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Mourtada J, Thibaudeau C, Wasylyk B, Jung AC. The Multifaceted Role of Human Dickkopf-3 (DKK-3) in Development, Immune Modulation and Cancer. Cells 2023; 13:75. [PMID: 38201279 PMCID: PMC10778571 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The human Dickkopf (DKK) family includes four main secreted proteins, DKK-1, DKK-2, DKK-3, and DKK-4, as well as the DKK-3 related protein soggy (Sgy-1 or DKKL1). These glycoproteins play crucial roles in various biological processes, and especially modulation of the Wnt signaling pathway. DKK-3 is distinct, with its multifaceted roles in development, stem cell differentiation and tissue homeostasis. Intriguingly, DKK-3 appears to have immunomodulatory functions and a complex role in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or an oncogene, depending on the context. DKK-3 is a promising diagnostic and therapeutic target that can be modulated by epigenetic reactivation, gene therapy and DKK-3-blocking agents. However, further research is needed to optimize DKK-3-based therapies. In this review, we comprehensively describe the known functions of DKK-3 and highlight the importance of context in understanding and exploiting its roles in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jana Mourtada
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tumorale, Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, 67200 Strasbourg, France; (J.M.); (C.T.)
- Laboratoire STREINTH (Stress Response and Innovative Therapies), INSERM U1113 IRFAC, Université de Strasbourg, 67200 Strasbourg, France
| | - Chloé Thibaudeau
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tumorale, Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, 67200 Strasbourg, France; (J.M.); (C.T.)
- Laboratoire STREINTH (Stress Response and Innovative Therapies), INSERM U1113 IRFAC, Université de Strasbourg, 67200 Strasbourg, France
| | - Bohdan Wasylyk
- Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IGBMC), 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France;
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), U 1258, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
- Centre Nationale de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), UMR 7104, 67404 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
- Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Alain C. Jung
- Laboratoire de Biologie Tumorale, Institut de Cancérologie Strasbourg Europe, 67200 Strasbourg, France; (J.M.); (C.T.)
- Laboratoire STREINTH (Stress Response and Innovative Therapies), INSERM U1113 IRFAC, Université de Strasbourg, 67200 Strasbourg, France
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Kang L, Wang X, Wang J, Guo J, Zhang W, Lei R. NRF1 knockdown alleviates lipopolysaccharide-induced pulmonary inflammatory injury by upregulating DKK3 and inhibiting the GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 214:120-129. [PMID: 37402316 PMCID: PMC10711350 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive inflammatory injury is the main cause of the incidence of severe neonatal pneumonia (NP) and associated deaths. Although dickkopf-3 (DKK3) exhibits anti-inflammatory activity in numerous pathological processes, its role in NP is still unknown. In this study, human embryonic lung WI-38 and MRC-5 cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to induce inflammatory injury of NP in vitro. The expression of DKK3 was downregulated in LPS-stimulated WI-38 and MRC-5 cells. DKK3 overexpression decreased LPS-induced inhibition of cell viability, and reduced LPS-induced apoptosis of WI-38 and MRC-5 cells. DKK3 overexpression also reduced LPS-induced production of pro-inflammatory factors such as ROS, IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α. Nuclear respiratory factors 1 (NRF1) knockdown was found to upregulate DKK3 and inactivate the GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway in LPS-injured WI-38 and MRC-5 cells. NRF1 knockdown also suppressed LPS-induced inhibition on cell viability, repressed LPS-induced apoptosis, and inhibited the accumulation of ROS, IL-6, MCP-1, and TNF-α in LPS-injured WI-38 and MRC-5 cells. DKK3 knockdown or re-activation of the GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway reversed the inhibitory effects of NRF1 knockdown on LPS-induced inflammatory injury. In conclusion, NRF1 knockdown can alleviate LPS-triggered inflammatory injury by regulating DKK3 and the GSK-3β/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Zhumadian, Henan Province, China
| | - Xinhua Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Zhumadian, Henan Province, China
| | - Jianfang Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Zhumadian, Henan Province, China
