1
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Yan M, Su Z, Pang X, Wang H, Dai H, Ning J, Liu S, Sun Q, Song J, Zhao X, Lu D. The CK1ε/SIAH1 axis regulates AXIN1 stability in colorectal cancer cells. Mol Oncol 2024. [PMID: 38419282 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Casein kinase 1ε (CK1ε) and axis inhibitor 1 (AXIN1) are crucial components of the β-catenin destruction complex in canonical Wnt signaling. CK1ε has been shown to interact with AXIN1, but its physiological function and role in tumorigenesis remain unknown. In this study, we found that CK1δ/ε inhibitors significantly enhanced AXIN1 protein level in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells through targeting CK1ε. Mechanistically, CK1ε promoted AXIN1 degradation by the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway by promoting the interaction of E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase SIAH1 with AXIN1. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of CK1ε and knockdown of SIAH1 downregulated the expression of Wnt/β-catenin-dependent genes, suppressed the viability of CRC cells, and restrained tumorigenesis and progression of CRC in vitro and in vivo. In summary, our results demonstrate that CK1ε exerted its oncogenic role in CRC occurrence and progression by regulating the stability of AXIN1. These findings reveal a novel mechanism by which CK1ε regulates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting the CK1ε/SIAH1 axis in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengfang Yan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, China
| | - Zijie Su
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, China
- Department of Research, The Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaoyi Pang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, China
| | - Hanbin Wang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, China
| | - Han Dai
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, China
| | - Jiong Ning
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, China
| | - Shanshan Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, China
| | - Jiaxing Song
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, China
- Medical Scientific Research Center, Life Sciences Institute, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xibao Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, China
| | - Desheng Lu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Regional Immunity and Disease, International Cancer Center, Marshall Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Pharmacology, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University Medical School, Shenzhen University, China
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2
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Nalli M, Di Magno L, Wen Y, Liu X, D’Ambrosio M, Puxeddu M, Parisi A, Sebastiani J, Sorato A, Coluccia A, Ripa S, Di Pastena F, Capelli D, Montanari R, Masci D, Urbani A, Naro C, Sette C, Orlando V, D’Angelo S, Biagioni S, Bigogno C, Dondio G, Pastore A, Stornaiuolo M, Canettieri G, Liu T, Silvestri R, La Regina G. Novel N-(Heterocyclylphenyl)benzensulfonamide Sharing an Unreported Binding Site with T-Cell Factor 4 at the β-Catenin Armadillo Repeats Domain as an Anticancer Agent. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1087-1103. [PMID: 37470018 PMCID: PMC10353061 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite intensive efforts, no inhibitors of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway have been approved so far for the clinical treatment of cancer. We synthesized novel N-(heterocyclylphenyl)benzenesulfonamides as β-catenin inhibitors. Compounds 5-10 showed strong inhibition of the luciferase activity. Compounds 5 and 6 inhibited the MDA-MB-231, HCC1806, and HCC1937 TNBC cells. Compound 9 induced in vitro cell death in SW480 and HCT116 cells and in vivo tumorigenicity of a human colorectal cancer line HCT116. In a co-immunoprecipitation study in HCT116 cells transfected with Myc-tagged T-cell factor 4 (Tcf-4), compound 9 abrogated the association between β-catenin and Tcf-4. The crystallographic analysis of the β-catenin Armadillo repeats domain revealed that compound 9 and Tcf-4 share a common binding site within the hotspot binding region close to Lys508. To our knowledge, compound 9 is the first small molecule ligand of this region to be reported. These results highlight the potential of this novel class of β-catenin inhibitors as anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Nalli
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Di Magno
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Yichao Wen
- Shanghai
Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 365 South Xiangyang Road, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department
of Dermatology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese
and Western Medicine, Shanghai University
of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200437 Shanghai, China
| | - Michele D’Ambrosio
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Michela Puxeddu
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia Parisi
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Sebastiani
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Sorato
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Coluccia
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Ripa
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorella Di Pastena
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Capelli
- CNR—Institute
of Crystallography, Via
Salaria—km 29.300, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Montanari
- CNR—Institute
of Crystallography, Via
Salaria—km 29.300, Monterotondo, 00015 Rome, Italy
| | - Domiziana Masci
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Urbani
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Naro
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- GSTeP-Organoids
Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico
Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Claudio Sette
- Department
of Basic Biotechnological Sciences, Intensivological and Perioperative
Clinics, Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart, Largo Francesco
Vito 1, 00168 Rome, Italy
- GSTeP-Organoids
Research Core Facility, Fondazione Policlinico
Universitario A. Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Orlando
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Sara D’Angelo
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Stefano Biagioni
- Department
of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Chiara Bigogno
- Aphad
SrL, Via della Resistenza
65, 20090 Buccinasco, Italy
| | - Giulio Dondio
- Aphad
SrL, Via della Resistenza
65, 20090 Buccinasco, Italy
| | - Arianna Pastore
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Via Domenico
Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Mariano Stornaiuolo
- Department
of Pharmacy, University of Naples “Federico
II”, Via Domenico
Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gianluca Canettieri
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Molecular Medicine Sapienza, University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena 291, I-00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Te Liu
- Shanghai
Geriatric Institute of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 365 South Xiangyang Road, 200031 Shanghai, China
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory
affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia—Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti,
Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Rome, Italy
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3
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Zhu W, Chen X. miR‑424‑5p is downregulated in the placentas of patients with preeclampsia and affects trophoblast migration and invasion. Exp Ther Med 2023; 25:294. [PMID: 37229318 PMCID: PMC10203755 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2023.11993] [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: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Insufficient invasion of trophoblast cells has been reported to be closely associated with the pathogenesis of preeclampsia (PE). MicroRNAs (miRs) have essential roles in the trophoblasts invasion via targeting specific genes with diverse functions. However, the underlying mechanism remains largely unclear and requires further investigation. The present study aimed to identify and evaluate the potential functions of miRs in trophoblasts invasion and to reveal the underlying mechanisms. In the present study, differentially expressed miRs that were screened based on previously published microarray data (GSE96985) and a significantly downregulated miR-424-5p (miR-424) was chosen for further investigation. Subsequently, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, CCK-8, apoptosis, wound healing and Transwell assays were performed to determine the cell viability, apoptotic rate, cell migration and invasion of trophoblast cells. The results showed that miR-424 was decreased in placenta specimens from patients with PE. Upregulation of miR-424 promoted cell viability, suppressed cell apoptosis and improved the invasion and migration of trophoblasts, whereas inhibition of miR-424 had opposite results. Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), a key mediator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, was identified as a functional target of miR-424 and an inverse relationship was observed between APC and miR-424 in placenta specimens. Further investigations revealed that APC overexpression efficiently suppressed the effect of miR-424 in trophoblast cells. In addition, the miR-424-mediated effects on trophoblast cells were dependent on the promotion of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The present findings revealed that miR-424 regulates the trophoblast cell invasion by regulating Wnt/β-catenin pathway through targeting APC, indicating miR-424 as a potential candidate for the treatment of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weimin Zhu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
| | - Xing Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200011, P.R. China
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4
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Bressler SG, Mitrany A, Wenger A, Näthke I, Friedler A. The Oligomerization Domains of the APC Protein Mediate Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation That Is Phosphorylation Controlled. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076478. [PMID: 37047451 PMCID: PMC10095272 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most important properties of intrinsically disordered proteins is their ability to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation and form droplets. The Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC) protein is an IDP that plays a key role in Wnt signaling and mutations in Apc initiate cancer. APC forms droplets via its 20R domains and self-association domain (ASAD) and in the context of Axin. However, the mechanism involved is unknown. Here, we used peptides to study the molecular mechanism and regulation of APC droplet formation. We found that a peptide derived from the ASAD of APC-formed droplets. Peptide array screening showed that the ASAD bound other APC peptides corresponding to the 20R3 and 20R5 domains. We discovered that the 20R3/5 peptides also formed droplets by themselves and mapped specific residues within 20R3/5 that are necessary for droplet formation. When incubated together, the ASAD and 20R3/5 did not form droplets. Thus, the interaction of the ASAD with 20R3 and 20R5 may regulate the droplet formation as a means of regulating different cellular functions. Phosphorylation of 20R3 or 20R5 at specific residues prevented droplet formation of 20R3/5. Our results reveal that phosphorylation and the ability to undergo liquid-liquid phase separation, which are both important properties of intrinsically disordered proteins, are related to each other in APC. Phosphorylation inhibited the liquid-liquid phase separation of APC, acting as an ‘on-off’ switch for droplet formation. Phosphorylation may thus be a common mechanism regulating LLPS in intrinsically disordered proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shachar G. Bressler
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Amit Mitrany
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Alon Wenger
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
| | - Inke Näthke
- Division of Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5AA, Scotland, UK
- Correspondence: (I.N.); (A.F.)
| | - Assaf Friedler
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem 91904, Israel
- Correspondence: (I.N.); (A.F.)
