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de Pellegars-Malhortie A, Picque Lasorsa L, Mazard T, Granier F, Prévostel C. Why Is Wnt/β-Catenin Not Yet Targeted in Routine Cancer Care? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:949. [PMID: 39065798 PMCID: PMC11279613 DOI: 10.3390/ph17070949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in cancer prevention, screening, and treatment, the still limited number of therapeutic options is an obstacle towards increasing the cancer cure rate. In recent years, many efforts were put forth to develop therapeutics that selectively target different components of the oncogenic Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. These include small molecule inhibitors, antibodies, and more recently, gene-based approaches. Although some of them showed promising outcomes in clinical trials, the Wnt/β-catenin pathway is still not targeted in routine clinical practice for cancer management. As for most anticancer treatments, a critical limitation to the use of Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors is their therapeutic index, i.e., the difficulty of combining effective anticancer activity with acceptable toxicity. Protecting healthy tissues from the effects of Wnt/β-catenin inhibitors is a major issue due to the vital role of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in adult tissue homeostasis and regeneration. In this review, we provide an up-to-date summary of clinical trials on Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitors, examine their anti-tumor activity and associated adverse events, and explore strategies under development to improve the benefit/risk profile of this therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Auriane de Pellegars-Malhortie
- IRCM (Montpellier Cancer Research Institute), University of Montpellier, Inserm, ICM (Montpellier Regional Cancer Institute), 34298 Montpellier, CEDEX 5, France; (A.d.P.-M.); (L.P.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Laurence Picque Lasorsa
- IRCM (Montpellier Cancer Research Institute), University of Montpellier, Inserm, ICM (Montpellier Regional Cancer Institute), 34298 Montpellier, CEDEX 5, France; (A.d.P.-M.); (L.P.L.); (T.M.)
| | - Thibault Mazard
- IRCM (Montpellier Cancer Research Institute), University of Montpellier, Inserm, ICM (Montpellier Regional Cancer Institute), 34298 Montpellier, CEDEX 5, France; (A.d.P.-M.); (L.P.L.); (T.M.)
- Medical Oncology Department, ICM, University of Montpellier, CEDEX 5, 34298 Montpellier, France
| | | | - Corinne Prévostel
- IRCM (Montpellier Cancer Research Institute), University of Montpellier, Inserm, ICM (Montpellier Regional Cancer Institute), 34298 Montpellier, CEDEX 5, France; (A.d.P.-M.); (L.P.L.); (T.M.)
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2
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Lishman-Walker E, Coffey K. Casein Kinase 1α-A Target for Prostate Cancer Therapy? Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2436. [PMID: 39001502 PMCID: PMC11240421 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The androgen receptor (AR) is a key driver of prostate cancer (PCa) and, as such, current mainstay treatments target this molecule. However, resistance commonly arises to these therapies and, therefore, additional targets must be evaluated to improve patient outcomes. Consequently, alternative approaches for indirectly targeting the AR are sought. AR crosstalk with other signalling pathways, including several protein kinase signalling cascades, has been identified as a potential route to combat therapy resistance. The casein kinase 1 (CK1) family of protein kinases phosphorylate a multitude of substrates, allowing them to regulate a diverse range of pathways from the cell cycle to DNA damage repair. As well as its role in several signalling pathways that are de-regulated in PCa, mutational data suggest its potential to promote prostate carcinogenesis. CK1α is one isoform predicted to regulate AR activity via phosphorylation and has been implicated in the progression of several other cancer types. In this review, we explore how the normal biological function of CK1 is de-regulated in cancer, the impact on signalling pathways and how this contributes towards prostate tumourigenesis, with a particular focus on the CK1α isoform as a novel therapeutic target for PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Lishman-Walker
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle Cancer Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Kelly Coffey
- Biosciences Institute, Newcastle Cancer Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
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3
