1
|
Zhang H, Liu D, Xu QF, Wei J, Zhao Y, Xu DF, Wang Y, Liu YJ, Zhu XY, Jiang L. Endothelial RSPO3 mediates pulmonary endothelial regeneration by LGR4-dependent activation of β-catenin and ILK signaling pathways after inflammatory vascular injury. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 269:131805. [PMID: 38677673 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131805] [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: 12/09/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
Endothelial repair is essential for restoring tissue fluid homeostasis following lung injury. R-spondin3 (RSPO3), a secreted protein mainly produced by endothelial cells (ECs), has shown its protective effect on endothelium. However, the specific mechanisms remain unknown. To explore whether and how RSPO3 regulates endothelial regeneration after inflammatory vascular injury, the role of RSPO3 in sepsis-induced pulmonary endothelial injury was investigated in EC-specific RSPO3 knockdown, inducible EC-specific RSPO3 deletion mice, EC-specific RSPO3 overexpression mice, systemic RSPO3-administration mice, in isolated mouse lung vascular endothelial cells (MLVECs), and in plasma from septic patients. Here we show that plasma RSPO3 levels are decreased in septic patients and correlated with endothelial injury markers and PaO2/FiO2 index. Both pulmonary EC-specific knockdown of RSPO3 and inducible EC-specific RSPO3 deletion inhibit pulmonary ECs proliferation and exacerbate ECs injury, whereas intra-pulmonary EC-specific RSPO3 overexpression promotes endothelial recovery and attenuates ECs injury during endotoxemia. We show that RSPO3 mediates pulmonary endothelial regeneration by a LGR4-dependent manner. Except for β-catenin, integrin-linked kinase (ILK)/Akt is also identified as a novel downstream effector of RSPO3/LGR4 signaling. These results conclude that EC-derived RSPO3 mediates pulmonary endothelial regeneration by LGR4-dependent activation of β-catenin and ILK signaling pathways after inflammatory vascular injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Qing-Feng Xu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, The Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Juan Wei
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, The Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Ying Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhejiang Cancer Hospital, 310022, PR China
| | - Dun-Feng Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China
| | - Yu-Jian Liu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, The Key Laboratory of Exercise and Health Sciences of Ministry of Education Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, PR China
| | - Xiao-Yan Zhu
- Department of Physiology, Navy Medical University, Shanghai 200433, PR China.
| | - Lai Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200092, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Peng Q, Cao T, Yang X, Ye Z, Wang J, Chen S, Yu Y, Yu Y, Xue W, Chen Z, Fan J. RSPO2-associated mitochondrial metabolism defines molecular subtypes with distinct clinical and immune features in esophageal cancer. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024. [PMID: 38491805 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Esophageal cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy with limited treatment options and poor prognosis. The identification of novel molecular subtypes and therapeutic targets is crucial for improving clinical outcomes. METHOD In this study, we investigated the role of R-spondin 2 (RSPO2) in esophageal cancer and its association with mitochondrial metabolism. Using bioinformatics analysis of publicly available datasets, we identified a panel of RSPO2-related mitochondrial metabolism genes and their expression patterns in esophageal cancer. Based on these genes, we stratified esophageal cancer patients into distinct molecular subtypes with different survival rates, immune cell infiltration profiles, and drug sensitivities. RESULTS Our findings suggest that RSPO2-related mitochondrial metabolism genes may serve as potential therapeutic targets and prognostic markers for esophageal cancer. These genes play an important role in the prognosis, immune cell infiltration and drug sensitivity of esophageal cancer. CONCLUSION The identified molecular subtypes provide valuable insights into the underlying molecular mechanisms of esophageal cancer and could guide personalized treatment strategies in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quanzhou Peng
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, China
| | - Tianfeng Cao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Pathology, Xi'an No. 1 Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Medical Insurance Office, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhujia Ye
- AnchorDx Medical Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jun Wang
- AnchorDx Medical Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shang Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanqi Yu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yingdian Yu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenyuan Xue
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - Jianbing Fan
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- AnchorDx Medical Co., Ltd, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
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
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Erfanian N, Safarpour H, Tavakoli T, Mahdiabadi MA, Nasseri S, Namaei MH. Investigating the therapeutic potential of Bifidobacterium breve and Lactobacillus rhamnosus postbiotics through apoptosis induction in colorectal HT-29 cancer cells. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF MICROBIOLOGY 2024; 16:68-78. [PMID: 38682058 PMCID: PMC11055435 DOI: 10.18502/ijm.v16i1.14873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Background and Objectives Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a prevalent form of cancer worldwide. Recent studies suggest that postbiotics derived from probiotic bacteria have the potential as an adjunct therapy for CRC. This study investigates the anti-cancer effects of Bifidobacterium breve (B. breve) and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) postbiotics on the HT-29 cell line. Materials and Methods Through MTT and scratch assay, we investigated the anti-proliferation and anti-migration effects of B. breve and L. rhamnosus postbiotics on HT-29 cells. Furthermore, postbiotic-mediated apoptosis was assessed by analyzing the expression of Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3. We also investigated the effects of B. breve postbiotics on the expression of three important genes involved in metastasis, including RSPO2, NGF, and MMP7. Consequently, we validated the expression of selected genes in twelve adenocarcinoma tissues. Results The results demonstrated the significant impact of postbiotics on HT-29 cells, highlighting their ability to induce anti-proliferation, anti-migration, and apoptosis-related effects. Notably, these effects were more pronounced using B. breve postbiotics than L. rhamnosus. Additionally, B. breve postbiotics could inhibit metastasis through upregulation of RSPO2 while downregulating NGF and MMP7 expression in HT-29 cells. Conclusion Our research suggests that postbiotic metabolites may be effective biological products for the prevention and treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nafiseh Erfanian
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Hossein Safarpour
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Tahmineh Tavakoli
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Mahdiabadi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Saeed Nasseri
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hassan Namaei
