Nuclear Localization Of Β-catenin Research Articles

Abstract 3536: Targeting β-catenin with a Dicer-substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) in a sleeping beauty transposon-driven murine hepatoblastoma model

Abstract Hepatoblastoma (HB), the commonest pediatric liver tumor is frequently associated with an N-terminal deletion in the CTNNB1 gene, which encodes stable β-catenin and promotes nuclear localization and transactivation activity. In 80% of patients, nuclear localization of β-catenin and Yes Associated Protein (YAP), a Hippo-related transactivator, is seen together. Further, stable hepatic co-expression of Δ90-CTNNB1 and active-YAP in mice causes rapid and aggressive HB. Dicer-substrate siRNAs (DsiRNAs) are potent RNA interference (RNAi) triggers that that are efficacious in preclinical tumor models of diverse origin, and are currently under clinical evaluation. To determine if CTNNB1-targeting DsiRNAs have potential as a therapy in HB, we encapsulated this oligonucleotide payload into lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), and systemically administered into mice bearing CTNNB1/YAP-induced HB. The LNP platform used, termed EnCore (because of its specific Envelope and Core lipid components), enables high encapsulation efficiency, long-term stability, and consistent analytical criteria. Downstream of LNP-mediated DsiRNA delivery, both qPCR and in situ hybridization were used to visualize changes in CTNNB1 expression in both tumor and normal liver. Robust and specific silencing of CTNNB1 mRNA was achieved in the tumors. The distribution of mRNA knockdown within each tumor nodule suggests efficient extravasation and internalization of the LNP and its payload into the tumor parenchyma, in contrast to previous reports of vascular-channel limited nanoparticle accumulation in tumors. Intriguingly, a “liver-centric” LNP formulation, which delivers cargo efficiently to a normal liver due to rapid hepatic extraction and apolipoprotein-mediated internalization, was inactive in the tumors. Further evaluation demonstrated efficacy of β-catenin targeting in this model. In conclusion, we report a highly relevant modality of RNAi delivery in a mouse model of hepatoblastoma to target a classically-undruggable oncogene. Citation Format: Marc T. Abrams, Junyan Tao, Shanthi Ganesh, Wendy Cyr, Bo Ying, Martin Koser, Rokhand Arvan, Girish Chopda, Hank Dudek, Cheng Lai, Weimin Wang, Bob Brown, Satdarshan Monga. Targeting β-catenin with a Dicer-substrate siRNA (DsiRNA) in a sleeping beauty transposon-driven murine hepatoblastoma model. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 3536. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-3536

Ubiquitin specific protease 4 positively regulates the WNT/β-catenin signaling in colorectal cancer

β-catenin is a key signal transducer in the canonical WNT pathway and is negatively regulated by ubiquitin-dependent proteolysis. Through screening of various deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs), we identified ubiquitin specific protease 4 (USP4) as a candidate for β-catenin-specific DUB. The effects of USP4 overexpression or knockdown suggested that USP4 positively controls the stability of β-catenin and enhances β-catenin-regulated transcription. Domain mapping results revealed that the C-terminal catalytic domain is responsible for β-catenin binding and nuclear transport. Examination of colon cancer tissues from patients revealed a correlation between elevated expression levels of USP4 and β-catenin. Consistent with this correlation, USP4 knockdown in HCT116, a colon cancer cell line, reduced invasion and migration activity. These observations indicate that USP4 acts as a positive regulator of the WNT/β-catenin pathway by deubiquitination and facilitates nuclear localization of β-catenin. Therefore, we propose that USP4 is a potential target for anti-cancer therapeutics.

Mammary epithelial cell phagocytosis downstream of TGF-β3 is characterized by adherens junction reorganization.

