Regulation of pathophysiological and tissue regenerative functions of MSCs mediated via the WNT signaling pathway (Review)

Unraveling Cancer's Wnt Signaling: Dynamic Control through Protein Kinase Regulation

Since the initial identification of oncogenic Wnt in mice and Drosophila, the Wnt signaling pathway has been subjected to thorough and extensive investigation. Persistent activation of Wnt signaling exerts diverse cancer characteristics, encompassing tumor initiation, tumor growth, cell senescence, cell death, differentiation, and metastasis. Here we review the principal signaling mechanisms and the regulatory influence of pathway-intrinsic and extrinsic kinases on cancer progression. Additionally, we underscore the divergences and intricate interplays of the canonical and non-canonical Wnt signaling pathways and their critical influence in cancer pathophysiology, exhibiting both growth-promoting and growth-suppressing roles across diverse cancer types.

Host-gut microbiota derived secondary metabolite mediated regulation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway: a potential therapeutic axis in IBD and CRC

The intestinal tract encompasses one of the largest mucosal surfaces with a well-structured layer of intestinal epithelial cells supported by a network of underlying lamina propria immune cells maintaining barrier integrity. The commensal microflora in this environment is a major contributor to such functional outcomes due to its prominent role in the production of secondary metabolites. Of the several known metabolites of gut microbial origin, such as Short Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs), amino acid derivatives, etc., secondary bile acids (BAs) are also shown to exhibit pleiotropic effects maintaining gut homeostasis in addition to their canonical role in dietary lipid digestion. However, dysbiosis in the intestine causes an imbalance in microbial diversity, resulting in alterations in the functionally effective concentration of these secondary metabolites, including BAs. This often leads to aberrant activation of the underlying lamina propria immune cells and associated signaling pathways, causing intestinal inflammation. Sustained activation of these signaling pathways drives unregulated cell proliferation and, when coupled with genotoxic stress, promotes tumorigenesis. Here, we aimed to discuss the role of secondary metabolites along with BAs in maintaining immune-gut homeostasis and regulation of inflammation-driven tumorigenesis with emphasis on the classical Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in colon cancer.

The acute spinal cord injury microenvironment and its impact on the homing of mesenchymal stem cells

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a highly debilitating condition that inflicts devastating harm on the lives of affected individuals, underscoring the urgent need for effective treatments. By activating inflammatory cells and releasing inflammatory factors, the secondary injury response creates an inflammatory microenvironment that ultimately determines whether neurons will undergo necrosis or regeneration. In recent years, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have garnered increasing attention for their therapeutic potential in SCI. MSCs not only possess multipotent differentiation capabilities but also have homing abilities, making them valuable as carriers and mediators of therapeutic agents. The inflammatory microenvironment induced by SCI recruits MSCs to the site of injury through the release of various cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, and enzymes. However, this mechanism has not been previously reported. Thus, a comprehensive exploration of the molecular mechanisms and cellular behaviors underlying the interplay between the inflammatory microenvironment and MSC homing is crucial. Such insights have the potential to provide a better understanding of how to harness the therapeutic potential of MSCs in treating inflammatory diseases and facilitating injury repair. This review aims to delve into the formation of the inflammatory microenvironment and how it influences the homing of MSCs.

Phenolated alginate hydrogel induced osteogenic properties of mesenchymal stem cells via Wnt signaling pathway

Osteogenic properties of phenolated alginate (1.2 %) hydrogel containing collagen (0.5 %)/nano-hydroxyapatite (1 %) were studied on human mesenchymal stem cells in vitro. The phenolation rate and physical properties of the hydrogel were assessed using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), swelling ratio, gelation time, mechanical assay, and degradation rate. The viability of encapsulated cells was monitored on days 7, 14, and 21 using an MTT assay. Osteoblast differentiation was studied using western blotting, and real-time PCR. Using PCR array analysis, the role of the Wnt signaling pathway was also investigated. Data showed that the combination of alginate/collagen/nanohydroxyapatite yielded proper mechanical features. The addition of nanohydroxyapatite, and collagen reduced degradation, swelling rate coincided with increased stiffness. Elasticity and pore size were also diminished. NMR and FTIR revealed suitable incorporation of collagen and nanohydroxyapatite in the structure of alginate. Real-time PCR analysis and western blotting indicated the expression of osteoblast-related genes such as Runx2 and osteocalcin. PCR array revealed the induction of numerous genes related to Wnt signaling pathways during the maturation of human stem cells toward osteoblast-like cells. In vivo data indicated that transplantation of phenolated alginate/collagen/nanohydroxyapatite hydrogel led to enhanced de novo bone formation in rats with critical-sized calvarial defects. Phenolated alginate hydrogel can promote the osteogenic capacity of human amniotic membrane mesenchymal stem cells in the presence of nanohydroxyapatite and collagen via engaging the Wnt signaling pathway.

