Clinicopathological features and expression of regulatory mechanism of the Wnt signaling pathway in colorectal sessile serrated adenomas/polyps with different syndrome types

BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the third most common cancer worldwide,with the fourth highest mortality among all cancers.Reportedly,in addition to adenomas,serrated polyps,which account for 15%-30%of CRCs,can also develop into CRCs through the serrated pathway.Sessile serrated adenomas/polyps(SSAs/Ps),a type of serrated polyps,are easily misdiagnosed during endoscopy.AIM To observe the difference in the Wnt signaling pathway expression in SSAs/Ps patients with different syndrome types.METHODS From January 2021 to December 2021,patients with SSAs/Ps were recruited from the Endoscopy Room of Shanghai Traditional Chinese Medicine-Integrated Hospital,affiliated with Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.Thirty cases each of large intestine damp-heat(Da-Chang-Shi-Re,DCSR)syndrome and spleen-stomach weakness(Pi-Wei-Xu-Ruo)syndrome were reported.Baseline comparison of the general data,typical tongue coating,colonoscopy findings,and hematoxylin and eosin findings was performed in each group.The expression of the Wnt pathway-related proteins,namelyβ-catenin,adenomatous polyposis coli,and mutated in colorectal cancer,were analyzed using immunohistochemistry.RESULTS Significant differences were observed with respect to the SSAs/Ps size between the two groups of patients with different syndrome types(P=0.001).The other aspects did not differ between the two groups.The Wnt signaling pathway was activated in patients with SSAs/Ps belonging to both groups,which was manifested asβ-catenin protein translocation into the nucleus.However,SSAs/Ps patients with DCSR syndrome had more nucleation,higherβ-catenin expression,and negative regulatory factor(adenomatous polyposis coli and mutated in colorectal cancer)expression(P<0.0001)than SSA/P patients with Pi-Wei-Xu-Ruo syndrome.In addition,the SSA/P size was linearly correlated with the related protein expression.CONCLUSION Patients with DCSR syndrome had a more obvious Wnt signaling pathway activation and a higher risk of carcinogenesis.A high-quality colonoscopic diagnosis was essential.The thorough assessment of clinical diseases can be improved by combining the diseases of Western medicine with the syndromes of traditional Chinese medicine.

Effects of curcumin on uterine leiomyoma in a rat model by inhibiting β-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway

Background:Women with uterine leiomyomas may suffer severe symptoms.To avoid risks of side effects,it is necessary to develop an optimal agent to shrink leiomyomas with fewer side effects and a lower recurrence rate.Curcumin may have a lower side effect in uterine leiomyoma treatment.Methods:We established the estrogen-and-progesterone-induced murine model of uterine leiomyoma.Next,we determined the expression of related genes of the β-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway by western blot,reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction,and immunohistochemistry.We also noticed the morphological changes in uterine tissues by hematoxylin-eosin staining.Results:Curcumin plays an important role in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related expression including β-catenin,adenomatous polyposis coli,glycogen synthase kinase-3β,Wnt-11,and serum hormone concentrations.Conclusions:Curcumin could the down-regulation of serum hormone concentrations and inhibition of the β-catenin/Wnt signaling pathway in the treatment of uterine leiomyoma.

