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Hu Y, Wang R, An N, Li C, Wang Q, Cao Y, Li C, Liu J, Wang Y. Unveiling the power of microenvironment in liver regeneration: an in-depth overview. Front Genet 2023; 14:1332190. [PMID: 38152656 PMCID: PMC10751322 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2023.1332190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver serves as a vital regulatory hub for various physiological processes, including sugar, protein, and fat metabolism, coagulation regulation, immune system maintenance, hormone inactivation, urea metabolism, and water-electrolyte acid-base balance control. These functions rely on coordinated communication among different liver cell types, particularly within the liver's fundamental hepatic lobular structure. In the early stages of liver development, diverse liver cells differentiate from stem cells in a carefully orchestrated manner. Despite its susceptibility to damage, the liver possesses a remarkable regenerative capacity, with the hepatic lobule serving as a secure environment for cell division and proliferation during liver regeneration. This regenerative process depends on a complex microenvironment, involving liver resident cells, circulating cells, secreted cytokines, extracellular matrix, and biological forces. While hepatocytes proliferate under varying injury conditions, their sources may vary. It is well-established that hepatocytes with regenerative potential are distributed throughout the hepatic lobules. However, a comprehensive spatiotemporal model of liver regeneration remains elusive, despite recent advancements in genomics, lineage tracing, and microscopic imaging. This review summarizes the spatial distribution of cell gene expression within the regenerative microenvironment and its impact on liver regeneration patterns. It offers valuable insights into understanding the complex process of liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuelei Hu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ruilin Wang
- Department of Cadre’s Wards Ultrasound Diagnostics, Ultrasound Diagnostic Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ni An
- Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chen Li
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yannan Cao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Li
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yunfang Wang
- Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Clinical Translational Science Center, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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2
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Krimpenfort RA, van der Meulen SA, Verhagen H, Driessen M, Filonova G, Hoogenboezem M, van den Akker E, von Lindern M, Nethe M. E-cadherin/β-catenin expression is conserved in human and rat erythropoiesis and marks stress erythropoiesis. Blood Adv 2023; 7:7169-7183. [PMID: 37792794 PMCID: PMC10698263 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
E-cadherin is a crucial regulator of epithelial cell-to-cell adhesion and an established tumor suppressor. Aside epithelia, E-cadherin expression marks the erythroid cell lineage during human but not mouse hematopoiesis. However, the role of E-cadherin in human erythropoiesis remains unknown. Because rat erythropoiesis was postulated to reflect human erythropoiesis more closely than mouse erythropoiesis, we investigated E-cadherin expression in rat erythroid progenitors. E-cadherin expression is conserved within the erythroid lineage between rat and human. In response to anemia, erythroblasts in rat bone marrow (BM) upregulate E-cadherin as well as its binding partner β-catenin. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knock out of E-cadherin revealed that E-cadherin expression is required to stabilize β-catenin in human and rat erythroblasts. Suppression of β-catenin degradation by glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) inhibitor CHIR99021 also enhances β-catenin stability in human erythroblasts but hampers erythroblast differentiation and survival. In contrast, direct activation of β-catenin signaling, using an inducible, stable β-catenin variant, does not perturb maturation or survival of human erythroblasts but rather enhances their differentiation. Although human erythroblasts do not respond to Wnt ligands and direct GSK3β inhibition even reduces their survival, we postulate that β-catenin stability and signaling is mostly controlled by E-cadherin in human and rat erythroblasts. In response to anemia, E-cadherin-driven upregulation and subsequent activation of β-catenin signaling may stimulate erythroblast differentiation to support stress erythropoiesis in the BM. Overall, we uncover E-cadherin/β-catenin expression to mark stress erythropoiesis in rat BM. This may provide further understanding of the underlying molecular regulation of stress erythropoiesis in the BM, which is currently poorly understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa A. Krimpenfort
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Santhe A. van der Meulen
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Han Verhagen
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michel Driessen
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Galina Filonova
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mark Hoogenboezem
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Emile van den Akker
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke von Lindern
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Micha Nethe
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research and Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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3
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Ahadova A, Stenzinger A, Seppälä T, Hüneburg R, Kloor M, Bläker H. [The two-in-one hit model of the short-cut carcinogenesis of colorectal carcinomas in MLH1-associated Lynch syndrome]. PATHOLOGIE (HEIDELBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 44:188-192. [PMID: 37932477 DOI: 10.1007/s00292-023-01245-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
In a recently published study a new genetic hypothesis was established that explained the existence of CTNNB1 mutations in Lynch syndrome-associated colorectal carcinomas (MLH1-LS-CRC). This hypothesis states that a mitotic recombination on chromosome 3p simultaneously leads to inactivation of the mismatch repair gene MLH1 and to the activation of CTNNB1. This explains the increased frequency of CTNNB1 mutations in MLH1-LS-CRC compared with other colon carcinomas. To test this hypothesis, various experiments were carried out that show that the first phase of recombination occurs in non-cancerous tissues, which favours the development of CTNNB1 mutations. This mechanism could explain the rapid tumour progression in MLH1-LS-CRC. The results highlight the importance of mitotic recombination in carcinogenesis and provide an insight into the genetic basis of colorectal carcinoma in the context of Lynch syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ahadova
- Abteilung für Angewandte Tumorbiologie, Pathologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
- Klinische Kooperationseinheit Angewandte Tumorbiologie, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - A Stenzinger
- Pathologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
- Deutsches Konsortium für Translationale Krebsforschung (DKTK) und Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - T Seppälä
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, Tampere, Finnland
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finnland
- Department of Surgery, Abdominal Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finnland
- Tays Cancer Center, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finnland
| | - R Hüneburg
- Nationales Zentrum für erbliche Tumorerkrankungen, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland
- Medizinische Klinik und Poliklinik I, Universitätsklinikum Bonn, Bonn, Deutschland
| | - M Kloor
- Abteilung für Angewandte Tumorbiologie, Pathologisches Institut, Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Deutschland
- Klinische Kooperationseinheit Angewandte Tumorbiologie, Deutsches Krebsforschungszentrum (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Deutschland
| | - H Bläker
- Department für Diagnostik, Institut für Pathologie, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig AöR, Liebigstr. 26, 04103, Leipzig, Deutschland.
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4
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Pandey P, Khan F, Seifeldin SA, Alshaghdali K, Siddiqui S, Abdelwadoud ME, Vyas M, Saeed M, Mazumder A, Saeed A. Targeting Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway by Flavonoids: Implication for Cancer Therapeutics. Nutrients 2023; 15:2088. [PMID: 37432240 DOI: 10.3390/nu15092088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Wnt pathway has been recognized for its crucial role in human development and homeostasis, but its dysregulation has also been linked to several disorders, including cancer. Wnt signaling is crucial for the development and metastasis of several kinds of cancer. Moreover, members of the Wnt pathway have been proven to be effective biomarkers and promising cancer therapeutic targets. Abnormal stimulation of the Wnt signaling pathway has been linked to the initiation and advancement of cancer in both clinical research and in vitro investigations. A reduction in cancer incidence rate and an improvement in survival may result from targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. As a result, blocking this pathway has been the focus of cancer research, and several candidates that can be targeted are currently being developed. Flavonoids derived from plants exhibit growth inhibitory, apoptotic, anti-angiogenic, and anti-migratory effects against various malignancies. Moreover, flavonoids influence different signaling pathways, including Wnt, to exert their anticancer effects. In this review, we comprehensively evaluate the influence of flavonoids on cancer development and metastasis by focusing on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, and we provide evidence of their impact on a number of molecular targets. Overall, this review will enhance our understanding of these natural products as Wnt pathway modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pratibha Pandey
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida 201306, India
| | - Fahad Khan
- Department of Biotechnology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology, Greater Noida 201306, India
| | - Sara A Seifeldin
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Hail, Ha'il 55473, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Alshaghdali
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Hail, Ha'il 55473, Saudi Arabia
| | - Samra Siddiqui
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Hail, Ha'il 55473, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Elfatih Abdelwadoud
- Department of Histopathology and Cytology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Medical Sciences & Technology, Khartoum 11115, Sudan
| | - Manish Vyas
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Punjab 144411, India
| | - Mohd Saeed
- Department of Biology, College of Sciences, University of Hail, Ha'il 34464, Saudi Arabia
| | - Avijit Mazumder
- Department of Pharmacology, Noida Institute of Engineering and Technology (Pharmacy Institute), Greater Noida 201306, India
| | - Amir Saeed
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Ha'il, Hail 55476, Saudi Arabia
- Medical and Diagnostic Research Centre, University of Hail, Ha'il 55473, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Medical Sciences & Technology, Khartoum 11115, Sudan
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5
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Groenewald W, Lund AH, Gay DM. The Role of WNT Pathway Mutations in Cancer Development and an Overview of Therapeutic Options. Cells 2023; 12:cells12070990. [PMID: 37048063 PMCID: PMC10093220 DOI: 10.3390/cells12070990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well established that mutations in the canonical WNT-signalling pathway play a major role in various cancers. Critical to developing new therapeutic strategies is understanding which cancers are driven by WNT pathway activation and at what level these mutations occur within the pathway. Some cancers harbour mutations in genes whose protein products operate at the receptor level of the WNT pathway. For instance, tumours with RNF43 or RSPO mutations, still require exogenous WNT ligands to drive WNT signalling (ligand-dependent mutations). Conversely, mutations within the cytoplasmic segment of the Wnt pathway, such as in APC and CTNNB1, lead to constitutive WNT pathway activation even in the absence of WNT ligands (ligand-independent). Here, we review the predominant driving mutations found in cancer that lead to WNT pathway activation, as well as explore some of the therapeutic interventions currently available against tumours harbouring either ligand-dependent or ligand-independent mutations. Finally, we discuss a potentially new therapeutic avenue by targeting the translational apparatus downstream from WNT signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wibke Groenewald
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anders H Lund
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Michael Gay
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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6
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Villar VH, Allega MF, Deshmukh R, Ackermann T, Nakasone MA, Vande Voorde J, Drake TM, Oetjen J, Bloom A, Nixon C, Müller M, May S, Tan EH, Vereecke L, Jans M, Blancke G, Murphy DJ, Huang DT, Lewis DY, Bird TG, Sansom OJ, Blyth K, Sumpton D, Tardito S. Hepatic glutamine synthetase controls N 5-methylglutamine in homeostasis and cancer. Nat Chem Biol 2023; 19:292-300. [PMID: 36280791 PMCID: PMC9974483 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-022-01154-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Glutamine synthetase (GS) activity is conserved from prokaryotes to humans, where the ATP-dependent production of glutamine from glutamate and ammonia is essential for neurotransmission and ammonia detoxification. Here, we show that mammalian GS uses glutamate and methylamine to produce a methylated glutamine analog, N5-methylglutamine. Untargeted metabolomics revealed that liver-specific GS deletion and its pharmacological inhibition in mice suppress hepatic and circulating levels of N5-methylglutamine. This alternative activity of GS was confirmed in human recombinant enzyme and cells, where a pathogenic mutation in the active site (R324C) promoted the synthesis of N5-methylglutamine over glutamine. N5-methylglutamine is detected in the circulation, and its levels are sustained by the microbiome, as demonstrated by using germ-free mice. Finally, we show that urine levels of N5-methylglutamine correlate with tumor burden and GS expression in a β-catenin-driven model of liver cancer, highlighting the translational potential of this uncharacterized metabolite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor H Villar
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
| | - Maria Francesca Allega
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ruhi Deshmukh
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
| | - Tobias Ackermann
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mark A Nakasone
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Thomas M Drake
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Department of Clinical Surgery, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Algernon Bloom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Colin Nixon
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
| | - Miryam Müller
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
| | - Stephanie May
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ee Hong Tan
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lars Vereecke
- Host-Microbiota Interaction Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Maude Jans
- Host-Microbiota Interaction Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Gillian Blancke
- Host-Microbiota Interaction Lab, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Daniel J Murphy
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Danny T Huang
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - David Y Lewis
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Thomas G Bird
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- Centre for Inflammation Research, The Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Karen Blyth
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - David Sumpton
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK
| | - Saverio Tardito
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Glasgow, UK.