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5
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Balatskyi VV, Sowka A, Dobrzyn P, Piven OO. WNT/β-catenin pathway is a key regulator of cardiac function and energetic metabolism. Acta Physiol (Oxf) 2023; 237:e13912. [PMID: 36599355 DOI: 10.1111/apha.13912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The WNT/β-catenin pathway is a master regulator of cardiac development and growth, and its activity is low in healthy adult hearts. However, even this low activity is essential for maintaining normal heart function. Acute activation of the WNT/β-catenin signaling cascade is considered to be cardioprotective after infarction through the upregulation of prosurvival genes and reprogramming of metabolism. Chronically high WNT/β-catenin pathway activity causes profibrotic and hypertrophic effects in the adult heart. New data suggest more complex functions of β-catenin in metabolic maturation of the perinatal heart, establishing an adult pattern of glucose and fatty acid utilization. Additionally, low basal activity of the WNT/β-catenin cascade maintains oxidative metabolism in the adult heart, and this pathway is reactivated by physiological or pathological stimuli to meet the higher energy needs of the heart. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge of the organization of canonical WNT signaling and its function in cardiogenesis, heart maturation, adult heart function, and remodeling. We also discuss the role of the WNT/β-catenin pathway in cardiac glucose, lipid metabolism, and mitochondrial physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volodymyr V Balatskyi
- Laboratory of Molecular Medical Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Adrian Sowka
- Laboratory of Molecular Medical Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pawel Dobrzyn
- Laboratory of Molecular Medical Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Oksana O Piven
- Laboratory of Molecular Medical Biochemistry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Department of Human Genetics, Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
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6
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Grunhaus D, Molina ER, Cohen R, Stein T, Friedler A, Hurevich M. Accelerated Multiphosphorylated Peptide Synthesis. Org Process Res Dev 2022; 26:2492-2497. [PMID: 36032360 PMCID: PMC9397535 DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.2c00164] [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] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
Preparing phosphorylated peptides with multiple adjacent
phosphorylations
is synthetically difficult, leads to β-elimination, results
in low yields, and is extremely slow. We combined synthetic chemical
methodologies with computational studies and engineering approaches
to develop a strategy that takes advantage of fast stirring, high
temperature, and a very low concentration of 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene
(DBU) to produce multiphosphorylated peptides at an extremely rapid
time and high purity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Grunhaus
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel
| | - Estefanía Rossich Molina
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel
| | - Roni Cohen
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel
| | - Tamar Stein
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel
| | - Assaf Friedler
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel
| | - Mattan Hurevich
- The Institute of Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Edmond J. Safra Campus, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, 91904, Israel
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7
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Koelman EMR, Yeste-Vázquez A, Grossmann TN. Targeting the interaction of β-catenin and TCF/LEF transcription factors to inhibit oncogenic Wnt signaling. Bioorg Med Chem 2022; 70:116920. [PMID: 35841828 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2022.116920] [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: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is crucially involved in embryonic development, stem cell maintenance and tissue renewal. Hyperactivation of this pathway is associated with the development and progression of various types of cancers. The transcriptional coactivator β-catenin represents a pivotal component of the pathway and its interaction with transcription factors of the TCF/LEF family is central to pathway activation. Inhibition of this crucial protein-protein interaction via direct targeting of β-catenin is considered a promising strategy for the inactivation of oncogenic Wnt signaling. This review summarizes advances in the development of Wnt antagonists that have been shown to directly bind β-catenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma M R Koelman
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands
| | - Alejandro Yeste-Vázquez
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands
| | - Tom N Grossmann
- Department of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands; Amsterdam Institute of Molecular and Life Sciences, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, NL, The Netherlands.
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8
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Rowling PJE, Murton BL, Du Z, Itzhaki LS. Multivalent Interaction of Beta-Catenin With its Intrinsically Disordered Binding Partner Adenomatous Polyposis Coli. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:896493. [PMID: 35755812 PMCID: PMC9214244 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.896493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt signalling pathway plays key roles in cell proliferation, differentiation and fate decisions in embryonic development and maintenance of adult tissues, and the twelve Armadillo (ARM) repeat-containing protein β-catenin acts as the signal transducer in this pathway. Here we investigate the interaction between β-catenin's ARM repeat domain and the intrinsically disordered protein adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). APC is a giant multivalent scaffold that brings together the different components of the so-called "β-catenin destruction complex", which drives β-catenin degradation via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Mutations and truncations in APC, resulting in loss of APC function and hence elevated β-catenin levels and upregulation of Wnt signalling, are associated with numerous cancers including colorectal carcinomas. APC has a long intrinsically disordered region (IDR) that contains a series of 15-residue and 20-residue binding regions for β-catenin. Here we explore the multivalent nature of the interaction of β-catenin with the highest affinity APC repeat, both at equilibrium and under kinetic conditions. We use a combination of single-site substitutions, deletions and insertions to dissect the mechanism of molecular recognition and the roles of the three β-catenin-binding subdomains of APC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Laura S. Itzhaki
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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9
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McCoy MA, Spicer D, Wells N, Hoogewijs K, Fiedler M, Baud MGJ. Biophysical Survey of Small-Molecule β-Catenin Inhibitors: A Cautionary Tale. J Med Chem 2022; 65:7246-7261. [PMID: 35581674 PMCID: PMC9150122 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
![]()
The canonical Wingless-related
integration site signaling pathway
plays a critical role in human physiology, and its dysregulation can
lead to an array of diseases. β-Catenin is a multifunctional
protein within this pathway and an attractive yet challenging therapeutic
target, most notably in oncology. This has stimulated the search for
potent small-molecule inhibitors binding directly to the β-catenin
surface to inhibit its protein–protein interactions and downstream
signaling. Here, we provide an account of the claimed (and some putative)
small-molecule ligands of β-catenin from the literature. Through
in silico analysis, we show that most of these molecules contain promiscuous
chemical substructures notorious for interfering with screening assays.
Finally, and in line with this analysis, we demonstrate using orthogonal
biophysical techniques that none of the examined small molecules bind
at the surface of β-catenin. While shedding doubts on their
reported mode of action, this study also reaffirms β-catenin
as a prominent target in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A McCoy
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
| | - Dominique Spicer
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
| | - Neil Wells
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
| | - Kurt Hoogewijs
- National University of Ireland, University Road, Galway H91 TK33, Ireland
| | - Marc Fiedler
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge CB2 0QH, U.K
| | - Matthias G J Baud
- School of Chemistry, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, U.K
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10
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The Role of CTNNB1 in Endometrial Cancer. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:1442441. [PMID: 35531470 PMCID: PMC9072012 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1442441] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is the most common gynaecologic malignancy in the developed countries. Recent evidence suggests that histopathological subtyping together with molecular subgrouping can lead to more accurate assessment of the risk profile for the patient. Clinical studies suggest the currently used molecular classification improves the risk assessment of women with endometrial cancer but does not explain the differences in recurrence profiles clearly. This could be improved by novel markers. One of such are mutations in the β-catenin (CTNNB1) gene, a frequently mutated gene in endometrial cancer. This shows mutations mostly at phosphorylation sites of the β-catenin and almost exclusively in the endometrial subgroup of no specific molecular profile. CTNNB1 mutations lead to alterations in the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway, involved in the carcinogenesis and progression of EC by inducing transcription of target genes, whose function is to regulate the cell cycle. Although tumours with mutations in CTNNB1 tend to have low-risk characteristics, they are related to worse outcomes with significantly increased rate of disease recurrence and lower overall survival.
