Dact2 is involved in the regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition

Genetic requirement of dact1/2 to regulate noncanonical Wnt signaling and calpain 8 during embryonic convergent extension and craniofacial morphogenesis

Wnt signaling plays crucial roles in embryonic patterning including the regulation of convergent extension (CE) during gastrulation, the establishment of the dorsal axis, and later, craniofacial morphogenesis. Further, Wnt signaling is a crucial regulator of craniofacial morphogenesis. The adapter proteins Dact1 and Dact2 modulate the Wnt signaling pathway through binding to Disheveled. However, the distinct relative functions of Dact1 and Dact2 during embryogenesis remain unclear. We found that dact1 and dact2 genes have dynamic spatiotemporal expression domains that are reciprocal to one another suggesting distinct functions during zebrafish embryogenesis. Both dact1 and dact2 contribute to axis extension, with compound mutants exhibiting a similar CE defect and craniofacial phenotype to the wnt11f2 mutant. Utilizing single-cell RNAseq and an established noncanonical Wnt pathway mutant with a shortened axis (gpc4), we identified dact1/2-specific roles during early development. Comparative whole transcriptome analysis between wildtype and gpc4 and wildtype and dact1/2 compound mutants revealed a novel role for dact1/2 in regulating the mRNA expression of the classical calpain capn8. Overexpression of capn8 phenocopies dact1/2 craniofacial dysmorphology. These results identify a previously unappreciated role of capn8 and calcium-dependent proteolysis during embryogenesis. Taken together, our findings highlight the distinct and overlapping roles of dact1 and dact2 in embryonic craniofacial development, providing new insights into the multifaceted regulation of Wnt signaling.

DACT2 modulates atrial fibrillation through TGF/β and Wnt signaling pathways

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that seriously affects the quality of life of patients. Effective treatment and prevention are important to control the morbidity and mortality of AF. It has been found that cardiac fibrosis promotes the onset and progression of AF. It is now known that transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), an important fibrotic cytokine, plays an important role in cardiac fibrosis by inducing myofibroblast activation via the activation of classical (SMAD-based) and non-classical (non-SMAD-based) signaling pathways. In addition, specific activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been shown to promote the transformation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. In recent years, a new family of proteins, namely Disheveled-associated antagonist of beta-catenin (DACT) 2, can affect the Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β signaling pathways by regulating the phosphorylation levels of these target proteins, which in turn affects the progression of fibrosis. The present study focuses on the effect of DACT2-guided β-catenin on atrial fibrosis. It is expected that the summarized information can be helpful in the treatment of AF.

Zebrafish as a Useful Model System for Human Liver Disease

Liver diseases represent a significant global health challenge, thereby necessitating extensive research to understand their intricate complexities and to develop effective treatments. In this context, zebrafish (Danio rerio) have emerged as a valuable model organism for studying various aspects of liver disease. The zebrafish liver has striking similarities to the human liver in terms of structure, function, and regenerative capacity. Researchers have successfully induced liver damage in zebrafish using chemical toxins, genetic manipulation, and other methods, thereby allowing the study of disease mechanisms and the progression of liver disease. Zebrafish embryos or larvae, with their transparency and rapid development, provide a unique opportunity for high-throughput drug screening and the identification of potential therapeutics. This review highlights how research on zebrafish has provided valuable insights into the pathological mechanisms of human liver disease.

Liver fibrosis in fish research: From an immunological perspective

Liver fibrosis is a pathological process whereby the liver is subjected to various acute and chronic injuries, resulting in the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), an imbalance of extracellular matrix generation and degradation, and deposition in the liver. This review article summarizes the current understanding of liver fibrosis in fish research. Liver fibrosis is a common pathological condition that occurs in fish raised in aquaculture. It is often associated with poor water quality, stressful conditions, and the presence of pathogens. The review describes the pathophysiology of liver fibrosis in fish, including the roles of various cells and molecules involved in the development and progression of the disease. The review also covers the various methods used to diagnose and assess the severity of liver fibrosis in fish, including histological analysis, biochemical markers, and imaging techniques. In addition, the article discusses the current treatment options for liver fibrosis in fish, including dietary interventions, pharmaceuticals, and probiotics. This review highlights the need for more in-depth research in this area to better understand the mechanisms by which liver fibrosis in fish occurs and to develop effective prevention and treatment strategies. Finally, improved management practices and the development of new treatments will be critical to the sustainability of aquaculture and the health of farmed fish.