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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7
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Graf MR, Apte S, Terzo E, Padhye S, Shi S, Cox MK, Clark RB, Modur V, Badarinarayana V. Novel read through agent: ZKN-0013 demonstrates efficacy in APC min model of familial adenomatous polyposis. J Mol Med (Berl) 2023; 101:375-385. [PMID: 36808265 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-023-02291-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a precancerous, colorectal disease characterized by hundreds to thousands of adenomatous polyps caused by mutations in the tumor suppressor gene adenomatous polyposis coli (APC). Approximately 30% of these mutations are premature termination codons (PTC), resulting in the production of a truncated, dysfunctional APC protein. Consequently, the β-catenin degradation complex fails to form in the cytoplasm, leading to elevated nuclear levels of β-catenin and unregulated β-catenin/wnt-pathway signaling. We present in vitro and in vivo data demonstrating that the novel macrolide, ZKN-0013, promotes read through of premature stop codons, leading to functional restoration of full-length APC protein. Human colorectal carcinoma SW403 and SW1417 cells harboring PTC mutations in the APC gene showed reduced levels of nuclear β-catenin and c-myc upon treatment with ZKN-0013, indicating that the macrolide-mediated read through of premature stop codons produced bioactive APC protein and inhibited the β-catenin/wnt-pathway. In a mouse model of adenomatous polyposis coli, treatment of APCmin mice with ZKN-0013 caused a significant decrease in intestinal polyps, adenomas, and associated anemia, resulting in increased survival. Immunohistochemistry revealed decreased nuclear β-catenin staining in the epithelial cells of the polyps in ZKN-0013-treated APCmin mice, confirming the impact on the β-catenin/wnt-pathway. These results indicate that ZKN-0013 may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of FAP caused by nonsense mutations in the APC gene. KEY MESSAGES: • ZKN-0013 inhibited the growth of human colon carcinoma cells with APC nonsense mutations. • ZKN-0013 promoted read through of premature stop codons in the APC gene. • In APCmin mice, ZKN-0013 treatment reduced intestinal polyps and their progression to adenomas. • ZKN-0013 treatment in APCmin mice resulted in reduced anemia and increased survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shruti Apte
- Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | | | | | - Shuhao Shi
- Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | - Megan K Cox
- Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
| | | | - Vijay Modur
- Eloxx Pharmaceuticals, Watertown, MA, 02472, USA
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Polyacetylene Isomers Isolated from Bidens pilosa L. Suppress the Metastasis of Gastric Cancer Cells by Inhibiting Wnt/ β-Catenin and Hippo/YAP Signaling Pathways. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041837. [PMID: 36838824 PMCID: PMC9962988 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
(E)-7-Phenyl-2-hepten-4,6-diyn-1-ol (1) and (Z)-7-Phenyl-2-hepten-4,6-diyn-1-ol (2) are isomeric natural polyacetylenes isolated from the Chinese medicinal plant Bidens pilosa L. This study first revealed the excellent anti-metastasis potential of these two polyacetylenes on human gastric cancer HGC-27 cells and the distinctive molecular mechanisms underlying their activities. Polyacetylenes 1 and 2 significantly inhibited the migration, invasion, and adhesion of HGC-27 cells at their non-toxic concentrations in a dose-dependent manner. The results of a further mechanism investigation showed that polyacetylene 1 inhibited the expressions of Vimentin, Snail, β-catenin, GSK3β, MST1, YAP, YAP/TAZ, and their phosphorylation, and upregulated the expression of E-cadherin and p-LATS1. In addition, the expressions of various downstream metastasis-related proteins, such as MMP2/7/9/14, c-Myc, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, MAPK, p-MAPK, Sox2, Cox2, and Cyr61, were also suppressed in a dose-dependent manner. These findings suggested that polyacetylene 1 exhibited its anti-metastasis activities on HGC-27 cells through the reversal of the EMT process and the suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin and Hippo/YAP signaling pathways.
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Sun C, Wang L, Du DD, Ji JB, Yang XX, Yu BF, Shang PF, Guo XL. DSC2 Suppresses the Metastasis of Gastric Cancer through Inhibiting the BRD4/Snail Signaling Pathway and the Transcriptional Activity of β-Catenin. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:4813571. [PMID: 36120591 PMCID: PMC9473342 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4813571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Downregulated DSC2 involved in the metastasis of cancers. Unfortunately, its role on the development of gastric cancer (GC) and the potential mechanisms remain unclear. Bioinformatics analysis, Western blot, qRT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the DSC2 levels of human GC and normal stomach tissues. The role of DSC2 and the downstream signaling in gastric carcinogenesis were explored by using GC specimens, GC cells with different DSC2 expression, inhibitors, and mouse metastasis models. We found that the level of DSC2 decreased significantly in GC tissues and cells. Recovered DSC2 inhibited the invasion and migration of GC cells both in culture and in xenografts. Mechanistically, DSC2 could not only decrease Snail level and nuclear BRD4 level by forming DSC2/BRD4, but also inhibit nuclear translocation of β-catenin. We concluded that DSC2 inhibited the metastasis of GC, and the underlying mechanisms were closely related to the regulation on nuclear translocation of BRD4 and β-catenin. Our results suggest that DSC2 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Dan-dan Du
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Jian-bo Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiao-xia Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Bing-fang Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Peng-fei Shang
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
| | - Xiu-Li Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China
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10
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Huang Z, Zhang Z, Zhou C, Liu L, Huang C. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition: The history, regulatory mechanism, and cancer therapeutic opportunities. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e144. [PMID: 35601657 PMCID: PMC9115588 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a program wherein epithelial cells lose their junctions and polarity while acquiring mesenchymal properties and invasive ability. Originally defined as an embryogenesis event, EMT has been recognized as a crucial process in tumor progression. During EMT, cell–cell junctions and cell–matrix attachments are disrupted, and the cytoskeleton is remodeled to enhance mobility of cells. This transition of phenotype is largely driven by a group of key transcription factors, typically Snail, Twist, and ZEB, through epigenetic repression of epithelial markers, transcriptional activation of matrix metalloproteinases, and reorganization of cytoskeleton. Mechanistically, EMT is orchestrated by multiple pathways, especially those involved in embryogenesis such as TGFβ, Wnt, Hedgehog, and Hippo, suggesting EMT as an intrinsic link between embryonic development and cancer progression. In addition, redox signaling has also emerged as critical EMT modulator. EMT confers cancer cells with increased metastatic potential and drug resistant capacity, which accounts for tumor recurrence in most clinic cases. Thus, targeting EMT can be a therapeutic option providing a chance of cure for cancer patients. Here, we introduce a brief history of EMT and summarize recent advances in understanding EMT mechanisms, as well as highlighting the therapeutic opportunities by targeting EMT in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
| | - Chengwei Zhou
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery the Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Ningbo University Ningbo China
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center West China Hospital, and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences & Forensic Medicine Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy Chengdu 610041 China
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Distinct properties of pure- and mixed-type high-grade fetal lung adenocarcinomas by genetic profiling and transcription factor expression. Virchows Arch 2021; 480:609-619. [PMID: 34846611 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-021-03247-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The clinicopathological differences among high-grade fetal lung adenocarcinomas completely comprising tumor cells that resemble fetal lung epithelium (pure type) and those with fetal lung-like components admixed with conventional adenocarcinoma cells (mixed type) remain undetermined. Here, we examined the clinicopathological, immunohistochemical, and molecular features of 11 lung adenocarcinomas with fetal lung-like morphology among 3895 consecutive cases of primary lung cancer based on the expression pattern of transcription factors. According to the current WHO classification, two cases (0.05%) were categorized as low-grade fetal adenocarcinoma, two cases (0.05%) were pure-type high-grade fetal adenocarcinoma, five cases (0.1%) were mixed-type high-grade fetal adenocarcinoma, and the remaining two cases (0.05%) were lung adenocarcinoma with high-grade fetal features (fetal lung-like morphology occupied less than 50%). CTNNB1 mutations were exclusively identified in low-grade fetal adenocarcinomas. In contrast, mixed-type high-grade fetal adenocarcinoma or lung adenocarcinoma with high-grade fetal features frequently harbored mitogenic drivers including EGFR mutations. Furthermore, almost all tumor cells expressed CDX2 and HNF4α in both cases of pure-type high-grade fetal lung adenocarcinoma, but lacked TTF-1 positivity. In contrast, TTF-1 was frequently expressed in mixed-type high-grade fetal lung adenocarcinoma and in lung adenocarcinoma with high-grade fetal features. Our data suggest similar prevalence of low-grade fetal lung adenocarcinoma and pure-type high-grade fetal lung adenocarcinoma, and indicate that pure- and mixed-type high-grade fetal lung adenocarcinomas are distinct, with the former akin to low-grade fetal adenocarcinoma with respect to purely embryonic morphology and absence of common lung adenocarcinoma mitogenic drivers, and the latter being genetically and transcriptionally related to conventional lung adenocarcinoma.
