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Srivastava A, Rikhari D, Srivastava S. RSPO2 as Wnt signaling enabler: Important roles in cancer development and therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dis 2024; 11:788-806. [PMID: 37692504 PMCID: PMC10491879 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2023.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
R-spondins are secretory proteins localized in the endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi bodies and are processed through the secretory pathway. Among the R-spondin family, RSPO2 has emanated as a novel regulator of Wnt signaling, which has now been acknowledged in numerous in vitro and in vivo studies. Cancer is an abnormal growth of cells that proliferates and spreads uncontrollably due to the accumulation of genetic and epigenetic factors that constitutively activate Wnt signaling in various types of cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) begins when cells in the colon and rectum follow an indefinite pattern of division due to aberrant Wnt activation as one of the key hallmarks. Decades-long progress in research on R-spondins has demonstrated their oncogenic function in distinct cancer types, particularly CRC. As a critical regulator of the Wnt pathway, it modulates several phenotypes of cells, such as cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and cancer stem cell properties. Recently, RSPO mutations, gene rearrangements, fusions, copy number alterations, and altered gene expression have also been identified in a variety of cancers, including CRC. In this review, we addressed the recent updates regarding the recurrently altered R-spondins with special emphasis on the RSPO2 gene and its involvement in potentiating Wnt signaling in CRC. In addition to the compelling physiological and biological roles in cellular fate and regulation, we propose that RSPO2 would be valuable as a potential biomarker for prognostic, diagnostic, and therapeutic use in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankit Srivastava
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh 211004, India
| | - Deeksha Rikhari
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh 211004, India
| | - Sameer Srivastava
- Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh 211004, India
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2
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Amano N, Narumi S, Aizu K, Miyazawa M, Okamura K, Ohashi H, Katsumata N, Ishii T, Hasegawa T. Single-Exon Deletions of ZNRF3 Exon 2 Cause Congenital Adrenal Hypoplasia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2024; 109:641-648. [PMID: 37878959 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgad627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/27/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) is a life-threatening condition characterized by the inability of the adrenal cortex to produce sufficient steroid hormones. E3 ubiquitin protein ligase zinc and ring finger 3 (ZNRF3) is a negative regulator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. R-spondin 1 (RSPO1) enhances Wnt/β-catenin signaling via binding and removal of ZNRF3 from the cell surface. OBJECTIVE This work aimed to explore a novel genetic form of PAI. METHODS We analyzed 9 patients with childhood-onset PAI of biochemically and genetically unknown etiology using array comparative genomic hybridization. To examine the functionality of the identified single-exon deletions of ZNRF3 exon 2, we performed three-dimensional (3D) structure modeling and in vitro functional studies. RESULTS We identified various-sized single-exon deletions encompassing ZNRF3 exon 2 in 3 patients who showed neonatal-onset adrenal hypoplasia with glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid deficiencies. Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis showed that the 3 distinct single-exon deletions were commonly transcribed into a 126-nucleotide deleted mRNA and translated into 42-amino acid deleted protein (ΔEx2-ZNRF3). Based on 3D structure modeling, we predicted that interaction between ZNRF3 and RSPO1 would be disturbed in ΔEx2-ZNRF3, suggesting loss of RSPO1-dependent activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Cell-based functional assays with the TCF-LEF reporter showed that RSPO1-dependent activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling was attenuated in cells expressing ΔEx2-ZNRF3 as compared with those expressing wild-type ZNRF3. CONCLUSION We provided genetic evidence linking deletions encompassing ZNRF3 exon 2 and congenital adrenal hypoplasia, which might be related to constitutive inactivation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by ΔEx2-ZNRF3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoko Amano
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Saitama City Hospital, Saitama, 336-8522, Japan
| | - Satoshi Narumi
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Katsuya Aizu
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, 330-8777, Japan
| | - Mari Miyazawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Kochi Health Sciences Center, Kochi, 781-8555, Japan
| | - Kohji Okamura
- Department of Systems BioMedicine, National Center for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Ohashi
- Division of Medical Genetics, Saitama Children's Medical Center, Saitama, 330-8777, Japan
| | - Noriyuki Katsumata
- Department of Molecular Endocrinology, National Research Institute for Child Health and Development, Tokyo, 157-8535, Japan
| | - Tomohiro Ishii
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tomonobu Hasegawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, 160-8582, Japan
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3
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Yue F, Ku AT, Stevens PD, Michalski MN, Jiang W, Tu J, Shi Z, Dou Y, Wang Y, Feng XH, Hostetter G, Wu X, Huang S, Shroyer NF, Zhang B, Williams BO, Liu Q, Lin X, Li Y. Loss of ZNRF3/RNF43 Unleashes EGFR in Cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.10.574969. [PMID: 38260423 PMCID: PMC10802575 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.10.574969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
ZNRF3 and RNF43 are closely related transmembrane E3 ubiquitin ligases with significant roles in development and cancer. Conventionally, their biological functions have been associated with regulating WNT signaling receptor ubiquitination and degradation. However, our proteogenomic studies have revealed EGFR as the most negatively correlated protein with ZNRF3/RNF43 mRNA levels in multiple human cancers. Through biochemical investigations, we demonstrate that ZNRF3/RNF43 interact with EGFR via their extracellular domains, leading to EGFR ubiquitination and subsequent degradation facilitated by the E3 ligase RING domain. Overexpression of ZNRF3 reduces EGFR levels and suppresses cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo, whereas knockout of ZNRF3/RNF43 stimulates cell growth and tumorigenesis through upregulated EGFR signaling. Together, these data highlight ZNRF3 and RNF43 as novel E3 ubiquitin ligases of EGFR and establish the inactivation of ZNRF3/RNF43 as a driver of increased EGFR signaling, ultimately promoting cancer progression. This discovery establishes a connection between two fundamental signaling pathways, EGFR and WNT, at the level of cytoplasmic membrane receptor, uncovering a novel mechanism underlying the frequent co-activation of EGFR and WNT signaling in development and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yue
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Amy T. Ku
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Payton D. Stevens
- Van Andel Institute, Department of Cell Biology, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503, USA
| | - Megan N. Michalski
- Van Andel Institute, Department of Cell Biology, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503, USA
| | - Weiyu Jiang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Jianghua Tu
- Texas Therapeutics Institute and Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Zhongcheng Shi
- Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Yongchao Dou
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Yi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Proteomics, Beijing Proteome Research Center, National Center for Protein Sciences (Beijing), Beijing Institute of Lifeomics, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Xin-Hua Feng
- Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China
| | - Galen Hostetter
- Van Andel Institute, Core Technologies and Services, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, USA
| | - Xiangwei Wu
- Department of Clinical Cancer Prevention, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Shixia Huang
- Advanced Technology Cores, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Education, Innovation & Technology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Noah F. Shroyer
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Bing Zhang
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Bart O. Williams
- Van Andel Institute, Department of Cell Biology, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49503, USA
- Van Andel Institute, Core Technologies and Services, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, USA
| | - Qingyun Liu
- Texas Therapeutics Institute and Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Xia Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310003, China
| | - Yi Li
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Dan L. Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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Farnhammer F, Colozza G, Kim J. RNF43 and ZNRF3 in Wnt Signaling - A Master Regulator at the Membrane. Int J Stem Cells 2023; 16:376-384. [PMID: 37643759 PMCID: PMC10686798 DOI: 10.15283/ijsc23070] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt β-catenin signaling pathway is a highly conserved mechanism that plays a critical role from embryonic development and adult stem cell homeostasis. However, dysregulation of the Wnt pathway has been implicated in various diseases, including cancer. Therefore, multiple layers of regulatory mechanisms tightly control the activation and suppression of the Wnt signal. The E3 ubiquitin ligases RNF43 and ZNRF3, which are known negative regulators of the Wnt pathway, are critical component of Wnt signaling regulation. These E3 ubiquitin ligases control Wnt signaling by targeting the Wnt receptor Frizzled to induce ubiquitination-mediated endo-lysosomal degradation, thus controlling the activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. We also discuss the regulatory mechanisms, interactors, and evolution of RNF43 and ZNRF3. This review article summarizes recent findings on RNF43 and ZNRF3 and their potential implications for the development of therapeutic strategies to target the Wnt signaling pathway in various diseases, including cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Farnhammer
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
- Division of Oncology and Children’s Research Center, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Gabriele Colozza
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna Biocenter (VBC), Vienna, Austria
| | - Jihoon Kim
- Department of Medical and Biological Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Korea
- Center for Genome Engineering, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, Korea
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5
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Liu TT, Shi X, Hu HW, Chen JP, Jiang Q, Zhen YF, Cao C, Liu XW, Liu JG. Endothelial cell-derived RSPO3 activates Gαi1/3-Erk signaling and protects neurons from ischemia/reperfusion injury. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:654. [PMID: 37805583 PMCID: PMC10560285 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06176-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
The current study explores the potential function and the underlying mechanisms of endothelial cell-derived R-spondin 3 (RSPO3) neuroprotection against ischemia/reperfusion-induced neuronal cell injury. In both neuronal cells (Neuro-2a) and primary murine cortical neurons, pretreatment with RSPO3 ameliorated oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)/re-oxygenation (OGD/R)-induced neuronal cell death and oxidative injury. In neurons RSPO3 activated the Akt, Erk and β-Catenin signaling cascade, but only Erk inhibitors reversed RSPO3-induced neuroprotection against OGD/R. In mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and neuronal cells, RSPO3-induced LGR4-Gab1-Gαi1/3 association was required for Erk activation, and either silencing or knockout of Gαi1 and Gαi3 abolished RSPO3-induced neuroprotection. In mice, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) increased RSPO3 expression and Erk activation in ischemic penumbra brain tissues. Endothelial knockdown or knockout of RSPO3 inhibited Erk activation in the ischemic penumbra brain tissues and increased MCAO-induced cerebral ischemic injury in mice. Conversely, endothelial overexpression of RSPO3 ameliorated MCAO-induced cerebral ischemic injury. We conclude that RSPO3 activates Gαi1/3-Erk signaling to protect neuronal cells from ischemia/reperfusion injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting-Tao Liu
- Shandong University, Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurology, Shouguang Hospital of T.C.M, Shouguang, China
| | - Xin Shi
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Hong-Wei Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ju-Ping Chen
- Department of Neurology, Changshu Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changshu, China
| | - Qin Jiang
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun-Fang Zhen
- Department of Orthopedics, Children's hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Cong Cao
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Xue-Wu Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China.