- Infectious Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu C, Shen A, Song J, Cheng L, Zhang M, Wang Y, Liu X. LncRNA-CCAT5-mediated crosstalk between Wnt/β-Catenin and STAT3 signaling suggests novel therapeutic approaches for metastatic gastric cancer with high Wnt activity. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024; 44:76-100. [PMID: 38010289 PMCID: PMC10794011 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the constitutively activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays vital roles in gastric cancer (GC) progression, few Wnt inhibitors are approved for clinical use. Additionally, the clinical significance of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in GC intraperitoneal dissemination (IPD) remains elusive. Here, we investigated the function and therapeutic potential of Wnt-transactivated lncRNA, colon cancer-associated transcript 5 (CCAT5), in GC metastasis. METHODS LncRNA-sequencing assay was performed to document abundance changes of lncRNAs induced by Wnt family member 3A (Wnt3a) and degradation-resistant β-catenin (S33Y mutated) in ascites-derived GC cells with low Wnt activity. Luciferase reporter, Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-re-ChIP assays were performed to determine how CCAT5 was transcribed. The clinical significance of CCAT5 was examined in 2 cohorts of GC patients. The biological function of CCAT5 was investigated through gain- and loss-of-function studies. The molecular mechanism was explored through RNA-sequencing, mass spectrometry, and CRISPR/Cas9-knocknout system. The therapeutic potential of CCAT5 was examined through RNAi-based cell xenograft model and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model of IPD. RESULTS We identified a novel Wnt-regulated lncRNA, CCAT5, which was transactivated by the β-catenin/transcription factor 3 (TCF3) complex. CCAT5 was significantly upregulated in GC and predicted poor prognosis. Functional studies confirmed the promotive role of CCAT5 in GC growth and metastasis. Mechanistically, CCAT5 bound to the C-end domain of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and blocks Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1)-mediated STAT3Y705 dephosphorylation, leading to STAT3 nuclear entry and transactivation, thus accelerating GC progression. Furthermore, we demonstrated that both Wnt3a and β-catenin acted as activator of STAT3 signaling pathway, and the interplay between CCAT5 and STAT3 was functionally essential for Wnt-drived STAT3 signaling and tumor evolution. Finally, we revealed in vivo si-CCAT5 selectively attenuated growth and metastasis of Wnthigh GC, but not Wntlow GC. The combination of si-CCAT5 and oxaliplatin displayed obvious synergistic therapeutic effects on Wnthigh PDX mice. CONCLUSIONS We identified a novel Wnt-transactivated lncRNA, CCAT5. Our study revealed a mechanism of STAT3 signaling regulation via canonical Wnt signaling and the functional significance of CCAT5 as critical mediator. We provided conceptual advance that lncRNAs serve as therapeutic targets reversing GC progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chenchen Liu
- Department of Gastric SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiP. R. China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Aiwen Shen
- Department of NephrologyShanghai Ninth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Junquan Song
- Department of Gastric SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiP. R. China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Department of PulmonaryShanghai Chest HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
- Department of PathologyFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Yanong Wang
- Department of Gastric SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiP. R. China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| | - Xiaowen Liu
- Department of Gastric SurgeryFudan University Shanghai Cancer CenterShanghaiP. R. China
- Department of OncologyShanghai Medical College, Fudan UniversityShanghaiP. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
He Z, Zhang J, Ma J, Zhao L, Jin X, Li H. R-spondin family biology and emerging linkages to cancer. Ann Med 2023; 55:428-446. [PMID: 36645115 PMCID: PMC9848353 DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2023.2166981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The R-spondin protein family comprises four members (RSPO1-4), which are agonists of the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Emerging evidence revealed that RSPOs should not only be viewed as agonists of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway but also as regulators for tumor development and progression. Aberrant expression of RSPOs is related to tumorigenesis and tumor development in multiple cancers and their expression of RSPOs has also been correlated with anticancer immune cell signatures. More importantly, the role of RSPOs as potential target therapies and their implication in cancer progressions has been studied in the preclinical and clinical settings. These findings highlight the possible therapeutic value of RSPOs in cancer medicine. However, the expression pattern, effects, and mechanisms of RSPO proteins in cancer remain elusive. Investigating the many roles of RSPOs is likely to expand and improve our understanding of the oncogenic mechanisms mediated by RSPOs. Here, we reviewed the recent advances in the functions and underlying molecular mechanisms of RSPOs in tumor development, cancer microenvironment regulation, and immunity, and discussed the therapeutic potential of targeting RSPOs for cancer treatment. In addition, we also explored the biological feature and clinical relevance of RSPOs in cancer mutagenesis, transcriptional regulation, and immune correlation by bioinformatics analysis.KEY MESSAGESAberrant expressions of RSPOs are detected in various human malignancies and are always correlated with oncogenesis.Although extensive studies of RSPOs have been conducted, their precise molecular mechanism remains poorly understood.Bioinformatic analysis revealed that RSPOs may play a part in the development of the immune composition of the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin He
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jialin Zhang
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jianzhong Ma
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Biotechnology and Bioengineering of State Ethnic Affairs Commission, Biomedical Research Center, Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaodong Jin
- Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongbin Li
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Lanzhou University of Technology, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Krzysiek-Maczka G, Brzozowski T, Ptak-Belowska A. Helicobacter pylori-activated fibroblasts as a silent partner in gastric cancer development. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1219-1256. [PMID: 37460910 PMCID: PMC10713772 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10122-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection of gastric mucosa leading to active chronic gastritis, gastroduodenal ulcers, and MALT lymphoma laid the groundwork for understanding of the general relationship between chronic infection, inflammation, and cancer. Nevertheless, this sequence of events is still far from full understanding with new players and mediators being constantly identified. Originally, the Hp virulence factors affecting mainly gastric epithelium were proposed to contribute considerably to gastric inflammation, ulceration, and cancer. Furthermore, it has been shown that Hp possesses the ability to penetrate the mucus layer and directly interact with stroma components including fibroblasts and myofibroblasts. These cells, which are the source of biophysical and biochemical signals providing the proper balance between cell proliferation and differentiation within gastric epithelial stem cell compartment, when exposed to Hp, can convert into cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF) phenotype. The crosstalk between fibroblasts and myofibroblasts with gastric epithelial cells including stem/progenitor cell niche involves several pathways mediated by non-coding RNAs, Wnt, BMP, TGF-β, and Notch signaling ligands. The current review concentrates on the consequences of Hp-induced increase in gastric fibroblast and myofibroblast number, and their activation towards CAFs with the emphasis to the altered communication between mesenchymal and epithelial cell compartment, which may lead to inflammation, epithelial stem cell overproliferation, disturbed differentiation, and gradual gastric cancer development. Thus, Hp-activated fibroblasts may constitute the target for anti-cancer treatment and, importantly, for the pharmacotherapies diminishing their activation particularly at the early stages of Hp infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gracjana Krzysiek-Maczka
- Department of Physiology, the Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 16 Grzegorzecka Street, 31-531, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Tomasz Brzozowski
- Department of Physiology, the Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 16 Grzegorzecka Street, 31-531, Kraków, Poland.