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12
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Abstract
E-cadherin is the main component of epithelial adherens junctions (AJs), which play a crucial role in the maintenance of stable cell-cell adhesion and overall tissue integrity. Down-regulation of E-cadherin expression has been found in many carcinomas, and loss of E-cadherin is generally associated with poor prognosis in patients. During the last decade, however, numerous studies have shown that E-cadherin is essential for several aspects of cancer cell biology that contribute to cancer progression, most importantly, active cell migration. In this review, we summarize the available data about the input of E-cadherin in cancer progression, focusing on the latest advances in the research of the various roles E-cadherin-based AJs play in cancer cell dissemination. The review also touches upon the "cadherin switching" in cancer cells where N- or P-cadherin replace or are co-expressed with E-cadherin and its influence on the migratory properties of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana N Rubtsova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Institute of Carcinogenesis, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina Y Zhitnyak
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Institute of Carcinogenesis, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalya A Gloushankova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Institute of Carcinogenesis, Moscow, Russia
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13
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Sun S, Wang Y, Wang J, Bi J. Wnt pathway-related three-mRNA clinical outcome signature in bladder urothelial carcinoma: computational biology and experimental analyses. J Transl Med 2021; 19:409. [PMID: 34579753 PMCID: PMC8477531 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-03061-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Wnt signaling pathway is core to the growth of bladder tumors. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is significant for bladder tumor metastasis. Nevertheless, the relationship between the Wnt signaling pathway, outcomes of bladder cancer (BLCA), and the specific mechanisms driving immune infiltration have not been studied. METHODS We obtained Wnt pathway-related gene mRNA and clinicopathological data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). We obtained 34 genes that were greatly correlated with outcome using univariate Cox regression analysis and conducted a completely randomized data t-test to perform clinical staging. According to the single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), the weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to identify relevant biological functions. Various subtypes were identified using consensus cluster analysis. Univariate Cox regression and least absolute shrinkage sum selection operator-Cox regression algorithm analysis were conducted on TCGA and Gene Expression Omnibus data to identify risk characteristics. The Kaplan-Meier method and receiver running feature curves were adopted to calculate overall survival. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was adopted for the assessment of the degree of immune infiltration. Then, we demonstrated the relationship between PPP2CB and EMT function in two cell lines. RESULTS Thirty-four Wnt signaling pathway-related genes were risk factors for BLCA outcome, and their expression levels differed by clinical stage. The co-expression of WGCNA showed the relationship between the Wnt signaling pathway and biological functions and was closely associated with EMT. We divided BLCA patients into two subtypes using consensus clustering. Survival curves and clinical analysis showed that the Wnt pathway enriched group had worse outcomes. The Wnt signature showed the significance of the outcome for MAPK10, PPP2CB, and RAC3. Based on these genes, the degree of immune infiltration was evaluated. Cell function experiments suggested that PPP2CB drives the proliferation and migration of BLCA cells. CONCLUSION We found that Wnt signaling pathway-related genes can be used as prognostic risk factors for BLCA, and the Wnt signaling pathway is a cancer-promoting signaling pathway associated with EMT. We identified three critical genes: MAPK10, RAC3, and PPP2CB. The genes in these three Wnt signaling pathways are associated with tumor cell EMT and immune cell infiltration. The most important finding was that these three genes were independent prognostic factors for BLCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqing Sun
- Department of Urology, China Medical University, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Yutao Wang
- Department of Urology, China Medical University, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Jianfeng Wang
- Department of Urology, China Medical University, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China
| | - Jianbin Bi
- Department of Urology, China Medical University, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, Liaoning, China.
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14
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Haupt S, Gleim N, Ahadova A, Bläker H, Knebel Doeberitz M, Kloor M, Heuveline V. A computational model for investigating the evolution of colonic crypts during Lynch syndrome carcinogenesis. COMPUTATIONAL AND SYSTEMS ONCOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/cso2.1020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Haupt
- Engineering Mathematics and Computing Lab (EMCL) Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University Heidelberg Germany
- Data Mining and Uncertainty Quantification (DMQ) Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS) Heidelberg Germany
| | - Nils Gleim
- Engineering Mathematics and Computing Lab (EMCL) Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University Heidelberg Germany
| | - Aysel Ahadova
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology (ATB) Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg Germany
| | - Hendrik Bläker
- Institute of Pathology University Hospital Leipzig Leipzig Germany
| | - Magnus Knebel Doeberitz
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology (ATB) Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg Germany
| | - Matthias Kloor
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology (ATB) Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg Germany
| | - Vincent Heuveline
- Engineering Mathematics and Computing Lab (EMCL) Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University Heidelberg Germany
- Data Mining and Uncertainty Quantification (DMQ) Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS) Heidelberg Germany
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15
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Herrera A, Menendez A, Torroba B, Ochoa A, Pons S. Dbnl and β-catenin promote pro-N-cadherin processing to maintain apico-basal polarity. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:212044. [PMID: 33939796 PMCID: PMC8097490 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202007055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The neural tube forms when neural stem cells arrange into a pseudostratified, single-cell–layered epithelium, with a marked apico-basal polarity, and in which adherens junctions (AJs) concentrate in the subapical domain. We previously reported that sustained β-catenin expression promotes the formation of enlarged apical complexes (ACs), enhancing apico-basal polarity, although the mechanism through which this occurs remained unclear. Here, we show that β-catenin interacts with phosphorylated pro-N-cadherin early in its transit through the Golgi apparatus, promoting propeptide excision and the final maturation of N-cadherin. We describe a new β-catenin–dependent interaction of N-cadherin with Drebrin-like (Dbnl), an actin-binding protein that is involved in anterograde Golgi trafficking of proteins. Notably, Dbnl knockdown led to pro-N-cadherin accumulation and limited AJ formation. In brief, we demonstrate that Dbnl and β-catenin assist in the maturation of pro-N-cadherin, which is critical for AJ formation and for the recruitment AC components like aPKC and, consequently, for the maintenance of apico-basal polarity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Herrera
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Anghara Menendez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Blanca Torroba
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andrea Ochoa
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sebastián Pons
- Instituto de Biología Molecular de Barcelona, Parc Científic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Haupt S, Zeilmann A, Ahadova A, Bläker H, von Knebel Doeberitz M, Kloor M, Heuveline V. Mathematical modeling of multiple pathways in colorectal carcinogenesis using dynamical systems with Kronecker structure. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1008970. [PMID: 34003820 PMCID: PMC8162698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Like many other types of cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC) develops through multiple pathways of carcinogenesis. This is also true for colorectal carcinogenesis in Lynch syndrome (LS), the most common inherited CRC syndrome. However, a comprehensive understanding of the distribution of these pathways of carcinogenesis, which allows for tailored clinical treatment and even prevention, is still lacking. We suggest a linear dynamical system modeling the evolution of different pathways of colorectal carcinogenesis based on the involved driver mutations. The model consists of different components accounting for independent and dependent mutational processes. We define the driver gene mutation graphs and combine them using the Cartesian graph product. This leads to matrix components built by the Kronecker sum and product of the adjacency matrices of the gene mutation graphs enabling a thorough mathematical analysis and medical interpretation. Using the Kronecker structure, we developed a mathematical model which we applied exemplarily to the three pathways of colorectal carcinogenesis in LS. Beside a pathogenic germline variant in one of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes, driver mutations in APC, CTNNB1, KRAS and TP53 are considered. We exemplarily incorporate mutational dependencies, such as increased point mutation rates after MMR deficiency, and based on recent experimental data, biallelic somatic CTNNB1 mutations as common drivers of LS-associated CRCs. With the model and parameter choice, we obtained simulation results that are in concordance with clinical observations. These include the evolution of MMR-deficient crypts as early precursors in LS carcinogenesis and the influence of variants in MMR genes thereon. The proportions of MMR-deficient and MMR-proficient APC-inactivated crypts as first measure for the distribution among the pathways in LS-associated colorectal carcinogenesis are compatible with clinical observations. The approach provides a modular framework for modeling multiple pathways of carcinogenesis yielding promising results in concordance with clinical observations in LS CRCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Haupt
- Engineering Mathematics and Computing Lab (EMCL), Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Data Mining and Uncertainty Quantification (DMQ), Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Zeilmann
- Image and Pattern Analysis Group (IPA), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Aysel Ahadova
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology (ATB), Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hendrik Bläker
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology (ATB), Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Matthias Kloor
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology (ATB), Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Vincent Heuveline
- Engineering Mathematics and Computing Lab (EMCL), Interdisciplinary Center for Scientific Computing (IWR), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
- Data Mining and Uncertainty Quantification (DMQ), Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS), Heidelberg, Germany
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17
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From Channels to Canonical Wnt Signaling: A Pathological Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094613. [PMID: 33924772 PMCID: PMC8125460 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt signaling is an important pathway mainly active during embryonic development and controlling cell proliferation. This regulatory pathway is aberrantly activated in several human diseases. Ion channels are known modulators of several important cellular functions ranging from the tuning of the membrane potential to modulation of intracellular pathways, in particular the influence of ion channels in Wnt signaling regulation has been widely investigated. This review will discuss the known links between ion channels and canonical Wnt signaling, focusing on their possible roles in human metabolic diseases, neurological disorders, and cancer.
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18
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Borrelli C, Valenta T, Handler K, Vélez K, Gurtner A, Moro G, Lafzi A, Roditi LDV, Hausmann G, Arnold IC, Moor AE, Basler K. Differential regulation of β-catenin-mediated transcription via N- and C-terminal co-factors governs identity of murine intestinal epithelial stem cells. Nat Commun 2021; 12:1368. [PMID: 33649334 PMCID: PMC7921392 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21591-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The homeostasis of the gut epithelium relies upon continuous renewal and proliferation of crypt-resident intestinal epithelial stem cells (IESCs). Wnt/β-catenin signaling is required for IESC maintenance, however, it remains unclear how this pathway selectively governs the identity and proliferative decisions of IESCs. Here, we took advantage of knock-in mice harboring transgenic β-catenin alleles with mutations that specifically impair the recruitment of N- or C-terminal transcriptional co-factors. We show that C-terminally-recruited transcriptional co-factors of β-catenin act as all-or-nothing regulators of Wnt-target gene expression. Blocking their interactions with β-catenin rapidly induces loss of IESCs and intestinal homeostasis. Conversely, N-terminally recruited co-factors fine-tune β-catenin's transcriptional output to ensure proper self-renewal and proliferative behaviour of IESCs. Impairment of N-terminal interactions triggers transient hyperproliferation of IESCs, eventually resulting in exhaustion of the self-renewing stem cell pool. IESC mis-differentiation, accompanied by unfolded protein response stress and immune infiltration, results in a process resembling aberrant "villisation" of intestinal crypts. Our data suggest that IESC-specific Wnt/β-catenin output requires selective modulation of gene expression by transcriptional co-factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Borrelli
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Tomas Valenta
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Institute of Molecular Genetics of the ASCR, v. v. i., Prague, 4, Czech Republic.