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Wang Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Zhumadian, Henan Province, China
| | - Ruirui Lei
- Department of Neonatology, Zhumadian Central Hospital, Zhumadian, Henan Province, China
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Katase N, Kudo K, Ogawa K, Sakamoto Y, Nishimatsu SI, Yamauchi A, Fujita S. DKK3/CKAP4 axis is associated with advanced stage and poorer prognosis in oral cancer. Oral Dis 2023; 29:3193-3204. [PMID: 35708905 DOI: 10.1111/odi.14277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We previously reported that dickkopf WNT signaling inhibitor 3 (DKK3) would modulate malignant potential of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) via activating Akt. Recently, cytoskeleton associated protein 4 (CKAP4) functions as receptor of DKK3, which activates Akt in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, but its expression and function in OSCC were unclear. METHODS We studied DKK3 and CKAP4 protein expression in OSCC tissue and investigated the correlation between protein expression and clinical data. We also investigated whether antibodies (Ab) for DKK3 or CKAP4 could suppress malignant potential of the cancer cells. RESULTS DKK3/CKAP4 protein expression was observed in majority of OSCC cases and was associated with significantly higher T-stage and TNM stage. Multivariate analysis revealed that DKK3 and CKAP4 were independent prognostic biomarkers for overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS), respectively. Survival analyses revealed that DKK3-positive cases and CKAP4-positive cases showed significantly shorter OS and DFS, respectively, and that DKK3/CKAP4 double-negative cases showed significantly favorable prognosis. Both anti-DKK3Ab and anti-CKAP4Ab could suppress cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. CONCLUSION DKK3/CKAP4 axis is thought to be important in OSCC, and it would be a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Katase
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kodai Kudo
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Nagasaki University Dental School, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Ogawa
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Nagasaki University Dental School, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Yae Sakamoto
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
- Nagasaki University Dental School, Nagasaki, Japan
| | | | - Akira Yamauchi
- Department of Biochemistry, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shuichi Fujita
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
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Ji C, Chen L, Yuan M, Xie W, Sheng X, Yin Q. KDM1A drives hepatoblastoma progression by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through inhibition of DKK3 transcription. Tissue Cell 2023; 81:101989. [PMID: 36642006 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2022.101989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study is to explore the mechanism of KDM1A-regulated hepatoblastoma (HB) development. Cancerous and paracancer tissues of 30 HB patients were collected for detection of KDM1A and DKK3 expression. HuH-6 and HepG2 cells were subjected to assays of cellular activities after treatment with sh-KDM1A, sh-DKK3, and/or XAV-939 (an inhibitor of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway). Chromatin immunoprecipitation was used to determine the interaction of KDM1A with DKK3. Nude mice were injected with HuH-6 cells in which KDM1A was knocked down. KDM1A was highly expressed and DKK3 was lowly expressed in HB patients. Knockdown of KDM1A reduced the proliferative and invasive capabilities of HepG2 and HuH-6 cells and accelerated the cell apoptosis; these influences were nullified by knockdown of DKK3. KDM1A inhibited DKK3 transcription by reducing H3 methylation. XAV-939 treatment inhibited the development of HepG2 and HuH-6 cells in which KDM1A and DKK3 were both knocked down. Knockdown of KDM1A reduced the tumor mass, inactivated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and increased the expression of DKK3 in nude mice. KDM1A stimulates HB development by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway through inhibition of DKK3 transcription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyi Ji
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410007, PR China
| | - Lijian Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410007, PR China
| | - Miaoxian Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410007, PR China
| | - Weixin Xie
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410007, PR China
| | - Xinyi Sheng
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410007, PR China
| | - Qiang Yin
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410007, PR China.