| | - Agata Ptak-Belowska
- Department of Physiology, the Faculty of Medicine, Jagiellonian University Medical College, 16 Grzegorzecka Street, 31-531, Kraków, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mehdawi LM, Ghatak S, Chakraborty P, Sjölander A, Andersson T. LGR5 Expression Predicting Poor Prognosis Is Negatively Correlated with WNT5A in Colon Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:2658. [PMID: 37998393 PMCID: PMC10670301 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222658] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
WNT/β-catenin signaling is essential for colon cancer development and progression. WNT5A (ligand of non-canonical WNT signaling) and its mimicking peptide Foxy5 impair β-catenin signaling in colon cancer cells via unknown mechanisms. Therefore, we investigated whether and how WNT5A signaling affects two promoters of β-catenin signaling: the LGR5 receptor and its ligand RSPO3, as well as β-catenin activity and its target gene VEGFA. Protein and gene expression in colon cancer cohorts were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and qRT-PCR, respectively. Three colon cancer cell lines were used for in vitro and one cell line for in vivo experiments and results were analyzed by Western blotting, RT-PCR, clonogenic and sphere formation assays, immunofluorescence, and immunohistochemistry. Expression of WNT5A (a tumor suppressor) negatively correlated with that of LGR5/RSPO3 (tumor promoters) in colon cancer cohorts. Experimentally, WNT5A signaling suppressed β-catenin activity, LGR5, RSPO3, and VEGFA expression, and colony and spheroid formations. Since β-catenin signaling promotes colon cancer stemness, we explored how WNT5A expression is related to that of the cancer stem cell marker DCLK1. DCLK1 expression was negatively correlated with WNT5A expression in colon cancer cohorts and was experimentally reduced by WNT5A signaling. Thus, WNT5A and Foxy5 decrease LGR5/RSPO3 expression and β-catenin activity. This inhibits stemness and VEGFA expression, suggesting novel treatment strategies for the drug candidate Foxy5 in the handling of colon cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tommy Andersson
- Cell and Experimental Pathology, Department of Translational Medicine, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, SE 214 28 Malmö, Sweden; (S.G.); (P.C.); (A.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Gu R, Kim TD, Jiang H, Shin S, Oh S, Janknecht R. Methylation of the epigenetic JMJD2D protein by SET7/9 promotes prostate tumorigenesis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1295613. [PMID: 38045004 PMCID: PMC10690936 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1295613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
How the function of the JMJD2D epigenetic regulator is regulated or whether it plays a role in prostate cancer has remained elusive. We found that JMJD2D was overexpressed in prostate tumors, stimulated prostate cancer cell growth and became methylated by SET7/9 on K427. Mutation of this lysine residue in JMJD2D reduced the ability of DU145 prostate cancer cells to grow, invade and form tumors and elicited extensive transcriptomic changes. This included downregulation of CBLC, a ubiquitin ligase gene with hitherto unknown functions in prostate cancer, and upregulation of PLAGL1, a transcription factor with reported tumor suppressive characteristics in the prostate. Bioinformatic analyses indicated that CBLC expression was elevated in prostate tumors. Further, downregulation of CBLC largely phenocopied the effects of the K427 mutation on DU145 cells. In sum, these data have unveiled a novel mode of regulation of JMJD2D through lysine methylation, illustrated how this can affect oncogenic properties by influencing expression of the CBLC gene, and established a pro-tumorigenic role for CBLC in the prostate. A corollary is that JMJD2D and CBLC inhibitors could have therapeutic benefits in the treatment of prostate and possibly other cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruicai Gu
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Tae-Dong Kim
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Hanlin Jiang
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Sook Shin
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Sangphil Oh
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| | - Ralf Janknecht
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Stephenson Cancer Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang Y, Mao A, Liu J, Li P, Zheng S, Tong T, Li Z, Zhang H, Ma L, Lin J, Pang Z, Han Q, Qi F, Zhang X, Chen M, He X, Zhang X, Fei T, Liu BF, Gao D, Cao L, Wang Q, Li Y, Sheng R. USP10 strikes down β-catenin by dual-wielding deubiquitinase activity and phase separation potential. Cell Chem Biol 2023; 30:1436-1452.e10. [PMID: 37611590 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.07.016] [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: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is a conserved pathway crucially governing development, homeostasis, and oncogenesis. Discoveries of its regulators hold great values in both basic and translational research. Through screening, we identified a deubiquitinase, USP10, as a critical modulator of β-catenin. Mechanistically, USP10 binds to key scaffold Axin1 via conserved motifs and stabilizes Axin1 through K48-linked deubiquitination. Surprisingly, USP10 physically tethers Axin1 and β-catenin and promotes the phase separation for β-catenin suppression regardless of the enzymatic activity. Function-wise, USP10 enzymatic activity preferably regulates embryonic development and both the enzymatic activity and physical function jointly control intestinal homeostasis by antagonizing β-catenin. In colorectal cancer, USP10 substantially represses cancer growth mainly through physical promotion of phase separation and correlates with Wnt/β-catenin magnitude clinically. Collectively, we discovered USP10 functioning in multiple biological processes against β-catenin and unearthed the enzyme-dependent and -independent "dual-regulating" mechanism. These two functions of USP10 work in parallel and are context dependent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yinuo Wang
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Aihua Mao
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology, Institute of Marine Sciences, Shantou University, Shantou, Guangdong 515063, China
| | - Jingwei Liu
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Pengjie Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Shaoqin Zheng
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Tong Tong
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Zexu Li
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Haijiao Zhang
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Lanjing Ma
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Jiahui Lin
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Zhongqiu Pang
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Qing Han
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Fukang Qi
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Xinjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Biophysics of the Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Maorong Chen
- F.M Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xi He
- F.M Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Xi Zhang
- College of Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Teng Fei
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China
| | - Bi-Feng Liu
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Daming Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200031, China
| | - Liu Cao
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
| | - Qiang Wang
- Division of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China.
| | - Yiwei Li
- Key Laboratory for Biomedical Photonics of MOE at Wuhan National Laboratory for Optoelectronics - Hubei Bioinformatics and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Ren Sheng
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Guo D, Pan H, Lu X, Chen Z, Zhou L, Chen S, Huang J, Liang X, Xiao Z, Zeng H, Shao Y, Qi W, Xie D, Lin C. Rspo2 exacerbates rheumatoid arthritis by targeting aggressive phenotype of fibroblast-like synoviocytes and disrupting chondrocyte homeostasis via Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:217. [PMID: 37946278 PMCID: PMC10634117 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03198-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aggressive phenotype of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) has been identified as a contributing factor to the exacerbation of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) through the promotion of synovitis and cartilage damage. Regrettably, there is currently no effective therapeutic intervention available to address this issue. Recent research has shed light on the crucial regulatory role of R-spondin-2 (Rspo2) in cellular proliferation, cartilage degradation, and tumorigenesis. However, the specific impact of Rspo2 on RA remains poorly understood. We aim to investigate the function and mechanism of Rspo2 in regulating the aggressive phenotype of FLS and maintaining chondrocyte homeostasis in the context of RA. METHODS The expression of Rspo2 in knee joint synovium and cartilage were detected in RA mice with antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) and RA patients. Recombinant mouse Rspo2 (rmRspo2), Rspo2 neutralizing antibody (Rspo2-NAb), and recombinant mouse DKK1 (rmDKK1, a potent inhibitor of Wnt signaling pathway) were used to explore the role and mechanism of Rspo2 in the progression of RA, specifically in relation to the aggressive phenotype of FLS and chondrocyte homeostasis, both in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS We indicated that Rspo2 expression was upregulated both in synovium and articular cartilage as RA progressed in RA mice and RA patients. Increased Rspo2 upregulated the expression of leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 5 (LGR5), as the ligand for Rspo2, and β-catenin in FLS and chondrocytes. Subsequent investigations revealed that intra-articular administration of rmRspo2 caused striking progressive synovitis and articular cartilage destruction to exacerbate RA progress in mice. Conversely, neutralization of Rspo2 or inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway effectively alleviated experimental RA development. Moreover, Rspo2 facilitated FLS aggressive phenotype and disrupted chondrocyte homeostasis primarily through activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which were effectively alleviated by Rspo2-NAb or rmDKK1. CONCLUSIONS Our data confirmed a critical role of Rspo2 in enhancing the aggressive phenotype of FLS and disrupting chondrocyte homeostasis through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in the context of RA. Furthermore, the results indicated that intra-articular administration of Rspo2 neutralizing antibody or recombinant DKK1 might represent a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of RA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong Guo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoyan Pan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueying Lu
- Shenzhen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine (Longgang), Shenzhen, 518100, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Laixi Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shantou Central Hospital, Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shantou, 515031, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuxin Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shantou Central Hospital, Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shantou, 515031, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Huang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shantou Central Hospital, Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shantou, 515031, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinzhi Liang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhisheng Xiao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua Zeng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Shao
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China
| | - Weizhong Qi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China.