| | - Kristina Handler
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Karelia Vélez
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Alessandra Gurtner
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Giulia Moro
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Atefeh Lafzi
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - George Hausmann
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle C Arnold
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Andreas E Moor
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Konrad Basler
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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19
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Ozman Z, Ozbek Iptec B, Sahin E, Guney Eskiler G, Deveci Ozkan A, Kaleli S. Regulation of valproic acid induced EMT by AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway in triple negative breast cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:1335-1343. [PMID: 33515347 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06173-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is a selective histone deacetylation (HDAC) inhibitor and exerts anti-cancer properties in different types of cancer. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) mediating by different signaling cascade can be a potential target in aggressive human cancers. Therefore, we aimed to clarified the unravel relationship between AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signalling pathway and VPA-induced EMT in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). The cytotoxicity of VPA in MDA-MB-231 TNBC and MCF-10A control cells was evaluated. Alterations in the expression levels of Snail, E-cadherin, AKT, GSK3β, β-catenin were analyzed by RT-PCR. Additionally, Annexin V, cell cycle and wound healing assays were performed. Our results showed that VPA remarkably inhibited the growth of TNBC cell and triggered apoptotic cell death through G0/G1 arrest. Furthermore, VPA increased cell migration and activated the EMT process through significantly increasing Snail expression and in turn downregulation of E-cadherin and GKS3β levels. However, the level of AKT and β-catenin was reduced after treatment of VPA. Our data showed that VPA induced EMT process and cell migration in TNBC cells. However, AKT/GSK3β/β-catenin signaling pathway did not mediate EMT activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Ozman
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Betul Ozbek Iptec
- Medical Biochemistry Laboratory, Kızılcahamam State Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Elvan Sahin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Gamze Guney Eskiler
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
| | - Asuman Deveci Ozkan
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey.
| | - Suleyman Kaleli
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Sakarya University, Sakarya, Turkey
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Racaud-Sultan C, Vergnolle N. GSK3β, a Master Kinase in the Regulation of Adult Stem Cell Behavior. Cells 2021; 10:cells10020225. [PMID: 33498808 PMCID: PMC7911451 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In adult stem cells, Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β (GSK3β) is at the crossroad of signaling pathways controlling survival, proliferation, adhesion and differentiation. The microenvironment plays a key role in the regulation of these cell functions and we have demonstrated that the GSK3β activity is strongly dependent on the engagement of integrins and protease-activated receptors (PARs). Downstream of the integrin α5β1 or PAR2 activation, a molecular complex is organized around the scaffolding proteins RACK1 and β-arrestin-2 respectively, containing the phosphatase PP2A responsible for GSK3β activation. As a consequence, a quiescent stem cell phenotype is established with high capacities to face apoptotic and metabolic stresses. A protective role of GSK3β has been found for hematopoietic and intestinal stem cells. Latters survived to de-adhesion through PAR2 activation, whereas formers were protected from cytotoxicity through α5β1 engagement. However, a prolonged activation of GSK3β promoted a defect in epithelial regeneration and a resistance to chemotherapy of leukemic cells, paving the way to chronic inflammatory diseases and to cancer resurgence, respectively. In both cases, a sexual dimorphism was measured in GSK3β-dependent cellular functions. GSK3β activity is a key marker for inflammatory and cancer diseases allowing adjusted therapy to sex, age and metabolic status of patients.
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21
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Vasen HFA. Progress Report: New insights into the prevention of CRC by colonoscopic surveillance in Lynch syndrome. Fam Cancer 2021; 21:49-56. [PMID: 33464460 DOI: 10.1007/s10689-020-00225-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Lynch syndrome is the most frequent hereditary colorectal cancer (CRC) syndrome, affecting approximately 1 in 300 in the Western population. It is caused by pathogenic variants in the mismatch repair (MMR) genes including MLH1, MSH2 (EPCAM), MSH6 and PMS2, and is associated with high risks of CRC, endometrial cancer and other cancers. In view of these risks, carriers of such variants are encouraged to participate in colonoscopic surveillance programs that are known to substantially improve their prognosis. In the last decade several important studies have been published that provide detailed cancer risk estimates and prognoses based on large numbers of patients. These studies also provided new insights regarding the pathways of carcinogenesis in CRC, which appear to differ depending on the specific MMR gene defect. In this report, we will discuss the implications of these new findings for the development of new surveillance protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans F A Vasen
- Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Leiden University Medical Center, Albinusdreef 2, 2333 ZA, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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22
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Zheng ZN, Huang GZ, Wu QQ, Ye HY, Zeng WS, Lv XZ. NF-κB-mediated lncRNA AC007271.3 promotes carcinogenesis of oral squamous cell carcinoma by regulating miR-125b-2-3p/Slug. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:1055. [PMID: 33311454 PMCID: PMC7733441 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03257-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common oral cancer. The molecular mechanisms of this disease are not fully understood. Our previous studies confirmed that dysregulated function of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) AC007271.3 was associated with a poor prognosis and overexpression of AC007271.3 promoted cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and inhibited cell apoptosis in vitro, and promoted tumor growth in vivo. However, the underlying mechanisms of AC007271.3 dysregulation remained obscure. In this study, our investigation showed that AC007271.3 functioned as competing endogenous RNA by binding to miR-125b-2-3p and by destabilizing primary miR-125b-2, resulted in the upregulating expression of Slug, which is a direct target of miR-125b-2-3p. Slug also inhibited the expression of E-cadherin but N-cadherin, vimentin, and β-catenin had no obvious change. The expression of AC007271.3 was promoted by the canonical nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway. Taken together, these results suggested that the classical NF-κB pathway-activated AC007271.3 regulates EMT by miR-125b-2-3p/Slug/E-cadherin axis to promote the development of OSCC, implicating it as a novel potential target for therapeutic intervention in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Nan Zheng
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Guang-Zhao Huang
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Qing Wu
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Heng-Yu Ye
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Sen Zeng
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiao-Zhi Lv
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, NanFang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.
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Arnold A, Tronser M, Sers C, Ahadova A, Endris V, Mamlouk S, Horst D, Möbs M, Bischoff P, Kloor M, Bläker H. The majority of β-catenin mutations in colorectal cancer is homozygous. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:1038. [PMID: 33115416 PMCID: PMC7594410 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-07537-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background β-catenin activation plays a crucial role for tumourigenesis in the large intestine but except for Lynch syndrome (LS) associated cancers stabilizing mutations of β-catenin gene (CTNNB1) are rare in colorectal cancer (CRC). Previous animal studies provide an explanation for this observation. They showed that CTNNB1 mutations induced transformation in the colon only when CTNNB1 was homozygously mutated or when membranous β-catenin binding was hampered by E-cadherin haploinsufficiency. We were interested, if these mechanisms are also found in human CTNNB1 mutated CRCs. Results Among 869 CRCs stabilizing CTNNB1 mutations were found in 27 cases. Homo- or hemizygous CTNNB1 mutations were detected in 74% of CTNNB1 mutated CRCs (13 microsatellite instabile (MSI-H), 7 microsatellite stabile (MSS)) but only in 3% (1/33) of extracolonic CTNNB1 mutated cancers. In contrast to MSS CRC, CTNNB1 mutations at codon 41 or 45 were highly selected in MSI-H CRC. Of the examined three CRC cell lines, β-catenin and E-cadherin expression was similar in cell lines without or with hetereozygous CTNNB1 mutations (DLD1 and HCT116), while a reduced E-cadherin expression combined with cytoplasmic accumulation of β-catenin was found in a cell line with homozygous CTNNB1 mutation (LS180). Reduced expression of E-cadherin in human MSI-H CRC tissue was identified in 60% of investigated cancers, but no association with the CTNNB1 mutational status was found. Conclusions In conclusion, this study shows that in contrast to extracolonic cancers stabilizing CTNNB1 mutations in CRC are commonly homo- or hemizygous indicating a higher threshold of β-catenin stabilization to be required for transformation in the colon as compared to extracolonic sites. Moreover, we found different mutational hotspots in CTNNB1 for MSI-H and MSS CRCs suggesting a selection of different effects on β-catenin stabilization according to the molecular pathway of tumourigenesis. Reduced E-cadherin expression in CRC may further contribute to higher levels of transcriptionally active β-catenin, but it is not directly linked to the CTNNB1 mutational status. Supplementary information Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12885-020-07537-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Arnold
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Virchoweg 15 / Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Moritz Tronser
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Virchoweg 15 / Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christine Sers
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Virchoweg 15 / Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Aysel Ahadova
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg; Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Endris
- Department of General Pathology, Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Soulafa Mamlouk
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Virchoweg 15 / Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - David Horst
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Virchoweg 15 / Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Markus Möbs
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Virchoweg 15 / Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip Bischoff
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Virchoweg 15 / Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Kloor
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology, Institute of Pathology, University of Heidelberg; Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ); Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hendrik Bläker
- Institute of Pathology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Virchoweg 15 / Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.,Present address: Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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King LE, Zhang HH, Gould CM, Thomas DW, Whitehead LW, Simpson KJ, Burgess AW, Faux MC. Genes regulating membrane-associated E-cadherin and proliferation in adenomatous polyposis coli mutant colon cancer cells: High content siRNA screen. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240746. [PMID: 33057364 PMCID: PMC7561197 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Truncating mutations in the tumour suppressor gene APC occur frequently in colorectal cancers and result in the deregulation of Wnt signalling as well as changes in cell-cell adhesion. Using quantitative imaging based on the detection of membrane-associated E-cadherin, we undertook a protein coding genome-wide siRNA screen to identify genes that regulate cell surface E-cadherin in the APC-defective colorectal cancer cell line SW480. We identified a diverse set of regulators of E-cadherin that offer new insights into the regulation of cell-cell adhesion, junction formation and genes that regulate proliferation or survival of SW480 cells. Among the genes whose depletion promotes membrane-associated E-cadherin, we identified ZEB1, the microRNA200 family, and proteins such as a ubiquitin ligase UBE2E3, CDK8, sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) and the matrix metalloproteinases, MMP14 and MMP19. The screen also identified 167 proteins required for maintaining E-cadherin at cell-cell adherens junctions, including known junctional proteins, CTNND1 and CTNNA1, as well as signalling enzymes, DUSP4 and MARK2, and transcription factors, TEAD3, RUNX2 and TRAM2. A better understanding of the post-translational regulation of E-cadherin provides new opportunities for restoring cell-cell adhesion in APC-defective cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E. King
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Hui-Hua Zhang
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Cathryn M. Gould
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel W. Thomas
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Lachlan W. Whitehead
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Kaylene J. Simpson
- Victorian Centre for Functional Genomics, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- The Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Antony W. Burgess
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Surgery, RMH, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- * E-mail: (MCF); (AWB)
| | - Maree C. Faux
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- * E-mail: (MCF); (AWB)
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25
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Rapetti-Mauss R, Berenguier C, Allegrini B, Soriani O. Interplay Between Ion Channels and the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Cancers. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:525020. [PMID: 33117152 PMCID: PMC7552962 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.525020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence point out the important roles of ion channels in the physiopathology of cancers, so that these proteins are now considered as potential new therapeutic targets and biomarkers in this disease. Indeed, ion channels have been largely described to participate in many hallmarks of cancers such as migration, invasion, proliferation, angiogenesis, and resistance to apoptosis. At the molecular level, the development of cancers is characterised by alterations in transduction pathways that control cell behaviors. However, the interactions between ion channels and cancer-related signaling pathways are poorly understood so far. Nevertheless, a limited number of reports have recently addressed this important issue, especially regarding the interaction between ion channels and one of the main driving forces for cancer development: the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In this review, we propose to explore and discuss the current knowledge regarding the interplay between ion channels and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in cancers.