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Al Shareef Z, Ershaid MNA, Mudhafar R, Soliman SSM, Kypta RM. Dickkopf-3: An Update on a Potential Regulator of the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235822. [PMID: 36497305 PMCID: PMC9738550 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dickkopf-3 (Dkk-3) is a member of the Dickkopf family protein of secreted Wingless-related integration site (Wnt) antagonists that appears to modulate regulators of the host microenvironment. In contrast to the clear anti-tumorigenic effects of Dkk-3-based gene therapies, the role of endogenous Dkk-3 in cancer is context-dependent, with elevated expression associated with tumor promotion and suppression in different settings. The receptors and effectors that mediate the diverse effects of Dkk-3 have not been characterized in detail, contributing to an ongoing mystery of its mechanism of action. This review compares the various functions of Dkk-3 in the tumor microenvironment, where Dkk-3 has been found to be expressed by subpopulations of fibroblasts, endothelial, and immune cells, in addition to epithelial cells. We also discuss how the activation or inhibition of Dkk-3, depending on tumor type and context, might be used to treat different types of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zainab Al Shareef
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +971-6505-7250
| | - Mai Nidal Asad Ershaid
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rula Mudhafar
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameh S. M. Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
- College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah P.O. Box 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Robert M. Kypta
- CIC BioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, BRTA, Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160 Derio, Spain
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
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Katase N, Nishimatsu SI, Yamauchi A, Okano S, Fujita S. Establishment of anti-DKK3 peptide for the cancer control in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:352. [PMID: 36376957 PMCID: PMC9664703 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02783-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the head and neck. We identified cancer-specific genes in HNSCC and focused on DKK3 expression. DKK3 gene codes two isoforms of proteins (secreted and non-secreted) with two distinct cysteine rich domains (CRDs). It is reported that DKK3 functions as a negative regulator of oncogenic Wnt signaling and, is therefore, considered to be a tumor suppressor gene. However, our series of studies have demonstrated that DKK3 expression is specifically high in HNSCC tissues and cells, and that DKK3 might determine the malignant potentials of HNSCC cells via the activation of Akt. Further analyses strongly suggested that both secreted DKK3 and non-secreted DKK3 could activate Akt signaling in discrete ways, and consequently exert tumor promoting effects. We hypothesized that DKK3 might be a specific druggable target, and it is necessary to establish a DKK3 inhibitor that can inhibit both secreted and non-secreted isoforms of DKK3. Methods Using inverse polymerase chain reaction, we generated mutant expression plasmids that express DKK3 without CRD1, CRD2, or both CRD1 and CRD2 (DKK3ΔC1, DKK3ΔC2, and DKK3ΔC1ΔC2, respectively). These plasmids were then transfected into HNSCC-derived cells to determine the domain responsible for DKK3-mediated Akt activation. We designed antisense peptides using the MIMETEC program, targeting DKK3-specific amino acid sequences within CRD1 and CRD2. The structural models for peptides and DKK3 were generated using Raptor X, and then a docking simulation was performed using CluPro2. Afterward, the best set of the peptides was applied into HNSCC-derived cells, and the effects on Akt phosphorylation, cellular proliferation, invasion, and migration were assessed. We also investigated the therapeutic effects of the peptides in the xenograft models. Results Transfection of mutant expression plasmids and subsequent functional analyses revealed that it is necessary to delete both CRD1 and CRD2 to inhibit Akt activation and inhibition of proliferation, migration, and invasion. The inhibitory peptides for CRD1 and CRD2 of DKK3 significantly reduced the phosphorylation of Akt, and consequently suppressed cellular proliferation, migration, invasion and in vivo tumor growth at very low doses. Conclusions This inhibitory peptide represents a promising new therapeutic strategy for HNSCC treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-022-02783-9.
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Takeuchi A, Asano N, Imatani A, Saito M, Jin X, Saito M, Kanno T, Hatta W, Uno K, Koike T, Masamune A. Suppressed Cellular Senescence Mediated by T-box3 in Aged Gastric Epithelial Cells may Contribute to Aging-related Carcinogenesis. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2022; 2:772-783. [PMID: 36923312 PMCID: PMC10010334 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Aging is a risk factor for cancers in various organs. Recent advances in the organoid culturing system have made it viable to investigate the influence of aging utilizing these mini organs. In this study, we aimed to examine the implications of aging for gastric carcinogenesis. Gastric organoids established from aged mice grew larger, proliferated vigorously, and survived longer than that from young mice. Because Wnt/β-catenin signaling was intensified in the aged organoids and because removal of Wnt-related factors diminished their proliferation, we investigated for Wnt target gene that contributed to enhanced proliferation and discovered that the aged organoids expressed the transcription factor T-box3 (Tbx3), which has been reported to suppress cellular senescence. Indeed, cellular senescence was suppressed in the aged organoids, and this resulted from enhanced G2-M transition. As for the mechanism involved in the intensified Wnt/β-catenin signaling, we identified that Dickkopf3 (Dkk3) expression was reduced in the aged organoids due to methylation of the Dkk3 gene. Finally, the expression of TBX3 was enhanced in human atrophic gastritis and even more enhanced in human gastric cancers. In addition, its expression correlated positively with patients' age. These results indicated that the emergence of antisenescent property in aged gastric organoids due to enhanced Tbx3 expression led to accelerated cellular proliferation and organoid formation. Because the enhanced Tbx3 expression seen in aged gastric organoids was also observed in human gastric cancer tissues, this Dkk3-Wnt-Tbx3 pathway may be involved in aging-related gastric carcinogenesis. Significance This work provides an insight into the mechanism involved in aging-related gastric carcinogenesis through studies utilizing organoids established from young and aged murine stomachs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akio Takeuchi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Naoki Asano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Akira Imatani
