Inactivation of Wnt-LRP5 signaling suppresses the proliferation and migration of ovarian cancer cells

The regulation of LRPs by miRNAs in cancer: influencing cancer characteristics and responses to treatment

The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP) family is a group of cell surface receptors that participate in a variety of biological processes, including lipid metabolism, Wnt signaling, and bone metabolism. miRNAs are small non-coding RNA molecules that regulate gene expression and play a role in many biological processes, including the occurrence and development of tumors. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that LRP members are modulated by miRNAs across multiple cancer types, influencing key oncogenic processes-including tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis suppression, extracellular matrix remodeling, cell adhesion, and angiogenesis. The LRPs, miRNAs, their upstream lncRNAs, and downstream signaling molecules often form complex signaling pathways to regulate the activity of tumor cells. However, the tissue-specific roles and mechanistic underpinnings of these pathways remain incompletely understood. When examining the emerging concept of the interaction between miRNAs and LRPs, we emphasize the significance of these complex regulatory layers in the initiation and progression of cancer. Collectively, these findings are critical for advancing our understanding of the role of the LRPs family in the occurrence and development of tumors, as well as for the development of new strategies for cancer treatment.

Semaglutide promotes the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells through activation of the Wnt/LRP5/β-catenin signaling pathway

Diabetes mellitus is a global disease in which alterations in the internal environment disrupt the bone-fat balance, contributing to osteoporosis. Semaglutide, a single-target, long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA), has been shown to promote osteogenesis in vitro, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the ability of Semaglutide to promote the proliferation of bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) was determined by CCK-8 kit and flow cytometry, Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining and alizarin red S staining showed that semaglutide increased ALP activity and the proportion of mineralised nodules during induction of osteogenesis, wound healing assay to evaluate the pro-migratory ability of semaglutide on BMSCs.Western blotting and RT-PCR showed that semaglutide promoted the mRNA and protein expression of osteocalcin (OCN) and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2), and further determined the OCN expression level by immunofluorescence. RNA sequencing was performed to analyze the mechanisms underlying BMSC osteogenesis after semaglutide intervention. Enrichment of RNA sequencing data indicated that the Wnt/LRP5/β-catenin pathway was activated after treatment with semaglutide. Western blotting further confirmed the upregulation of Wnt pathway-associated protein levels by semaglutide. Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) and LiCl (lithium chloride) are common inhibitors and agonists of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The addition of semaglutide resulted in the partial reversal of the inhibitory effect of DKK1 on osteogenic differentiation, with the administration of LiCl and semaglutide further accelerating the osteogenic process. In addition to alterations in gene and protein expression levels, these changes are also reflected in alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and calcium deposition. Therefore, we suggest that semaglutide can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs in vitro via the Wnt/LRP5/β-catenin signalling pathway.

LRP5 enhances glioma cell proliferation by modulating the MAPK/p53/cdc2 pathway

Background: Glioma is a malignant neoplasm with generally poor prognosis and the treatment options and effective drugs are very limited. LRP5, a member of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene family, has been reported to regulate the progression of various cancers such as gastric and colorectal cancer. However, the function of LRP5 in glioma has not been elucidated. The objective of this study is to explore the influence of LRP5 in glioma cell proliferation and its potential molecular mechanisms. Methods: LRP5 expression in glioma was assessed through bioinformatics analysis, and validation was conducted using clinical glioma tissues. Glioma cell lines with reduced LRP5 expression were established through RNA interference. A series of experiments such as cell proliferation assay, flow cytometry analysis, and Western blotting were used to determine the role of LRP5 in glioma cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, and the underlying mechanisms. Results: LRP5 was found to be upregulated in glioma tissues and exhibited significant variations across various subtypes of glioblastoma (GBM). When differentiating between normal individuals and glioma patients, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for LRP5 was determined to be 0.981. Downregulating the expression of LRP5 in glioma cells can weaken their proliferative ability and reduce the number of cell colonies. There were more cells arrested in the G2/M phase of the cell cycle. The protein levels of phospho-p53 (p-p53), p21Cip1, and phospho-cdc2 (p-cdc2) were elevated. Moreover, LRP5 down-regulation suppressed the phosphorylation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family members, JNK and p38 MAPK. Consistent results with those mentioned above can be achieved by using an LRP5 antagonist named DKK-1. Conclusion: This research has identified that LRP5 may promote glioma proliferation by influencing the G2/M transition and the activation of the MAPK/p53/cdc2 pathways, suggesting its value as a potential molecular target for glioma diagnosis and treatment.

hsa_circ_0000129 targets miR-383-5p/tropomyosin 3 axis to facilitate ovarian cancer progression