| | - Jian-Gang Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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6
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Post Y, Dilip A, Xie L, Sura A, Suen N, Ye J, Mutha D, Liu AT, Nguyen H, Whisler E, Shah D, Deshmukh S, Dhaliwal N, Bauer B, Nigatu E, Diep A, Lopez T, Fowler TW, Lee SJ, Lu C, Yeh WC, Chen H, Li Y. Novel Frizzled-specific antibody-based Wnt mimetics and Wnt superagonists selectively activate WNT/β-catenin signaling in target tissues. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:976-986.e5. [PMID: 37413985 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.06.006] [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: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
WNTs are essential factors for stem cell biology, embryonic development, and for maintaining homeostasis and tissue repair in adults. Difficulties in purifying WNTs and their lack of receptor selectivity have hampered research and regenerative medicine development. While breakthroughs in WNT mimetic development have overcome some of these difficulties, the tools developed so far are incomplete and mimetics alone are often not sufficient. Here, we developed a complete set of WNT mimetic molecules that cover all WNT/β-catenin-activating Frizzleds (FZDs). We show that FZD1,2,7 stimulate salivary gland expansion in vivo and salivary gland organoid expansion. We further describe the discovery of a novel WNT-modulating platform that combines WNT and RSPO mimetics' effects into one molecule. This set of molecules supports better organoid expansion in various tissues. These WNT-activating platforms can be broadly applied to organoids, pluripotent stem cells, and in vivo research, and serve as bases for future therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yorick Post
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Archana Dilip
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Liqin Xie
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Asmiti Sura
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Nicholas Suen
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Jay Ye
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Devin Mutha
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Angela T Liu
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Huy Nguyen
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Elizabeth Whisler
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Darshini Shah
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Shalaka Deshmukh
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Navrose Dhaliwal
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Ben Bauer
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Eskedar Nigatu
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Anh Diep
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Tom Lopez
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Tristan W Fowler
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Sung-Jin Lee
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Chenggang Lu
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Wen-Chen Yeh
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Hui Chen
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Yang Li
- Surrozen Inc., 171 Oyster Point Boulevard, Suite 400, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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7
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Wong C, Mulero MC, Barth EI, Wang K, Shang X, Tikle S, Rice C, Gately D, Howell SB. Exploiting the Receptor-Binding Domains of R-Spondin 1 to Target Leucine-Rich Repeat-Containin G-Coupled Protein Receptor 5-Expressing Stem Cells in Ovarian Cancer. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2023; 385:95-105. [PMID: 36849411 PMCID: PMC10108443 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.122.001495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor (LGR5) and LGR6 mark epithelial stem cells in normal tissues and tumors. They are expressed by stem cells in the ovarian surface and fallopian tube epithelia from which ovarian cancer arises. High-grade serous ovarian cancer is unique in expressing unusually high levels of LGR5 and LGR6 mRNA. R-spondins are the natural ligands for LGR5 and LGR6 to which they bind with nanomolar affinity. To target stem cells in ovarian cancer, we used the sortase reaction to site-specifically conjugate the potent cytotoxin monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE) via a protease sensitive linker to the two furin-like domains of RSPO1 (Fu1-Fu2) that mediate its binding to LGR5 and LGR6 and their co-receptors Zinc And Ring Finger 3 and Ring Finger Protein 43 via a protease-cleavable linker. An immunoglobulin Fc domain added to the N-terminal end served to dimerize the receptor-binding domains so that each molecule carries two MMAE. The resulting molecule, FcF2-MMAE, demonstrated: 1) selective LGR5-dependent low nanomolar cytotoxicity against ovarian cancer cells in vitro; 2) selectivity that was dependent on binding to both the LGR receptors and ubiquitin ligase co-receptors; 3) favorable stability and plasma pharmacokinetic properties when administered intravenously with an elimination half-life of 29.7 hours; 4) selective inhibition of LGR5-rich as opposed to isogenic LGR5-poor tumors in vivo; and, 5) therapeutic efficacy in three aggressive wild-type human ovarian cancer xenograft models. These results demonstrate the successful use of the Fu1-Fu2 domain of RSPO1 as a drug carrier and the ability of FcF2-MMAE to target cells in tumors that express stem cell markers. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: FcF2-MMAE is a novel cancer therapeutic that exploits the high-affinity binding domains of RSPO1 to target monomethyl auristatin E to tumor stem cells that express LGR5. FcF2-MMAE has low nanomolar LGR5-dependent cytotoxicity in vitro, favorable pharmacokinetics, and differential efficacy in an isogenic LGR5-poor versus LGR5-rich ovarian cancer xenograft model when given on a weekly schedule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Wong
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
| | - Maria Carmen Mulero
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
| | - Erika I Barth
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
| | - Katherine Wang
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
| | - Xiying Shang
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
| | - Sanika Tikle
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
| | - Catherine Rice
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
| | - Dennis Gately
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
| | - Stephen B Howell
- Moores Cancer Center and Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, 3855 Health Sciences Drive, Mail Code 0819, La Jolla, California
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8
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Yang L, Yue W, Zhang H, Gao Y, Yang L, Li L. The role of roof plate-specific spondins in liver homeostasis and disease. LIVER RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
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9
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Canonical Wnt Signaling in the Pathology of Iron Overload-Induced Oxidative Stress and Age-Related Diseases. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:7163326. [PMID: 35116092 PMCID: PMC8807048 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7163326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Iron accumulates in the vital organs with aging. This is associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction leading to age-related disorders. Abnormal iron levels are linked to neurodegenerative diseases, liver injury, cancer, and ocular diseases. Canonical Wnt signaling is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that regulates many cellular functions including cell proliferation, apoptosis, cell migration, and stem cell renewal. Recent evidences indicate that iron regulates Wnt signaling, and iron chelators like deferoxamine and deferasirox can inhibit Wnt signaling and cell growth. Canonical Wnt signaling is implicated in the pathogenesis of many diseases, and there are significant efforts ongoing to develop innovative therapies targeting the aberrant Wnt signaling. This review examines how intracellular iron accumulation regulates Wnt signaling in various tissues and their potential contribution in the progression of age-related diseases.
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10
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Lebensohn AM, Bazan JF, Rohatgi R. Receptor control by membrane-tethered ubiquitin ligases in development and tissue homeostasis. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 150:25-89. [PMID: 35817504 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Paracrine cell-cell communication is central to all developmental processes, ranging from cell diversification to patterning and morphogenesis. Precise calibration of signaling strength is essential for the fidelity of tissue formation during embryogenesis and tissue maintenance in adults. Membrane-tethered ubiquitin ligases can control the sensitivity of target cells to secreted ligands by regulating the abundance of signaling receptors at the cell surface. We discuss two examples of this emerging concept in signaling: (1) the transmembrane ubiquitin ligases ZNRF3 and RNF43 that regulate WNT and bone morphogenetic protein receptor abundance in response to R-spondin ligands and (2) the membrane-recruited ubiquitin ligase MGRN1 that controls Hedgehog and melanocortin receptor abundance. We focus on the mechanistic logic of these systems, illustrated by structural and protein interaction models enabled by AlphaFold. We suggest that membrane-tethered ubiquitin ligases play a widespread role in remodeling the cell surface proteome to control responses to extracellular ligands in diverse biological processes.