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Masashi Saito
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Xiaoyi Jin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Masahiro Saito
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kanno
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Waku Hatta
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Kaname Uno
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Koike
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan
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Wang X, Zhou Y, Wang C, Zhao Y, Cheng Y, Yu S, Li X, Zhang W, Zhang Y, Quan H. HCV Core protein represses DKK3 expression via epigenetic silencing and activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway during the progression of HCC. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2022; 24:1998-2009. [PMID: 35768685 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02859-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is frequently activated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A number of studies have focused on the aberrant hypermethylation of the DKK family proteins and its role in regulating the activation of specific signaling pathways. However, the exact way by which DKK regulates the signaling pathway caused by Core protein of HCV has not been reported. In the present study, we evaluated the expression level of DKK and its aberrant promoter methylation to investigate the involvement of epigenetic regulation in hepatoma cell lines. The transcription and protein expression of DKK1 was significantly increased, whereas the transcription and protein expression levels of DKK2, DKK3, and DKK4 were significantly decreased following overexpression of Core protein. Pyrosequencing indicated that hypermethylation of DKK3 was increased. This was associated with increased expression of Dnmt1. The investigation of the molecular mechanism indicated that HCV Core protein interacted with Dnmt1, which combined with the promoter of DKK3, leading to methylation of DKK3. Functional studies indicated that Core protein promoted the growth, migration and invasion of cancer cells. However, upregulation of the expression of DKK3 and/or the knockdown of the expression of Dnmt1 inhibited the growth, migration and invasion of cancer cells. Taken together, the data indicated that epigenetic silencing of DKK3 caused by Dnmt1 activated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in HCV Core-mediated HCC. Therefore, DKK3 may be a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Yun Zhou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Chunfu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Yanyan Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Yan Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Suhuai Yu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Xiaofeng Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China
| | - Huiqin Quan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, 710038, China.
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The emerging plasma biomarker Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) and its association with renal and cardiovascular disease in the general population. Sci Rep 2021; 11:8642. [PMID: 33883651 PMCID: PMC8060267 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88107-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) is an emerging biomarker for cardiovascular disease (CVD) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). Herein, baseline DKK3 plasma levels were measured in 8420 subjects from the Prevention of Renal and Vascular ENd-stage Disease (PREVEND) cohort, a large general population cohort, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Associations with clinical variables and outcomes were analysed. Median DKK3 level was 32.8 ng/ml (28.0–39.0). In multivariable linear regression analysis, the strongest correlates for plasma DKK3 were age, body mass index and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). At baseline, 564 (6.7%) subjects had CVD (defined as a myocardial infarction and/or cerebrovascular accident) and 1361 (16.2%) subjects had CKD (defined as eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2 and/or urinary albumin excretion (UAE) > 30 mg/24 h). Of subjects with known CVD and CKD follow-up status (respectively 7828 and 5548), 669 (8.5%) developed CVD and 951 (17.1%) developed CKD (median follow-up respectively 12.5 and 10.2 years). Crude logistic regression analysis revealed that DKK3 levels were associated with prevalent CVD (Odds ratio: 2.14 [1.76–2.61] per DKK3 doubling, P < 0.001) and CKD (Odds ratio: 1.84 [1.59–2.13] per DKK3 doubling, P < 0.001). In crude Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, higher DKK3 levels were associated with higher risk for new-onset CVD (Hazard ratio: 1.47 [1.13–1.91] per DKK3 doubling, P = 0.004) and CKD (Hazard ratio: 1.45, [1.25–1.69] per DKK3 doubling, P < 0.001). However, these associations remained no longer significant after correction for common clinical variables and risk factors, though independently predicted for new-onset CKD in a subgroup of subjects with the lowest UAE values. Together, DKK3 plasma levels are associated with cardiovascular risk factors, but are generally not independently associated with prevalent and new-onset CVD and CKD and only predicted for new-onset CKD in those subjects with the lowest UAE values.