DACT2 protects against pulmonary fibrosis via suppressing glycolysis in lung myofibroblasts

BACKGROUND

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive fibrotic lung disease with poor prognosis and few treatment options. Dapper homolog 2 (DACT2), a member of the DACT gene family, plays crucial roles in tissue development and injury. However, its functions and molecular mechanisms in IPF remain largely unknown. We aimed to investigate the role of DACT2 in the development of pulmonary fibrosis and the therapeutic potential of targeting DACT2 related signaling pathways.

METHODS

In our study, adeno-associated virus serotype 6 (AAV6)-mediated DACT2 overexpression was assessed in several mice models of experimental pulmonary fibrosis in vivo. The role of DACT2 in lung myofibroblast differentiation was determined by DACT2 overexpression in vitro. The glucose uptake, extracellular acidification rate, intracellular adenosine-triphosphate (ATP) level and lactate levels of myofibroblasts were detected after DACT2 overexpression. The LDHA degradation rate and colocalization with lysosomes were monitored as well.

RESULTS

Intratracheal administration of AAV6-mediated DACT2 overexpression apparently attenuated pulmonary fibrosis in experimental pulmonary fibrosis models. In vitro experiments revealed that DACT2 inhibited TGF-β-induced myofibroblast differentiation by promoting lysosome-mediated LDHA degradation and thus suppressing glycolysis in myofibroblasts.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our findings support for DACT2 as a novel pharmacological target for pulmonary fibrosis treatments.

Role of Up-Regulated Transmembrane Channel-Like Protein 5 in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a malignant tumor responsible for a heavy disease burden. Previously, only one pan-cancer study of Transmembrane channel-like protein 5 (TMC5) showed that TMC5 was highly expressed in PAAD, but the results lacked comprehensive verification, and the mechanism of TMC5 in PAAD was still unclear.

METHODS

For exploring the expression and clinical value of TMC5 in PAAD better, we adopted a comprehensive evaluation method, using internal immunohistochemistry (IHC) data combined with microarray and RNA-sequencing data collected from public databases. The single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) data were exploited to explore the TMC5 expression in cell populations and intercellular communication. The potential mechanism of TMC5 in PAAD was analyzed from the aspects of immune infiltration, transcriptional regulation, function and pathway enrichment.

RESULTS

Our IHC data includes 148 PAAD samples and 19 non-PAAD samples, along with the available microarray and RNA-sequencing data (1166 PAAD samples, 704 non-PAAD samples). The comprehensive evaluation results showed that TMC5 was evidently up-regulated in PAAD (SMD = 1.17). Further analysis showed that TMC5 was over-expressed in cancerous epithelial cells. Furthermore, TMC5 was up-regulated in more advanced tumor T and N stages. Interestingly, we found that STAT3 as an immune marker of Th17 cells was not only positively correlated with TMC5 and up-regulated in PAAD tissues, but also the major predicted TMC5 transcription regulator. Moreover, STAT3 was involved in cancer pathway of PAAD.

CONCLUSION

Up-regulated TMC5 indicates advanced tumor stage in PAAD patients, and its role in promoting PAAD development may be regulated by STAT3.

Characterizing genes associated with cancer using the CRISPR/Cas9 system: A systematic review of genes and methodological approaches

The CRISPR/Cas9 system enables a versatile set of genomes editing and genetic-based disease modeling tools due to its high specificity, efficiency, and accessible design and implementation. In cancer, the CRISPR/Cas9 system has been used to characterize genes and explore different mechanisms implicated in tumorigenesis. Different experimental strategies have been proposed in recent years, showing dependency on various intrinsic factors such as cancer type, gene function, mutation type, and technical approaches such as cell line, Cas9 expression, and transfection options. However, the successful methodological approaches, genes, and other experimental factors have not been analyzed. We, therefore, initially considered more than 1,300 research articles related to CRISPR/Cas9 in cancer to finally examine more than 400 full-text research publications. We summarize findings regarding target genes, RNA guide designs, cloning, Cas9 delivery systems, cell enrichment, and experimental validations. This analysis provides valuable information and guidance for future cancer gene validation experiments.

