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Lopez-Tello J, Kiu R, Schofield Z, Zhang CXW, van Sinderen D, Le Gall G, Hall LJ, Sferruzzi-Perri AN. Maternal gut Bifidobacterium breve modifies fetal brain metabolism in germ-free mice. Mol Metab 2024; 88:102004. [PMID: 39127167 PMCID: PMC11401360 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2024.102004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Revised: 08/06/2024] [Accepted: 08/06/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent advances have significantly expanded our understanding of the gut microbiome's influence on host physiology and metabolism. However, the specific role of certain microorganisms in gestational health and fetal development remains underexplored. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the impact of Bifidobacterium breve UCC2003 on fetal brain metabolism when colonized in the maternal gut during pregnancy. METHODS Germ-free pregnant mice were colonized with or without B. breve UCC2003 during pregnancy. The metabolic profiles of fetal brains were analyzed, focusing on the presence of key metabolites and the expression of critical metabolic and cellular pathways. RESULTS Maternal colonization with B. breve resulted in significant metabolic changes in the fetal brain. Specifically, ten metabolites, including citrate, 3-hydroxyisobutyrate, and carnitine, were reduced in the fetal brain. These alterations were accompanied by increased abundance of transporters involved in glucose and branched-chain amino acid uptake. Furthermore, supplementation with this bacterium was associated with elevated expression of critical metabolic pathways such as PI3K-AKT, AMPK, STAT5, and Wnt-β-catenin signaling, including its receptor Frizzled-7. Additionally, there was stabilization of HIF-2 protein and modifications in genes and proteins related to cellular growth, axogenesis, and mitochondrial function. CONCLUSIONS The presence of maternal B. breve during pregnancy plays a crucial role in modulating fetal brain metabolism and growth. These findings suggest that Bifidobacterium could modify fetal brain development, potentially offering new avenues for enhancing gestational health and fetal development through microbiota-targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Lopez-Tello
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine. Autonomous University of Madrid, Spain.
| | - Raymond Kiu
- Food, Microbiome & Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK; Institute of Microbiology & Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Department of Microbes, Infection & Microbiomes, School of Infection, Inflammation & Immunology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Zoe Schofield
- Food, Microbiome & Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK
| | - Cindy X W Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Gwénaëlle Le Gall
- Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia, Bob Champion Research and Education Building, James Watson Road, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK
| | - Lindsay J Hall
- Food, Microbiome & Health, Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, UK; Institute of Microbiology & Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK; Department of Microbes, Infection & Microbiomes, School of Infection, Inflammation & Immunology, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Amanda N Sferruzzi-Perri
- Department of Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, Centre for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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2
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Deng Y, Phillips K, Feng ZP, Smith PN, Li RW. Aseptic loosening around total joint replacement in humans is regulated by miR-1246 and miR-6089 via the Wnt signalling pathway. J Orthop Surg Res 2024; 19:94. [PMID: 38287447 PMCID: PMC10823634 DOI: 10.1186/s13018-024-04578-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Total joint replacement for osteoarthritis is one of the most successful surgical procedures in modern medicine. However, aseptic loosening continues to be a leading cause of revision arthroplasty. The diagnosis of aseptic loosening remains a challenge as patients are often asymptomatic until the late stages. MicroRNA (miRNA) has been demonstrated to be a useful diagnostic tool and has been successfully used in the diagnosis of other diseases. We aimed to identify differentially expressed miRNA in the plasma of patients with aseptic loosening. METHODS Adult patients undergoing revision arthroplasty for aseptic loosening and age- and gender-matched controls were recruited. Samples of bone, tissue and blood were collected, and RNA sequencing was performed in 24 patients with aseptic loosening and 26 controls. Differentially expressed miRNA in plasma was matched to differentially expressed mRNA in periprosthetic bone and tissue. Western blot was used to validate protein expression. RESULTS Seven miRNA was differentially expressed in the plasma of patients with osteolysis (logFC >|2|, adj-P < 0.05). Three thousand six hundred and eighty mRNA genes in bone and 427 mRNA genes in tissue samples of osteolysis patients were differentially expressed (logFC >|2|, adj-P < 0.05). Gene enrichment analysis and pathway analysis revealed two miRNA (miR-1246 and miR-6089) had multiple gene targets in the Wnt signalling pathway in the local bone and tissues which regulate bone metabolism. CONCLUSION These results suggest that aseptic loosening may be regulated by miR-1246 and miR-6089 via the Wnt signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Deng
- Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, Australia.
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australia.
| | - Kate Phillips
- Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, Australia
| | - Zhi-Ping Feng
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
| | - Paul N Smith
- Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, Australia
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Canberra Hospital, Canberra, Australia
| | - Rachel W Li
- Australian National University Medical School, Canberra, Australia
- John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
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3
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Scharr M, Hirt B, Neckel PH. Spatial gene expression profile of Wnt-signaling components in the murine enteric nervous system. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1302488. [PMID: 38322254 PMCID: PMC10846065 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1302488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Wnt-signaling is a key regulator of stem cell homeostasis, extensively studied in the intestinal crypt and other metazoan tissues. Yet, there is hardly any data available on the presence of Wnt-signaling components in the adult enteric nervous system (ENS) in vivo. Methods Therefore, we employed RNAscope HiPlex-assay, a novel and more sensitive in situ hybridization technology. By amplifying target specific signals, this technique enables the detection of low abundance, tightly regulated RNA content as is the case for Wnt-signaling components. Additionally, we compared our data to previously published physiological single cell RNA and RiboTag-based RNA sequencing analyses of enteric gliosis using data-mining approaches. Results Our descriptive analysis shows that several components of the multidi-mensional regulatory network of the Wnt-signaling pathway are present in the murine ENS. The transport and secretion protein for Wnt-ligands Wntless as well as canonical (Wnt3a and Wnt2b) and non-canonical Wnt-ligands (Wnt5a, Wnt7a, Wnt8b and Wnt11) are detectable within submucosal and myenteric plexus. Further, corresponding Frizzled receptors (Fzd1, Fzd3, Fzd6, and Fzd7) and regulatory signaling mediators like R-Spondin/DKK ligands are present in the ENS of the small and large intestine. Further, data mining approaches revealed, that several Wnt-related molecules are expressed by enteric glial cell clusters and are dynamically regulated during the inflammatory manifestation of enteric gliosis. Discussion Our results suggest, that canonical and non-canonical Wnt-signaling has a much broader impact on the mature ENS and its cellular homeostasis in health and inflammation, than previously anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Peter H. Neckel
- Institute of Clinical Anatomy and Cell Analysis, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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4
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Lan S, Zhang Z, Li Q. FZD7: A potential biomarker for endometriosis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e35406. [PMID: 37800830 PMCID: PMC10553041 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000035406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory, benign disorder that often co-occurs with adenomyosis and/or leiomyoma. The overall incidence of endometriosis in reproductive period women was nearly 10%. However, the exact mechanisms of endometriosis-associated pathogenesis are still unknown. METHODS In this study, we aimed to investigate whether Frizzled-7 (FZD7) would effectively promote the development of endometriosis. The microarray-based data analysis was performed to screen endometriosis-related differentially expressed genes. This process uncovered specific hub genes, and the nexus of vital genes and ferroptosis-related genes were pinpointed. Then, we collected human endometrial and endometriotic tissues from patients with endometriosis of the ovary (n = 39) and control patients without endometriosis (n = 10, who underwent hysterectomy for uterine fibroids) to compare the expression of FZD7. RESULTS These findings indicated that the expression of FZD7 was high compared with normal endometrium, and FZD7 may promote the progression of endometriosis. CONCLUSION FZD7 may serve as a potential therapeutic target for endometriosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suwei Lan
- Hebei Medical University, Hebei, China
- Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, China
| | - Zhengmao Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Hospital, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Qing Li
- Chengde Medical University, Chengde, Hebei, China
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5
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Tariq L, Arafah A, Sehar N, Ali A, Khan A, Rasool I, Rashid SM, Ahmad SB, Beigh S, Dar TUH, Rehman MU. Novel insights on perils and promises of miRNA in understanding colon cancer metastasis and progression. Med Oncol 2023; 40:282. [PMID: 37639075 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02099-2] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third highest frequent malignancy and ultimate critical source of cancer-associated mortality around the world. Regardless of latest advances in molecular and surgical targeted medicines that have increased remedial effects in CRC patients, the 5-year mortality rate for CRC patients remains dismally low. Evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) execute an essential part in the development and spread of CRC. The miRNAs are a type of short non-coding RNA that exhibited to control the appearance of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. miRNA expression profiling is already being utilized in clinical practice as analytical and prognostic biomarkers to evaluate cancer patients' tumor genesis, advancement, and counteraction to drugs. By modulating their target genes, dysregulated miRNAs are linked to malignant characteristics (e.g., improved proliferative and invasive capabilities, cell cycle aberration, evasion of apoptosis, and promotion of angiogenesis). This review presents an updated summary of circulatory miRNAs, tumor-suppressive and oncogenic miRNAs, and the potential reasons for dysregulated miRNAs in CRC. Further we will explore the critical role of miRNAs in CRC drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lubna Tariq
- Department of Biotechnology, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, 183254, India
| | - Azher Arafah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouroz Sehar
- Centre for Translational and Clinical Research, School of Chemical & Life Sciences, Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, 110062, India
| | - Aarif Ali
- Division of Veterinary Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Kashmir, Alusteng, Shuhama, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India
| | - Andleeb Khan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, 45142, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Iyman Rasool
- Department of Pathology, Government Medical College (GMC-Srinagar), Karanagar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India
| | - Shahzada Mudasir Rashid
- Division of Veterinary Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Kashmir, Alusteng, Shuhama, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India
| | - Sheikh Bilal Ahmad
- Division of Veterinary Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, SKUAST-Kashmir, Alusteng, Shuhama, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, India
| | - Saba Beigh
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Al Baha University, 65431, Al Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Tanveer Ul Hassan Dar
- Department of Biotechnology, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, 183254, India
| | - Muneeb U Rehman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