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Fang X, Hu J, Chen Y, Shen W, Ke B. Dickkopf-3: Current Knowledge in Kidney Diseases. Front Physiol 2020; 11:533344. [PMID: 33391006 PMCID: PMC7772396 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2020.533344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dickkopf-related protein 3 (DKK3) is a secreted glycoprotein that has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases. Recent evidence suggests that urinary DKK3 may serve as a potential biomarker for monitoring kidney disease progression and assessing the effects of interventions. We review the biological role of DKK3 as an agonist in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and as an antagonist in idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN). In addition, we present the clinical applications of DKK3 in acute kidney disease and tubulointerstitial fibrosis, suggesting that urine DKK3 may be a potential biomarker for acute kidney disease and CKD. Further research into the mechanism of DKK3 and its use as a diagnostic tool, alone or in combination with other biomarkers, could prove clinically useful for better understanding the pathology of kidney diseases and improving early detection and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangdong Fang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jing Hu
- The Third Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, China
| | - Yanxia Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wen Shen
- Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ben Ke
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Hu Y, Liu M, Xu S, Li S, Yang M, Su T, Yuan Z, Peng H. The Clinical Significance of Dickkopf Wnt Signaling Pathway Inhibitor Gene Family in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e927368. [PMID: 33281184 PMCID: PMC7706141 DOI: 10.12659/msm.927368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dickkopf Wnt signaling pathway inhibitor (DKK) gene family, which is known to inhibit the Wnt regulation process, is widely found in cancers. However, the roles and functions of specific family members in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are still unclear. MATERIAL AND METHODS Online bioinformatics tools (Oncomine, UALCAN, Kaplan-Meier plotter, GEPIA, Metascape, and STRING) were used to analyze the relationships between distinct DKKs and HNSCC. The transcriptome expression, clinical association, functions, pathways, and protein-protein interaction networks of DKKs in HNSCC were explored. RESULTS The mRNA expression of DKK1, DKK3, and Dickkopf-like acrosomal protein 1 (DKKL1) in HNSCC was significantly higher than in normal tissues, while that of DKK4 was lower. The mRNA expression of DKK1, DKK3, and DKKL1 was elevated in higher-grade HNSCC. The mRNA expression of DKK1 and DKK3 was elevated in human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative HNSCC, while DKKL1 had a higher mRNA expression in HPV-positive HNSCC. In addition, DKK1 was significantly associated with unfavorable overall survival in HNSCC patients. DKK3 was more likely to be a negative factor for the 5-year survival rate, while DKK4 was the opposite. DKK1 function was mainly enriched in GTPase-mediated signal transduction. Porcupine O-acyltransferase, a key regulator of the Wnt signaling pathway, was also associated with DKK1 in the protein-protein interaction network. CONCLUSIONS With regard to improving the therapeutic strategies of HNSCC in the future, DKK1 could be an unfavorable prognostic biomarker. DKK3, DKK4, and DKKL1 might be potential biomarkers for HNSCC.
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Distinct Pattern of Endoplasmic Reticulum Protein Processing and Extracellular Matrix Proteins in Functioning and Silent Corticotroph Pituitary Adenomas. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102980. [PMID: 33066652 PMCID: PMC7650558 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Corticotroph pituitary adenomas present a spectrum of functionality regarding hormonal production, ranging from functioning to silent tumors. Moreover, they show different invasiveness and recurrent behavior profiles, the silent being considered an aggressive type of adenomas. Through analyses of global transcriptome and proteome, we show that both groups expressed genes and protein related to protein synthesis and vesicular transport, and present a distinct pattern of collagen/ extracellular matrix proteins. Endoplasmic reticulum protein processing is a key factor for hormone production in functioning corticotroph adenomas. Furthermore, a distinct cell adhesion profile in silent corticotroph adenomas may explain the aggressive behavior. Together, our findings shed light on the different repertoires of activated signaling pathways in corticotroph pituitary adenomas and may reveal new potential medical targets. Abstract Functioning (FCA) and silent corticotroph (SCA) pituitary adenomas act differently from a clinical perspective, despite both subtypes showing positive TBX19 (TPIT) and/or adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) staining by immunohistochemistry. They are challenging to treat, the former due to functional ACTH production and consequently hypercortisolemia, and the latter due to invasive and recurrent behavior. Moreover, the molecular mechanisms behind their distinct behavior are not clear. We investigated global transcriptome and proteome changes in order to identify signaling pathways that can explain FCA and SCA differences (e.g., hormone production vs. aggressive growth). In the transcriptomic study, cluster analyses of differentially expressed genes revealed two distinct groups in accordance with clinical and histological classification. However, in the proteomic study, a greater degree of heterogeneity within the SCA group was found. Genes and proteins related to protein synthesis and vesicular transport were expressed by both adenoma groups, although different types and a distinct pattern of collagen/extracellular matrix proteins were presented by each group. Moreover, several genes related to endoplasmic reticulum protein processing were overexpressed in the FCA group. Together, our findings shed light on the different repertoires of activated signaling pathways in corticotroph adenomas, namely, the increased protein processing capacity of FCA and a specific pattern of adhesion molecules that may play a role in the aggressiveness of SCA.