Exome sequencing of families from Ghana reveals known and candidate hearing impairment genes

We investigated hearing impairment (HI) in 51 families from Ghana with at least two affected members that were negative for GJB2 pathogenic variants. DNA samples from 184 family members underwent whole-exome sequencing (WES). Variants were found in 14 known non-syndromic HI (NSHI) genes [26/51 (51.0%) families], five genes that can underlie either syndromic HI or NSHI [13/51 (25.5%)], and one syndromic HI gene [1/51 (2.0%)]. Variants in CDH23 and MYO15A contributed the most to HI [31.4% (16/51 families)]. For DSPP, an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance was detected. Post-lingual expression was observed for a family segregating a MARVELD2 variant. To our knowledge, seven novel candidate HI genes were identified (13.7%), with six associated with NSHI (INPP4B, CCDC141, MYO19, DNAH11, POTEI, and SOX9); and one (PAX8) with Waardenburg syndrome. MYO19 and DNAH11 were replicated in unrelated Ghanaian probands. Six of the novel genes were expressed in mouse inner ear. It is known that Pax8-/- mice do not respond to sound, and depletion of Sox9 resulted in defective vestibular structures and abnormal utricle development. Most variants (48/60; 80.0%) have not previously been associated with HI. Identifying seven candidate genes in this study emphasizes the potential of novel HI genes discovery in Africa.

ASIC1a stimulates the resistance of human hepatocellular carcinoma by promoting EMT via the AKT/GSK3β/Snail pathway driven by TGFβ/Smad signals

Multidrug resistance is the main obstacle to curing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Acid‐sensing ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) has critical roles in all stages of cancer progression, especially invasion and metastasis, and in resistance to therapy. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) transforms epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells after being stimulated by extracellular factors and is closely related to tumour infiltration and resistance. We used Western blotting, immunofluorescence, qRT‐PCR, immunohistochemical staining, MTT, colony formation and scratch healing assay to determine ASIC1a levels and its relationship to cell proliferation, migration and invasion. ASIC1a is overexpressed in HCC tissues, and the amount increased in resistant HCC cells. EMT occurred more frequently in drug‐resistant cells than in parental cells. Inactivation of ASIC1a inhibited cell migration and invasion and increased the chemosensitivity of cells through EMT. Overexpression of ASIC1a upregulated EMT and increased the cells’ proliferation, migration and invasion and induced drug resistance; knocking down ASIC1a with shRNA had the opposite effects. ASIC1a increased cell migration and invasion through EMT by regulating α and β‐catenin, vimentin and fibronectin expression via the AKT/GSK‐3β/Snail pathway driven by TGFβ/Smad signals. ASIC1a mediates drug resistance of HCC through EMT via the AKT/GSK‐3β/Snail pathway.

Targeting the Wnt Signaling Pathway in Liver Fibrosis for Drug Options: An Update

Liver fibrosis is a life-threatening disease, with challenging morbidity and mortality for healthcare systems worldwide. It imparts an enormous economic burden to societies, making continuous research and informational updates about its pathogenesis and treatment crucial. This review's focus is on the current knowledge about the Wnt signaling pathway, serving as an important pathway in liver fibrosis development and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Two types of Wnt pathways are distinguished, namely the ß-catenin-dependent canonical and non-canonical Ca2+ or planar cell polarity (PCP)-dependent pathway. The dynamic balance of physiologically healthy liver and hepatocytes is disturbed by repeated liver injuries. Activation of the ß-catenin Wnt pathway prevents the regeneration of hepatocytes by the replacement of extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to the appearance of scar tissue and the formation of regenerated nodular hepatocytes, lacking the original function of healthy hepatocytes. Therefore, liver function is reduced due to the severely advanced disease. Selective inhibition of ß-catenin inhibits inflammatory processes (since chemokines and pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced during Wnt activation), reduces growth of activated HSCs and reduces collagen synthesis and angiogenesis, thereby reducing the progression of liver fibrosis in vivo. While the canonical Wnt pathway is usually inactive in a physiologically healthy liver, it shows activity during cell regeneration or renewal and in certain pathophysiological conditions, such as liver diseases and cancer. Targeted blocking of some of the basic components of the Wnt pathway is a therapeutic approach. These include the frizzled transmembrane receptor (Fz) receptors using the secreted frizzled-related protein family (sFRP), Fz-coreceptors low-density LRP 5/6 through dickkopf-related protein 1 (DKK1) or niclosamide, glycogen kinase-3 beta (GSK-3β) using SB-216763, cyclic-AMP response element-binding protein (CBP) using PRI-724 and ICG-001, the lymphoid enhancer binding factor (LEF)/T cell-specific transcription factor (TCF) system as well as Wnt inhibitory factor 1 (WIF1) and miR-17-5p using pinostilbene hydrate (PSH). Significant progress has been made in inhibiting Wnt and thus stopping the progression of liver fibrosis by diminishing key components for its action. Comprehending the role of the Wnt signaling pathway in liver fibrosis may lead to discovery of novel targets in liver fibrosis therapeutic strategies' development.

