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Martinez-Marin D, Stroman GC, Fulton CJ, Pruitt K. Frizzled receptors: gatekeepers of Wnt signaling in development and disease. Front Cell Dev Biol 2025; 13:1599355. [PMID: 40376615 PMCID: PMC12078226 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2025.1599355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2025] [Accepted: 04/21/2025] [Indexed: 05/18/2025] Open
Abstract
Frizzled (FZD) receptors are a subset of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the largest class of human cell surface receptors and a major target of FDA-approved drugs. Activated by Wnt ligands, FZDs regulate key cellular processes such as proliferation, differentiation, and polarity, positioning them at the intersection of developmental biology and disease, including cancer. Despite their significance, FZD signaling remains incompletely understood, particularly in distinguishing receptor-specific roles across canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathways. Challenges include defining ligand-receptor specificity, elucidating signal transduction mechanisms, and understanding the influence of post translational modifications and the cellular context. Structural dynamics, receptor trafficking, and non-canonical signaling contributions also remain areas of active investigation. Recent advances in structural biology, transcriptomics, and functional genomics are beginning to address these gaps, while emerging therapeutic approaches-such as small-molecule modulators and antibodies-highlight the potential of FZDs as drug targets. This review synthesizes current insights into FZD receptor biology, examines ongoing controversies, and outlines promising directions for future research and therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kevin Pruitt
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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2
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Zhang S, Zhan J, Li M, Wang J, Chen H, Wang Y, Fan Y, Zhang B, Wang X, Zhang X, Wu C. Therapeutic Potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine Against Osteoarthritis: Targeting the Wnt Signaling Pathway. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2024; 52:2021-2052. [PMID: 39562354 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x24500782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2024]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative articular disease that leads to physical disability and reduced quality of life. The key pathological events in OA are cartilage degradation and synovial inflammation. Conventional therapies often lead to adverse effects that some patients are unwilling to endure. Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) have long been known for their efficacy in treating OA with minimal side effects. The wingless-type (Wnt) signaling pathway is believed to play a role in OA progression, but there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding on how TCM may treat OA via the Wnt signaling pathway. This study aims to fill this gap by reviewing relevant research on the association between the Wnt signaling pathway and cartilage degradation and synovial inflammation in OA. Meanwhile, we also summarized and categorized TCMs and their active components, such as alkaloids, polysaccharides, flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, etc., which have shown varying efficacy in treating OA through modulation of the Wnt/[Formula: see text]-catenin signaling pathway. This work underscores the pivotal role of the Wnt signaling pathway in OA pathogenesis and progression, suggesting that targeting this pathway holds promise as a prospective therapeutic strategy for OA management in the future. TCMs and their active components have the potential to alleviate OA by modulating the Wnt signaling cascade. Harnessing TCMs and their active components to regulate the Wnt signaling pathway presents an encouraging avenue for delivering substantial therapeutic benefits to individuals with OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaozhuo Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, P. R. China
| | - Jiaguo Zhan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, P. R. China
| | - Mai Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, P. R. China
| | - Junyi Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, P. R. China
| | - Huiyou Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, P. R. China
| | - Yuxing Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, P. R. China
| | - Yuchen Fan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, P. R. China
| | - Bingqi Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, P. R. China
| | - Xi Wang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, P. R. China
| | - Xizhe Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, P. R. China
| | - Chongming Wu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, P. R. China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Substance of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, P. R. China