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26
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Dunbar K, Valanciute A, Lima ACS, Vinuela PF, Jamieson T, Rajasekaran V, Blackmur J, Ochocka-Fox AM, Guazzelli A, Cammareri P, Arends MJ, Sansom OJ, Myant KB, Farrington SM, Dunlop MG, Din FVN. Aspirin Rescues Wnt-Driven Stem-like Phenotype in Human Intestinal Organoids and Increases the Wnt Antagonist Dickkopf-1. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 11:465-489. [PMID: 32971322 PMCID: PMC7797380 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2020.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Aspirin reduces colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence and mortality. Understanding the biology responsible for this protective effect is key to developing biomarker-led approaches for rational clinical use. Wnt signaling drives CRC development from initiation to progression through regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cell populations. Here, we investigated whether aspirin can rescue these proinvasive phenotypes associated with CRC progression in Wnt-driven human and mouse intestinal organoids. METHODS We evaluated aspirin-mediated effects on phenotype and stem cell markers in intestinal organoids derived from mouse (ApcMin/+ and Apcflox/flox) and human familial adenomatous polyposis patients. CRC cell lines (HCT116 and Colo205) were used to study effects on motility, invasion, Wnt signaling, and EMT. RESULTS Aspirin rescues the Wnt-driven cystic organoid phenotype by promoting budding in mouse and human Apc deficient organoids, which is paralleled by decreased stem cell marker expression. Aspirin-mediated Wnt inhibition in ApcMin/+ mice is associated with EMT inhibition and decreased cell migration, invasion, and motility in CRC cell lines. Chemical Wnt activation induces EMT and stem-like alterations in CRC cells, which are rescued by aspirin. Aspirin increases expression of the Wnt antagonist Dickkopf-1 in CRC cells and organoids derived from familial adenomatous polyposis patients, which contributes to EMT and cancer stem cell inhibition. CONCLUSIONS We provide evidence of phenotypic biomarkers of response to aspirin with an increased epithelial and reduced stem-like state mediated by an increase in Dickkopf-1. This highlights a novel mechanism of aspirin-mediated Wnt inhibition and potential phenotypic and molecular biomarkers for trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Dunbar
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Asta Valanciute
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Ana Cristina Silva Lima
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Paz Freile Vinuela
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Jamieson
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Vidya Rajasekaran
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - James Blackmur
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Anna-Maria Ochocka-Fox
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Guazzelli
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Patrizia Cammareri
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Mark J Arends
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, United Kingdom; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Kevin B Myant
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Susan M Farrington
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Malcolm G Dunlop
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Farhat V N Din
- Cancer Research UK Edinburgh Centre, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; MRC Human Genetics Unit, MRC Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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27
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Jin Y, Blikslager AT. The Regulation of Intestinal Mucosal Barrier by Myosin Light Chain Kinase/Rho Kinases. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103550. [PMID: 32443411 PMCID: PMC7278945 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The intestinal epithelial apical junctional complex, which includes tight and adherens junctions, contributes to the intestinal barrier function via their role in regulating paracellular permeability. Myosin light chain II (MLC-2), has been shown to be a critical regulatory protein in altering paracellular permeability during gastrointestinal disorders. Previous studies have demonstrated that phosphorylation of MLC-2 is a biochemical marker for perijunctional actomyosin ring contraction, which increases paracellular permeability by regulating the apical junctional complex. The phosphorylation of MLC-2 is dominantly regulated by myosin light chain kinase- (MLCK-) and Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase- (ROCK-) mediated pathways. In this review, we aim to summarize the current state of knowledge regarding the role of MLCK- and ROCK-mediated pathways in the regulation of the intestinal barrier during normal homeostasis and digestive diseases. Additionally, we will also suggest potential therapeutic targeting of MLCK- and ROCK-associated pathways in gastrointestinal disorders that compromise the intestinal barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younggeon Jin
- Department of Animal and Avian Sciences, College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
| | - Anthony T. Blikslager
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Comparative Medicine Institute, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA
- Correspondence:
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28
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Ngo S, Liang J, Su YH, O'Brien LE. Disruption of EGF Feedback by Intestinal Tumors and Neighboring Cells in Drosophila. Curr Biol 2020; 30:1537-1546.e3. [PMID: 32243854 PMCID: PMC7409949 DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2020.01.082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In healthy adult organs, robust feedback mechanisms control cell turnover to enforce homeostatic equilibrium between cell division and death [1, 2]. Nascent tumors must subvert these mechanisms to achieve cancerous overgrowth [3-7]. Elucidating the nature of this subversion can reveal how cancers become established and may suggest strategies to prevent tumor progression. In adult Drosophila intestine, a well-studied model of homeostatic cell turnover, the linchpin of cell equilibrium is feedback control of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) protease Rhomboid (Rho). Expression of Rho in apoptotic cells enables them to secrete EGFs, which stimulate nearby stem cells to undergo replacement divisions [8]. As in mammals, loss of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) causes Drosophila intestinal stem cells to form adenomas [9]. Here, we demonstrate that Drosophila APC-/- tumors trigger widespread Rho expression in non-apoptotic cells, resulting in chronic EGF signaling. Initially, nascent APC-/- tumors induce rho in neighboring wild-type cells via acute, non-autonomous activation of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). During later growth and multilayering, APC-/- tumors induce rho in tumor cells by autonomous downregulation of E-cadherin (E-cad) and consequent activity of p120-catenin. This sequential dysregulation of tumor non-autonomous and -autonomous EGF signaling converts tissue-level feedback into feed-forward activation that drives cancerous overgrowth. Because Rho, EGF receptor (EGFR), and E-cad are associated with colorectal cancer in humans [10-17], our findings may shed light on how human colorectal tumors progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Ngo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Jackson Liang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Yu-Han Su
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Lucy Erin O'Brien
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
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Khawaled S, Nigita G, Distefano R, Oster S, Suh SS, Smith Y, Khalaileh A, Peng Y, Croce CM, Geiger T, Seewaldt VL, Aqeilan RI. Pleiotropic tumor suppressor functions of WWOX antagonize metastasis. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:43. [PMID: 32300104 PMCID: PMC7162874 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0136-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor progression and metastasis are the major causes of death among cancer associated mortality. Metastatic cells acquire features of migration and invasion and usually undergo epithelia-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Acquirement of these various hallmarks rely on different cellular pathways, including TGF-β and Wnt signaling. Recently, we reported that WW domain-containing oxidoreductase (WWOX) acts as a tumor suppressor and has anti-metastatic activities involving regulation of several key microRNAs (miRNAs) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Here, we report that WWOX restoration in highly metastatic MDA-MB435S cancer cells alters mRNA expression profiles; further, WWOX interacts with various proteins to exert its tumor suppressor function. Careful alignment and analysis of gene and miRNA expression in these cells revealed profound changes in cellular pathways mediating adhesion, invasion and motility. We further demonstrate that WWOX, through regulation of miR-146a levels, regulates SMAD3, which is a member of the TGF-β signaling pathway. Moreover, proteomic analysis of WWOX partners revealed regulation of the Wnt-signaling activation through physical interaction with Disheveled. Altogether, these findings underscore a significant role for WWOX in antagonizing metastasis, further highlighting its role and therapeutic potential in suppressing tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saleh Khawaled
- Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, IMRIC, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Giovanni Nigita
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rosario Distefano
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sara Oster
- Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, IMRIC, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Sung-Suk Suh
- Department of Bioscience, Mokpo National University, Muan, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoav Smith
- Genomic Data Analysis Unit, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Abed Khalaileh
- Department of Surgery, Hadassah Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Yong Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, 610041, Chengdu, China
| | - Carlo M Croce
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tamar Geiger
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Victoria L Seewaldt
- Department of Population Sciences, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Rami I Aqeilan
- Lautenberg Center for Immunology and Cancer Research, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, IMRIC, Jerusalem, Israel. .,Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Wexner Medical Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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Walczak K, Langner E, Szalast K, Makuch-Kocka A, Pożarowski P, Plech T. A Tryptophan Metabolite, 8-Hydroxyquinaldic Acid, Exerts Antiproliferative and Anti-Migratory Effects on Colorectal Cancer Cells. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25071655. [PMID: 32260268 PMCID: PMC7181169 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25071655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
8-Hydroxyquinaldic acid, the end-metabolite of tryptophan, is well-known metal chelator; however, its role in humans, especially in cancer promotion and progression, has not been fully revealed. Importantly, 8-hydroxyquinaldic acid is the analog of kynurenic acid with evidenced antiproliferative activity towards various cancer cells. In this study, we revealed that 8-hydroxyquinaldic acid inhibited not only proliferation and mitochondrial activity in colon cancer HT-29 and LS-180 cells, but it also decreased DNA synthesis up to 90.9% for HT-29 cells and 76.1% for LS-180 cells. 8-Hydroxyquinaldic acid induced changes in protein expression of cell cycle regulators (CDK4, CDK6, cyclin D1, cyclin E) and CDKs inhibitors (p21 Waf1/Cip1, p27 Kip1), but the effect was dependent on the tested cell line. Moreover, 8-hydroxyquinaldic acid inhibited migration of colon cancer HT-29 and LS-180 cells and increased the expression of β-catenin and E-cadherin. Importantly, antiproliferative and anti-migratory concentrations of 8-hydroxyquinaldic acid were non-toxic in vitro and in vivo. We reported for the first time antiproliferative and anti-migratory activity of 8-hydroxyquinaldic acid against colon cancer HT-29 and LS-180 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Walczak
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.L.); (K.S.); (A.M.-K.)
- Correspondence: (K.W.); (T.P.); Tel.: +48-81-448-6772 (T.P.)
| | - Ewa Langner
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.L.); (K.S.); (A.M.-K.)
- Department of Medical Biology, Institute of Rural Health, Jaczewskiego 2, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Karolina Szalast
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.L.); (K.S.); (A.M.-K.)
| | - Anna Makuch-Kocka
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.L.); (K.S.); (A.M.-K.)
| | - Piotr Pożarowski
- Chair and Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Plech
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (E.L.); (K.S.); (A.M.-K.)