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Kimura S, Morita T, Hosoba K, Itoh H, Yamamoto T, Miyamoto T. Cholesterol in the ciliary membrane as a therapeutic target against cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1160415. [PMID: 37006607 PMCID: PMC10060879 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1160415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary cilium is a non-motile, antenna-like structure that develops in the quiescent G0 phase-cell surface. It is composed of an array of axonemal microtubules polymerized from the centrosome/basal body. The plasma membrane surrounding the primary cilium, which is called the ciliary membrane, contains a variety of receptors and ion channels, through which the cell receives extracellular chemical and physical stimuli to initiate signal transduction. In general, primary cilia disappear when cells receive the proliferative signals to re-enter the cell cycle. Primary cilia thus cannot be identified in many malignant and proliferative tumors. In contrast, some cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, medulloblastoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and other malignancies, retain their primary cilia. Importantly, it has been reported that the primary cilia-mediated oncogenic signals of Hedgehog, Wnt, and Aurora kinase A are involved in the tumorigenesis and tumor progression of basal cell carcinoma and some types of medulloblastoma. It has also been demonstrated that cholesterol is significantly more enriched in the ciliary membrane than in the rest of the plasma membrane to ensure Sonic hedgehog signaling. A series of epidemiological studies on statin drugs (cholesterol-lowering medication) demonstrated that they prevent recurrence in a wide range of cancers. Taken together, ciliary cholesterol could be a potential therapeutic target in primary cilia-dependent progressive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sotai Kimura
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
| | - Tomoka Morita
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
| | - Kosuke Hosoba
- Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Program of Mathematical and Life Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Itoh
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
| | - Takashi Yamamoto
- Program of Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
- Program of Mathematical and Life Science, Graduate School of Integrated Sciences for Life, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Miyamoto
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
- *Correspondence: Tatsuo Miyamoto,
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7
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Weidle UH, Nopora A. Up-regulated Circular RNAs in Colorectal Cancer: New Entities for Therapy and Tools for Identification of Therapeutic Targets. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2023; 20:132-153. [PMID: 36870691 PMCID: PMC9989668 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20369] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with disseminated colorectal cancer have a dismal prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of only 13%. In order to identify new treatment modalities and new targets, we searched the literature for up-regulated circular RNAs in colorectal cancer which induce tumor growth in corresponding preclinical in vivo models. We identified nine circular RNAs that mediate resistance against chemotherapeutic agents, seven that up-regulate transmembrane receptors, five that induce secreted factors, nine that activate signaling components, five which up-regulate enzymes, six which activate actin-related proteins, six which induce transcription factors and two which up-regulate the MUSASHI family of RNA binding proteins. All of the circular RNAs discussed in this paper induce the corresponding targets by sponging microRNAs (miRs) and can be inhibited by RNAi or shRNA in vitro and in xenograft models. We have focused on circular RNAs with demonstrated activity in preclinical in vivo models because the latter is an important milestone in drug development. All circular RNAs with in vitro activity only data are not referenced in this review. The translational impact of inhibition of these circular RNAs and of the identified targets for treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrich H Weidle
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
| | - Adam Nopora
- Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche Innovation Center Munich, Penzberg, Germany
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8
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Li K, Mao S, Li X, Zhao H, Wang J, Wang C, Wu L, Zhang K, Yang H, Jin M, Zhou Z, Wang J, Huang G, Xie W. Frizzled-7-targeting antibody (SHH002-hu1) potently suppresses non-small-cell lung cancer via Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Cancer Sci 2023; 114:2109-2122. [PMID: 36625184 PMCID: PMC10154902 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the deadliest cancers worldwide, and metastasis is considered one of the leading causes of treatment failure in NSCLC. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is crucially involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a crucial factor in promoting metastasis, and also contributes to resistance developed by NSCLC to targeted agents. Frizzled-7 (Fzd7), a critical receptor of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, is aberrantly expressed in NSCLC and has been confirmed to be positively correlated with poor clinical outcomes. SHH002-hu1, a humanized antibody targeting Fzd7, was previously successfully generated by our group. Here, we studied the anti-tumor effects of SHH002-hu1 against NSCLC and revealed the underlying mechanism. First, immunofluorescence (IF) and near-infrared (NIR) imaging assays showed that SHH002-hu1 specifically binds Fzd7+ NSCLC cells and targets NSCLC tissues. Wound healing and transwell invasion assays indicated that SHH002-hu1 significantly inhibits the migration and invasion of NSCLC cells. Subsequently, TOP-FLASH/FOP-FLASH luciferase reporter, IF, and western blot assays validated that SHH002-hu1 effectively suppresses the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and further attenuates the EMT of NSCLC cells. Finally, the subcutaneous xenotransplanted tumor model of A549/H1975, as well as the popliteal lymph node (LN) metastasis model, was established, and SHH002-hu1 was demonstrated to inhibit the growth of NSCLC xenografts and suppress LN metastasis of NSCLC. Above all, SHH002-hu1 with selectivity toward Fzd7+ NSCLC and the potential of inhibiting invasion and metastasis of NSCLC via disrupting Wnt/β-catenin signaling, is indicated as a good candidate for the targeted therapy of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanghua Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuyang Mao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingxing Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijie Zhao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingyi Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenyue Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lisha Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Kunchi Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingming Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoli Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Gang Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Health Science and Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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Umar SA, Dong B, Nihal M, Chang H. Frizzled receptors in melanomagenesis: From molecular interactions to target identification. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1096134. [PMID: 36620565 PMCID: PMC9816865 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1096134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Frizzled (FZD) proteins are receptors for the WNT family ligands. Inherited human diseases and genetic experiments using knockout mice have revealed a central role of FZDs in multiple aspects of embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Misregulated FZD signaling has also been found in many cancers. Recent studies on three out of the ten mammalian FZDs in melanoma have shown that they promote tumor cell proliferation and invasion, via the activation of the canonical WNT/β-catenin or non-canonical PCP signaling pathway. In this concise review, we summarize our current knowledge of individual FZDs in melanoma, discuss the involvement of both the canonical and non-canonical pathways, and describe ongoing efforts to target the FZD receptors for melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheikh A. Umar
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Bo Dong
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Minakshi Nihal
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Hao Chang
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States,William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI, United States,*Correspondence: Hao Chang,
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10
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Khabibov M, Garifullin A, Boumber Y, Khaddour K, Fernandez M, Khamitov F, Khalikova L, Kuznetsova N, Kit O, Kharin L. Signaling pathways and therapeutic approaches in glioblastoma multiforme (Review). Int J Oncol 2022; 60:69. [PMID: 35445737 PMCID: PMC9084550 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2022.5359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive type of primary brain tumor and is associated with a poor clinical prognosis. Despite the progress in the understanding of the molecular and genetic changes that promote tumorigenesis, effective treatment options are limited. The present review intended to identify and summarize major signaling pathways and genetic abnormalities involved in the pathogenesis of GBM, as well as therapies that target these pathways. Glioblastoma remains a difficult to treat tumor; however, in the last two decades, significant improvements in the understanding of GBM biology have enabled advances in available therapeutics. Significant genomic events and signaling pathway disruptions (NF‑κB, Wnt, PI3K/AKT/mTOR) involved in the formation of GBM were discussed. Current therapeutic options may only marginally prolong survival and the current standard of therapy cures only a small fraction of patients. As a result, there is an unmet requirement for further study into the processes of glioblastoma pathogenesis and the discovery of novel therapeutic targets in novel signaling pathways implicated in the evolution of glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marsel Khabibov
- Department of Oncology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119992 Moscow, Russia
| | - Airat Garifullin
- Department of Histology, Bashkir State Medical University, 450000 Ufa, Russia
| | - Yanis Boumber
- Division of Hematology/Oncology at The Department of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, Kazan 420008, Russia
| | - Karam Khaddour
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Manuel Fernandez
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Firat Khamitov
- Department of Histology, Bashkir State Medical University, 450000 Ufa, Russia
| | - Larisa Khalikova
- Department of Histology, Bashkir State Medical University, 450000 Ufa, Russia
| | - Natalia Kuznetsova
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, National Medical Research Center for Oncology, 344037 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Oleg Kit
- Abdominal Oncology Department, National Medical Research Center for Oncology, 344037 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
| | - Leonid Kharin
- Abdominal Oncology Department, National Medical Research Center for Oncology, 344037 Rostov-on-Don, Russia
- Molecular Therapeutics Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA
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11
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Cho AR, Sul HJ, Kim YJ, Kim B, Zang DY. RNF43 R117fs mutant positively regulates Wnt/β-catenin signaling by failing to internalize FZD expressed on the cell surface. Sci Rep 2022; 12:7013. [PMID: 35487932 PMCID: PMC9054848 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10868-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
RING finger protein 43 (RNF43) encodes the transmembrane E3 ubiquitin ligase, which targets the Wnt receptor Frizzled (FZD). RNF43 mutations have been discovered in various human cancers including colon, pancreatic, stomach, ovarian, and liver cancers. Functional studies on RNF43 missense mutations have shown that they negatively regulate Wnt signaling; however, there are few functional studies on RNF43 frameshift mutations. In this study, we showed that R117fs and P441fs mutants enhanced Wnt/β-catenin signaling, whereas Q409fs and G659fs mutants retained the ability to suppress Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Specifically, R117fs was unable to ubiquitinate FZD5 due to lack of the RING domain, although it was able to interact with FZD5. Immunofluorescence showed that R117fs failed to internalize FZD5 expressed on the cell surface. We also showed that LGK974, a potent Wnt inhibitor, decreased the Wnt/β-catenin activity by R117fs and P441fs mutations. Together, these results demonstrate that RNF43 frameshift mutations retain normal functionality; thus, targeted anti-cancer therapy can be developed according to the mutation type of RNF43.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-Ri Cho
- Hallym Translational Research Institute, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang-si, 14054, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Jung Sul
- Hallym Translational Research Institute, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang-si, 14054, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoo Jin Kim
- Hallym Translational Research Institute, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang-si, 14054, Republic of Korea
| | - Bohyun Kim
- Hallym Translational Research Institute, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang-si, 14054, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Young Zang
- Hallym Translational Research Institute, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang-si, 14054, Republic of Korea. .,Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, 22, Gwanpyeong-ro 170, beon-gil, Dongan-gu, Anyang‑si, Gyeonggi‑do, 14068, Republic of Korea.