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Gybeľ T, Čada Š, Klementová D, Schwalm MP, Berger BT, Šebesta M, Knapp S, Bryja V. Splice variants of CK1α and CK1α-like: Comparative analysis of subcellular localization, kinase activity, and function in the Wnt signaling pathway. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:107407. [PMID: 38796065 PMCID: PMC11255964 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107407] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Members of the casein kinase 1 (CK1) family are important regulators of multiple signaling pathways. CK1α is a well-known negative regulator of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which promotes the degradation of β-catenin via its phosphorylation of Ser45. In contrast, the closest paralog of CK1α, CK1α-like, is a poorly characterized kinase of unknown function. In this study, we show that the deletion of CK1α, but not CK1α-like, resulted in a strong activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Wnt-3a treatment further enhanced the activation, which suggests there are at least two modes, a CK1α-dependent and Wnt-dependent, of β-catenin regulation. Rescue experiments showed that only two out of ten naturally occurring splice CK1α/α-like variants were able to rescue the augmented Wnt/β-catenin signaling caused by CK1α deficiency in cells. Importantly, the ability to phosphorylate β-catenin on Ser45 in the in vitro kinase assay was required but not sufficient for such rescue. Our compound CK1α and GSK3α/β KO models suggest that the additional nonredundant function of CK1α in the Wnt pathway beyond Ser45-β-catenin phosphorylation includes Axin phosphorylation. Finally, we established NanoBRET assays for the three most common CK1α splice variants as well as CK1α-like. Target engagement data revealed comparable potency of known CK1α inhibitors for all CK1α variants but not for CK1α-like. In summary, our work brings important novel insights into the biology of CK1α, including evidence for the lack of redundancy with other CK1 kinases in the negative regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway at the level of β-catenin and Axin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomáš Gybeľ
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Štěpán Čada
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Darja Klementová
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Martin P Schwalm
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)/German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), DKTK Site Frankfurt-Mainz, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Benedict-Tilman Berger
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marek Šebesta
- CEITEC-Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Structural Genomics Consortium, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK)/German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), DKTK Site Frankfurt-Mainz, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vítězslav Bryja
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Sokolov S, Zyrina A, Akimov S, Knorre D, Severin F. Toxic Effects of Penetrating Cations. MEMBRANES 2023; 13:841. [PMID: 37888013 PMCID: PMC10608470 DOI: 10.3390/membranes13100841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
As mitochondria are negatively charged organelles, penetrating cations are used as parts of chimeric molecules to deliver specific compounds into mitochondria. In other words, they are used as electrophilic carriers for such chemical moieties as antioxidants, dyes, etc., to transfer them inside mitochondria. However, unmodified penetrating cations affect different aspects of cellular physiology as well. In this review, we have attempted to summarise the data about the side effects of commonly used natural (e.g., berberine) and artificial (e.g., tetraphenylphosphonium, rhodamine, methylene blue) penetrating cations on cellular physiology. For instance, it was shown that such types of molecules can (1) facilitate proton transport across membranes; (2) react with redox groups of the respiratory chain; (3) induce DNA damage; (4) interfere with pleiotropic drug resistance; (5) disturb membrane integrity; and (6) inhibit enzymes. Also, the products of the biodegradation of penetrating cations can be toxic. As penetrating cations accumulate in mitochondria, their toxicity is mostly due to mitochondrial damage. Mitochondria from certain types of cancer cells appear to be especially sensitive to penetrating cations. Here, we discuss the molecular mechanisms of the toxic effects and the anti-cancer activity of penetrating cations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svyatoslav Sokolov
- Department of Molecular Energetics of Microorganisms, Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1–40 Leninskie Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.S.); (D.K.)
| | - Anna Zyrina
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immune-and-Biological Products of Russian Academy of Sciences, Premises 8, Bldg. 1, Village of Institute of Poliomyelitis, Settlement “Moskovskiy”, 108819 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Sergey Akimov
- Frumkin Institute of Physical Chemistry and Electrochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 31/4 LeninskiyProspekt, 119071 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Dmitry Knorre
- Department of Molecular Energetics of Microorganisms, Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1–40 Leninskie Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.S.); (D.K.)
| | - Fedor Severin
- Department of Molecular Energetics of Microorganisms, Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1–40 Leninskie Gory, 119991 Moscow, Russia; (S.S.); (D.K.)