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11
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An itch for things remote: The journey of Wnts. Curr Top Dev Biol 2022; 150:91-128. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2022.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
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12
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Nagano K, Yamana K, Saito H, Kiviranta R, Pedroni AC, Raval D, Niehrs C, Gori F, Baron R. R-spondin 3 deletion induces Erk phosphorylation to enhance Wnt signaling and promote bone formation in the appendicular skeleton. eLife 2022; 11:84171. [PMID: 36321691 PMCID: PMC9681208 DOI: 10.7554/elife.84171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Activation of Wnt signaling leads to high bone density. The R-spondin family of four secreted glycoproteins (Rspo1-4) amplifies Wnt signaling. In humans, RSPO3 variants are strongly associated with bone density. Here, we investigated the role of Rspo3 in skeletal homeostasis in mice. Using a comprehensive set of mouse genetic and mechanistic studies, we show that in the appendicular skeleton, Rspo3 haplo-insufficiency and Rspo3 targeted deletion in Runx2+ osteoprogenitors lead to an increase in trabecular bone mass, with increased number of osteoblasts and bone formation. In contrast and highlighting the complexity of Wnt signaling in the regulation of skeletal homeostasis, we show that Rspo3 deletion in osteoprogenitors results in the opposite phenotype in the axial skeleton, i.e., low vertebral trabecular bone mass. Mechanistically, Rspo3 deficiency impairs the inhibitory effect of Dkk1 on Wnt signaling activation and bone mass. We demonstrate that Rspo3 deficiency leads to activation of Erk signaling which in turn, stabilizes β-catenin and Wnt signaling activation. Our data demonstrate that Rspo3 haplo-insufficiency/deficiency boosts canonical Wnt signaling by activating Erk signaling, to favor osteoblastogenesis, bone formation, and bone mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenichi Nagano
- School of Dental Medicine, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Kei Yamana
- School of Dental Medicine, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Hiroaki Saito
- School of Dental Medicine, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Riku Kiviranta
- School of Dental Medicine, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
| | | | - Dhairya Raval
- School of Dental Medicine, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Christof Niehrs
- German Cancer Research Center, DKFZ-ZMBH AllianceHeidelbergGermany,Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB)MainzGermany
| | - Francesca Gori
- School of Dental Medicine, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States
| | - Roland Baron
- School of Dental Medicine, Harvard UniversityBostonUnited States,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical SchoolBostonUnited States,Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General HospitalBostonUnited States
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13
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Abstract
In 46,XY men, testis is determined by a genetic network(s) that both promotes testis formation and represses ovarian development. Disruption of this process results in a lack of testis-determination and affected individuals present with 46,XY gonadal dysgenesis (GD), a part of the spectrum of Disorders/Differences of Sex Development/Determination (DSD). A minority of all cases of GD are associated with pathogenic variants in key players of testis-determination, SRY, SOX9, MAP3K1 and NR5A1. However, most of the cases remain unexplained. Recently, unbiased exome sequencing approaches have revealed new genes and loci that may cause 46,XY GD. We critically evaluate the evidence to support causality of these factors and describe how functional studies are continuing to improve our understanding of genotype-phenotype relationships in genes that are established causes of GD. As genomic data continues to be generated from DSD cohorts, we propose several recommendations to help interpret the data and establish causality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maëva Elzaiat
- Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Ken McElreavey
- Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Anu Bashamboo
- Human Developmental Genetics, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
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14
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Ter Steege EJ, Bakker ERM. The role of R-spondin proteins in cancer biology. Oncogene 2021; 40:6469-6478. [PMID: 34663878 PMCID: PMC8616751 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02059-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
R-spondin (RSPO) proteins constitute a family of four secreted glycoproteins (RSPO1-4) that have appeared as multipotent signaling ligands. The best-known molecular function of RSPOs lie within their capacity to agonize the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. As RSPOs act upon cognate receptors LGR4/5/6 that are typically expressed by stem cells and progenitor cells, RSPO proteins importantly potentiate Wnt/β-catenin signaling especially within these proliferative stem cell compartments. Since multiple organs express LGR4/5/6 receptors and RSPO ligands within their stem cell niches, RSPOs can exert an influential role in stem cell regulation throughout the body. Inherently, over the last decade a multitude of reports implicated the deregulation of RSPOs in cancer development. First, RSPO2 and RSPO3 gene fusions with concomitant enhanced expression have been identified in colon cancer patients, and proposed as an alternative driver of Wnt/β-catenin hyperactivation that earmarks cancer in the colorectal tract. Moreover, the causal oncogenic capacity of RSPO3 overactivation has been demonstrated in the mouse intestine. As a paradigm organ in this field, most of current knowledge about RSPOs in cancer is derived from studies in the intestinal tract. However, RSPO gene fusions as well as enhanced RSPO expression have been reported in multiple additional cancer types, affecting different organs that involve divergent stem cell hierarchies. Importantly, the emerging oncogenic role of RSPO and its potential clinical utility as a therapeutic target have been recognized and investigated in preclinical and clinical settings. This review provides a survey of current knowledge on the role of RSPOs in cancer biology, addressing the different organs implicated, and of efforts made to explore intervention opportunities in cancer cases with RSPO overrepresentation, including the potential utilization of RSPO as novel therapeutic target itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eline J Ter Steege
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Elvira R M Bakker
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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15
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Radaszkiewicz T, Nosková M, Gömöryová K, Vondálová Blanářová O, Radaszkiewicz KA, Picková M, Víchová R, Gybeľ T, Kaiser K, Demková L, Kučerová L, Bárta T, Potěšil D, Zdráhal Z, Souček K, Bryja V. RNF43 inhibits WNT5A-driven signaling and suppresses melanoma invasion and resistance to the targeted therapy. eLife 2021; 10:65759. [PMID: 34702444 PMCID: PMC8550759 DOI: 10.7554/elife.65759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
RNF43 is an E3 ubiquitin ligase and known negative regulator of WNT/β-catenin signaling. We demonstrate that RNF43 is also a regulator of noncanonical WNT5A-induced signaling in human cells. Analysis of the RNF43 interactome using BioID and immunoprecipitation showed that RNF43 can interact with the core receptor complex components dedicated to the noncanonical Wnt pathway such as ROR1, ROR2, VANGL1, and VANGL2. RNF43 triggers VANGL2 ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation and clathrin-dependent internalization of ROR1 receptor and inhibits ROR2 activation. These activities of RNF43 are physiologically relevant and block pro-metastatic WNT5A signaling in melanoma. RNF43 inhibits responses to WNT5A, which results in the suppression of invasive properties of melanoma cells. Furthermore, RNF43 prevented WNT5A-assisted development of resistance to BRAF V600E and MEK inhibitors. Next, RNF43 acted as melanoma suppressor and improved response to targeted therapies in vivo. In line with these findings, RNF43 expression decreases during melanoma progression and RNF43-low patients have a worse prognosis. We conclude that RNF43 is a newly discovered negative regulator of WNT5A-mediated biological responses that desensitizes cells to WNT5A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Radaszkiewicz
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michaela Nosková
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kristína Gömöryová
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Olga Vondálová Blanářová
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Markéta Picková
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics CAS, Brno, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center FNUSA-ICRC, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ráchel Víchová
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics CAS, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomáš Gybeľ
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karol Kaiser
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucia Demková
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Kučerová
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Tomáš Bárta
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - David Potěšil
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zbyněk Zdráhal
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Souček
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics CAS, Brno, Czech Republic.,International Clinical Research Center FNUSA-ICRC, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vítězslav Bryja
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.,Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics CAS, Brno, Czech Republic
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16
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Regulatory interplay between microRNAs and WNT pathway in glioma. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 143:112187. [PMID: 34560532 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is one of the most common neoplasms of the central nervous system with a poor survival. Due to the obstacles in treating this disease, a part of recent studies mainly focuses on identifying the underlying molecular mechanisms that contribute to its malignancy. Altering microRNAs (miRNAs) expression pattern has been identified obviously in many cancers. Through regulating various targets and signaling pathways, miRNAs play a pivotal role in cancer progression. As one of the essential signaling pathways, WNT pathway is dysregulated in many cancers, and a growing body of evidence emphasis its dysregulation in glioma. Herein, we provide a comprehensive review of miRNAs involved in WNT pathway in glioma. Moreover, we show the interplay between miRNAs and WNT pathway in regulating different processes such as proliferation, invasion, migration, radio/chemotherapy resistance, and epithelial-mesenchymal-transition. Then, we introduce several drugs and treatments against glioma, which their effects are mediated through the interplay of WNT pathway and miRNAs.
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17
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Sharma A, Mir R, Galande S. Epigenetic Regulation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Cancer. Front Genet 2021; 12:681053. [PMID: 34552611 PMCID: PMC8450413 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.681053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Studies over the past four decades have elucidated the role of Wnt/β-catenin mediated regulation in cell proliferation, differentiation and migration. These processes are fundamental to embryonic development, regeneration potential of tissues, as well as cancer initiation and progression. In this review, we focus on the epigenetic players which influence the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via modulation of its components and coordinated regulation of the Wnt target genes. The role played by crosstalk with other signaling pathways mediating tumorigenesis is also elaborated. The Hippo/YAP pathway is particularly emphasized due to its extensive crosstalk via the Wnt destruction complex. Further, we highlight the recent advances in developing potential therapeutic interventions targeting the epigenetic machinery based on the characterization of these regulatory networks for effective treatment of various cancers and also for regenerative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Sharma
- Centre of Excellence in Epigenetics, Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India
| | - Rafeeq Mir
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research and Innovations, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India
| | - Sanjeev Galande
- Centre of Excellence in Epigenetics, Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research, Pune, India.,Department of Life Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, Shiv Nadar University, Greater Noida, India
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18
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Reis AH, Sokol SY. Rspo2 inhibits TCF3 phosphorylation to antagonize Wnt signaling during vertebrate anteroposterior axis specification. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13433. [PMID: 34183732 PMCID: PMC8239024 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92824-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt pathway activates target genes by controlling the β-catenin-T-cell factor (TCF) transcriptional complex during embryonic development and cancer. This pathway can be potentiated by R-spondins, a family of proteins that bind RNF43/ZNRF3 E3 ubiquitin ligases and LGR4/5 receptors to prevent Frizzled degradation. Here we demonstrate that, during Xenopus anteroposterior axis specification, Rspo2 functions as a Wnt antagonist, both morphologically and at the level of gene targets and pathway mediators. Unexpectedly, the binding to RNF43/ZNRF3 and LGR4/5 was not required for the Wnt inhibitory activity. Moreover, Rspo2 did not influence Dishevelled phosphorylation in response to Wnt ligands, suggesting that Frizzled activity is not affected. Further analysis indicated that the Wnt antagonism is due to the inhibitory effect of Rspo2 on TCF3/TCF7L1 phosphorylation that normally leads to target gene activation. Consistent with this mechanism, Rspo2 anteriorizing activity has been rescued in TCF3-depleted embryos. These observations suggest that Rspo2 is a context-specific regulator of TCF3 phosphorylation and Wnt signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice H Reis
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.
| | - Sergei Y Sokol
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Regenerative Biology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA.
