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Li S, Niu J, Smits R. RNF43 and ZNRF3: Versatile regulators at the membrane and their role in cancer. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189217. [PMID: 39551397 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189217] [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: 08/14/2024] [Revised: 11/08/2024] [Accepted: 11/08/2024] [Indexed: 11/19/2024]
Abstract
RNF43 and ZNRF3 are recognized as important regulators of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by maintaining Wnt-receptors at minimal essential levels. In various cancer types, particularly gastrointestinal tumors, mutations in these genes lead to abnormal Wnt-dependent activation of β-catenin signaling. However, recent findings implicate RNF43/ZNRF3 also in the regulation of other tumor-related proteins, including EGFR, BRAF, and the BMP-signaling pathway, which may have important implications for tumor biology. Additionally, we describe in detail how phosphorylation and ubiquitination may finetune RNF43 and ZNRF3 activity. We also address the variety of mutations observed in cancers and the mechanism through which they support tumor growth, and challenge the prevailing view that specific missense mutations in the R-spondin and RING domains may possess dominant-negative activity in contributing to tumor formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jiahui Niu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ron Smits
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands..
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Srivastava A, Rikhari D, Srivastava S. RSPO2 as Wnt signaling enabler: Important roles in cancer development and therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dis 2024; 11:788-806. [PMID: 37692504 PMCID: PMC10491879 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
R-spondins are secretory proteins localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi bodies and are processed through the secretory pathway. Among the R-spondin family, RSPO2 has emanated as a novel regulator of Wnt signaling, which has now been acknowledged in numerous in vitro and in vivo studies. Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that proliferates and spreads uncontrollably due to the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic factors that constitutively activate Wnt signaling in various types of cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) begins when cells in the colon and rectum follow an indefinite pattern of division due to aberrant Wnt activation as one of the key hallmarks. Decades-long progress in research on R-spondins has demonstrated their oncogenic function in distinct cancer types, particularly CRC. As a critical regulator of the Wnt pathway, it modulates several phenotypes of cells, such as cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and cancer stem cell properties. Recently, RSPO mutations, gene rearrangements, fusions, copy number alterations, and altered gene expression have also been identified in a variety of cancers, including CRC. In this review, we addressed the recent updates regarding the recurrently altered R-spondins with special emphasis on the RSPO2 gene and its involvement in potentiating Wnt signaling in CRC. In addition to the compelling physiological and biological roles in cellular fate and regulation, we propose that RSPO2 would be valuable as a potential biomarker for prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic use in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Srivastava
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh 211004, India
| | - Deeksha Rikhari
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh 211004, India
| | - Sameer Srivastava
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh 211004, India
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Zhou Z, Zheng K, Zhou S, Yang Y, Chen J, Jin X. E3 ubiquitin ligases in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and implications for therapies. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:1543-1565. [PMID: 37796337 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02376-7] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck, and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is one of the pathogenic factors involved in the oncogenetic development and progression of NPC. E3 ligases, which are key members of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), specifically recognize various oncogenic factors and tumor suppressors and contribute to determining their fate through ubiquitination. Several studies have demonstrated that E3 ligases are aberrantly expressed and mutated in NPC and that these changes are closely associated with the occurrence and progression of NPC. Herein, we aim to thoroughly review the specific action mechanisms by which E3 ligases participate in NPC signaling pathways and discuss their functional relationship with EBV. Moreover, we describe the current progress in and limitations for targeted therapies against E3 ligases in NPC. KEY MESSAGES: • E3 ubiquitin ligases, as members of the UPS system, determine the fate of their substrates and may act either as oncogenic or anti-tumorigenic factors in NPC. • Mutations or dysregulated expression of E3 ubiquitin ligases is closely related to the occurrence, development, and therapeutic sensitivity of NPC, as they play important roles in several signaling pathways affected by EBV infection. • As promising therapeutic targets, E3 ligases may open new avenues for treatment and for improving the prognosis of NPC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zijian Zhou
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, China
| | - Kaifeng Zheng
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, China
| | - Shao Zhou
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, China
| | - Youxiong Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ningbo Yinzhou Second Hospital, Ningbo, 315199, China.
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Jin
- Department of Chemoradiotherapy, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315040, China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Health Science Center of Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, China.
