y, Zhang K, Wu D, Zhuang Z, Li K, Qiao Z, Xi H, Chen L. Rspondin-1 contributes to the progression and stemness of gastric cancer by LGR5. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 627:91-96. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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11
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Hoffmann W. Self-Renewal and Cancers of the Gastric Epithelium: An Update and the Role of the Lectin TFF1 as an Antral Tumor Suppressor. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105377. [PMID: 35628183 PMCID: PMC9141172 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In 2020, gastric cancer was the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths globally. About 90% of gastric cancers are sporadic and the vast majority are correlated with Helicobacter pylori infection; whereas familial clustering is observed in about 10% of cases. Gastric cancer is now considered to be a disease originating from dysregulated self-renewal of the gastric glands in the setting of an inflammatory environment. The human stomach contains two types of gastric units, which show bi-directional self-renewal from a complex variety of stem cells. This review focuses on recent progress concerning the characterization of the different stem cell populations and the mainly mesenchymal signals triggering their stepwise differentiation as well as the genesis of pre-cancerous lesions and carcinogenesis. Furthermore, a model is presented (Lectin-triggered Receptor Blocking Hypothesis) explaining the role of the lectin TFF1 as an antral tumor suppressor possibly regulating Lgr5+ antral stem cells in a paracrine or maybe autocrine fashion, with neighboring antral gland cells having a role as niche cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Werner Hoffmann
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, 39120 Magdeburg, Germany
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12
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Liabeuf D, Oshima M, Stange DE, Sigal M. Stem Cells, Helicobacter pylori, and Mutational Landscape: Utility of Preclinical Models to Understand Carcinogenesis and to Direct Management of Gastric Cancer. Gastroenterology 2022; 162:1067-1087. [PMID: 34942172 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.12.252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Several genetic and environmental factors increase gastric cancer (GC) risk, with Helicobacter pylori being the main environmental agent. GC is thought to emerge through a sequence of morphological changes that have been elucidated on the molecular level. New technologies have shed light onto pathways that are altered in GC, involving mutational and epigenetic changes and altered signaling pathways. Using various new model systems and innovative approaches, the relevance of such alterations for the emergence and progression of GC has been validated. Here, we highlight the key strategies and the resulting achievements. A major step is the characterization of epithelial stem cell behavior in the healthy stomach. These data, obtained through new reporter mouse lines and lineage tracing, enabled insights into the processes that control cellular proliferation, self-renewal, and differentiation of gastric stem cells. It has become evident that these cells and pathways are often deregulated in carcinogenesis. Second, insights into how H pylori colonizes gastric glands, directly interacts with stem cells, and alters cellular and genomic integrity, as well as the characterization of tissue responses to infection, provide a comprehensive picture of how this bacterium contributes to gastric carcinogenesis. Third, the development of stem cell- and tissue-specific reporter mice have driven our understanding of the signals and mutations that promote different types of GC and now also enable the study of more advanced, metastasized stages. Finally, organoids from human tissue have allowed insights into gastric carcinogenesis by validating mutational and signaling alterations in human primary cells and opening a route to predicting responses to personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan Liabeuf
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Masanobu Oshima
- Division of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Daniel E Stange
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Medical Faculty, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden - Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Sigal
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany; Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin, Germany.
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Morphogen Signals Shaping the Gastric Glands in Health and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073632. [PMID: 35408991 PMCID: PMC8998987 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The adult gastric mucosa is characterised by deep invaginations of the epithelium called glands. These tissue architectural elements are maintained with the contribution of morphogen signals. Morphogens are expressed in specific areas of the tissue, and their diffusion generates gradients in the microenvironment. Cells at different positions in the gland sense a specific combination of signals that instruct them to differentiate, proliferate, regenerate, or migrate. Differentiated cells perform specific functions involved in digestion, such as the production of protective mucus and the secretion of digestive enzymes or gastric acid. Biopsies from gastric precancerous conditions usually display tissue aberrations and change the shape of the glands. Alteration of the morphogen signalling microenvironment is likely to underlie those conditions. Furthermore, genes involved in morphogen signalling pathways are found to be frequently mutated in gastric cancer. We summarise the most recent findings regarding alterations of morphogen signalling during gastric carcinogenesis, and we highlight the new stem cell technologies that are improving our understanding of the regulation of human tissue shape.
