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Meli AP, Russell GA, Swaminathan S, Weichselbaum L, MacMahon CA, Pernet E, Karo-Atar D, Rogers D, Rochette A, Fontes G, Mandl JN, Divangahi M, Klein OD, Gregorieff A, Stäger S, King IL. Bcl-6 expression by CD4 + T cells determines concomitant immunity and host resistance across distinct parasitic infections. Mucosal Immunol 2023; 16:801-816. [PMID: 37659724 DOI: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2023.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Cluster of differentiation (CD4+) T cells consist of multiple subtypes, defined by expression of lineage-specific transcription factors, that contribute to the control of infectious diseases by providing help to immune and nonimmune target cells. In the current study, we examined the role of B cell lymphoma (Bcl)-6, a transcriptional repressor and master regulator of T follicular helper cell differentiation, in T cell-mediated host defense against intestinal and systemic parasitic infections. We demonstrate that while Bcl-6 expression by CD4+ T cells is critical for antibody-mediated protective immunity against secondary infection with the nematode Heligmosoides polygyrus bakeri, it paradoxically compromises worm expulsion during primary infection by limiting the generation of interleukin-10 (IL-10)-producing Gata3+ T helper 2 cells. Enhanced worm expulsion in the absence of Bcl-6 expressing T cells was associated with amplified intestinal goblet cell differentiation and increased generation of alternatively activated macrophages, effects that were reversed by neutralization of IL-10 signals. An increase in IL-10 production by Bcl-6-deficient CD4+ T cells was also evident in the context of systemic Leishmania donovani infection, but in contrast to Heligmosoides polygyrus bakeri infection, compromised T helper 1-mediated liver macrophage activation and increased susceptibility to this distinct parasitic challenge. Collectively, our studies suggest that host defense pathways that protect against parasite superinfection and lethal systemic protozoal infections can be engaged at the cost of compromised primary resistance to well-tolerated helminths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre P Meli
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gabriel A Russell
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Laura Weichselbaum
- Department of Orofacial Sciences and Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Clara A MacMahon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Erwan Pernet
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Department of Medicine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Danielle Karo-Atar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Dakota Rogers
- Department of Physiology and McGill Research Centre for Complex Traits, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Annie Rochette
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Research Program, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ghislaine Fontes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Judith N Mandl
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Physiology and McGill Research Centre for Complex Traits, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maziar Divangahi
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Department of Medicine, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ophir D Klein
- Department of Orofacial Sciences and Program in Craniofacial Biology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- Department of Pathology and Cancer Research Program, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Irah L King
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Centre for Microbiome Research, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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2
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Karo-Atar D, Gregorieff A, King IL. Dangerous liaisons: how helminths manipulate the intestinal epithelium. Trends Parasitol 2023; 39:414-422. [PMID: 37076358 DOI: 10.1016/j.pt.2023.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Intestinal helminths remain highly pervasive throughout the animal kingdom by modulating multiple aspects of the host immune response. The intestinal epithelium functions as a physical barrier as well as a sentinel innate immune tissue with the ability to sense and respond to infectious agents. Although helminths form intimate interactions with the epithelium, comprehensive knowledge about host-helminth interactions at this dynamic interface is lacking. In addition, little is known about the ability of helminths to directly shape the fate of this barrier tissue. Here, we review the diverse pathways by which helminths regulate the epithelium and highlight the emerging field of direct helminth regulation of intestinal stem cell (ISC) fate and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Karo-Atar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Pathology, McGill University and Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Irah L King
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Centre for Microbiome Research, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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3
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Messina-Pacheco J, Gregorieff A. A57 VANISHING PANCREAS: HIPPO-MEDIATED FOCAL REPLACEMENT OF THE EXOCRINE PANCREAS WITH ADIPOSE TISSUE. J Can Assoc Gastroenterol 2023. [PMCID: PMC9991099 DOI: 10.1093/jcag/gwac036.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The pancreas exhibits remarkable inherent cellular plasticity in response to injury. To prevent inflammatory injury or death, acinar cells can undergo transient acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) by suspending normal cell functions and adopting characteristics of ductal cells. However, persistent ADM in the setting of chronic pancreatitis predisposes to pancreatic cancer. Less frequently, acinar cells have also been found to undergo acinar-to-adipocyte transdifferentiation, but the mechanisms and clinical significance of this process are largely unknown. Recent studies have identified that the Hippo signaling pathway and its effectors are vital for pancreatic development and function. Purpose YAP is highly expressed in normal pancreatic ducts and transiently in acinar cells undergoing ADM, suggesting a dual role for YAP in (1) the homeostatic maintenance of pancreatic ductal cells, and (2) the regenerative response to injury in acinar cells. However, little is known about the cell type-specific effects of YAP/TAZ on pancreas homeostasis and regeneration. Method We investigated the homeostatic functions of Yap and Taz in the pancreas by conditionally ablating Yap/Taz in both acinar cells and ductal cells using the previously described CluCreERT mouse line. We also established a pancreatic ductal cell-derived organoid system. The efficiency of in vitro Cre recombinase induction was confirmed in Yapfl/fl;Tazfl/fl;CluCre-ERT;LSL-tdTomato (YTKO) ductal organoids. Result(s) We observed severe atrophy and a pancreatitis-like phenotype in the pancreata of YTKO mice following tamoxifen induction. At later time-points, YTKO pancreata were progressively remodeled – the exocrine pancreas was almost entirely replaced by adipose tissue and large hyperplastic ductal structures. We will perform further lineage tracing experiments to determine whether infiltrating adipose cells derive directly from transdifferentiating acinar cells. YTKO pancreatic ductal organoids exhibited disrupted survival and proliferation, evidenced by increased expression of cleaved Caspase3 and decreased EdU incorporation compared to vehicle-treated controls. Conclusion(s) Although some flexibility in cell fate potential is beneficial for the regenerative capacity of the pancreas, dramatic changes in cellular identity can have disastrous consequences. Overall, this study revealed that disruptions in Hippo signaling in the adult murine pancreas led to failure of regeneration and the complete remodeling of the exocrine pancreas, and has shed light on the previously uncharacterized role of Hippo signaling in acinar-to-adipocyte transdifferentiation. The potential contribution of fatty infiltration of the pancreas to the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and pancreatic cancer merits further exploration. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below CIHR, Other Please indicate your source of funding; Fonds de recherche du Quebec - Sante (FRQS) Disclosure of Interest None Declared CELLULAR & MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY
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Affiliation(s)
- J Messina-Pacheco
- Department of Pathology, McGill University,Cancer Research Program, Research Institute - McGill University Health Centre,McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Canada
| | - A Gregorieff
- Department of Pathology, McGill University,Cancer Research Program, Research Institute - McGill University Health Centre,McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Canada
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Masztalerz A, Gregorieff A, Lemay S, Takano T. Multiplex In Situ Hybridization in the Study of Acute Kidney Injury : Multiplex In Situ Hybridization in AKI. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2664:217-232. [PMID: 37423993 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3179-9_16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Recently developed in situ hybridization (ISH) methods, such as RNAscope™, have greatly expanded the accessibility and usefulness of ISH in biomedical research. Among many other advantages over traditional ISH, these newer methods enable the simultaneous use of multiple probes, including combination with antibody or lectin staining. We herein illustrate the application of RNAscope™ multiplex ISH in the study of the adapter protein Dok-4 in acute kidney injury (AKI). Specifically, we used multiplex ISH to define the expression of Dok-4 and some of its putative binding partners, together with nephron segment markers, as well as markers of proliferation and tubular injury. We also illustrate the use of QuPath image analysis software to perform quantitative analyses of multiplex ISH. Furthermore, we describe how these analyses can exploit the uncoupling of mRNA and protein expression in a knockout (KO) mouse created by CRISPR/CAS9-mediated frame shift to carry out highly focused molecular phenotyping studies at the single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Pathology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Serge Lemay
- Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Tomoko Takano
- Research Institute, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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Karo-Atar D, Ouladan S, Javkar T, Joumier L, Matheson MK, Merritt S, Westfall S, Rochette A, Gentile ME, Fontes G, Fonseca GJ, Parisien M, Diatchenko L, von Moltke J, Malleshaiah M, Gregorieff A, King IL. Helminth-induced reprogramming of the stem cell compartment inhibits type 2 immunity. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20212311. [PMID: 35938990 PMCID: PMC9365672 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20212311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Enteric helminths form intimate physical connections with the intestinal epithelium, yet their ability to directly alter epithelial stem cell fate has not been resolved. Here we demonstrate that infection of mice with the parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus bakeri (Hpb) reprograms the intestinal epithelium into a fetal-like state marked by the emergence of Clusterin-expressing revival stem cells (revSCs). Organoid-based studies using parasite-derived excretory-secretory products reveal that Hpb-mediated revSC generation occurs independently of host-derived immune signals and inhibits type 2 cytokine-driven differentiation of secretory epithelial lineages that promote their expulsion. Reciprocally, type 2 cytokine signals limit revSC differentiation and, consequently, Hpb fitness, indicating that helminths compete with their host for control of the intestinal stem cell compartment to promote continuation of their life cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle Karo-Atar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Shaida Ouladan