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Fan X, Ong LJY, Sun AR, Prasadam I. From polarity to pathology: Decoding the role of cell orientation in osteoarthritis. J Orthop Translat 2024; 49:62-73. [PMID: 39430130 PMCID: PMC11488446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jot.2024.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/14/2024] [Indexed: 10/22/2024] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Cell polarity refers to the orientation of tissue and organelles within a cell and the direction of its function. It is one of the most critical characteristics of metazoans. The development, growth, and functional tissue distribution are closely related to holistic tissue or organ homeostasis. However, the connection between cell polarity and osteoarthritis (OA) is less well-known. In OA, multiple chondrocyte clusters and tissue disorganisation can be observed in the degraded cartilage tissue. The excessive upregulation of the planar cell polarity (PCP) signalling pathway leads to the loss of cell polarity and organisation in OA progression and aetiology. Recent research has become increasingly aware of the importance of cell polarity and its correlation with OA. Several cell polarity-related treatments have shed light on OA. A thorough understanding of cell polarity and OA would provide more insights for future investigations to treat this worldwide disease. THE TRANSLATIONAL POTENTIAL OF THIS ARTICLE Understanding cell polarity, associated signalling pathways, organelle changes, and cell movement in the development of OA could lead to advances in precision medicine and enhanced treatment strategies for OA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiwei Fan
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
- School of Mechanical, Medical & Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Louis Jun Ye Ong
- School of Mechanical, Medical & Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Max Planck Queensland Centre (MPQC) for the Materials Science of Extracellular Matrices, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Antonia RuJia Sun
- School of Mechanical, Medical & Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Indira Prasadam
- School of Mechanical, Medical & Process Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia
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He B, Liao Y, Tian M, Tang C, Tang Q, Ma F, Zhou W, Leng Y, Zhong D. Identification and verification of a novel signature that combines cuproptosis-related genes with ferroptosis-related genes in osteoarthritis using bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation. Arthritis Res Ther 2024; 26:100. [PMID: 38741149 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-024-03328-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exploring the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) is important for its prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Therefore, we aimed to construct novel signature genes (c-FRGs) combining cuproptosis-related genes (CRGs) with ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) to explore the pathogenesis of OA and aid in its treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS Differentially expressed c-FRGs (c-FDEGs) were obtained using R software. Enrichment analysis was performed and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed based on these c-FDEGs. Then, seven hub genes were screened. Three machine learning methods and verification experiments were used to identify four signature biomarkers from c-FDEGs, after which gene set enrichment analysis, gene set variation analysis, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis, immune function analysis, drug prediction, and ceRNA network analysis were performed based on these signature biomarkers. Subsequently, a disease model of OA was constructed using these biomarkers and validated on the GSE82107 dataset. Finally, we analyzed the distribution of the expression of these c-FDEGs in various cell populations. RESULTS A total of 63 FRGs were found to be closely associated with 11 CRGs, and 40 c-FDEGs were identified. Bioenrichment analysis showed that they were mainly associated with inflammation, external cellular stimulation, and autophagy. CDKN1A, FZD7, GABARAPL2, and SLC39A14 were identified as OA signature biomarkers, and their corresponding miRNAs and lncRNAs were predicted. Finally, scRNA-seq data analysis showed that the differentially expressed c-FRGs had significantly different expression distributions across the cell populations. CONCLUSION Four genes, namely CDKN1A, FZD7, GABARAPL2, and SLC39A14, are excellent biomarkers and prospective therapeutic targets for OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoqiang He
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taping Street, Lu Zhou City, China
- Southwest Medical University, Lu Zhou City, China
| | - Yehui Liao
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taping Street, Lu Zhou City, China
| | - Minghao Tian
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taping Street, Lu Zhou City, China
| | - Chao Tang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taping Street, Lu Zhou City, China
| | - Qiang Tang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taping Street, Lu Zhou City, China
| | - Fei Ma
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taping Street, Lu Zhou City, China
| | - Wenyang Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taping Street, Lu Zhou City, China
| | - Yebo Leng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taping Street, Lu Zhou City, China.
- Meishan Tianfu New Area People's Hospital, Meishan City, China.
| | - Dejun Zhong
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, No. 25 Taping Street, Lu Zhou City, China.
- Southwest Medical University, Lu Zhou City, China.