A growing field: the regulation of axonal regeneration by Wnt signaling

The canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway is a highly conserved signaling cascade that plays critical roles during embryogenesis. Wnt ligands regulate axonal extension, growth cone guidance and synaptogenesis throughout the developing central nervous system(CNS). Recently, studies in mammalian and fish model systems have demonstrated that Wnt/β-catenin signaling also promotes axonal regeneration in the adult optic nerve and spinal cord after injury, raising the possibility that Wnt could be developed as a therapeutic strategy. In this review, we summarize experimental evidence that reveals novel roles for Wnt signaling in the injured CNS, and discuss possible mechanisms by which Wnt ligands could overcome molecular barriers inhibiting axonal growth to promote regeneration. A central challenge in the neuroscience field is developing therapeutic strategies that induce robust axonal regeneration. Although adult axons have the capacity to respond to axonal guidance molecules after injury, there are several major obstacles for axonal growth, including extensive neuronal death, glial scars at the injury site, and lack of axonal guidance signals. Research in rodents demonstrated that activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in retinal neurons and radial glia induced neuronal survival and axonal growth, but that activation within reactive glia at the injury site promoted proliferation and glial scar formation. Studies in zebrafish spinal cord injury models confirm an axonal regenerative role for Wnt/β-catenin signaling and identified the cell types responsible. Additionally, in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that Wnt induces axonal and neurite growth through transcription-dependent effects of its central mediator β-catenin, potentially by inducing regeneration-promoting genes. Canonical Wnt signaling may also function through transcription-independent interactions of β-catenin with cytoskeletal elements, which could stabilize growing axons and control growth cone movement. Therefore, these studies suggest that Wnt-induced pathways responsible for regulating axonal growth during embryogenesis could be repurposed to promote axonal growth after injury.

Two Natural ent-kauranoids as Novel Wnt Signaling Inhibitors

Constitutively active Wnt signaling frequently occurs in most colon cancers.Therefore,inhibitors of Wnt signaling pathway could provide rational therapeutic effects for colorectal malignancy.Within this paper,we identified two inhibitors of Wnt signaling pathway,rabdoternin B and maoecrystal I from a natural ent-kauranoid library by a dualluciferase reporter gene assay.The two compounds inhibited Wnt signaling pathway in a concentration-dependent manner and exhibited selective cytotoxicity toward a number of colon carcinoma cell lines SW480,HCT116,and HT29,with only weak cytotoxicity towards the normal colonic epithelial cell line CCD-841-CoN.Rabdoternin B and maoecrystal I treatment induced G2/M phase arrest efficiently in SW480 cells as revealed by flow cytometry analysis.A further study found that maoecrystal I decreased the expression of Wnt signaling target genes,including c-myc,cyclin D1,survivin and Axin2 in colon cancer cells.Collectively our data suggests that rabdoternin B and maoecrystal I are novel inhibitors of canonical Wnt signaling pathway and may possess potentials for colon cancer therapy.

Suppression of AOM/DSS-induced colorectal cancer by scutellarin through downregulation of Wnt signaling pathway activity

OBJECTIVE To investigate the therapeutic effect of scutellarin on colitis-associated cancer(CAC)and its underlying mechanism based on Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.METHODS The mouse model of CAC was established by azomethane oxide(AOM)and sodium dextran sulfate(DSS),followed by scutellarin treatment,with recording the body weight,diarrhea and hematochezia.After sacrificing the mice,the colorectal length and colorectal tumor were assessed.The levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-αand IL-6 in mice′s sera were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The colorectal lesions were appraised by hematoxylin and eosin(H&E)staining.Theβ-catenin level in CAC tissues was probed by immunofluorescent analysis.The apoptosis-related genes Bax and Bcl-2,and Wnt signaling pathway-related genesβ-catenin,GSK-3β,TCF4,c-Myc and cyclin D1 were detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR(RT-qPCR).Finally,Western blotting analysis(WB)was employed to examine the expressions of the apoptosis and Wnt signaling pathway-related proteins.RESULTS Scutellarin significantly improved AOM/DSS-caused weight loss,colorectal length shortening,and tumor growth in mice(P<0.01).Meanwhile,colorectal lesions could be substantially alleviated by scutellarin.ELISA results showed that the levels of pro-inflammatory factors TNF-αand IL-6 were drastically lessened(P<0.01).Scutellarin also sharply inhibited the nuclear translocation ofβ-catenin,as evidenced by the reduction in the nuclear level ofβ-catenin protein.In addition,scutellarin attenuated the mRNA expression of Wnt signaling pathway-relatedβ-catenin,TCF4,c-Myc and cyclin D1,whereas it heightened GSK-3βmRNA level.These results were consolidated by WB analysis,which indicated that scutellarin could mitigate the protein levels of phospho-GSK-3β,β-catenin,TCF4,c-Myc and cyclin D1,with the increase in GSK-3βprotein in CAC tissue.Moreover,scutellarin could induce the apoptosis of CAC,demonstrated by enhanced expression of Bax and diminished expression of Bcl-2 in both mRNA and protein levels.CONCLUSION Scutellarin may ameliorate colitis-associated colorectal cancer by weakening Wnt/β-catenin signaling cascade.