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tanvi Javkar
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Loick Joumier
- Division of Systems Biology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Sydney Merritt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Susan Westfall
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Annie Rochette
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Maria E. Gentile
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ghislaine Fontes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gregory J. Fonseca
- McGill University Health Centre, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Department of Medicine, Division of Quantitative Life Sciences, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marc Parisien
- Department of Human Genetics, Allen Edwards Centre for Pain Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Luda Diatchenko
- Department of Human Genetics, Allen Edwards Centre for Pain Research, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Mohan Malleshaiah
- Division of Systems Biology, Montreal Clinical Research Institute, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Irah L. King
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Meakins-Christie Laboratories, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Interdisciplinary Initiative in Infection and Immunity, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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6
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Yang H, Messina-Pacheco J, Corredor ALG, Gregorieff A, Liu JL, Nehme A, Najafabadi HS, Riazalhosseini Y, Gao B, Gao ZH. An integrated model of acinar to ductal metaplasia-related N7-methyladenosine regulators predicts prognosis and immunotherapy in pancreatic carcinoma based on digital spatial profiling. Front Immunol 2022; 13:961457. [PMID: 35979350 PMCID: PMC9377277 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.961457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) is a recently recognized, yet less well-studied, precursor lesion of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) developed in the setting of chronic pancreatitis. Through digital spatial mRNA profiling, we compared ADM and adjacent PDAC tissues from patient samples to unveil the bridging genes during the malignant transformation of pancreatitis. By comparing the bridging genes with the 7-methylguanosine (m7G)-seq dataset, we screened 19 m7G methylation genes for a subsequent large sample analysis. We constructed the “m7G score” model based on the RNA-seq data for pancreatic cancer in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and The Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Tumors with a high m7G score were characterized by increased immune cell infiltration, increased genomic instability, higher response rate to combined immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and overall poor survival. These findings indicate that the m7G score is associated with tumor invasiveness, immune cell infiltration, ICI treatment response, and overall patients’ survival. We also identified FN1 and ITGB1 as core genes in the m7Gscore model, which affect immune cell infiltration and genomic instability not only in pancreatic cancer but also in pan-cancer. FN1 and ITGB1 can inhibit immune T cell activition by upregulation of macrophages and neutrophils, thereby leading to immune escape of pancreatic cancer cells and reducing the response rate of ICI treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Julia Messina-Pacheco
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Andrea Liliam Gomez Corredor
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jun-li Liu
- MeDic Program, The Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, & Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Ali Nehme
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill University Genome Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Hamed S. Najafabadi
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill University Genome Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yasser Riazalhosseini
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill University Genome Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bo Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Zu-hua Gao, ; Bo Gao,
| | - Zu-hua Gao
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, British Columbia (BC) Cancer Research Center, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Zu-hua Gao, ; Bo Gao,
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7
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Messina-Pacheco J, Gregorieff A. A gut feeling: diet-sensing mesenchymal cells regulate intestinal stem cell function. Cell Res 2022; 32:605-606. [PMID: 35388145 PMCID: PMC9252993 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-022-00658-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Messina-Pacheco
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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8
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Zhang T, He X, Caldwell L, Goru SK, Ulloa Severino L, Tolosa MF, Misra PS, McEvoy CM, Christova T, Liu Y, Atin C, Zhang J, Hu C, Vukosa N, Chen X, Krizova A, Kirpalani A, Gregorieff A, Ni R, Chan K, Gill MK, Attisano L, Wrana JL, Yuen DA. NUAK1 promotes organ fibrosis via YAP and TGF-β/SMAD signaling. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eaaz4028. [PMID: 35320001 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aaz4028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis is a central pathway that drives progression of multiple chronic diseases, yet few safe and effective clinical antifibrotic therapies exist. In most fibrotic disorders, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-driven scarring is an important pathologic feature and a key contributor to disease progression. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are two closely related transcription cofactors that are important for coordinating fibrogenesis after organ injury, but how they are activated in response to tissue injury has, so far, remained unclear. Here, we describe NUAK family kinase 1 (NUAK1) as a TGF-β-inducible profibrotic kinase that is up-regulated in multiple fibrotic organs in mice and humans. Mechanistically, we show that TGF-β induces a rapid increase in NUAK1 in fibroblasts. NUAK1, in turn, can promote profibrotic YAP and TGF-β/SMAD signaling, ultimately leading to organ scarring. Moreover, activated YAP and TAZ can induce further NUAK1 expression, creating a profibrotic positive feedback loop that enables persistent fibrosis. Using mouse models of kidney, lung, and liver fibrosis, we demonstrate that this fibrogenic signaling loop can be interrupted via fibroblast-specific loss of NUAK1 expression, leading to marked attenuation of fibrosis. Pharmacologic NUAK1 inhibition also reduced scarring, either when initiated immediately after injury or when initiated after fibrosis was already established. Together, our data suggest that NUAK1 plays a critical, previously unrecognized role in fibrogenesis and represents an attractive target for strategies that aim to slow fibrotic disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianzhou Zhang
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Xiaolin He
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Lauren Caldwell
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Santosh Kumar Goru
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Luisa Ulloa Severino
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Monica F Tolosa
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Paraish S Misra
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Caitríona M McEvoy
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Tania Christova
- Donnelly Centre and Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Yong Liu
- Ontario Institute of Cancer Research, Toronto, Ontario M5G OA3, Canada
| | - Cassandra Atin
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Johnny Zhang
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Catherine Hu
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Noah Vukosa
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Xiaolan Chen
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
| | - Adriana Krizova
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, School of Graduate Studies, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Anish Kirpalani
- Department of Medical Imaging, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Ruoyu Ni
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Kin Chan
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Mandeep K Gill
- Donnelly Centre and Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Liliana Attisano
- Donnelly Centre and Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Jeffrey L Wrana
- Center for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt. Sinai Hospital and Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Darren A Yuen
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital (Unity Health Toronto) and Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1T8, Canada
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9
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Messina-Pacheco J, Riazalhosseini Y, Gao ZH, Gregorieff A. Abstract PO-117: The role of Hippo signaling in stromal-epithelial interactions in acinar-to-ductal metaplasia and pancreatic cancer initiation. Cancer Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.panca21-po-117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 7%. PDAC may originate from acinar cell trans-differentiation into ductal-like cells, termed acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM), triggered by chronic pancreatitis and/or mutations in K-Ras. The progression to PDAC is associated with a dense fibrotic stroma, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). YAP is a tension-stimulated CAF activator that promotes ECM stiffening, creating a permissive microenvironment for cancer progression. We hypothesize that the Hippo pathway may coordinate fibroinflammatory signals emanating from the stromal compartment during regenerative responses to acinar cell injury and progression towards PDAC. Methods: To resolve the transcriptional changes occurring during the transition to ADM and PDAC, we mapped the in situ expression of over 1800 RNA targets in patient-derived tissues using NanoString Technologies’ Digital Spatial Profiling (DSP) technology. We also performed immune-profiling and evaluated Yap expression in human ADM by immunohistochemistry. To study the in vivo role of Hippo signaling in stromal cells, we conditionally deleted Yap/Taz in Collagen1a2-producing cells in a murine model of caerulein-induced pancreatitis, which recapitulates many of the features associated with human ADM. I will analyze the resulting phenotype by immunostaining for metaplastic, proliferative, immune and stromal markers. Results: DSP analysis revealed genes implicated in fibroblast activation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), neutrophil activation and IFNγ signaling as potential key drivers of ADM. I will further evaluate the expression of candidate genes and survey Yap expression at the single cell level in human ADM tissue by multiplexed RNAscope in situ hybridization. We found up-regulation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in ADM, and an increasing trend of neutrophil and macrophage accumulation in the progression from normal parenchyma to ADM to PDAC. Conclusions: This work will provide an in-depth understanding of epithelial-stroma crosstalk in ADM and a foundation for the development of new therapeutic strategies for treating non-invasive precursor lesions like ADM, thereby preventing pancreatic cancer progression. Source of Funding: This research is supported by the Fonds de Recherce du Quebec – Santé (FRQS), Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC).