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5
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Groenewald W, Lund AH, Gay DM. The Role of WNT Pathway Mutations in Cancer Development and an Overview of Therapeutic Options. Cells 2023; 12:cells12070990. [PMID: 37048063 PMCID: PMC10093220 DOI: 10.3390/cells12070990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that mutations in the canonical WNT-signalling pathway play a major role in various cancers. Critical to developing new therapeutic strategies is understanding which cancers are driven by WNT pathway activation and at what level these mutations occur within the pathway. Some cancers harbour mutations in genes whose protein products operate at the receptor level of the WNT pathway. For instance, tumours with RNF43 or RSPO mutations, still require exogenous WNT ligands to drive WNT signalling (ligand-dependent mutations). Conversely, mutations within the cytoplasmic segment of the Wnt pathway, such as in APC and CTNNB1, lead to constitutive WNT pathway activation even in the absence of WNT ligands (ligand-independent). Here, we review the predominant driving mutations found in cancer that lead to WNT pathway activation, as well as explore some of the therapeutic interventions currently available against tumours harbouring either ligand-dependent or ligand-independent mutations. Finally, we discuss a potentially new therapeutic avenue by targeting the translational apparatus downstream from WNT signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wibke Groenewald
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders H Lund
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Michael Gay
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Schultz CW, Nevler A. Pyrvinium Pamoate: Past, Present, and Future as an Anti-Cancer Drug. Biomedicines 2022; 10:3249. [PMID: 36552005 PMCID: PMC9775650 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyrvinium, a lipophilic cation belonging to the cyanine dye family, has been used in the clinic as a safe and effective anthelminthic for over 70 years. Its structure, similar to some polyaminopyrimidines and mitochondrial-targeting peptoids, has been linked with mitochondrial localization and targeting. Over the past two decades, increasing evidence has emerged showing pyrvinium to be a strong anti-cancer molecule in various human cancers in vitro and in vivo. This efficacy against cancers has been attributed to diverse mechanisms of action, with the weight of evidence supporting the inhibition of mitochondrial function, the WNT pathway, and cancer stem cell renewal. Despite the overwhelming evidence demonstrating the efficacy of pyrvinium for the treatment of human cancers, pyrvinium has not yet been repurposed for the treatment of cancers. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the history of pyrvinium as a therapeutic, the rationale and data supporting its use as an anticancer agent, and the challenges associated with repurposing pyrvinium as an anti-cancer agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher W. Schultz
- Developmental Therapeutics Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Avinoam Nevler
- Jefferson Pancreas, Biliary, and Related Cancer Center, Department of Surgery, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA
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Sunkari YK, Meijer L, Flajolet M. The protein kinase CK1: Inhibition, activation, and possible allosteric modulation. Front Mol Biosci 2022; 9:916232. [PMID: 36090057 PMCID: PMC9449355 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2022.916232] [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] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases play a vital role in biology and deregulation of kinases is implicated in numerous diseases ranging from cancer to neurodegenerative diseases, making them a major target class for the pharmaceutical industry. However, the high degree of conservation that exists between ATP-binding sites among kinases makes it difficult for current inhibitors to be highly specific. In the context of neurodegeneration, several groups including ours, have linked different kinases such as CK1 and Alzheimer’s disease for example. Strictly CK1-isoform specific regulators do not exist and known CK1 inhibitors are inhibiting the enzymatic activity, targeting the ATP-binding site. Here we review compounds known to target CK1, as well as other inhibitory types that could benefit CK1. We introduce the DNA-encoded library (DEL) technology that might represent an interesting approach to uncover allosteric modulators instead of ATP competitors. Such a strategy, taking into account known allosteric inhibitors and mechanisms, might help designing modulators that are more specific towards a specific kinase, and in the case of CK1, toward specific isoforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashoda Krishna Sunkari
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
| | - Laurent Meijer
- Perha Pharmaceuticals, Hôtel de Recherche, Roscoff, France
| | - Marc Flajolet
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Marc Flajolet, ,
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Shen C, Nayak A, Neitzel LR, Yang F, Li B, Williams CH, Hong CC, Ahmed Y, Lee E, Robbins DJ. The Casein kinase 1α agonist pyrvinium attenuates Wnt-mediated CK1α degradation via interaction with the E3 ubiquitin ligase component Cereblon. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102227. [PMID: 35780831 PMCID: PMC9352546 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The Cullin-RING ligase 4 E3 ubiquitin ligase component Cereblon (CRBN) is a well-established target for a class of small molecules termed immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs). These drugs drive CRBN to modulate the degradation of a number of neosubstrates required for the growth of multiple cancers. Whereas the mechanism underlying the activation of CRBN by IMiDs is well described, the normal physiological regulation of CRBN is poorly understood. We recently showed that CRBN is activated following exposure to Wnt ligands and subsequently mediates the degradation of a subset of physiological substrates. Among the Wnt-dependent substrates of CRBN is Casein kinase 1α (CK1α), a known negative regulator of Wnt signaling. Wnt-mediated degradation of CK1α occurs via its association with CRBN at a known IMiD binding pocket. Herein, we demonstrate that a small-molecule CK1α agonist, pyrvinium, directly prevents the Wnt-dependent interaction of CRBN with CK1α, attenuating the consequent CK1α degradation. We further show that pyrvinium disrupts the ability of CRBN to interact with CK1α at the IMiD binding pocket within the CRBN-CK1α complex. Of note, this function of pyrvinium is independent of its previously reported ability to enhance CK1α kinase activity. Furthermore, we also demonstrate that pyrvinium attenuates CRBN-induced Wnt pathway activation in vivo. Collectively, these results reveal a novel dual mechanism through which pyrvinium inhibits Wnt signaling by both attenuating the CRBN-mediated destabilization of CK1α and activating CK1α kinase activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Shen
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Anmada Nayak
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Leif R Neitzel
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Bin Li
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Charles H Williams
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Charles C Hong
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yashi Ahmed
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Ethan Lee
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - David J Robbins
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA.