| | - Denghui Xie
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Center for Orthopedic Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bone and Joint Degeneration Diseases, Guangzhou, 510630, People's Republic of China.
| | - Chuangxin Lin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Shantou Central Hospital, Affiliated Shantou Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shantou, 515031, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wu G, Wang D, Xiong F, Liu W, Wang Q, Chen J, Wang B, Chen Y. Upregulation of RSPO3 via targeted promoter DNA demethylation inhibits the progression of cholangiocarcinoma. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:177. [PMID: 37932819 PMCID: PMC10629118 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01592-9] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) refers to a collection of malignant tumors that develop from the biliary epithelium. Extensive clinical evidence and epidemiological observations indicate a concerning increase in both the incidence and mortality rates of CCA. Surgical resection is currently the sole available cure for CCA. However, it is unfortunate that only a fraction of patients has access to surgery at the time of diagnosis. Moreover, there is a high incidence of cancer recurrence after resection, and systemic treatments have limited efficacy. Therefore, the identification of novel biomarkers for CCA-targeted molecular therapy remains a crucial task in oncology research. RESULTS Our study demonstrated that low expression of RSPO3 was associated with poorer survival rates in patients with CCA. We found that the RSPO3 promoter DNA was hypermethylated in CCA, which was correlated with the low expression of RSPO3. The expression of RSPO3 was influenced by the balance between the DNA methyltransferase DNMT3a and the DNA demethylase TET1 in CCA. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that targeting RSPO3 promoter DNA methylation using dCas9DNMT3a promoted tumorigenicity of CCA, while targeted RSPO3 promoter DNA demethylation using dCas9TET1CD inhibited CCA tumorigenicity. Additionally, in our primary CCA model, knockdown of Rspo3 promoted CCA progression, whereas overexpression of Rspo3 inhibited CCA progression. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that increased methylation and decreased expression of RSPO3 may indicate a poor prognosis in CCA. Restoring RSPO3 expression by targeting promoter DNA demethylation could offer insights for precise treatment of CCA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guanhua Wu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Da Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Fei Xiong
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Wenzheng Liu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Junsheng Chen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China.
| | - Yongjun Chen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Road, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zheng S, Zhang X, Pang Z, Liu J, Liu S, Sheng R. Anti-Pan-Rspo Chimeric Protein-Conjugated Albumin Nanoparticle Provides Promising Opportunities in Cancer Targeted Therapy. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301441. [PMID: 37414582 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301441] [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: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Rspos (R-spondins) belong to a family of secreted proteins that causes various cancers via interacting the corresponding receptors. However, targeted therapeutic approaches against Rspos are largely lacking. In this study, a chimeric protein Rspo-targeting anticancer chimeric protein (RTAC) is originally designed, engineered, and characterized. RTAC shows satisfactory anticancer effects through inhibition of pan-Rspo-mediated Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, a conceptually novel antitumor strategy distinct from traditional drug delivery systems that release drugs inside tumor cells is proposed. A special "firewall" nano-system is designed to enrich on tumor cell surface and cover the plasma membrane, rather than undergoing endocytosis, to block oncogenic Rspos from binding to receptors. Cyclic RGD (Arg-Gly-Asp) peptide-linked globular cluster serum albumin nanoparticles (SANP) are integrated as a vehicle for conjugating RTAC (SANP-RTAC/RGD) for tumor tissue targeting. These nanoparticles can adhere to the tumor cell surface and enable RTAC to locally capture free Rspos with high spatial efficiency and selectivity to antagonize cancer progression. Therefore, this approach offers a new nanomedical anticancer route and obtains the "dual-targeting" capability for effective tumor clearance and low potential toxicity. This study presents a proof-of-concept for anti-pan-Rspo therapy and a nanoparticle-integrated paradigm for targeted cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaoqin Zheng
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, 195 Chuangxin Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110819, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- College of Science, Northeastern University, 3-11 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110004, China
| | - Zhongqiu Pang
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, 195 Chuangxin Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110819, China
| | - Jidong Liu
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, 195 Chuangxin Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110819, China
| | - Siyu Liu
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, 195 Chuangxin Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110819, China
| | - Ren Sheng
- College of Life and Health Science, Northeastern University, 195 Chuangxin Road, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110819, China
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Angarola BL, Sharma S, Katiyar N, Gu Kang H, Nehar-Belaid D, Park S, Gott R, Eryilmaz GN, LaBarge MA, Palucka K, Chuang JH, Korstanje R, Ucar D, Anczukow O. Comprehensive single cell aging atlas of mammary tissues reveals shared epigenomic and transcriptomic signatures of aging and cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.20.563147. [PMID: 37961129 PMCID: PMC10634680 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.20.563147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Aging is the greatest risk factor for breast cancer; however, how age-related cellular and molecular events impact cancer initiation is unknown. We investigate how aging rewires transcriptomic and epigenomic programs of mouse mammary glands at single cell resolution, yielding a comprehensive resource for aging and cancer biology. Aged epithelial cells exhibit epigenetic and transcriptional changes in metabolic, pro-inflammatory, or cancer-associated genes. Aged stromal cells downregulate fibroblast marker genes and upregulate markers of senescence and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Among immune cells, distinct T cell subsets (Gzmk+, memory CD4+, γδ) and M2-like macrophages expand with age. Spatial transcriptomics reveal co-localization of aged immune and epithelial cells in situ. Lastly, transcriptional signatures of aging mammary cells are found in human breast tumors, suggesting mechanistic links between aging and cancer. Together, these data uncover that epithelial, immune, and stromal cells shift in proportions and cell identity, potentially impacting cell plasticity, aged microenvironment, and neoplasia risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Neerja Katiyar