Knockdown of circBFAR inhibits proliferation and glycolysis in gastric cancer by sponging miR-513a-3p/hexokinase 2 axis

The relationship between circular RNAs (circRNAs) and many types of cancer has been of great interest. A novel circRNA, circBFAR, has been identified, but the functions of circBFAR and its underlying mechanism in gastric cancer (GC) have not been reported. This study was designed to investigate the role of circBFAR in GC and its downstream miRNA targets. Quantitative real-time polymerase reaction was used to detect the expression of circBFAR and miRNAs. Cell counting kit-8 and EdU were used to detect the proliferation of GC cells. Measurement of the extracellular acidification rate, oxygen consumption rate and lactate acid production were performed to assess the glycolysis levels. The results showed that circBFAR exhibited higher expression in GC tissues and cell lines. circBFAR was proven to promote GC proliferation by targeting the miR-513a-3p/hexokinase 2 (HK2) axis. Inhibition of circBFAR also led to a significant decrease in the glycolysis levels. In this study, we found a circBFAR/miR-513a-3p/HK2 axis in GC and revealed the relationship between circBFAR and glycolysis for the first time. circBFAR may serve as a novel target of GC individualized therapy.

Modulation of EndMT by Hydrogen Sulfide in the Prevention of Cardiovascular Fibrosis

Endothelial mesenchymal transition (EndMT) has been described as a fundamental process during embryogenesis; however, it can occur also in adult age, underlying pathological events, including fibrosis. Indeed, during EndMT, the endothelial cells lose their specific markers, such as vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin), and acquire a mesenchymal phenotype, expressing specific products, such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen; moreover, the integrity of the endothelium is disrupted, and cells show a migratory, invasive and proliferative phenotype. Several stimuli can trigger this transition, but transforming growth factor (TGF-β1) is considered the most relevant. EndMT can proceed in a canonical smad-dependent or non-canonical smad-independent manner and ultimately regulate gene expression of pro-fibrotic machinery. These events lead to endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis at the vascular level as well as myocardial hypertrophy and fibrosis. Indeed, EndMT is the mechanism which promotes the progression of cardiovascular disorders following hypertension, diabetes, heart failure and also ageing. In this scenario, hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been widely described for its preventive properties, but its role in EndMT is poorly investigated. This review is focused on the evaluation of the putative role of H₂S in the EndMT process.

Multifaceted WNT Signaling at the Crossroads Between Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Autophagy in Glioblastoma

Tumor cells can employ epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) or autophagy in reaction to microenvironmental stress. Importantly, EMT and autophagy negatively regulate each other, are able to interconvert, and both have been shown to contribute to drug-resistance in glioblastoma (GBM). EMT has been considered one of the mechanisms that confer invasive properties to GBM cells. Autophagy, on the other hand, may show dual roles as either a GBM-promoter or GBM-suppressor, depending on microenvironmental cues. The Wingless (WNT) signaling pathway regulates a plethora of developmental and biological processes such as cellular proliferation, adhesion and motility. As such, GBM demonstrates deregulation of WNT signaling in favor of tumor initiation, proliferation and invasion. In EMT, WNT signaling promotes induction and stabilization of different EMT activators. WNT activity also represses autophagy, while nutrient deprivation induces β-catenin degradation via autophagic machinery. Due to the importance of the WNT pathway to GBM, and the role of WNT signaling in EMT and autophagy, in this review we highlight the effects of the WNT signaling in the regulation of both processes in GBM, and discuss how the crosstalk between EMT and autophagy may ultimately affect tumor biology.

Genetic Engineering of Zebrafish in Cancer Research

Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is an excellent model to study a wide diversity of human cancers. In this review, we provide an overview of the genetic and reverse genetic toolbox allowing the generation of zebrafish lines that develop tumors. The large spectrum of genetic tools enables the engineering of zebrafish lines harboring precise genetic alterations found in human patients, the generation of zebrafish carrying somatic or germline inheritable mutations or zebrafish showing conditional expression of the oncogenic mutations. Comparative transcriptomics demonstrate that many of the zebrafish tumors share molecular signatures similar to those found in human cancers. Thus, zebrafish cancer models provide a unique in vivo platform to investigate cancer initiation and progression at the molecular and cellular levels, to identify novel genes involved in tumorigenesis as well as to contemplate new therapeutic strategies.