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Iqbal Z, Xia J, Murtaza G, Shabbir M, Rehman K, Yujie L, Duan L. Targeting WNT signalling pathways as new therapeutic strategies for osteoarthritis. J Drug Target 2023; 31:1027-1049. [PMID: 37969105 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2281861] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/21/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent chronic joint disease and the leading cause of disability. Currently, no drugs are available to control joint damage or ease the associated pain. The wingless-type (WNT) signalling pathway is vital in OA progression. Excessive activation of the WNT signalling pathway is pertinent to OA progression and severity. Therefore, agonists and antagonists of the WNT pathway are considered potential drug candidates for OA treatment. For example, SM04690, a novel small molecule inhibitor of WNT signalling, has demonstrated its potential in a recent phase III clinical trial as a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD). Therefore, targeting the WNT signalling pathway may be a distinctive approach to developing particular agents helpful in treating OA. This review aims to update the most recent progress in OA drug development by targeting the WNT pathway. In this, we introduce WNT pathways and their crosstalk with other signalling pathways in OA development and highlight the role of the WNT signalling pathway as a key regulator in OA development. Several articles have reviewed the Wnt pathway from different aspects. This candid review provides an introduction to WNT pathways and their crosstalk with other signalling pathways in OA development, highlighting the role of the WNT signalling pathway as a key regulator in OA development with the latest research. Particularly, we emphasise the state-of-the-art in targeting the WNT pathway as a promising therapeutic approach for OA and challenges in their development and the nanocarrier-based delivery of WNT modulators for treating OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoya Iqbal
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Orthopedic Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiang Xia
- Department of Chemistry, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ghulam Murtaza
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, Pakistan
| | - Maryam Shabbir
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore, Lahore Campus, Pakistan
| | - Khurrum Rehman
- Department of Allied health sciences, The University of Agriculture, D.I.Khan, Pakistan
| | - Liang Yujie
- Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Li Duan
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
- Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Orthopedic Technology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
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6
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Li X, Han Y, Li G, Zhang Y, Wang J, Feng C. Role of Wnt signaling pathway in joint development and cartilage degeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1181619. [PMID: 37363728 PMCID: PMC10285172 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1181619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disease that affects approximately 500 million people worldwide. Unfortunately, there is currently no effective treatment available to stop or delay the degenerative progression of joint disease. Wnt signaling pathways play fundamental roles in the regulation of growth, development, and homeostasis of articular cartilage. This review aims to summarize the role of Wnt pathways in joint development during embryonic stages and in cartilage maintenance throughout adult life. Specifically, we focus on aberrant mechanical loading and inflammation as major players in OA progression. Excessive mechanical load activates Wnt pathway in chondrocytes, resulting in chondrocyte apoptosis, matrix destruction and other osteoarthritis-related changes. Additionally, we discuss emerging Wnt-related modulators and present an overview of emerging treatments of OA targeting Wnt signaling. Ultimately, this review provides valuable insights towards discovering new drugs or gene therapies targeting Wnt signaling pathway for diagnosing and treating osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Li
- Orthopaedic Research Institution of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Intelligent Orthopaedic Equipment, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Han
- Orthopaedic Research Institution of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Intelligent Orthopaedic Equipment, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Guimiao Li
- Orthopaedic Research Institution of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Intelligent Orthopaedic Equipment, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yingze Zhang
- Orthopaedic Research Institution of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Intelligent Orthopaedic Equipment, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Juan Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Intelligent Orthopaedic Equipment, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Department of Joint Surgery, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Chen Feng
- Orthopaedic Research Institution of Hebei Province, Shijiazhuang, China
- NHC Key Laboratory of Intelligent Orthopaedic Equipment, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
- Hebei Orthopedic Clinical Research Center, The Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
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miR-3960 from Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Inactivates SDC1/Wnt/β-Catenin Axis to Relieve Chondrocyte Injury in Osteoarthritis by Targeting PHLDA2. Stem Cells Int 2022; 2022:9455152. [PMID: 36061148 PMCID: PMC9438433 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9455152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a serious disease of the articular cartilage characterized by excessive inflammation. Lately, mesenchymal stem cell- (MSC-) derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been proposed as a novel strategy for the treatment of OA. We aimed to investigate the effects of EV-encapsulated miR-3960 derived from MSCs on chondrocyte injury in OA. The cartilage tissues from OA patients were collected to experimentally determine expression patterns of miR-3960, PHLDA2, SDC1, and β-catenin. Next, luciferase assay was implemented to testify the binding affinity among miR-3960 and PHLDA2. EVs were isolated from MSCs and cocultured with IL-1β-induced OA chondrocytes. Afterwards, cellular biological behaviors and levels of extracellular matrix- (ECM-) related protein anabolic markers (collagen II and aggrecan), catabolic markers (MMP13 and ADAMTS5), and inflammatory factors (IL-6 and TNF-α) in chondrocytes were assayed upon miR-3960 and/or PHLDA2 gain- or loss-of-function. Finally, the effects of miR-3960 contained in MSC-derived EVs in OA mouse models were also explored. MSCs-EVs could reduce IL-1β-induced inflammatory response and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in chondrocytes. miR-3960 expression was downregulated in cartilage tissues of OA patients but enriched in MSC-derived EVs. miR-3960 could target and inhibit PHLDA2, which was positively correlated with SDC1 and Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation. miR-3960 shuttled by MSC-derived EVs protected against apoptosis and ECM degradation in chondrocytes. In vivo experiment also confirmed that miR-3960 alleviated chondrocyte injury in OA. Collectively, MSC-derived EV-loaded miR-3960 downregulated PHLDA2 to inhibit chondrocyte injury via SDC1/Wnt/β-catenin.