A reporter gene system for screening inhibitors of Wnt signaling pathway

Abnormal activation of canonical Wnt signaling has been associated with various types of cancer.Inhibitory reagents targeting the Wnt signaling have great potential to inhibit the growth of relevant tumors.Here we generated a cell-based screening strategy for identification of antagonists of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Stable expression wnt3a was generated in HEK293 cell line,which harbors dual-luciferase reporters.The Wnt signaling in the stably transfected cell line was proved to be very sensitive to(-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG)and lithium chloride(LiCl)treatment,respectively.Natural compounds were screened and a couple of novel inhibitory modulators of the Wnt signaling pathway were obtained.

Alcohol-induced Wnt signaling inhibition during bone fracture healing is normalized by intermittent parathyroid hormone treatment

Nearly half of orthopaedic trauma patients are intoxicated at the time of injury, and excess alcohol consumption increases the risk for fracture nonunion. Previous studies show alcohol disrupts fracture associated Wnt signaling required for normal bone fracture repair. Intermittent parathyroid hormone(PTH) promotes bone growth through canonical Wnt signaling, however, no studies have investigated the effect of PTH on alcohol-inhibited bone fracture repair. Male C57 BL/6 mice received two-3 day alcohol binges separated by 4 days before receiving a mid-shaft tibia fracture. Postoperatively, mice received PTH daily until euthanasia. Wnt/β-catenin signaling was analyzed at 9 days post-fracture. As previously observed, acute alcohol exposure resulted in a >2-fold decrease in total and the active form of β-catenin and a 2-fold increase in inactive β-catenin within the fracture callus. Intermittent PTH abrogated the effect of alcohol on β-catenin within the fracture callus. Upstream of β-catenin, alcohol-treated animals had a 2-fold decrease in total LRP6, the Wnt co-receptor, which was restored with PTH treatment. Alcohol nor PTH had any significant effect on GSK-3β. These data show that intermittent PTH following a tibia fracture restores normal expression of Wnt signaling proteins within the fracture callus of alcohol-treated mice.

Cycloartane Glycosides from the Roots of Cimicifuga foetida with Wnt Signaling Pathway Inhibitory Activity

Four new 9,19-cycloartane triterpenoids,cimilactone E(1),cimilactone F(2),20-O-(E)-butenoyl-23-epi-26-deoxyactein(3),and 20,12b-O-diacetylcimiracemonol-3-O-b-D-xylopyranoside(4),together with four known constituents(5–8)were isolated from the roots of Cimicifuga foetida.The new structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis.In addition,compounds 7 and 8 showed significant Wnt signaling pathway inhibitory activity,with IC50 values of 3.33 and 13.34 lM,respectively,using the luciferase reporter gene assay.

Ursolic acid ameliorates azoxymethane/dextran sulfate sodium-caused colorectal cancer by inhibition of Wnt signaling cascade