After weaning, during mammary gland involution, milk-producing mammary epithelial cells undergo apoptosis. Effective clearance of these dying cells is essential, as persistent apoptotic cells have a negative impact on gland homeostasis, future lactation and cancer susceptibility. In mice, apoptotic cells are cleared by the neighboring epithelium, yet little is known about how mammary epithelial cells become phagocytic or whether this function is conserved between species. Here we use a rat model of weaning-induced involution and involuting breast tissue from women, to demonstrate apoptotic cells within luminal epithelial cells and epithelial expression of the scavenger mannose receptor, suggesting conservation of phagocytosis by epithelial cells. In the rat, epithelial transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is increased during involution, a pathway known to promote phagocytic capability. To test whether TGF-β enhances the phagocytic ability of mammary epithelial cells, non-transformed murine mammary epithelial EpH4 cells were cultured to achieve tight junction impermeability, such as occurs during lactation. TGF-β3 treatment promoted loss of tight junction impermeability, reorganization and cleavage of the adherens junction protein E-cadherin (E-cad), and phagocytosis. Phagocytosis correlated with junction disruption, suggesting junction reorganization is necessary for phagocytosis by epithelial cells. Supporting this hypothesis, epithelial cell E-cad reorganization and cleavage were observed in rat and human involuting mammary glands. Further, in the rat, E-cad cleavage correlated with increased γ-secretase activity and β-catenin nuclear localization. In vitro, pharmacologic inhibitors of γ-secretase or β-catenin reduced the effect of TGF-β3 on phagocytosis to near baseline levels. However, β-catenin signaling through LiCl treatment did not enhance phagocytic capacity, suggesting a model in which both reorganization of cell junctions and β-catenin signaling contribute to phagocytosis downstream of TGF-β3. Our data provide insight into how mammary epithelial cells contribute to apoptotic cell clearance, and in light of the negative consequences of impaired apoptotic cell clearance during involution, may shed light on involution-associated breast pathologies.

PCDH10 inhibits cell proliferation of multiple myeloma via the negative regulation of the Wnt/β-catenin/BCL-9 signaling pathway.

The tumor suppressor protocadherin-10 (PCDH10) gene is important in cell proliferation, survival, apoptosis and migration. Inactivation of PCDH10 by promoter methylation is a frequent pathogenetic event in multiple myeloma (MM). The Wnt/β-catenin pathway is known to be involved in the cell growth of various types of cancer, including MM. However, the relationship between PCDH10 and Wnt signaling in MM remains unclear. In this study, we found that PCDH10 deficiency highly enhanced MM cell proliferation, Wnt signaling and the expression of BCL-9, an essential coactivator of Wnt transcriptional activity that is correlated with cell growth, survival and drug resistance. Restoration of PCDH10 suppressed nuclear localization of β-catenin, the activity of LEF/TCF, the expression of BCL-9 and AKT, whereas the expression of GSK3β was increased. The antagonistic effect of PCDH10 was associated with G1-phase blockage. Collectively, PCDH10 antagonized MM cell proliferation via the downregulation of Wnt/β-catenin/BCL-9 signaling, whereas PCDH10 repressed the expression of AKT to promote the expression of GSK3β and then to restrain the activation of β-catenin. Thus, the results offer a novel preclinical rationale in order to explore PCDH10 as an effective and selective therapeutic strategy to eradicate MM cells.

Down-regulation of 14-3-3β exerts anti-cancer effects through inducing ER stress in human glioma U87 cells: Involvement of CHOP–Wnt pathway

We previously identified 14-3-3β as a tumor-specific isoform of 14-3-3 protein in astrocytoma, but its functional role in glioma cells and underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. In the present study, we investigated the effects of 14-3-3β inhibition in human glioma U87 cells using specific targeted small interfering RNA (siRNA). The results showed that 14-3-3β is highly expressed in U87 cells but not in normal astrocyte SVGp12 cells. Knockdown of 14-3-3β by Si-14-3-3β transfection significantly decreased the cell viability but increased the LDH release in a time-dependent fashion in U87 cells, and these effects were accompanied with G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. In addition, 14-3-3β knockdown induced ER stress in U87 cells, as evidenced by ER calcium release, increased expression of XBP1S mRNA and induction of ER related pro-apoptotic factors. Down-regulation of 14-3-3β significantly decreased the nuclear localization of β-catenin and inhibited Topflash activity, which was shown to be reversely correlated with CHOP. Furthermore, Si-CHOP and sFRP were used to inhibit CHOP and Wnt, respectively. The results showed that the anti-cancer effects of 14-3-3β knockdown in U87 cells were mediated by increased expression of CHOP and followed inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin pathway. In summary, the remarkable efficiency of 14-3-3β knockdown to induce apoptotic cell death in U87 cells may find therapeutic application for the treatment of glioma patients.

Quercetin regulates β-catenin signaling and reduces the migration of triple negative breast cancer.