Citation Format: Julia Messina-Pacheco, Yasser Riazalhosseini, Zu-hua Gao, Alex Gregorieff. The role of Hippo signaling in stromal-epithelial interactions in acinar-to-ductal metaplasia and pancreatic cancer initiation [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Special Conference on Pancreatic Cancer; 2021 Sep 29-30. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(22 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-117.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Messina-Pacheco
- 1Department of Pathology, McGill University and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - Yasser Riazalhosseini
- 2Department of Human Genetics, McGill University and the McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Zu-hua Gao
- 1Department of Pathology, McGill University and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- 1Department of Pathology, McGill University and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada,
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10
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Pearson JD, Huang K, Pacal M, McCurdy SR, Lu S, Aubry A, Yu T, Wadosky KM, Zhang L, Wang T, Gregorieff A, Ahmad M, Dimaras H, Langille E, Cole SPC, Monnier PP, Lok BH, Tsao MS, Akeno N, Schramek D, Wikenheiser-Brokamp KA, Knudsen ES, Witkiewicz AK, Wrana JL, Goodrich DW, Bremner R. Binary pan-cancer classes with distinct vulnerabilities defined by pro- or anti-cancer YAP/TEAD activity. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:1115-1134.e12. [PMID: 34270926 PMCID: PMC8981970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2021.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer heterogeneity impacts therapeutic response, driving efforts to discover over-arching rules that supersede variability. Here, we define pan-cancer binary classes based on distinct expression of YAP and YAP-responsive adhesion regulators. Combining informatics with in vivo and in vitro gain- and loss-of-function studies across multiple murine and human tumor types, we show that opposite pro- or anti-cancer YAP activity functionally defines binary YAPon or YAPoff cancer classes that express or silence YAP, respectively. YAPoff solid cancers are neural/neuroendocrine and frequently RB1-/-, such as retinoblastoma, small cell lung cancer, and neuroendocrine prostate cancer. YAP silencing is intrinsic to the cell of origin, or acquired with lineage switching and drug resistance. The binary cancer groups exhibit distinct YAP-dependent adhesive behavior and pharmaceutical vulnerabilities, underscoring clinical relevance. Mechanistically, distinct YAP/TEAD enhancers in YAPoff or YAPon cancers deploy anti-cancer integrin or pro-cancer proliferative programs, respectively. YAP is thus pivotal across cancer, but in opposite ways, with therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel D Pearson
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3A9, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Katherine Huang
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Marek Pacal
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Sean R McCurdy
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Suying Lu
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Arthur Aubry
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3A9, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Tao Yu
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Kristine M Wadosky
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Letian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, ON H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Mohammad Ahmad
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Helen Dimaras
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3A9, Canada; The Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Sciences, Child Health Evaluative Sciences Program, and Center for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Division of Clinical Public Health, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, The University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3M7, Canada
| | - Ellen Langille
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Susan P C Cole
- Division of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Queen's University Cancer Research Institute, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Philippe P Monnier
- Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3A9, Canada; Krembil Research Institute, Vision Division, Krembil Discovery Tower, Toronto, ON M5T 2S8, Canada; Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Benjamin H Lok
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 1P5, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Ming-Sound Tsao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Nagako Akeno
- Division of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA
| | - Daniel Schramek
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Kathryn A Wikenheiser-Brokamp
- Division of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; The Perinatal Institute Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229, USA; Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Erik S Knudsen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Agnieszka K Witkiewicz
- Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Jeffrey L Wrana
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - David W Goodrich
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Rod Bremner
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mt Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON M5G 1X5, Canada; Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5T 3A9, Canada; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada; Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada.
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11
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Rada M, Tsamchoe M, Kapelanski-Lamoureux A, Bloom J, Petrillo S, Tabariès S, Kim DH, Younan P, Gregorieff A, Siegel P, Lazaris A, Metrakos P. Abstract 1927: Cancer cells induce apoptosis in hepatocytes as one of the mechanisms to displace hepatocytes in vessel co-opted colorectal cancer liver metastases. Cancer Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2021-1927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Vessel co-option in colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) has been recognized as one of the mechanistic pathways of resistance against anti-angiogenic therapy. The cancer cells are highly motile in co-opted lesions, which move toward and along the pre-existing sinusoidal vessels and hijack them to gain access to nutrient. The movement of cancer cells is accompanied by displacement of the hepatocytes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this displacement are unclear yet. To examine whether apoptosis involved in hepatocytes displacement by cancer cells in co-opted lesions, we performed immunohistochemical staining for pro-apoptotic markers, such as cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP-1. We observed overexpression of pro-apoptotic markers in liver parenchyma of co-opted lesions compared to angiogenic lesions, specifically the hepatocytes that are in close proximity to the cancer cells. In vitro, we found that culturing hepatocytes with either colorectal cancer cells or conditioned media of co-opted CRCLM organoids induces apoptosis. Importantly, our results also suggested proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK-9 or PC-9) as a potential mediator of cancer cells-driven hepatocytes apoptosis. Altogether, these results confirm that cancer cells exploit apoptosis to establish vessel co-option in CRCLM.
Citation Format: Miran Rada, Migmar Tsamchoe, Audrey Kapelanski-Lamoureux, Jessica Bloom, Stephanie Petrillo, Sébastien Tabariès, Diane H. Kim, Peter Younan, Alex Gregorieff, Peter Siegel, Anthoula Lazaris, Peter Metrakos. Cancer cells induce apoptosis in hepatocytes as one of the mechanisms to displace hepatocytes in vessel co-opted colorectal cancer liver metastases [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1927.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miran Rada
- McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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12
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Ouladan S, Gregorieff A. Taking a Step Back: Insights into the Mechanisms Regulating Gut Epithelial Dedifferentiation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22137043. [PMID: 34208872 PMCID: PMC8268356 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the environmental constraints imposed upon the intestinal epithelium, this tissue must perform essential functions such as nutrient absorption and hormonal regulation, while also acting as a critical barrier to the outside world. These functions depend on a variety of specialized cell types that are constantly renewed by a rapidly proliferating population of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) residing at the base of the crypts of Lieberkühn. The niche components and signals regulating crypt morphogenesis and maintenance of homeostatic ISCs have been intensely studied over the last decades. Increasingly, however, researchers are turning their attention to unraveling the mechanisms driving gut epithelial regeneration due to physical damage or infection. It is now well established that injury to the gut barrier triggers major cell fate changes, demonstrating the highly plastic nature of the gut epithelium. In particular, lineage tracing and transcriptional profiling experiments have uncovered several injury-induced stem-cell populations and molecular markers of the regenerative state. Despite the progress achieved in recent years, several questions remain unresolved, particularly regarding the mechanisms driving dedifferentiation of the gut epithelium. In this review, we summarize the latest studies, primarily from murine models, that define the regenerative processes governing the gut epithelium and discuss areas that will require more in-depth investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaida Ouladan
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montréal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada;
- McGill Regenerative Medicine Network, Montréal, QC H3A 1A3, Canada
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montréal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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13
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Zhang H, Corredor ALG, Messina-Pacheco J, Li Q, Zogopoulos G, Kaddour N, Wang Y, Shi BY, Gregorieff A, Liu JL, Gao ZH. REG3A/REG3B promotes acinar to ductal metaplasia through binding to EXTL3 and activating the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. Commun Biol 2021; 4:688. [PMID: 34099862 PMCID: PMC8184755 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02193-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent acinar to ductal metaplasia (ADM) is a recently recognized precursor of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Here we show that the ADM area of human pancreas tissue adjacent to PDAC expresses significantly higher levels of regenerating protein 3A (REG3A). Exogenous REG3A and its mouse homolog REG3B induce ADM in the 3D culture of primary human and murine acinar cells, respectively. Both Reg3b transgenic mice and REG3B-treated mice with caerulein-induced pancreatitis develop and sustain ADM. Two out of five Reg3b transgenic mice with caerulein-induced pancreatitis show progression from ADM to pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN). Both in vitro and in vivo ADM models demonstrate activation of the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. Exostosin-like glycosyltransferase 3 (EXTL3) functions as the receptor for REG3B and mediates the activation of downstream signaling proteins. Our data indicates that REG3A/REG3B promotes persistent ADM through binding to EXTL3 and activating the RAS-RAF-MEK-ERK signaling pathway. Targeting REG3A/REG3B, its receptor EXTL3, or other downstream molecules could interrupt the ADM process and prevent early PDAC carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huairong Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Andrea Liliam Gomez Corredor
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julia Messina-Pacheco
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Qing Li
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York, NY, USA
| | - George Zogopoulos
- Department of Surgery, McGill University and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nancy Kaddour
- Department of Medicine, McGill University and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Yifan Wang
- Department of Surgery, McGill University and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bing-Yin Shi
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jun-Li Liu
- Department of Medicine, McGill University and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Zu-Hua Gao
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada.