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11
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Chen X, Hu M, Chen Y, Li A, Hua Y, Jiang H, Li H, Lin M. Targeted deep sequencing reveals APC mutations as predictors of overall survival in Chinese colorectal patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy. Scand J Gastroenterol 2022; 57:465-472. [PMID: 34978498 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2021.2022189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Targeted deep sequencing was used to characterize the mutational spectrum of APC in Chinese colorectal tumors in comparison to that in Caucasians from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and to investigate whether APC mutations can predict overall survival in CRC patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy.Methods: A total of 315 Chinese CRC patients including 241 stage II/III patients receiving fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy were included in this study. Next generation sequencing was carried out to detect somatic mutations on all APC exons. The associations between APC mutations and overall survival were determined by the Cox proportional hazards model.Results:APC was mutated in 221 of 315 colorectal tumors (70.2%). Chinese CRC had a much higher frequency of missense mutations (16.2% vs. 2.4%), but a lower frequency of nonsense (41.0% vs. 54.2%) and frameshift mutations (10.5% vs. 18.4%) than Caucasian CRC. Among stage II/III patients receiving fluorouracil-based adjuvant chemotherapy, APC mutations showed a significant association with worse survival (HR = 1.69; 95% CI, 1.10-2.62; p = .0179). Of the mutation types, frameshift mutations conferred the highest risk of death (HR = 2.88; 95% CI, 1.54-5.37; p =.0009). Among individual mutation sites, Arg232Ter, the most frequent mutation in Chinese CRC, exhibited the strongest negative impact on survival (HR = 2.65; 95% CI, 1.16-6.03; p =.0202).Conclusion:APC overall mutation was an independent predictor for overall survival of stage II/III CRC patients receiving fluorouracil-based chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Yangpu Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengjun Hu
- Department of Pathology, Zhuji People's Hospital, Shaoxing, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Translational Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ajian Li
- Department of General Surgery, Yangpu Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yutong Hua
- Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Translational Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huihong Jiang
- Department of General Surgery, Yangpu Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huaguang Li
- Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Translational Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Moubin Lin
- Department of General Surgery, Yangpu Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Center for Clinical Research and Translational Medicine, Yangpu Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Gastrointestinal Surgery and Translational Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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12
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Yu F, Yu C, Li F, Zuo Y, Wang Y, Yao L, Wu C, Wang C, Ye L. Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers and targeted therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:307. [PMID: 34456337 PMCID: PMC8403677 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00701-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been broadly implicated in human cancers and experimental cancer models of animals. Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is tightly linked with the increment of prevalence, advancement of malignant progression, development of poor prognostics, and even ascendence of the cancer-associated mortality. Early experimental investigations have proposed the theoretical potential that efficient repression of this signaling might provide promising therapeutic choices in managing various types of cancers. Up to date, many therapies targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers have been developed, which is assumed to endow clinicians with new opportunities of developing more satisfactory and precise remedies for cancer patients with aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling. However, current facts indicate that the clinical translations of Wnt/β-catenin signaling-dependent targeted therapies have faced un-neglectable crises and challenges. Therefore, in this study, we systematically reviewed the most updated knowledge of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers and relatively targeted therapies to generate a clearer and more accurate awareness of both the developmental stage and underlying limitations of Wnt/β-catenin-targeted therapies in cancers. Insights of this study will help readers better understand the roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers and provide insights to acknowledge the current opportunities and challenges of targeting this signaling in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changhao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feifei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanqin Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yitian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenzhou Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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13
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Wang Z, Zhang M, Quereda V, Frydman SM, Ming Q, Luca VC, Duckett DR, Ji H. Discovery of an Orally Bioavailable Small-Molecule Inhibitor for the β-Catenin/B-Cell Lymphoma 9 Protein-Protein Interaction. J Med Chem 2021; 64:12109-12131. [PMID: 34382808 PMCID: PMC8817233 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.1c00742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is strongly associated with many diseases including cancer invasion and metastasis. Small-molecule targeting of the central signaling node of this pathway, β-catenin, is a biologically rational approach to abolish hyperactivation of β-catenin signaling but has been demonstrated to be a difficult task. Herein, we report a drug-like small molecule, ZW4864, that binds with β-catenin and selectively disrupts the protein-protein interaction (PPI) between B-cell lymphoma 9 (BCL9) and β-catenin while sparing the β-catenin/E-cadherin PPI. ZW4864 dose-dependently suppresses β-catenin signaling activation, downregulates oncogenic β-catenin target genes, and abrogates invasiveness of β-catenin-dependent cancer cells. More importantly, ZW4864 shows good pharmacokinetic properties and effectively suppresses β-catenin target gene expression in the patient-derived xenograft mouse model. This study offers a selective chemical probe to explore β-catenin-related biology and a drug-like small-molecule β-catenin/BCL9 disruptor for future drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Min Zhang
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Victor Quereda
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Sylvia M Frydman
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Qianqian Ming
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Vincent C Luca
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Derek R Duckett
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
| | - Haitao Ji
- Drug Discovery Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612-9497, United States
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14
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Smith BM, Rowling PJE, Dobson CM, Itzhaki LS. Parallel and Sequential Pathways of Molecular Recognition of a Tandem-Repeat Protein and Its Intrinsically Disordered Binding Partner. Biomolecules 2021; 11:827. [PMID: 34206070 PMCID: PMC8228192 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt signalling pathway plays an important role in cell proliferation, differentiation, and fate decisions in embryonic development and the maintenance of adult tissues. The twelve armadillo (ARM) repeat-containing protein β-catenin acts as the signal transducer in this pathway. Here, we investigated the interaction between β-catenin and the intrinsically disordered transcription factor TCF7L2, comprising a very long nanomolar-affinity interface of approximately 4800 Å2 that spans ten of the twelve ARM repeats of β-catenin. First, a fluorescence reporter system for the interaction was engineered and used to determine the kinetic rate constants for the association and dissociation. The association kinetics of TCF7L2 and β-catenin were monophasic and rapid (7.3 ± 0.1 × 107 M-1·s-1), whereas dissociation was biphasic and slow (5.7 ± 0.4 × 10-4 s-1, 15.2 ± 2.8 × 10-4 s-1). This reporter system was then combined with site-directed mutagenesis to investigate the striking variability in the conformation adopted by TCF7L2 in the three different crystal structures of the TCF7L2-β-catenin complex. We found that the mutation had very little effect on the association kinetics, indicating that most interactions form after the rate-limiting barrier for association. Mutations of the N- and C-terminal subdomains of TCF7L2 that adopt relatively fixed conformations in the crystal structures had large effects on the dissociation kinetics, whereas the mutation of the labile sub-domain connecting them had negligible effect. These results point to a two-site avidity mechanism of binding with the linker region forming a "fuzzy" complex involving transient contacts that are not site-specific. Strikingly, the two mutations in the N-terminal subdomain that had the largest effects on the dissociation kinetics showed two additional phases, indicating partial flux through an alternative dissociation pathway that is inaccessible to the wild type. The results presented here provide insights into the kinetics of the molecular recognition of a long intrinsically disordered region with an elongated repeat-protein surface, a process found to involve parallel routes with sequential steps in each.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben M. Smith
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK;
| | - Pamela J. E. Rowling
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK;
| | - Christopher M. Dobson
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK;
| | - Laura S. Itzhaki
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1PD, UK;
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15
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The structural biology of canonical Wnt signalling. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 48:1765-1780. [PMID: 32725184 PMCID: PMC7458405 DOI: 10.1042/bst20200243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt signalling pathways are of great importance in embryonic development and oncogenesis. Canonical and non-canonical Wnt signalling pathways are known, with the canonical (or β-catenin dependent) pathway being perhaps the best studied of these. While structural knowledge of proteins and interactions involved in canonical Wnt signalling has accumulated over the past 20 years, the pace of discovery has increased in recent years, with the structures of several key proteins and assemblies in the pathway being released. In this review, we provide a brief overview of canonical Wnt signalling, followed by a comprehensive overview of currently available X-ray, NMR and cryoEM data elaborating the structures of proteins and interactions involved in canonical Wnt signalling. While the volume of structures available is considerable, numerous gaps in knowledge remain, particularly a comprehensive understanding of the assembly of large multiprotein complexes mediating key aspects of pathway, as well as understanding the structure and activation of membrane receptors in the pathway. Nonetheless, the presently available data affords considerable opportunities for structure-based drug design efforts targeting canonical Wnt signalling.
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16
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He WT, Wang X, Song W, Song XD, Lu YJ, Lv YK, He T, Yu XF, Hu SH. A novel nonsense mutation in ARMC5 causes primary bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia. BMC Med Genomics 2021; 14:126. [PMID: 33971873 PMCID: PMC8108324 DOI: 10.1186/s12920-021-00896-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Primary bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia (PBMAH) is a rare form of adrenal Cushing's syndrome. The slowly progressing expansion of bilateral adrenal tissues usually persists for dozens of years, leading to delayed onset with severe conditions due to chronic mild hypercortisolism. About 20-50% cases were found to be caused by inactivating mutation of armadillo repeat-containing protein 5 (ARMC5) gene. CASE PRESENTATION A 51-year-old man was admitted for severe diabetes mellitus, resistant hypertension, centripedal obesity and edema. PBMAH was diagnosed after determination of adrenocorticotropic hormone and cortisol levels, dexamethasone suppression tests and abdominal contrast-enhanced CT scanning. The metabolic disorders of the patient remarkably improved after sequentially bilateral laparoscopic adrenalectomy combined with hormone replacement. Sanger sequencing showed germline nonsense mutation of ARMC5 c.967C>T (p.Gln323Ter). The second somatic missense mutation of ARMC5 was detected in one out of two resected nodules, reflecting the second-hit model of tumorigenesis. Routine genetic testing in his apparently healthy offspring showed one of two daughters and one son harbored the germline mutation. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our case report highlight the importance of genetic testing in the molecular diagnosis of PBMAH. Genetic screening in related family members will find out asymptomatic variant carriers to guide life-long follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Tao He
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Hubei, Department of Endocrinology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiong Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Wen Song
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Song
- Department of Urology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yan-Jun Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yan-Kai Lv
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Ting He
- Department of Pathology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Xue-Feng Yu
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Hubei, Department of Endocrinology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Shu-Hong Hu
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Metabolic Disease, Hubei, Department of Endocrinology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, China.