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is characterized by a lack in estrogen, progesterone, and epidermal growth factor 2 receptors. TNBC exhibits most of the characteristics of basal-like and claudin-low breast cancer subtypes. The main contributor in the mortality of TNBC is due to the higher invasive and migratory ability of these tumor cells. Some plant flavonoids inhibit the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tumor cells and suppress cancer metastasis. In this study, we aimed to determine whether the flavonoid quercetin is effective in modulating the molecular signaling associated with EMT in TNBC. Our data indicated that quercetin can induce the expression of E-cadherin and also downregulate vimentin levels in TNBC. The ability of quercetin to modulate these EMT markers resulted in a mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET). Quercetin-induced MET was linked with the alteration of nuclear localization of β-catenin and modulation of β-catenin target genes such as cyclin D1 and c-Myc. Furthermore, we observed that quercetin induced the anti-tumor activity of doxorubicin by inhibiting the migratory ability of TNBC cells. These results suggested that quercetin may inhibit TNBC metastasis and also improve the therapeutic efficacy of existing chemotherapeutic drugs.

Nuclear β-catenin localization supports homology of feathers, avian scutate scales, and alligator scales in early development.

Feathers are an evolutionary novelty found in all extant birds. Despite recent progress investigating feather development and a revolution in dinosaur paleontology, the relationship of feathers to other amniote skin appendages, particularly reptile scales, remains unclear. Disagreement arises primarily from the observation that feathers and avian scutate scales exhibit an anatomical placode-defined as an epidermal thickening-in early development, whereas alligator and other avian scales do not. To investigate the homology of feathers and archosaur scales we examined patterns of nuclear β-catenin localization during early development of feathers and different bird and alligator scales. In birds, nuclear β-catenin is first localized to the feather placode, and then exhibits a dynamic pattern of localization in both epidermis and dermis of the feather bud. We found that asymmetric avian scutate scales and alligator scales share similar patterns of nuclear β-catenin localization with feathers. This supports the hypothesis that feathers, scutate scales, and alligator scales are homologous during early developmental stages, and are derived from early developmental stages of an asymmetric scale present in the archosaur ancestor. Furthermore, given that the earliest stage of β-catenin localization in feathers and archosaur scales is also found in placodes of several mammalian skin appendages, including hair and mammary glands, we hypothesize that a common skin appendage placode originated in the common ancestor of all amniotes. We suggest a skin placode should not be defined by anatomical features, but as a local, organized molecular signaling center from which an epidermal appendage develops.

Regulation of VDR Expression in Apc-Mutant Mice, Human Colon Cancers and Adenomas.

One variable that may affect the ability of vitamin D to reduce colon cancer risk is the expression of its high-affinity receptor, VDR. Here, we show that vitamin D does not reduce tumor formation in Apc(Δ14/+) mice and that VDR expression is lost in the majority of the colon tumor cells. The extent of VDR loss corresponded inversely to the level of β-catenin nuclear localization and could be observed in early lesions composed of just a few crypts. Analysis of reported VDR regulators showed that the repressing class I histone deacetylases (HDAC) were significantly elevated in the tumors (up to 4-fold), whereas the VDR-activating retinoid X receptors (RXR) were downregulated (∼50%). Expression of the Slug repressor was also increased, but was found primarily in stromal cells. Analysis of epigenetically active compounds on colon cell lines and intestinal organoids showed that HDAC inhibitors were particularly adept at stimulating VDR expression. Treatment of tumor-bearing Apc(Δ14/+) mice with the HDAC inhibitor panobinostat increased VDR expression in the tumors and normal mucosa. The RXR agonist bexarotene failed to activate VDR expression, indicating that RXR ligands were not limiting. Analysis of human microarray data indicated that VDR mRNA is frequently downregulated in colon adenomas, which correlated positively with RXRA expression and inversely with HDAC 2 and 8 expression. Human adenomas showed variable VDR protein expression levels, both between and within individual lesions. Determining the mechanisms of VDR regulation in colon neoplasms may significantly enhance our ability to use vitamin D as a cancer prevention agent.