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9
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Shen C, Nayak A, Neitzel LR, Adams AA, Silver-Isenstadt M, Sawyer LM, Benchabane H, Wang H, Bunnag N, Li B, Wynn DT, Yang F, Garcia-Contreras M, Williams CH, Dakshanamurthy S, Hong CC, Ayad NG, Capobianco AJ, Ahmed Y, Lee E, Robbins DJ. The E3 ubiquitin ligase component, Cereblon, is an evolutionarily conserved regulator of Wnt signaling. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5263. [PMID: 34489457 PMCID: PMC8421366 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25634-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) are important for the treatment of multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic syndrome. Binding of IMiDs to Cereblon (CRBN), the substrate receptor of the CRL4CRBN E3 ubiquitin ligase, induces cancer cell death by targeting key neo-substrates for degradation. Despite this clinical significance, the physiological regulation of CRBN remains largely unknown. Herein we demonstrate that Wnt, the extracellular ligand of an essential signal transduction pathway, promotes the CRBN-dependent degradation of a subset of proteins. These substrates include Casein kinase 1α (CK1α), a negative regulator of Wnt signaling that functions as a key component of the β-Catenin destruction complex. Wnt stimulation induces the interaction of CRBN with CK1α and its resultant ubiquitination, and in contrast with previous reports does so in the absence of an IMiD. Mechanistically, the destruction complex is critical in maintaining CK1α stability in the absence of Wnt, and in recruiting CRBN to target CK1α for degradation in response to Wnt. CRBN is required for physiological Wnt signaling, as modulation of CRBN in zebrafish and Drosophila yields Wnt-driven phenotypes. These studies demonstrate an IMiD-independent, Wnt-driven mechanism of CRBN regulation and provide a means of controlling Wnt pathway activity by CRBN, with relevance for development and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Shen
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,The Sheila and David Fuente Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Anmada Nayak
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Leif R Neitzel
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Amber A Adams
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | | | - Leah M Sawyer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Hassina Benchabane
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Huilan Wang
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Nawat Bunnag
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Bin Li
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Daniel T Wynn
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,The Sheila and David Fuente Graduate Program in Cancer Biology, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Marta Garcia-Contreras
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Sivanesan Dakshanamurthy
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Charles C Hong
- Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nagi G Ayad
- Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA.,Center for Therapeutic Innovation, Department of Neurological Surgery, Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Anthony J Capobianco
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Yashi Ahmed
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Ethan Lee
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - David J Robbins
- Molecular Oncology Program, The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA. .,Department of Oncology, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA. .,Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA.