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Hyeon Gu Kang
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | | - SungHee Park
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | | - Giray N Eryilmaz
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Mark A LaBarge
- Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Karolina Palucka
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Jeffrey H Chuang
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | | | - Duygu Ucar
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Olga Anczukow
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
- Institute for Systems Genomics, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kishore C, Zi X. Wnt Signaling and Therapeutic Resistance in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. CURRENT PHARMACOLOGY REPORTS 2023; 9:261-274. [PMID: 37994344 PMCID: PMC10664806 DOI: 10.1007/s40495-023-00333-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of Review Castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is a lethal form of prostate cancer (PCa) due to the development of resistance to androgen deprivation therapy and anti-androgens. Here, we review the emerging role of Wnt signaling in therapeutic resistance of CRPC. Recent Findings Convincing evidence have accumulated that Wnt signaling is aberrantly activated through genomic alterations and autocrine and paracrine augmentations. Wnt signaling plays a critical role in a subset of CRPC and in resistance to anti-androgen therapies. Wnt signaling navigates CRPC through PCa heterogeneity, neuroendocrine differentiation, DNA repair, PCa stem cell maintenance, epithelial-mesenchymal-transition and metastasis, and immune evasion. Summary Components of Wnt signaling can be harnessed for inhibiting PCa growth and metastasis and for developing novel therapeutic strategies to manage metastatic CRPC. There are many Wnt pathway-based potential drugs in different stages of pre-clinical development and clinical trials but so far, no Wnt signaling-specific drug has been approved by FDA for clinical use in CRPC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chandra Kishore
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, 101 The City Drive South, Rt.81 Bldg.55 Rm.204, Orange, CA 92868, USA
| | - Xiaolin Zi
- Department of Urology, University of California, Irvine, 101 The City Drive South, Rt.81 Bldg.55 Rm.204, Orange, CA 92868, USA
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, CA 92868, USA
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA
- Veterans Affairs Long Beach Healthcare System, Long Beach, CA 90822, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Raja E, Clarin MTRDC, Yanagisawa H. Matricellular Proteins in the Homeostasis, Regeneration, and Aging of Skin. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14274. [PMID: 37762584 PMCID: PMC10531864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814274] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Matricellular proteins are secreted extracellular proteins that bear no primary structural functions but play crucial roles in tissue remodeling during development, homeostasis, and aging. Despite their low expression after birth, matricellular proteins within skin compartments support the structural function of many extracellular matrix proteins, such as collagens. In this review, we summarize the function of matricellular proteins in skin stem cell niches that influence stem cells' fate and self-renewal ability. In the epidermal stem cell niche, fibulin 7 promotes epidermal stem cells' heterogeneity and fitness into old age, and the transforming growth factor-β-induced protein ig-h3 (TGFBI)-enhances epidermal stem cell growth and wound healing. In the hair follicle stem cell niche, matricellular proteins such as periostin, tenascin C, SPARC, fibulin 1, CCN2, and R-Spondin 2 and 3 modulate stem cell activity during the hair cycle and may stabilize arrector pili muscle attachment to the hair follicle during piloerections (goosebumps). In skin wound healing, matricellular proteins are upregulated, and their functions have been examined in various gain-and-loss-of-function studies. However, much remains unknown concerning whether these proteins modulate skin stem cell behavior, plasticity, or cell-cell communications during wound healing and aging, leaving a new avenue for future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erna Raja
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan; (E.R.); (M.T.R.D.C.C.)
| | - Maria Thea Rane Dela Cruz Clarin
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan; (E.R.); (M.T.R.D.C.C.)
- Ph.D. Program in Humanics, School of Integrative and Global Majors (SIGMA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan
| | - Hiromi Yanagisawa
- Life Science Center for Survival Dynamics, Tsukuba Advanced Research Alliance (TARA), University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305-8577, Japan; (E.R.); (M.T.R.D.C.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Crippa V, Malighetti F, Villa M, Graudenzi A, Piazza R, Mologni L, Ramazzotti D. Characterization of cancer subtypes associated with clinical outcomes by multi-omics integrative clustering. Comput Biol Med 2023; 162:107064. [PMID: 37267828 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Cancer patients show heterogeneous phenotypes and very different outcomes and responses even to common treatments, such as standard chemotherapy. This state-of-affairs has motivated the need for the comprehensive characterization of cancer phenotypes and fueled the generation of large omics datasets, comprising multiple omics data reported for the same patients, which might now allow us to start deciphering cancer heterogeneity and implement personalized therapeutic strategies. In this work, we performed the analysis of four cancer types obtained from the latest efforts by The Cancer Genome Atlas, for which seven distinct omics data were available for each patient, in addition to curated clinical outcomes. We performed a uniform pipeline for raw data preprocessing and adopted the Cancer Integration via MultIkernel LeaRning (CIMLR) integrative clustering method to extract cancer subtypes. We then systematically review the discovered clusters for the considered cancer types, highlighting novel associations between the different omics and prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Crippa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.
| | - Federica Malighetti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.
| | - Matteo Villa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.
| | - Alex Graudenzi
- Department of Informatics, Systems and Communication, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Rocco Piazza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy
| | - Luca Mologni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.