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14
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Le Page AY, de Polo A, Guérard KP, Lazaris A, Petrillo S, Ebrahimizadeh W, Tabariès S, Shinde-Jadhav S, Feldiorean A, Boufaeid N, Kassouf W, Piccirillo C, Siegel P, Aprikian A, Gregorieff A, Lapointe J, Metrakos P, Labbé D. Abstract A26: Immune profiling and organoids generation of a rare case of prostate cancer liver metastasis. Cancer Immunol Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1158/2326-6074.tumimm18-a26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most frequent cancer in men and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Despite major advances in immunotherapy, PCa remains a poor responder. Metastatic PCa is responsible for the majority of PCa-associated mortality. Most PCa metastases are multifocal and display a strong bones tropism (91.1% of cases), but PCa metastases can also spread to the lymph nodes (8.7%), lungs (5.7%), liver (4.5%) and brain (1.8%). Liver metastases are associated with worse prognosis but due to their multifocal nature and frequent spreading to other sites, PCa metastases are rarely resected. Therefore, immunologic characterization of these lesions concomitant with generation of research tools derived from these lesions are urgently needed to understand how to intercept disease progression.
Methods: A 62-year-old male who previously underwent radical prostatectomy in 2016 was diagnosed in July 2018 with a single liver metastasis (5.3 cm) by MRI. The tumor was surgically resected and tumor tissue along with peripheral blood was collected and processed for in-depth immunologic/molecular characterization and generation of tumor models. The study was done in accordance with the guidelines approved by MUHC IRB. Prior written informed consent was obtained from the subject to participate in the study (protocol: SDR-11-066).
Results: The prostatic origin of the tumor mass was confirmed by positivity for PSMA and NKX3.1 expression. Patient-derived xenografts, 2D cell and organoid cultures were generated and immunophenotyping of the innate and adaptive peripheral and tumor-infiltrating immune cells subsets was performed. Genomic alterations are currently being characterized by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Additionally, chromatin accessibility-based characterization of the gene regulatory network of tumor luminal cells (CD49-CD26+) using the assay for transposase-accessible chromatin using sequencing (ATAC-seq) together with RNA-seq is presently under way.
Conclusions: Our collaborative effort will provide the much-needed research tools required to model and understand the processes leading to the rare, but lethal, progression from a localized PCa lesion to liver metastases. Combined with other ongoing research efforts, we believe this case will help us understand the molecular basis to the liver tropism of a subset of PCa metastases and ultimately provide biomarkers for early identification of patients with increased metastatic potential as well as a basis to determine the appropriate immunotherapy modality for metastatic patients.
Citation Format: Aurélie Y. Le Page, Anna de Polo, K-P Guérard, A. Lazaris, S.K. Petrillo, W. Ebrahimizadeh, S. Tabariès, S. Shinde-Jadhav, A. Feldiorean, N. Boufaeid, W. Kassouf, C. Piccirillo, P.M. Siegel, A. Aprikian, A. Gregorieff, J. Lapointe, P. Metrakos, D.P. Labbé. Immune profiling and organoids generation of a rare case of prostate cancer liver metastasis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2018 Nov 27-30; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(4 Suppl):Abstract nr A26.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Y. Le Page
- 1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - Anna de Polo
- 1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - K-P Guérard
- 1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - A. Lazaris
- 2Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - S.K. Petrillo
- 2Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - W. Ebrahimizadeh
- 1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - S. Tabariès
- 3Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - S. Shinde-Jadhav
- 4Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - A. Feldiorean
- 1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - N. Boufaeid
- 1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - W. Kassouf
- 1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - C. Piccirillo
- 5Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, The Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology, McGill University, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - P.M. Siegel
- 3Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - A. Aprikian
- 1Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - A. Gregorieff
- 6Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - J. Lapointe
- 7Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - P. Metrakos
- 6Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,
| | - D.P. Labbé
- 8Division of Urology, Department of Surgery, McGill University, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine; McGill University, Goodman Cancer Research Centre; McGill University, The Centre of Excellence in Translational Immunology, Montreal, QC, Canada
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15
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Ayyaz A, Kumar S, Sangiorgi B, Ghoshal B, Gosio J, Ouladan S, Fink M, Barutcu S, Trcka D, Shen J, Chan K, Wrana JL, Gregorieff A. Single-cell transcriptomes of the regenerating intestine reveal a revival stem cell. Nature 2019; 569:121-125. [PMID: 31019301 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-019-1154-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 268] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The turnover of the intestinal epithelium is driven by multipotent LGR5+ crypt-base columnar cells (CBCs) located at the bottom of crypt zones1. However, CBCs are lost following injury, such as irradiation2, but the intestinal epithelium is nevertheless able to recover3. Thus, a second population of quiescent '+4' cells, or reserve stem cells (RSCs), has previously been proposed to regenerate the damaged intestine4-7. Although CBCs and RSCs were thought to be mutually exclusive4,8, subsequent studies have found that LGR5+ CBCs express RSC markers9 and that RSCs were dispensable-whereas LGR5+ cells were essential-for repair of the damaged intestine3. In addition, progenitors of absorptive enterocytes10, secretory cells11-15 and slow cycling LGR5+ cells16 have been shown to contribute to regeneration whereas the transcriptional regulator YAP1, which is important for intestinal regeneration, was suggested to induce a pro-survival phenotype in LGR5+ cells17. Thus, whether cellular plasticity or distinct cell populations are critical for intestinal regeneration remains unknown. Here we applied single-cell RNA sequencing to profile the regenerating mouse intestine and identified a distinct, damage-induced quiescent cell type that we term the revival stem cell (revSC). revSCs are marked by high clusterin expression and are extremely rare under homoeostatic conditions, yet give rise-in a temporal hierarchy-to all the major cell types of the intestine, including LGR5+ CBCs. After intestinal damage by irradiation, targeted ablation of LGR5+ CBCs, or treatment with dextran sodium sulfate, revSCs undergo a YAP1-dependent transient expansion, reconstitute the LGR5+ CBC compartment and are required to regenerate a functional intestine. These studies thus define a unique stem cell that is mobilized by damage to revive the homoeostatic stem cell compartment and regenerate the intestinal epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arshad Ayyaz
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sandeep Kumar
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bruno Sangiorgi
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Bibaswan Ghoshal
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jessica Gosio
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Shaida Ouladan
- Department of Pathology, McGill University and Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mardi Fink
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Seda Barutcu
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Daniel Trcka
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jess Shen
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kin Chan
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Network Biology Collaboration Centre, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey L Wrana
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. .,Department of Pathology, McGill University and Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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16