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10
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Yu F, Yu C, Li F, Zuo Y, Wang Y, Yao L, Wu C, Wang C, Ye L. Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers and targeted therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:307. [PMID: 34456337 PMCID: PMC8403677 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00701-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 238] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been broadly implicated in human cancers and experimental cancer models of animals. Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is tightly linked with the increment of prevalence, advancement of malignant progression, development of poor prognostics, and even ascendence of the cancer-associated mortality. Early experimental investigations have proposed the theoretical potential that efficient repression of this signaling might provide promising therapeutic choices in managing various types of cancers. Up to date, many therapies targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers have been developed, which is assumed to endow clinicians with new opportunities of developing more satisfactory and precise remedies for cancer patients with aberrant Wnt/β-catenin signaling. However, current facts indicate that the clinical translations of Wnt/β-catenin signaling-dependent targeted therapies have faced un-neglectable crises and challenges. Therefore, in this study, we systematically reviewed the most updated knowledge of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers and relatively targeted therapies to generate a clearer and more accurate awareness of both the developmental stage and underlying limitations of Wnt/β-catenin-targeted therapies in cancers. Insights of this study will help readers better understand the roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers and provide insights to acknowledge the current opportunities and challenges of targeting this signaling in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanyuan Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Changhao Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feifei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanqin Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yitian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenzhou Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ling Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Endodontics, West China Stomatology Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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11
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Zhou S, Obianom ON, Huang J, Guo D, Yang H, Li Q, Shu Y. Pyrvinium Treatment Confers Hepatic Metabolic Benefits via β-Catenin Downregulation and AMPK Activation. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13030330. [PMID: 33806415 PMCID: PMC8001320 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13030330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic evidence has indicated that β-catenin plays a vital role in glucose and lipid metabolism. Here, we investigated whether pyrvinium, an anthelmintic agent previously reported as a down-regulator of cellular β-catenin levels, conferred any metabolic advantages in treatment of metabolic disorders. Glucose production and lipid accumulation were analyzed to assess metabolic response to pyrvinium in hepatocytes. The expression of key proteins and genes were assessed by immunoblotting and RT-PCR. The in vivo efficacy of pyrvinium against metabolic disorders was evaluated in the mice fed with a high fat diet (HFD). We found that pyrvinium inhibited glucose production and reduced lipogenesis by decreasing the expression of key genes in hepatocytes, which were partially elicited by the downregulation of β-catenin through AXIN stabilization. Interestingly, the AMPK pathway also played a role in the action of pyrvinium, dependent on AXIN stabilization but independent of β-catenin downregulation. In HFD-fed mice, pyrvinium treatment led to improvement in glucose tolerance, fatty liver disorder, and serum cholesterol levels along with a reduced body weight gain. Our results show that small molecule stabilization of AXIN using pyrvinium may lead to improved glucose and lipid metabolism, via β-catenin downregulation and AMPK activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiwei Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (O.N.O.); (D.G.); (H.Y.)
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China;
| | - Obinna N. Obianom
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (O.N.O.); (D.G.); (H.Y.)
| | - Jiangsheng Huang
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China;
| | - Dong Guo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (O.N.O.); (D.G.); (H.Y.)
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (O.N.O.); (D.G.); (H.Y.)
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China;
- Correspondence: (Q.L.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yan Shu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China;
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA; (O.N.O.); (D.G.); (H.Y.)
- Correspondence: (Q.L.); (Y.S.)
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12
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Wang Z, Li Z, Ji H. Direct targeting of β-catenin in the Wnt signaling pathway: Current progress and perspectives. Med Res Rev 2021; 41:2109-2129. [PMID: 33475177 DOI: 10.1002/med.21787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling circuit is associated with cancer recurrence and relapse, cancer invasion and metastasis, and cancer immune evasion. Direct targeting of β-catenin, the central hub in this signaling pathway, is a promising strategy to suppress the hyperactive β-catenin signaling but has proven to be highly challenging. Substantial efforts have been made to discover compounds that bind with β-catenin, block β-catenin-mediated protein-protein interactions, and suppress β-catenin signaling. Herein, we characterize potential small-molecule binding sites in β-catenin, summarize bioactive small molecules that directly target β-catenin, and review structure-based inhibitor optimization, structure-activity relationship, and biological activities of reported inhibitors. This knowledge will benefit future inhibitor development and β-catenin-related drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Wang
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Zilu Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | - Haitao Ji
- Department of Drug Discovery, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida, USA.,Department of Chemistry, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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13
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Casein Kinase 1α as a Regulator of Wnt-Driven Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21165940. [PMID: 32824859 PMCID: PMC7460588 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21165940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Revised: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling regulates numerous cellular processes during embryonic development and adult tissue homeostasis. Underscoring this physiological importance, deregulation of the Wnt signaling pathway is associated with many disease states, including cancer. Here, we review pivotal regulatory events in the Wnt signaling pathway that drive cancer growth. We then discuss the roles of the established negative Wnt regulator, casein kinase 1α (CK1α), in Wnt signaling. Although the study of CK1α has been ongoing for several decades, the bulk of such research has focused on how it phosphorylates and regulates its various substrates. We focus here on what is known about the mechanisms controlling CK1α, including its putative regulatory proteins and alternative splicing variants. Finally, we describe the discovery and validation of a family of pharmacological CK1α activators capable of inhibiting Wnt pathway activity. One of the important advantages of CK1α activators, relative to other classes of Wnt inhibitors, is their reduced on-target toxicity, overcoming one of the major impediments to developing a clinically relevant Wnt inhibitor. Therefore, we also discuss mechanisms that regulate CK1α steady-state homeostasis, which may contribute to the deregulation of Wnt pathway activity in cancer and underlie the enhanced therapeutic index of CK1α activators.
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