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Li Y, Li H, Wei X. Long noncoding RNA LINC00261 suppresses prostate cancer tumorigenesis through upregulation of GATA6-mediated DKK3. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:474. [PMID: 33013201 PMCID: PMC7526381 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01484-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death in males. Recent studies have reported aberrant expression of lncRNAs in prostate cancer. This study explores the role of LINC00261 in prostate cancer progression. Methods The differentially expressed genes, transcription factors, and lncRNAs related to prostate cancer were predicted by bioinformatics analysis. Prostate cancer tissue samples and cell lines were collected for the determination of the expression of LINC00261 by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The binding capacity of LINC00261 to the transcription factor GATA6 was detected by RIP, and GATA6 binding to the DKK3 promoter region was assessed by ChIP. In addition, luciferase reporter system was used to verify whether LINC00261 was present at the DKK3 promoter. After gain- and loss-of function approaches, the effect of LINC00261 on prostate cancer in vitro and in vivo was assessed by the determination of cell proliferation, invasion and migration as well as angiogenesis. Results LINC00261, GATA6, and DKK3 were poorly expressed in prostate cancer. LINC00261 could inhibit transcriptional expression of DKK3 by recruiting GATA6. Overexpression of LINC00261 inhibited prostate cancer cells proliferation, migration, and invasion as well as angiogenesis, which could be reversed by silencing DKK3. Furthermore, LINC00261 could also suppress the tumorigenicity of cancer cells in vivo. Conclusions Our study demonstrates the inhibitory role of LINC00261 in prostate cancer progression, providing a novel biomarker for early detection of prostate cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, No. 126, Xiantai Street, Changchun, 130033 Jilin People's Republic of China
| | - Hai Li
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, No. 126, Xiantai Street, Changchun, 130033 Jilin People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Wei
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, No. 126, Xiantai Street, Changchun, 130033 Jilin People's Republic of China
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Shen F, Gan XX, Deng XY, Feng JH, Cai WS, Shen L, Xiao HQ, Xu B. MicroRNA-3690 promotes cell proliferation and cell cycle progression by altering DKK3 expression in human thyroid cancer. Oncol Lett 2020; 20:223. [PMID: 32968445 PMCID: PMC7500009 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An increasing amount of evidence has demonstrated the importance of microRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) in the tumorigenesis of malignant types of cancer, and data retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas database revealed that miR-3690 was upregulated in thyroid cancer (TC). The present study focused on the biological function and mechanism of miR-3690 in TC, demonstrating that miR-3690 expression was significantly elevated in TC cells and clinical tissues. Functional studies indicated that miR-3690 acted as an oncogene in TC by promoting cell proliferation, colony formation and cell cycle progression in association with the increased expression of cyclin E and c-myc. Mechanistically, prediction software indicated that Dickkopf-related protein 3 (DKK3) was a target of miR-3690, which was confirmed by the results of luciferase reporter assays and western blotting. DKK3 silencing abrogated the functions of miR-3690-in on TC cell proliferation. Collectively, the findings of the present study demonstrated that miR-3690 promoted TC cell proliferation and indicated miR-3690 as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for TC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Shen
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China.,Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Xiong Gan
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China.,Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China
| | - Xing-Yan Deng
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China.,Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Hua Feng
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China.,Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Song Cai