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12
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Jin CL, Ye M, Song ZW, Zhang ZM, Gao CQ, Yan HC, Wang XQ. Lysine Interacts with Frizzled7 to Activate β-Catenin in Satellite Cell-Participated Skeletal Muscle Growth. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:3745-3756. [PMID: 35312309 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c01027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This work provided an interesting finding of lysine (Lys) control on skeletal muscle growth besides protein synthesis. According to the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation and molecular docking analyses, we found both in in vivo skeletal muscle and in vitro muscle satellite cells (MuSCs) that the frizzled7 (FZD7) expression level was positively correlated with Lys levels and this was consistent with the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. On the other hand, FZD7 inhibition suppressed the Lys-rescued Wnt/β-catenin pathway, FZD7 knockdown caused cell proliferation, and Wnt/β-catenin pathway restrictions could not be compensated for by Lys or Wnt3a. Furthermore, the combination between Lys and recombinant pig frizzled7 (rpFZD7) protein was confirmed by isothermal titration calorimetry. This finding displayed concrete evidence that Lys is not only a molecular block of protein synthesis but is also a ligand for FZD7 to activate β-catenin to stimulate MuSCs in promoting skeletal muscle growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Long Jin
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Mao Ye
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Zhi-Wen Song
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Zong-Ming Zhang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Chun-Qi Gao
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Hui-Chao Yan
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
| | - Xiu-Qi Wang
- College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University/Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/National Engineering Research Center for Breeding Swine Industry, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510642, China
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13
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GIPC2 interacts with Fzd7 to promote prostate cancer metastasis by activating WNT signaling. Oncogene 2022; 41:2609-2623. [PMID: 35347223 PMCID: PMC9054671 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02255-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) causes significant mortality and morbidity, with advanced metastasis. WNT signaling is a promising therapeutic target for metastatic PCa. GIPC2 is a GIPC1 paralog involved in WNT signaling pathways associated with tumor progression, but its role in PCa metastasis remains unclear. Herein, we demonstrated that high GIPC2 expression in PCa tissues was significantly associated with distant metastasis and poor prognosis. Functional studies demonstrated that high GIPC2 expression due to CpG-island demethylation promoted increased metastatic capabilities of PCa cells. Conversely, silencing GIPC2 expression significantly inhibited PCa metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, GIPC2 directly bound the WNT co-receptor Fzd7 through its PDZ domain, which enabled activation of WNT-β-catenin cascades, thereby stimulating PCa metastasis. Interestingly, GIPC2 protein was also identified as a component of exosomes and that it robustly stimulated PCa adhesion, invasion, and migration. The presence of GIPC2 in tumor-derived exosomes and ability to impact the behavior of tumor cells suggest that GIPC2 is a novel epigenetic oncogene involved in PCa metastasis. Our findings identified GIPC2 as a novel exosomal molecule associated with WNT signaling and may represent a potential therapeutic target and biomarker for metastatic PCa.
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14
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Koushyar S, Meniel VS, Phesse TJ, Pearson HB. Exploring the Wnt Pathway as a Therapeutic Target for Prostate Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:309. [PMID: 35204808 PMCID: PMC8869457 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt pathway is emerging as a frequent event during prostate cancer that can facilitate tumor formation, progression, and therapeutic resistance. Recent discoveries indicate that targeting the Wnt pathway to treat prostate cancer may be efficacious. However, the functional consequence of activating the Wnt pathway during the different stages of prostate cancer progression remains unclear. Preclinical work investigating the efficacy of targeting Wnt signaling for the treatment of prostate cancer, both in primary and metastatic lesions, and improving our molecular understanding of treatment responses is crucial to identifying effective treatment strategies and biomarkers that help guide treatment decisions and improve patient care. In this review, we outline the type of genetic alterations that lead to activated Wnt signaling in prostate cancer, highlight the range of laboratory models used to study the role of Wnt genetic drivers in prostate cancer, and discuss new mechanistic insights into how the Wnt cascade facilitates prostate cancer growth, metastasis, and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Koushyar
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Valerie S. Meniel
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
| | - Toby J. Phesse
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Helen B. Pearson
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
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15
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Hafezi N, Valadan R, Asgarian OH, Ajami A. Anti-tumor activity of a recombinant soluble Fzd7 decoy receptor in human gastric and colon cancer cells. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2022; 25:187-192. [PMID: 35655594 PMCID: PMC9124529 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2022.61908.13700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Frizzled-7, the most common receptor of the Wnt signaling pathway, was significantly over-expressed in gastric (GC) and colorectal (CRC) cancers and stimulated tumorigenesis. The extracellular domain of Fzd7 (sFzd7) as a decoy receptor, could competitively bound with ligands and antagonize the interaction between Fzd7 receptors and Wnt ligands. Materials and Methods We expressed and purified the extracellular region of Fzd7 including cysteine-rich domain (33 aa-185 aa) from Escherichia coli by chromatography. The effect of sFzd7 was evaluated on AGS gastric and SW480 colon cancer cell lines expressing high levels of Fzd7 receptor. Accordingly, cell viability and apoptosis were measured using MTT and flow cytometry assays, respectively. Real-Time PCR determined the relative expression of the β-catenin and cyclin-D1 genes. Results After three days of treatment with sFzd7, the viability of AGS and SW480 cell lines was decreased in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, sFzd7 at concentrations of 10 and 20 ug/ml increased the rate of apoptosis. Especially at the concentration of 20 ug/ml, the apoptosis rate was remarkably high in AGS (P-value= 0.003) and SW480 cells (P-value= 0.0007). Finally, the expressions of β-catenin (P-value= 0.01) and cyclin-D1 (P-value= 0.02) were obviously decreased in SW480 cells. The same results were obtained in AGS cells, although not statistically significant. Conclusion sFzd7 decoy receptor inhibits tumor cell progression by attenuating the Wnt pathway through inhibiting Fzd7 receptors and Wnt ligand interaction. Hence, sFzd7 can be proposed as a candidate therapy for GC and CRC cells with high levels of Fzd7 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nasim Hafezi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Valadan
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Omran-Hossein Asgarian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non‐Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Abolghasem Ajami
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, Department of Infectious Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran,Corresponding author: Abolghasem Ajami. Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Molecular and Cell Biology Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Department of Infectious Diseases, Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran. Tel: +98-1133543081;
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16
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Nonmalignant Features Associated with Inherited Colorectal Cancer Syndromes-Clues for Diagnosis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030628. [PMID: 35158896 PMCID: PMC8833640 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Familiarity with nonmalignant features and comorbidities of cancer predisposition syndromes may raise awareness and assist clinicians in the diagnosis and interpretation of molecular test results. Genetic predisposition to colorectal cancer (CRC) should be suspected mainly in young patients, in patients with significant family histories, multiple polyps, mismatch repair-deficient tumors, and in association with malignant or nonmalignant comorbidities. The aim of this review is to describe the main nonmalignant comorbidities associated with selected CRC predisposition syndromes that may serve as valuable diagnostic clues for clinicians and genetic professionals. Abstract Genetic diagnosis of affected individuals and predictive testing of their at-risk relatives, combined with intensive cancer surveillance, has an enormous cancer-preventive potential in these families. A lack of awareness may be part of the reason why the underlying germline cause remains unexplained in a large proportion of patients with CRC. Various extracolonic features, mainly dermatologic, ophthalmic, dental, endocrine, vascular, and reproductive manifestations occur in many of the cancer predisposition syndromes associated with CRC and polyposis. Some are mediated via the WNT, TGF-β, or mTOR pathways. However the pathogenesis of most features is still obscure. Here we review the extracolonic features of the main syndromes, the existing information regarding their prevalence, and the pathways involved in their pathogenesis. This knowledge could be useful for care managers from different professional disciplines, and used to raise awareness, enable diagnosis, and assist in the process of genetic testing and interpretation.
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17
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Russo FP, Zanetto A, Pinto E, Battistella S, Penzo B, Burra P, Farinati F. Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Viral Hepatitis: Where Do We Stand? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:500. [PMID: 35008926 PMCID: PMC8745141 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related death. Although the burden of alcohol- and NASH-related HCC is growing, chronic viral hepatitis (HBV and HCV) remains a major cause of HCC development worldwide. The pathophysiology of viral-related HCC includes liver inflammation, oxidative stress, and deregulation of cell signaling pathways. HBV is particularly oncogenic because, contrary to HCV, integrates in the cell DNA and persists despite virological suppression by nucleotide analogues. Surveillance by six-month ultrasound is recommended in patients with cirrhosis and in "high-risk" patients with chronic HBV infection. Antiviral therapy reduces the risks of development and recurrence of HCC; however, patients with advanced chronic liver disease remain at risk of HCC despite virological suppression/cure and should therefore continue surveillance. Multiple scores have been developed in patients with chronic hepatitis B to predict the risk of HCC development and may be used to stratify individual patient's risk. In patients with HCV-related liver disease who achieve sustained virological response by direct acting antivirals, there is a strong need for markers/scores to predict long-term risk of HCC. In this review, we discuss the most recent advances regarding viral-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Fabio Farinati
- Gastroenterology/Multivisceral Transplant Unit, Department of Surgery, Oncology, and Gastroenterology, Padova University Hospital, 35128 Padova, Italy; (F.P.R.); (A.Z.); (E.P.); (S.B.); (B.P.); (P.B.)
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18
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Chen Q, Wang H, Li Z, Li F, Liang L, Zou Y, Shen H, Li J, Xia Y, Cheng Z, Yang T, Wang K, Shen F. Circular RNA ACTN4 promotes intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression by recruiting YBX1 to initiate FZD7 transcription. J Hepatol 2022; 76:135-147. [PMID: 34509526 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2021.08.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a primary liver cancer with high aggressiveness and extremely poor prognosis. The role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in ICC carcinogenesis and progression remains to be determined. METHODS CircRNA microarray was performed to screen significantly upregulated circRNAs in paired ICC and non-tumor tissues. Colony formation, transwell, and xenograft models were used to examine the role of circRNAs in ICC proliferation and metastasis. RNA pulldown, mass spectrometry, chromatin immunoprecipitation, RNA-binding protein immunoprecipitation, chromatin isolation by RNA purification, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and luciferase reporter assays were used to explore the molecular sponge role of the circRNA (via miRNA binding), and the interaction between circRNA and RNA-binding proteins. RESULTS Hsa_circ_0050898, which originated from exon 1 to exon 20 of the ACTN4 gene (named circACTN4), was significantly upregulated in ICC. High circACTN4 expression was associated with enhanced tumor proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo, as well as a worse prognosis following ICC resection. In addition, circACTN4 upregulated Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) expression by sponging miR-424-5p. More importantly, circACTN4 also recruited Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) to stimulate Frizzled-7 (FZD7) transcription. Furthermore, circACTN4 overexpression in ICC cells enhanced the interaction between YAP1 and β-catenin, which are the core components of the Hippo and Wnt signaling pathways, respectively. CONCLUSIONS CircACTN4 was upregulated in ICC and promoted ICC proliferation and metastasis by acting as a molecular sponge of miR-424-5p, as well as by interacting with YBX1 to transcriptionally activate FZD7. These results suggest that circACTN4 is a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for ICC. LAY SUMMARY Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a primary liver cancer associated with aggressiveness and extremely poor prognosis. It is essential for therapeutic development that we uncover relevant pathogenic pathways. Herein, we showed that a circular RNA (circACTN4) was highly expressed in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma and was positively associated with tumor growth and metastasis through key developmental signaling pathways. Thus, circACTN4 could be a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinjunjie Chen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibo Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengwei Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China; Department of Hepatic Surgery II, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Leilei Liang
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences Cancer Institute and Hospital: Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yiran Zou
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Shen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhangjun Cheng
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Zhongda Hospital, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tian Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kui Wang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery II, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Shen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery IV, the Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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19
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Do M, Wu CCN, Sonavane PR, Juarez EF, Adams SR, Ross J, Rodriguez Y Baena A, Patel C, Mesirov JP, Carson DA, Advani SJ, Willert K. A FZD7-specific Antibody-Drug Conjugate Induces Ovarian Tumor Regression in Preclinical Models. Mol Cancer Ther 2022; 21:113-124. [PMID: 34667113 PMCID: PMC8742765 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-21-0548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although WNT signaling is frequently dysregulated in solid tumors, drugging this pathway has been challenging due to off-tumor effects. Current clinical pan-WNT inhibitors are nonspecific and lead to adverse effects, highlighting the urgent need for more specific WNT pathway-targeting strategies. We identified elevated expression of the WNT receptor Frizzled class receptor 7 (FZD7) in multiple solid cancers in The Cancer Genome Atlas, particularly in the mesenchymal and proliferative subtypes of ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma, which correlate with poorer median patient survival. Moreover, we observed increased FZD7 protein expression in ovarian tumors compared with normal ovarian tissue, indicating that FZD7 may be a tumor-specific antigen. We therefore developed a novel antibody-drug conjugate, septuximab vedotin (F7-ADC), which is composed of a chimeric human-mouse antibody to human FZD7 conjugated to the microtubule-inhibiting drug monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE). F7-ADC selectively binds human FZD7, potently kills ovarian cancer cells in vitro, and induces regression of ovarian tumor xenografts in murine models. To evaluate F7-ADC toxicity in vivo, we generated mice harboring a modified Fzd7 gene where the resulting Fzd7 protein is reactive with the human-targeting F7-ADC. F7-ADC treatment of these mice did not induce acute toxicities, indicating a potentially favorable safety profile in patients. Overall, our data suggest that the antibody-drug conjugate approach may be a powerful strategy to combat FZD7-expressing ovarian cancers in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myan Do
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Christina C N Wu
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Pooja R Sonavane
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Edwin F Juarez
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Stephen R Adams
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Jason Ross
- Department of Global Creative Studio, Illumina, Inc., San Diego, California
| | | | - Charmi Patel
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Jill P Mesirov
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Dennis A Carson
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Sunil J Advani
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Applied Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Karl Willert
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California.