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17
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Yang X, Zhong J, Zhang Q, Feng L, Zheng Z, Zhang J, Lu S. Advances and Insights of APC-Asef Inhibitors for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:662579. [PMID: 33968990 PMCID: PMC8100458 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.662579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In Colorectal cancer (CRC), adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) directly interacts with the Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor 4 (Asef) and releases its GEF activity. Activated Asef promotes the aberrant migration and invasion of CRC cell through a CDC42-mediated pathway. Knockdown of either APC or Asef significantly decreases the migration of CRC cells. Therefore, disrupting the APC-Asef interaction is a promising strategy for the treatment of invasive CRC. With the growth of structural information, APC-Asef inhibitors have been designed, providing hope for CRC therapy. Here, we will review the APC-Asef interaction in cancer biology, the structural complex of APC-Asef, two generations of peptide inhibitors of APC-Asef, and small molecule inhibitors of APC-Asef, focusing on research articles over the past 30 years. We posit that these advances in the discovery of APC-Asef inhibitors establish the protein-protein interaction (PPI) as targetable and provide a framework for other PPI programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuyan Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Zhong
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiufen Zhang
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Feng
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhen Zheng
- Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Medicinal Chemistry and Bioinformatics Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoyong Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, Key Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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18
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Little DW, Dumontet T, LaPensee CR, Hammer GD. β-catenin in adrenal zonation and disease. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2021; 522:111120. [PMID: 33338548 PMCID: PMC8006471 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2020.111120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway is a critical mediator of the development and maintenance of several tissues. The adrenal cortex is highly dependent upon Wnt/β-catenin signaling for proper zonation and endocrine function. Adrenocortical cells emerge in the peripheral capsule and subcapsular cortex of the gland as progenitor cells that centripetally differentiate into steroid hormone-producing cells of three functionally distinct concentric zones that respond robustly to various endocrine stimuli. Wnt/β-catenin signaling mediates adrenocortical progenitor cell fate and tissue renewal to maintain the gland throughout life. Aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling contributes to various adrenal disorders of steroid production and growth that range from hypofunction and hypoplasia to hyperfunction, hyperplasia, benign adrenocortical adenomas, and malignant adrenocortical carcinomas. Great strides have been made in defining the molecular underpinnings of adrenocortical homeostasis and disease, including the interplay between the capsule and cortex, critical components involved in maintaining the adrenocortical Wnt/β-catenin signaling gradient, and new targets in adrenal cancer. This review seeks to examine these and other recent advancements in understanding adrenocortical Wnt/β-catenin signaling and how this knowledge can inform therapeutic options for adrenal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Typhanie Dumontet
- Training Program in Organogenesis, Center for Cell Plasticity and Organ Design, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, USA
| | - Christopher R LaPensee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, USA
| | - Gary D Hammer
- Doctoral Program in Cancer Biology, USA; Training Program in Organogenesis, Center for Cell Plasticity and Organ Design, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, USA; Endocrine Oncology Program, Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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19
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Wang Z, Li Z, Ji H. Direct targeting of β-catenin in the Wnt signaling pathway: Current progress and perspectives. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:2109-2129. [PMID: 33475177 DOI: 10.1002/med.21787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling circuit is associated with cancer recurrence and relapse, cancer invasion and metastasis, and cancer immune evasion. Direct targeting of β-catenin, the central hub in this signaling pathway, is a promising strategy to suppress the hyperactive β-catenin signaling but has proven to be highly challenging. Substantial efforts have been made to discover compounds that bind with β-catenin, block β-catenin-mediated protein-protein interactions, and suppress β-catenin signaling. Herein, we characterize potential small-molecule binding sites in β-catenin, summarize bioactive small molecules that directly target β-catenin, and review structure-based inhibitor optimization, structure-activity relationship, and biological activities of reported inhibitors. This knowledge will benefit future inhibitor development and β-catenin-related drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Zilu Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Haitao Ji
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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20
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Development of structure-based pharmacophore to target the β-catenin-TCF protein–protein interaction. Med Chem Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s00044-020-02693-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
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21
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Phull MS, Jadav SS, Gundla R, Mainkar PS. A perspective on medicinal chemistry approaches towards adenomatous polyposis coli and Wnt signal based colorectal cancer inhibitors. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 212:113149. [PMID: 33445154 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.113149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the major causes of carcinogenic mortality in numbers only after lung and breast cancers. The mutations in adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene leads to formation of colorectal polyps in the colonic region and which develop as a malignant tumour upon coalition with patient related risk factors. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) of APC with Asef (A Rac specific guanine nucleotide exchange factor) overwhelms the patient's conditions by rapidly spreading in the entire colorectal region. Most mutations in APC gene occur in mutated cluster region (MCR), where it specifically binds with the cytosolic β-catenin to regulate the Wnt signalling pathway required for CRC cell adhesion, invasion, progression, differentiation and stemness in initial cell cycle phages. The current broad spectrum perspective is attempted to elaborate the sources of identification, development of selective APC inhibitors by targeting emopamil-binding protein (EBP) & dehydrocholesterol reductase-7 & 24 (DHCR-7 & 24); APC-Asef, β-catenin/APC, Wnt/β-catenin, β-catenin/TCF4 PPI inhibitors with other vital Wnt signal cellular proteins and APC/Pol-β interface of colorectal cancer. In this context, this perspective would serve as a platform for design of new medicinal agents by targeting cellular essential components which could accelerate anti-colorectal potential candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manjinder Singh Phull
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to Be University), Hyderabad, 502329, Telangana, India
| | - Surender Singh Jadav
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana, India
| | - Rambabu Gundla
- Department of Chemistry, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to Be University), Hyderabad, 502329, Telangana, India
| | - Prathama S Mainkar
- Department of Organic Synthesis & Process Chemistry, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Hyderabad, 500007, Telangana, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, Utter Pradesh, India.
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22
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Targeting the β-catenin signaling for cancer therapy. Pharmacol Res 2020; 160:104794. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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23
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Gavagan M, Fagnan E, Speltz EB, Zalatan JG. The Scaffold Protein Axin Promotes Signaling Specificity within the Wnt Pathway by Suppressing Competing Kinase Reactions. Cell Syst 2020; 10:515-525.e5. [PMID: 32553184 DOI: 10.1016/j.cels.2020.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 05/15/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Scaffold proteins are thought to promote signaling specificity by accelerating reactions between bound kinase and substrate proteins. To test the long-standing hypothesis that the scaffold protein Axin accelerates glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β)-mediated phosphorylation of β-catenin in the Wnt signaling network, we measured GSK3β reaction rates with multiple substrates in a minimal, biochemically reconstituted system. We observed an unexpectedly small, ∼2-fold Axin-mediated rate increase for the β-catenin reaction when measured in isolation. In contrast, when both β-catenin and non-Wnt pathway substrates are present, Axin accelerates the β-catenin reaction by preventing competition with alternative substrates. At high competitor concentrations, Axin produces >10-fold rate effects. Thus, while Axin alone does not markedly accelerate the β-catenin reaction, in physiological settings where multiple GSK3β substrates are present, Axin may promote signaling specificity by suppressing interactions with competing, non-Wnt pathway targets. This mechanism for scaffold-mediated control of competition enables a shared kinase to perform distinct functions in multiple signaling networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maire Gavagan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Erin Fagnan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Elizabeth B Speltz
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Jesse G Zalatan
- Department of Chemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
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Sun X, Peng X, Cao Y, Zhou Y, Sun Y. ADNP promotes neural differentiation by modulating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2984. [PMID: 32533114 PMCID: PMC7293280 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16799-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
ADNP (Activity Dependent Neuroprotective Protein) is a neuroprotective protein whose aberrant expression has been frequently linked to neural developmental disorders, including the Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome (also called the ADNP syndrome). However, its role in neural development and pathology remains unclear. Here, we show that ADNP is required for neural induction and differentiation by enhancing Wnt signaling. Mechanistically, ADNP functions to stabilize β-Catenin through binding to its armadillo domain which prevents its association with key components of the degradation complex: Axin and APC. Loss of ADNP promotes the formation of the degradation complex and β-Catenin degradation via ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, resulting in down-regulation of key neuroectoderm developmental genes. In addition, adnp gene disruption in zebrafish leads to defective neurogenesis and reduced Wnt signaling. Our work provides important insights into the role of ADNP in neural development and the pathology of the Helsmoortel-Van der Aa syndrome caused by ADNP gene mutation. ADNP has been connected to neural developmental disorders. Here, the authors uncover a role for ADNP in neural induction and differentiation via β-Catenin stabilization, with ADNP disruption in zebrafish leading to defective neurogenesis and decreased Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyun Sun
- The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Xixia Peng
- The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuqin Cao
- The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center for Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430071, China
| | - Yuhua Sun
- The Innovation of Seed Design, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China. .,The Key Laboratory of Aquatic Biodiversity and Conservation, Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China.