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Guo D, Pan H, Lu X, Chen Z, Zhou L, Chen S, Huang J, Liang X, Xiao Z, Zeng H, Shao Y, Qi W, Xie D, Lin C. Rspo2 exacerbates rheumatoid arthritis by targeting aggressive phenotype of fibroblast-like synoviocytes and disrupting chondrocyte homeostasis via Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:217. [PMID: 37946278 PMCID: PMC10634117 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03198-1] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aggressive phenotype of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) has been identified as a contributing factor to the exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through the promotion of synovitis and cartilage damage. Regrettably, there is currently no effective therapeutic intervention available to address this issue. Recent research has shed light on the crucial regulatory role of R-spondin-2 (Rspo2) in cellular proliferation, cartilage degradation, and tumorigenesis. However, the specific impact of Rspo2 on RA remains poorly understood. We aim to investigate the function and mechanism of Rspo2 in regulating the aggressive phenotype of FLS and maintaining chondrocyte homeostasis in the context of RA. METHODS The expression of Rspo2 in knee joint synovium and cartilage were detected in RA mice with antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) and RA patients. Recombinant mouse Rspo2 (rmRspo2), Rspo2 neutralizing antibody (Rspo2-NAb), and recombinant mouse DKK1 (rmDKK1, a potent inhibitor of Wnt signaling pathway) were used to explore the role and mechanism of Rspo2 in the progression of RA, specifically in relation to the aggressive phenotype of FLS and chondrocyte homeostasis, both in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS We indicated that Rspo2 expression was upregulated both in synovium and articular cartilage as RA progressed in RA mice and RA patients. Increased Rspo2 upregulated the expression of leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5), as the ligand for Rspo2, and β-catenin in FLS and chondrocytes. Subsequent investigations revealed that intra-articular administration of rmRspo2 caused striking progressive synovitis and articular cartilage destruction to exacerbate RA progress in mice. Conversely, neutralization of Rspo2 or inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway effectively alleviated experimental RA development. Moreover, Rspo2 facilitated FLS aggressive phenotype and disrupted chondrocyte homeostasis primarily through activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which were effectively alleviated by Rspo2-NAb or rmDKK1. CONCLUSIONS Our data confirmed a critical role of Rspo2 in enhancing the aggressive phenotype of FLS and disrupting chondrocyte homeostasis through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the context of RA. Furthermore, the results indicated that intra-articular administration of Rspo2 neutralizing antibody or recombinant DKK1 might represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of RA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Guo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoyan Pan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueying Lu
- Shenzhen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (Longgang), Shenzhen, 518100, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Laixi Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shantou Central Hospital, Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shantou, 515031, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuxin Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shantou Central Hospital, Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shantou, 515031, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shantou Central Hospital, Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shantou, 515031, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinzhi Liang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhisheng Xiao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Zeng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Shao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Weizhong Qi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China.
| | - Denghui Xie
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chuangxin Lin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shantou Central Hospital, Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shantou, 515031, People's Republic of China.
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Pouliquen DL, Boissard A, Henry C, Coqueret O, Guette C. Curcuminoids as Modulators of EMT in Invasive Cancers: A Review of Molecular Targets With the Contribution of Malignant Mesothelioma Studies. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:934534. [PMID: 35873564 PMCID: PMC9304619 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.934534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcuminoids, which include natural acyclic diarylheptanoids and the synthetic analogs of curcumin, have considerable potential for fighting against all the characteristics of invasive cancers. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental process for embryonic morphogenesis, however, the last decade has confirmed it orchestrates many features of cancer invasiveness, such as tumor cell stemness, metabolic rewiring, and drug resistance. A wealth of studies has revealed EMT in cancer is in fact driven by an increasing number of parameters, and thus understanding its complexity has now become a cornerstone for defining future therapeutic strategies dealing with cancer progression and metastasis. A specificity of curcuminoids is their ability to target multiple molecular targets, modulate several signaling pathways, modify tumor microenvironments and enhance the host’s immune response. Although the effects of curcumin on these various parameters have been the subject of many reviews, the role of curcuminoids against EMT in the context of cancer have never been reviewed so far. This review first provides an updated overview of all EMT drivers, including signaling pathways, transcription factors, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) and tumor microenvironment components, with a special focus on the most recent findings. Secondly, for each of these drivers the effects of curcumin/curcuminoids on specific molecular targets are analyzed. Finally, we address some common findings observed between data reported in the literature and the results of investigations we conducted on experimental malignant mesothelioma, a model of invasive cancer representing a useful tool for studies on EMT and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L. Pouliquen
- Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
- *Correspondence: Daniel L. Pouliquen,
| | - Alice Boissard
- ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Cécile Henry
- ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Olivier Coqueret
- Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
| | - Catherine Guette
- ICO, Inserm, CNRS, Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, Université d’Angers, Angers, France
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