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China
| | - Liang Shen
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China
| | - Huan-Qing Xiao
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China.,Department of Thyroid Surgery, Guangzhou First People's Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510180, P.R. China
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Katase N, Nagano K, Fujita S. DKK3 expression and function in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and other cancers. J Oral Biosci 2020; 62:9-15. [PMID: 32032750 DOI: 10.1016/j.job.2020.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer arises from cumulative genetic or epigenetic aberrations, or the destabilization of central signaling pathways that regulate cell proliferation, differentiation, cell cycle, gene transcription, migration, angiogenesis and apoptosis. Investigating the cancer-specific genetic background is important to get deeper apprehension of cancer biology. In this review, we aimed to identify head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)-specific genes and identified DKK3 gene as a candidate. HIGHLIGHT DKK3 belongs to the DKK family (DKK1, DKK2, DKK3 and DKK4), which codes for an evolutionally conserved secreted glycoprotein that is characterized by two distinct cysteine rich domains and functions as an antagonist of the oncogenic Wnt signaling pathway. It has been reported that DKK3 expression is decreased in many kinds of cancers, and it is thus thought to be a tumor suppressor gene. However, our investigations have demonstrated unique expression and function of DKK3 in HNSCC. DKK3 protein expression is predominantly positive in HNSCC, and DKK3-positive patients show significantly shorter disease-free survival rates, whereas DKK3-negative cases do not show metastasis. Molecular biological analyses demonstrated that DKK3 over expression significantly increased HNSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion via increased phosphorylation of AKT. Moreover, DKK3 knockdown in HNSCC cells significantly decreased these malignant potentials through decreased AKT phosphorylation. CONCLUSION Our previously published data, alongside those from other reports, indicate that DKK3 may have an additional oncogenic function other than tumor suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Katase
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan.
| | - Kenichi Nagano
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan
| | - Shuichi Fujita
- Department of Oral Pathology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, Nagasaki, 852-8588, Japan
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Bone secreted factors induce cellular quiescence in prostate cancer cells. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18635. [PMID: 31819067 PMCID: PMC6901558 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54566-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) undergo a dormant state in the distant metastatic site(s) before becoming overt metastatic diseases. In prostate cancer (PCa), bone metastasis can occur years after prostatectomy, suggesting that bone may provide dormancy-inducing factors. To search for these factors, we prepared conditioned media (CM) from calvariae. Using live-cell imaging, we found that Calvarial-CM treatment increased cellular quiescence in C4-2B4 PCa cells. Mass spectrometry analysis of Calvarial-CM identified 132 secreted factors. Western blot and ELISA analyses confirmed the presence of several factors, including DKK3, BMP1, neogenin and vasorin in the Calvarial-CM. qRT-PCR analysis of total calvariae versus isolated osteoblasts showed that DKK3, BMP1, vasorin and neogenin are mainly expressed by osteoblasts, while MIA, LECT1, NGAL and PEDF are expressed by other calvarial cells. Recombinant human DKK3, BMP1, vasorin, neogenin, MIA and NGAL treatment increased cellular quiescence in both C4-2b and C4-2B4 PCa cells. Mechanistically, DKK3, vasorin and neogenin, but not BMP1, increased dormancy through activating the p38MAPK signaling pathway. Consistently, DKK3, vasorin and neogenin failed to induce dormancy in cells expressing dominant-negative p38αMAPK while BMP1 remained active, suggesting that BMP1 uses an alternative dormancy signaling pathway. Thus, bone secretes multiple dormancy-inducing factors that employ distinct signaling pathways to induce DTC dormancy in bone.