| | - Daniele Ramazzotti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chen Y, Lu Z, Feng J, Chen Z, Liu Z, Wang X, Yan H, Gao C. Novel recombinant R-spondin1 promotes hair regeneration by targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:1213-1221. [PMID: 37475547 PMCID: PMC10448039 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Roof plate-specific spondin 1 (R-spondin1, RSPO1) is a Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activator that binds with Wnt ligands to stimulate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is key to hair regeneration. However, it is not clear whether recombinant RSPO1 (rRSPO1) affects hair regeneration. Here, we treat C57BL/6 male mice with rRSPO1 and investigate the expression of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the activation of hair follicle stem cells in the dorsal skin. The mouse skin color score and hair-covered area are determined to describe hair growth, and the skin samples are subjected to H&E staining, western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining to evaluate hair follicle development and the expressions of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins. We find that rRSPO1 activates mouse hair follicle stem cells (mHFSCs) and accelerates hair regeneration. rRSPO1 increases the hair-covered area, the number of hair follicles, and the hair follicle diameter and length. Moreover, rRSPO1 enhances the activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins and the expressions of HFSC markers, as well as mHFSC viability. These results indicate that subcutaneous injection of rRSPO1 can improve hair follicle development by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, thereby promoting hair regeneration. This study demonstrates that rRSPO1 has the potential to treat hair loss by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yijun Chen
- />College of Animal ScienceSouth China Agricultural University/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustryGuangzhou510642China
| | - Zhujin Lu
- />College of Animal ScienceSouth China Agricultural University/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustryGuangzhou510642China
| | - Jiaxin Feng
- />College of Animal ScienceSouth China Agricultural University/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustryGuangzhou510642China
| | - Zefeng Chen
- />College of Animal ScienceSouth China Agricultural University/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustryGuangzhou510642China
| | - Zejian Liu
- />College of Animal ScienceSouth China Agricultural University/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustryGuangzhou510642China
| | - Xiuqi Wang
- />College of Animal ScienceSouth China Agricultural University/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustryGuangzhou510642China
| | - Huichao Yan
- />College of Animal ScienceSouth China Agricultural University/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustryGuangzhou510642China
| | - Chunqi Gao
- />College of Animal ScienceSouth China Agricultural University/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition Control/State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding IndustryGuangzhou510642China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Cao J, Zhou T, Chen G, Zou G, Liang H. Effect of Exogenous Hormone on R-Spondin 2 ( Rspo2) and R-Spondin 3 ( Rspo3) Gene Expression and Embryo Development in Chinese Soft-Shelled Turtle ( Pelodiscus sinensis). Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1466. [PMID: 37510371 PMCID: PMC10379378 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071466] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, is an important aquaculture species in China that exhibits distinct sexual dimorphism; male individuals are economically more valuable than females. In vertebrates, several R-spondin family proteins have been associated with sex differentiation mechanisms; however, their involvement in P. sinensis sex differentiation is unclear. Exogenous hormones such as estradiol (E2) also influence the sex differentiation of P. sinensis and induce sexual reversal. In the present study, we investigated the effects of E2 on the embryonic development of P. sinensis and the expression of R-spondin 2 (Rspo2) and R-spondin 3 (Rspo3). We amplified P. sinensis Rspo2 and Rspo3 and analyzed their expression patterns in different tissues. Comparative analyses with protein sequences from other species elucidated that P. sinensis RSPO2 and RSPO3 sequences were conserved. Moreover, phylogenetic analysis revealed that P. sinensis RSPO2 and RSPO3 were closely related to these two proteins from other turtle species. Furthermore, Rspo2 and Rspo3 were highly expressed in the brain and gonads of adult turtles, with significantly higher expression in the ovaries than in the testes (p < 0.05). We also evaluated the expression of Rspo2 and Rspo3 after the administration of three concentrations of E2 (1.0, 5.0, and 10.0 mg/mL) to turtle eggs during embryonic development. The results revealed that E2 upregulated Rspo2 and Rspo3, and the expression trends varied during different embryonic developmental stages (stages 13-20). These findings lay the groundwork for future investigations into the molecular mechanisms involved in the sex differentiation of Chinese soft-shelled turtles.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jizeng Cao
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; (J.C.); (G.C.)
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China
| | - Tong Zhou
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China
| | - Guobin Chen
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; (J.C.); (G.C.)
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China
| | - Guiwei Zou
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China
| | - Hongwei Liang
- College of Fisheries and Life Science, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China; (J.C.); (G.C.)
- Yangtze River Fisheries Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Fisheries Science, Wuhan 430223, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ordaz-Ramos A, Tellez-Jimenez O, Vazquez-Santillan K. Signaling pathways governing the maintenance of breast cancer stem cells and their therapeutic implications. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1221175. [PMID: 37492224 PMCID: PMC10363614 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1221175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) represent a distinct subpopulation of cells with the ability to self-renewal and differentiate into phenotypically diverse tumor cells. The involvement of CSC in treatment resistance and cancer recurrence has been well established. Numerous studies have provided compelling evidence that the self-renewal ability of cancer stem cells is tightly regulated by specific signaling pathways, which exert critical roles to maintain an undifferentiated phenotype and prevent the differentiation of CSCs. Signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, Notch, Hedgehog, TGF-β, and Hippo have been implicated in the promotion of self-renewal of many normal and cancer stem cells. Given the pivotal role of BCSCs in driving breast cancer aggressiveness, targeting self-renewal signaling pathways holds promise as a viable therapeutic strategy for combating this disease. In this review, we will discuss the main signaling pathways involved in the maintenance of the self-renewal ability of BCSC, while also highlighting current strategies employed to disrupt the signaling molecules associated with stemness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro Ordaz-Ramos
- Innovation in Precision Medicine Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, México
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, México
| | - Olivia Tellez-Jimenez
- Innovation in Precision Medicine Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, México
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Unidad de Posgrado, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, Coyoacán, México
| | - Karla Vazquez-Santillan
- Innovation in Precision Medicine Laboratory, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, México
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Ter Steege EJ, Doornbos LW, Haughton PD, van Diest PJ, Hilkens J, Derksen PWB, Bakker ERM. R-spondin-3 promotes proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells independently of Wnt signaling. Cancer Lett 2023; 568:216301. [PMID: 37406727 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216301] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
We recently identified R-spondin-3 (RSPO3) as a novel driver of breast cancer associating with reduced patient survival, expanding its clinical value as potential therapeutic target that had been recognized mostly for colorectal cancer so far. (Pre)clinical studies exploring RSPO3 targeting in colorectal cancer approach this indirectly with Wnt inhibitors, or directly with anti-RSPO3 antibodies. Here, we address the clinical relevance of RSPO3 in breast cancer and provide insight in the oncogenic activities of RSPO3. Utilizing the RSPO3 breast cancer mouse model, we show that RSPO3 drives the aberrant expansion of luminal progenitor cells expressing cancer stem cell marker CD61, inducing proliferative, poorly differentiated and invasive tumors. Complementary studies with tumor organoids and human breast cancer cell lines demonstrate that RSPO3 consistently promotes the proliferation and invasion of breast cancer cells. Importantly, RSPO3 exerts these oncogenic effects independently of Wnt signaling, rejecting the therapeutic value of Wnt inhibitors in RSPO3-driven breast cancer. Instead, direct RSPO3 targeting effectively inhibited RSPO3-driven growth of breast cancer cells. Conclusively, our data indicate that RSPO3 exerts unfavorable oncogenic effects in breast cancer, enhancing proliferation and malignancy in a Wnt-independent fashion, proposing RSPO3 itself as a valuable therapeutic target in breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eline J Ter Steege
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Loes W Doornbos
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Peter D Haughton
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Paul J van Diest
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - John Hilkens
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Patrick W B Derksen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands.