- Correspondence: (K.W.); (T.P.); Tel.: +48-81-448-6772 (T.P.)
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31
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Jackstadt R, Hodder MC, Sansom OJ. WNT and β-Catenin in Cancer: Genes and Therapy. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY-SERIES 2020. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-030419-033628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The WNT pathway is a pleiotropic signaling pathway that controls developmental processes, tissue homeostasis, and cancer. The WNT pathway is commonly mutated in many cancers, leading to widespread research into the role of WNT signaling in carcinogenesis. Understanding which cancers are reliant upon WNT activation and which components of the WNT signaling pathway are mutated is paramount to advancing therapeutic strategies. In addition, building holistic insights into the role of WNT signaling in not only tumor cells but also the tumor microenvironment is a vital area of research and may be a promising therapeutic strategy in multiple immunologically inert cancers. Novel compounds aimed at modulating the WNT signaling pathway using diverse mechanisms are currently under investigation in preclinical/early clinical studies. Here, we review how the WNT pathway is activated in multiple cancers and discuss current strategies to target aberrant WNT signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rene Jackstadt
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom
| | | | - Owen James Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, United Kingdom
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Tong R, Zhang J, Wang C, Li X, Yu T, Wang L. LncRNA PTCSC3 inhibits the proliferation, invasion and migration of cervical cancer cells via sponging miR-574-5p. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2019; 47:439-448. [PMID: 31587336 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of long non-coding RNA papillary thyroid carcinoma susceptibility candidate 3 (lncRNA PTCSC3) has been found to correlate with various types of cancers. Quantitative RT-PCR showed a down-regulation of PTCSC3 in cervical cancer tissues compared with normal cervical tissues. The present study aimed to investigate the role of lncRNA PTCSC3 in cervical cancer and the underlying mechanisms. PTCSC3 was overexpressed in cervical cancer cell lines C-33A and Hela by transfection with pcDNA3.1-lncRNA PTCSC3 expressing plasmid. Overexpression of lncRNA PTCSC3 inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest, and suppressed cell invasion and migration using CCK8 assay, flow cytometry, Transwell assay and wound healing examination, respectively. Western blotting analysis showed that PTCSC3 overexpression decreased the expression of cyclinD1, matrix metalloproteinases 9 (MMP9), N-cadherin and β-catenin and increased E-cadherin expression. Further, PTCSC3 negatively regulated miR-574-5p expression and dual-luciferase assay verified the binding activity between miR-574-5p and lncRNA PTCSC3. Enforced up-regulation of miR-574-5p abolished the inhibitory effect of lncRNA PTCSC3 on cervical cancer cell proliferation, invasiveness and mobility. Taken together, lncRNA PTCSC3 inhibited cell growth and metastasis via sponging miR-574-5p in cervical cancer. Therefore, we demonstrate the tumour-suppressive function of lncRNA PTCSC3 in cervical cancer and suggest that PTCSC3 is a potential therapeutic target for cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tong
- Department of Gynecology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jingru Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xuemei Li
- Department of Gynecology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Tingting Yu
- Department of Gynecology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Gynecology, Liaoning Cancer Hospital and Institute, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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33
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Affiliation(s)
- George Eng
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jonathan Braverman
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ömer H Yilmaz
- The David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA. .,Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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Flanagan DJ, Vincan E, Phesse TJ. Wnt Signaling in Cancer: Not a Binary ON:OFF Switch. Cancer Res 2019; 79:5901-5906. [PMID: 31431458 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-19-1362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In the March 1 issue of Cancer Research, we identified the Wnt receptor Fzd7 as an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of gastric cancer. In summary, we showed that pharmacological inhibition of Wnt receptors, or genetic deletion of Fzd7, blocks the initiation and growth of gastric tumors. Inhibiting Fzd receptors, specifically Fzd7, inhibits the growth of gastric cancer cells even in the presence of adenomatous polyposis coli (Apc) mutation. Apc is located in the cytoplasm downstream of Fzd7 in the Wnt signaling cascade and APC mutations activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling, therefore, this result seems counterintuitive. Here, we analyze this result in greater detail in the context of current knowledge of Wnt signaling and discuss the wider implications of this aspect of Wnt signaling in other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elizabeth Vincan
- University of Melbourne and Victorian Infectious Diseases Reference Laboratory, Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia. .,School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Toby J Phesse
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom. .,Doherty Institute of Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
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35
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Daulagala AC, Bridges MC, Kourtidis A. E-cadherin Beyond Structure: A Signaling Hub in Colon Homeostasis and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2756. [PMID: 31195621 PMCID: PMC6600153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
E-cadherin is the core component of epithelial adherens junctions, essential for tissue development, differentiation, and maintenance. It is also fundamental for tissue barrier formation, a critical function of epithelial tissues. The colon or large intestine is lined by an epithelial monolayer that encompasses an E-cadherin-dependent barrier, critical for the homeostasis of the organ. Compromised barriers of the colonic epithelium lead to inflammation, fibrosis, and are commonly observed in colorectal cancer. In addition to its architectural role, E-cadherin is also considered a tumor suppressor in the colon, primarily a result of its opposing function to Wnt signaling, the predominant driver of colon tumorigenesis. Beyond these well-established traditional roles, several studies have portrayed an evolving role of E-cadherin as a signaling epicenter that regulates cell behavior in response to intra- and extra-cellular cues. Intriguingly, these recent findings also reveal tumor-promoting functions of E-cadherin in colon tumorigenesis and new interacting partners, opening future avenues of investigation. In this Review, we focus on these emerging aspects of E-cadherin signaling, and we discuss their implications in colon biology and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Daulagala
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| | - Mary Catherine Bridges
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
| | - Antonis Kourtidis
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Cell Biology, Medical University of South Carolina, 173 Ashley Avenue, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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36
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Amable G, Martínez-León E, Picco ME, Di Siervi N, Davio C, Rozengurt E, Rey O. Metformin inhibits β-catenin phosphorylation on Ser-552 through an AMPK/PI3K/Akt pathway in colorectal cancer cells. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2019; 112:88-94. [PMID: 31082618 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2019.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Revised: 05/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Several epidemiologic studies have revealed strong inverse associations between metformin use and risk of colorectal cancer development. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms are still uncertain. The Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which plays a central role in intestinal homeostasis and sporadic colorectal cancer development, is regulated by phosphorylation cascades that are dependent and independent of Wnt. Here we report that a non-canonical Ser552 phosphorylation in β-catenin, which promotes its nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activity, is blocked by metformin via AMPK-mediated PI3K/Akt signaling inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gastón Amable
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Caba, 1120, Argentina
| | - Eduardo Martínez-León
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Caba, 1120, Argentina
| | - María Elisa Picco
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Caba, 1120, Argentina
| | - Nicolas Di Siervi
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Argentina
| | - Carlos Davio
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Investigaciones Farmacológicas, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Argentina; Departamento de Farmacología, Caba, 1113, Argentina
| | - Enrique Rozengurt
- Unit of Signal Transduction and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Division of Digestive Diseases, Department of Medicine, CURE: Digestive Diseases Research Center, Molecular Biology Institute and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1786, USA
| | - Osvaldo Rey
- Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Hospital de Clínicas "José de San Martín", Caba, 1120, Argentina.
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37
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Johansson J, Naszai M, Hodder MC, Pickering KA, Miller BW, Ridgway RA, Yu Y, Peschard P, Brachmann S, Campbell AD, Cordero JB, Sansom OJ. RAL GTPases Drive Intestinal Stem Cell Function and Regeneration through Internalization of WNT Signalosomes. Cell Stem Cell 2019; 24:592-607.e7. [PMID: 30853556 PMCID: PMC6459002 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Ral GTPases are RAS effector molecules and by implication a potential therapeutic target for RAS mutant cancer. However, very little is known about their roles in stem cells and tissue homeostasis. Using Drosophila, we identified expression of RalA in intestinal stem cells (ISCs) and progenitor cells of the fly midgut. RalA was required within ISCs for efficient regeneration downstream of Wnt signaling. Within the murine intestine, genetic deletion of either mammalian ortholog, Rala or Ralb, reduced ISC function and Lgr5 positivity, drove hypersensitivity to Wnt inhibition, and impaired tissue regeneration following damage. Ablation of both genes resulted in rapid crypt death. Mechanistically, RALA and RALB were required for efficient internalization of the Wnt receptor Frizzled-7. Together, we identify a conserved role for RAL GTPases in the promotion of optimal Wnt signaling, which defines ISC number and regenerative potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Johansson
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Mate Naszai
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | | | | | - Bryan W Miller
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | | | - Yachuan Yu
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK
| | | | | | | | - Julia B Cordero
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK; Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G61 1QH, UK.