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20
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Larasati Y, Boudou C, Koval A, Katanaev VL. Unlocking the Wnt pathway: Therapeutic potential of selective targeting FZD 7 in cancer. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:777-792. [PMID: 34915171 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The Wnt signaling is of paramount pathophysiological importance. Despite showing promising anticancer activities in pre-clinical studies, current Wnt pathway inhibitors face complications in clinical trials resulting from on-target toxicity. Hence, the targeting of pathway component(s) that are essential for cancer but dispensable for normal physiology is key to the development of a safe Wnt signaling inhibitor. Frizzled7 (FZD7) is a Wnt pathway receptor that is redundant in healthy tissues but crucial in various cancers. FZD7 modulates diverse aspects of carcinogenesis, including cancer growth, metastasis, maintenance of cancer stem cells, and chemoresistance. In this review, we describe state-of-the-art knowledge of the functions of FZD7 in carcinogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis. Next, we overview the development of small molecules and biomolecules that target FZD7. Finally, we discuss challenges and possibilities in developing FZD7-selective antagonists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonika Larasati
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cédric Boudou
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alexey Koval
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Vladimir L Katanaev
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, Translational Research Centre in Oncohaematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland; School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia.
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21
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Yang Y, Wang Y, Jia H, Li B, Xing D, Li JJ. MicroRNA-1 Modulates Chondrocyte Phenotype by Regulating FZD7 of Wnt/ β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Cartilage 2021; 13:1019S-1029S. [PMID: 33215510 PMCID: PMC8804847 DOI: 10.1177/1947603520973255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Osteoarthritis (OA) is an incurable joint disease characterized by pronounced pain. MicroRNAs constitute epigenetic mechanisms that may affect OA progression by contributing to changes in chondrocyte phenotype. This study investigates for the first time whether there is a link between miRNA-1 (miR-1) and OA pathogenesis, and the molecular mechanisms involved. DESIGN OA-associated gene expression, including MMP-13, ADAMTS5, and COL2A1 was compared in chondrocytes from non-OA and OA cartilage, and in SW1353 cells over- and underexpressing miR-1. Bioinformatics and luciferase reporter assay were conducted to confirm whether FZD7 was a target of miR-1. The effects of miR-1 on FZD7 expression and downstream Wnt/β-catenin signalling were investigated. RESULTS Non-OA and OA chondrocytes differed significantly in the expression of miR-1 and OA-associated genes. MiR-1 over- and underexpression in SW1353 cells, respectively, reduced and enhanced gene expression associated with cartilage catabolism. FZD7, which has an important role in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, was shown to be a potential target of miR-1. MiR-1 binding to FZD7 increased the levels of phosphorylated (inactivated) β-catenin, thereby preventing downstream β-catenin signaling. CONCLUSIONS Inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by miR-1 in chondrocytes may attenuate the expression of genes that regulate the activity of catabolic enzymes. This finding may be useful for future investigations of molecular targets for OA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin
Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yawei Wang
- Department of Electromyography, Tianjin
Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Haobo Jia
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin
Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Tianjin
Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Dan Xing
- Arthritis Clinic & Research Center,
Peking University People’s Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiao Jiao Li
- Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine
and Health, University of Sydney, St. Leonards, New South Wales, Australia,School of Biomedical Engineering,
Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, New South
Wales, Australia,Jiao Jiao Li, School of Biomedical
Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and IT, University of Technology Sydney,
Ultimo, New South Wales 2007, Australia.
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22
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Xu L, Chen B, Schihada H, Wright SC, Turku A, Wu Y, Han GW, Kowalski-Jahn M, Kozielewicz P, Bowin CF, Zhang X, Li C, Bouvier M, Schulte G, Xu F. Cryo-EM structure of constitutively active human Frizzled 7 in complex with heterotrimeric G s. Cell Res 2021; 31:1311-1314. [PMID: 34239071 PMCID: PMC8648716 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-021-00525-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Grants
- 32071194 National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- P18-0098 Svenska Sällskapet för Medicinsk Forskning (Swedish Society for Medical Research)
- FDN-148431 CIHR
- Karolinska Institutet, the Swedish Research Council (2017-04676; 2019-01190), the Swedish Cancer Society (CAN2017/561, 20 1102 PjF, 20 0264P), the Novo Nordisk Foundation (NNF17OC0026940; NNF20OC0063168), The Swedish Society of Medical Research (SSMF; P19-0055), the Lars Hierta Memorial Foundation (FO2019-0086, FO2020-0304), The Alex and Eva Wallström Foundation for Scientific Research and Education (2020-00228). and the German Research Foundation (DFG, 427840891; KO 5463/1-1)
- CIHR (FDN-148431)
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Xu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Chen
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hannes Schihada
- Section of Receptor Biology & Signaling, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shane C Wright
- Section of Receptor Biology & Signaling, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Ainoleena Turku
- Section of Receptor Biology & Signaling, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Orion Pharma R&D, Espoo, Finland
| | - Yiran Wu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gye-Won Han
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Maria Kowalski-Jahn
- Section of Receptor Biology & Signaling, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pawel Kozielewicz
- Section of Receptor Biology & Signaling, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carl-Fredrik Bowin
- Section of Receptor Biology & Signaling, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Xianjun Zhang
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Chemistry, Bridge Institute, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chao Li
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Michel Bouvier
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Gunnar Schulte
- Section of Receptor Biology & Signaling, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Fei Xu
- iHuman Institute, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, China.
- Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institutes for Biological Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
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23
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Smith AJ, Sompel KM, Elango A, Tennis MA. Non-Coding RNA and Frizzled Receptors in Cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:712546. [PMID: 34671643 PMCID: PMC8521042 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.712546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Frizzled receptors have been long recognized for their role in Wnt/β-catenin signaling, a pathway known for its tumorigenic effects. More recent studies of frizzled receptors include efforts to understand non-coding RNA (ncRNA) regulation of these receptors in cancer. It has become increasingly clear that ncRNA molecules are important for regulating the expression of both oncogenic and tumor-suppressive proteins. The three most commonly described ncRNA molecules are microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs). Here, we review ncRNA molecules that directly or indirectly affect frizzled protein expression and downstream signaling. Exploring these interactions highlights the potential of incorporating ncRNA molecules into cancer prevention and therapy strategies that target frizzled receptors. Previous investigations of frizzled receptors and ncRNA have established strong promise for a role in cancer progression, but additional studies are needed to provide the substantial pre-clinical evidence required to translate findings to clinical applications.
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24
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Activation of Frizzled-7 attenuates blood-brain barrier disruption through Dvl/β-catenin/WISP1 signaling pathway after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice. Fluids Barriers CNS 2021; 18:44. [PMID: 34565396 PMCID: PMC8474841 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-021-00278-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Destruction of blood-brain barrier (BBB) is one of the main mechanisms of secondary brain injury following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Frizzled-7 is a key protein expressed on the surface of endothelial cells that controls vascular permeability through the Wnt-canonical pathway involving WNT1-inducible signaling pathway protein 1 (WISPI). This study aimed to investigate the role of Frizzled-7 signaling in BBB preservation after ICH in mice. METHODS Adult CD1 mice were subjected to sham surgery or collagenase-induced ICH. Frizzled-7 activation or knockdown was performed by administration of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) by intracerebroventricular injection at 48 h before ICH induction. WISP1 activation or WISP1 knockdown was performed to evaluate the underlying signaling pathway. Post-ICH assessments included neurobehavior, brain edema, BBB permeability, hemoglobin level, western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS The brain expressions of Frizzled-7 and WISP1 significantly increased post-ICH. Frizzled-7 was expressed in endothelial cells, astrocytes, and neurons after ICH. Activation of Frizzled-7 significantly improved neurological function, reduced brain water content and attenuated BBB permeability to large molecular weight substances after ICH. Whereas, knockdown of Frizzled-7 worsened neurological function and brain edema after ICH. Activation of Frizzled-7 significantly increased the expressions of Dvl, β-Catenin, WISP1, VE-Cadherin, Claudin-5, ZO-1 and reduced the expression of phospho-β-Catenin. WISP1 knockdown abolished the effects of Frizzled-7 activation on the expressions of VE-Cadherin, Claudin-5 and ZO-1 at 24 h after ICH. CONCLUSIONS Frizzled-7 activation potentially attenuated BBB permeability and improved neurological deficits after ICH through Dvl/β-Catenin/WISP1 pathway. Frizzled-7 may be a potential target for the development of ICH therapeutic drugs.