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19
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The Role of LGR4 (GPR48) in Normal and Cancer Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094690. [PMID: 33946652 PMCID: PMC8125670 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leucine-rich repeats containing G protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4) is a receptor that belongs to the superfamily of G protein-coupled receptors that can be activated by R-spondins (RSPOs), Norrin, circLGR4, and the ligand of the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANKL) ligands to regulate signaling pathways in normal and pathological processes. LGR4 is widely expressed in different tissues where it has multiple functions such as tissue development and maintenance. LGR4 mainly acts through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway to regulate proliferation, survival, and differentiation. In cancer, LGR4 participates in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis. Furthermore, recent evidence reveals that LGR4 is essential for the regulation of the cancer stem cell population by controlling self-renewal and regulating stem cell properties. This review summarizes the function of LGR4 and its ligands in normal and malignant processes.
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20
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Abstract
Wnt signaling is an important morphogenetic signaling pathway best known for its essential role in determining embryonic cell fates; it is often activated to re-specify fetal cells or to maintain the lineage flexibility of somatic stem cells. In this review, we consider the role of this pathway in the remarkable process of differentiation, growth and morphogenesis of the mammary gland during embryogenesis, ductal outgrowth and pregnancy. Specifically, mammary stem cells are compared with stem cells from other tissues, to identify commonalities and differences. Wnt signaling is known to be required to maintain the bipotent basal stem cell present in adult mammary ductal trees, however, the absence of this stem cell has little effect on growth or morphogenesis, and Wnt signaling is not induced during the ductal/alveolar expansion during pregnancy. The evidence for pre-determined hierarchies of mammary epithelial cells is reviewed, together with the role of signaling between mixtures of specified mammary epithelial cells in the maintenance of Wnt-dependent clonagenic stem cells. The dazzling variety of Wnt signaling components expressed by mammary epithelial cells is presented, along with some potential stromal sources of Wnt proteins that may be important starting points for the induction of plasticity in the epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Alexander
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States.
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21
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Gopal S, Arokiasamy S, Pataki C, Whiteford JR, Couchman JR. Syndecan receptors: pericellular regulators in development and inflammatory disease. Open Biol 2021; 11:200377. [PMID: 33561383 PMCID: PMC8061687 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The syndecans are the major family of transmembrane proteoglycans, usually bearing multiple heparan sulfate chains. They are present on virtually all nucleated cells of vertebrates and are also present in invertebrates, indicative of a long evolutionary history. Genetic models in both vertebrates and invertebrates have shown that syndecans link to the actin cytoskeleton and can fine-tune cell adhesion, migration, junction formation, polarity and differentiation. Although often associated as co-receptors with other classes of receptors (e.g. integrins, growth factor and morphogen receptors), syndecans can nonetheless signal to the cytoplasm in discrete ways. Syndecan expression levels are upregulated in development, tissue repair and an array of human diseases, which has led to the increased appreciation that they may be important in pathogenesis not only as diagnostic or prognostic agents, but also as potential targets. Here, their functions in development and inflammatory diseases are summarized, including their potential roles as conduits for viral pathogen entry into cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Gopal
- Development and Stem Cells Program, Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia
| | - Samantha Arokiasamy
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Csilla Pataki
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Biocentre 1.3.16, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - James R. Whiteford
- William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - John R. Couchman
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Biocentre 1.3.16, Ole Maaløes Vej 5, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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22
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Wu YC, Chiang YC, Chou SH, Pan CL. Wnt signalling and endocytosis: Mechanisms, controversies and implications for stress responses. Biol Cell 2020; 113:95-106. [PMID: 33253438 DOI: 10.1111/boc.202000099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Wnt signalling is one of a few conserved pathways that control diverse aspects of development and morphogenesis in all metazoan species. Endocytosis is a key mechanism that regulates the secretion and graded extracellular distribution of Wnt glycoproteins from the source cells, as well as Wnt signal transduction in the receiving cells. However, controversies exist regarding the requirement of clathrin-dependent endocytosis in Wnt signalling. Various lines of evidence from recent studies suggest that Wnt-β-catenin signalling is also involved in the regulation of cellular stress responses in adulthood, a role that is beyond its canonical functions in animal development. In this review, we summarise recent advances in the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which endocytosis modulates Wnt signalling. We also discuss how Wnt signalling could be repurposed to regulate mitochondrial stress response in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Chun Wu
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Center for Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yueh-Chen Chiang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Center for Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Hua Chou
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Center for Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Liang Pan
- Institute of Molecular Medicine and Center for Precision Medicine, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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23
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Tchorz JS. The Conundrum of the Pericentral Hepatic Niche: WNT/-Catenin Signaling, Metabolic Zonation, and Many Open Questions. Gene Expr 2020; 20:119-124. [PMID: 32962796 PMCID: PMC7650010 DOI: 10.3727/105221620x16007982788168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
WNT/-catenin signaling promotes stemness, proliferation, and cell fate decisions in various tissue stem cell compartments, which maintain organs with a high turnover of cells (e.g., skin, stomach, and gut). Thus, the -catenin target genes AXIN2 and LGR5 are widely considered as tissue stem cell markers. In contrast, AXIN2 and LGR5 are expressed in pericentral hepatocytes, which do not show overt proliferation during liver homeostasis. Given the low hepatocyte turnover, the liver does not require constant high rates of proliferation, whereas WNT/-catenin signaling is critical for metabolic zonation. Yet, WNT/-catenin pathway upregulation, including AXIN2 and LGR5 induction in hepatocytes throughout the liver, enables hepatocyte regeneration in response to various injuries. In this brief review, I discuss the role of WNT/-catenin signaling in controlling metabolic zonation and the conundrum around pericentral hepatocytes that have been proposed as liver stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan S. Tchorz
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Novartis Pharma AG, Basel, Switzerland
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24
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Gu H, Tu H, Liu L, Liu T, Liu Z, Zhang W, Liu J. RSPO3 is a marker candidate for predicting tumor aggressiveness in ovarian cancer. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1351. [PMID: 33313096 PMCID: PMC7723610 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-3731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer, a highly aggressive and heterogeneous gynecological malignancy that has long been difficult for physicians to identify and treat, requires more effective and precise molecular targets. R-spondin 3 (RSPO3) is a secreted protein that plays a tumorigenic role in several human cancers. However, the functional contribution and prognostic role of RSPO3 in ovarian cancer remain unclear. Methods RSPO3 expression in ovarian cancer tissues was assessed using western blotting, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and immunohistochemistry, and its relationships to clinicopathological parameters were investigated using the data of 179 ovarian cancer patients. RSPO3’s biological function was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation, wound healing, and Matrigel transwell assay in RSPO3-knockdown and RSPO3-overexpression ovarian cancer cell lines SKOV3 and OVCAR3. The possible biological processes associated with RSPO3 were identified using functional enrichment analysis based on the transcriptome sequencing data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) ovarian cancer cohort and our experimental cells, and further verified using western blotting and immunofluorescence in the ovarian cancer cell model. Results The RSPO3 mRNA and protein levels were both upregulated in ovarian cancer tissues. High RSPO3 expression was correlated with lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI), lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis, and advanced tumor stage. Survival analysis showed that RSPO3 is an independent prognostic marker in ovarian cancer. Moreover, in vitro RSPO3 knockdown significantly inhibited the invasion ability of ovarian cancer cells, while overexpression significantly promoted it. Using transcriptome sequencing and pathway validation experiments, we demonstrated for the first time that RSPO3 promotes ovarian cancer invasiveness through activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway and modulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), while the common Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was not involved. Conclusions RSPO3 plays a definite oncogenic role and promotes tumor aggressiveness in ovarian cancer, which may serve as a potential prognostic marker and therapeutic target for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Gu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Tu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lili Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Liu
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhimin Liu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jihong Liu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China.,State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
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25
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Molecular insights into therapeutic promise of targeting of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in obesity. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:8091-8100. [PMID: 32886327 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05784-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a curable disorder which is a global health concern, linked to an excess amount of fat. It is caused by inherited and environmental factors and can be grim to maintain through dieting only. The importance of peculiar Wnt/β-catenin signaling has directed considerable efforts in the future production of therapeutic approaches in metabolic complications, including obesity. The article aims to examine the prospects of Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade in obesity via directing effects of Wnt/β-catenin cascade in regulating appetite. A deep research on the literature available to date, for Wnt/β-catenin cascade in obesity is conducted using various medical databases like PubMed, MEDLINE from the internet. The articles published in English language were mainly preferred. Obesity has developed endemic worldwide, which initiates various obesity-related comorbidities. Obesity is implied by excessive deposition of fat primarily in the adipose tissue. Numerous studies have shown the vital impact of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the growth of body part and biological homeostasis, while latent data illustrate the inherited variations in the Wnt/β-catenin cascade, correlating to several complications. The current article enlightens the stimulation of the Wnt/β-catenin cascade in obesity, mainly depot-explicit impact among adipose tissue during high caloric intake regulation and WAT browning event. Taken all together these data illustrate Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade subsidizes to obesity promoted insulin resistance independent proliferation of adipose tissue.