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38
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Wang J, Gerrard G, Poskitt B, Dawson K, Trivedi P, Foroni L, El-Bahrawy M. Targeted next generation sequencing of pancreatic solid pseudopapillary neoplasms show mutations in Wnt signaling pathway genes. Pathol Int 2019; 69:193-201. [PMID: 30811747 DOI: 10.1111/pin.12778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas are rare neoplasms that have been shown to harbor recurrent somatic pathogenic variants in the beta-catenin gene, CTNNB1. Here, we used targeted next generation sequencing to analyze these tumors for other associated mutations. Six cases of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms were studied. DNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue blocks was analyzed using the Ion Torrent platform, with the 50-gene Ampliseq Cancer Hotspot Panel v2 (CHPv2), with further variant validation performed by Sanger sequencing. Four tumors (67%) were confirmed to harbor mutations within CTNNB1, two with c.109T > G p.(Ser37Ala) and two with c.94G > A p.(Asp32Asn). One case showed a frameshift deletion in the Adenomatous Polyposis Coli gene, APC c.3964delG p.(Glu1322Lysfs*93) with a variant allele frequency of 42.6%. Sanger sequencing on non-tumoral tissue confirmed the variant was somatic. The patient with the APC mutation developed metastasis and died. In addition to the four cases harboring CTNNB1 variants, we found a case characterized by poor outcome, showing a rare frameshift deletion in the APC gene. Since the APC product interacts with beta-catenin, APC variants may, in addition to CTNNB1, contribute to the pathogenesis of solid pseudopapillary neoplasms via the Wnt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jayson Wang
- Department of Cellular Pathology, St George's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Gareth Gerrard
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Haematology, Imperial College London, London, UK.,Sarah Cannon Molecular Diagnostics, HCA Healthcare UK, London, UK
| | - Ben Poskitt
- Sarah Cannon Molecular Diagnostics, HCA Healthcare UK, London, UK
| | - Kay Dawson
- Department of Histopathology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Pritesh Trivedi
- Department of Histopathology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK
| | - Letizia Foroni
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Haematology, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Mona El-Bahrawy
- Department of Histopathology, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.,Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt
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39
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Mieszczanek J, van Tienen LM, Ibrahim AEK, Winton DJ, Bienz M. Bcl9 and Pygo synergise downstream of Apc to effect intestinal neoplasia in FAP mouse models. Nat Commun 2019; 10:724. [PMID: 30760710 PMCID: PMC6374407 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08164-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bcl9 and Pygo are Wnt enhanceosome components that effect β-catenin-dependent transcription. Whether they mediate β-catenin-dependent neoplasia is unclear. Here we assess their roles in intestinal tumourigenesis initiated by Apc loss-of-function (ApcMin), or by Apc1322T encoding a partially-functional Apc truncation commonly found in colorectal carcinomas. Intestinal deletion of Bcl9 extends disease-free survival in both models, and essentially cures Apc1322T mice of their neoplasia. Loss-of-Bcl9 synergises with loss-of-Pygo to shift gene expression within Apc-mutant adenomas from stem cell-like to differentiation along Notch-regulated secretory lineages. Bcl9 loss also promotes tumour retention in ApcMin mice, apparently via relocating nuclear β-catenin to the cell surface, but this undesirable effect is not seen in Apc1322T mice whose Apc truncation retains partial function in regulating β-catenin. Our results demonstrate a key role of the Wnt enhanceosome in β-catenin-dependent intestinal tumourigenesis and reveal the potential of BCL9 as a therapeutic target during early stages of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliusz Mieszczanek
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Laurens M van Tienen
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Ashraf E K Ibrahim
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Douglas J Winton
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre,, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Mariann Bienz
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
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40
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Jin Y, Ibrahim D, Magness ST, Blikslager AT. Knockout of ClC-2 reveals critical functions of adherens junctions in colonic homeostasis and tumorigenicity. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2018; 315:G966-G979. [PMID: 30285466 PMCID: PMC6336945 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00087.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Adherens junctions (AJs), together with tight junctions (TJs), form an apical junctional complex that regulates intestinal epithelial cell-to-cell adherence and barrier homeostasis. Within the AJ, membrane-bound E-cadherin binds β-catenin, which functions as an essential intracellular signaling molecule. We have previously identified a novel protein in the region of the apical junction complex, chloride channel protein-2 (ClC-2), that we have used to study TJ regulation. In this study, we investigated the possible effects of ClC-2 on the regulation of AJs in intestinal mucosal epithelial homeostasis and tumorigenicity. Mucosal homeostasis and junctional proteins were examined in wild-type (WT) and ClC-2 knockout (KO) mice as well as associated colonoids. Tumorigenicity and AJ-associated signaling were evaluated in a murine colitis-associated tumor model and in a colorectal cancer cell line (HT-29). Colonic tissues from ClC-2 KO mice had altered ultrastructural morphology of intercellular junctions with reduced colonocyte differentiation, whereas jejunal tissues had minimal changes. Colonic crypts from ClC-2 KO mice had significantly higher numbers of less-differentiated forms of colonoids compared with WT. Furthermore, the absence of ClC-2 resulted in redistribution of AJ proteins and increased β-catenin activity. Downregulation of ClC-2 in colorectal cells resulted in significant increases in proliferation associated with disruption of AJs. Colitis-associated tumors in ClC-2 KO mice were significantly increased, associated with β-catenin transcription factor activation. The absence of ClC-2 results in less differentiated colonic crypts and increased tumorigenicity associated with colitis via dysregulation of AJ proteins and activation of β-catenin-associated signaling. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Disruption of adherens junctions in the absence of chloride channel protein-2 revealed critical functions of these junctional structures, including maintenance of colonic homeostasis and differentiation as well as driving tumorigenicity by regulating β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Younggeon Jin
- 1Department of Clinical Sciences, Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Dina Ibrahim
- 1Department of Clinical Sciences, Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
| | - Scott T. Magness
- 1Department of Clinical Sciences, Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina,2Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Anthony T. Blikslager
- 1Department of Clinical Sciences, Center for Gastrointestinal Biology and Disease, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina
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41
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Greenhough A, Bagley C, Heesom KJ, Gurevich DB, Gay D, Bond M, Collard TJ, Paraskeva C, Martin P, Sansom OJ, Malik K, Williams AC. Cancer cell adaptation to hypoxia involves a HIF-GPRC5A-YAP axis. EMBO Mol Med 2018; 10:e8699. [PMID: 30143543 PMCID: PMC6220329 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201708699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 07/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia is a hallmark of solid tumours and a key physiological feature distinguishing cancer from normal tissue. However, a major challenge remains in identifying tractable molecular targets that hypoxic cancer cells depend on for survival. Here, we used SILAC-based proteomics to identify the orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPRC5A as a novel hypoxia-induced protein that functions to protect cancer cells from apoptosis during oxygen deprivation. Using genetic approaches in vitro and in vivo, we reveal HIFs as direct activators of GPRC5A transcription. Furthermore, we find that GPRC5A is upregulated in the colonic epithelium of patients with mesenteric ischaemia, and in colorectal cancers high GPRC5A correlates with hypoxia gene signatures and poor clinical outcomes. Mechanistically, we show that GPRC5A enables hypoxic cell survival by activating the Hippo pathway effector YAP and its anti-apoptotic target gene BCL2L1 Importantly, we show that the apoptosis induced by GPRC5A depletion in hypoxia can be rescued by constitutively active YAP. Our study identifies a novel HIF-GPRC5A-YAP axis as a critical mediator of the hypoxia-induced adaptive response and a potential target for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Greenhough
- Cancer Research UK Colorectal Tumour Biology Group, School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Clare Bagley
- Cancer Research UK Colorectal Tumour Biology Group, School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Kate J Heesom
- Proteomics Facility, Faculty of Life Sciences University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - David B Gurevich
- School of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - David Gay
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
| | - Mark Bond
- School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Tracey J Collard
- Cancer Research UK Colorectal Tumour Biology Group, School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Chris Paraskeva
- Cancer Research UK Colorectal Tumour Biology Group, School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Paul Martin
- School of Biochemistry, Faculty of Life Sciences University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- School of Physiology, Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Faculty of Life Sciences University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Karim Malik
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Ann C Williams
- Cancer Research UK Colorectal Tumour Biology Group, School of Cellular & Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Life Sciences University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
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42
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A growth factor-free culture system underscores the coordination between Wnt and BMP signaling in Lgr5 + intestinal stem cell maintenance. Cell Discov 2018; 4:49. [PMID: 30181900 PMCID: PMC6120946 DOI: 10.1038/s41421-018-0051-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Lgr5+ intestinal stem cells (ISCs) drive the fast renewal of intestinal epithelium. Several signaling pathways have been shown to regulate ISC fates. However, it is unclear what are the essential signals to sustain the ISC self-renewal. Here we show that coordination between Wnt and BMP signaling activity is necessary and sufficient to maintain Lgr5+ ISCs self-renewal. The key function of R-spondin1 is to achieve a high activity of Wnt signaling in the organoid culture. Using the GSK3 inhibitor CHIR-99021 and the BMP type I receptor inhibitor LDN-193189, we can maintain Lgr5+ ISCs without growth factors in vitro. Our results define the basic signaling pathways sustaining Lgr5+ ISCs and set up a convenient and economical culture system for their in vitro expansion. This work also set up an example for growth factor-free culture of other adult stem cells.
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43
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Cui C, Zhou X, Zhang W, Qu Y, Ke X. Is β-Catenin a Druggable Target for Cancer Therapy? Trends Biochem Sci 2018; 43:623-634. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibs.2018.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2018] [Revised: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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44
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Lin SH, Raju GS, Huff C, Ye Y, Gu J, Chen JS, Hildebrandt MAT, Liang H, Menter DG, Morris J, Hawk E, Stroehlein JR, Futreal A, Kopetz S, Mishra L, Wu X. The somatic mutation landscape of premalignant colorectal adenoma. Gut 2018; 67:1299-1305. [PMID: 28607096 PMCID: PMC6031265 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2016-313573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 05/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There are few studies which characterised the molecular alterations in premalignant colorectal adenomas. Our major goal was to establish colorectal adenoma genome atlas and identify molecular markers of progression from colorectal adenoma to adenocarcinoma. DESIGN Whole-exome sequencing and targeted sequencing were carried out in 149 adenoma samples and paired blood from patients with conventional adenoma or sessile serrated adenoma to characterise the somatic mutation landscape for premalignant colorectal lesions. The identified somatic mutations were compared with those in colorectal cancer (CRC) samples from The Cancer Genome Atlas. A supervised random forest model was employed to identify gene panels differentiating adenoma from CRC. RESULTS Similar somatic mutation frequencies, but distinctive driver mutations, were observed in sessile serrated adenomas and conventional adenomas. The final model included 20 genes and was able to separate the somatic mutation profile of colorectal adenoma and adenocarcinoma with an area under the curve of 0.941. CONCLUSION The findings of this project hold potential to better identify patients with adenoma who may be candidates for targeted surveillance programmes and preventive interventions to reduce the incidence of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-Hong Lin
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA,The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston and MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Gottumukkala S Raju
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Chad Huff
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Yuanqing Ye
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jian Gu
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jiun-Sheng Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA,The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston and MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michelle A T Hildebrandt
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Han Liang
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David G Menter
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Jeffery Morris
- Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ernest Hawk
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Population Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - John R Stroehlein
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew Futreal
- Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Scott Kopetz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Lopa Mishra
- Department of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Xifeng Wu
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
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Uribe D, Cardona A, Esposti DD, Cros MP, Cuenin C, Herceg Z, Camargo M, Cortés-Mancera FM. Antiproliferative Effects of Epigenetic Modifier Drugs Through E-cadherin Up-regulation in Liver Cancer Cell Lines. Ann Hepatol 2018; 17:444-460. [PMID: 29735783 DOI: 10.5604/01.3001.0011.7389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION AND AIM Epigenetic alterations play an essential role in cancer onset and progression, thus studies of drugs targeting the epigenetic machinery are a principal concern for cancer treatment. Here, we evaluated the potential of the combination of the DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5aza-dC) and the pan-deacetylase inhibitor Trichostatin A (TSA), at low cytotoxic concentrations, to modulate the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway in liver cancer cells. MATERIAL AND METHODS Pyrosequencing was used for DNA methylation analyses of LINE-1 sequences and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway antagonist DKK3, SFRP1, WIF1 and CDH1. qRT-PCR was employed to verify the expression of the antagonist. Pathway regulation were evaluated looking at the expression of β-catenin and E-cadherin by confocal microscopy and the antitumoral effects of the drugs was studied by wound healing and clonogenic assays. RESULTS Our result suggest that 5aza-dC and TSA treatments were enough to induce a significant expression of the pathway antagonists, decrease of β-catenin protein levels, re-localization of the protein to the plasma membrane, and pathway transcriptional activity reduction. These important effects exerted an antitumoral outcome shown by the reduction of the migration and clonogenic capabilities of the cells. CONCLUSION We were able to demonstrate Wnt/ β-catenin pathway modulation through E-cadherin up-regulation induced by 5aza-dC and TSA treatments, under an activation-pathway background, like CTNNB1 and TP53 mutations. These findings provide evidences of the potential effect of epigenetic modifier drugs for liver cancer treatment. However, further research needs to be conducted, to determine the in vivo potential of this treatment regimen for the management of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Uribe
- Grupo de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica - GI2B, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, ITM. Medellín, Colombia
| | - Andres Cardona
- Grupo de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica - GI2B, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, ITM. Medellín, Colombia
| | - Davide Degli Esposti
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC. Lyon, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Cros
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC. Lyon, France
| | - Cyrille Cuenin
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC. Lyon, France
| | - Zdenko Herceg
- Epigenetics Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, IARC. Lyon, France
| | - Mauricio Camargo
- Grupo Genética, Regeneración y Cáncer - GRC, Sede de Investigación Universitaria, SIU Lab 432, Universidad de Antioquia, UdeA. Medellín, Colombia
| | - Fabian M Cortés-Mancera
- Grupo de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica - GI2B, Instituto Tecnológico Metropolitano, ITM. Medellín, Colombia
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46
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Gankyrin sustains PI3K/GSK-3β/β-catenin signal activation and promotes colorectal cancer aggressiveness and progression. Oncotarget 2018; 7:81156-81171. [PMID: 27835604 PMCID: PMC5348383 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.13215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
High levels of angiogenesis, metastasis and chemoresistance are major clinical features of colorectal cancer (CRC), a lethal disease with a high incidence worldwide. Aberrant activation of Wnt/β-catenin pathway contributes to CRC progression. However, little is known about regulatory mechanisms of the β-catenin activity in cancer progression. Here we report that Gankyrin was markedly upregulated in primary tumor tissues from CRC patients and was associated with poor survival. Moreover, we demonstrated that overexpressing Gankyrin promoted, while knockdown of Gankyrin impaired, the aggressive phenotype of proliferation, angiogenesis, chemoresistance and metastasis of CRC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, we found a unique molecular mechanism of Gankyrin in CRC cells signaling transduction, that regulated the cross-talk between PI3K/Akt and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathways, sustaining PI3K/GSK-3β/β-catenin signal activation in CRC. Therefore, these findings not only reveal a mechanism that promotes aggressiveness and progression in CRC, but also provide insight into novel molecular targets for antitumor therapy in CRCs.