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Gill MK, Christova T, Zhang YY, Gregorieff A, Zhang L, Narimatsu M, Song S, Xiong S, Couzens AL, Tong J, Krieger JR, Moran MF, Zlotta AR, van der Kwast TH, Gingras AC, Sicheri F, Wrana JL, Attisano L. A feed forward loop enforces YAP/TAZ signaling during tumorigenesis. Nat Commun 2018; 9:3510. [PMID: 30158528 PMCID: PMC6115388 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-05939-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In most solid tumors, the Hippo pathway is inactivated through poorly understood mechanisms that result in the activation of the transcriptional regulators, YAP and TAZ. Here, we identify NUAK2 as a YAP/TAZ activator that directly inhibits LATS-mediated phosphorylation of YAP/TAZ and show that NUAK2 induction by YAP/TAZ and AP-1 is required for robust YAP/TAZ signaling. Pharmacological inhibition or loss of NUAK2 reduces the growth of cultured cancer cells and mammary tumors in mice. Moreover, in human patient samples, we show that NUAK2 expression is elevated in aggressive, high-grade bladder cancer and strongly correlates with a YAP/TAZ gene signature. These findings identify a positive feed forward loop in the Hippo pathway that establishes a key role for NUAK2 in enforcing the tumor-promoting activities of YAP/TAZ. Our results thus introduce a new opportunity for cancer therapeutics by delineating NUAK2 as a potential target for re-engaging the Hippo pathway. The Hippo pathway is frequently dysregulated in cancer. Here, the authors identify NUAK2 as negative regulator of the Hippo pathway from a siRNA kinome screen and show that NUAK2 promotes YAP/TAZ nuclear localisation while NUAK2 is a transcriptional target of YAP/TAZ, thus providing a feed forward loop to promote tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandeep K Gill
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Tania Christova
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Ying Y Zhang
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Pathology, McGill University and Research Institute of the McGill University Health Center, Montreal, H4A 3J1, QC, Canada
| | - Liang Zhang
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, 999077, Hong Kong, China.,City University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518057, China
| | - Masahiro Narimatsu
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Siyuan Song
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada
| | - Shawn Xiong
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Amber L Couzens
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Jiefei Tong
- Program in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Jonathan R Krieger
- SPARC BioCentre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Michael F Moran
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Program in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.,SPARC BioCentre, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada
| | - Alexandre R Zlotta
- Department of Surgery, Division of Urology, University of Toronto, Mount Sinai Hospital and University Health Network, Toronto, M5G 1X5, ON, Canada
| | - Theodorus H van der Kwast
- Department of Pathology, Toronto General Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Anne-Claude Gingras
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Frank Sicheri
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Jeffrey L Wrana
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Liliana Attisano
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada. .,Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3E1, Canada.
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17
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Abstract
The development of intestinal organoid technology has greatly accelerated research in the field of colorectal cancer. Contrary to traditional cancer cell lines, organoids are composed of multiple cell types arranged in 3D structures highly reminiscent of their native tissues. Thus, organoids provide a near-physiological and readily accessible model to study tissue morphogenesis, adult stem cell behavior and tumorigenesis. Here, we provide protocols for establishing intestinal organoid cultures from genetically modified mouse lines and describe methods to overexpress and knockout genes of interest using lentiviral-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Oatway
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada
| | - Calley L Hirsch
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Canada.
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
- Cancer Research Program of the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada.
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18
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Gregorieff A, Wrana JL. Multiple roles for the hippo effector yap in gut regeneration and cancer initiation. Mol Cell Oncol 2016; 3:e1143992. [PMID: 27314094 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2016.1143992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 01/14/2016] [Accepted: 01/15/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
The Hippo signaling effector Yes-associated protein (Yap) is known for its potent control of tissue growth. Our recent work now shows that Yap promotes regeneration in the intestine by reprogramming intestinal stem cells and blocking their terminal differentiation. Similarly, in tumor-initiating cells Yap regenerative signaling synergizes with Wnt activation to drive adenoma formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Gregorieff
- Centre for Systems Biology, and Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital , Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeffrey L Wrana
- Centre for Systems Biology, and Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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19
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Abstract
Wnt morphogens are notoriously elusive proteins. Thanks to a recent study published in Nature, Clevers and colleagues give us a first glimpse of a mammalian Wnt in action in the gut epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Gregorieff
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Jeffrey L Wrana
- Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Sinai Health System, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
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20
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Gregorieff A, Liu Y, Inanlou MR, Khomchuk Y, Wrana JL. Yap-dependent reprogramming of Lgr5(+) stem cells drives intestinal regeneration and cancer. Nature 2015; 526:715-8. [PMID: 26503053 DOI: 10.1038/nature15382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 400] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The gut epithelium has remarkable self-renewal capacity that under homeostatic conditions is driven by Wnt signalling in Lgr5(+) intestinal stem cells (ISCs). However, the mechanisms underlying ISC regeneration after injury remain poorly understood. The Hippo signalling pathway mediates tissue growth and is important for regeneration. Here we demonstrate in mice that Yap, a downstream transcriptional effector of Hippo, is critical for recovery of intestinal epithelium after exposure to ionizing radiation. Yap transiently reprograms Lgr5(+) ISCs by suppressing Wnt signalling and excessive Paneth cell differentiation, while promoting cell survival and inducing a regenerative program that includes Egf pathway activation. Accordingly, growth of Yap-deficient organoids is rescued by the Egfr ligand epiregulin, and we find that non-cell-autonomous production of stromal epiregulin may compensate for Yap loss in vivo. Consistent with key roles for regenerative signalling in tumorigenesis, we further demonstrate that Yap inactivation abolishes adenomas in the Apc(Min) mouse model of colon cancer, and that Yap-driven expansion of Apc(-/-) organoids requires the Egfr module of the Yap regenerative program. Finally, we show that in vivo Yap is required for progression of early Apc mutant tumour-initiating cells, suppresses their differentiation into Paneth cells, and induces a regenerative program and Egfr signalling. Our studies reveal that upon tissue injury, Yap reprograms Lgr5(+) ISCs by inhibiting the Wnt homeostatic program, while inducing a regenerative program that includes activation of Egfr signalling. Moreover, our findings reveal a key role for the Yap regenerative pathway in driving cancer initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Gregorieff
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Yu Liu
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Mohammad R Inanlou
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Yuliya Khomchuk
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Jeffrey L Wrana
- Centre for Systems Biology, Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada.,Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
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21
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Abstract
In recent years, considerable effort has been directed toward identifying the repertoire of genes specifically expressed in adult stem cells. In this unit, we describe an in situ hybridization protocol adapted for the analysis of gene expression in the intestinal mucosa. This methodology allows researchers to quickly visualize the expression profile of putative stem cell markers with a high degree of sensitivity and resolution.