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26
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Abstract
R-spondin (RSPO) proteins amplify Wnt signaling and stimulate regeneration in a variety of tissues. To repair tissue in a tissue-specific manner, tissue-targeted RSPO mimetic molecules are desired. Here, we mutated RSPO (RSPO2 F105R/F109A) to eliminate LGR binding while preserving ZNRF3/RNF43 binding and targeted the mutated RSPO to a liver specific receptor, ASGR1. The resulting bi-specific molecule (αASGR1-RSPO2-RA) enhanced Wnt signaling effectively in vitro, and its activity was limited to ASGR1 expressing cells. Systemic administration of αASGR1-RSPO2-RA in mice specifically upregulated Wnt target genes and stimulated cell proliferation in liver but not intestine (which is more responsive to non-targeted RSPO2) in healthy mice, and improved liver function in diseased mice. These results not only suggest that a tissue-specific RSPO mimetic protein can stimulate regeneration in a cell-specific manner, but also provide a blueprint of how a tissue-specific molecule might be constructed for applications in a broader context.
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27
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Geng A, Wu T, Cai C, Song W, Wang J, Yu QC, Zeng YA. A novel function of R-spondin1 in regulating estrogen receptor expression independent of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. eLife 2020; 9:56434. [PMID: 32749219 PMCID: PMC7402675 DOI: 10.7554/elife.56434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
R-spondin1 (Rspo1) has been featured as a Wnt agonist, serving as a potent niche factor for stem cells in many tissues. Here we unveil a novel role of Rspo1 in promoting estrogen receptor alpha (Esr1) expression, hence regulating the output of steroid hormone signaling in the mouse mammary gland. This action of Rspo1 relies on the receptor Lgr4 and intracellular cAMP-PKA signaling, yet is independent of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These mechanisms were reinforced by genetic evidence. Luminal cells-specific knockout of Rspo1 results in decreased Esr1 expression and reduced mammary side branches. In contrast, luminal cells-specific knockout of Wnt4, while attenuating basal cell Wnt/β-catenin signaling activities, enhances Esr1 expression. Our data reveal a novel Wnt-independent role of Rspo1, in which Rspo1 acts as a bona fide GPCR activator eliciting intracellular cAMP signaling. The identification of Rspo1-ERα signaling axis may have a broad implication in estrogen-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajun Geng
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheguo Cai
- Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenqian Song
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiqiu Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
| | - Qing Cissy Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Arial Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
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28
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Dubey R, van Kerkhof P, Jordens I, Malinauskas T, Pusapati GV, McKenna JK, Li D, Carette JE, Ho M, Siebold C, Maurice M, Lebensohn AM, Rohatgi R. R-spondins engage heparan sulfate proteoglycans to potentiate WNT signaling. eLife 2020; 9:e54469. [PMID: 32432544 PMCID: PMC7239654 DOI: 10.7554/elife.54469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
R-spondins (RSPOs) amplify WNT signaling during development and regenerative responses. We previously demonstrated that RSPOs 2 and 3 potentiate WNT/β-catenin signaling in cells lacking leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptors (LGRs) 4, 5 and 6 (Lebensohn and Rohatgi, 2018). We now show that heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) act as alternative co-receptors for RSPO3 using a combination of ligand mutagenesis and ligand engineering. Mutations in RSPO3 residues predicted to contact HSPGs impair its signaling capacity. Conversely, the HSPG-binding domains of RSPO3 can be entirely replaced with an antibody that recognizes heparan sulfate (HS) chains attached to multiple HSPGs without diminishing WNT-potentiating activity in cultured cells and intestinal organoids. A genome-wide screen for mediators of RSPO3 signaling in cells lacking LGRs 4, 5 and 6 failed to reveal other receptors. We conclude that HSPGs are RSPO co-receptors that potentiate WNT signaling in the presence and absence of LGRs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramin Dubey
- Departments of Biochemistry and Medicine, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Peter van Kerkhof
- Department of Cell Biology and Oncode Institute, Centre for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Ingrid Jordens
- Department of Cell Biology and Oncode Institute, Centre for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Tomas Malinauskas
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Ganesh V Pusapati
- Departments of Biochemistry and Medicine, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Joseph K McKenna
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Dan Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Jan E Carette
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
| | - Mitchell Ho
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Christian Siebold
- Division of Structural Biology, Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, University of OxfordOxfordUnited Kingdom
| | - Madelon Maurice
- Department of Cell Biology and Oncode Institute, Centre for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Andres M Lebensohn
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of HealthBethesdaUnited States
| | - Rajat Rohatgi
- Departments of Biochemistry and Medicine, Stanford University School of MedicineStanfordUnited States
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29
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Jin YR, Han XH, Nishimori K, Ben-Avraham D, Oh YJ, Shim JW, Yoon JK. Canonical WNT/β-Catenin Signaling Activated by WNT9b and RSPO2 Cooperation Regulates Facial Morphogenesis in Mice. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:264. [PMID: 32457899 PMCID: PMC7225269 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The R-spondin (RSPO) family of proteins potentiate canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling and may provide a mechanism to fine-tune the strength of canonical WNT signaling. Although several in vitro studies have clearly demonstrated the potentiation of canonical WNT signaling by RSPOs, whether this potentiation actually occurs in normal development and tissue function in vivo still remains poorly understood. Here, we provide clear evidence of the potentiation of canonical WNT signaling by RSPO during mouse facial development by analyzing compound Wnt9b and Rspo2 gene knockout mice and utilizing ex vivo facial explants. Wnt9b;Rspo2 double mutant mice display facial defects and dysregulated gene expression pattern that are significantly more severe than and different from those of Wnt9b or Rspo2 null mutant mice. Furthermore, we found suggestive evidence that the LGR4/5/6 family of the RSPO receptors may play less critical roles in WNT9b:RSPO2 cooperation. Our results suggest that RSPO-induced cooperation is a key mechanism for fine-tuning canonical WNT/β-catenin signaling in mouse facial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Ri Jin
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, United States
| | - Xiang Hua Han
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Maine Medical Center Research Institute, Scarborough, ME, United States
| | - Katsuhiko Nishimori
- Department of Applied Biological Chemistry, Tohoku University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Dan Ben-Avraham
- Nancy and Stephen Grand Israel National Center for Personalized Medicine, Mantoux Institute for Bioinformatics, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Youn Jeong Oh
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, South Korea
| | - Jae-Won Shim
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, South Korea.,Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, South Korea
| | - Jeong Kyo Yoon
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, South Korea.,Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan-si, South Korea
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30
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Li S, Lavrijsen M, Bakker A, Magierowski M, Magierowska K, Liu P, Wang W, Peppelenbosch MP, Smits R. Commonly observed RNF43 mutations retain functionality in attenuating Wnt/β-catenin signaling and unlikely confer Wnt-dependency onto colorectal cancers. Oncogene 2020; 39:3458-3472. [PMID: 32103169 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1232-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated RNF43 mutations lead to activation of β-catenin signaling through aberrantly increasing Wnt-receptor levels at the membrane. Importantly, inactivating RNF43 mutations have been suggested to render cancer cells sensitive to Wnt-based therapeutics. However, the extent to which RNF43 mutations lead to impaired regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been poorly investigated. Here, we observed that tumors with a functional mismatch repair system show a predominant 5'-location of truncating RNF43 mutations, suggesting C-terminal truncations such as the most commonly reported p.G659fs mutation, do not affect β-catenin signaling. In accordance, expressing C-terminal truncation mutants and wild-type RNF43, showed equal effects on β-catenin signaling, Wnt-receptor turnover, and DVL-binding. We confirmed these observations at endogenous levels by CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout of G659fs RNF43 expression in KM12 cells and generating comparable mutations in HEK293T cells. We could not confirm previous reports linking RNF43 to p53 and E-cadherin breakdown. Our data also suggest that only colorectal cancer cells harboring N-terminal mutations of RNF43 convey Wnt-dependency onto the tumor cells. Results of this study have potentially important clinical implications indicating that Wnt-based therapeutics should be applied cautiously in cancer patients harboring RNF43 mutations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Marla Lavrijsen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aron Bakker
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marcin Magierowski
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Magierowska
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Physiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Cracow, Poland
| | - Pengyu Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wenhui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.,State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Pharmacology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Maikel P Peppelenbosch
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ron Smits
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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31
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Luca VC, Miao Y, Li X, Hollander MJ, Kuo CJ, Garcia KC. Surrogate R-spondins for tissue-specific potentiation of Wnt Signaling. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0226928. [PMID: 31914456 PMCID: PMC6949110 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0226928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Secreted R-spondin1-4 proteins (RSPO1-4) orchestrate stem cell renewal and tissue homeostasis by potentiating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. RSPOs induce the turnover of negative Wnt regulators RNF43 and ZNRF3 through a process that requires RSPO interactions with Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptors (LGRs), or through an LGR-independent mechanism that is enhanced by RSPO binding to heparin sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). Here, we describe the engineering of 'surrogate RSPOs' that function independently of LGRs to potentiate Wnt signaling on cell types expressing a target surface marker. These bispecific proteins were generated by fusing an RNF43- or ZNRF3-specific single chain antibody variable fragment (scFv) to the immune cytokine IL-2. Surrogate RSPOs mimic the function of natural RSPOs by crosslinking the extracellular domain (ECD) of RNF43 or ZNRF3 to the ECD of the IL-2 receptor CD25, which sequesters the complex and results in highly selective amplification of Wnt signaling on CD25+ cells. Furthermore, surrogate RSPOs were able substitute for wild type RSPO in a colon organoid growth assay when intestinal stem cells were transduced to express CD25. Our results provide proof-of-concept for a technology that may be adapted for use on a broad range of cell- or tissue-types and will open new avenues for the development of Wnt-based therapeutics for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent C. Luca
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (VCL); (KCG)
| | - Yi Miao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Xingnan Li
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Hollander
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - Calvin J. Kuo
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
| | - K. Christopher Garcia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, United States of America
- * E-mail: (VCL); (KCG)
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32