Ovarian cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies among women. CircRNAs play key roles in the progression of ovarian cancer. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of action of hsa_circ_0000129 and its effects on ovarian cancer. Expression of hsa_circ_0000129, tropomyosin 3 (TPM3), and miR-383-5p in ovarian cancer cell lines and tissue specimens was detected using qRT-PCR or western blotting. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation, and transwell assays were performed to assess viability, proliferation, and migration of ovarian cancer cells. A xenograft model was used to study tumorigenicity of ovarian cancer cells in vivo. Luciferase and RNA immunoprecipitation assays were performed to determine binding between miR-383-5p and hsa_circ_0000129 or TPM3. Upregulation of hsa_circ_0000129 and TPM3 and downregulation of miR-383-5p were observed in ovarian cancer. Low hsa_circ_0000129 and TPM3 expression repressed viability, migration, and proliferation of ovarian cancer cells. Inhibition of miR-383-5p had a contrary effect. Furthermore, knockdown of hsa_circ_0000129 restricted the tumorigenicity of ovarian cancer cells. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0000129 has a sponging effect on miR-383-5p, which targets TPM3. Hsa_circ_0000129 stimulated development of the malignant ovarian cancer phenotype by sponging miR-383-5p and releasing TPM3.

Regulation of Natural Products on Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway in Diseases

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays a crucial role in both physiological and pathological conditions. Targeting molecules associated with the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway presents a promising approach for disease treatment. The use of natural products in treating various diseases is widespread due to their favorable biocompatibility, low toxicity, and high biological activity. Research has shown that natural products such as curcumin and resveratrol can regulate multiple signaling pathways under disease conditions, including the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. However, the regulatory mechanisms of natural products remain incompletely understood. This review aims to explore the regulatory effects of natural products on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in certain diseases, especially in the process of tumor progression. It outlines the composition and mechanisms of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Furthermore, we predicted the potential binding sites of these natural products to this pathway, summarized the effects of diverse natural products on this signaling pathway, and conducted a preliminary exploration ofd the mechanisms of the effects of natural products. In addition, we considered and discussed the limitations of natural products, such as potential side effects from long-term use and the precision in targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. This review provides a theoretical basis for the targeted strategy of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Knockdown of LRP5 Promotes Proliferation and Invasion of Tongue Squamous Cell Carcinoma through Compensatory Activation of Akt Signaling

The role of LRP5, a critical receptor in the Wnt signaling pathway, remains unexplored in tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC). This study investigates the impact of LRP5 knockdown on the biological behaviors of TSCC cell lines both in vitro and in vivo. Our findings indicate that LRP5 knockdown significantly enhances cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in CAL27 and SCC25 cell lines. RNA-seq analysis reveals compensatory activation of the Akt pathway, with 119 genes significantly upregulated post-LRP5 knockdown. Elevated MMP1 expression suggests its potential involvement in TSCC progression. Western blot analysis demonstrates increased Akt phosphorylation, upregulated proliferation-related PCNA, and downregulated apoptosis-related caspase-3 after LRP5 knockdown. Down-regulation of E-cadherin and β-Catenin, proteins associated with cell adhesion and invasion, further elucidates the molecular mechanism underlying increased cell migration and invasion. Our study concludes that compensatory Akt pathway activation is essential for the LRP5 knockdown-induced migration and proliferation of CAL27 and SCC25 cells. These results highlight LRP5 as a potential therapeutic target for TSCC. Simultaneous inhibition of Wnt and Akt signaling emerges as a promising approach for TSCC treatment.

Wnt/β-catenin-driven EMT regulation in human cancers

Metastasis accounts for 90% of cancer-related deaths among the patients. The transformation of epithelial cells into mesenchymal cells with molecular alterations can occur during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The EMT mechanism accelerates the cancer metastasis and drug resistance ability in human cancers. Among the different regulators of EMT, Wnt/β-catenin axis has been emerged as a versatile modulator. Wnt is in active form in physiological condition due to the function of GSK-3β that destructs β-catenin, while ligand-receptor interaction impairs GSK-3β function to increase β-catenin stability and promote its nuclear transfer. Regarding the oncogenic function of Wnt/β-catenin, its upregulation occurs in human cancers and it can accelerate EMT-mediated metastasis and drug resistance. The stimulation of Wnt by binding Wnt ligands into Frizzled receptors can enhance β-catenin accumulation in cytoplasm that stimulates EMT and related genes upon nuclear translocation. Wnt/β-catenin/EMT axis has been implicated in augmenting metastasis of both solid and hematological tumors. The Wnt/EMT-mediated cancer metastasis promotes the malignant behavior of tumor cells, causing therapy resistance. The Wnt/β-catenin/EMT axis can be modulated by upstream mediators in which non-coding RNAs are main regulators. Moreover, pharmacological intervention, mainly using phytochemicals, suppresses Wnt/EMT axis in metastasis suppression.