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22
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Dey A, Robitaille M, Remke M, Maier C, Malhotra A, Gregorieff A, Wrana J, Taylor M, Angers S, Kenney A. MB-02 * SONIC HEDGEHOG INDUCES YB-1 IN A YAP-DEPENDENT MANNER TO REGULATE Igf2 EXPRESSION AND PROLIFERATION IN CEREBELLAR GRANULE NEURON PROGENITORS AND MEDULLOBLASTOMA CELLS. Neuro Oncol 2015. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/nov061.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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23
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Reginensi A, Scott RP, Gregorieff A, Bagherie-Lachidan M, Chung C, Lim DS, Pawson T, Wrana J, McNeill H. Yap- and Cdc42-dependent nephrogenesis and morphogenesis during mouse kidney development. PLoS Genet 2013; 9:e1003380. [PMID: 23555292 PMCID: PMC3605093 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1003380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Yap is a transcriptional co-activator that regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis downstream of the Hippo kinase pathway. We investigated Yap function during mouse kidney development using a conditional knockout strategy that specifically inactivated Yap within the nephrogenic lineage. We found that Yap is essential for nephron induction and morphogenesis, surprisingly, in a manner independent of regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. We used microarray analysis to identify a suite of novel Yap-dependent genes that function during nephron formation and have been implicated in morphogenesis. Previous in vitro studies have indicated that Yap can respond to mechanical stresses in cultured cells downstream of the small GTPases RhoA. We find that tissue-specific inactivation of the Rho GTPase Cdc42 causes a severe defect in nephrogenesis that strikingly phenocopies loss of Yap. Ablation of Cdc42 decreases nuclear localization of Yap, leading to a reduction of Yap-dependent gene expression. We propose that Yap responds to Cdc42-dependent signals in nephron progenitor cells to activate a genetic program required to shape the functioning nephron. The mammalian kidney undergoes reiterative and stereotypical morphogenetic changes to create the elaborately convoluted adult nephron, the functional filtration unit of the kidney. How these sequential morphological events are controlled remains poorly understood. Here we show that the transcriptional activator Yap is essential in the developing murine kidney. Yap mutants have reduced nephrogenesis and defective morphogenesis. Yap function in nephrogenesis is independent of its previously described role in regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. Instead, Yap activity is needed for proper expression of a suite of genes that control cell signaling and cell structure. Remarkably, we find that ablation of Cdc42 phenocopies loss of Yap. We show that Cdc42 is essential for nuclear access of Yap, both in vivo and in tissue culture studies. Taken together, our work shows that Yap and Cdc42 are essential for the cell fate and morphogenesis decisions necessary to shape functioning nephrons, and suggests that Yap functions downstream of Cdc42 during kidney development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antoine Reginensi
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rizaldy P. Scott
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alex Gregorieff
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mazdak Bagherie-Lachidan
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chaeuk Chung
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Dae-Sik Lim
- Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Tony Pawson
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jeff Wrana
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Helen McNeill
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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24
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van Es JH, Sato T, van de Wetering M, Lyubimova A, Yee Nee AN, Gregorieff A, Sasaki N, Zeinstra L, van den Born M, Korving J, Martens ACM, Barker N, van Oudenaarden A, Clevers H. Dll1+ secretory progenitor cells revert to stem cells upon crypt damage. Nat Cell Biol 2012; 14:1099-1104. [PMID: 23000963 DOI: 10.1038/ncb2581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 552] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 08/16/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells generate enterocytes and secretory cells. Secretory lineage commitment requires Notch silencing. The Notch ligand Dll1 is expressed by a subset of immediate stem cell daughters. Lineage tracing in Dll1(GFP-ires-CreERT2) knock-in mice reveals that single Dll1(high) cells generate small, short-lived clones containing all four secretory cell types. Lineage specification thus occurs in immediate stem cell daughters through Notch lateral inhibition. Cultured Dll1(high) cells form long-lived organoids (mini-guts) on brief Wnt3A exposure. When Dll1(high) cells are genetically marked before tissue damage, stem cell tracing events occur. Thus, secretory progenitors exhibit plasticity by regaining stemness on damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan H van Es
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research & University Medical Centre Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Toshiro Sato
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research & University Medical Centre Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marc van de Wetering
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research & University Medical Centre Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anna Lyubimova
- Dept. of Physics & Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Alex Gregorieff
- Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, 600 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada
| | - Nobuo Sasaki
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research & University Medical Centre Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Laura Zeinstra
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research & University Medical Centre Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Maaike van den Born
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research & University Medical Centre Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Korving
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research & University Medical Centre Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Anton C M Martens
- UMC Utrecht, Dept. of Immunology and Cell Biology, PO BOX 85090, 3508AB Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Nick Barker
- Institute of Medical Biology, 06-06 Immunos, Singapore
| | - Alexander van Oudenaarden
- Dept. of Physics & Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht Institute for Developmental Biology and Stem Cell Research & University Medical Centre Utrecht, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, Netherlands
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25
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Varelas X, Miller BW, Sopko R, Song S, Gregorieff A, Fellouse FA, Sakuma R, Pawson T, Hunziker W, McNeill H, Wrana JL, Attisano L. The Hippo Pathway Regulates Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling. Dev Cell 2010; 18:579-91. [DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2010.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 441] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2009] [Revised: 02/10/2010] [Accepted: 03/03/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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26
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Abstract
In recent years, considerable effort has been directed towards identifying the repertoire of genes specifically expressed in adult stem cells. In this unit, we describe an in situ hybridization protocol adapted for the analysis of gene expression in the intestinal mucosa. This methodology allows researchers to quickly visualize the expression profile of putative stem cell markers with a high degree of sensitivity and resolution.
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27
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Gregorieff A, Stange DE, Kujala P, Begthel H, van den Born M, Korving J, Peters PJ, Clevers H. The ets-domain transcription factor Spdef promotes maturation of goblet and paneth cells in the intestinal epithelium. Gastroenterology 2009; 137:1333-45.e1-3. [PMID: 19549527 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2009.06.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2009] [Revised: 06/02/2009] [Accepted: 06/10/2009] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Stem cells within the intestinal epithelium generate daughter cells that undergo lineage commitment and maturation through the combined action of the Wnt and Notch signaling cascades. Both pathways, in turn, regulate transcription factor networks that further define differentiation toward either enterocytes or 1 of 3 secretory cell lineages (Paneth, goblet, or enteroendocrine cells). In this study, we investigated the role of the Wnt-responsive, Ets-domain transcription factor Spdef in the differentiation of goblet and Paneth cells. METHODS The in vivo function of Spdef was examined by disrupting the Spdef gene in mice (Spdef(-/-) mice) and analyzing the intestinal phenotype using a range of histologic techniques and DNA microarray profiling. RESULTS In accordance with expression data, we found that loss of Spdef severely impaired the maturation of goblet and Paneth cells and, conversely, led to an accumulation of immature secretory progenitors. Spdef appears to positively and negatively regulate a specific subset of goblet and Paneth cell genes, including Cryptdins, Mmp7, Ang4, Kallikreins, and Muc2. CONCLUSIONS Spdef acts downstream of Math1 to promote terminal differentiation of a secretory progenitor pool into Paneth and goblet cells.
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28
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Wehkamp J, Wang G, Kübler I, Nuding S, Gregorieff A, Schnabel A, Kays RJ, Fellermann K, Burk O, Schwab M, Clevers H, Bevins CL, Stange EF. The Paneth cell alpha-defensin deficiency of ileal Crohn's disease is linked to Wnt/Tcf-4. J Immunol 2007; 179:3109-18. [PMID: 17709525 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.5.3109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Ileal Crohn's disease (CD), a chronic mucosal inflammation, is characterized by two pertinent features: a specific decrease of Paneth cell-produced antimicrobial alpha-defensins and the presence of mucosal-adherent bacteria. A mutation in NOD2, the muramyl dipeptide recognition receptor, is found in some patients, which leads to an even more pronounced alpha-defensin decrease. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear for the majority of patients. In this study, we report a reduced expression in ileal CD of the Wnt-signaling pathway transcription factor Tcf-4, a known regulator of Paneth cell differentiation and alpha-defensin expression. Within specimens, the levels of Tcf-4 mRNA showed a high degree of correlation with both HD5 and HD6 mRNA. The levels of Tcf-4 mRNA were decreased in patients with ileal disease irrespective of degree of inflammation, but were not decreased in colonic CD or ulcerative colitis. As a functional indicator of Tcf-4 protein, quantitative binding analysis with nuclear extracts from small intestine biopsies to a Tcf-4 high-affinity binding site in the HD-5 and HD-6 promoters showed significantly reduced activity in ileal CD. Furthermore, a causal link was shown in a murine Tcf-4 knockout model, where the comparably reduced expression of Tcf-4 in heterozygous (+/-) mice was sufficient to cause a significant decrease of both Paneth cell alpha-defensin levels and bacterial killing activity. Finally, the association between Paneth cell alpha-defensins and Tcf-4 was found to be independent of the NOD2 genotype. This new link established between a human inflammatory bowel disease and the Wnt pathway/Tcf-4 provides a novel mechanism for pathogenesis in patients with ileal CD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Wehkamp
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch-Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and University of Tübingen, Auerbachstrasse 12, Stuttgart, Germany.