Rhodiola crenulata inhibits Wnt/β-catenin signaling in glioblastoma

BackgroundRhodiola crenulata is a perennial plant that grows in the high altitudes of Eastern Europe and Asia. R crenulata has been used for many years in Eastern traditional medicine for a variety of medicinal purposes and it has been shown to elicit antineoplastic effects. The purpose of this study is to determine if R crenulata extract exhibits antitumor properties on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. Materials and MethodsHuman U87 GBM cells were treated with 200 μg/mL of R crenulata or vehicle control. Cell proliferation was measured via MTS assay and clonogenic assay. The expressions of glial fibrillary acidic protein, a protein marker of differentiation, E-cadherin, and non–phospho active β-catenin were measured with immunocytochemistry. Neurosphere assay was performed in low attachment plates. Activity of the Wnt/β-catenin transcriptional activation was assessed via a dual-luciferase assay. ResultsMTS and clonogenicity assays revealed a decrease in proliferation with R crenulata therapy with an increased sensitivity to radiation. Immunocytochemistry revealed that R crenulata induced glial fibrillary acidic protein and E-cadherin expression suggestive of a more differentiated state. In agreement with the change in differentiation neurosphere formation was decreased upon treatment with R crenulata. β-Catenin dual reporter assay revealed a decrease in Wnt promoter activity after treatment with R crenulata; this was supported by a decrease in nuclear localization of β-catenin. ConclusionsTreatment with R crenulata extract effectively suppresses proliferation, stimulates differentiation, and eliminates tumorsphere formation of GBM cells in vitro. The observed effects are associated with inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Coordinated action of Axin1 and Axin2 suppresses β-catenin to regulate muscle stem cell function

The resident stem cells of skeletal muscle are satellite cells, which are regulated by both canonical and non-canonical Wnt pathways. Canonical Wnt signalling promotes differentiation, and is controlled at many levels, including via Axin1 and Axin2-mediated β-catenin degradation. Axin1 and Axin2 are thought equivalent suppressors of canonical Wnt signalling, although Axin2 is also a Wnt target gene. We show that Axin1 expression was higher in proliferating satellite cells, while Axin2 was up-regulated during differentiation. siRNA-mediated Axin1 knockdown changed cell morphology, suppressed proliferation and promoted myogenic differentiation. Simultaneous knockdown of both Axin1 and β-catenin rescued proliferation and partially, premature differentiation. Surprisingly, retroviral-mediated overexpression of Axin2 was unable to compensate for knockdown of Axin1 in satellite cells, indicating that Axin1 and Axin2 are not fully redundant. Isolated satellite cells from Axin2-null mice also had no major phenotype. However, siRNA-mediated knockdown of Axin1 in Axin2-null cells strongly inhibited proliferation, while inducing differentiation, clear nuclear localisation of β-catenin, up-regulation of canonical Wnt target genes (Axin2, Lef1, Tcf4, Pitx2c and Lgr5) and activation of a TCF reporter construct. Again, concomitant knockdown of Axin1 and β-catenin in Axin2-null satellite cells rescued morphology and proliferation, but only partially prevented precocious differentiation. Thus, Axin1 and Axin2 do not have equivalent functions in satellite cells, but are both involved in repression of Wnt/β-catenin signalling to maintain proliferation and contribute to controlling timely myogenic differentiation.

Nuclear Localization of β‐catenin Associates EMT with Aggressive Vulvar Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Nuclear localization of β‐catenin in epithelial cells characterizes the epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and is associated with tumor progression in numerous malignancies. Factors that contribute to aggressive behavior in vulvar squamous cell carcinoma (vSCC) are poorly defined; however, studies have shown that vSCC with an infiltrative pattern of invasion are associated with worse outcomes compared to those with nested/pushing patterns of invasion. This study proposes that infiltrative vSCC may acquire increased aggressive behavior through EMT‐like changes reflected by nuclear localization of β‐catenin.Immunostaining patterns of β‐catenin were analyzed in 30 cases of vSCC: 10 cases with infiltrative pattern of invasion, 10 with nested/pushing pattern of invasion, and 10 with a “mixed” invasive pattern. Stained tumor sections were analyzed for nuclear localization or membranous staining of β‐catenin. A staining pattern was defined as predominant when present in >75% of tumor cells.Predominant nuclear localization of β‐catenin was observed in 8 (80%) of the infiltrative tumors, compared to only 3 (30%) of the pushing/nested tumors. In contrast, membranous staining predominated in 5 (50%) of the nested/pushing tumors compared to only 1 (10%) of the infiltrative tumors. Both membranous staining and nuclear localization of β‐catenin was observed in 7 (70%) of the mixed tumors. Importantly, in 6 of the 7 mixed tumors (85%), β‐catenin showed membranous staining in the pushing regions and nuclear localization in the infiltrative regions.Our results show that nuclear localization of β‐catenin is highly associated with an infiltrative pattern of invasion in vSCC, suggesting that development of an epithelial‐mesenchymal transition drives the more aggressive behavior in this subset of tumors.