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25
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Sompel K, Elango A, Smith AJ, Tennis MA. Cancer chemoprevention through Frizzled receptors and EMT. Discov Oncol 2021; 12:32. [PMID: 34604862 PMCID: PMC8429367 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-021-00429-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Frizzled (FZD) transmembrane receptors are well known for their role in β-catenin signaling and development and now understanding of their role in the context of cancer is growing. FZDs are often associated with the process of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) through β-catenin, but some also influence EMT through non-canonical pathways. With ten different FZDs, there is a wide range of activity from oncogenic to tumor suppressive depending on the tissue context. Alterations in FZD signaling can occur during development of premalignant lesions, supporting their potential as targets of chemoprevention agents. Agonizing or antagonizing FZD activity may affect EMT, which is a key process in lesion progression often targeted by chemoprevention agents. Recent studies identified a specific FZD as important for activity of an EMT inhibiting chemopreventive agent and other studies have highlighted the previously unrecognized potential for targeting small molecules to FZD receptors. This work demonstrates the value of investigating FZDs in chemoprevention and here we provide a review of FZDs in cancer EMT and their potential as chemoprevention targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- K. Sompel
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E 19th AVE, RC2 Box C272, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - A. Elango
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E 19th AVE, RC2 Box C272, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - A. J. Smith
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E 19th AVE, RC2 Box C272, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - M. A. Tennis
- Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12700 E 19th AVE, RC2 Box C272, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
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26
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Frizzled 7 Activates β-Catenin-Dependent and β-Catenin-Independent Wnt Signalling Pathways During Developmental Morphogenesis: Implications for Therapeutic Targeting in Colorectal Cancer. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021. [PMID: 34455486 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
Frizzled7 activates β-catenin-dependent and β-catenin-independent Wnt signalling pathways, is highly conserved through evolution from the ancient phylum hydra to man, plays essential roles in stem cells, tissue homeostasis and regeneration in the adult, and is upregulated in diverse cancers. Much of what is known about the core components of the Wnt signalling pathways was derived from studying the function of Frizzled7 orthologues in the development of lower organism. As we interrogate Frizzled7 signalling and function for therapeutic targeting in cancer, it is timely to revisit lower organisms to gain insight into the context dependent and dynamic nature of Wnt signalling for effective drug design.
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27
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Chong ZX, Yeap SK, Ho WY. Unraveling the roles of miRNAs in regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in osteosarcoma. Pharmacol Res 2021; 172:105818. [PMID: 34400316 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma is one of the most prevalent primary bone tumors with a high metastatic and recurrence rate with poor prognosis. MiRNAs are short and non-coding RNAs that could regulate various cellular activities and one of them is the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Osteosarcoma cells that have undergone EMT would lose their cellular polarity and acquire invasive and metastatic characteristics. Our literature search showed that many pre-clinical and clinical studies have reported the roles of miRNAs in modulating the EMT process in osteosarcoma and compared to other cancers like breast cancer, there is a lack of review article which effectively summarizes the various roles of EMT-regulating miRNAs in osteosarcoma. This review, therefore, was aimed to discuss and summarize the EMT-promoting and EMT-suppressing roles of different miRNAs in osteosarcoma. The review would begin with the discussion on the concepts and principles of EMT, followed by the exploration of the diverse roles of EMT-regulating miRNAs in osteosarcoma. Subsequently, the potential use of miRNAs as prognostic biomarkers in osteosarcoma to predict the likelihood of metastases and as therapeutic agents would be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Xiong Chong
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Swee Keong Yeap
- China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences, Xiamen University Malaysia, 43900 Sepang, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Wan Yong Ho
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor, Malaysia.
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28
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Targeting the crosstalk between canonical Wnt/β-catenin and inflammatory signaling cascades: A novel strategy for cancer prevention and therapy. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 227:107876. [PMID: 33930452 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Emerging scientific evidence indicates that inflammation is a critical component of tumor promotion and progression. Most cancers originate from sites of chronic irritation, infections and inflammation, underscoring that the tumor microenvironment is largely orchestrated by inflammatory cells and pro-inflammatory molecules. These inflammatory components are intimately involved in neoplastic processes which foster proliferation, survival, invasion, and migration, making inflammation the primary target for cancer prevention and treatment. The influence of inflammation and the immune system on the progression and development of cancer has recently gained immense interest. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, an evolutionarily conserved signaling strategy, has a critical role in regulating tissue development. It has been implicated as a major player in cancer development and progression with its regulatory role on inflammatory cascades. Many naturally-occurring and small synthetic molecules endowed with inherent anti-inflammatory properties inhibit this aberrant signaling pathway, making them a promising class of compounds in the fight against inflammatory cancers. This article analyzes available scientific evidence and suggests a crosslink between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and inflammatory pathways in inflammatory cancers, especially breast, gastrointestinal, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. We also highlight emerging experimental findings that numerous anti-inflammatory synthetic and natural compounds target the crosslink between Wnt/β-catenin pathway and inflammatory cascades to achieve cancer prevention and intervention. Current challenges, limitations, and future directions of research are also discussed.
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29
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Xi L, Liu Q, Zhang W, Luo L, Song J, Liu R, Wei S, Wang Y. Circular RNA circCSPP1 knockdown attenuates doxorubicin resistance and suppresses tumor progression of colorectal cancer via miR-944/FZD7 axis. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:153. [PMID: 33663510 PMCID: PMC7934234 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01855-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been reported to play vital roles in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, only a few circRNAs have been experimentally validated and functionally described. In this research, we aimed to reveal the functional mechanism of circCSPP1 in CRC. METHODS 36 DOX sensitive and 36 resistant CRC cases participated in this study. The expression of circCSPP1, miR-944 and FZD7 were detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and the protein levels of FZD7, MRP1, P-gp and LRP were detected by western blot. Cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis were assessed by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2, 5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, transwell assay, or flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The interaction between miR-944 and circCSPP1 or frizzled-7 (FZD7) was predicted by Starbase 3.0 and verified by the dual luciferase reporter assay, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and RNA pull down assay. Xenograft tumor assay was performed to examine the effect of circCSPP1 on tumor growth in vivo. RESULTS The expression of circCSPP1 and FZD7 was upregulated while miR-944 expression was downregulated in doxorubicin (DOX)-resistant CRC tissues and cells. CircCSPP1 knockdown significantly downregulated enhanced doxorubicin sensitivity, suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion, and induced apoptosis in DOX-resistant CRC cells. Interestingly, we found that circCSPP1 directly downregulated miR-944 expression and miR-944 decreased FZD7 level through targeting to 3' untranslated region (UTR) of FZD7. Furthermore, circCSPP1 mediated DOX-resistant CRC cell progression and doxorubicin sensitivity by regulating miR-944/FZD7 axis. Besides, circCSPP1 downregulation dramatically repressed CRC tumor growth in vivo. CONCLUSION Our data indicated that circCSPP1 knockdown inhibited DOX-resistant CRC cell growth and enhanced doxorubicin sensitivity by miR-944/FZD7 axis, providing a potential target for CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Xi
- Department of Surgery of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Quanlin Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Zhengzhou Anorectal Hospital, No. 51, Longhai East Road, Zhengzhou, 450004, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Zhengzhou Anorectal Hospital, No. 51, Longhai East Road, Zhengzhou, 450004, China
| | - Linshan Luo
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Zhengzhou Anorectal Hospital, No. 51, Longhai East Road, Zhengzhou, 450004, China
| | - Jingfeng Song
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Zhengzhou Anorectal Hospital, No. 51, Longhai East Road, Zhengzhou, 450004, China
| | - Ruitao Liu
- Department of Large Intestine, Zhengzhou Anorectal Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shue Wei
- Department of Large Intestine, Zhengzhou Anorectal Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Zhengzhou Anorectal Hospital, No. 51, Longhai East Road, Zhengzhou, 450004, China
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30
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Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway regulates physiological processes such as cell proliferation and differentiation, cell fate decisions, and stem cell maintenance and, thus, plays essential roles in embryonic development, but also in adult tissue homeostasis and repair. The Wnt signaling pathway has been associated with heart development and repair and has been shown to be crucially involved in proliferation and differentiation of progenitor cells into cardiomyocytes. The investigation of the role of the Wnt signaling pathway and the regulation of its expression/activity in atrial fibrillation has only just begun. The present minireview (I) provides original data regarding the expression of Wnt signaling components in atrial tissue of patients with atrial fibrillation or sinus rhythm and (II) summarizes the current state of knowledge of the regulation of Wnt signaling components' expression/activity and the contribution of the various levels of the Wnt signal transduction pathway to the processes of the development, maintenance, and progression of atrial fibrillation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Wolke
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald D-17475, Germany
| | - Elmer Antileo
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald D-17475, Germany
| | - Uwe Lendeckel
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald D-17475, Germany
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31
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Wang Y, Zhao G, Condello S, Huang H, Cardenas H, Tanner EJ, Wei J, Ji Y, Li J, Tan Y, Davuluri RV, Peter ME, Cheng JX, Matei D. Frizzled-7 Identifies Platinum-Tolerant Ovarian Cancer Cells Susceptible to Ferroptosis. Cancer Res 2021; 81:384-399. [PMID: 33172933 PMCID: PMC7855035 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-1488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Defining traits of platinum-tolerant cancer cells could expose new treatment vulnerabilities. Here, new markers associated with platinum-tolerant cells and tumors were identified using in vitro and in vivo ovarian cancer models treated repetitively with carboplatin and validated in human specimens. Platinum-tolerant cells and tumors were enriched in ALDH+ cells, formed more spheroids, and expressed increased levels of stemness-related transcription factors compared with parental cells. Additionally, platinum-tolerant cells and tumors exhibited expression of the Wnt receptor Frizzled-7 (FZD7). Knockdown of FZD7 improved sensitivity to platinum, decreased spheroid formation, and delayed tumor initiation. The molecular signature distinguishing FZD7+ from FZD7- cells included epithelial-to-mesenchymal (EMT), stemness, and oxidative phosphorylation-enriched gene sets. Overexpression of FZD7 activated the oncogenic factor Tp63, driving upregulation of glutathione metabolism pathways, including glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), which protected cells from chemotherapy-induced oxidative stress. FZD7+ platinum-tolerant ovarian cancer cells were more sensitive and underwent ferroptosis after treatment with GPX4 inhibitors. FZD7, Tp63, and glutathione metabolism gene sets were strongly correlated in the ovarian cancer Tumor Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and in residual human ovarian cancer specimens after chemotherapy. These results support the existence of a platinum-tolerant cell population with partial cancer stem cell features, characterized by FZD7 expression and dependent on the FZD7-β-catenin-Tp63-GPX4 pathway for survival. The findings reveal a novel therapeutic vulnerability of platinum-tolerant cancer cells and provide new insight into a potential "persister cancer cell" phenotype. SIGNIFICANCE: Frizzled-7 marks platinum-tolerant cancer cells harboring stemness features and altered glutathione metabolism that depend on GPX4 for survival and are highly susceptible to ferroptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Guangyuan Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Salvatore Condello
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Hao Huang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Horacio Cardenas
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Edward J Tanner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - JianJun Wei
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Yanrong Ji
- Division of Health and Biomedical Informatics, Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Junjie Li
- Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Yuying Tan
- Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ramana V Davuluri
- Division of Health and Biomedical Informatics, Department of Preventive Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Marcus E Peter
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ji-Xin Cheng
- Department of Physics, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniela Matei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois.
