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Chen S, Lin T, Basu R, Ritchey J, Wang S, Luo Y, Li X, Pei D, Kara LB, Cheng X. Design of target specific peptide inhibitors using generative deep learning and molecular dynamics simulations. Nat Commun 2024; 15:1611. [PMID: 38383543 PMCID: PMC10882002 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45766-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
We introduce a computational approach for the design of target-specific peptides. Our method integrates a Gated Recurrent Unit-based Variational Autoencoder with Rosetta FlexPepDock for peptide sequence generation and binding affinity assessment. Subsequently, molecular dynamics simulations are employed to narrow down the selection of peptides for experimental assays. We apply this computational strategy to design peptide inhibitors that specifically target β-catenin and NF-κB essential modulator. Among the twelve β-catenin inhibitors, six exhibit improved binding affinity compared to the parent peptide. Notably, the best C-terminal peptide binds β-catenin with an IC50 of 0.010 ± 0.06 μM, which is 15-fold better than the parent peptide. For NF-κB essential modulator, two of the four tested peptides display substantially enhanced binding compared to the parent peptide. Collectively, this study underscores the successful integration of deep learning and structure-based modeling and simulation for target specific peptide design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijie Chen
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tong Lin
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Machine Learning Department, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ruchira Basu
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jeremy Ritchey
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shen Wang
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yichuan Luo
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Xingcan Li
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital and Medical School of Nantong University, 20 West Temple Road, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dehua Pei
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The Ohio State University, 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Levent Burak Kara
- Mechanical Engineering Department, Carnegie Mellon University, 5000 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Xiaolin Cheng
- College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, 281 W Lane Ave, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Translational Data Analytics Institute, The Ohio State University, 1760 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH, USA.
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2
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Housini M, Dariya B, Ahmed N, Stevens A, Fiadjoe H, Nagaraju GP, Basha R. Colorectal cancer: Genetic alterations, novel biomarkers, current therapeutic strategies and clinical trials. Gene 2024; 892:147857. [PMID: 37783294 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.147857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most commonly detected cancer with a serious global health issue. The rates for incidence and mortality for CRC are alarming, especially since the prognosis is abysmal when the CRC is diagnosed at an advanced or metastatic stage. Both type of (modifiable/ non-modifiable) types of risk factors are established for CRC. Despite the advances in recent technology and sophisticated research, the survival rate is still meager due to delays in diagnosis. Therefore, there is urgently required to identify critical biomarkers aiming at early diagnosis and improving effective therapeutic strategies. Additionally, a complete understanding of the dysregulated pathways like PI3K/Akt, Notch, and Wnt associated with CRC progression and metastasis is very beneficial in designing a therapeutic regimen. This review article focused on the dysregulated signaling pathways, genetics and epigenetics alterations, and crucial biomarkers of CRC. This review also provided the list of clinical trials targeting signaling cascades and therapies involving small molecules. This review discusses up-to-date information on novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies alongside specific clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Housini
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States
| | - Begum Dariya
- Center for Drug Design, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 5545, United States
| | - Nadia Ahmed
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, United States
| | - Alyssa Stevens
- Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, MO 64801, United States
| | - Hope Fiadjoe
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States
| | - Ganji Purnachandra Nagaraju
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, United States.
| | - Riyaz Basha
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States; Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, United States.
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3
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Qin K, Yu M, Fan J, Wang H, Zhao P, Zhao G, Zeng W, Chen C, Wang Y, Wang A, Schwartz Z, Hong J, Song L, Wagstaff W, Haydon RC, Luu HH, Ho SH, Strelzow J, Reid RR, He TC, Shi LL. Canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling: Multilayered mediators, signaling mechanisms and major signaling crosstalk. Genes Dis 2024; 11:103-134. [PMID: 37588235 PMCID: PMC10425814 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.01.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling plays a major role in regulating cell proliferation and differentiation. The Wnt ligands are a family of 19 secreted glycoproteins that mediate their signaling effects via binding to Frizzled receptors and LRP5/6 coreceptors and transducing the signal either through β-catenin in the canonical pathway or through a series of other proteins in the noncanonical pathway. Many of the individual components of both canonical and noncanonical Wnt signaling have additional functions throughout the body, establishing the complex interplay between Wnt signaling and other signaling pathways. This crosstalk between Wnt signaling and other pathways gives Wnt signaling a vital role in many cellular and organ processes. Dysregulation of this system has been implicated in many diseases affecting a wide array of organ systems, including cancer and embryological defects, and can even cause embryonic lethality. The complexity of this system and its interacting proteins have made Wnt signaling a target for many therapeutic treatments. However, both stimulatory and inhibitory treatments come with potential risks that need to be addressed. This review synthesized much of the current knowledge on the Wnt signaling pathway, beginning with the history of Wnt signaling. It thoroughly described the different variants of Wnt signaling, including canonical, noncanonical Wnt/PCP, and the noncanonical Wnt/Ca2+ pathway. Further description involved each of its components and their involvement in other cellular processes. Finally, this review explained the various other pathways and processes that crosstalk with Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Qin
- Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Michael Yu
- Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL 60064, USA
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jiaming Fan
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Diagnostic Medicine, and Department of Clinical Biochemistry, The School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Piao Zhao
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Guozhi Zhao
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Departments of Orthopaedic Surgery and Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Wei Zeng
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Interventional Neurology, The First Dongguan Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong 523475, China
| | - Connie Chen
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Yonghui Wang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200000, China
| | - Annie Wang
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Biology and Development, Department of Surgery Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Zander Schwartz
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA
| | - Jeffrey Hong
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Lily Song
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - William Wagstaff
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Rex C. Haydon
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Hue H. Luu
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Sherwin H. Ho
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jason Strelzow
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Russell R. Reid
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Biology and Development, Department of Surgery Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Tong-Chuan He
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
- Laboratory of Craniofacial Biology and Development, Department of Surgery Section of Plastic Surgery, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Lewis L. Shi
- Molecular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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Gui T, Fleming C, Manzato C, Bourgeois B, Sirati N, Heuer J, Papadionysiou I, Montfort DIV, Gijzen MV, Smits LMM, Burgering BMT, Madl T, Schuijers J. Targeted perturbation of signaling-driven condensates. Mol Cell 2023; 83:4141-4157.e11. [PMID: 37977121 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2023.10.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Biomolecular condensates have emerged as a major organizational principle in the cell. However, the formation, maintenance, and dissolution of condensates are still poorly understood. Transcriptional machinery partitions into biomolecular condensates at key cell identity genes to activate these. Here, we report a specific perturbation of WNT-activated β-catenin condensates that disrupts oncogenic signaling. We use a live-cell condensate imaging method in human cancer cells to discover FOXO and TCF-derived peptides that specifically inhibit β-catenin condensate formation on DNA, perturb nuclear β-catenin condensates in cells, and inhibit β-catenin-driven transcriptional activation and colorectal cancer cell growth. We show that these peptides compete with homotypic intermolecular interactions that normally drive condensate formation. Using this framework, we derive short peptides that specifically perturb condensates and transcriptional activation of YAP and TAZ in the Hippo pathway. We propose a "monomer saturation" model in which short interacting peptides can be used to specifically inhibit condensate-associated transcription in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianshu Gui
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3721 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Cassio Fleming
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Caterina Manzato
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Benjamin Bourgeois
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Nafiseh Sirati
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Jasper Heuer
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Ioanna Papadionysiou
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel I van Montfort
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Merel van Gijzen
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lydia M M Smits
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Boudewijn M T Burgering
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3721 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Tobias Madl
- Gottfried Schatz Research Center for Cell Signaling, Metabolism and Aging, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria; BioTechMed-Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Jurian Schuijers
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CG Utrecht, the Netherlands; Oncode Institute, 3721 AL Utrecht, the Netherlands.