Remote Activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Signalling Pathway Using Functionalised Magnetic Particles

Wnt signalling pathways play crucial roles in developmental biology, stem cell fate and tissue patterning and have become an attractive therapeutic target in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Wnt signalling has also been shown to play a role in human Mesenchymal Stem Cell (hMSC) fate, which have shown potential as a cell therapy in bone and cartilage tissue engineering. Previous work has shown that biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) can be used to stimulate specific mechanosensitive membrane receptors and ion channels in vitro and in vivo. Using this strategy, we determined the effects of mechano-stimulation of the Wnt Frizzled receptor on Wnt pathway activation in hMSC. Frizzled receptors were tagged using anti-Frizzled functionalised MNP (Fz-MNP). A commercially available oscillating magnetic bioreactor (MICA Biosystems) was used to mechanically stimulate Frizzled receptors remotely. Our results demonstrate that Fz-MNP can activate Wnt/β-catenin signalling at key checkpoints in the signalling pathway. Immunocytochemistry indicated nuclear localisation of the Wnt intracellular messenger β-catenin after treatment with Fz-MNP. A Wnt signalling TCF/LEF responsive luciferase reporter transfected into hMSC was used to assess terminal signal activation at the nucleus. We observed an increase in reporter activity after treatment with Fz-MNP and this effect was enhanced after mechano-stimulation using the magnetic array. Western blot analysis was used to probe the mechanism of signalling activation and indicated that Fz-MNP signal through an LRP independent mechanism. Finally, the gene expression profiles of stress response genes were found to be similar when cells were treated with recombinant Wnt-3A or Fz-MNP. This study provides proof of principle that Wnt signalling and Frizzled receptors are mechanosensitive and can be remotely activated in vitro. Using magnetic nanoparticle technology it may be possible to modulate Wnt signalling pathways and thus control stem cell fate for therapeutic purposes.

βII-Spectrin (SPTBN1) suppresses progression of hepatocellular carcinoma and Wnt signaling by regulation of Wnt inhibitor kallistatin.

βII-Spectrin (SPTBN1) is an adapter protein for Smad3/Smad4 complex formation during transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signal transduction. Forty percent of SPTBN1(+/-) mice spontaneously develop hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and most cases of human HCC have significant reductions in SPTBN1 expression. In this study, we investigated the possible mechanisms by which loss of SPTBN1 may contribute to tumorigenesis. Livers of SPTBN1(+/-) mice, compared to wild-type mouse livers, display a significant increase in epithelial cell adhesion molecule-positive (EpCAM(+)) cells and overall EpCAM expression. Inhibition of SPTBN1 in human HCC cell lines increased the expression of stem cell markers EpCAM, Claudin7, and Oct4, as well as decreased E-cadherin expression and increased expression of vimentin and c-Myc, suggesting reversion of these cells to a less differentiated state. HCC cells with decreased SPTBN1 also demonstrate increased sphere formation, xenograft tumor development, and invasion. Here we investigate possible mechanisms by which SPTBN1 may influence the stem cell traits and aggressive behavior of HCC cell lines. We found that HCC cells with decreased SPTBN1 express much less of the Wnt inhibitor kallistatin and exhibit decreased β-catenin phosphorylation and increased β-catenin nuclear localization, indicating Wnt signaling activation. Restoration of kallistatin expression in these cells reversed the observed Wnt activation. SPTBN1 expression in human HCC tissues is positively correlated with E-cadherin and kallistatin levels, and decreased SPTBN1 and kallistatin gene expression is associated with decreased relapse-free survival. Our data suggest that loss of SPTBN1 activates Wnt signaling, which promotes acquisition of stem cell-like features, and ultimately contributes to malignant tumor progression.

Successful Reprogramming of Epiblast Stem Cells by Blocking Nuclear Localization of β-Catenin

SummaryEpiblast stem cells (EpiSCs) in mice and rats are primed pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). They barely contribute to chimeric embryos when injected into blastocysts. Reprogramming of EpiSCs to embryonic stem cell (ESC)-like cells (rESCs) may occur in response to LIF-STAT3 signaling; however, low reprogramming efficiency hampers potential use of rESCs in generating chimeras. Here, we describe dramatic improvement of conversion efficiency from primed to naive-like PSCs through upregulation of E-cadherin in the presence of the cytokine LIF. Analysis revealed that blocking nuclear localization of β-CATENIN with small-molecule inhibitors significantly enhances reprogramming efficiency of mouse EpiSCs. Although activation of Wnt/β-catenin signals has been thought desirable for maintenance of naive PSCs, this study provides the evidence that inhibition of nuclear translocation of β-CATENIN enhances conversion of mouse EpiSCs to naive-like PSCs (rESCs). This affords better understanding of gene regulatory circuits underlying pluripotency and reprogramming of PSCs.