OBJECTIVE To investigate the pharmacological effect of ursolic acid(UA)on colitis-associated colorectal cancer(CAC)and its underlying mechanism based on the Wnt signaling pathway.METHODS The CAC model in mice was established by azoxymethane(AOM)combined and dextran sulfate sodium salt(DSS),accompanied by treatment with various dosages of UA and concomitant appraisal of body weight,stool and physical state of the mice.After the sacrifice of the mice,the tumor and length of the colorectum were measured,followed by retrieval of the liver,spleen,thymus and tumor tissue for downstream assays.The levels of inflammatory factors interleukin-6(IL-6),IL^(-1)βand C-reactive protein(CRP)in the tumor and serum were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The pathological changes of colorectal tissues were observed by HE staining.The levels in tumors of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway-related proteins Wnt4,GSK-3β,β-catenin,TCF4,LEF1,c-Myc,cyclin D1 and apoptosis-related protein Bcl-2 were assayed by immunohistochemistry(IHC).The mRNA expressions of Wnt4,GSK-3β,β-catenin,TCF4,LEF1,c-Myc,cyclin D1,Bcl-2,Bax,caspase-9 and caspase-3 in tumors were detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR(RT-qPCR).The protein levels of Wnt4,GSK-3β,β-catenin,TCF4,LEF1,c-Myc,cyclin D1,phospho-β-catenin,phospho-GSK-3β,Bcl-2 and Bax in tumors were probed by analyzed by Western blotting(WB).Also,RNA-seq was employed to assess the gut microbiota in the mice.RESULTS UA significantly ameliorated the symptoms of AOM/DSS-induced mouse CAC,evidenced by improved physical state,body weight,survival rate,colorectal length,the mass of liver,thymus,spleen,and decreased CAC load and colorectal mass.UA attenuated the levels of IL-6,IL^(-1)βand CRP in the mouse serum and colorectal tumor in a dose-dependent manner.HE staining showed that UA lessened carcinogenesis in the colorectum,with lower infiltration of lymphocytes,versus the control.IHC indicated that UA mitigated the expression of Wnt4,β-catenin,TCF4,LEF1,c-Myc,cyclin D1,Bcl-2,and promoted the GSK-3βexpression,compared with the control.Furthermore,UA diminished the mRNA expressions of Wnt4,β-catenin,TCF4,LEF1,c-Myc,cyclin D1,Bcl-2,and heightened the mRNA levels of GSK-3β,caspase-3,capase-9 and Bax in CAC.The results of mRNA expressions were verified by WB analysis,which revealed that UA impeded the protein expression of Wnt4,β-catenin,c-Myc,cyclin D1,Bcl-2,TCF4,LEF1,and elevated the protein levels of GSK-3βand Bax,phospho-β-catenin in mouse CAC.In addition,UA substantially ameliorated the gut microbiota to store the metabolic function in the mice with CAC.CONCLUSION Ursolic acid may protect against CAC,potentially by downregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway activity and restoration of gut microbiota.

CYP24A1 Involvement in Inflammatory Factor Regulation Occurs via the Wnt Signaling Pathway

Objective While the upregulation of cytochrome P450 family 24 subfamily A member 1(CYP24A1)gene expression has been reported in colon cancer,its role in tumorigenesis remains largely unknown.In this study,we aimed to investigate the involvement of CYP24A1 in Wnt pathway regulation via the nuclear factor kappa B(NF-κB)pathway.Methods The human colon cancer cell lines HCT-116 and Caco-2 were subjected to stimulation with interleukin-6(IL-6)as well as tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-α),with subsequent treatment using the NF-κB pathway-specific inhibitor ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate(PDTC).Furthermore,CYP24A1 expression was subjected to knockdown via the use of small interfering RNA(siRNA).Subsequently,NF-κB pathway activation was determined by an electrophoretic mobility shift assay,and the transcriptional activity ofβ-catenin was determined by a dual-luciferase reporter assay.A mouse ulcerative colitis(UC)-associated carcinogenesis model was established,wherein TNF-αand the NF-κB pathway were blocked by anti-TNF-αmonoclonal antibody and NF-κB antisense oligonucleotides,respectively.Then the tumor size and protein level of CYP24A1 were determined.Results IL-6 and TNF-αupregulated CYP24A1 expression and activated the NF-κB pathway in colon cancer cells.PDTC significantly inhibited this increase in CYP24A1 expression.Additionally,knockdown of CYP24A1 expression by siRNA could partially antagonize Wnt pathway activation.Upregulated CYP24A1 expression was observed in the colonic epithelial cells of UC-associated carcinoma mouse models.Anti-TNF-αmonoclonal antibody and NF-κB antisense oligonucleotides decreased the tumor size and suppressed CYP24A1 expression.Conclusion Taken together,this study suggests that inflammatory factors may increase CYP24A1 expression via NF-κB pathway activation,which in turn stimulates Wnt signaling.