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Chakravarty D, Schafer JW, Porter LL. Distinguishing features of fold-switching proteins. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4596. [PMID: 36782353 PMCID: PMC9951197 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Though many folded proteins assume one stable structure that performs one function, a small-but-increasing number remodel their secondary and tertiary structures and change their functions in response to cellular stimuli. These fold-switching proteins regulate biological processes and are associated with autoimmune dysfunction, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 infection, and more. Despite their biological importance, it is difficult to computationally predict fold switching. With the aim of advancing computational prediction and experimental characterization of fold switchers, this review discusses several features that distinguish fold-switching proteins from their single-fold and intrinsically disordered counterparts. First, the isolated structures of fold switchers are less stable and more heterogeneous than single folders but more stable and less heterogeneous than intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). Second, the sequences of single fold, fold switching, and intrinsically disordered proteins can evolve at distinct rates. Third, proteins from these three classes are best predicted using different computational techniques. Finally, late-breaking results suggest that single folders, fold switchers, and IDPs have distinct patterns of residue-residue coevolution. The review closes by discussing high-throughput and medium-throughput experimental approaches that might be used to identify new fold-switching proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devlina Chakravarty
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Joseph W. Schafer
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
| | - Lauren L. Porter
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
- Biochemistry and Biophysics Center, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaMarylandUSA
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6
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Li Q, Tie Y, Alu A, Ma X, Shi H. Targeted therapy for head and neck cancer: signaling pathways and clinical studies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:31. [PMID: 36646686 PMCID: PMC9842704 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01297-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is malignant, genetically complex and difficult to treat and is the sixth most frequent cancer, with tobacco, alcohol and human papillomavirus being major risk factors. Based on epigenetic data, HNC is remarkably heterogeneous, and treatment remains challenging. There is a lack of significant improvement in survival and quality of life in patients with HNC. Over half of HNC patients experience locoregional recurrence or distal metastasis despite the current multiple traditional therapeutic strategies and immunotherapy. In addition, resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy and some targeted therapies is common. Therefore, it is urgent to explore more effective and tolerable targeted therapies to improve the clinical outcomes of HNC patients. Recent targeted therapy studies have focused on identifying promising biomarkers and developing more effective targeted therapies. A well understanding of the pathogenesis of HNC contributes to learning more about its inner association, which provides novel insight into the development of small molecule inhibitors. In this review, we summarized the vital signaling pathways and discussed the current potential therapeutic targets against critical molecules in HNC, as well as presenting preclinical animal models and ongoing or completed clinical studies about targeted therapy, which may contribute to a more favorable prognosis of HNC. Targeted therapy in combination with other therapies and its limitations were also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingfang Li
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Tie
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Aqu Alu
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Huashan Shi
- Department of Biotherapy, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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Zhang H, Liu C, Zhu D, Zhang Q, Li J. Medicinal Chemistry Strategies for the Development of Inhibitors Disrupting β-Catenin's Interactions with Its Nuclear Partners. J Med Chem 2023; 66:1-31. [PMID: 36583662 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c01016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is strongly associated with various aspects of cancer, including tumor initiation, proliferation, and metastasis as well as antitumor immunity, and presents a promising opportunity for cancer therapy. Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation increases nuclear dephosphorylated β-catenin levels, resulting in β-catenin binding to TCF and additional cotranscription factors, such as BCL9, CBP, and p300. Therefore, directly disrupting β-catenin's interactions with these nuclear partners holds promise for the effective and selective suppression of the aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Herein, we summarize recent advances in biochemical techniques and medicinal chemistry strategies used to identify potent peptide-based and small-molecule inhibitors that directly disrupt β-catenin's interactions with its nuclear binding partners. We discuss the challenges involved in developing drug-like inhibitors that target the interactions of β-catenin and its nuclear binding partner into therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.,Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chenglong Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Di Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai 201203, China.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 201100, China
| | - Qingwei Zhang
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jianqi Li
- Novel Technology Center of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., China State Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, Shanghai 201203, China
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Saleem U, Khalid S, Zaib S, Anwar F, Akhtar MF, Hussain L, Saleem A, Ahmad B. Wound Healing Potential and In Silico Appraisal of Convolvulus arvensis L. Methanolic Extract. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:1373160. [PMID: 36467883 PMCID: PMC9715325 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1373160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Convolvulus arvensis L. is rich in phenolic compounds and traditionally used to treat wounds, skin ulcer, and inflammation. The current study is aimed at scientifically potentiating its traditional wound healing use. The methanolic extract of C. arvensis stem (CaME) was analyzed for HPLC and GC-MS analyses. The binding modes of active compounds were investigated against protein targets glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), c-myc, and β-catenin by molecular docking followed by molecular dynamic simulations which revealed some conserved mode of binding as reported in crystal structures. The antioxidant potential of CaME was evaluated by in vitro methods such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging, hydrogen peroxide scavenging, and ferric reducing power assays. Ointment formulations of 10 and 20% CaME were applied topically and evaluated for wound healing potency against the excisional wound on the skin of Wistar rats. Gentamycin (0.1%) served as standard therapy. The healing process was observed for 20 days in the form of wound size and epithelialization followed by histopathological evaluation of the wound area. Chemical characterization showed the presence of 7-hexadecenoic acid, 2-hexadecylicosan-1-ol, quercetin, gallic acid, ferulic acid, and other compounds. The plant extract exhibited significant in vitro antioxidant activity. The animals treated with 10% ointment showed moderate healing, whereas the treatment with 20% CaME revealed healing potential comparable to the standard 0.1% gentamycin as coevidenced from histopathological evaluation of skin. The study corroborates promising potential of C. arvensis on the healing of wounds, which possibly will be attributed to its antioxidant activity, fatty acids, quercetin, and gallic and caffeic acids, and binding potential of its phytoconstituents (phenolic acids) with wound healing targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Uzma Saleem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Sana Khalid
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Shingraf Zaib
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Fareeha Anwar
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Furqan Akhtar
- Riphah Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Liaqat Hussain
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Ammara Saleem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad 38000, Pakistan
| | - Bashir Ahmad
- Hamza College of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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9
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Nalli M, Masci D, Urbani A, La Regina G, Silvestri R. Emerging Direct Targeting β-Catenin Agents. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27227735. [PMID: 36431838 PMCID: PMC9698307 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant accumulation of β-catenin in the cell nucleus as a result of deregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is found in various types of cancer. Direct β-catenin targeting agents are being researched despite obstacles; however, specific β-catenin drugs for clinical treatments have not been approved so far. We focused on direct β-catenin targeting of potential therapeutic value as anticancer agents. This review provides recent advances on small molecule β-catenin agents. Structure-activity relationships and biological activities of reported inhibitors are discussed. This work provides useful knowledge in the discovery of β-catenin agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Nalli
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 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
| | - Giuseppe La Regina
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Romano Silvestri
- Laboratory Affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy—Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence:
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10
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Parrish ML, Broaddus RR, Gladden AB. Mechanisms of mutant β-catenin in endometrial cancer progression. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1009345. [PMID: 36248967 PMCID: PMC9556987 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1009345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most diagnosed gynecological malignancy in Western countries. Both incidence and mortality rates of EC have steadily risen in recent years. Despite generally favorable prognoses for patients with the endometrioid type of EC, a subset of patients has been identified with decreased progression-free survival. Patients in this group are distinguished from other endometrioid EC patients by the presence of exon 3 hotspot mutations in CTNNB1, the gene encoding for the β-catenin protein. β-catenin is an evolutionarily conserved protein with critical functions in both adherens junctions and Wnt-signaling. The exact mechanism by which exon 3 CTNNB1 mutations drive EC progression is not well understood. Further, the potential contribution of mutant β-catenin to adherens junctions' integrity is not known. Additionally, the magnitude of worsened progression-free survival in patients with CTNNB1 mutations is context dependent, and therefore the importance of this subset of patients can be obscured by improper categorization. This review will examine the history and functions of β-catenin, how these functions may change and drive EC progression in CTNNB1 mutant patients, and the importance of this patient group in the broader context of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Molly L. Parrish
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Pathobiology and Translational Science Graduate Program, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Russell R. Broaddus
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Pathobiology and Translational Science Graduate Program, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Andrew B. Gladden
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Pathobiology and Translational Science Graduate Program, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
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11
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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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12
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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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13
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Neogi K, Murumkar PR, Sharma P, Yadav P, Tewari M, Karunagaran D, Nayak PK, Yadav MR. Design, synthesis and evaluation of 4,7-disubstituted 8-methoxyquinazoline derivatives as potential cytotoxic agents targeting β-catenin/TCF4 signaling pathway. Transl Oncol 2022; 19:101395. [PMID: 35325837 PMCID: PMC8938628 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel 4,7-disubstituted 8-methoxyquinazoline based derivativesdisrupting β-catenin/TCF4 interactions were synthesized. Cytotoxic potencies of these derivatives were found to be comparable with imatinib mesylate against constitutively activated β-catenin/TCF4 signaling cancer cells (IC50 ranged from 5.64 ± 0.68 to 23.18 ±0.45 μM against HCT116 and HepG2 cells). Compound (18B) was found to be the most potent compound. Compound (18B) induced apoptosis and inhibited cell migration against HCT116 and HepG2 cells. Compound (18B) significantly downregulated β-catenin/TCF4 signaling pathway (reduced TOP-luciferase activity), β-catenin and TCF4 protein expression, and mRNA levels of c-MYC and Cyclin D1 (Wnt target genes) against HCT116 cells and showed cytotoxicity against primary human gallbladder cancer cells (IC50 8.50±1.44).
Overactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by accumulated β-catenin in the nucleus has been shown to play a crucial role in the etiology of cancer. Interaction of β-catenin with Transcription factor 4 (TCF4) is a key step for the activation of Wnt genes in response to upstream signals of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Hence, down regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling or targeting downstream events by selective β-catenin/TCF4 protein–protein interaction inhibitors could be a potential therapeutic strategy against such cancers. In this study structure-based drug design approach was followed to design novel 4,7-disubstituted 8-methoxyquinazoline-based derivatives which could act as potential cytotoxic agents inhibiting the β-catenin/TCF4 protein–protein interactions. Fifteen compounds possessing 4,7-disubstituted 8-methoxyquinazoline scaffold were synthesized. Cytotoxic potential of the synthesised derivatives were determined against constitutively activated β-catenin/TCF4 signaling pathway cancer cells (HCT116 and HepG2) using the sulforhodamine B assay. The most potent compound (18B) was selected for detailed biological evaluation. Cell morphology, Hoechst 33342 and Annexin V/PI staining were used to detect apoptosis, while inhibition of cell migration was assessed by in vitro wound healing assay against HCT116 and HepG2 cells. Effect on β-catenin/TCF mediated transcriptional activity was assessed by TOPFlash/FOPFlash assay, TCF4 and β-catenin protein expression by immunocytofluorescence, and Wnt target genes (like c-MYC and Cyclin D1) mRNA levels by RT-PCR against HCT116 cells. Cytotoxic potency of the most potential compound (18B) against primary human gallbladder cancer cells was also evaluated. The derivatives showed interactions with active site residues of β-catenin and were capable of hindering the TCF4 binding, thereby disrupting β-catenin/TCF4 interactions. Cytotoxic potencies (IC50) of these derivatives ranged from 5.64 ± 0.68 to 23.18 ± 0.45 μM against HCT116 and HepG2 cells respectively. Compound (18B), the most potent compound among the series, induced apoptosis and inhibited cell migration against HCT116 and HepG2 cells. Mechanistic studies indicated that compound (18B) downregulated β-catenin/TCF4 signaling pathway, β-catenin and TCF4 protein expression, and mRNA levels of c-MYC andCyclin D1 in HCT116 cells and showed cytotoxicity against primary human gallbladder cancer cells with IC50 value of 8.50 ± 1.44 μM. Thus, novel 4,7-disubstituted 8-methoxyquinazoline derivatives were identified as potential cytotoxic agents with potencies comparable to that of imatinib mesylate. Compound (18B) represents a promising lead molecule as anticancer agent against colon, hepatocellular and gallbladder cancers targeting β-catenin/TCF4 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaushik Neogi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technorlogy, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Prashant R Murumkar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Vadodara, Gujarat, India
| | - Priyanshu Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Poonam Yadav
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mallika Tewari
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Devarajan Karunagaran
- Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Prasanta Kumar Nayak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Engineering and Technorlogy, Indian Institute of Technology (Banaras Hindu University), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | - Mange Ram Yadav
- Centre of Research for Development, Parul University, Vadodara, Gujarat, India.
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14
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Gisdon FJ, Kynast JP, Ayyildiz M, Hine AV, Plückthun A, Höcker B. Modular peptide binders - development of a predictive technology as alternative for reagent antibodies. Biol Chem 2022; 403:535-543. [PMID: 35089661 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2021-0384] [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: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Current biomedical research and diagnostics critically depend on detection agents for specific recognition and quantification of protein molecules. Monoclonal antibodies have been used for this purpose over decades and facilitated numerous biological and biomedical investigations. Recently, however, it has become apparent that many commercial reagent antibodies lack specificity or do not recognize their target at all. Thus, synthetic alternatives are needed whose complex designs are facilitated by multidisciplinary approaches incorporating experimental protein engineering with computational modeling. Here, we review the status of such an engineering endeavor based on the modular armadillo repeat protein scaffold and discuss challenges in its implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian J Gisdon
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, D-95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Josef P Kynast
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, D-95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Merve Ayyildiz
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, D-95447 Bayreuth, Germany
| | - Anna V Hine
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Andreas Plückthun
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Zurich, CH-8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Birte Höcker
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Bayreuth, D-95447 Bayreuth, Germany
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15
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Gao J, Zhang J, Xia L, Liang X, Ding W, Song M, Li L, Jia Z. Up-regulation of caveolin 1 mediated by chitosan activates Wnt/ β-catenin pathway in chronic refractory wound diabetic rat model. Bioengineered 2022; 13:1388-1398. [PMID: 35000526 PMCID: PMC8805831 DOI: 10.1080/21655979.2021.2017625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus (DM) can be implicated in the perturbations of vascular integrity and the dysfunction of angiogenesis. Chitosan has the advantage of promoting the vascular endothelial cell proliferation. However, the molecular mechanism of action in the promotion of wound healing by chitosan derivatives is still debated. In the current study, DM with chronic wound (CW) model rats were prepared and treated with chitosan. Vascular endothelial cells isolated from granulation tissues were conducted by RNA sequencing. Two thousand three hundred and sixteen genes were up-regulated, while 1,864 genes were down-regulated after chitosan treatment compared to CW group. Here, we observed that caveolin 1 (CAV1) was highly expressed induced by chitosan. Furthermore, we observed that CAV1 knockdown could compromise the activation of Wnt pathway by reduction of β-catenin in rat aortic endothelial cells (RAOECs) and brain endothelium four cells (RBE4s). Moreover, we determined a direct interaction between CAV1 and β-catenin by IP assay. The C-terminus of CAV1 and β-catenin (24 to 586 amino acids) contributed to the interaction of these two proteins. Finally, the protein docking analysis indicated that the fragments of β-catenin (253–261 ‘FYAITTLHN’ and 292–303 ‘KFLAITTDCLQI’) might have affected the structure by CAV1 and facilitated the resistance to degradation. Taken together, our study demonstrates that chitosan can up-regulate CAV1 expression, and CAV1 can interact with β-catenin for promotion of canonical Wnt signaling pathway activity. Our results deepens the molecular mechanism of the Wnt pathway in vascular endothelial cells and is beneficial to developing new targets to assist in enhancing the pharmacological effect of chitosan on wound healing and angiogenesis against DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Gao
- Department of peripheral vascular diseases, First Affiliated hospital, Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin City, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jiayuan Zhang
- School of Stomatology, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar, China
| | - Lianheng Xia
- Department of peripheral vascular diseases, First Affiliated hospital, Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin City, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Xuewei Liang
- Department of peripheral vascular diseases, First Affiliated hospital, Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin City, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Wukun Ding
- Department of peripheral vascular diseases, First Affiliated hospital, Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin City, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Meiyu Song
- Department of peripheral vascular diseases, First Affiliated hospital, Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin City, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Linggen Li
- Department of peripheral vascular diseases, First Affiliated hospital, Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin City, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Zhen Jia
- Department of peripheral vascular diseases, First Affiliated hospital, Heilongjiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Harbin City, Heilongjiang, China
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16
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Almuradova E, Malik DES, Yousaf S, Farooqi A. Overview of the progress and prospects of SMAC mimetics in cancers: Is it a silver bullet? ARHIV ZA FARMACIJU 2022. [DOI: 10.5937/arhfarm72-39318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Loss of apoptosis results in the survival and uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells. Basic and clinical researchers have dissected myriads of central regulators of apoptosis. Second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (SMAC)/ direct inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAP)-binding protein with low pI (DIABLO) has attracted phenomenal attention because of its amazing ability to trigger apoptotic death. Accordingly, different teams of interdisciplinary researchers are working on the design and development of SMAC mimetics which can significantly inhibit primary and secondary tumor growth.