TMT-Based Quantitative Proteomics Analysis Reveals Differentially Expressed Proteins between Different Sources of hMSCs

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are an attractive therapeutic tool for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine owing to their regenerative and trophic properties. The best-known and most widely used are bone marrow MSCs, which are currently being harvested and developed from a wide range of adult and perinatal tissues. MSCs from different sources are believed to have different secretion potentials and production, which may influence their therapeutic effects. To confirm this, we performed a quantitative proteomic analysis based on the TMT technique of MSCs from three different sources: Wharton's jelly (WJ), dental pulp (DP), and bone marrow (BM). Our analysis focused on MSC biological properties of interest for tissue engineering. We identified a total of 611 differentially expressed human proteins. WJ-MSCs showed the greatest variation compared with the other sources. WJ produced more extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and ECM-affiliated proteins and proteins related to the inflammatory and immune response processes. BM-MSCs expressed more proteins involved in osteogenic, adipogenic, neuronal, or muscular differentiation and proteins involved in paracrine communication. Compared to the other sources, DP-MSCs overexpressed proteins involved in the exocytosis process. The results obtained confirm the existence of differences between WJ, DP, and BM-MSCs and the need to select the MSC origin according to the therapeutic objective sought.

PGE2 Produced by Exogenous MSCs Promotes Immunoregulation in ARDS Induced by Highly Pathogenic Influenza A through Activation of the Wnt-β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is an acute respiratory failure caused by cytokine storms; highly pathogenic influenza A virus infection can induce cytokine storms. The innate immune response is vital in this cytokine storm, acting by activating the transcription factor NF-κB. Tissue injury releases a danger-associated molecular pattern that provides positive feedback for NF-κB activation. Exogenous mesenchymal stem cells can also modulate immune responses by producing potent immunosuppressive substances, such as prostaglandin E2. Prostaglandin E2 is a critical mediator that regulates various physiological and pathological processes through autocrine or paracrine mechanisms. Activation of prostaglandin E2 results in the accumulation of unphosphorylated β-catenin in the cytoplasm, which subsequently reaches the nucleus to inhibit the transcription factor NF-κB. The inhibition of NF-κB by β-catenin is a mechanism that reduces inflammation.

Characterization of three novel cell lines derived from the brain of spotted sea bass: Focusing on cell markers and susceptibility toward iridoviruses

Despite tens of cell lines originating from fish brain tissue have been constructed, little is known about the definite cell types they belong to. Whether fish cell lines derived from the brain shares similar characteristics is not well-answered yet. Here, we constructed three cell lines designated as LMB-S, LMB-M, LMB-L using brain tissue of spotted sea bass (Lateolabrax maculatus). Among them, LMB-L was identified as astroglia-like cells considering the high expression of GFAP, DCX, PTX, S100b, which are regarded as astrocyte-specific or astrocyte-associated cell markers. LMB-M exhibited smooth muscle-like features showing strong expression of LMOD1, SLAMP, M-cadherin, MGP, which are confirmed as muscle-restricted or myogenesis-involved cell markers. Although LMB-S was not definitely identified, it appeared an activation of WNT/β-catenin pathway. Besides the distinct expression profiles of cell markers, the three cell lines also presented differences in transfection efficiency and susceptibility to iridovirus infection. Relying on the established cell lines, a novel megalocytivirus, named LMIV (Lateolabrax maculatus iridovirus), was first isolated from diseased spotted sea bass. Genetic analysis of major capsid protein (MCP) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) manifested that LMIV was clearly distinguishable from other representative teleost iridoviruses. Further investigations revealed that LMIV could replicate most efficiently in LMB-L cells obtaining the highest viral load (2.16 × 10¹⁰ copy/mL). By contrast, LMB-S cells gave rise to the highest viral load up to 3.86 × 10⁸ copy/mL, when the three cell lines were infected with MRV, a newly emerged ranavirus. Moreover, LMIV infection caused lots of cells to be detached from monolayers, generating adherent and non-adherent cells. An opposite expression profiling of type I IFN pathway-related genes (JAK1, STAT1, STAT2, IRF9, Mx1) was found between adherent and non-adherent cells. Combined with the analysis of MCP gene expression, it is speculated that inhibiting type I IFN pathway in non-adherent cells allowed the facilitation of virus duplication. Taken together, the present study broadens our understanding about the diversity of cell lines derived from fish brain tissue and screening cells more susceptible to virus is not only meaningful for the development of vaccine, but also provide clues for further clarification of cell-iridovirus interactions.

Cell membrane-based biomimetic nanosystems for advanced drug delivery in cancer therapy: A comprehensive review

Natural types of cells display distinct characteristics with homotypic targeting and extended circulation in the blood, which are worthy of being explored as promising drug delivery systems (DDSs) for cancer therapy. To enhance their delivery efficiency, these cells can be combined with therapeutic agents and artificial nanocarriers to construct the next generation of DDSs in the form of biomimetic nanomedicines. In this review, we present the recent advances in cell membrane-based DDSs (CDDSs) and their applications for efficient cancer therapy. Different sources of cell membranes are discussed, mainly including red blood cells (RBC), leukocytes, cancer cells, stem cells and hybrid cells. Moreover, the extraction methods used for obtaining such cells and the mechanism contributing to the functional action of these biomimetic CDDSs are explained. Finally, a future perspective is proposed to highlight the limitations of CDDSs and the possible resolutions toward clinical transformation of currently developed biomimetic chemotherapies.