The evolving roles of Wnt signaling in stem cell proliferation and differentiation, the development of human diseases, and therapeutic opportunities

The evolutionarily conserved Wnt signaling pathway plays a central role in develop-ment and adult tissue homeostasis across species.Wnt proteins are secreted,lipid-modified signaling molecules that activate the canonical(β-catenin dependent)and non-canonical(β-catenin independent)Wnt signaling pathways.Cellular behaviors such as proliferation,differ-entiation,maturation,and proper body-axis specification are carried out by the canonical pathway,which is the best characterized of the known Wnt signaling paths.Wnt signaling has emerged as an important factor in stem cell biology and is known to affect the self-renewal of stem cells in various tissues.This includes but is not limited to embryonic,hematopoietic,mesenchymal,gut,neural,and epidermal stem cells.Wnt signaling has also been implicated in tumor cells that exhibit stem cell-like properties.Wnt signaling is crucial for bone formation and presents a potential target for the development of therapeutics for bone disorders.Not surprisingly,aberrant Wnt signaling is also associated with a wide variety of diseases,including cancer.Mutations of Wnt pathway members in cancer can lead to unchecked cell proliferation,epithelial-mesenchymal transition,and metastasis.Altogether,advances in the understand-ing of dysregulated Wnt signaling in disease have paved the way for the development of novel therapeutics that target components of the Wnt pathway.Beginning with a brief overview of the mechanisms of canonical and non-canonical Wnt,this review aims to summarize the cur-rent knowledge of Wnt signaling in stem cells,aberrations to the Wnt pathway associated with diseases,and novel therapeutics targeting the Wnt pathway in preclinical and clinical studies.

Effects of Helicobacter pylori and Moluodan on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in mice with precancerous gastric cancer lesions

BACKGROUND Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori)is the primary risk factor for gastric cancer(GC),the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway is closely linked to tumourigenesis.GC has a high mortality rate and treatment cost,and there are no drugs to prevent the progression of gastric precancerous lesions to GC.Therefore,it is necessary to find a novel drug that is inexpensive and preventive to against GC.AIM To explore the effects of H.pylori and Moluodan on the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway and precancerous lesions of GC(PLGC).METHODS Mice were divided into the control,N-methyl-N-nitrosourea(MNU),H.pylori+MNU,and Moluodan groups.We first created an H.pylori infection model in the H.pylori+MNU and Moluodan groups.A PLGC model was created in the remaining three groups except for the control group.Moluodan was fed to mice in the Moloudan group ad libitum.The general condition of mice were observed during the whole experiment period.Gastric tissues of mice were grossly and microscopically examined.Through quantitative real-time PCR(qRT-PCR)and Western blotting analysis,the expression of relevant genes were detected.RESULTS Mice in the H.pylori+MNU group showed the worst performance in general condition,gastric tissue visual and microscopic observation,followed by the MNU group,Moluodan group and the control group.QRT-PCR and Western blotting analysis were used to detect the expression of relevant genes,the results showed that the H.pylori+MNU group had the highest expression,followed by the MNU group,Moluodan group and the control group.CONCLUSION H.pylori can activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,thereby facilitating the development and progression of PLGC.Moluodan suppressed the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,thereby decreasing the progression of PLGC.

A novel decellularized matrix of Wnt signaling-activated osteocytes accelerates the repair of critical-sized parietal bone defects with osteoclastogenesis, angiogenesis, and neurogenesis