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Ahadova A, Gallon R, Gebert J, Ballhausen A, Endris V, Kirchner M, Stenzinger A, Burn J, von Knebel Doeberitz M, Bläker H, Kloor M. Three molecular pathways model colorectal carcinogenesis in Lynch syndrome. Int J Cancer 2018; 143:139-150. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.31300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2017] [Revised: 01/26/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Aysel Ahadova
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology; Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg Im Neuenheimer Feld 224; 69120 Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280; 69120 Heidelberg Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), University Hospital Heidelberg; Heidelberg Germany
| | - Richard Gallon
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway; Newcastle upon Tyne United Kingdom
| | - Johannes Gebert
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology; Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg Im Neuenheimer Feld 224; 69120 Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280; 69120 Heidelberg Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), University Hospital Heidelberg; Heidelberg Germany
| | - Alexej Ballhausen
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology; Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg Im Neuenheimer Feld 224; 69120 Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280; 69120 Heidelberg Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), University Hospital Heidelberg; Heidelberg Germany
| | - Volker Endris
- Department of General Pathology; Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg Im Neuenheimer Feld 224; Heidelberg 69120 Germany
| | - Martina Kirchner
- Department of General Pathology; Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg Im Neuenheimer Feld 224; Heidelberg 69120 Germany
| | - Albrecht Stenzinger
- Department of General Pathology; Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg Im Neuenheimer Feld 224; Heidelberg 69120 Germany
| | - John Burn
- Institute of Genetic Medicine, Newcastle University, International Centre for Life, Central Parkway; Newcastle upon Tyne United Kingdom
| | - Magnus von Knebel Doeberitz
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology; Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg Im Neuenheimer Feld 224; 69120 Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280; 69120 Heidelberg Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), University Hospital Heidelberg; Heidelberg Germany
| | - Hendrik Bläker
- Department of General Pathology; University Hospital Charité, Charitéplatz 1; Berlin 10117 Germany
| | - Matthias Kloor
- Department of Applied Tumor Biology; Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg Im Neuenheimer Feld 224; 69120 Heidelberg Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Applied Tumor Biology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Im Neuenheimer Feld 280; 69120 Heidelberg Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), University Hospital Heidelberg; Heidelberg Germany
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48
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Matheson J, Bühnemann C, Carter EJ, Barnes D, Hoppe HJ, Hughes J, Cobbold S, Harper J, Morreau H, Surakhy M, Hassan AB. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition and nuclear β-catenin induced by conditional intestinal disruption of Cdh1 with Apc is E-cadherin EC1 domain dependent. Oncotarget 2018; 7:69883-69902. [PMID: 27566565 PMCID: PMC5342522 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Two important protein-protein interactions establish E-cadherin (Cdh1) in the adhesion complex; homophilic binding via the extra-cellular (EC1) domain and cytoplasmic tail binding to β-catenin. Here, we evaluate whether E-cadherin binding can inhibit β-catenin when there is loss of Adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) from the β-catenin destruction complex. Combined conditional loss of Cdh1 and Apc were generated in the intestine, intestinal adenoma and adenoma organoids. Combined intestinal disruption (Cdh1fl/flApcfl/flVil-CreERT2) resulted in lethality, breakdown of the intestinal barrier, increased Wnt target gene expression and increased nuclear β-catenin localization, suggesting that E-cadherin inhibits β-catenin. Combination with an intestinal stem cell Cre (Lgr5CreERT2) resulted in ApcΔ/Δ recombination and adenoma, but intact Cdh1fl/fl alleles. Cultured ApcΔ/ΔCdh1fl/fl adenoma cells infected with adenovirus-Cre induced Cdh1fl/fl recombination (Cdh1Δ/Δ), disruption of organoid morphology, nuclear β-catenin localization, and cells with an epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype. Complementation with adenovirus expressing wild-type Cdh1 (Cdh1-WT) rescued adhesion and β-catenin membrane localization, yet an EC1 specific double mutant defective in homophilic adhesion (Cdh1-MutW2A, S78W) did not. These data suggest that E-cadherin inhibits β-catenin in the context of disruption of the APC-destruction complex, and that this function is also EC1 domain dependent. Both binding functions of E-cadherin may be required for its tumour suppressor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Matheson
- Tumour Growth Group, Oxford Molecular Pathology Institute, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Claudia Bühnemann
- Tumour Growth Group, Oxford Molecular Pathology Institute, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Emma J Carter
- Tumour Growth Group, Oxford Molecular Pathology Institute, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - David Barnes
- Tumour Growth Group, Oxford Molecular Pathology Institute, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hans-Jürgen Hoppe
- Tumour Growth Group, Oxford Molecular Pathology Institute, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Hughes
- Tumour Growth Group, Oxford Molecular Pathology Institute, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Cobbold
- Tumour Growth Group, Oxford Molecular Pathology Institute, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - James Harper
- Tumour Growth Group, Oxford Molecular Pathology Institute, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Hans Morreau
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mirvat Surakhy
- Tumour Growth Group, Oxford Molecular Pathology Institute, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - A Bassim Hassan
- Tumour Growth Group, Oxford Molecular Pathology Institute, Sir William Dunn School of Pathology, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Zhang H, Feng M, Feng Y, Bu Z, Li Z, Jia S, Ji J. Germline mutations in hereditary diffuse gastric cancer. Chin J Cancer Res 2018; 30:122-130. [PMID: 29545726 DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2018.01.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Among which, about 1%-3% of gastric cancer patients were characterized by inherited gastric cancer predisposition syndromes, knowing as hereditary diffuse gastric cancer (HDGC). Studies reported that CDH1 germline mutations are the main cause of HDGC. With the help of rapid development of genetic testing technologies and data analysis tools, more and more researchers focus on seeking candidate susceptibility genes for hereditary cancer syndromes. In addition, National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guidelines recommend that the patients of HDGC carrying CDH1 mutations should undergo prophylactic gastrectomy or routine endoscopic surveillances. Therefore, genetic counseling plays a key role in helping individuals with pathogenic mutations make appropriate risk management plans. Moreover, experienced and professional genetic counselors as well as a systematic multidisciplinary team (MDT) are also required to facilitate the development of genetic counseling and benefit pathogenic mutation carriers who are in need of regular and standardized risk management solutions. In this review, we provided an overview about the germline mutations of several genes identified in HDGC, suggesting that these genes may potentially act as susceptibility genes for this malignant cancer syndrome. Furthermore, we introduced information for prevention, diagnosis and risk management of HDGC. Investigations on key factors that may have effect on risk management decision-making and genetic data collection of more cancer syndrome family pedigrees are required for the development of HDGC therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Surgery Laboratory, the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Mengmeng Feng
- Surgery Laboratory, the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Yi Feng
- Surgery Laboratory, the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Zhaode Bu
- Surgery Laboratory, the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Ziyu Li
- Surgery Laboratory, the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
| | - Shuqin Jia
- Surgery Laboratory, the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Molecular Diagnostics, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Jiafu Ji
- Surgery Laboratory, the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University, Hohhot 010050, China
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50
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Tan SH, Barker N. Wnt Signaling in Adult Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2018; 153:21-79. [PMID: 29389518 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2017.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is integral to the homeostasis and regeneration of many epithelial tissues due to its critical role in adult stem cell regulation. It is also implicated in many epithelial cancers, with mutations in core pathway components frequently present in patient tumors. In this chapter, we discuss the roles of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and Wnt-regulated stem cells in homeostatic, regenerative and cancer contexts of the intestines, stomach, skin, and liver. We also examine the sources of Wnt ligands that form part of the stem cell niche. Despite the diversity in characteristics of various tissue stem cells, the role(s) of Wnt/β-catenin signaling is generally coherent in maintaining stem cell fate and/or promoting proliferation. It is also likely to play similar roles in cancer stem cells, making the pathway a salient therapeutic target for cancer. While promising progress is being made in the field, deeper understanding of the functions and signaling mechanisms of the pathway in individual epithelial tissues will expedite efforts to modulate Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancer treatment and tissue regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Hui Tan
- A*STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore
| | - Nick Barker
- A*STAR Institute of Medical Biology, Singapore; Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan; Centre for Regenerative Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom.
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