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25
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Yao H, Rui W, Zhang Y, Liu Y, Lin S, Tang H, Zhao W, Wu Z. Prolactin-Secreting Lung Adenocarcinoma Metastatic to the Pituitary Mimicking a Prolactinoma: A Case Report. Neurosurgery 2020; 85:E773-E778. [PMID: 30137505 DOI: 10.1093/neuros/nyy386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2018] [Accepted: 07/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE Metastasis to the pituitary gland is uncommon in patients with systemic disseminated cancer. Individual articles have reported cases of pituitary metastasis mimicking a prolactinoma, but no case of a prolactin-secreting tumor metastasizing to the pituitary mimicking a prolactinoma has been reported so far. CLINICAL PRESENTATION This article reports a 67-yr-old man with a recent onset of headaches, ophthalmoplegia, hypopituitarism, and hyperprolactinemia who was initially diagnosed with prolactinoma and given bromocriptine in the local hospital. Because of vomiting after taking drugs, he was transferred to our hospital for further diagnosis and treatment. Serum prolactin was elevated up to 1022 ng/mL, and pituitary magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 2.9 × 2.8 × 2.3 cm sellar mass with pituitary apoplexy, for which endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery was performed. Postoperative pathology and western blotting disclosed a prolactin-positive metastatic lung adenocarcinoma. Whole exome sequencing revealed a number of gene mutations including KRAS, PIK3CA, ALK, and CTNNB1. The patient died of deterioration of the lung disease 3 mo after the initial diagnosis. CONCLUSION To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a prolactin-secreting tumor metastasizing to the pituitary mimicking a prolactinoma as confirmed by both immunohistochemistry and western blot. Prolactin secretion is rare and elusive, and may associate with specified gene mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Yao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumor, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiwei Rui
- Department of Pathology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yanting Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shaojian Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Tang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumor, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiguo Zhao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumor, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhebao Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Center of Pituitary Tumor, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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26
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Liu P, Liang B, Liu M, Lebbink JH, Li S, Qian M, Lavrijsen M, Peppelenbosch MP, Chen X, Smits R. Oncogenic Mutations in Armadillo Repeats 5 and 6 of β-Catenin Reduce Binding to APC, Increasing Signaling and Transcription of Target Genes. Gastroenterology 2020; 158:1029-1043.e10. [PMID: 31857074 PMCID: PMC7179799 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2019.11.302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS The β-catenin signaling pathway is one of the most commonly deregulated pathways in cancer cells. Amino acid substitutions within armadillo repeats 5 and 6 (K335, W383, and N387) of β-catenin are found in several tumor types, including liver tumors. We investigated the mechanisms by which these substitutions increase signaling and the effects on liver carcinogenesis in mice. METHODS Plasmids encoding tagged full-length β-catenin (CTNNB1) or β-catenin with the K335I or N387K substitutions, along with MET, were injected into tails of FVB/N mice. Tumor growth was monitored, and livers were collected and analyzed by histology, immunohistochemistry, and quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Tagged full-length and mutant forms of β-catenin were expressed in HEK293, HCT116, and SNU449 cells, which were analyzed by immunoblots and immunoprecipitation. A panel of β-catenin variants and cell lines with knock-in mutations were analyzed for differences in N-terminal phosphorylation, half-life, and association with other proteins in the signaling pathway. RESULTS Mice injected with plasmids encoding K335I or N387K β-catenin and MET developed larger, more advanced tumors than mice injected with plasmids encoding WT β-catenin and MET. K335I and N387K β-catenin bound APC with lower affinity than WT β-catenin but still interacted with scaffold protein AXIN1 and in the nucleus with TCF7L2. This interaction resulted in increased transcription of genes regulated by β-catenin. Studies of protein structures supported the observed changes in relative binding affinities. CONCLUSION Expression of β-catenin with mutations in armadillo repeats 5 and 6, along with MET, promotes formation of liver tumors in mice. In contrast to N-terminal mutations in β-catenin that directly impair its phosphorylation by GSK3 or binding to BTRC, the K335I or N387K substitutions increase signaling via reduced binding to APC. However, these mutant forms of β-catenin still interact with the TCF family of transcription factors in the nucleus. These findings show how these amino acid substitutions increase β-catenin signaling in cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam
| | - Binyong Liang
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA,Hepatic Surgery Center, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Menggang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, 10 Changjiangzhilu Daping, Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Joyce H.G. Lebbink
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Cancer Genomics Netherlands, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands,Department of Radiation Oncology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam
| | - Manning Qian
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA,The Clinical Medical Testing Laboratory, Northern Jiangsu People’s Hospital and Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, 225001, China
| | - Marla Lavrijsen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam
| | - Maikel P. Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences and Liver Center, University of California, San Francisco, 513 Parnassus Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Ron Smits
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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Jung YS, Park JI. Wnt signaling in cancer: therapeutic targeting of Wnt signaling beyond β-catenin and the destruction complex. Exp Mol Med 2020; 52:183-191. [PMID: 32037398 PMCID: PMC7062731 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-020-0380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 281] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 12/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is implicated in many physiological processes, including development, tissue homeostasis, and tissue regeneration. In human cancers, Wnt/β-catenin signaling is highly activated, which has led to the development of various Wnt signaling inhibitors for cancer therapies. Nonetheless, the blockade of Wnt signaling causes side effects such as impairment of tissue homeostasis and regeneration. Recently, several studies have identified cancer-specific Wnt signaling regulators. In this review, we discuss the Wnt inhibitors currently being used in clinical trials and suggest how additional cancer-specific regulators could be utilized to treat Wnt signaling-associated cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youn-Sang Jung
- 0000 0001 2291 4776grid.240145.6Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Jae-Il Park
- 0000 0001 2291 4776grid.240145.6Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology, Division of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030 USA ,0000 0001 2291 4776grid.240145.6Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030 USA ,0000 0001 2291 4776grid.240145.6Program in Genetics and Epigenetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030 USA
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28
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Huybrechts Y, Mortier G, Boudin E, Van Hul W. WNT Signaling and Bone: Lessons From Skeletal Dysplasias and Disorders. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2020; 11:165. [PMID: 32328030 PMCID: PMC7160326 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2020.00165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Skeletal dysplasias are a diverse group of heritable diseases affecting bone and cartilage growth. Throughout the years, the molecular defect underlying many of the diseases has been identified. These identifications led to novel insights in the mechanisms regulating bone and cartilage growth and homeostasis. One of the pathways that is clearly important during skeletal development and bone homeostasis is the Wingless and int-1 (WNT) signaling pathway. So far, three different WNT signaling pathways have been described, which are all activated by binding of the WNT ligands to the Frizzled (FZD) receptors. In this review, we discuss the skeletal disorders that are included in the latest nosology of skeletal disorders and that are caused by genetic defects involving the WNT signaling pathway. The number of skeletal disorders caused by defects in WNT signaling genes and the clinical phenotype associated with these disorders illustrate the importance of the WNT signaling pathway during skeletal development as well as later on in life to maintain bone mass. The knowledge gained through the identification of the genes underlying these monogenic conditions is used for the identification of novel therapeutic targets. For example, the genes underlying disorders with altered bone mass are all involved in the canonical WNT signaling pathway. Consequently, targeting this pathway is one of the major strategies to increase bone mass in patients with osteoporosis. In addition to increasing the insights in the pathways regulating skeletal development and bone homeostasis, knowledge of rare skeletal dysplasias can also be used to predict possible adverse effects of these novel drug targets. Therefore, this review gives an overview of the skeletal and extra-skeletal phenotype of the different skeletal disorders linked to the WNT signaling pathway.
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The Use of Genetically Engineered Mouse Models for Studying the Function of Mutated Driver Genes in Pancreatic Cancer. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8091369. [PMID: 31480737 PMCID: PMC6780401 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8091369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is often treatment-resistant, with the emerging standard of care, gemcitabine, affording only a few months of incrementally-deteriorating survival. Reflecting on the history of failed clinical trials, genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) in oncology research provides the inspiration to discover new treatments for pancreatic cancer that come from better knowledge of pathogenesis mechanisms, not only of the derangements in and consequently acquired capabilities of the cancer cells, but also in the aberrant microenvironment that becomes established to support, sustain, and enhance neoplastic progression. On the other hand, the existing mutational profile of pancreatic cancer guides our understanding of the disease, but leaves many important questions of pancreatic cancer biology unanswered. Over the past decade, a series of transgenic and gene knockout mouse modes have been produced that develop pancreatic cancers with features reflective of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in humans. Animal models of PDAC are likely to be essential to understanding the genetics and biology of the disease and may provide the foundation for advances in early diagnosis and treatment.
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30
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AKIP1 promotes early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma through activating the Wnt/β-catenin/CBP signaling pathway. Oncogene 2019; 38:5516-5529. [PMID: 30936461 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-0807-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The early recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the main obstacle for long-term survival of patients. Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been involved in the development and progression of HCC. However, the molecular changes that link Wnt/β-catenin activation and HCC early recurrence remain poorly understood. Here we identified AKIP1 as a binding partner of β-catenin. AKIP1 interacted with and sustained β-catenin in the nuclear by blocking its interaction with adenomatous polyposis coli protein (APC). Moreover, AKIP1 enhanced the protein kinase A catalytic subunit (PKAc)-mediated phosphorylation of β-catenin, leading to recruitment of cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CBP) and activation of β-catenin downstream transcription. Increased AKIP1 expression was observed in HCC clinical samples and correlated with early recurrence and poor prognosis of HCC. AKIP1 promoted invasion and colony outgrowth in vitro and increased intrahepatic and lung metastasis in vivo. Treatment with a CBP inhibitor ICG-001 effectively inhibited the metastatic progression of HCC tumors that had elevated AKIP1 in both cell line and patient-derived xenograft mouse models. Our findings not only establish AKIP1 as a novel regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling as well as HCC early recurrence but also highlight targeting the AKIP1/β-catenin/CBP axis as attractive therapies for combating HCC metastatic relapse.