Cell source is the key to decellularized matrix(DM)strategy.This study compared 3 cell types,osteocytes with/without dominant active Wnt/β-catenin signaling(daCO and WTO)and bone marrow stromal cells(BMSCs)for their DMs in bone repair.Decellularization removes all organelles and>95%DNA,and retained>74%collagen and>71%GAG,maintains the integrity of cell basement membrane with dense boundaries showing oval and honeycomb structure in osteocytic DM and smooth but irregular shape in the BMSC-DM.DM produced higher cell survival rate(90%)and higher proliferative activity.In vitro,daCO-DM induces more and longer stress fibers in BMSCs,conducive to cell adhesion,spreading,and osteogenic differentiation.8-wk after implantation of the critical-sized parietal bone defect model,daCO-DM formed tight structures,composed of a large number of densely-arranged type-I collagen under polarized light microscope,which is similar to and integrated with host bone.BV/TV(>54%)was 1.5,2.9,and 3.5 times of WTO-DM,BMSC-DM,and none-DM groups,and N.Ob/T.Ar(3.2×10^(2)/mm^(2))was 1.7,2.9,and 3.3 times.At 4-wk,daCO-DM induced osteoclastogenesis,2.3 times higher than WTO-DM;but BMSC-DM or none-DM didn't.daCO-DM increased the expression of RANKL and MCSF,Vegfa and Angpt1,and Ngf in BMSCs,which contributes to osteoclastogenesis,angiogenesis,and neurogenesis,respectively.daCO-DM promoted H-type vessel formation and nerve markersβ3-tubulin and NeuN expression.Conclusion:daCO-DM produces metabolic and neurovascularized organoid bone to accelerate the repair of bone defects.These features are expected to achieve the effect of autologous bone transplantation,suitable for transformation application.

Wnt signaling:Essential roles in osteoblast differentiation,bone metabolism and therapeutic implications for bone and skeletal disorders

Wnt signaling executes an indispensable performance in osteoblast differentiation,bone development,homeostasis,and remodeling.Wnt signals trigger the intracellular Wnt signaling cascade to initiate regulating the implication of b-catenin in the bone environment.Going through the novel discoveries done via high-throughput sequencing technologies on ge-netic mouse models,we highlighted the significant contribution of Wnt ligands,co-receptors,inhibitors,their related skeletal phenotypes in mouse models and the similar bone disorders clinically observed in human beings.Moreover,the crosstalk between Wnt signaling pathway and BMP,TGF-b,FGF,Hippo,Hedgehog,Notch and PDGF signaling pathways is thoroughly demonstrated to be the underlying gene regulatory network that orchestrates osteoblast dif-ferentiation and bone development.We also introspected the significance of Wnt signaling transduction in the reorganization of cellular metabolism by stimulating glycolysis,glutamine catabolism,and fatty acid oxidation in osteoblast-lineage cells that display an important reg-ulatory arbor in the cellular bioenergetics of the bone.Throughout this evaluation,most to date therapeutical approaches towards osteoporosis and other bone maladies found in human beings,are formulated with an aspiration to holistically revamp the present clinical applica-tions involving various monoclonal antibodies therapies that lack specificity,efficacy,and safety into more requisite advanced therapeutics that satisfy these three requirements for further clinical considerations.Conclusively,our review provides comprehensive scientific findings related to the fundamental significance of Wnt signaling cascades in skeletal system and the underlying gene regulatory network with other signaling pathways enlightening re-searchers with the possibility to further integrate the identified target molecules into thera-peutic strategies for skeletal disorders treatment in the clinic.

Bifidobacterium adolescentis orchestrates CD143^(+)cancer-associated fibroblasts to suppress colorectal tumorigenesis by Wnt signaling-regulated GAS1