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Glutamine exerts a protective effect on osteoarthritis development by inhibiting the Jun N-terminal kinase and nuclear factor kappa-B signaling pathways. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11957. [PMID: 35831464 PMCID: PMC9279466 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16093-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Strategies for treating osteoarthritis (OA) have become a research focus because an effective treatment for OA is unavailable. The objective of this study was to explore the effects and underlying mechanisms of glutamine (Gln) in OA. First, the chondrocytes were identified and a standard IL-1β-induced OA model was established. After treatment with Gln or saline, the viability and apoptosis of chondrocytes were evaluated using a CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry analysis, which revealed that Gln can improve the IL-1β-induced OA cells. Meanwhile, Gln can enhance the expression of aggrecan and collagen II, which are protective proteins for articular cartilage. Instead, Gln inhibited the expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13), which can degrade cartilage. To better understand the underlying mechanisms of Gln in IL-1β-induced chondrocytes, the classical OA pathways of JNK and NF-κB were examined at the protein and mRNA levels using western blot and qRT-PCR analyses. We found that JNK and NF-κB were downregulated gradually depending on the Gln dose and protective and destructive factors changed based on changes of JNK and NF-κB. The effects of high-dose Gln were more effective than low-dose. Moreover, Gln was applied to the animal OA model to check the effects in vivo. The results showed that Gln attenuated cartilage degeneration and decreased OARSI scores, which demonstrated that Gln can improve OA. The experiments showed that Gln can benefit mice with OA by inhibiting the JNK and NF-κB signaling pathways.
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Ding Z, Dai C, Shan W, Liu R, Lu W, Gao W, Zhang H, Huang W, Guan J, Yin Z. TNF-α up-regulates Nanog by activating NF-κB pathway to induce primary rat spinal cord astrocytes dedifferentiation. Life Sci 2021; 287:120126. [PMID: 34758295 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120126] [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: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 10/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Astrocytes re-acquire stem cell potential upon inflammation, thereby becoming a promising source of cells for regenerative medicine. Nanog is an essential transcription factor to maintain the characteristics of stem cells. We aimed to investigate the role of Nanog in astrocyte dedifferentiation. MAIN METHODS TNF-α was used to induce the dedifferentiation of primary rat spinal cord astrocytes. The expression of immature markers CD44 and Musashi-1 was detected by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence. The Nanog gene is knocked down by small interference RNA. Nanog expression was measured by qRT-PCR and western blotting. BAY 11-7082 was used to suppress NF-κB signals in astrocytes. NF-κB signaling was evaluated by Western blotting. KEY FINDINGS Our results showed that TNF-α promoted the re-expression of CD44 and Musashi-1 in astrocytes. Dedifferentiated astrocytes could be induced to differentiate into oligodendrocyte lineage cells indicating that the astrocytes had pluripotency. In addition, TNF-α treatment activated NF-κB signaling pathway and up-regulated Nanog. Knockdown of Nanog reversed the increase of CD44 and Musashi-1 induced by TNF-α without affecting the activation of NF-κB signaling. Importantly, blocking NF-κB signaling by BAY 11-7082 inhibited the expression of immature markers suggesting that TNF-α induces dedifferentiation of astrocytes through the NF-κB signaling pathway. BAY 11-7082 could also inhibit the expression of Nanog, which indicated that Nanog was regulated by NF-κB signaling pathway. SIGNIFICANCE These findings indicate that activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway through TNF-α leads to astrocytes dedifferentiation via Nanog. These results expand our understanding of the mechanism of astrocytes dedifferentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenfei Ding
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, 287#Chang Huai Road, Bengbu 230071, Anhui, China; Department of Orthopaedics, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Intersection of Guangde Road and Leshui Road, Hefei 230011, Anhui, China
| | - Ce Dai
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Intersection of Guangde Road and Leshui Road, Hefei 230011, Anhui, China
| | - Wenshan Shan
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218#Ji Xi Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218#Ji Xi Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218#Ji Xi Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Weilu Gao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218#Ji Xi Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218#Ji Xi Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Wei Huang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230001, China.