| | - Elvira R M Bakker
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Molecular Genetics, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Ha P, Liu TP, Li C, Zheng Z. Novel Strategies for Orofacial Soft Tissue Regeneration. Adv Wound Care (New Rochelle) 2023; 12:339-360. [PMID: 35651274 DOI: 10.1089/wound.2022.0037] [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] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Significance: Orofacial structures are indispensable for speech and eating, and impairment disrupts whole-body health through malnutrition and poor quality of life. However, due to the unique and highly specialized cell populations, tissue architecture, and healing microenvironments, regeneration in this region is challenging and inadequately addressed to date. Recent Advances: With increasing understanding of the nuanced physiology and cellular responses of orofacial soft tissue, novel scaffolds, seeded cells, and bioactive molecules were developed in the past 5 years to specifically target orofacial soft tissue regeneration, particularly for tissues primarily found within the orofacial region such as oral mucosa, taste buds, salivary glands, and masseter muscles. Critical Issues: Due to the tightly packed and complex anatomy, orofacial soft tissue injury commonly implicates multiple tissue types, and thus functional unit reconstruction in the orofacial region is more important than single tissue regeneration. Future Directions: This article reviews the up-to-date knowledge in this highly translational topic, which provides insights into novel biologically inspired and engineered strategies for regenerating orofacial component tissues and functional units.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pin Ha
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Timothy P Liu
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Chenshuang Li
- Department of Orthodontics, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Zhong Zheng
- David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
- School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Grishanova AY, Klyushova LS, Perepechaeva ML. AhR and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways and Their Interplay. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3848-3876. [PMID: 37232717 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45050248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
As evolutionarily conserved signaling cascades, AhR and Wnt signaling pathways play a critical role in the control over numerous vital embryonic and somatic processes. AhR performs many endogenous functions by integrating its signaling pathway into organ homeostasis and into the maintenance of crucial cellular functions and biological processes. The Wnt signaling pathway regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and many other phenomena, and this regulation is important for embryonic development and the dynamic balance of adult tissues. AhR and Wnt are the main signaling pathways participating in the control of cell fate and function. They occupy a central position in a variety of processes linked with development and various pathological conditions. Given the importance of these two signaling cascades, it would be interesting to elucidate the biological implications of their interaction. Functional connections between AhR and Wnt signals take place in cases of crosstalk or interplay, about which quite a lot of information has been accumulated in recent years. This review is focused on recent studies about the mutual interactions of key mediators of AhR and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways and on the assessment of the complexity of the crosstalk between the AhR signaling cascade and the canonical Wnt pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alevtina Y Grishanova
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | - Lyubov S Klyushova
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| | - Maria L Perepechaeva
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biophysics, Federal Research Center of Fundamental and Translational Medicine, Timakova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630117, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Groenewald W, Lund AH, Gay DM. The Role of WNT Pathway Mutations in Cancer Development and an Overview of Therapeutic Options. Cells 2023; 12:cells12070990. [PMID: 37048063 PMCID: PMC10093220 DOI: 10.3390/cells12070990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that mutations in the canonical WNT-signalling pathway play a major role in various cancers. Critical to developing new therapeutic strategies is understanding which cancers are driven by WNT pathway activation and at what level these mutations occur within the pathway. Some cancers harbour mutations in genes whose protein products operate at the receptor level of the WNT pathway. For instance, tumours with RNF43 or RSPO mutations, still require exogenous WNT ligands to drive WNT signalling (ligand-dependent mutations). Conversely, mutations within the cytoplasmic segment of the Wnt pathway, such as in APC and CTNNB1, lead to constitutive WNT pathway activation even in the absence of WNT ligands (ligand-independent). Here, we review the predominant driving mutations found in cancer that lead to WNT pathway activation, as well as explore some of the therapeutic interventions currently available against tumours harbouring either ligand-dependent or ligand-independent mutations. Finally, we discuss a potentially new therapeutic avenue by targeting the translational apparatus downstream from WNT signalling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wibke Groenewald
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders H Lund
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Michael Gay
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Koyama M, Samson L, Ensbey KS, Takahashi S, Clouston AD, Martin PJ, Hill GR. Lithium attenuates graft-versus-host disease via effects on the intestinal stem cell niche. Blood 2023; 141:315-319. [PMID: 36201741 PMCID: PMC10163278 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022015808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Motoko Koyama
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Luke Samson
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Kathleen S. Ensbey
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | - Shuichiro Takahashi
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Paul J. Martin
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- Envoi Specialist Pathologists, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Geoffrey R. Hill
- Division of Clinical Research, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA
- Envoi Specialist Pathologists, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Diaz MJ, Fadil A, Tran JT, Batchu S, Root KT, Tran AX, Lucke-Wold B. Primary and Metastatic Cutaneous Melanomas Discriminately Enrich Several Ligand-Receptor Interactions. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 13:life13010180. [PMID: 36676129 PMCID: PMC9865490 DOI: 10.3390/life13010180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cutaneous melanoma remains a leading cancer with sobering post-metastasis mortality rates. To date, the ligand-receptor interactome of melanomas remains weakly studied despite applicability to anti-cancer drug discovery. Here we leverage established crosstalk methodologies to characterize important ligand-receptor pairs in primary and metastatic cutaneous melanoma. METHODS Bulk transcriptomic data, representing 470 cutaneous melanoma samples, was retrieved from the Broad Genome Data Analysis Center Firehose portal. Tumor and stroma compartments were computationally derived as a function of tumor purity estimates. Identification of preferential ligand-receptor interactions was achieved by relative crosstalk scoring of 1380 previously established pairs. RESULTS Metastatic cutaneous melanoma uniquely enriched PTH2-PTH1R for tumor-to-stroma signaling. The Human R-spondin ligand family was involved in 4 of the 15 top-scoring stroma-to-tumor interactions. Receptor ACVR2B was involved in 3 of the 15 top-scoring tumor-to-tumor interactions. CONCLUSIONS Numerous gene-level differences in ligand-receptor crosstalk between primary and metastatic cutaneous melanomas. Further investigation of notable pairings is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Diaz
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
- Correspondence:
| | - Angela Fadil
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Jasmine T. Tran
- School of Medicine, University of Indiana, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Sai Batchu
- Cooper Medical School, Rowan University, Camden, NJ 08103, USA
| | - Kevin T. Root
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Andrew X. Tran
- Department of Dermatology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Tang S, Parks SE, Liao Z, Cope DI, Blutt SE, Monsivais D. Establishing 3D Endometrial Organoids from the Mouse Uterus. J Vis Exp 2023:10.3791/64448. [PMID: 36688555 PMCID: PMC10208800 DOI: 10.3791/64448] [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] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Endometrial tissue lines the inner cavity of the uterus and is under the cyclical control of estrogen and progesterone. It is a tissue that is composed of luminal and glandular epithelium, a stromal compartment, a vascular network, and a complex immune cell population. Mouse models have been a powerful tool to study the endometrium, revealing critical mechanisms that control implantation, placentation, and cancer. The recent development of 3D endometrial organoid cultures presents a state-of-the-art model to dissect the signaling pathways that underlie endometrial biology. Establishing endometrial organoids from genetically engineered mouse models, analyzing their transcriptomes, and visualizing their morphology at a single-cell resolution are crucial tools for the study of endometrial diseases. This paper outlines methods to establish 3D cultures of endometrial epithelium from mice and describes techniques to quantify gene expression and analyze the histology of the organoids. The goal is to provide a resource that can be used to establish, culture, and study the gene expression and morphological characteristics of endometrial epithelial organoids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suni Tang