Background The interplay between gut microbiota and tumor microenvironment(TME)in the pathogenesis of colorectal cancer(CRC)is not well explored.Here,we elucidated the functional role of Bifidobacterium adolescentis(B.a)on CRC and investigated its possible mechanism on the manipulation of cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)in CRC.Methods Different CRC animal models and various cell line models were established to explore the function of B.a on CRC.The single-cell RNA sequencing(scRNA-seq)or flow cytometry was used to detect the cell subsets in the TME of CRC.Western blot,quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR),or immunofluorescence staining were performed to examine the activation of Wnt signaling and growth arrest specific 1(GAS1)on CD143+CAFs.Chromatin immunoprecipitation quantitative real-time PCR(CHIP-qPCR)was performed to investigate the regulation of transcription factor 4(TCF4)on GAS1.Multi-immunofluorescence assay examined the expression level of CD143 and GAS1 on tissue microarray.Results We found that B.a abundance was significantly reduced in CRC patients from two independent cohorts and the bacteria database of GMrepo.Supplementation with B.a suppressed ApcMin/+spontaneous or AOM/DSS-induced tumorigenesis in mice.scRNA-seq revealed that B.a facilitated a subset of CD143+CAFs by inhibiting the infiltration of Th2 cells,while promoting the TNF-alpha+B cells in TME.CD143+CAFs highly expressed GAS1 and exhibited tumor suppressive effect.Mechanistically,GAS1 was activated by the Wnt/β-catenin signaling in CD143+CAFs.B.a abundance was correlated with the expression level of CD143 and GAS1.The level of CD143+CAFs predicted the better survival outcome in CRC patients.Conclusions These results highlighted that B.a induced a new subset of CD143+CAFs by Wnt signaling-regulated GAS1 to suppress tumorigenesis and provided a novel therapeutic target for probiotic-based modulation of TME in CRC.

Effects of Qigongwan on Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway in Rats with Polycystic Ovary syndrome

[Objectives] To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of Qigongwan on PCOS model rats by detecting the changes in sex hormone levels in rats with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and observing the effects of ovarian pathological morphological changes, apoptosis and expression of Wnt/β-β catenin signaling pathway protein. [Methods] Ten of 40 female SD rats were randomly selected as the normal group, and the other 30 rats were treated with letrozole combined with high-fat diet to establish the PCOS rat model. After successful modeling, the model group was randomly divided into Qigongwan group, positive Daying-35 (Ethinylestradiol and Cyproterone Acetate Tablets) group and model group, with 10 rats in each group. Qigongwan group was given 14.7 g/(kg·d) by gavage, Daying-35 group was given 0.21 mg/(kg·d) by oral gavage, and normal group and model group were given the same amount of distilled water, and the intervention lasted for 21 d. ELISA method was used to detect the levels of hormones such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone (T), estradiol (E 2) and progesterone (P) in serum. HE staining was used to observe the pathological morphological changes of ovarian tissues;TUNEL staining was used to observe apoptosis of ovarian tissue granule cells;the expression of Wnt, β-catenin protein in rat ovarian tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry. [Results] (i) Compared with the model group, Qigongwan group and Daying-35 group could significantly increase serum E 2 and P levels, significantly reduce serum T levels ( P <0.01), significantly reduce serum LH levels and LH/FSH ratio ( P <0.01), and increase serum FSH levels ( P <0.05) in different degrees. (ii)The results of HE staining showed that compared with the model group, Qigongwan and Daying-35 groups could improve follicular development and reduce atretic follicles in different degrees. Compared with Daying-35 group, the number of GC layers in Qigongwan group was significantly increased. (iii) The results of TUNEL staining showed that compared with the model group, the rate of TUNEL-positive cells in the Qigongwan group and Daying-35 group decreased significantly ( P <0.01). (iv) The immunohistochemical results showed that compared with the model group, the expression levels of wnt and β-catenin in the Qigongwan group and the Daying-35 group increased in different degrees ( P <0.05), and the expression range increased. [Conclusions] Qigongwan can regulate the secretion level of sex hormones such as FSH and LH, improve the pathological damage of ovarian tissue, and inhibit apoptosis of ovarian granule cells, and its mechanism may be related to the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

TCM Intervention on Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway in the treatment of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy(DN)is the most serious microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus,which is highly prevalent worldwide.Abnormal activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is an important mechanism of renal damage induced by hyperglycemia.Many studies have shown that TCM has the advantages of high efficiency and safety in the prevention and treatment of DN.Some TCM monomers and compounds repair podocyte function and inhibit transdifferentiation process by inhibiting the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway,thus playing a protective role in kidney.Based on this,this paper will review the existing research results and related mechanisms of TCM intervention in Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in the treatment of DN,in order to promote the more effective and reasonable application of TCM in clinical practice.