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois
- Jesse Brown Veteran Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois
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32
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Agostino M, Pohl SÖG. Activation barriers in Class F G protein-coupled receptors revealed by umbrella sampling simulations. Org Biomol Chem 2020; 18:9816-9825. [PMID: 33290484 DOI: 10.1039/d0ob02175j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The Class F G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) include Smoothened and the ten Frizzled receptors, which are major cell membrane receptors in the Hedgehog and Wnt signalling pathways respectively and of enormous interest in embryonic development and as therapeutic targets in cancer. Recent crystal structures of Smoothened provide the opportunity to investigate the structural biology of Class F GPCRs in more detail, in turn, informing the development of therapeutics. A key question in this area is how one receptor may trigger distinct pathways - particularly relevant for Wnt signalling, in which signals may be transduced from a Frizzled via Dishevelled or G proteins, depending on the context. In this study, we employ adiabatic biased molecular dynamics and umbrella sampling to investigate the activation of Smoothened and Frizzled-7 in both the native state and bound to endogenous ligands, as well as how the clinically used Smoothened antagonist vismodegib alters this signalling. The results highlight key energetic barriers in the activation of these receptors, and the molecular features of the receptors mediating these barriers, demonstrating our approach as a robust means of investigating signalling through these receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Agostino
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin Health Innovation Research Institute (CHIRI), and Curtin Institute for Computation, Curtin University, Bentley, Western Australia, Australia.
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33
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Höving AL, Sielemann K, Greiner JFW, Kaltschmidt B, Knabbe C, Kaltschmidt C. Transcriptome Analysis Reveals High Similarities between Adult Human Cardiac Stem Cells and Neural Crest-Derived Stem Cells. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:biology9120435. [PMID: 33271866 PMCID: PMC7761507 DOI: 10.3390/biology9120435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
For the identification of a stem cell population, the comparison of transcriptome data enables the simultaneous analysis of tens of thousands of molecular markers and thus enables the precise distinction of even closely related populations. Here, we utilized global gene expression profiling to compare two adult human stem cell populations, namely neural crest-derived inferior turbinate stem cells (ITSCs) of the nasal cavity and human cardiac stem cells (hCSCs) from the heart auricle. We detected high similarities between the transcriptomes of both stem cell populations, particularly including a range of neural crest-associated genes. However, global gene expression likewise reflected differences between the stem cell populations with regard to their niches of origin. In a broader analysis, we further identified clear similarities between ITSCs, hCSCs and other adherent stem cell populations compared to non-adherent hematopoietic progenitor cells. In summary, our observations reveal high similarities between adult human cardiac stem cells and neural crest-derived stem cells from the nasal cavity, which include a shared relation to the neural crest. The analyses provided here may help to understand underlying molecular regulators determining differences between adult human stem cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna L. Höving
- Department of Cell Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (J.F.W.G.); (B.K.)
- Heart and Diabetes Centre NRW, Institute for Laboratory and Transfusion Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, 32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany;
- Correspondence: (A.L.H.); (C.K.)
| | - Katharina Sielemann
- Genetics and Genomics of Plants, Center for Biotechnology (CeBiTec), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany;
- Graduate School DILS, Bielefeld Institute for Bioinformatics Infrastructure (BIBI), Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Johannes F. W. Greiner
- Department of Cell Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (J.F.W.G.); (B.K.)
| | - Barbara Kaltschmidt
- Department of Cell Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (J.F.W.G.); (B.K.)
- AG Molecular Neurobiology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Cornelius Knabbe
- Heart and Diabetes Centre NRW, Institute for Laboratory and Transfusion Medicine, Ruhr-University Bochum, 32545 Bad Oeynhausen, Germany;
| | - Christian Kaltschmidt
- Department of Cell Biology, Bielefeld University, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany; (J.F.W.G.); (B.K.)
- Correspondence: (A.L.H.); (C.K.)
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Lionetti MC, Cola F, Chepizhko O, Fumagalli MR, Font-Clos F, Ravasio R, Minucci S, Canzano P, Camera M, Tiana G, Zapperi S, Porta CAML. MicroRNA-222 Regulates Melanoma Plasticity. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9082573. [PMID: 32784455 PMCID: PMC7464186 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9082573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and highly resistant tumors. Cell plasticity in melanoma is one of the main culprits behind its metastatic capabilities. The detailed molecular mechanisms controlling melanoma plasticity are still not completely understood. Here we combine mathematical models of phenotypic switching with experiments on IgR39 human melanoma cells to identify possible key targets to impair phenotypic switching. Our mathematical model shows that a cancer stem cell subpopulation within the tumor prevents phenotypic switching of the other cancer cells. Experiments reveal that hsa-mir-222 is a key factor enabling this process. Our results shed new light on melanoma plasticity, providing a potential target and guidance for therapeutic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Lionetti
- Center for Complexity and Biosystems, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.C.L.); (M.R.F.)
| | - Filippo Cola
- Center for Complexity and Biosystems, Department of Physics, University of Milan, via Celoria 16, 20133 Milano, Italy; (F.C.); (F.F.-C.); (G.T.); (S.Z.)
| | - Oleksandr Chepizhko
- Institut für Theoretische Physik, Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck, Technikerstrasse 21a, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria;
| | - Maria Rita Fumagalli
- Center for Complexity and Biosystems, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.C.L.); (M.R.F.)
- CNR-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Biophysics institute, via De Marini 6, 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Francesc Font-Clos
- Center for Complexity and Biosystems, Department of Physics, University of Milan, via Celoria 16, 20133 Milano, Italy; (F.C.); (F.F.-C.); (G.T.); (S.Z.)
| | - Roberto Ravasio
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milano, Italy; (R.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Saverio Minucci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milano, Italy; (R.R.); (S.M.)
| | - Paola Canzano
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino I.R.C.C.S., Via Carlo Parea 4, 20138 Milano, Italy; (P.C.); (M.C.)
| | - Marina Camera
- Centro Cardiologico Monzino I.R.C.C.S., Via Carlo Parea 4, 20138 Milano, Italy; (P.C.); (M.C.)
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9/11/13, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Guido Tiana
- Center for Complexity and Biosystems, Department of Physics, University of Milan, via Celoria 16, 20133 Milano, Italy; (F.C.); (F.F.-C.); (G.T.); (S.Z.)
| | - Stefano Zapperi
- Center for Complexity and Biosystems, Department of Physics, University of Milan, via Celoria 16, 20133 Milano, Italy; (F.C.); (F.F.-C.); (G.T.); (S.Z.)
- CNR-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Chimica della Materia Condensata e di Tecnologie per l’Energia, Via R. Cozzi 53, 20125 Milano, Italy
| | - Caterina A. M. La Porta
- Center for Complexity and Biosystems, Department of Environmental Science and Policy, University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.C.L.); (M.R.F.)
- CNR-Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Biophysics institute, via De Marini 6, 16149 Genova, Italy
- Innovation for Well-Being and Environment (CR-I-WE), University of Milan, via Celoria 26, 20133 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence:
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35
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Liver regeneration and liver metastasis. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 71:86-97. [PMID: 32532594 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Surgical resection for primary and secondary hepatic neoplasms provides the best chance of cure. Advanced surgical techniques such as portal vein embolisation, two-staged hepatectomy and associated liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged-hepatectomy (ALPPS) have facilitated hepatic resection in patients with previously unresectable, bi-lobar disease. These techniques are frequently employed to ensure favourable clinical outcomes and avoid potentially fatal post-operative complications such as small for size syndrome and post-hepatectomy liver failure. However, they rely on the innate ability of the liver to regenerate. As our knowledge of liver organogenesis, liver regeneration and hepatocarcinogenesis has expanded in recent decades it has come to light that liver regeneration may also drive tumour recurrence. Clinical studies in patients undergoing portal vein embolisation indicate that tumours may progress following the procedure in concordance with liver regeneration and hypertrophy, however overall survival in these patients has not been shown to be worse. In this article, we delve into the mechanisms underlying liver regeneration to better understand the complex ways in which this may affect tumour behaviour and ultimately inform clinical decisions.
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36
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Tran BM, Flanagan DJ, Ebert G, Warner N, Tran H, Fifis T, Kastrappis G, Christophi C, Pellegrini M, Torresi J, Phesse TJ, Vincan E. The Hepatitis B Virus Pre-Core Protein p22 Activates Wnt Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061435. [PMID: 32486480 PMCID: PMC7352296 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
An emerging theme for Wnt-addicted cancers is that the pathway is regulated at multiple steps via various mechanisms. Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major risk factor for liver cancer, as is deregulated Wnt signaling, however, the interaction between these two causes is poorly understood. To investigate this interaction, we screened the effect of the various HBV proteins for their effect on Wnt/β-catenin signaling and identified the pre-core protein p22 as a novel and potent activator of TCF/β-catenin transcription. The effect of p22 on TCF/β-catenin transcription was dose dependent and inhibited by dominant-negative TCF4. HBV p22 activated synthetic and native Wnt target gene promoter reporters, and TCF/β-catenin target gene expression in vivo. Importantly, HBV p22 activated Wnt signaling on its own and in addition to Wnt or β-catenin induced Wnt signaling. Furthermore, HBV p22 elevated TCF/β-catenin transcription above constitutive activation in colon cancer cells due to mutations in downstream genes of the Wnt pathway, namely APC and CTNNB1. Collectively, our data identifies a previously unappreciated role for the HBV pre-core protein p22 in elevating Wnt signaling. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of p22 activity will provide insight into how Wnt signaling is fine-tuned in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bang Manh Tran
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia; (B.M.T.); (D.J.F.)
| | - Dustin James Flanagan
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia; (B.M.T.); (D.J.F.)
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Gregor Ebert
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia; (G.E.); (H.T.); (M.P.)
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Nadia Warner
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne 3000, Australia;
| | - Hoanh Tran
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia; (G.E.); (H.T.); (M.P.)
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Theodora Fifis
- Department of Surgery, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia; (T.F.); (G.K.); (C.C.)
| | - Georgios Kastrappis
- Department of Surgery, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia; (T.F.); (G.K.); (C.C.)
| | - Christopher Christophi
- Department of Surgery, Austin Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia; (T.F.); (G.K.); (C.C.)
| | - Marc Pellegrini
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville 3052, Australia; (G.E.); (H.T.); (M.P.)
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, Australia
| | - Joseph Torresi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia;
| | - Toby James Phesse
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia; (B.M.T.); (D.J.F.)