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17
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Bou-Rouphael J, Durand BC. T-Cell Factors as Transcriptional Inhibitors: Activities and Regulations in Vertebrate Head Development. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:784998. [PMID: 34901027 PMCID: PMC8651982 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.784998] [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: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Since its first discovery in the late 90s, Wnt canonical signaling has been demonstrated to affect a large variety of neural developmental processes, including, but not limited to, embryonic axis formation, neural proliferation, fate determination, and maintenance of neural stem cells. For decades, studies have focused on the mechanisms controlling the activity of β-catenin, the sole mediator of Wnt transcriptional response. More recently, the spotlight of research is directed towards the last cascade component, the T-cell factor (TCF)/Lymphoid-Enhancer binding Factor (LEF), and more specifically, the TCF/LEF-mediated switch from transcriptional activation to repression, which in both embryonic blastomeres and mouse embryonic stem cells pushes the balance from pluri/multipotency towards differentiation. It has been long known that Groucho/Transducin-Like Enhancer of split (Gro/TLE) is the main co-repressor partner of TCF/LEF. More recently, other TCF/LEF-interacting partners have been identified, including the pro-neural BarH-Like 2 (BARHL2), which belongs to the evolutionary highly conserved family of homeodomain-containing transcription factors. This review describes the activities and regulatory modes of TCF/LEF as transcriptional repressors, with a specific focus on the functions of Barhl2 in vertebrate brain development. Specific attention is given to the transcriptional events leading to formation of the Organizer, as well as the roles and regulations of Wnt/β-catenin pathway in growth of the caudal forebrain. We present TCF/LEF activities in both embryonic and neural stem cells and discuss how alterations of this pathway could lead to tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Béatrice C. Durand
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR7622, IBPS Developmental Biology Laboratory, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France
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18
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Hu W, Bagramyan K, Bhatticharya S, Hong T, Tapia A, Wong P, Kalkum M, Shively JE. Phosphorylation of human CEACAM1-LF by PKA and GSK3β promotes its interaction with β-catenin. J Biol Chem 2021; 297:101305. [PMID: 34656562 PMCID: PMC8564729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.101305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
CEACAM1-LF, a homotypic cell adhesion adhesion molecule, transduces intracellular signals via a 72 amino acid cytoplasmic domain that contains two immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs) and a binding site for β-catenin. Phosphorylation of Ser503 by PKC in rodent CEACAM1 was shown to affect bile acid transport or hepatosteatosis via the level of ITIM phosphorylation, but the phosphorylation of the equivalent residue in human CEACAM1 (Ser508) was unclear. Here we studied this analogous phosphorylation by NMR analysis of the 15N labeled cytoplasmic domain peptide. Incubation with a variety of Ser/Thr kinases revealed phosphorylation of Ser508 by GSK3bβ but not by PKC. The lack of phosphorylation by PKC is likely due to evolutionary sequence changes between the rodent and human genes. Phosphorylation site assignment by mass spectrometry and NMR revealed phosphorylation of Ser472, Ser461 and Ser512 by PKA, of which Ser512 is part of a conserved consensus site for GSK3β binding. We showed here that only after phosphorylation of Ser512 by PKA was GSK3β able to phosphorylate Ser508. Phosphorylation of Ser512 by PKA promoted a tight association with the armadillo repeat domain of β-catenin at an extended region spanning the ITIMs of CEACAM1. The kinetics of phosphorylation of the ITIMs by Src, as well dephosphorylation by SHP2, were affected by the presence of Ser508/512 phosphorylation, suggesting that PKA and GSK3β may regulate the signal transduction activity of human CEACAM1-LF. The interaction of CEACAM1-LF with β-catenin promoted by PKA is suggestive of a tight association between the two ITIMs of CEACAM1-LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Hu
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Karine Bagramyan
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Supriyo Bhatticharya
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Teresa Hong
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Alonso Tapia
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Patty Wong
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - Markus Kalkum
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA
| | - John E Shively
- Department of Molecular Imaging and Therapy, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, California, USA.
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19
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Wang R, Liu J, Li K, Yang G, Chen S, Wu J, Xie X, Ren H, Pang Y. An SETD1A/Wnt/β-catenin feedback loop promotes NSCLC development. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:318. [PMID: 34645486 PMCID: PMC8513302 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02119-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background SETD1A, a member of SET1/MLL family H3K4 methyltransferases, is involved in the tumorigenesis of numerous cancers. However, the biological role and mechanism of SETD1A in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain to be elucidated. Methods The expression of SETD1A, NEAT1, EZH2, and β-catenin in NSCLC tissues and cell lines was detected by qRT-PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The regulatory mechanisms were validated by chromatin immunoprecipitation, co-immunoprepitation and luciferase reporter assay. The self-renewal, cisplatin sensitivity and tumorigenesis of NSCLC cells were analyzed using sphere formation, CCK-8, colony formation assays and xenograft tumor models. Results SETD1A expression was significantly increased in NSCLC and its overexpression predicted a poor prognosis of patients with NSCLC. Functional experiments showed that SETD1A positively regulated cancer stem cell property and negatively regulated cisplatin sensitivity in NSCLC cells via the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Next, we found that SETD1A positively regulated the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via interacting with and stabilizing β-catenin. The SET domain is dispensable for the interaction between SETD1A and β-catenin. Furthermore, we identified that SETD1A bound to the promoters of NEAT1 and EZH2 to activate gene transcription by inducing H3K4me3 enrichment. Rescue experiments showed that SETD1A promoted the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and exerted its oncogenic functions in NSCLC, at least, partly through NEAT1 and EZH2 upregulation. In addition, SETD1A was proven to be a direct target of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, thus forming a positive feedback loop in NSCLC cells. Conclusion SETD1A and Wnt/β-catenin pathway form a positive feedback loop and coordinately contribute to NSCLC progression. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-021-02119-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P.R. China.,Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P.R. China
| | - Ganghua Yang
- Department of Geriatric Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, People's Republic of China
| | - Sisi Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P.R. China
| | - Jie Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xinming Xie
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Hong Ren
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, P.R. China.
| | - Yamei Pang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China.
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20
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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: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.7] [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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21
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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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22
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Chatterjee A, Paul S, Bisht B, Bhattacharya S, Sivasubramaniam S, Paul MK. Advances in targeting the WNT/β-catenin signaling pathway in cancer. Drug Discov Today 2021; 27:82-101. [PMID: 34252612 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
WNT/β-catenin signaling orchestrates various physiological processes, including embryonic development, growth, tissue homeostasis, and regeneration. Abnormal WNT/β-catenin signaling is associated with various cancers and its inhibition has shown effective antitumor responses. In this review, we discuss the pathway, potential targets for the development of WNT/β-catenin inhibitors, available inhibitors, and their specific molecular interactions with the target proteins. We also discuss inhibitors that are in clinical trials and describe potential new avenues for therapeutically targeting the WNT/β-catenin pathway. Furthermore, we introduce emerging strategies, including artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted tools and technology-based actionable approaches, to translate WNT/β-catenin inhibitors to the clinic for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avradip Chatterjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 90048, USA
| | - Sayan Paul
- Department of Biotechnology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627012, India; Centre for Cardiovascular Biology and Disease, Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (inStem), Bangalore 560065, India
| | - Bharti Bisht
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Shelley Bhattacharya
- Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology (Centre for Advanced Studies), Visva Bharati (A Central University), Santiniketan 731235, India
| | - Sudhakar Sivasubramaniam
- Department of Biotechnology, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu 627012, India
| | - Manash K Paul
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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23
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Low JL, Du W, Gocha T, Oguz G, Zhang X, Chen MW, Masirevic S, Yim DGR, Tan IBH, Ramasamy A, Fan H, DasGupta R. Molecular docking-aided identification of small molecule inhibitors targeting β-catenin-TCF4 interaction. iScience 2021; 24:102544. [PMID: 34142050 PMCID: PMC8184503 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Here we report a molecular docking-based approach to identify small molecules that can target the β-catenin (β-cat)-TCF4 protein-protein interaction (PPI), a key effector complex for nuclear Wnt signaling activity. Specifically, we developed and optimized a computational model of β-cat using publicly available β-cat protein crystal structures, and existing β-cat-TCF4 interaction inhibitors as the training set. Using our computational model to an in silico screen predicted 27 compounds as good binders to β-cat, of which 3 were identified to be effective against a Wnt-responsive luciferase reporter. In vitro functional validation experiments revealed GB1874 as an inhibitor of the Wnt pathway that targets the β-cat-TCF4 PPI. GB1874 also affected the proliferation and stemness of Wnt-addicted colorectal cancer (CRC) cells in vitro. Encouragingly, GB1874 inhibited the growth of CRC tumor xenografts in vivo, thus demonstrating its potential for further development into therapeutics against Wnt-associated cancer indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joo-Leng Low
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Weina Du
- Structure-Based Ligand Discovery and Design, Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Tenzin Gocha
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Gokce Oguz
- Bioinformatics Consulting and Training Platform, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Xiaoqian Zhang
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Ming Wei Chen
- Biomolecular Interactions Platform, School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore 637551, Singapore
| | - Srdan Masirevic
- Structure-Based Ligand Discovery and Design, Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Daniel Guo Rong Yim
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Iain Bee Huat Tan
- Division of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore (NCCS), Singapore 169610, Singapore
- Laboratory of Applied Cancer Genomics, Genome Institute of Singapore, Singapore 138672, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Graduate Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Adaikalavan Ramasamy
- Bioinformatics Consulting and Training Platform, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
| | - Hao Fan
- Structure-Based Ligand Discovery and Design, Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138671, Singapore
| | - Ramanuj DasGupta
- Laboratory of Precision Oncology and Cancer Evolution, Genome Institute of Singapore, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A∗STAR), Singapore 138672, Singapore
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24
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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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25
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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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26
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Bayle E, Svensson F, Atkinson BN, Steadman D, Willis NJ, Woodward HL, Whiting P, Vincent JP, Fish PV. Carboxylesterase Notum Is a Druggable Target to Modulate Wnt Signaling. J Med Chem 2021; 64:4289-4311. [PMID: 33783220 PMCID: PMC8172013 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c01974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Regulation of the Wnt signaling pathway is critically important for a number of cellular processes in both development and adult mammalian biology. This Perspective will provide a summary of current and emerging therapeutic opportunities in modulating Wnt signaling, especially through inhibition of Notum carboxylesterase activity. Notum was recently shown to act as a negative regulator of Wnt signaling through the removal of an essential palmitoleate group. Inhibition of Notum activity may represent a new approach to treat disease where aberrant Notum activity has been identified as the underlying cause. Reliable screening technologies are available to identify inhibitors of Notum, and structural studies are accelerating the discovery of new inhibitors. A selection of these hits have been optimized to give fit-for-purpose small molecule inhibitors of Notum. Three noteworthy examples are LP-922056 (26), ABC99 (27), and ARUK3001185 (28), which are complementary chemical tools for exploring the role of Notum in Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliott
D. Bayle
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, Kings Cross, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Fredrik Svensson
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, Kings Cross, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Benjamin N. Atkinson
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - David Steadman
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Nicky J. Willis
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Hannah L. Woodward
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Paul Whiting
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
| | - Jean-Paul Vincent
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, Kings Cross, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
| | - Paul V. Fish
- Alzheimer’s
Research UK UCL Drug Discovery Institute, University College London, Cruciform Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, U.K.