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31
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Wang Z, Zhang M, Wang J, Ji H. Optimization of Peptidomimetics as Selective Inhibitors for the β-Catenin/T-Cell Factor Protein-Protein Interaction. J Med Chem 2019; 62:3617-3635. [PMID: 30856332 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b00147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The β-catenin/T-cell factor (Tcf) protein-protein interaction (PPI) plays a critical role in the β-catenin signaling pathway which is hyperactivated in many cancers and fibroses. Based on compound 1, which was designed to target the Tcf4 G13ANDE17 binding site of β-catenin, extensive structure-activity relationship studies have been conducted. As a result, compounds 53 and 57 were found to disrupt the β-catenin/Tcf PPI with the Ki values of 0.64 and 0.44 μM, respectively, and exhibit good selectivity for β-catenin/Tcf over β-catenin/E-cadherin and β-catenin/adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) PPIs. The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2 H-tetrazolium (MTS) cell viability assays revealed that 56, the ethyl ester of 53, was more potent than 53 in inhibiting viability of most of the Wnt/β-catenin hyperactive cancer cells. Further cell-based studies indicated that 56 disrupted the β-catenin/Tcf PPI without affecting the β-catenin/E-cadherin and β-catenin/APC PPIs, suppressed transactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in dose-dependent manners, and inhibited migration and invasiveness of Wnt/β-catenin-dependent cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Drug Discovery Department , H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute , Tampa , Florida 33612-9497 , United States
| | - Min Zhang
- Drug Discovery Department , H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute , Tampa , Florida 33612-9497 , United States
| | - Jin Wang
- Drug Discovery Department , H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute , Tampa , Florida 33612-9497 , United States
| | - Haitao Ji
- Drug Discovery Department , H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute , Tampa , Florida 33612-9497 , United States.,Departments of Oncologic Sciences and Chemistry , University of South Florida , Tampa , Florida 33620-9497 , United States
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Schaefer KN, Peifer M. Wnt/Beta-Catenin Signaling Regulation and a Role for Biomolecular Condensates. Dev Cell 2019; 48:429-444. [PMID: 30782412 PMCID: PMC6386181 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2019.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2018] [Revised: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Wnt/β-Catenin signaling plays key roles in tissue homeostasis and cell fate decisions in embryonic and post-embryonic development across the animal kingdom. As a result, pathway mutations are associated with developmental disorders and many human cancers. The multiprotein destruction complex keeps signaling off in the absence of Wnt ligands and needs to be downregulated for pathway activation. We discuss new insights into destruction complex activity and regulation, highlighting parallels to the control of other cell biological processes by biomolecular condensates that form by phase separation to suggest that the destruction complex acts as a biomolecular condensate in Wnt pathway regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina N Schaefer
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Mark Peifer
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB#3280, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-3280, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Domain architecture of BAF250a reveals the ARID and ARM-repeat domains with implication in function and assembly of the BAF remodeling complex. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0205267. [PMID: 30307988 PMCID: PMC6181354 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0205267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BAF250a and BAF250b are subunits of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex that recruit the complex to chromatin allowing transcriptional activation of several genes. Despite being the central subunits of the SWI/SNF complex, the structural and functional annotation of BAF250a/b remains poorly understood. BAF250a (nearly 2200 residues protein) harbors an N-terminal DNA binding ARID (~110 residues) and a C-terminal folded region (~250 residues) of unknown structure and function, recently annotated as BAF250_C. Using hydrophobic core analysis, fold prediction and comparative modeling, here we have defined a domain boundary and associate a β-catenin like ARM-repeat fold to the C-terminus of BAF250a that encompass BAF250_C. The N-terminal DNA-binding ARID is found in diverse domain combinations in proteins imparting unique functions. We used a comparative sequence analysis based approach to study the ARIDs from diverse domain contexts and identified conserved residue positions that are important to preserve its core structure. Supporting this, mutation of one such conserved residue valine, at position 1067, to glycine, resulted in destabilization, loss of structural integrity and DNA binding affinity of ARID. Additionally, we identified a set of conserved and surface-exposed residues unique to the ARID when it co-occurs with the ARM repeat containing BAF250_C in BAF250a. Several of these residues are found mutated in somatic cancers. We predict that these residues in BAF250a may play important roles in mediating protein-DNA and protein-protein interactions in the BAF complex.
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Ji L, Lu B, Wang Z, Yang Z, Reece-Hoyes J, Russ C, Xu W, Cong F. Identification of ICAT as an APC Inhibitor, Revealing Wnt-Dependent Inhibition of APC-Axin Interaction. Mol Cell 2018; 72:37-47.e4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2018.07.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Truncated Adenomatous Polyposis Coli Mutation Induces Asef-Activated Golgi Fragmentation. Mol Cell Biol 2018; 38:MCB.00135-18. [PMID: 29866653 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00135-18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) is a key molecule to maintain cellular homeostasis in colonic epithelium by regulating cell-cell adhesion, cell polarity, and cell migration through activating the APC-stimulated guanine nucleotide-exchange factor (Asef). The APC-activated Asef stimulates the small GTPase, which leads to decreased cell-cell adherence and cell polarity, and enhanced cell migration. In colorectal cancers, while truncated APC constitutively activates Asef and promotes cancer initiation and progression, regulation of Asef by full-length APC is still unclear. Here, we report the autoinhibition mechanism of full-length APC. We found that the armadillo repeats in full-length APC interact with the APC residues 1362 to 1540 (APC-2,3 repeats), and this interaction competes off and inhibits Asef. Deletion of APC-2,3 repeats permits Asef interactions leading to downstream signaling events, including the induction of Golgi fragmentation through the activation of the Asef-ROCK-MLC2. Truncated APC also disrupts protein trafficking and cholesterol homeostasis by inhibition of SREBP2 activity in a Golgi fragmentation-dependent manner. Our study thus uncovers the autoinhibition mechanism of full-length APC and a novel gain of function of truncated APC in regulating Golgi structure, as well as cholesterol homeostasis, which provides a potential target for pharmaceutical intervention against colon cancers.
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36
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Schaefer KN, Bonello TT, Zhang S, Williams CE, Roberts DM, McKay DJ, Peifer M. Supramolecular assembly of the beta-catenin destruction complex and the effect of Wnt signaling on its localization, molecular size, and activity in vivo. PLoS Genet 2018; 14:e1007339. [PMID: 29641560 PMCID: PMC5912785 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1007339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Revised: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling provides a paradigm for cell-cell signals that regulate embryonic development and stem cell homeostasis and are inappropriately activated in cancers. The tumor suppressors APC and Axin form the core of the multiprotein destruction complex, which targets the Wnt-effector beta-catenin for phosphorylation, ubiquitination and destruction. Based on earlier work, we hypothesize that the destruction complex is a supramolecular entity that self-assembles by Axin and APC polymerization, and that regulating assembly and stability of the destruction complex underlie its function. We tested this hypothesis in Drosophila embryos, a premier model of Wnt signaling. Combining biochemistry, genetic tools to manipulate Axin and APC2 levels, advanced imaging and molecule counting, we defined destruction complex assembly, stoichiometry, and localization in vivo, and its downregulation in response to Wnt signaling. Our findings challenge and revise current models of destruction complex function. Endogenous Axin and APC2 proteins and their antagonist Dishevelled accumulate at roughly similar levels, suggesting competition for binding may be critical. By expressing Axin:GFP at near endogenous levels we found that in the absence of Wnt signals, Axin and APC2 co-assemble into large cytoplasmic complexes containing tens to hundreds of Axin proteins. Wnt signals trigger recruitment of these to the membrane, while cytoplasmic Axin levels increase, suggesting altered assembly/disassembly. Glycogen synthase kinase3 regulates destruction complex recruitment to the membrane and release of Armadillo/beta-catenin from the destruction complex. Manipulating Axin or APC2 levels had no effect on destruction complex activity when Wnt signals were absent, but, surprisingly, had opposite effects on the destruction complex when Wnt signals were present. Elevating Axin made the complex more resistant to inactivation, while elevating APC2 levels enhanced inactivation. Our data suggest both absolute levels and the ratio of these two core components affect destruction complex function, supporting models in which competition among Axin partners determines destruction complex activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina N. Schaefer
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Teresa T. Bonello
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Shiping Zhang
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Clara E. Williams
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - David M. Roberts
- Department of Biology, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA, United States of America
| | - Daniel J. McKay
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
| | - Mark Peifer
- Curriculum in Genetics and Molecular Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Department of Biology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Islam SMA, Patel R, Acevedo-Duncan M. Protein Kinase C-ζ stimulates colorectal cancer cell carcinogenesis via PKC-ζ/Rac1/Pak1/β-Catenin signaling cascade. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2018; 1865:650-664. [PMID: 29408512 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2018.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cancer in the world and death from CRC accounts for 8% of all cancer deaths both in men and women in the United States. CRC is life-threatening disease due to therapy resistant cancerous cells. The exact mechanisms of cell growth, survival, metastasis and inter & intracellular signaling pathways involved in CRC is still a significant challenge. Hence, investigating the signaling pathways that lead to colon carcinogenesis may give insight into the therapeutic target. In this study, the role of atypical Protein Kinase C (aPKC) on CRC was investigated by using two inhibitors of that protein class: 1) ζ-Stat (8-hydroxynaphthalene-1,3,6-trisulfonic acid) is a specific inhibitor of PKC-ζ and 2) ICA-I 5-amino-1-(2,3-dihydroxy-4-hydroxymethyl)cyclopentyl)-1H-imidazole-4-carboxamide) is a specific inhibitor of PKC-ι. The cell lines tested were CCD18CO normal colon epithelial and LOVO metastatic CRC cells. The inhibition of aPKCs did not bring any significant toxicity on CCD18CO normal colon cell line. Although PKC-ι is an oncogene in many cancers, we found the overexpression of PKC-ζ and its direct association with Rac1. Our findings suggest that the PKC-ζ may be responsible for the abnormal growth, proliferation, and migration of metastatic LOVO colon cancer cells via PKC-ζ/Rac1/Pak1/β-Catenin pathway. These results suggest the possibility of utilizing PKC-ζ inhibitor to block CRC cells growth, proliferation, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Anisul Islam
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Rekha Patel
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA
| | - Mildred Acevedo-Duncan
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, 4202 E Fowler Ave, Tampa, FL 33620, USA.