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK
- Correspondence: (T.J.P.); (E.V.); Tel.: +44-0-29-2068-849 (T.J.P.); +613 9342 9348 (E.V.)
| | - Elizabeth Vincan
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia; (B.M.T.); (D.J.F.)
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne 3000, Australia;
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
- Correspondence: (T.J.P.); (E.V.); Tel.: +44-0-29-2068-849 (T.J.P.); +613 9342 9348 (E.V.)
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Diverse LEF/TCF Expression in Human Colorectal Cancer Correlates with Altered Wnt-Regulated Transcriptome in a Meta-Analysis of Patient Biopsies. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11050538. [PMID: 32403323 PMCID: PMC7288467 DOI: 10.3390/genes11050538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrantly activated Wnt signaling causes cellular transformation that can lead to human colorectal cancer. Wnt signaling is mediated by Lymphoid Enhancer Factor/T-Cell Factor (LEF/TCF) DNA-binding factors. Here we investigate whether altered LEF/TCF expression is conserved in human colorectal tumor sample and may potentially be correlated with indicators of cancer progression. We carried out a meta-analysis of carefully selected publicly available gene expression data sets with paired tumor biopsy and adjacent matched normal tissues from colorectal cancer patients. Our meta-analysis confirms that among the four human LEF/TCF genes, LEF1 and TCF7 are preferentially expressed in tumor biopsies, while TCF7L2 and TCF7L1 in normal control tissue. We also confirm positive correlation of LEF1 and TCF7 expression with hallmarks of active Wnt signaling (i.e., AXIN2 and LGR5). We are able to correlate differential LEF/TCF gene expression with distinct transcriptomes associated with cell adhesion, extracellular matrix organization, and Wnt receptor feedback regulation. We demonstrate here in human colorectal tumor sample correlation of altered LEF/TCF gene expression with quantitatively and qualitatively different transcriptomes, suggesting LEF/TCF-specific transcriptional regulation of Wnt target genes relevant for cancer progression and survival. This bioinformatics analysis provides a foundation for future more detailed, functional, and molecular analyses aimed at dissecting such functional differences.
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Bats ML, Bougaran P, Peghaire C, Gueniot F, Abelanet A, Chan H, Séguy C, Jeanningros S, Jaspard-Vinassa B, Couffinhal T, Duplàa C, Dufourcq P. Therapies targeting Frizzled-7/β-catenin pathway prevent the development of pathological angiogenesis in an ischemic retinopathy model. FASEB J 2019; 34:1288-1303. [PMID: 31914666 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201901886r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Retinopathies remain major causes of visual impairment in diabetic patients and premature infants. Introduction of anti-angiogenic drugs targeting vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has transformed therapy for these proliferative retinopathies. However, limitations associated with anti-VEGF medications require to unravel new pathways of vessel growth to identify potential drug targets. Here, we investigated the role of Wnt/Frizzled-7 (Fzd7) pathway in a mouse model of oxygen-induced retinopathy (OIR). Using transgenic mice, which enabled endothelium-specific and time-specific Fzd7 deletion, we demonstrated that Fzd7 controls both vaso-obliteration and neovascular phases (NV). Deletion of Fzd7 at P12, after the ischemic phase of OIR, prevented formation of aberrant neovessels into the vitreous by suppressing proliferation of endothelial cells (EC) in tufts. Next we validated in vitro two Frd7 blocking strategies: a monoclonal antibody (mAbFzd7) against Fzd7 and a soluble Fzd7 receptor (CRD). In vivo a single intravitreal microinjection of mAbFzd7 or CRD significantly attenuated retinal neovascularization (NV) in mice with OIR. Molecular analysis revealed that Fzd7 may act through the activation of Wnt/β-catenin and Jagged1 expression to control EC proliferation in extra-retinal neovessels. We identified Fzd7/β-catenin signaling as new regulator of pathological retinal NV. Fzd7 appears to be a potent pharmacological target to prevent or treat aberrant angiogenesis of ischemic retinopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Lise Bats
- Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inserm U1034, Pessac, France.,Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux U1034, Bordeaux, France.,Service de Biochimie clinique, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pauline Bougaran
- Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inserm U1034, Pessac, France.,Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux U1034, Bordeaux, France
| | - Claire Peghaire
- Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inserm U1034, Pessac, France.,NHLI-Vascular Science, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Florian Gueniot
- Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inserm U1034, Pessac, France.,Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux U1034, Bordeaux, France
| | - Alice Abelanet
- Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inserm U1034, Pessac, France.,Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux U1034, Bordeaux, France
| | - Hélène Chan
- Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inserm U1034, Pessac, France
| | - Camille Séguy
- Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inserm U1034, Pessac, France
| | | | - Béatrice Jaspard-Vinassa
- Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inserm U1034, Pessac, France.,Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux U1034, Bordeaux, France
| | - Thierry Couffinhal
- Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inserm U1034, Pessac, France.,Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux U1034, Bordeaux, France.,Service des Maladies cardiaques et vasculaires, CHU de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Cécile Duplàa
- Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inserm U1034, Pessac, France.,Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux U1034, Bordeaux, France
| | - Pascale Dufourcq
- Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, Inserm U1034, Pessac, France.,Biology of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Bordeaux U1034, Bordeaux, France
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Hansen S, Nile AH, Mehta SC, Fuhrmann J, Hannoush RN. Lead Optimization Yields High Affinity Frizzled 7-Targeting Peptides That Modulate Clostridium difficile Toxin B Pathogenicity in Epithelial Cells. J Med Chem 2019; 62:7739-7750. [PMID: 31429553 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Frizzled 7 (FZD7) receptors have been shown to play a central role in intestinal stem cell regeneration and, more recently, in Clostridium difficile pathogenesis. Yet, targeting FZD7 receptors with small ligands has not been explored as an approach to block C. difficile pathogenesis. Here, we report the discovery of high affinity peptides that selectively bind to FZD7 receptors. We describe an integrated approach for lead optimization, utilizing structure-based rational design and directed evolution, to enhance the peptide binding affinity while still maintaining FZD7 receptor selectivity. This work yielded new peptide leads with picomolar binding constants to FZD7 as measured by biophysical methods. The new peptides block the interaction between C. difficile toxin B (TcdB) and FZD receptors and perturb C. difficile pathogenesis in epithelial cells. As such, our findings provide a proof of concept that targeting FZD receptors could be a viable pharmacological approach to protect epithelial cells from TcdB pathogenicity.
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40
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Wnt Binding Affinity Prediction for Putative Frizzled-Type Cysteine-Rich Domains. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20174168. [PMID: 31454915 PMCID: PMC6747125 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Several proteins other than the frizzled receptors (Fzd) and the secreted Frizzled-related proteins (sFRP) contain Fzd-type cysteine-rich domains (CRD). We have termed these domains “putative Fzd-type CRDs”, as the relevance of Wnt signalling in the majority of these is unknown; the RORs, an exception to this, are well known for mediating non-canonical Wnt signalling. In this study, we have predicted the likely binding affinity of all Wnts for all putative Fzd-type CRDs. We applied both our previously determined Wnt‒Fzd CRD binding affinity prediction model, as well as a newly devised model wherein the lipid term was forced to contribute favourably to the predicted binding energy. The results obtained from our new model indicate that certain putative Fzd CRDs are much more likely to bind Wnts, in some cases exhibiting selectivity for specific Wnts. The results of this study inform the investigation of Wnt signalling modulation beyond Fzds and sFRPs.
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41
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Flanagan DJ, Vincan E, Phesse TJ. Wnt Signaling in Cancer: Not a Binary ON:OFF Switch. Cancer Res 2019; 79:5901-5906. [PMID: 31431458 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-1362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the March 1 issue of Cancer Research, we identified the Wnt receptor Fzd7 as an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancer. In summary, we showed that pharmacological inhibition of Wnt receptors, or genetic deletion of Fzd7, blocks the initiation and growth of gastric tumors. Inhibiting Fzd receptors, specifically Fzd7, inhibits the growth of gastric cancer cells even in the presence of adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) mutation. Apc is located in the cytoplasm downstream of Fzd7 in the Wnt signaling cascade and APC mutations activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling, therefore, this result seems counterintuitive. Here, we analyze this result in greater detail in the context of current knowledge of Wnt signaling and discuss the wider implications of this aspect of Wnt signaling in other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth Vincan
- University of Melbourne and Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia. .,School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Toby J Phesse
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom. .,Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
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42
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Torresi J, Tran BM, Christiansen D, Earnest-Silveira L, Schwab RHM, Vincan E. HBV-related hepatocarcinogenesis: the role of signalling pathways and innovative ex vivo research models. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:707. [PMID: 31319796 PMCID: PMC6637598 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5916-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is the leading cause of liver cancer, but the mechanisms by which HBV causes liver cancer are poorly understood and chemotherapeutic strategies to cure liver cancer are not available. A better understanding of how HBV requisitions cellular components in the liver will identify novel therapeutic targets for HBV associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MAIN BODY The development of HCC involves deregulation in several cellular signalling pathways including Wnt/FZD/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, IRS1/IGF, and Ras/Raf/MAPK. HBV is known to dysregulate several hepatocyte pathways and cell cycle regulation resulting in HCC development. A number of these HBV induced changes are also mediated through the Wnt/FZD/β-catenin pathway. The lack of a suitable human liver model for the study of HBV has hampered research into understanding pathogenesis of HBV. Primary human hepatocytes provide one option; however, these cells are prone to losing their hepatic functionality and their ability to support HBV replication. Another approach involves induced-pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived hepatocytes. However, iPS technology relies on retroviruses or lentiviruses for effective gene delivery and pose the risk of activating a range of oncogenes. Liver organoids developed from patient-derived liver tissues provide a significant advance in HCC research. Liver organoids retain the characteristics of their original tissue, undergo unlimited expansion, can be differentiated into mature hepatocytes and are susceptible to natural infection with HBV. CONCLUSION By utilizing new ex vivo techniques like liver organoids it will become possible to develop improved and personalized therapeutic approaches that will improve HCC outcomes and potentially lead to a cure for HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Torresi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Bang Manh Tran
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Dale Christiansen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Linda Earnest-Silveira
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Renate Hilda Marianne Schwab
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
| | - Elizabeth Vincan
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3010 Australia
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, WA 6845 Australia
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43
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Ghosh N, Hossain U, Mandal A, Sil PC. The Wnt signaling pathway: a potential therapeutic target against cancer. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1443:54-74. [PMID: 31017675 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The role of the evolutionarily conserved Wnt signaling pathway is well documented in several cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, cell motility, and maintenance of the stem cell niche. The very first indication that aberrant Wnt signaling can cause carcinogenesis came from a finding that the mutation of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene (APC) predisposes a person to colorectal carcinoma. Later, with progressing research it became clear that abnormal activation or mutation of the genes related to this pathway could drive tumorigenesis. Here, we review recent advances in research regarding Wnt signaling regulation and its role in several cancer subtypes. Additionally, the utility of Wnt pathway-targeted cancer therapy intervention is also highlighted, with an overview of current approaches to target the Wnt pathway in oncogenesis and the future scopes and challenges associated with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noyel Ghosh
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Uday Hossain
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Ankita Mandal
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Parames C Sil
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
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44
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Structure-guided design fine-tunes pharmacokinetics, tolerability, and antitumor profile of multispecific frizzled antibodies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:6812-6817. [PMID: 30894493 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1817246116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling occurs frequently in cancer. However, therapeutic targeting of this pathway is complicated by the role of Wnt in stem cell maintenance and tissue homeostasis. Here, we evaluated antibodies blocking 6 of the 10 human Wnt/Frizzled (FZD) receptors as potential therapeutics. Crystal structures revealed a common binding site for these monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) on FZD, blocking the interaction with the Wnt palmitoleic acid moiety. However, these mAbs displayed gastrointestinal toxicity or poor plasma exposure in vivo. Structure-guided engineering was used to refine the binding of each mAb for FZD receptors, resulting in antibody variants with improved in vivo tolerability and developability. Importantly, the lead variant mAb significantly inhibited tumor growth in the HPAF-II pancreatic tumor xenograft model. Taken together, our data demonstrate that anti-FZD cancer therapeutic antibodies with broad specificity can be fine-tuned to navigate in vivo exposure and tolerability while driving therapeutic efficacy.