| | - Jianzhong Guan
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, 287#Chang Huai Road, Bengbu 230071, Anhui, China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, 2600#Dong Hai Avenue, Bengbu 233030, Anhui, China.
| | - Zongsheng Yin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218#Ji Xi Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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10
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Candidates for Intra-Articular Administration Therapeutics and Therapies of Osteoarthritis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22073594. [PMID: 33808364 PMCID: PMC8036705 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22073594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee is a disease that significantly decreases the quality of life due to joint deformation and pain caused by degeneration of articular cartilage. Since the degeneration of cartilage is irreversible, intervention from an early stage and control throughout life is important for OA treatment. For the treatment of early OA, the development of a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug (DMOAD) for intra-articular (IA) injection, which is attracting attention as a point-of-care therapy, is desired. In recent years, the molecular mechanisms involved in OA progression have been clarified while new types of drug development methods based on gene sequences have been established. In addition to conventional chemical compounds and protein therapeutics, the development of DMOAD from the new modalities such as gene therapy and oligonucleotide therapeutics is accelerating. In this review, we have summarized the current status and challenges of DMOAD for IA injection, especially for protein therapeutics, gene therapy, and oligonucleotide therapeutics.
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11
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De Palma A, Nalesso G. WNT Signalling in Osteoarthritis and Its Pharmacological Targeting. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 269:337-356. [PMID: 34510305 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly disabling musculoskeletal condition affecting millions of people worldwide. OA is characterised by progressive destruction and irreversible morphological changes of joint tissues and architecture. At molecular level, de-regulation of several pathways contributes to the disruption of tissue homeostasis in the joint. Overactivation of the WNT/β-catenin signalling pathway has been associated with degenerative processes in OA. However, the multiple layers of complexity in the modulation of the signalling and the still insufficient knowledge of the specific molecular drivers of pathogenetic mechanisms have made difficult the pharmacological targeting of this pathway for therapeutic purposes. This review aims to provide an overview of the WNT/β-catenin signalling in OA with a particular focus on its role in the articular cartilage. Pathway components whose targeting showed therapeutic potential will be highlighted and described. A specific section will be dedicated to Lorecivivint, the first inhibitor of the β-catenin-dependent pathway currently in phase III clinical trial as OA-modifying agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna De Palma
- Department of Veterinary Pre-Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Giovanna Nalesso
- Department of Veterinary Pre-Clinical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK.
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12
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Tao S, Zhou Y, Ni J. Downregulated
microRNA
‐106 inhibits apoptosis and promotes proliferation and differentiation of chondrocytes in osteoarthritis through restraining the activation of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Si‐Yi Tao
- Department of Orthopedics The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Changsha Hunan China
| | - Yan‐Lin Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Changsha Hunan China
| | - Jiang‐Dong Ni
- Department of Orthopedics, Chief Physician The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University Changsha Hunan China
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