- The
Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, Kings Cross, London NW1 1AT, U.K.
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27
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Zhang F, Wang F, He J, Lian N, Wang Z, Shao J, Ding H, Tan S, Chen A, Zhang Z, Wang S, Zheng S. Regulation of hepatic stellate cell contraction and cirrhotic portal hypertension by Wnt/β-catenin signalling via interaction with Gli1. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:2246-2265. [PMID: 33085791 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 09/05/2020] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Portal hypertension is a lethal complication of cirrhosis. Its mechanism and therapeutic targets remain largely unknown. Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) contraction increases intrahepatic vascular resistance contributing to portal hypertension. We investigated how HSC contraction was regulated by Wnt signalling and the therapeutic implications. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Liver tissues from cirrhotic patients were examined. Cirrhotic mice with genetic or pharmacological treatments were used for in vivo assessments, and their primary cells were isolated. Cellular functions and signalling pathways were analysed in human HSC-LX2 cells using real-time PCR, Western blotting, siRNA, luciferase reporter assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, co-immunoprecipitation and site-directed mutagenesis. KEY RESULTS Wnt/β-catenin correlated with HSC contraction in human cirrhotic liver. Wnt3a stimulated Smo-independent Gli1 nuclear translocation followed by LARG-mediated RhoA activation leading to HSC contraction. Suppressor of fused (Sufu) negatively mediated Wnt3a-induced Gli1 nuclear translocation. Wnt/β-catenin repressed transcription of Sufu dependent on β-catenin/TCF4 interaction and TCF4 binding to Sufu promoter. Molecular simulation and site-directed mutagenesis identified the β-catenin residues Lys312 and Lys435 critically involved in this interaction. TCF4 binding to the sequence CACACCTTCC at Sufu promoter was required for transrepression of Sufu. In cirrhotic mice, short-term liver-targeting β-catenin deficiency or acute treatment with β-catenin inhibitors reduced portal pressure via restriction of HSC contraction rather than inhibiting HSC activation. Long-term deficiency or treatments also ameliorated liver injury, fibrosis and inflammation. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Interaction between Wnt/β-catenin and Smo-independent Gli1 pathways promoted HSC contraction via TCF4-dependent transrepression of Sufu. HSC-specific inhibition of β-catenin may have therapeutic benefits for cirrhotic portal hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianlin He
- The Third Institute of Oceanography, Ministry of Natural Resources, Xiamen, China
| | - Naqi Lian
- School of Medicine and Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhenyi Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai Ding
- Department of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine in Hepatology, The Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shanzhong Tan
- Department of Integrated TCM & Western Medicine in Hepatology, The Nanjing Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shijun Wang
- Shandong Co-innovation Center of TCM Formula, College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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28
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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: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [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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29
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Yadav V, Jobe N, Mehdawi L, Andersson T. Targeting Oncogenic WNT Signalling with WNT Signalling-Derived Peptides. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 269:279-303. [PMID: 34455485 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
WNT signalling is known to be a crucial regulator of embryonic development and tissue homeostasis. Aberrant expression of WNT signalling elements or their mutations has been implicated in carcinogenesis and/or the progression of several different cancer types. Investigations of how WNT signalling affects carcinogenesis and cancer progression have revealed that it has essential roles in the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis, and cancer stemness and in angiogenesis and metastasis. Consequently, WNT-targeted therapy has gained much attention and has resulted in the development of several small molecules, the majority of which act as inhibitors of different WNT signalling events. However, although numerous inhibitory WNT signalling drug candidates have been included in clinical trials, no significant breakthroughs have been made. This could possibly be due to problems with inefficient binding to the target, compensatory signalling mechanisms and toxicity towards normal cells. Therapeutic peptides targeting WNT signalling in cancer cells have been developed as an alternative approach, with the hope that they might overcome the limitations reported for small WNT inhibitory molecules. In this chapter, we describe recent developments made in the design and characterization of WNT signalling-derived peptides aiming at their use as alternative cancer therapeutics and/or combined adjuvant therapy to conventional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Yadav
- Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Njainday Jobe
- Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Lubna Mehdawi
- Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Tommy Andersson
- Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Clinical Research Centre, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
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30
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Tan DS, Holzner M, Weng M, Srivastava Y, Jauch R. SOX17 in cellular reprogramming and cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 67:65-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 07/19/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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31
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van der Wal T, van Amerongen R. Walking the tight wire between cell adhesion and WNT signalling: a balancing act for β-catenin. Open Biol 2020; 10:200267. [PMID: 33292105 PMCID: PMC7776579 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CTNNB1 (catenin β-1, also known as β-catenin) plays a dual role in the cell. It is the key effector of WNT/CTNNB1 signalling, acting as a transcriptional co-activator of TCF/LEF target genes. It is also crucial for cell adhesion and a critical component of cadherin-based adherens junctions. Two functional pools of CTNNB1, a transcriptionally active and an adhesive pool, can therefore be distinguished. Whether cells merely balance the distribution of available CTNNB1 between these functional pools or whether interplay occurs between them has long been studied and debated. While interplay has been indicated upon artificial modulation of cadherin expression levels and during epithelial-mesenchymal transition, it is unclear to what extent CTNNB1 exchange occurs under physiological conditions and in response to WNT stimulation. Here, we review the available evidence for both of these models, discuss how CTNNB1 binding to its many interaction partners is controlled and propose avenues for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Renée van Amerongen
- Developmental, Stem Cell and Cancer Biology, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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32
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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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33
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Computational methods-guided design of modulators targeting protein-protein interactions (PPIs). Eur J Med Chem 2020; 207:112764. [PMID: 32871340 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) play a pivotal role in extensive biological processes and are thus crucial to human health and the development of disease states. Due to their critical implications, PPIs have been spotlighted as promising drug targets of broad-spectrum therapeutic interests. However, owing to the general properties of PPIs, such as flat surfaces, featureless conformations, difficult topologies, and shallow pockets, previous attempts were faced with serious obstacles when targeting PPIs and almost portrayed them as "intractable" for decades. To date, rapid progress in computational chemistry and structural biology methods has promoted the exploitation of PPIs in drug discovery. These techniques boost their cost-effective and high-throughput traits, and enable the study of dynamic PPI interfaces. Thus, computational methods represent an alternative strategy to target "undruggable" PPI interfaces and have attracted intense pharmaceutical interest in recent years, as exemplified by the accumulating number of successful cases. In this review, we first introduce a diverse set of computational methods used to design PPI modulators. Herein, we focus on the recent progress in computational strategies and provide a comprehensive overview covering various methodologies. Importantly, a list of recently-reported successful examples is highlighted to verify the feasibility of these computational approaches. Finally, we conclude the general role of computational methods in targeting PPIs, and also discuss future perspectives on the development of such aids.