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Swoboda J, Mittelsdorf P, Chen Y, Weiskirchen R, Stallhofer J, Schüle S, Gassler N. Intestinal Wnt in the transition from physiology to oncology. World J Clin Oncol 2022; 13:168-185. [PMID: 35433295 PMCID: PMC8966512 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v13.i3.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adult stem cells are necessary for self-renewal tissues and regeneration after damage. Especially in the intestine, which self-renews every few days, they play a key role in tissue homeostasis. Therefore, complex regulatory mechanisms are needed to prevent hyperproliferation, which can lead in the worst case to carcinogenesis or under-activation of stem cells, which can result in dysfunctional epithelial. One main regulatory signaling pathway is the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. It is a highly conserved pathway, with β-catenin, a transcription factor, as target protein. Translocation of β-catenin from cytoplasm to nucleus activates the transcription of numerous genes involved in regulating stem cell pluripo-tency, proliferation, cell differentiation and regulation of cell death. This review presents a brief overview of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, the regulatory mechanism of this pathway and its role in intestinal homeostasis. Additionally, this review highlights the molecular mechanisms and the histomorphological features of Wnt hyperactivation. Furthermore, the central role of the Wnt signaling pathway in intestinal carcinogenesis as well as its clinical relevance in colorectal carcinoma are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Swoboda
- Section Pathology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Patrick Mittelsdorf
- Section Pathology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Yuan Chen
- Section Pathology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Aachen 52074, Germany
| | - Johannes Stallhofer
- Department of Internal Medicine IV (Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Infectious Diseases), Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Silke Schüle
- Department of General, Visceral and Vascular Surgery, Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Gassler
- Section Pathology, Institute of Forensic Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Jena 07747, Germany
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Yamasaki J, Hirata Y, Otsuki Y, Suina K, Saito Y, Masuda K, Okazaki S, Ishimoto T, Saya H, Nagano O. MEK Inhibition Suppresses Metastatic Progression of KRAS-Mutated Gastric Cancer. Cancer Sci 2021; 113:916-925. [PMID: 34931404 PMCID: PMC8898706 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic progression of tumors is driven by genetic alterations and tumor‐stroma interaction. To elucidate the mechanism underlying the oncogene‐induced gastric tumor progression, we have developed an organoid‐based model of gastric cancer from GAstric Neoplasia (GAN) mice, which express Wnt1 and the enzymes COX2 and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 in the stomach. Both p53 knockout (GAN‐p53KO) organoids and KRASG12V‐expressing GAN‐p53KO (GAN‐KP) organoids were generated by genetic manipulation of GAN mouse‐derived tumor (GAN wild‐type [WT]) organoids. In contrast with GAN‐WT and GAN‐p53KO organoids, which manifested Wnt addiction, GAN‐KP organoids showed a Wnt‐independent phenotype and the ability to proliferate without formation of a Wnt‐regulated three‐dimensional epithelial architecture. After transplantation in syngeneic mouse stomach, GAN‐p53KO cells formed only small tumors, whereas GAN‐KP cells gave rise to invasive tumors associated with the development of hypoxia as well as to liver metastasis. Spatial transcriptomics analysis suggested that hypoxia signaling contributes to the metastatic progression of GAN‐KP tumors. In particular, such analysis identified a cluster of stromal cells located at the tumor invasive front that expressed genes related to hypoxia signaling, angiogenesis, and cell migration. These cells were also positive for phosphorylated extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), suggesting that mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling promotes development of both tumor and microenvironment. The MEK (MAPK kinase) inhibitor trametinib suppressed the development of GAN‐KP gastric tumors, formation of a hypoxic microenvironment, tumor angiogenesis, and liver metastasis. Our findings therefore establish a rationale for application of trametinib to suppress metastatic progression of KRAS‐mutated gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juntaro Yamasaki
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuki Hirata
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuji Otsuki
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kentaro Suina
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Saito
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenta Masuda
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shogo Okazaki
- Division of Development and Aging, Research Institute for Biomedical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, Noda, Japan
| | - Takatsugu Ishimoto
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Biology, International Research Center for Medical Sciences (IRCMS), Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Saya
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Osamu Nagano
- Division of Gene Regulation, Institute for Advanced Medical Research, School of Medicine, Keio University, Tokyo, Japan
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16
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Ter Steege EJ, Bakker ERM. The role of R-spondin proteins in cancer biology. Oncogene 2021; 40:6469-6478. [PMID: 34663878 PMCID: PMC8616751 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02059-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