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Li J, Dedloff MR, Stevens K, Maney L, Prochaska M, Hongay CF, Wallace KN. A novel group of secretory cells regulates development of the immature intestinal stem cell niche through repression of the main signaling pathways driving proliferation. Dev Biol 2019; 456:47-62. [PMID: 31398318 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium has constant turnover throughout the life of the organ, with apoptosis of cells at the tips of folds or villi releasing cells into the lumen. Due to constant turnover, epithelial cells need to be constantly replaced. Epithelial cells are supplied by stem cell niches that form at the base of the interfold space (zebrafish) and crypts (birds and mammals). Within the adult stem cell niche of mammals, secretory cells such as Paneth and goblet cells play a role in modulation of proliferation and stem cell activity, producing asymmetric divisions. Progeny of asymmetric divisions move up the fold or villi, giving rise to all of the epithelial cell types. Although much is known about function and organization of the adult intestinal stem cell niche, less is understood about regulation within the immature stem cell compartment. Following smooth muscle formation, the intestinal epithelium folds and proliferation becomes restricted to the interfold base. Symmetric divisions continue in the developing interfold niche until stem cell progeny begin asymmetric divisions, producing progeny that migrate up the developing folds. Proliferative progeny from the developing stem cell niche begin migrating out of the niche during the third week post-embryogenesis (zebrafish) or during the postnatal period (mammals). Regulation and organization of epithelial proliferation in the immature stem cell niche may be regulated by signals comparable to the adult niche. Here we identify a novel subset of secretory cells associated with the developing stem cell niche that receive Notch signaling (referred to as NRSCs). Inhibition of the embryonic NRSCs between 74 hpf to 120 hpf increases epithelial proliferation as well as EGF and IGF signaling. Inhibition of post-embryonic NRSCs (6 hpf to 12 dpf) also increases epithelial proliferation and expression level of Wnt target genes. We conclude that NRSCs play a role in modulation of epithelial proliferation through repression of signaling pathways that drive proliferation during both embryogenesis and the post embryonic period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianlong Li
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | | | - Katrina Stevens
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | - Lea Maney
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
| | | | - Cintia F Hongay
- Department of Biology, Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY, USA
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33
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Greicius G, Virshup DM. Stromal control of intestinal development and the stem cell niche. Differentiation 2019; 108:8-16. [DOI: 10.1016/j.diff.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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34
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Ghosh N, Hossain U, Mandal A, Sil PC. The Wnt signaling pathway: a potential therapeutic target against cancer. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1443:54-74. [PMID: 31017675 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The role of the evolutionarily conserved Wnt signaling pathway is well documented in several cellular processes, such as cell proliferation, differentiation, cell motility, and maintenance of the stem cell niche. The very first indication that aberrant Wnt signaling can cause carcinogenesis came from a finding that the mutation of the adenomatous polyposis coli gene (APC) predisposes a person to colorectal carcinoma. Later, with progressing research it became clear that abnormal activation or mutation of the genes related to this pathway could drive tumorigenesis. Here, we review recent advances in research regarding Wnt signaling regulation and its role in several cancer subtypes. Additionally, the utility of Wnt pathway-targeted cancer therapy intervention is also highlighted, with an overview of current approaches to target the Wnt pathway in oncogenesis and the future scopes and challenges associated with them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noyel Ghosh
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Uday Hossain
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Ankita Mandal
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
| | - Parames C Sil
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Bose Institute, Kolkata, India
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35
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Raslan AA, Yoon JK. R-spondins: Multi-mode WNT signaling regulators in adult stem cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 106:26-34. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2018] [Revised: 11/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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36
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Spit M, Koo BK, Maurice MM. Tales from the crypt: intestinal niche signals in tissue renewal, plasticity and cancer. Open Biol 2018; 8:rsob.180120. [PMID: 30209039 PMCID: PMC6170508 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.180120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Rapidly renewing tissues such as the intestinal epithelium critically depend on the activity of small-sized stem cell populations that continuously generate new progeny to replace lost and damaged cells. The complex and tightly regulated process of intestinal homeostasis is governed by a variety of signalling pathways that balance cell proliferation and differentiation. Accumulating evidence suggests that stem cell control and daughter cell fate determination is largely dictated by the microenvironment. Here, we review recent developments in the understanding of intestinal stem cell dynamics, focusing on the roles, mechanisms and interconnectivity of prime signalling pathways that regulate stem cell behaviour in intestinal homeostasis. Furthermore, we discuss how mutational activation of these signalling pathways endows colorectal cancer cells with niche-independent growth advantages during carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen Spit
- Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, UMC Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Bon-Kyoung Koo
- IMBA - Institute of Molecular Biotechnology, Dr Bohr-Gasse 3, 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Madelon M Maurice
- Cell Biology, Center for Molecular Medicine, UMC Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands .,Oncode Institute, The Netherlands
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37
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Santos AJM, Lo YH, Mah AT, Kuo CJ. The Intestinal Stem Cell Niche: Homeostasis and Adaptations. Trends Cell Biol 2018; 28:1062-1078. [PMID: 30195922 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2018.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2018] [Revised: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium is a rapidly renewing cellular compartment. This constant regeneration is a hallmark of intestinal homeostasis and requires a tightly regulated balance between intestinal stem cell (ISC) proliferation and differentiation. Since intestinal epithelial cells directly contact pathogenic environmental factors that continuously challenge their integrity, ISCs must also actively divide to facilitate regeneration and repair. Understanding niche adaptations that maintain ISC activity during homeostatic renewal and injury-induced intestinal regeneration is therefore a major and ongoing focus for stem cell biology. Here, we review recent concepts and propose an active interconversion of the ISC niche between homeostasis and injury-adaptive states that is superimposed upon an equally dynamic equilibrium between active and reserve ISC populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- António J M Santos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yuan-Hung Lo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Amanda T Mah
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Calvin J Kuo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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38
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Abstract
Obesity has become epidemic worldwide, which triggers several obesity-associated complications. Obesity is characterized by excess fat storage mainly in the visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT), subcutaneous WAT (sWAT), and other tissues. Myriad studies have demonstrated the crucial role of canonical Wnt/β-catenin cascade in the development of organs and physiological homeostasis, whereas recent studies show that genetic variations/mutations in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway are associated with human metabolic diseases. In this review, we highlight the regulation of updated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in obesity, especially the distinctly depot-specific roles between subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissue under high-fed diet stimulation and WAT browning process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Chen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, China National Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiqiu Wang
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, China National Research Center for Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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39
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Szenker-Ravi E, Altunoglu U, Leushacke M, Bosso-Lefèvre C, Khatoo M, Thi Tran H, Naert T, Noelanders R, Hajamohideen A, Beneteau C, de Sousa SB, Karaman B, Latypova X, Başaran S, Yücel EB, Tan TT, Vlaminck L, Nayak SS, Shukla A, Girisha KM, Le Caignec C, Soshnikova N, Uyguner ZO, Vleminckx K, Barker N, Kayserili H, Reversade B. RSPO2 inhibition of RNF43 and ZNRF3 governs limb development independently of LGR4/5/6. Nature 2018; 557:564-569. [PMID: 29769720 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0118-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The four R-spondin secreted ligands (RSPO1-RSPO4) act via their cognate LGR4, LGR5 and LGR6 receptors to amplify WNT signalling1-3. Here we report an allelic series of recessive RSPO2 mutations in humans that cause tetra-amelia syndrome, which is characterized by lung aplasia and a total absence of the four limbs. Functional studies revealed impaired binding to the LGR4/5/6 receptors and the RNF43 and ZNRF3 transmembrane ligases, and reduced WNT potentiation, which correlated with allele severity. Unexpectedly, however, the triple and ubiquitous knockout of Lgr4, Lgr5 and Lgr6 in mice did not recapitulate the known Rspo2 or Rspo3 loss-of-function phenotypes. Moreover, endogenous depletion or addition of exogenous RSPO2 or RSPO3 in triple-knockout Lgr4/5/6 cells could still affect WNT responsiveness. Instead, we found that the concurrent deletion of rnf43 and znrf3 in Xenopus embryos was sufficient to trigger the outgrowth of supernumerary limbs. Our results establish that RSPO2, without the LGR4/5/6 receptors, serves as a direct antagonistic ligand to RNF43 and ZNRF3, which together constitute a master switch that governs limb specification. These findings have direct implications for regenerative medicine and WNT-associated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Umut Altunoglu
- Medical Genetics Department, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Marc Leushacke
- Institute of Medical Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Célia Bosso-Lefèvre
- Institute of Medical Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Paediatrics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Muznah Khatoo
- Institute of Medical Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hong Thi Tran
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Thomas Naert
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Rivka Noelanders
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | | | | | - Sergio B de Sousa
- Medical Genetics Unit, Hospital Pediátrico, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,University Clinic of Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Birsen Karaman
- Medical Genetics Department, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Xenia Latypova
- CHU Nantes, Service de Génétique Médicale, Nantes, France
| | - Seher Başaran
- Medical Genetics Department, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esra Börklü Yücel
- Medical Genetics Department, Koç University School of Medicine (KUSOM), Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Thong Teck Tan
- Institute of Medical Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lena Vlaminck
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Plant Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Shalini S Nayak
- Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Anju Shukla
- Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Katta Mohan Girisha
- Department of Medical Genetics, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, Manipal, India
| | - Cédric Le Caignec
- CHU Nantes, Service de Génétique Médicale, Nantes, France.,INSERM, UMR1238, Bone Sarcoma and Remodeling of Calcified Tissue, Université Bretagne Loire, Nantes, France
| | | | - Zehra Oya Uyguner
- Medical Genetics Department, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Kris Vleminckx
- Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium. .,Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Nick Barker
- Institute of Medical Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore. .,Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-machi, Kanazawa, Japan. .,Centre for Regenerative Medicine, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
| | - Hülya Kayserili
- Medical Genetics Department, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey. .,Medical Genetics Department, Koç University School of Medicine (KUSOM), Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Bruno Reversade
- Institute of Medical Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore. .,Department of Paediatrics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,Medical Genetics Department, Koç University School of Medicine (KUSOM), Istanbul, Turkey. .,Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore. .,Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Academic Medical Center (AMC), Amsterdam-Zuidoost, The Netherlands.