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34
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A Nucleotide Analog Prevents Colitis-Associated Cancer via Beta-Catenin Independently of Inflammation and Autophagy. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 11:33-53. [PMID: 32497793 PMCID: PMC7593585 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2020.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Chronic bowel inflammation increases the risk of colon cancer; colitis-associated cancer (CAC). Thiopurine treatments are associated with a reduction in dysplasia and CAC in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Abnormal Wnt/β-catenin signalling is characteristic of >90% of colorectal cancers. Immunosuppression by thiopurines is via Rac1 GTPase, which also affects Wnt/β-catenin signalling. Autophagy is implicated in colonic tumors, and topical delivery of the thiopurine thioguanine (TG) is known to alleviate colitis and augment autophagy. This study investigated the effects of TG in a murine model of CAC and potential mechanisms. METHODS Colonic dysplasia was induced by exposure to azoxymethane (AOM) and dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in wild-type (WT) mice and mice harboring intestinal epithelial cell-specific deletion of autophagy related 7 gene (Atg7ΔIEC). TG or vehicle was administered intrarectally, and the effect on tumor burden and β-catenin activity was assessed. The mechanisms of action of TG were investigated in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS TG ameliorated DSS colitis in wild-type but not Atg7ΔIEC mice, demonstrating that anti-inflammatory effects of locally delivered TG are autophagy-dependent. However, TG inhibited CAC in both wild-type and Atg7ΔIEC mice. This was associated with decreased β-catenin activation/nuclear translocation demonstrating that TG's inhibition of tumorigenesis occurred independently of anti-inflammatory and pro-autophagic actions. These results were confirmed in cell lines, and the dependency on Rac1 GTPase was demonstrated by siRNA knockdown and overexpression of constitutively active Rac1. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide evidence for a new mechanism that could be exploited to improve CAC chemoprophylactic approaches.
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Intrinsically disordered proteins of viruses: Involvement in the mechanism of cell regulation and pathogenesis. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2020; 174:1-78. [PMID: 32828463 PMCID: PMC7129803 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2020.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) possess the property of inherent flexibility and can be distinguished from other proteins in terms of lack of any fixed structure. Such dynamic behavior of IDPs earned the name "Dancing Proteins." The exploration of these dancing proteins in viruses has just started and crucial details such as correlation of rapid evolution, high rate of mutation and accumulation of disordered contents in viral proteome at least understood partially. In order to gain a complete understanding of this correlation, there is a need to decipher the complexity of viral mediated cell hijacking and pathogenesis in the host organism. Further there is necessity to identify the specific patterns within viral and host IDPs such as aggregation; Molecular recognition features (MoRFs) and their association to virulence, host range and rate of evolution of viruses in order to tackle the viral-mediated diseases. The current book chapter summarizes the aforementioned details and suggests the novel opportunities for further research of IDPs senses in viruses.
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Weng J, Li S, Lin H, Mei H, Liu Y, Xiao C, Zhu Z, Cai W, Ding X, Mi Y, Wen Y. PCDHGA9 represses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastatic potential in gastric cancer cells by reducing β-catenin transcriptional activity. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:206. [PMID: 32231199 PMCID: PMC7105466 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-2398-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) has a high mortality rate, and metastasis is the main reason for treatment failure. It is important to study the mechanism of tumour invasion and metastasis based on the regulation of key genes. In a previous study comparing the expression differences between GES-1 and SGC-7901 cells, PCDHGA9 was selected for further research. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that PCDHGA9 inhibited invasion and metastasis. A cluster analysis suggested that PCDHGA9 inhibited epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) through the Wnt/β-catenin and TGF-β pathways. Laser confocal techniques and western blotting revealed that PCDHGA9 inhibited the nuclear translocation of β-catenin, regulated T cell factor (TCF)/ /lymphoid enhancer factor (LEF) transcriptional activity, directly impacted the signal transmission of the TGF-β/Smad2/3 pathway, strengthened the adhesion complex, weakened the effects of TGF-β, and blocked the activation of the Wnt pathway. In addition, PCDHGA9 expression was regulated by methylation, which was closely related to poor clinical prognosis. The aim of this study was to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which PCDHGA9 inhibits EMT and metastasis in GC to provide a new theoretical basis for identifying GC metastasis and a new target for improving the outcome of metastatic GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyong Weng
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200080, Shanghai, China.,Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 200003, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanbao Li
- Department of General Surgery, Jiading District Central Hospital Affiliated Shanghai University of Medicine & Health Sciences, 201800, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Lin
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital, Liver Centre Munich, LMU, Munich, 80539, Germany
| | - Haitao Mei
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200080, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200080, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200080, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 200000, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhonglin Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200080, Shanghai, China.,Department of General Surgery, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, 450003, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Weiwei Cai
- Department of Medicine, The Third Hospital of Quanzhou, 362000, Quanzhou, China
| | - Xusheng Ding
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 200003, Shanghai, China
| | - Yushuai Mi
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Hospital of Shandong University, 250033, Jinan, Shandong, China.
| | - Yugang Wen
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai General Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, 200080, Shanghai, China.
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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: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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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Yamaguchi K, Nagatoishi S, Tsumoto K, Furukawa Y. Discovery of chemical probes that suppress Wnt/β-catenin signaling through high-throughput screening. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:783-794. [PMID: 31912579 PMCID: PMC7060471 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway has been observed in a wide range of human tumors. Deregulation of the pathway is closely linked to various aspects of human carcinogenesis such as cell viability, regulation of cell cycle, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, and maintenance of stemness. In addition, recent studies have disclosed the involvement of Wnt signaling in immune evasion of tumor cells. The accumulation of β‐catenin in the nucleus is a common feature of cancer cells carrying defects in the pathway, which leads to the continuous activation of T‐cell factor (TCF)/LEF transcription factors. Consequently, a genetic program is switched on, leading to the uncontrolled growth, prolonged survival, and acquisition of mesenchymal phenotype. As β‐catenin/TCF serves as a signaling hub for the pathway, β‐catenin/TCF‐dependent transcriptional activity is a relevant readout of the pathway. To date, a wide variety of synthetic TCF/LEF reporters has been developed, and high‐throughput screening (HTS) using these reporters has made significant contributions to the discovery of Wnt inhibitors. Indeed, HTS led to the identification of chemical probes targeting porcupine, a membrane bound O‐acyltransferase, and CREB‐binding protein, a transcriptional coactivator. This review focuses on various screening strategies for the discovery of Wnt inhibitors and their mode of action to help the creation of new concepts for assay/screening methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoshi Yamaguchi
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoru Nagatoishi
- Project Division of Advanced Biopharmaceutical Science, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kouhei Tsumoto
- Project Division of Advanced Biopharmaceutical Science, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Medical Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoichi Furukawa
- Division of Clinical Genome Research, Advanced Clinical Research Center, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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Liu J, Yan J, Yan S, Wang Y, Zhang R, Hou P, He W, Ji M. Biomimetic and Self-Assembled Nanoclusters Targeting β-Catenin for Potent Anticancer Therapy and Enhanced Immunotherapy. NANO LETTERS 2019; 19:8708-8715. [PMID: 31744296 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b03414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade therapies fail to induce immune response in the vast majority of cancer patients, so developing robust adjuvants for increasing tumor immune response is central for effective tumor immunotherapy. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a crucial oncogenic signal in relation to tumor immune evasion; however, none of the Wnt inhibitor under clinical or preclinical phases has demonstrated satisfactory specificity. Thus, new compounds or modalities that tumor specifically modulate the Wnt signal will be of great significance and value in clinical tumor immunotherapy. Herein, inspired by a natural phenomenon in cancer cells that the Achilles' Heel of oncoprotein β-catenin, H1 helix, predisposes β-catenin to oligomerization for proteasomal degradation and can be exacerbated by carnosic acid (CA, a Wnt inhibitor), we developed a size-tuned nanocluster (CAcluster) with well-defined supramolecular nanostructure by coassembling CA and H1 peptide. With the inherent enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect and the designed tumor microenvironment (TME) responsiveness, the CAcluster tumor specifically suppress the Wnt/β-catenin cascade in vivo, while maintaining a highly favorable biosafety profile. More importantly, the CAclusterin vivo improved the tumor response to the PD1/PD-L1 immune checkpoint blockade in melanoma and colon cancer. This study provides new insights into the biomimetic coassembly strategy to design supramolecular nanostructured adjuvants for hazard-free Wnt suppression and synergy with tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxin Liu