R-spondin (RSPO) proteins constitute a family of four secreted glycoproteins (RSPO1-4) that have appeared as multipotent signaling ligands. The best-known molecular function of RSPOs lie within their capacity to agonize the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. As RSPOs act upon cognate receptors LGR4/5/6 that are typically expressed by stem cells and progenitor cells, RSPO proteins importantly potentiate Wnt/β-catenin signaling especially within these proliferative stem cell compartments. Since multiple organs express LGR4/5/6 receptors and RSPO ligands within their stem cell niches, RSPOs can exert an influential role in stem cell regulation throughout the body. Inherently, over the last decade a multitude of reports implicated the deregulation of RSPOs in cancer development. First, RSPO2 and RSPO3 gene fusions with concomitant enhanced expression have been identified in colon cancer patients, and proposed as an alternative driver of Wnt/β-catenin hyperactivation that earmarks cancer in the colorectal tract. Moreover, the causal oncogenic capacity of RSPO3 overactivation has been demonstrated in the mouse intestine. As a paradigm organ in this field, most of current knowledge about RSPOs in cancer is derived from studies in the intestinal tract. However, RSPO gene fusions as well as enhanced RSPO expression have been reported in multiple additional cancer types, affecting different organs that involve divergent stem cell hierarchies. Importantly, the emerging oncogenic role of RSPO and its potential clinical utility as a therapeutic target have been recognized and investigated in preclinical and clinical settings. This review provides a survey of current knowledge on the role of RSPOs in cancer biology, addressing the different organs implicated, and of efforts made to explore intervention opportunities in cancer cases with RSPO overrepresentation, including the potential utilization of RSPO as novel therapeutic target itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline J Ter Steege
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elvira R M Bakker
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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17
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Wölffling S, Daddi AA, Imai-Matsushima A, Fritsche K, Goosmann C, Traulsen J, Lisle R, Schmid M, Reines-Benassar MDM, Pfannkuch L, Brinkmann V, Bornschein J, Malfertheiner P, Ordemann J, Link A, Meyer TF, Boccellato F. EGF and BMPs Govern Differentiation and Patterning in Human Gastric Glands. Gastroenterology 2021; 161:623-636.e16. [PMID: 33957136 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2021.04.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The homeostasis of the gastrointestinal epithelium relies on cell regeneration and differentiation into distinct lineages organized inside glands and crypts. Regeneration depends on Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation, but to understand homeostasis and its dysregulation in disease, we need to identify the signaling microenvironment governing cell differentiation. By using gastric glands as a model, we have identified the signals inducing differentiation of surface mucus-, zymogen-, and gastric acid-producing cells. METHODS We generated mucosoid cultures from the human stomach and exposed them to different growth factors to obtain cells with features of differentiated foveolar, chief, and parietal cells. We localized the source of the growth factors in the tissue of origin. RESULTS We show that epidermal growth factor is the major fate determinant distinguishing the surface and inner part of human gastric glands. In combination with bone morphogenetic factor/Noggin signals, epidermal growth factor controls the differentiation of foveolar cells vs parietal or chief cells. We also show that epidermal growth factor is likely to underlie alteration of the gastric mucosa in the precancerous condition atrophic gastritis. CONCLUSIONS Use of our recently established mucosoid cultures in combination with analysis of the tissue of origin provided a robust strategy to understand differentiation and patterning of human tissue and allowed us to draw a new, detailed map of the signaling microenvironment in the human gastric glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Wölffling
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alice Anna Daddi
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Aki Imai-Matsushima
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany; Preemptive Medicine and Lifestyle-Related Diseases Research Center, Kyoto University Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Kristin Fritsche
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Goosmann
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Traulsen
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Lisle
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Monika Schmid
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Lennart Pfannkuch
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Volker Brinkmann
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Bornschein
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals, Oxford, United Kingdom; Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto-von-Guericke University Hospital, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter Malfertheiner
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto-von-Guericke University Hospital, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Ordemann
- Department of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, Helios Klinikum, Berlin, Germany; Center for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery, Vivantes Klinikum Spandau, Berlin, Germany
| | - Alexander Link
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Infectious Diseases, Otto-von-Guericke University Hospital, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Thomas F Meyer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany; Laboratory of Infection Oncology, Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Christian Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Francesco Boccellato
- Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Oxford, United Kingdom.