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40
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Park S, Cui J, Yu W, Wu L, Carmon KS, Liu QJ. Differential activities and mechanisms of the four R-spondins in potentiating Wnt/β-catenin signaling. J Biol Chem 2018; 293:9759-9769. [PMID: 29752411 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.002743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Revised: 05/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The four R-spondins (RSPO1-4) strongly potentiate Wnt signaling and play critical roles in normal development, adult stem cell survival, and cancer development and aggressiveness. All four RSPOs have been suggested to potentiate Wnt signaling by binding to three related receptors, i.e. leucine-rich repeat-containing, G protein-coupled receptors 4, 5, and 6 (LGR4/5/6), and then inducing the clearance of two E3 ubiquitin ligases (RNF43 and ZNRF3) that otherwise would ubiquitinate Wnt receptors for degradation. Here, we show that RSPO1-4 have differential dependence on LGRs in potentiating Wnt/β-catenin signaling and that RSPO2 can enhance this pathway without any LGR. LGR4 knockout (LGR4KO) in HEK293 cells completely abrogated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling response to RSPO1 and RSPO4 and strongly impaired the response to RSPO3. RSPO2, however, retained robust activity albeit with decreased potency. Complete rescue of RSPO1-4 activity in LGR4KO cells required the seven-transmembrane domain of LGR4. Furthermore, an RSPO2 mutant with normal binding affinity to ZNRF3 but no or little binding to LGR4 or LGR5 still potentiated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in vitro, supported the growth of intestinal organoids ex vivo, and stimulated intestinal crypt growth in vivo Mechanistically, RSPO2 could increase Wnt receptor levels in the absence of any LGR without affecting ZNRF3 endocytosis and stability. These findings suggest that RSPO1-4 use distinct mechanisms in regulating Wnt and other signaling pathways, which have important implications for understanding the pleiotropic functions of RSPOs and LGRs in both normal and cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soohyun Park
- From the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030 and
| | - Jie Cui
- Wntrix, Inc., Houston, Texas 77021
| | - Wangsheng Yu
- From the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030 and
| | - Ling Wu
- From the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030 and
| | - Kendra S Carmon
- From the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030 and
| | - Qingyun J Liu
- From the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine and Texas Therapeutics Institute, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, Texas 77030 and
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41
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Abstract
Sex determination involves antagonistic interactions between the testis-determining (SRY-SOX9-FGF9) and ovary-promoting (RSPO1-WNT/β-catenin-FOXL2) pathways, but the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We show that ZNRF3, an E3 ubiquitin ligase that inhibits WNT signaling and is a direct target of RSPO1-mediated membrane clearance, is testis-determining in mice. Testis determination defects in the absence of ZNRF3 arise due to ectopic canonical WNT signaling in XY gonads at the sex-determining stage. We identify human ZNRF3 sequence variants in cases of 46,XY disorders of sex development with XY female presentation. In vitro functional assays show that these variants disrupt ZNRF3 function. Our data reveal a sex-determining role for ZNRF3 and indicate that interactions between ZNRF3 and RSPO1 regulate mammalian sex determination. Mammalian sex determination is controlled by the antagonistic interactions of two genetic pathways: The SRY-SOX9-FGF9 network promotes testis determination partly by opposing proovarian pathways, while RSPO1/WNT-β-catenin/FOXL2 signals control ovary development by inhibiting SRY-SOX9-FGF9. The molecular basis of this mutual antagonism is unclear. Here we show that ZNRF3, a WNT signaling antagonist and direct target of RSPO1-mediated inhibition, is required for sex determination in mice. XY mice lacking ZNRF3 exhibit complete or partial gonadal sex reversal, or related defects. These abnormalities are associated with ectopic WNT/β-catenin activity and reduced Sox9 expression during fetal sex determination. Using exome sequencing of individuals with 46,XY disorders of sex development, we identified three human ZNRF3 variants in very rare cases of XY female presentation. We tested two missense variants and show that these disrupt ZNRF3 activity in both human cell lines and zebrafish embryo assays. Our data identify a testis-determining function for ZNRF3 and indicate a mechanism of direct molecular interaction between two mutually antagonistic organogenetic pathways.
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42
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PDGFRα+ pericryptal stromal cells are the critical source of Wnts and RSPO3 for murine intestinal stem cells in vivo. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E3173-E3181. [PMID: 29559533 PMCID: PMC5889626 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1713510115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 197] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue stem cells in vivo reside in highly structured niches that provide signals for proliferation and differentiation. Understanding the role of the niche requires identifying the key cell types that provide these regulators. In the intestine, R-spondins and Wnts are essential regulators of the stem-cell niche. Here we identify subepithelial myofibroblasts of the PDGF receptor α lineage as the specific stromal cell type that secretes these ligands. These data demonstrate the close interaction between epithelial stem cells and the underlying regulatory stroma niche and provide insights into both normal homeostasis and tissue recovery after injury. Wnts and R-spondins (RSPOs) support intestinal homeostasis by regulating crypt cell proliferation and differentiation. Ex vivo, Wnts secreted by Paneth cells in organoids can regulate the proliferation and differentiation of Lgr5-expressing intestinal stem cells. However, in vivo, Paneth cell and indeed all epithelial Wnt production is completely dispensable, and the cellular source of Wnts and RSPOs that maintain the intestinal stem-cell niche is not known. Here we investigated both the source and the functional role of stromal Wnts and RSPO3 in regulation of intestinal homeostasis. RSPO3 is highly expressed in pericryptal myofibroblasts in the lamina propria and is several orders of magnitude more potent than RSPO1 in stimulating both Wnt/β-catenin signaling and organoid growth. Stromal Rspo3 ablation ex vivo resulted in markedly decreased organoid growth that was rescued by exogenous RSPO3 protein. Pdgf receptor alpha (PdgfRα) is known to be expressed in pericryptal myofibroblasts. We therefore evaluated if PdgfRα identified the key stromal niche cells. In vivo, Porcn excision in PdgfRα+ cells blocked intestinal crypt formation, demonstrating that Wnt production in the stroma is both necessary and sufficient to support the intestinal stem-cell niche. Mice with Rspo3 excision in the PdgfRα+ cells had decreased intestinal crypt Wnt/β-catenin signaling and Paneth cell differentiation and were hypersensitive when stressed with dextran sodium sulfate. The data support a model of the intestinal stem-cell niche regulated by both Wnts and RSPO3 supplied predominantly by stromal pericryptal myofibroblasts marked by PdgfRα.
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Brunt L, Scholpp S. The function of endocytosis in Wnt signaling. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:785-795. [PMID: 28913633 PMCID: PMC5809524 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-017-2654-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Wnt growth factors regulate one of the most important signaling networks during development, tissue homeostasis and disease. Despite the biological importance of Wnt signaling, the mechanism of endocytosis during this process is ill described. Wnt molecules can act as paracrine signals, which are secreted from the producing cells and transported through neighboring tissue to activate signaling in target cells. Endocytosis of the ligand is important at several stages of action: One central function of endocytic trafficking in the Wnt pathway occurs in the source cell. Furthermore, the β-catenin-dependent Wnt ligands require endocytosis for signal activation and to regulate gene transcription in the responding cells. Alternatively, Wnt/β-catenin-independent signaling regulates endocytosis of cell adherence plaques to control cell migration. In this comparative review, we elucidate these three fundamental interconnected functions, which together regulate cellular fate and cellular behavior. Based on established hypotheses and recent findings, we develop a revised picture for the complex function of endocytosis in the Wnt signaling network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy Brunt
- Living Systems Institute, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Steffen Scholpp
- Living Systems Institute, School of Biosciences, College of Life and Environmental Science, University of Exeter, Exeter, EX4 4QD, UK.
- Institute of Toxicology and Genetics (ITG), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany.