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province and Department of Endocrinology , The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an 710061 , China
| | - Jin Yan
- Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology , Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an 710049 , China
| | - Siqi Yan
- Ophthalmology Department , The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an 710061 , China
| | - Yubo Wang
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province and Department of Endocrinology , The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an 710061 , China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province and Department of Endocrinology , The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an 710061 , China
| | - Peng Hou
- Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province and Department of Endocrinology , The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an 710061 , China
| | - Wangxiao He
- Department of Talent Highland , The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an 710061 , China
| | - Meiju Ji
- Center for Translational Medicine , The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University , Xi'an 710061 , China
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Cui S, Li L, Yu RT, Downes M, Evans RM, Hulin JA, Makarenkova HP, Meech R. β-Catenin is essential for differentiation of primary myoblasts via cooperation with MyoD and α-catenin. Development 2019; 146:dev.167080. [PMID: 30683662 DOI: 10.1242/dev.167080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Canonical Wnts promote myoblast differentiation; however, the role of β-catenin in adult myogenesis has been contentious, and its mechanism(s) unclear. Using CRISPR-generated β-catenin-null primary adult mouse myoblasts, we found that β-catenin was essential for morphological differentiation and timely deployment of the myogenic gene program. Alignment, elongation and fusion were grossly impaired in null cells, and myogenic gene expression was not coordinated with cytoskeletal and membrane remodeling events. Rescue studies and genome-wide analyses extended previous findings that a β-catenin-TCF/LEF interaction is not required for differentiation, and that β-catenin enhances MyoD binding to myogenic loci. We mapped cellular pathways controlled by β-catenin and defined novel targets in myoblasts, including the fusogenic genes myomaker and myomixer. We also showed that interaction of β-catenin with α-catenin was important for efficient differentiation. Overall the study suggests dual roles for β-catenin: a TCF/LEF-independent nuclear function that coordinates an extensive network of myogenic genes in cooperation with MyoD; and an α-catenin-dependent membrane function that helps control cell-cell interactions. β-Catenin-TCF/LEF complexes may function primarily in feedback regulation to control levels of β-catenin and thus prevent precocious/excessive myoblast fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Cui
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Shandong University School of Medicine, Jinan, Shandong 250012, China
| | - Liang Li
- Department of Biochemistry, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042 and Department of Biochemistry, University of Adelaide, North Tce, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Ruth T Yu
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Michael Downes
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Ronald M Evans
- Gene Expression Laboratory, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Salk Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Julie-Ann Hulin
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
| | - Helen P Makarenkova
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Robyn Meech
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia
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41
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Pedone E, Marucci L. Role of β-Catenin Activation Levels and Fluctuations in Controlling Cell Fate. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10020176. [PMID: 30823613 PMCID: PMC6410200 DOI: 10.3390/genes10020176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells have developed numerous adaptation mechanisms to external cues by controlling signaling-pathway activity, both qualitatively and quantitatively. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a highly conserved signaling pathway involved in many biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, somatic cell reprogramming, development, and cancer. The activity of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and the temporal dynamics of its effector β-catenin are tightly controlled by complex regulations. The latter encompass feedback loops within the pathway (e.g., a negative feedback loop involving Axin2, a β-catenin transcriptional target) and crosstalk interactions with other signaling pathways. Here, we provide a review shedding light on the coupling between Wnt/β-catenin activation levels and fluctuations across processes and cellular systems; in particular, we focus on development, in vitro pluripotency maintenance, and cancer. Possible mechanisms originating Wnt/β-catenin dynamic behaviors and consequently driving different cellular responses are also reviewed, and new avenues for future research are suggested.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Pedone
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1UB, UK.
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
| | - Lucia Marucci
- Department of Engineering Mathematics, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1UB, UK.
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, UK.
- BrisSynBio, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, UK.
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Fowle H, Zhao Z, Graña X. PP2A holoenzymes, substrate specificity driving cellular functions and deregulation in cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2019; 144:55-93. [PMID: 31349904 PMCID: PMC9994639 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2019.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PP2A is a highly conserved eukaryotic serine/threonine protein phosphatase of the PPP family of phosphatases with fundamental cellular functions. In cells, PP2A targets specific subcellular locations and substrates by forming heterotrimeric holoenzymes, where a core dimer consisting of scaffold (A) and catalytic (C) subunits complexes with one of many B regulatory subunits. PP2A plays a key role in positively and negatively regulating a myriad of cellular processes, as it targets a very sizable fraction of the cellular substrates phosphorylated on Ser/Thr residues. This review focuses on insights made toward the understanding on how the subunit composition and structure of PP2A holoenzymes mediates substrate specificity, the role of substrate modulation in the signaling of cellular division, growth, and differentiation, and its deregulation in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly Fowle
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology and Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Ziran Zhao
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology and Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Xavier Graña
- Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology and Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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Schneider JA, Craven TW, Kasper AC, Yun C, Haugbro M, Briggs EM, Svetlov V, Nudler E, Knaut H, Bonneau R, Garabedian MJ, Kirshenbaum K, Logan SK. Design of Peptoid-peptide Macrocycles to Inhibit the β-catenin TCF Interaction in Prostate Cancer. Nat Commun 2018; 9:4396. [PMID: 30352998 PMCID: PMC6199279 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06845-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
New chemical inhibitors of protein-protein interactions are needed to propel advances in molecular pharmacology. Peptoids are peptidomimetic oligomers with the capability to inhibit protein-protein interactions by mimicking protein secondary structure motifs. Here we report the in silico design of a macrocycle primarily composed of peptoid subunits that targets the β-catenin:TCF interaction. The β-catenin:TCF interaction plays a critical role in the Wnt signaling pathway which is over-activated in multiple cancers, including prostate cancer. Using the Rosetta suite of protein design algorithms, we evaluate how different macrocycle structures can bind a pocket on β-catenin that associates with TCF. The in silico designed macrocycles are screened in vitro using luciferase reporters to identify promising compounds. The most active macrocycle inhibits both Wnt and AR-signaling in prostate cancer cell lines, and markedly diminishes their proliferation. In vivo potential is demonstrated through a zebrafish model, in which Wnt signaling is potently inhibited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey A Schneider
- Departments of Urology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Timothy W Craven
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA
- Department of Biology, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Amanda C Kasper
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Chi Yun
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Michael Haugbro
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Erica M Briggs
- Departments of Urology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Vladimir Svetlov
- Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Evgeny Nudler
- Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Holger Knaut
- Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Richard Bonneau
- Department of Biology, Center for Genomics and Systems Biology, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Michael J Garabedian
- Departments of Urology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
- Microbiology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA
| | - Kent Kirshenbaum
- Department of Chemistry, New York University, New York, NY, 10003, USA.
| | - Susan K Logan
- Departments of Urology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, USA.
- Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, 10016, 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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Muhammad BA, Almozyan S, Babaei-Jadidi R, Onyido EK, Saadeddin A, Kashfi SH, Spencer-Dene B, Ilyas M, Lourdusamy A, Behrens A, Nateri AS. FLYWCH1, a Novel Suppressor of Nuclear β-Catenin, Regulates Migration and Morphology in Colorectal Cancer. Mol Cancer Res 2018; 16:1977-1990. [PMID: 30097457 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-18-0262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a critical role during development of both normal and malignant colorectal cancer tissues. Phosphorylation of β-catenin protein alters its trafficking and function. Such conventional allosteric regulation usually involves a highly specialized set of molecular interactions, which may specifically turn on a particular cell phenotype. This study identifies a novel transcription modulator with an FLYWCH/Zn-finger DNA-binding domain, called "FLYWCH1." Using a modified yeast-2-hybrid based Ras-Recruitment system, it is demonstrated that FLYWCH1 directly binds to unphosphorylated (nuclear) β-catenin efficiently suppressing the transcriptional activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling that cannot be rescued by TCF4. FLYWCH1 rearranges the transcriptional activity of β-catenin/TCF4 to selectively block the expression of specific downstream genes associated with colorectal cancer cell migration and morphology, including ZEB1, EPHA4, and E-cadherin. Accordingly, overexpression of FLYWCH1 reduces cell motility and increases cell attachment. The expression of FLYWCH1 negatively correlates with the expression level of ZEB1 and EPHA4 in normal versus primary and metastatic colorectal cancer tissues in patients. Thus, FLYWCH1 antagonizes β-catenin/TCF4 signaling during cell polarity/migration in colorectal cancer. IMPLICATIONS: This study uncovers a new molecular mechanism by which FLYWCH1 with a possible tumor suppressive role represses β-catenin-induced ZEB1 and increases cadherin-mediated cell attachment preventing colorectal cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belal A Muhammad
- Cancer Genetics and Stem Cell Group, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
- Division of Experimental Haematology and Cancer Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Centre, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Sheema Almozyan
- Cancer Genetics and Stem Cell Group, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Roya Babaei-Jadidi
- Cancer Genetics and Stem Cell Group, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
| | - Emenike K Onyido
- Cancer Genetics and Stem Cell Group, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anas Saadeddin
- Cancer Genetics and Stem Cell Group, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Tres Cantos Medicines Development Campus, GlaxoSmithKline, Cantos, Madrid, Spain
| | - Seyed Hossein Kashfi
- Cancer Genetics and Stem Cell Group, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Bradley Spencer-Dene
- Experimental Histopathology Laboratory, the Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
- Advanced Cell Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Queen's Medical Centre, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mohammad Ilyas
- Molecular Pathology Unit, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anbarasu Lourdusamy
- Children's Brain Tumour Research Centre, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Axel Behrens
- Adult Stem Cell Laboratory, the Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Abdolrahman S Nateri
- Cancer Genetics and Stem Cell Group, Cancer Biology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom.
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Rosmaninho P, Mükusch S, Piscopo V, Teixeira V, Raposo AA, Warta R, Bennewitz R, Tang Y, Herold-Mende C, Stifani S, Momma S, Castro DS. Zeb1 potentiates genome-wide gene transcription with Lef1 to promote glioblastoma cell invasion. EMBO J 2018; 37:e97115. [PMID: 29903919 PMCID: PMC6068449 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201797115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2017] [Revised: 04/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive brain tumor, with a subpopulation of stem-like cells thought to mediate its recurring behavior and therapeutic resistance. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) inducing factor Zeb1 was linked to tumor initiation, invasion, and resistance to therapy in glioblastoma, but how Zeb1 functions at molecular level and what genes it regulates remain poorly understood. Contrary to the common view that EMT factors act as transcriptional repressors, here we show that genome-wide binding of Zeb1 associates with both activation and repression of gene expression in glioblastoma stem-like cells. Transcriptional repression requires direct DNA binding of Zeb1, while indirect recruitment to regulatory regions by the Wnt pathway effector Lef1 results in gene activation, independently of Wnt signaling. Amongst glioblastoma genes activated by Zeb1 are predicted mediators of tumor cell migration and invasion, including the guanine nucleotide exchange factor Prex1, whose elevated expression is predictive of shorter glioblastoma patient survival. Prex1 promotes invasiveness of glioblastoma cells in vivo highlighting the importance of Zeb1/Lef1 gene regulatory mechanisms in gliomagenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Rosmaninho
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Susanne Mükusch
- Institute of Neurology (Edinger Institute), Frankfurt University Medical School, Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Valerio Piscopo
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Vera Teixeira
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Alexandre Asf Raposo
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Rolf Warta
- Division of Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Romina Bennewitz
- Institute of Neurology (Edinger Institute), Frankfurt University Medical School, Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yeman Tang
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Christel Herold-Mende
- Division of Experimental Neurosurgery, Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefano Stifani
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stefan Momma
- Institute of Neurology (Edinger Institute), Frankfurt University Medical School, Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Diogo S Castro
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Instituto Gulbenkian de Ciência, Oeiras, Portugal
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Maharjan R, Backman S, Åkerström T, Hellman P, Björklund P. Comprehensive analysis of CTNNB1 in adrenocortical carcinomas: Identification of novel mutations and correlation to survival. Sci Rep 2018; 8:8610. [PMID: 29872083 PMCID: PMC5988720 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26799-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is one of the most frequently altered pathways in adrenocortical carcinomas (ACCs). The aim of this study was to investigate the status of Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway by analyzing the expression level of β-Catenin and the mutational status of APC, AXIN2, CTNNB1, and ZNRF3 in ACCs. Mutations in APC, CTNNB1, ZNRF3 and homozygous deletions in ZNRF3 were observed in 3.8% (2/52), 11.5% (6/52), 1.9% (1/52) and 17.3% (9/52) of the cohort respectively. Novel interstitial deletions in CTNNB1 spanning intron 1 to exon 3/intron 3 were also found in 7.7% (4/52) of the tumours. All the observed alterations were mutually exclusive. Nuclear accumulation of β-Catenin, increased expression of Cyclin D1 and significantly higher expression of AXIN2 (p = 0.0039), ZNRF3 (p = 0.0032) and LEF1(p = 0.0090) observed in the tumours harbouring the deletion in comparison to tumours without CTNNB1 mutation demonstrates that the truncated β-Catenin is functionally active and erroneously activates the downstream targets. Significantly lower overall survival rate in patients with tumours harbouring alterations in APC/CTNNB1/ZNRF3 in comparison to those without mutation was observed. In conclusion, the discovery of novel large deletions in addition to the point mutations in CTNNB1 infers that activation of Wnt/β-Catenin pathway via alterations in CTNNB1 occurs frequently in ACCs. We also confirm that alterations in Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway members have a negative effect on overall survival of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajani Maharjan
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Samuel Backman
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Tobias Åkerström
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per Hellman
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peyman Björklund
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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Bufalin suppresses hepatocarcinogenesis by targeting β-catenin/TCF signaling via cell cycle-related kinase. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3891. [PMID: 29497076 PMCID: PMC5832857 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22113-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive malignant tumors, of which treatment options are limited especially in advanced stage. Bufalin, the major digoxin-like component of the traditional Chinese medicine Chansu, exhibits significant antitumor activities in hepatoma cells, but the potential mechanism is obscure. Cell cycle-related kinase (CCRK) is recently identified to be a crucial oncogenic master regulator to drive hepatocarcinogenesis. Here we investigated the molecular function of bufalin on CCRK-regulated signaling pathway, and expounded the underlying mechanism in HCC suppression. In vitro with PLC5 HCC cells and human immortal LO2 cells, proliferation, malignant transformation and cell cycle progression assays were performed to evaluate the antitumor effect of bufalin. In vivo with xenograft and orthotopic mice models, tumor growths with weight and volume change were assessed with or without bufalin treatment. Western blot, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence and immunohistochemistry were conducted to examine the expression level of CCRK and β-catenin/TCF signaling cascade. We revealed that bufalin suppresses PLC5 HCC cell proliferation, transformation and cell cycle progression rather than LO2 cells, which is correlated with CCRK-mediated β-catenin/TCF signaling. It was also confirmed in mice model. Thus, bufalin is a potential anti-HCC therapeutic candidate through the inhibition of CCRK-driven β-catenin/TCF oncogenic signaling pathway.
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49
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Curvature of designed armadillo repeat proteins allows modular peptide binding. J Struct Biol 2018; 201:108-117. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jsb.2017.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2017] [Revised: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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50
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Li Z, Xu Z, Duan C, Liu W, Sun J, Han B. Role of TCF/LEF Transcription Factors in Bone Development and Osteogenesis. Int J Med Sci 2018; 15:1415-1422. [PMID: 30275770 PMCID: PMC6158667 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.26741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone formation occurs by two distinct mechanisms, namely, periosteal ossification and endochondral ossification. In both mechanisms, osteoblasts play an important role in the secretion and mineralization of bone-specific extracellular matrix. Differentiation and maturation of osteoblasts is a prerequisite to bone formation and is regulated by many factors. Recent experiments have shown that transcription factors play an important role in regulating osteoblast differentiation, proliferation, and function. Osteogenesis related transcription factors are the central targets and key mediators of the function of growth factors, such as cytokines. Transcription factors play a key role in the transformation of mesenchymal progenitor cells into functional osteoblasts. These transcription factors are closely linked with each other and in conjunction with bone-related signaling pathways form a complex network that regulates osteoblast differentiation and bone formation. In this paper, we discuss the structure of T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) and its role in embryonic skeletal development and the crosstalk with related signaling pathways and factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengqiang Li
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.,Stomatological Hospital of Southern Medical University & Guangdong Provincial Stomatological Hospital, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Zhimin Xu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Congcong Duan
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Weiwei Liu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Jingchun Sun
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China.,Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Tooth Development and Bone Remodeling, Changchun 130021, China
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