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38
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Zhang Y, Guo L, Li Y, Feng GH, Teng F, Li W, Zhou Q. MicroRNA-494 promotes cancer progression and targets adenomatous polyposis coli in colorectal cancer. Mol Cancer 2018; 17:1. [PMID: 29304823 PMCID: PMC5755155 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-017-0753-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is frequently observed in colorectal cancer (CRC). β-catenin is the major Wnt signaling pathway effector and inactivation of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) results in nuclear accumulation of β-catenin. It has been suggested that inactivation of APC plays an important role in activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and in the progression of colorectal tumorigenesis. However, the mechanism through which APC mediates colorectal tumorigenesis is not understood. Increasing evidence suggests that the dysregulation of microRNAs (miRNAs) is involved in colorectal tumorigenesis. Although miR-494 has been reported as being an upregulated miRNA, the interplay between miR-494 and APC-mediated colorectal tumorigenesis progression remains unclear. Methods The expression of miR-494 in tissues from patients diagnosed with CRC was analyzed using a microarray and real-time PCR. The effects of miR-494 on cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in CRC cells were analyzed by flow cytometry, colony formation assays, BrdU incorporation assays, and CCK8 assays. The correlation between miR-494 expression and APC expression, as well as the mechanisms by which miR-494 regulates APC in CRC were also addressed. Results miR-494 was significantly upregulated in CRC tissues, and this increase was negatively associated with APC expression. APC was confirmed to be a direct target of miR-494 in CRC. Furthermore, overexpression of miR-494 induced Wnt/β-catenin signaling by targeting APC, thus promoting CRC cell growth. Conclusions This study provides novel insights into the role of miR-494 in controlling CRC cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, and identifies miR-494 as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Lu Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yuhuan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Gui-Hai Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China
| | - Fei Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100101, China. .,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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39
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Mariotti L, Pollock K, Guettler S. Regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling by tankyrase-dependent poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation and scaffolding. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:4611-4636. [PMID: 28910490 PMCID: PMC5727255 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway is pivotal for stem cell function and the control of cellular differentiation, both during embryonic development and tissue homeostasis in adults. Its activity is carefully controlled through the concerted interactions of concentration-limited pathway components and a wide range of post-translational modifications, including phosphorylation, ubiquitylation, sumoylation, poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation (PARylation) and acetylation. Regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signalling by PARylation was discovered relatively recently. The PARP tankyrase PARylates AXIN1/2, an essential central scaffolding protein in the β-catenin destruction complex, and targets it for degradation, thereby fine-tuning the responsiveness of cells to the Wnt signal. The past few years have not only seen much progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which PARylation controls the pathway but also witnessed the successful development of tankyrase inhibitors as tool compounds and promising agents for the therapy of Wnt-dependent dysfunctions, including colorectal cancer. Recent work has hinted at more complex roles of tankyrase in Wnt/β-catenin signalling as well as challenges and opportunities in the development of tankyrase inhibitors. Here we review some of the latest advances in our understanding of tankyrase function in the pathway and efforts to modulate tankyrase activity to re-tune Wnt/β-catenin signalling in colorectal cancer cells. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on WNT Signalling: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.24/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Mariotti
- Division of Structural BiologyThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
- Division of Cancer BiologyThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Katie Pollock
- Division of Structural BiologyThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
- Division of Cancer BiologyThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
- Division of Cancer TherapeuticsThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Sebastian Guettler
- Division of Structural BiologyThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
- Division of Cancer BiologyThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
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40
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van Kappel EC, Maurice MM. Molecular regulation and pharmacological targeting of the β-catenin destruction complex. Br J Pharmacol 2017. [PMID: 28634996 PMCID: PMC5727331 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The β‐catenin destruction complex is a dynamic cytosolic multiprotein assembly that provides a key node in Wnt signalling regulation. The core components of the destruction complex comprise the scaffold proteins axin and adenomatous polyposis coli and the Ser/Thr kinases casein kinase 1 and glycogen synthase kinase 3. In unstimulated cells, the destruction complex efficiently drives degradation of the transcriptional coactivator β‐catenin, thereby preventing the activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway. Mutational inactivation of the destruction complex is a major pathway in the pathogenesis of cancer. Here, we review recent insights in the regulation of the β‐catenin destruction complex, including newly identified interaction interfaces, regulatory elements and post‐translationally controlled mechanisms. In addition, we discuss how mutations in core destruction complex components deregulate Wnt signalling via distinct mechanisms and how these findings open up potential therapeutic approaches to restore destruction complex activity in cancer cells. Linked Articles This article is part of a themed section on WNT Signalling: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.24/issuetoc
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline C van Kappel
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Madelon M Maurice
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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41
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Abstract
The casein kinase 1 (CK1) family of serine (Ser)/threonine (Thr) protein kinases participates in a myriad of cellular processes including developmental signaling. Hedgehog (Hh) and Wnt pathways are two major and evolutionarily conserved signaling pathways that control embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. Deregulation of these pathways leads to many human disorders including birth defects and cancer. Here, I review the role of CK1 in the regulation of Hh and Wnt signal transduction cascades from the membrane reception systems to the transcriptional effectors. In both Hh and Wnt pathways, multiple CK1 family members regulate signal transduction at several levels of the pathways and play either positive or negative roles depending on the signaling status, individual CK1 isoforms involved, and the specific substrates they phosphorylate. A common mechanism underlying the control of CK1-mediated phosphorylation of Hh and Wnt pathway components is the regulation of CK1/substrate interaction within large protein complexes. I will highlight this feature in the context of Hh signaling and draw interesting parallels between the Hh and Wnt pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Jiang
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, TX, United States.
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42
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Cesaro L, Pinna LA. The generation of phosphoserine stretches in phosphoproteins: mechanism and significance. MOLECULAR BIOSYSTEMS 2016. [PMID: 26211804 DOI: 10.1039/c5mb00337g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In the infancy of studies on protein phosphorylation the occurrence of clusters of three or more consecutive phosphoseryl residues in secreted and in cellular phosphoproteins was reported. Later however, while the reversible phosphorylation of Ser, Thr and Tyr residues was recognized to be the most frequent and general mechanism of cell regulation and signal transduction, the phenomenon of multi-phosphorylation of adjacent residues was entirely neglected. Nowadays, in the post-genomic era, the availability of large phosphoproteomics database makes possible a comprehensive re-visitation of this intriguing aspect of protein phosphorylation, aimed at shedding light on both its mechanistic occurrence and its functional meaning. Here we describe an analysis of the human phosphoproteome disclosing the existence of more than 800 rows of 3 to >10 consecutive phosphoamino acids, composed almost exclusively of phosphoserine, while clustered phosphothreonines and phosphotyrosines are almost absent. A scrutiny of these phosphorylated rows supports the conclusion that they are generated through the major contribution of a few hierarchical protein kinases, with special reference to CK2. Also well documented is the combined intervention of CK1 and GSK3, the former acting as priming and primed, the latter as primed kinase. The by far largest proportion of proteins containing (pS)n clusters display a nuclear localization where they play a prominent role in the regulation of transcription. Consistently the molecular function of the by far largest majority of these proteins is the ability to bind other macromolecules and/or nucleotides and metal ions. A "String" analysis performed under stringent conditions reveals that >80% of them are connected to each other by physical and/or functional links, and that this network of interactions mostly take place at the nuclear level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Cesaro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, Via Ugo Bassi 58B, 35131 Padova, Italy.
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43
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Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays an ever-expanding role in stem cell self-renewal, tumorigenesis and cancer chemoresistance. Genes Dis 2016; 3:11-40. [PMID: 27077077 PMCID: PMC4827448 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling transduces evolutionarily conserved pathways which play important roles in initiating and regulating a diverse range of cellular activities, including cell proliferation, calcium homeostasis, and cell polarity. The role of Wnt signaling in controlling cell proliferation and stem cell self-renewal is primarily carried out through the canonical pathway, which is the best-characterized the multiple Wnt signaling branches. The past 10 years has seen a rapid expansion in our understanding of the complexity of this pathway, as many new components of Wnt signaling have been identified and linked to signaling regulation, stem cell functions, and adult tissue homeostasis. Additionally, a substantial body of evidence links Wnt signaling to tumorigenesis of cancer types and implicates it in the development of cancer drug resistance. Thus, a better understanding of the mechanisms by which dysregulation of Wnt signaling precedes the development and progression of human cancer may hasten the development of pathway inhibitors to augment current therapy. This review summarizes and synthesizes our current knowledge of the canonical Wnt pathway in development and disease. We begin with an overview of the components of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway and delve into the role this pathway has been shown to play in stemness, tumorigenesis, and cancer drug resistance. Ultimately, we hope to present an organized collection of evidence implicating Wnt signaling in tumorigenesis and chemoresistance to facilitate the pursuit of Wnt pathway modulators that may improve outcomes of cancers in which Wnt signaling contributes to aggressive disease and/or treatment resistance.