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44
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Skronska-Wasek W, Gosens R, Königshoff M, Baarsma HA. WNT receptor signalling in lung physiology and pathology. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 187:150-166. [PMID: 29458107 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The WNT signalling cascades have emerged as critical regulators of a wide variety of biological aspects involved in lung development as well as in physiological and pathophysiological processes in the adult lung. WNTs (secreted glycoproteins) interact with various transmembrane receptors and co-receptors to activate signalling pathways that regulate transcriptional as well as non-transcriptional responses within cells. In physiological conditions, the majority of WNT receptors and co-receptors can be detected in the adult lung. However, dysregulation of WNT signalling pathways contributes to the development and progression of chronic lung pathologies, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and lung cancer. The interaction between a WNT and the (co-)receptor(s) present at the cell surface is the initial step in transducing an extracellular signal into an intracellular response. This proximal event in WNT signal transduction with (cell-specific) ligand-receptor interactions is of great interest as a potential target for pharmacological intervention. In this review we highlight the diverse expression of various WNT receptors and co-receptors in the aforementioned chronic lung diseases and discuss the currently available biologicals and pharmacological tools to modify proximal WNT signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wioletta Skronska-Wasek
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Research Unit Lung Repair and Regeneration, Helmholtz Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, University Hospital Grosshadern, Munich, Germany
| | - Reinoud Gosens
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Melanie Königshoff
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Research Unit Lung Repair and Regeneration, Helmholtz Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, University Hospital Grosshadern, Munich, Germany; Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA.
| | - Hoeke Abele Baarsma
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center, Research Unit Lung Repair and Regeneration, Helmholtz Center Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Ludwig Maximilians University Munich, University Hospital Grosshadern, Munich, Germany; GRIAC Research Institute, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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45
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Lebensohn AM, Rohatgi R. R-spondins can potentiate WNT signaling without LGRs. eLife 2018; 7:33126. [PMID: 29405118 PMCID: PMC5800842 DOI: 10.7554/elife.33126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The WNT signaling pathway regulates patterning and morphogenesis during development and promotes tissue renewal and regeneration in adults. The R-spondin (RSPO) family of four secreted proteins, RSPO1-4, amplifies target cell sensitivity to WNT ligands by increasing WNT receptor levels. Leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein coupled receptors (LGRs) 4-6 are considered obligate high-affinity receptors for RSPOs. We discovered that RSPO2 and RSPO3, but not RSPO1 or RSPO4, can potentiate WNT/β-catenin signaling in the absence of all three LGRs. By mapping the domains on RSPO3 that are necessary and sufficient for this activity, we show that the requirement for LGRs is dictated by the interaction between RSPOs and the ZNRF3/RNF43 E3 ubiquitin ligases and that LGR-independent signaling depends on heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs). We propose that RSPOs can potentiate WNT signals through distinct mechanisms that differ in their use of either LGRs or HSPGs, with implications for understanding their biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andres M Lebensohn
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
| | - Rajat Rohatgi
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States.,Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, United States
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46
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Wnt, RSPO and Hippo Signalling in the Intestine and Intestinal Stem Cells. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:genes9010020. [PMID: 29316729 PMCID: PMC5793173 DOI: 10.3390/genes9010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In this review, we address aspects of Wnt, R-Spondin (RSPO) and Hippo signalling, in both healthy and transformed intestinal epithelium. In intestinal stem cells (ISCs), the Wnt pathway is essential for intestinal crypt formation and renewal, whereas RSPO-mediated signalling mainly affects ISC numbers. In human colorectal cancer (CRC), aberrant Wnt signalling is the driving mechanism initiating this type of neoplasia. The signalling role of the RSPO-binding transmembrane proteins, the leucine-rich-repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptors (LGRs), is possibly more pleiotropic and not only limited to the enhancement of Wnt signalling. There is growing evidence for multiple crosstalk between Hippo and Wnt/β-catenin signalling. In the ON state, Hippo signalling results in serine/threonine phosphorylation of Yes-associated protein (YAP1) and tafazzin (TAZ), promoting formation of the β-catenin destruction complex. In contrast, YAP1 or TAZ dephosphorylation (and YAP1 methylation) results in β-catenin destruction complex deactivation and β-catenin nuclear localization. In the Hippo OFF state, YAP1 and TAZ are engaged with the nuclear β-catenin and participate in the β-catenin-dependent transcription program. Interestingly, YAP1/TAZ are dispensable for intestinal homeostasis; however, upon Wnt pathway hyperactivation, the proteins together with TEA domain (TEAD) transcription factors drive the transcriptional program essential for intestinal cell transformation. In addition, in many CRC cells, YAP1 phosphorylation by YES proto-oncogene 1 tyrosine kinase (YES1) leads to the formation of a transcriptional complex that includes YAP1, β-catenin and T-box 5 (TBX5) DNA-binding protein. YAP1/β-catenin/T-box 5-mediated transcription is necessary for CRC cell proliferation and survival. Interestingly, dishevelled (DVL) appears to be an important mediator involved in both Wnt and Hippo (YAP1/TAZ) signalling and some of the DVL functions were assigned to the nuclear DVL pool. Wnt ligands can trigger alternative signalling that directly involves some of the Hippo pathway components such as YAP1, TAZ and TEADs. By upregulating Wnt pathway agonists, the alternative Wnt signalling can inhibit the canonical Wnt pathway activity.
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47
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The Wnt Signaling Landscape of Mammary Stem Cells and Breast Tumors. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 153:271-298. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.11.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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48
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Driehuis E, Clevers H. WNT signalling events near the cell membrane and their pharmacological targeting for the treatment of cancer. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 174:4547-4563. [PMID: 28244067 PMCID: PMC5727251 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
WNT signalling is an essential signalling pathway for all multicellular animals. Although first described more than 30 years ago, new components and regulators of the pathway are still being discovered. Considering its importance in both embryonic development and adult homeostasis, it is not surprising that this pathway is often deregulated in human diseases such as cancer. Recently, it became clear that in addition to cytoplasmic components such as β-catenin, other, membrane-bound or extracellular, components of the WNT pathway are also altered in cancer. This review gives an overview of the recent discoveries on WNT signalling events near the cell membrane. Furthermore, membrane-associated components of the WNT pathway, which are more accessible for therapeutic intervention, as well therapeutic approaches that already target those components will be discussed. In this way, we hope to stimulate the development of effective anti-cancer therapies that target this fascinating pathway. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on WNT Signalling: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v174.24/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Else Driehuis
- Hubrecht InstituteRoyal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)UtrechtThe Netherlands
- University medical center (UMC)UtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Hans Clevers
- Hubrecht InstituteRoyal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW)UtrechtThe Netherlands
- University medical center (UMC)UtrechtThe Netherlands
- Princess Maxime Center (PMC)UtrechtThe Netherlands
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49
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Morgenstern Y, Das Adhikari U, Ayyash M, Elyada E, Tóth B, Moor A, Itzkovitz S, Ben-Neriah Y. Casein kinase 1-epsilon or 1-delta required for Wnt-mediated intestinal stem cell maintenance. EMBO J 2017; 36:3046-3061. [PMID: 28963394 DOI: 10.15252/embj.201696253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The intestinal epithelium holds an immense regenerative capacity mobilized by intestinal stem cells (ISCs), much of it supported by Wnt pathway activation. Several unique regulatory mechanisms ensuring optimal levels of Wnt signaling have been recognized in ISCs. Here, we identify another Wnt signaling amplifier, CKIε, which is specifically upregulated in ISCs and is essential for ISC maintenance, especially in the absence of its close isoform CKIδ. Co-ablation of CKIδ/ε in the mouse gut epithelium results in rapid ISC elimination, with subsequent growth arrest, crypt-villous shrinking, and rapid mouse death. Unexpectedly, Wnt activation is preserved in all CKIδ/ε-deficient enterocyte populations, with the exception of Lgr5+ ISCs, which exhibit Dvl2-dependent Wnt signaling attenuation. CKIδ/ε-depleted gut organoids cease proliferating and die rapidly, yet survive and resume self-renewal upon reconstitution of Dvl2 expression. Our study underscores a unique regulation mode of the Wnt pathway in ISCs, possibly providing new means of stem cell enrichment for regenerative medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Morgenstern
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology, Institute of Medical Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Upasana Das Adhikari
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology, Institute of Medical Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Muneef Ayyash
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology, Institute of Medical Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ela Elyada
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology, Institute of Medical Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Beáta Tóth
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Andreas Moor
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Shalev Itzkovitz
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yinon Ben-Neriah
- The Lautenberg Center for Immunology, Institute of Medical Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
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50
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Brafman D, Willert K. Wnt/β-catenin signaling during early vertebrate neural development. Dev Neurobiol 2017; 77:1239-1259. [PMID: 28799266 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The vertebrate central nervous system (CNS) is comprised of vast number of distinct cell types arranged in a highly organized manner. This high degree of complexity is achieved by cellular communication, including direct cell-cell contact, cell-matrix interactions, and cell-growth factor signaling. Among the several developmental signals controlling the development of the CNS, Wnt proteins have emerged as particularly critical and, hence, have captivated the attention of many researchers. With Wnts' evolutionarily conserved function as primordial symmetry breaking signals, these proteins and their downstream effects are responsible for simultaneously establishing cellular diversity and tissue organization. With their expansive repertoire of secreted agonists and antagonists, cell surface receptors, signaling cascades and downstream biological effects, Wnts are ideally suited to control the complex processes underlying vertebrate neural development. In this review, we will describe the mechanisms by which Wnts exert their potent effects on cells and tissues and highlight the many roles of Wnt signaling during neural development, starting from the initial induction of the neural plate, the subsequent patterning along the embryonic axes, to the intricately organized structure of the CNS. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 1239-1259, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Brafman
- School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, 85287
| | - Karl Willert
- Department of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0695
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