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18
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Expression of R-spondins/Lgrs in development of movable craniofacial organs. Gene Expr Patterns 2021; 41:119195. [PMID: 34126267 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2021.119195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signaling plays a critical role in the development of many organs, including the major movable craniofacial organs tongue, lip, and eyelid. Four members of the R-spondin family (Rspo1-4) bind to Lgr4/5/6 to regulate the activation of Wnt signaling. However, it is not fully understood how Rspos/Lgrs regulate Wnt signaling during the development of movable craniofacial organs. To address this question, we examined the expression of Rspos, Lgrs, and Axin2 (major mediator of canonical Wnt signaling) during tongue, lip, and eyelid development. The expression of Axin2, Rspos and Lgrs was observed in many similar regions, suggesting that Rspos likely activate canonical Wnt signaling through the Lgr-dependent pathway in these regions. Lgr expression was not detected in regions where Axin2 and Rspos were expressed, suggesting that Rspos might activate canonical Wnt signaling through the Lgr-independent pathway in these regions. In addition, the expression of Rspos and Lgrs were observed in some other regions where Axin2 was not expressed, suggesting the possibility that Rspos and/or Lgrs are involved in non-canonical Wnt signaling or the Wnt-independent pathway. Thus, we identified a dynamic spatiotemporal expression pattern of Rspos and Lgrs during the development of the eyelid, tongue, and lip.
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Yu Z, Jiang X, Qin L, Deng H, Wang J, Ren W, Li H, Zhao L, Liu H, Yan H, Shi W, Wang Q, Luo C, Long B, Zhou H, Sun H, Jiao Z. A novel UBE2T inhibitor suppresses Wnt/β-catenin signaling hyperactivation and gastric cancer progression by blocking RACK1 ubiquitination. Oncogene 2021; 40:1027-1042. [PMID: 33323973 PMCID: PMC7862066 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01572-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is critically involved in gastric cancer (GC) progression. However, current Wnt pathway inhibitors being studied in preclinical or clinical settings for other cancers such as colorectal and pancreatic cancers are either too cytotoxic or insufficiently efficacious for GC. Thus, we screened new potent targets from β-catenin destruction complex associated with GC progression from clinical samples, and found that scaffolding protein RACK1 deficiency plays a significant role in GC progression, but not APC, AXIN, and GSK3β. Then, we identified its upstream regulator UBE2T which promotes GC progression via hyperactivating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway through the ubiquitination and degradation of RACK1 at the lysine K172, K225, and K257 residues independent of an E3 ligase. Indeed, UBE2T protein level is negatively associated with prognosis in GC patients, suggesting that UBE2T is a promising target for GC therapy. Furthermore, we identified a novel UBE2T inhibitor, M435-1279, and suggested that M435-1279 acts inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway hyperactivation through blocking UBE2T-mediated degradation of RACK1, resulting in suppression of GC progression with lower cytotoxicity in the meantime. Overall, we found that increased UBE2T levels promote GC progression via the ubiquitination of RACK1 and identified a novel potent inhibitor providing a balance between growth inhibition and cytotoxicity as well, which offer a new opportunity for the specific GC patients with aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeyuan Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xiangyan Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Long Qin
- Cui-ying Experimental Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Haixiao Deng
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jianli Wang
- Cui-ying Experimental Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Wen Ren
- Cui-ying Experimental Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hongbin Li
- Cui-ying Experimental Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Cui-ying Experimental Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Huanxiang Liu
- School of pharmacy, Lanzhou University, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hong Yan
- Department of Pathology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Wengui Shi
- Cui-ying Experimental Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Changjiang Luo
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Bo Long
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Huinian Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Cui-ying Experimental Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
| | - Zuoyi Jiao