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29
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Abstract
A new study identifies the extracellular matrix (ECM) component, SPARC (secreted protein acidic, rich in cysteine), as a critical determinant of tumour burden in the APCmin/+ model of intestinal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Gregorieff
- Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, the Netherlands
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30
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Brugmann SA, Goodnough LH, Gregorieff A, Leucht P, ten Berge D, Fuerer C, Clevers H, Nusse R, Helms JA. Wnt signaling mediates regional specification in the vertebrate face. Development 2007; 134:3283-95. [PMID: 17699607 DOI: 10.1242/dev.005132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
At early stages of development, the faces of vertebrate embryos look remarkably similar, yet within a very short timeframe they adopt species-specific facial characteristics. What are the mechanisms underlying this regional specification of the vertebrate face? Using transgenic Wnt reporter embryos we found a highly conserved pattern of Wnt responsiveness in the developing mouse face that later corresponded to derivatives of the frontonasal and maxillary prominences. We explored the consequences of disrupting Wnt signaling, first using a genetic approach. Mice carrying compound null mutations in the nuclear mediators Lef1 and Tcf4 exhibited radically altered facial features that culminated in a hyperteloric appearance and a foreshortened midface. We also used a biochemical approach to perturb Wnt signaling and found that in utero delivery of a Wnt antagonist, Dkk1,produced similar midfacial malformations. We tested the hypothesis that Wnt signaling is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism controlling facial morphogenesis by determining the pattern of Wnt responsiveness in avian faces,and then by evaluating the consequences of Wnt inhibition in the chick face. Collectively, these data elucidate a new role for Wnt signaling in regional specification of the vertebrate face, and suggest possible mechanisms whereby species-specific facial features are generated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A Brugmann
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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31
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Muncan V, Sansom OJ, Tertoolen L, Phesse TJ, Begthel H, Sancho E, Cole AM, Gregorieff A, de Alboran IM, Clevers H, Clarke AR. Rapid loss of intestinal crypts upon conditional deletion of the Wnt/Tcf-4 target gene c-Myc. Mol Cell Biol 2006; 26:8418-26. [PMID: 16954380 PMCID: PMC1636776 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00821-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibition of the mutationally activated Wnt cascade in colorectal cancer cell lines induces a rapid G1 arrest and subsequent differentiation. This arrest can be overcome by maintaining expression of a single Tcf4 target gene, the proto-oncogene c-Myc. Since colorectal cancer cells share many molecular characteristics with proliferative crypt progenitors, we have assessed the physiological role of c-Myc in adult crypts by conditional gene deletion. c-Myc-deficient crypts are lost within weeks and replaced by c-Myc-proficient crypts through a fission process of crypts that have escaped gene deletion. Although c-Myc(-/-) crypt cells remain in the cell cycle, they are on average much smaller than wild-type cells, cycle slower, and divide at a smaller cell size. c-Myc appears essential for crypt progenitor cells to provide the necessary biosynthetic capacity to successfully progress through the cell cycle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa Muncan
- Hubrecht Laboratory, Nederlands Institute for Developmental Biology, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Gerhard M, Gregorieff A, Thiele A, Clevers H. Evaluation of Wnt targets during intestinal development and carcinogenesis. Z Gastroenterol 2005. [DOI: 10.1055/s-2005-921795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS In the intestine, the canonical Wnt signaling cascade plays a crucial role in driving the proliferation of epithelial cells. Furthermore, aberrant activation of Wnt signaling is strongly associated with the development of colorectal cancer. Despite this evidence, little is known about the precise identity and localization of Wnts and their downstream effectors in the adult intestine. To address this issue, we examined the expression pattern of all Wnts, Frizzleds (Fzs), low-density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins, Wnt antagonists, and T-cell factors in the murine small intestine and colon and adenomas. METHODS Embryonic, postnatal, and adult intestinal samples were subjected to in situ hybridization by using specific RNA probes for the various genes tested. RESULTS Our analysis showed high expression of several signaling components (including Wnt-3, Wnt-6, Wnt-9b, Frizzled 4, Frizzled 6, Frizzled 7, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5, and secreted Frizzled-related protein 5) in crypt epithelial cells. We also detected Wnt-2b, Wnt-4, Wnt-5a, Wnt-5b, Frizzled 4, and Frizzled 6 in differentiated epithelial and mesenchymal cells of the small intestine and colon. Finally, several factors (Frizzled 4, T-cell factor 1, lymphoid enhancer factor, Dickkopf 2, Dickkopf 3, and Wnt-interacting factor) displayed differential expression in normal vs neoplastic tissue. CONCLUSIONS Our study predicts a much broader role for Wnt signaling in gut development and homeostasis than was previously anticipated from available genetic studies and identifies novel factors likely involved in promoting canonical and noncanonical Wnt signals in the intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Gregorieff
- Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology and Center for Biomedical Genetics, Hubrecht Laboratory, Utrecht
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Gregorieff A, Pinto D, Begthel H, Destrée O, Kielman M, Clevers H. Expression pattern of Wnt signaling components in the adult intestine. Gastroenterology 2005; 129:626-38. [PMID: 16083717 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastro.2005.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 455] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2004] [Accepted: 05/11/2005] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS In the intestine, the canonical Wnt signaling cascade plays a crucial role in driving the proliferation of epithelial cells. Furthermore, aberrant activation of Wnt signaling is strongly associated with the development of colorectal cancer. Despite this evidence, little is known about the precise identity and localization of Wnts and their downstream effectors in the adult intestine. To address this issue, we examined the expression pattern of all Wnts, Frizzleds (Fzs), low-density lipoprotein receptor-related proteins, Wnt antagonists, and T-cell factors in the murine small intestine and colon and adenomas. METHODS Embryonic, postnatal, and adult intestinal samples were subjected to in situ hybridization by using specific RNA probes for the various genes tested. RESULTS Our analysis showed high expression of several signaling components (including Wnt-3, Wnt-6, Wnt-9b, Frizzled 4, Frizzled 6, Frizzled 7, low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5, and secreted Frizzled-related protein 5) in crypt epithelial cells. We also detected Wnt-2b, Wnt-4, Wnt-5a, Wnt-5b, Frizzled 4, and Frizzled 6 in differentiated epithelial and mesenchymal cells of the small intestine and colon. Finally, several factors (Frizzled 4, T-cell factor 1, lymphoid enhancer factor, Dickkopf 2, Dickkopf 3, and Wnt-interacting factor) displayed differential expression in normal vs neoplastic tissue. CONCLUSIONS Our study predicts a much broader role for Wnt signaling in gut development and homeostasis than was previously anticipated from available genetic studies and identifies novel factors likely involved in promoting canonical and noncanonical Wnt signals in the intestine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Gregorieff
- Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology and Center for Biomedical Genetics, Hubrecht Laboratory, Utrecht
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Abstract
The Wnt pathway controls cell fate during embryonic development. It also persists as a key regulator of homeostasis in adult self-renewing tissues. In these tissues, mutational deregulation of the Wnt cascade is closely associated with malignant transformation. The intestinal epithelium represents the best-understood example for the closely linked roles of Wnt signaling in homeostatic self-renewal and malignant transformation. In this review, we outline current understanding of the physiological role of Wnt signaling in intestinal biology. From this perspective, we then describe how mutational subversion of the Wnt cascade leads to colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Gregorieff
- Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology, Hubrecht Laboratory, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
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van Es JH, Jay P, Gregorieff A, van Gijn ME, Jonkheer S, Hatzis P, Thiele A, van den Born M, Begthel H, Brabletz T, Taketo MM, Clevers H. Wnt signalling induces maturation of Paneth cells in intestinal crypts. Nat Cell Biol 2005; 7:381-6. [PMID: 15778706 DOI: 10.1038/ncb1240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 481] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2004] [Accepted: 02/07/2005] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Wnt signalling, which is transduced through beta-catenin/TCF4, maintains the undifferentiated state of intestinal crypt progenitor cells. Mutational activation of the pathway initiates the adenomacarcinoma sequence. Whereas all other differentiated epithelial cells migrate from the crypt onto the villus, Paneth cells home towards the source of Wnt signals--that is, the crypt bottom. Here, we show that expression of a Paneth gene programme is critically dependent on TCF4 in embryonic intestine. Moreover, conditional deletion of the Wnt receptor Frizzled-5 abrogates expression of these genes in Paneth cells in the adult intestine. Conversely, adenomas in Apc-mutant mice and colorectal cancers in humans inappropriately express these Paneth-cell genes. These observations imply that Wnt signals in the crypt can separately drive a stem-cell/progenitor gene programme and a Paneth-cell maturation programme. In intestinal cancer, both gene programmes are activated simultaneously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johan H van Es