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45
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Flanagan DJ, Barker N, Costanzo NSD, Mason EA, Gurney A, Meniel VS, Koushyar S, Austin CR, Ernst M, Pearson HB, Boussioutas A, Clevers H, Phesse TJ, Vincan E. Frizzled-7 Is Required for Wnt Signaling in Gastric Tumors with and Without Apc Mutations. Cancer Res 2019; 79:970-981. [PMID: 30622113 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-2095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 11/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A subset of patients with gastric cancer have mutations in genes that participate in or regulate Wnt signaling at the level of ligand (Wnt) receptor (Fzd) binding. Moreover, increased Fzd expression is associated with poor clinical outcome. Despite these findings, there are no in vivo studies investigating the potential of targeting Wnt receptors for treating gastric cancer, and the specific Wnt receptor transmitting oncogenic Wnt signaling in gastric cancer is unknown. Here, we use inhibitors of Wnt/Fzd (OMP-18R5/vantictumab) and conditional gene deletion to test the therapeutic potential of targeting Wnt signaling in preclinical models of intestinal-type gastric cancer and ex vivo organoid cultures. Pharmacologic targeting of Fzd inhibited the growth of gastric adenomas in vivo. We identified Fzd7 to be the predominant Wnt receptor responsible for transmitting Wnt signaling in human gastric cancer cells and mouse models of gastric cancer, whereby Fzd7-deficient cells were retained in gastric adenomas but were unable to respond to Wnt signals and consequently failed to proliferate. Genetic deletion of Fzd7 or treatment with vantictumab was sufficient to inhibit the growth of gastric adenomas with or without mutations to Apc. Vantictumab is currently in phase Ib clinical trials for advanced pancreatic, lung, and breast cancer. Our data extend the scope of patients that may benefit from this therapeutic approach as we demonstrate that this drug will be effective in treating patients with gastric cancer regardless of APC mutation status. SIGNIFICANCE: The Wnt receptor Fzd7 plays an essential role in gastric tumorigenesis irrespective of Apc mutation status, therefore targeting Wnt/Fzd7 may be of therapeutic benefit to patients with gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dustin J Flanagan
- University of Melbourne & Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nick Barker
- Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore, Singapore.,MRC Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.,NTU School of Biological Sciences, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Elizabeth A Mason
- University of Melbourne, Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Austin Gurney
- OncoMed Pharmaceuticals Inc., Redwood City, California
| | - Valerie S Meniel
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Sarah Koushyar
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Chloe R Austin
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Matthias Ernst
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute and La Trobe University School of Cancer Medicine, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Helen B Pearson
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Toby J Phesse
- University of Melbourne & Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. .,European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Elizabeth Vincan
- University of Melbourne & Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. .,School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
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46
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Berdeaux R, Hutchins C. Anabolic and Pro-metabolic Functions of CREB-CRTC in Skeletal Muscle: Advantages and Obstacles for Type 2 Diabetes and Cancer Cachexia. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:535. [PMID: 31428057 PMCID: PMC6688074 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
cAMP is one of the earliest described mediators of hormone action in response to physiologic stress that allows acute stress responses and adaptation in every tissue. The classic role of cAMP signaling in metabolic tissues is to regulate nutrient partitioning. In response to acute stress, such as epinephrine released during strenuous exercise or fasting, intramuscular cAMP liberates glucose from glycogen and fatty acids from triglycerides. In the long-term, activation of Gs-coupled GPCRs stimulates muscle growth (hypertrophy) and metabolic adaptation through multiple pathways that culminate in a net increase of protein synthesis, mitochondrial biogenesis, and improved metabolic efficiency. This review focuses on regulation, function, and transcriptional targets of CREB (cAMP response element binding protein) and CRTCs (CREB regulated transcriptional coactivators) in skeletal muscle and the potential for targeting this pathway to sustain muscle mass and metabolic function in type 2 diabetes and cancer. Although the muscle-autonomous roles of these proteins might render them excellent targets for both conditions, pharmacologic targeting must be approached with caution. Gain of CREB-CRTC function is associated with excess liver glucose output in type 2 diabetes, and growing evidence implicates CREB-CRTC activation in proliferation and invasion of different types of cancer cells. We conclude that deeper investigation to identify skeletal muscle specific regulatory mechanisms that govern CREB-CRTC transcriptional activity is needed to safely take advantage of their potent effects to invigorate skeletal muscle to potentially improve health in people with type 2 diabetes and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Berdeaux
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, Center for Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, Houston, TX, United States
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry and Cell Biology, The MD Anderson-UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Houston, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Rebecca Berdeaux
| | - Chase Hutchins
- Department of Integrative Biology and Pharmacology, Center for Metabolic and Degenerative Diseases, The Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center Houston, Houston, TX, United States
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Abstract
Wnt signaling regulates physiological processes ranging from cell differentiation to bone formation. Dysregulation of Wnt signaling is linked to several human ailments, including colorectal, pancreatic, and breast cancers. As such, modulation of this pathway has been an attractive strategy for therapeutic development of anticancer agents. Since the discovery of Wnt proteins more than 35 years ago, research efforts continue to focus on understanding the biochemistry of their molecular interactions and their biological functions. Wnt is a secreted glycoprotein covalently modified with a cis-unsaturated fatty acyl group at a conserved serine residue, and this modification is required for Wnt secretion and activity. To initiate signaling, Wnt proteins bind to cell-surface Frizzled (FZD) receptors, but the molecular basis for recognition of Wnt's fatty acyl moiety by the extracellular cysteine-rich domain of FZD has become clear only very recently. Here, we review the most recent developments in the field, focusing on structural and biochemical studies of the FZD receptor family and highlighting new insights into their molecular arrangement and mode of regulation by cis-unsaturated fatty acids. Additionally, we examine how other lipid-binding proteins recognize fatty acyl chains on Wnt proteins in the regulation of Wnt secretion and activities. Altogether, this perspective expands our understanding of fatty acid–protein interactions in the FZD system and provides a basis for guiding future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron H Nile
- From the Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, South San Francisco, California 94080
| | - Rami N Hannoush
- From the Department of Early Discovery Biochemistry, Genentech, South San Francisco, California 94080
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48
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Arzi L, Farahi A, Jafarzadeh N, Riazi G, Sadeghizadeh M, Hoshyar R. Inhibitory Effect of Crocin on Metastasis of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Interfering with Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway in Murine Model. DNA Cell Biol 2018; 37:1068-1075. [DOI: 10.1089/dna.2018.4351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Laleh Arzi
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Farahi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Nazli Jafarzadeh
- Department of Genetics, School of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamhossein Riazi
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Sadeghizadeh
- Department of Genetics, School of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reyhane Hoshyar
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
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49
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The Impact of miRNA in Colorectal Cancer Progression and Its Liver Metastases. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123711. [PMID: 30469518 PMCID: PMC6321452 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Revised: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most commonly diagnosed malignancies with a high incidence and mortality rate. An essential challenge in colorectal cancer management is to identify new prognostic factors that could better estimate the evolution and treatment responses of this disease. Considering their role in cancer development, progression and metastasis, miRNAs have become an important class of molecules suitable for cancer biomarkers discovery. We performed a systematic search of studies investigating the role of miRNAs in colorectal progression and liver metastasis published until October 2018. In this review, we present up-to-date information regarding the specific microRNAs involved in CRC development, considering their roles in alteration of Wnt/βcatenin, EGFR, TGFβ and TP53 signaling pathways. We also emphasize the role of miRNAs in controlling the epithelial⁻mesenchymal transition of CRC cells, a process responsible for liver metastasis in a circulating tumor cell-dependent manner. Furthermore, we discuss the role of miRNAs transported by CRC-derived exosomes in mediating liver metastases, by preparing the secondary pre-metastatic niche and in inducing liver carcinogenesis in a Dicer-dependent manner.
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50
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Yadav K, Singh D, Singh MR. Protein biomarker for psoriasis: A systematic review on their role in the pathomechanism, diagnosis, potential targets and treatment of psoriasis. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 118:1796-1810. [PMID: 30017989 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2018.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Psoriasis is defined as a long-lasting multifactorial inflammatory autoimmune skin condition precisely characterized by delimited, erythematic papules with adherent shiny scales. The conditions are led by hyperproliferative responses of epidermis due to hyperactivation and immature keratinocytes production. The psoriatic skin consists of the thickened epidermal layer, in concurrence with inflammatory exudates in the dermis mainly of dendritic cells, neutrophils, T cells, and macrophages, contributing to the distinct manifestation of psoriatic lesions. It consents to multifaceted and discrete pathology due to the genetic and immunological alteration resulting from abnormal expression of various regulatory and structural proteins. These proteins are associated with various cellular and sub-cellular activities. Therefore, the presence of protein in a pathological cellular environment in the psoriatic lesions as well as in serum could be a great avenue for the insight of pathomechanism, anticipation and diagnosis of psoriasis. Research of protein biomarker in psoriasis is yet a developing realm to be explored by both fundamental and clinical researchers. This review is an attempt to assimilate the current discoveries and revelations of different proteins as a biomarker and their importance in pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and anticipation of both the inflammatory and other dermatological aspects of psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishna Yadav
- University Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492010, India
| | - Deependra Singh
- University Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492010, India; National Centre for Natural Resources, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492010, India
| | - Manju Rawat Singh
- University Institute of Pharmacy, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492010, India; National Centre for Natural Resources, Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University, Raipur, Chhattisgarh 492010, India.
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