The Role and Mechanism of LncRNA-p21 in Regulating Gastric Cancer Metastasis by Mediating Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

Objective:To study the mechanism of lncRNA p21 inhibiting the growth and metastasis of human gastric cancer SGC7901/GES-1 cells by mediating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.Methods:Lentiviral overexpression of lncRNA-p21 in human gastric cancer SGC7901/GES-1 cell transfections was observed and analyzed for in vitro migration,invasion,cell morphology and proliferation.Besides.Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was tested for direct involvement in lncRNA-p21-mediated inhibition of gastric cancer cell growth and proliferation.Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway was validated using Li-C1.Results:Gastric cancer SGC7901/GES-1 cells in the overexpression of lncRNA-p21 showed changes in stellate morphology,low invasion,or spindle-shaped morphology.LncRNA-p21 inhibited the growth and proliferation of gastric cancer SGC7901/GES-1 cells both in vivo and in vitro,and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway mediated the proliferation,invasion,and migration of lncRNA-p21 on gastric cancer SGC7901/GES-1 cells.Conclusion:LncRNA-p21 can inhibit the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer SGC7901/GES-1 cells in vitro and in vivo,and the inhibition of lncRNA p21 is mainly mediated by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Role of TRIM33 in Wnt signaling during mesendoderm differentiation

Tripartite motif 33(TRIM33), a member of the transcription intermediate factor 1(TIF1) family of transcription cofactors,mediates transforming growth factor-beta(TGF-β) signaling through its PHD-Bromo cassette in mesendoderm differentiation during early mouse embryonic development. However, the role of the TRIM33 RING domain in embryonic differentiation is less clear. Here, we report that TRIM33 mediates Wnt signaling by directly regulating the expression of a specific subset of Wnt target genes, and this action is independent of its RING domain. We show that TRIM33 interacts with β-catenin, a central player in Wnt signaling in mouse embryonic stem cells(mESCs). In contrast to previous reports in cancer cell lines, the RING domain does not appear to function as the E3 ligase for β-catenin, since neither knockout nor overexpression of TRIM33 had an effect on β-catenin protein levels in mESCs. Furthermore, we show that although TRIM33 seems to be dispensable for Wnt signaling through a reporter assay, loss of TRIM33 significantly impairs the expression of a subset of Wnt target genes, including Mixl1,in a Wnt signaling-dependent manner. Together, our results indicate that TRIM33 regulates Wnt signaling independent of the E3 ligase activity of its RING domain for β-catenin in mESCs.

Induction of Wnt signaling antagonists and p21-activated kinase enhances cardiomyocyte proliferation during zebrafish heart regeneration

Heart regeneration occurs by dedifferentiation and proliferation of pre-existing cardiomyocytes(CMs).However,the signaling mechanisms by which injury induces CM renewal remain incompletely understood.Here,we find that cardiac injury in zebrafish induces expression of the secreted Wnt inhibitors,including Dickkopf 1(Dkkl),Dkk3,secreted Frizzled-related protein 1(sFrpl),and sFrp2,in cardiac tissue adjacent to injury sites.Experimental blocking of Wnt activity via Dkkl overexpression enhances CM proliferation and heart regeneration,whereas ectopic activation of Wnt8 signaling blunts injury-induced CM dedifferentiation and proliferation.Although Wnt signaling is dampened upon injury,the cytoplasmic β-catenin is unexpectedly increased at disarrayed CM sarcomeres in myocardial wound edges.Our analyses indicated that p21-activated kinase 2(Pak2)is induced at regenerating CMs,where it phosphorylates cytoplasmic β-catenin at Ser 675 and increases its stability at disassembled sarcomeres.Myocardial-specific induction of the phospho-mimeticβ-catenin(S675E)enhances CM dedifferentiation and sarcomere disassembly in response to injury.Conversely,inactivation of Pak2 kinase activity reduces the Ser 675-phosphorylatedβ-catenin(pS675-β-catenin)and attenuates CM sarcomere disorganization and dedifferentiation・Taken together,these findings demonstrate that coordination of Wnt signaling inhibition and Pak2/pS675-βYatenin signaling enhances zebrafish heart regeneration by supporting CM dedifferentiation and proliferation.