- Hubrecht Institute, Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Gregorieff A, Grosschedl R, Clevers H. Hindgut defects and transformation of the gastro-intestinal tract in Tcf4(-/-)/Tcf1(-/-) embryos. EMBO J 2004; 23:1825-33. [PMID: 15057272 PMCID: PMC394245 DOI: 10.1038/sj.emboj.7600191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2003] [Accepted: 03/05/2004] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signalling plays a critical role in both initiating and patterning of the anterior-posterior axis during development. Wnts exert their biological effects, in part, by activating specific target genes through members of the TCF/LEF family of transcription factors. To gain new insight into the role of T-cell factors (or Tcf's) during development, we analysed Tcf4 and Tcf1 compound null embryos. These mutants showed severe caudal truncations, as well as duplications of the neural tube. Unlike other mutations affecting Wnt signalling, paraxial mesoderm formation was not impaired and early caudal markers, such as T, were unaffected. Analysis of endodermal markers uncovered early and specific defects in hindgut expansion, and later an anterior transformation of the gastro-intestinal tract. Our results reveal a novel role for Wnt signalling in early gut morphogenesis and suggest that specific Wnt-driven patterning events are determined by the unique tissue distribution of Tcf/Lef family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Gregorieff
- Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology and Center for Biomedical Genetics, Hubrecht Laboratory, Uppsalalaan, CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Rudolf Grosschedl
- Gene Center and Institute of Biochemistry, University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Clevers
- Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology and Center for Biomedical Genetics, Hubrecht Laboratory, Uppsalalaan, CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology and Center for Biomedical Genetics, Hubrecht Laboratory, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands. Tel.: +31 30 2121831; Fax: +31 30 2121 801; E-mail:
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Abstract
To assess the critical role of Wnt signals in intestinal crypts, we generated transgenic mice ectopically expressing Dickkopf1 (Dkk1), a secreted Wnt inhibitor. We find that epithelial proliferation is greatly reduced coincidentally with the loss of crypts. Although enterocyte differentiation appears unaffected, secretory cell lineages are largely absent. Disrupted intestinal homeostasis is reflected by an absence of nuclear beta-catenin, inhibition of c-myc expression, and subsequent up-regulation of p21CIP1/WAF1. Thus, our data are the first to establish a direct requirement for Wnt ligands in driving proliferation in the intestinal epithelium, and also define an unexpected role for Wnts in controlling secretory cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pinto
- Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology, Hubrecht Laboratory, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Abstract
To assess the critical role of Wnt signals in intestinal crypts, we generated transgenic mice ectopically expressing Dickkopf1 (Dkk1), a secreted Wnt inhibitor. We find that epithelial proliferation is greatly reduced coincidentally with the loss of crypts. Although enterocyte differentiation appears unaffected, secretory cell lineages are largely absent. Disrupted intestinal homeostasis is reflected by an absence of nuclear beta-catenin, inhibition of c-myc expression, and subsequent up-regulation of p21CIP1/WAF1. Thus, our data are the first to establish a direct requirement for Wnt ligands in driving proliferation in the intestinal epithelium, and also define an unexpected role for Wnts in controlling secretory cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Pinto
- Netherlands Institute for Developmental Biology, Hubrecht Laboratory, Uppsalalaan 8, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
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40
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Abstract
Accumulating evidence demonstrates that cytokine receptor signaling is negatively regulated by a family of Src homology 2 domain-containing adaptor molecules termed SOCS (suppressor of cytokine signaling). Previous studies have indicated that the expression of SOCS-related molecules is tightly controlled at the level of transcription. Furthermore, it has been reported that SOCS polypeptides are relatively unstable in cells, unless they are associated with elongins B and C. Herein, we document the existence of a third mechanism of regulation of SOCS function. Our data showed that expression of SOCS-1, a member of the SOCS family, is strongly repressed at the level of translation initiation. Structure-function analyses indicated that this effect is mediated by the 5' untranslated region of socs-1 and that it relates to the presence of two upstream AUGs in this region. Further studies revealed that socs-1 translation is cap-dependent and that it is modulated by eIF4E-binding proteins. In combination, these results uncover a novel level of regulation of SOCS-related molecules. Moreover, coupled with previous findings, they suggest that SOCS expression is tightly regulated through multiple mechanisms, in order to avoid inappropriate interference with cytokine-mediated effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gregorieff
- McGill Cancer Centre and the Departments of Biochemistry, Oncology, and Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6, Canada
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Gregorieff A, Cloutier JF, Veillette A. Sequence requirements for association of protein-tyrosine phosphatase PEP with the Src homology 3 domain of inhibitory tyrosine protein kinase p50(csk). J Biol Chem 1998; 273:13217-22. [PMID: 9582365 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.273.21.13217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Previously, we reported that the inhibitory tyrosine protein kinase p50(csk) is physically associated with the protein-tyrosine phosphatase PEP in hematopoietic cells. This interaction was shown to involve the Src homology 3 (SH3) region of Csk and a proline-rich sequence of PEP termed P1 (SRRTDDEIPPPLPERTPESFIVVEE). In this report, we have attempted to understand the structural basis for the highly specific association of these two molecules in vivo. Our studies revealed that the proline-rich core of the P1 region of PEP (PPPLPERT) was necessary but not sufficient for binding to p50(csk). Additional sequences located carboxyl to this motif were also needed for binding to the Csk SH3 domain in vitro and in vivo. Further analyses revealed that two aliphatic residues (isoleucine 625 and valine 626; PESFIVVEE) were especially important for this effect. In addition to clarifying the molecular basis for the selective ability of PEP to associate with Csk, these results constitute further evidence that sequences outside proline-rich cores dictate the specificity of SH3 domain-mediated interactions in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Gregorieff
- McGill Cancer Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Québec H3G 1Y6, Canada
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Davidson D, Cloutier JF, Gregorieff A, Veillette A. Inhibitory tyrosine protein kinase p50csk is associated with protein-tyrosine phosphatase PTP-PEST in hemopoietic and non-hemopoietic cells. J Biol Chem 1997; 272:23455-62. [PMID: 9287362 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.272.37.23455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
p50(csk) is a cytosolic tyrosine protein kinase expressed in all cell types. Accumulating data show that it inhibits multiple cellular processes, as a consequence of its ability to repress the enzymatic activity of Src family tyrosine protein kinases. We previously demonstrated that, via its Src homology 3 (SH3) domain, Csk is tightly bound to PEP, a protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) exclusively expressed in hemopoietic cells. In this report, we have tested the possibility that Csk also interacts with PTP-PEST, a ubiquitous PTP sharing structural homology with PEP. Our studies revealed that Csk was associated with PTP-PEST in a variety of cell types, including non-hemopoietic cells. This interaction involved the SH3 region of p50(csk) and a proline-rich region (PPPLPERTPESFVLADM) outside the catalytic region of PTP-PEST. Even though both PTP-PEST and PEP were associated with Csk, significant differences were noted between these two PTPs. PTP-PEST, but not PEP, was also complexed with Shc, an adaptor molecule implicated in the Ras pathway. Moreover, PTP-PEST and PEP were found to accumulate primarily in distinct intracellular compartments in cell fractionation studies. In combination, these findings indicated that, like PEP, PTP-PEST is probably involved in Csk-mediated functions in mammalian cells. Moreover, they suggested that the roles of Csk-PTP-PEST and Csk-PEP are likely to be different.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Davidson
- McGill Cancer Centre, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada H3G 1Y6
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