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Kunttas-Tatli E, Von Kleeck RA, Greaves BD, Vinson D, Roberts DM, McCartney BM. The two SAMP repeats and their phosphorylation state in Drosophila Adenomatous polyposis coli-2 play mechanistically distinct roles in negatively regulating Wnt signaling. Mol Biol Cell 2015; 26:4503-18. [PMID: 26446838 PMCID: PMC4666143 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e15-07-0515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The colon cancer tumor suppressor Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) negatively regulates Wnt signaling destruction complex by binding to β-catenin and facilitating its phosphorylation and degradation. The two SAMP repeats and their phosphorylation state in Drosophila APC2 play distinct roles in negatively regulating Wnt signaling. The tumor suppressor Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) plays a key role in regulating the canonical Wnt signaling pathway as an essential component of the β-catenin destruction complex. C-terminal truncations of APC are strongly implicated in both sporadic and familial forms of colorectal cancer. However, many questions remain as to how these mutations interfere with APC’s tumor suppressor activity. One set of motifs frequently lost in these cancer-associated truncations is the SAMP repeats that mediate interactions between APC and Axin. APC proteins in both vertebrates and Drosophila contain multiple SAMP repeats that lack high sequence conservation outside of the Axin-binding motif. In this study, we tested the functional redundancy between different SAMPs and how these domains are regulated, using Drosophila APC2 and its two SAMP repeats as our model. Consistent with sequence conservation–based predictions, we show that SAMP2 has stronger binding activity to Axin in vitro, but SAMP1 also plays an essential role in the Wnt destruction complex in vivo. In addition, we demonstrate that the phosphorylation of SAMP repeats is a potential mechanism to regulate their activity. Overall our findings support a model in which each SAMP repeat plays a mechanistically distinct role but they cooperate for maximal destruction complex function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Kunttas-Tatli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Ryan A Von Kleeck
- Department of Biology, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA 17604
| | - Bradford D Greaves
- Department of Biology, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA 17604
| | - David Vinson
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - David M Roberts
- Department of Biology, Franklin and Marshall College, Lancaster, PA 17604
| | - Brooke M McCartney
- Department of Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
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45
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Structures of the APC-ARM domain in complexes with discrete Amer1/WTX fragments reveal that it uses a consensus mode to recognize its binding partners. Cell Discov 2015; 1:15016. [PMID: 27462415 PMCID: PMC4860839 DOI: 10.1038/celldisc.2015.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor suppressor APC employs its conserved armadillo repeat (ARM) domain to recognize many of its binding partners, including Amer1/WTX, which is mutated in Wilms' tumor and bone overgrowth syndrome. The APC–Amer1 complex has important roles in regulating Wnt signaling and cell adhesion. Three sites A1, A2, and A3 of Amer1 have been reported to mediate its interaction with APC-ARM. In this study, crystal structures of APC–ARM in complexes with Amer1-A1, -A2, and -A4, which is newly identified in this work, were determined. Combined with our GST pull-down, yeast two-hybrid, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) assay results using mutants of APC and Amer1 interface residues, our structures demonstrate that Amer1-A1, -A2, and -A4, as well as other APC-binding proteins such as Asef and Sam68, all employ a common recognition pattern to associate with APC–ARM. In contrast, Amer1-A3 binds to the C-terminal side of APC–ARM through a bipartite interaction mode. Composite mutations on either APC or Amer1 disrupting all four interfaces abrogated their association in cultured cells and impaired the membrane recruitment of APC by Amer1. Our study thus comprehensively elucidated the recognition mechanism between APC and Amer1, and revealed a consensus recognition sequence employed by various APC–ARM binding partners.
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46
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Deubiquitinase USP47/UBP64E Regulates β-Catenin Ubiquitination and Degradation and Plays a Positive Role in Wnt Signaling. Mol Cell Biol 2015; 35:3301-11. [PMID: 26169834 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00373-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 07/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling plays important roles in development and tumorigenesis. A central question about the Wnt pathway is the regulation of β-catenin. Phosphorylation of β-catenin by CK1α and GSK3 promotes β-catenin binding to β-TrCP, leading to β-catenin degradation through the proteasome. The phosphorylation and ubiquitination of β-catenin have been well characterized; however, it is unknown whether and how a deubiquitinase is involved. In this study, by screening RNA interference (RNAi) libraries, we identified USP47 as a deubiquitinase that prevents β-catenin ubiquitination. Inactivation of USP47 by RNAi increased β-catenin ubiquitination, attenuated Wnt signaling, and repressed cancer cell growth. Furthermore, USP47 deubiquitinates itself, whereas β-TrCP promotes USP47 ubiquitination through interaction with an atypical motif in USP47. Finally, in vivo studies in the Drosophila wing suggest that UBP64E, the USP47 counterpart in Drosophila, is required for Armadillo stabilization and plays a positive role in regulating Wnt target gene expression.
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47
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Catrow JL, Zhang Y, Zhang M, Ji H. Discovery of Selective Small-Molecule Inhibitors for the β-Catenin/T-Cell Factor Protein-Protein Interaction through the Optimization of the Acyl Hydrazone Moiety. J Med Chem 2015; 58:4678-92. [PMID: 25985283 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.5b00223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Acyl hydrazone is an important functional group for the discovery of bioactive small molecules. This functional group is also recognized as a pan assay interference structure. In this study, a new small-molecule inhibitor for the β-catenin/Tcf protein-protein interaction (PPI), ZINC02092166, was identified through AlphaScreen and FP assays. This compound contains an acyl hydrazone group and exhibits higher inhibitory activities in cell-based assays than biochemical assays. Inhibitor optimization resulted in chemically stable derivatives that disrupt the β-catenin/Tcf PPI. The binding mode of new inhibitors was characterized by site-directed mutagenesis and structure-activity relationship studies. This series of inhibitors with a new scaffold exhibits dual selectivity for β-catenin/Tcf over β-catenin/cadherin and β-catenin/APC PPIs. One derivative of this series suppresses canonical Wnt signaling, downregulates the expression of Wnt target genes, and inhibits the growth of cancer cells. This compound represents a solid starting point for the development of potent and selective β-catenin/Tcf inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Leon Catrow
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - Yongqiang Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
| | - Haitao Ji
- Department of Chemistry, Center for Cell and Genome Science, University of Utah, 315 South 1400 East, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112-0850, United States
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Choi HJ, Weis WI. Purification, crystallization and preliminary X-ray diffraction studies of the β-catenin homolog HMP-2 from Caenorhabditis elegans. Acta Crystallogr F Struct Biol Commun 2015; 71:272-6. [PMID: 25760700 PMCID: PMC4356301 DOI: 10.1107/s2053230x15000643] [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: 12/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
β-Catenin is a multifunctional protein involved in both cell adhesion and Wnt signaling in metazoans. The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans is unusual in that it expresses four β-catenin paralogs with separate functions. C. elegans HMP-2 participates in cell adhesion but not in Wnt signaling, so structural and biochemical studies of this protein will help in understanding its unusual specialization and the evolution of β-catenin. HMP-2 was expressed, purified and crystallized in two different salt conditions. Crystals grown from a sodium formate condition diffracted to a resolution of 2 Å and belonged to space group C2, with unit-cell parameters a = 165.2, b = 39.0, c = 101.1 Å, β = 116.7°. Crystals obtained from a lithium sulfate condition diffracted to 3 Å resolution and belonged to space group P43, with unit-cell parameters a = b = 85.3, c = 138.7 Å. Diffraction data were collected and processed from both crystal forms and the structure was solved by molecular replacement. Model refinement is in progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Jung Choi
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-747, Republic of Korea
| | - William I. Weis
- Departments of Structural Biology and of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
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Song L, Li Y, He B, Gong Y. Development of Small Molecules Targeting the Wnt Signaling Pathway in Cancer Stem Cells for the Treatment of Colorectal Cancer. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2015; 14:133-45. [PMID: 25799881 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2015.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) was ranked third in morbidity and mortality in the United States in 2013. Although substantial progress has been made in surgical techniques and postoperative chemotherapy in recent years, the prognosis for colon cancer is still not satisfactory, mainly because of cancer recurrence and metastasis. The latest studies have shown that cancer stem cells (CSCs) play important roles in cancer recurrence and metastasis. Drugs that target CSCs might therefore have great therapeutic potential in prevention of cancer recurrence and metastasis. The wingless-int (Wnt) signaling pathway in CSCs has been suggested to play crucial roles in colorectal carcinogenesis, and has become a popular target for anti-CRC therapy. Dysregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway, mostly by inactivating mutations of the adenomatous polyposis coli tumor suppressor or oncogenic mutations of β-catenin, has been implicated as a key factor in colorectal tumorigenesis. Abnormal increases of β-catenin levels represents a common pathway in Wnt signaling activation and is also observed in other human malignancies. These findings highlight the importance of developing small-molecule drugs that target the Wnt pathway. Herein we provide an overview on the current development of small molecules that target the Wnt pathway in colorectal CSCs and discuss future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lele Song
- Department of Radiotherapy, the PLA 309 Hospital, Beijing, China; BioChain (Beijing) Science and Technology, Inc, Beijing, China.
| | - Yuemin Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, the PLA 309 Hospital, Beijing, China.
| | - Baoming He
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, the PLA 309 Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Gong
- Department of Gastroenterology, the PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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50
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Cruciat CM. Casein kinase 1 and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2014; 31:46-55. [PMID: 25200911 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2014.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2014] [Accepted: 08/21/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Casein kinase 1 (CK1) members play a critical and evolutionary conserved role in Wnt/β-catenin signaling. They phosphorylate several pathway components and exert a dual function, acting as both Wnt activators and Wnt inhibitors. Recent discoveries suggest that CK1 members act in a coordinated manner to regulate early responses to Wnt and notably that their enzymatic activity is regulated. Here, I provide a brief update of CK1 function and regulation in Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina-Maria Cruciat
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, DKFZ, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, D-69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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