- Department of General Surgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
- Cui-ying Experimental Center, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, 730000, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
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20
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Abstract
PURPOSE One of the most important serious malignancies is gastric cancer (GC) with a high mortality globally. In this way, beside the environmental factors, genetic parameter has a remarkable effective fluctuation in GC. Correspondingly, telomeres are nucleoprotein structures measuring the length of telomeres and they have special potential in diagnosis of various types of cancers. Defect protection of the telomeric length initiates the instability of the genome during cancer, including gastric cancer. The most common way of maintaining telomere length is the function of the telomerase enzyme that replicates the TTAGGG to the end of the 3' chromosome. METHODS In this review, we want to discuss the alterations of hTERT repression on the modification of TERRA gene expression in conjunction with the importance of telomere and telomerase in GC. RESULTS The telomerase enzyme contains two essential components called telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and RNA telomerase (hTR, hTERC). Deregulation of hTERT plays a key role in the multistage process of tumorigenicity and anticancer drug resistance. The direct relationship between telomerase activity and hTERT has led to hTERT to be considered a key target for cancer treatment. Recent results show that telomeres are transcribed into telomeric repeat-containing RNA (TERRA) in mammalian cells and are long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) identified in different tissues. In addition, most chemotherapy methods have a lot of side effects on normal cells. CONCLUSION Telomere and telomerase are useful therapeutic goal. According to the main roles of hTERT in tumorigenesis, growth, migration, and cancer invasion, hTERT and regulatory mechanisms that control the expression of hTERT are attractive therapeutic targets for cancer treatment.
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Wizenty J, Tacke F, Sigal M. Responses of gastric epithelial stem cells and their niche to Helicobacter pylori infection. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:568. [PMID: 32775369 PMCID: PMC7347775 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2020.02.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) are gram-negative bacteria that are able to colonize and persist in the stomach. Gastric cancer is tightly linked to chronic infection with this bacterium. Research over the last decades has illuminated the molecular interactions between H. pylori and host cells. It is now well established that H. pylori have multiple sophisticated means to adhere to epithelial cells and to manipulate their behavior. This interaction with the epithelium can lead to altered cell signaling, DNA damage and aberrant epithelial immunity. H. pylori are known to colonize the mucus layer of the stomach and surface epithelial cells. In addition, it has recently become clear that they can also penetrate the glands and directly interact with specialized epithelial cells deep in the glands. Understanding the biogeography of infection is important because gastric epithelial glands are composed of various types of short-lived differentiated cells that are constantly regenerated by a limited pool of long-lived stem cells located in base of gastric glands. Recent advances in gastric stem cell research not only led to identification of stem cell populations using specific markers but has also uncovered specific regulatory pathways and principles that govern gastric stem cell behavior and regeneration. Particularly, the stem cell state is largely dependent on signals from the niche cells that surround the stem cell compartment. The subpopulation of H. pylori that colonizes in the stem cell compartment triggers specific inflammatory responses and drives epithelial pathology. Colonization of gastric glands induces responses of the stem cell niche, simultaneously enhancing the cell turnover kinetics and driving the formation of antimicrobial cells in the gland base. These data reveal the high plasticity of the epithelium and its ability to adapt to the environment, which is necessary to regenerate and counterbalance infection, but simultaneously lays the grounds for development of gastric pathology and carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonas Wizenty
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Sigal
- Department of Hepatology & Gastroenterology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Molecular Biology, Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
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