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Sydney E Parks
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Zian Liao
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Dominique I Cope
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Sarah E Blutt
- Departments of Molecular Virology and Microbiology and Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine
| | - Diana Monsivais
- Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine; Center for Drug Discovery, Baylor College of Medicine;
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Cárdenas-León CG, Mäemets-Allas K, Klaas M, Lagus H, Kankuri E, Jaks V. Matricellular proteins in cutaneous wound healing. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1073320. [PMID: 36506087 PMCID: PMC9730256 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1073320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous wound healing is a complex process that encompasses alterations in all aspects of the skin including the extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM consist of large structural proteins such as collagens and elastin as well as smaller proteins with mainly regulative properties called matricellular proteins. Matricellular proteins bind to structural proteins and their functions include but are not limited to interaction with cell surface receptors, cytokines, or protease and evoking a cellular response. The signaling initiated by matricellular proteins modulates differentiation and proliferation of cells having an impact on the tissue regeneration. In this review we give an overview of the matricellular proteins that have been found to be involved in cutaneous wound healing and summarize the information known to date about their functions in this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristina Mäemets-Allas
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Mariliis Klaas
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Heli Lagus
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Wound Healing Centre, Helsinki University Hospital, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Esko Kankuri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Viljar Jaks
- Department of Cell Biology, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Tartu, Tartu, Estonia,Dermatology Clinic, Tartu University Clinics, Tartu, Estonia,*Correspondence: Viljar Jaks,
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
ter Steege EJ, Boer M, Timmer NC, Ammerlaan CME, Song J, Derksen PWB, Hilkens J, Bakker ERM. R-spondin-3 is an oncogenic driver of poorly differentiated invasive breast cancer. J Pathol 2022; 258:289-299. [PMID: 36106661 PMCID: PMC9825844 DOI: 10.1002/path.5999] [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: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
R-spondins (RSPOs) are influential signaling molecules that promote the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and self-renewal of stem cells. Currently, RSPOs are emerging as clinically relevant oncogenes, being linked to cancer development in multiple organs. Although this has instigated the rapid development and testing of therapeutic antibodies targeting RSPOs, functional evidence that RSPO causally drives cancer has focused primarily on the intestinal tract. Here, we assess the oncogenic capacity of RSPO in breast cancer in a direct fashion by generating and characterizing a novel mouse model with conditional Rspo3 expression in the mammary gland. We also address the prevalence of RSPO gene alterations in breast cancer patients. We found that a quarter of breast cancer patients harbor RSPO2/RSPO3 copy number amplifications, which are associated with lack of steroid hormone receptor expression and reduced patient survival. Foremost, we demonstrate the causal oncogenic capacity of RSPO3 in the breast, as conditional Rspo3 overexpression consistently drives the development of mammary adenocarcinomas in our novel Rspo3 breast cancer model. RSPO3-driven mammary tumors typically show poor differentiation, areas of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and metastatic potential. Given the reported interplay in the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, we comparatively analyzed RSPO3-driven mouse mammary tumors versus classical WNT1-driven analogues. This revealed that RSPO3-driven tumors are distinct, as the poorly differentiated tumor morphology and metastatic potential were observed in RSPO3-driven tumorigenesis exclusively, further substantiated by differentiating gene expression profiles. Co-expression of Rspo3 and Wnt1 transduced mammary tumors with a mixed phenotype harboring morphological features characteristic of both transgenes. In summary, we report that a quarter of breast cancer patients harbor RSPO2/RSPO3 copy number gains, and these patients have a worse prognosis, whilst providing in vivo evidence that RSPO3 drives poorly differentiated invasive breast cancer in mice. Herewith, we establish RSPO3 as a driver of breast cancer with clinical relevance, proposing RSPO3 as a novel candidate target for therapy in breast cancer. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eline J ter Steege
- Department of PathologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - Mandy Boer
- Department of Molecular GeneticsThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Nikki C Timmer
- Department of Molecular GeneticsThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Carola ME Ammerlaan
- Department of Molecular GeneticsThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Ji‐Ying Song
- Department of Experimental Animal PathologyThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Patrick WB Derksen
- Department of PathologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands
| | - John Hilkens
- Department of Molecular GeneticsThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Elvira RM Bakker
- Department of PathologyUniversity Medical Center UtrechtUtrechtThe Netherlands,Department of Molecular GeneticsThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
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]
|
32
|
Wu CWK, Reid M, Leedham S, Lui RN. The emerging era of personalized medicine in advanced colorectal cancer. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 37:1411-1425. [PMID: 35815339 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a genetically heterogeneous disease with its pathogenesis often driven by varying genetic or epigenetic alterations. This has led to a substantial number of patients developing chemoresistance and treatment failure, resulting in a high mortality rate for advanced disease. Deep molecular analysis has allowed for the discovery of key intestinal signaling pathways which impacts colonic epithelial cell fate, and the integral role of the tumor microenvironment on cancer growth and dissemination. Through transitioning pre-clinical knowledge in research into clinical practice, many potential druggable targets within these pathways have been discovered in the hopes of overcoming the roadblocks encountered by conventional therapies. A personalized approach tailoring treatment according to the histopathological and molecular features of individual tumors can hopefully translate to better patient outcomes, and reduce the rate of recurrence in patients with advanced CRC. Herein, the latest understanding on the molecular science behind CRC tumorigenesis, and the potential treatment targets currently at the forefront of research are summarized.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia W K Wu
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China
| | - Madeleine Reid
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Simon Leedham
- Translational Gastroenterology Unit, John Radcliffe hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.,Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Rashid N Lui
- Institute of Digestive Disease, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Prince of Wales Hospital, Hong Kong, China.,Department of Clinical Oncology, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Koushyar S, Meniel VS, Phesse TJ, Pearson HB. Exploring the Wnt Pathway as a Therapeutic Target for Prostate Cancer. Biomolecules 2022; 12:309. [PMID: 35204808 PMCID: PMC8869457 DOI: 10.3390/biom12020309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the Wnt pathway is emerging as a frequent event during prostate cancer that can facilitate tumor formation, progression, and therapeutic resistance. Recent discoveries indicate that targeting the Wnt pathway to treat prostate cancer may be efficacious. However, the functional consequence of activating the Wnt pathway during the different stages of prostate cancer progression remains unclear. Preclinical work investigating the efficacy of targeting Wnt signaling for the treatment of prostate cancer, both in primary and metastatic lesions, and improving our molecular understanding of treatment responses is crucial to identifying effective treatment strategies and biomarkers that help guide treatment decisions and improve patient care. In this review, we outline the type of genetic alterations that lead to activated Wnt signaling in prostate cancer, highlight the range of laboratory models used to study the role of Wnt genetic drivers in prostate cancer, and discuss new mechanistic insights into how the Wnt cascade facilitates prostate cancer growth, metastasis, and drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Koushyar
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
- School of Life Sciences, Pharmacy and Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Engineering and Computing, Kingston University, Penrhyn Road, Kingston Upon Thames KT1 2EE, UK
| | - Valerie S. Meniel
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
| | - Toby J. Phesse
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
- The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3000, Australia
| | - Helen B. Pearson
- The European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Cardiff CF24 4HQ, UK; (S.K.); (V.S.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
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.
Collapse
|