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Guo J, Yang Z, Zhou H, Yue J, Mu T, Zhang Q, Bi X. Upregulation of DKK3 by miR‐483‐3p plays an important role in the chemoprevention of colorectal cancer mediated by black raspberry anthocyanins. Mol Carcinog 2019; 59:168-178. [DOI: 10.1002/mc.23138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Guo
- College of Life ScienceLiaoning UniversityShenyang China
| | - Zhe Yang
- College of Life ScienceLiaoning UniversityShenyang China
| | - Hongrui Zhou
- College of Life ScienceLiaoning UniversityShenyang China
| | - Jiaxin Yue
- College of Life ScienceLiaoning UniversityShenyang China
| | - Teng Mu
- College of Life ScienceLiaoning UniversityShenyang China
| | - Qiuhua Zhang
- Department of PharmacologyLiaoning University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShenyang China
| | - Xiuli Bi
- College of Life ScienceLiaoning UniversityShenyang China
- Research Center for Computer Simulating and Information Processing of Bio‐macromolecules of Liaoning ProvinceLiaoning UniversityShenyang China
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Pei Y, Tang Z, Cai M, Yao Q, Xie B, Zhang X. The E2F3/miR-125a/DKK3 regulatory axis promotes the development and progression of gastric cancer. Cancer Cell Int 2019; 19:212. [PMID: 31423109 PMCID: PMC6693087 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-019-0930-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumours with high mortality and metastasis rates. E2F3, miR-125a and DKK3 have been reported to be involved in various cancer types, but their detailed roles in GC have not been fully understood. Methods A QRT-PCR assay was used to examine the expression of E2F3, miR-125a and DKK3 in metastatic and nonmetastatic GC tissues. DKK3 plasmids, DKK3 shRNA, miR-125a mimic and miR-125a inhibitor were transfected into BGC823 cells to evaluate the biological functions of DKK3 and miR-125a. A scratch wound healing assay and Transwell assay were utilized to determine the migratory and invasive ability of BGC823 cells transfected with the DKK3 plasmids, DKK3 shRNA, miR-125a mimic and miR-125a inhibitor. Moreover, qRT-PCR and WB analysis were used to analyse the mRNA and protein expression levels of metastasis-related genes after proper transfection. The target relationship between miR-125a and the DKK3 mRNA 3′UTR was determined by a dual luciferase reporter assay, while the interaction between E2F3 and miR-125a was analysed by a ChIP assay. Results The clinical data showed that the DKK3 expression level in metastatic GC samples was significantly less than that in nonmetastatic GC samples, whereas the E2F3 and miR-125a expression levels in metastatic GC samples were notably greater than those in nonmetastatic GC samples. Moreover, knockdown of DKK3 and overexpression of miR-125a markedly promoted the migratory and invasive abilities of GC cells. Additionally, the protein and mRNA expression levels of metastasis-related genes, including N-cadherin, Vimentin, MMP2 and MMP9, were markedly decreased in the DKK3 and miR-125a inhibitor groups compared to their control groups and markedly increased in the DKK3 shRNA and miR-125a groups compared with the control group. Finally, a dual luciferase reporter assay and ChIP assay showed that E2F3 binds to the miR-125a promoter and that the DKK3 mRNA 3′UTR is a direct target of miR-125a. Furthermore, analysis of Kaplan–Meier curves also confirmed the regulatory role of E2F3 on miR-125a. Additionally, BGC823 cells transfected with E2F3 plasmids and shRNA downregulated and upregulated the expression of DKK3, respectively. Conclusion Our results suggested that E2F3 might play a tumour-promoting role in the metastasis and progression of GC by regulating the miR-125a/DKK3 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihua Pei
- 1Central Laboratory, ZhongShan Hospital XiaMen University, No. 201 Hubin South Road, Xiamen, 361004 Fujian China
| | - Zhiteng Tang
- 2Department of Pathology, ZhongShan Hospital XiaMen University, Xiamen, 361004 Fujian China
| | - Minjing Cai
- 3Department of Center of Clinical Laboratory, ZhongShan Hospital XiaMen University, Xiamen, 361004 Fujian China
| | - Qin Yao
- 1Central Laboratory, ZhongShan Hospital XiaMen University, No. 201 Hubin South Road, Xiamen, 361004 Fujian China
| | - Bozhen Xie
- 4Department of Spine Surgery, ZhongShan Hospital XiaMen University, Xiamen, 361004 Fujian China
| | - Xin Zhang
- 5Department of Rehabilitation, ZhongShan Hospital XiaMen University, Xiamen, 361004 Fujian China
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Abstract
Clinical and preclinical studies over the past 3 decades have uncovered a multitude of signaling pathways involved in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. From these studies, signaling by proteins of the Wnt family has recently emerged as an important player in the development of atherosclerosis. Wnt signaling is characterized by a large number of ligands, receptors, and coreceptors and can be regulated at many different levels. Among Wnt modulators, the evolutionary conserved Dkk (Dickkopf) proteins, and especially Dkk-1, the founding member of the family, are the best characterized. The role of Dkks in the pathophysiology of the arterial wall is only partially understood, but their involvement in atherosclerosis is becoming increasingly evident. This review introduces recent key findings on Dkk proteins and their functions in atherosclerosis and discusses the potential importance of modulating Dkk signaling as part of a novel, improved strategy for preventing and treating atherosclerosis-related diseases.
Visual Overview—
An online visual overview is available for this article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Baetta
- From the Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Cristina Banfi
- From the Centro Cardiologico Monzino, IRCCS, Milano, Italy
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