Inhibition of mesothelioma cancer stem-like cells with adenovirus-mediated NK4 gene therapy.

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a highly invasive and chemoresistant malignancy induced by asbestos fibers. NK4, a hepatocyte growth factor antagonist and angiogenesis inhibitor, consists of the N-terminal hairpin domain and four kringle domains of the α-chain of hepatocyte growth factor. The therapeutic potential of NK4 has been demonstrated in a variety of tumor types. However, the mechanisms by which NK4 inhibits tumor growth have not been well delineated. In this study, it is shown that the NK4 adenovirus (Ad-NK4) potently inhibits cell viability, invasiveness and tumorigenicity of human MM cells. Significantly, this study demonstrates for the first time that Ad-NK4 inhibits cancer stem-like cell (CSC) properties as assessed by spheroid formation assay, side population analysis and flow cytometric sorting of CD24 cells. In addition to inhibiting phosphorylation of Met and AKT, Ad-NK4 markedly suppressed the active form of β-catenin, a key mediator of both Wnt and AKT pathways. It is further demonstrated that expression of NK4 suppresses β-catenin nuclear localization and transcriptional activity. Intriguingly, the expression levels of Oct4 and Myc, two critical stem cell factors and downstream targets of β-catenin, were also diminished by Ad-NK4. Furthermore, the strong antitumor effect of NK4 was found to be linked to its ability to inhibit CSCs as revealed by immunohistochemical examination of tumor specimens from a mouse xenograft model of human MM. These findings suggest that NK4 acts as a CSC inhibitor by impeding Met/AKT/β-catenin signaling and holds promise for achieving durable therapeutic responses in MM by constraining the CSC component of these aggressive tumors.

Combined Targeting of β-Catenin and FLT-3 Is Synergistically Lethal Against Cultured and Primary AML Blast Progenitor Cells Expressing FLT3 Internal Tandem Duplication (ITD)

β-catenin acts as a co-activator for the T-cell factor (TCF) 4/lymphoid enhancer factor (LEF) 1 bipartite transcription factor at the promoters of the WNT-β-catenin target genes, including cyclin D1, c-Myc and survivin. The canonical WNT-β-catenin pathway is documented to be essential for self-renewal, growth and survival of the AML stem and blast progenitor cells (BPCs), which has also been correlated with a poor prognosis in AML. In AML stem/BPCs expressing mutant FLT3-ITD, increased PI3K/AKT activity causes phosphorylation and inactivation of GSK3β, thereby preventing degradation, promoting stabilization and nuclear localization of β-catenin. Additionally, FLT3 can also directly mediate the tyrosine phosphorylation of β-catenin, thereby stabilizing and promoting the nuclear localization and binding of β-catenin to TCF4. TBL1 (transducin beta-like) is an adaptor protein, which binds to nuclear β-catenin and promotes its co-factor activity with TCF4/LEF1 in mediating transcription of the target genes, including c-Myc, cyclin D1 and survivin. Therefore, we hypothesized that targeted disruption of TBL1-β-catenin binding or depletion of TBL1 would abrogate the pro-growth and oncogenic signaling of β-catenin in AML BPCs, especially those expressing FLT3-ITD. Here, we demonstrate that treatment with 20 to 100 nM of BC2059 (β-Cat Pharmaceuticals), a small molecule, anthraquinone oxime-analog, disrupts the binding of β-catenin to TBL1 (by anti-TBL1 pull down and immunofluorescence analyses) and promotes proteasomal degradation of β-catenin, thereby attenuating the nuclear levels of β-catenin in the cultured (OCI-AML3, MOLM13 and MV4-11), as well as in primary (p) AML BPCs. Concomitantly, BC2059 treatment inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of c-Myc, cyclin D1 and survivin, while de-repressing p21 and Axin2. BC2059 also dose dependently inhibited growth and induced apoptosis of cultured and CD34+ pAML BPCs expressing FLT3-ITD (40 to 60%), but not of normal CD34+ bone marrow progenitor cells (p < 0.01). Transient knockdown of TBL1 or beta catenin (60 to 70%) by lentivirus-transduced shRNA caused loss of viability in MOLM13 cells, which was significantly enhanced by treatment with BC2059 (p < 0.01). BC2059 also induced apoptosis of MOLM13-TKIR cells that were isolated in vitro to exhibit resistance to FLT3 antagonists (approximately 50-fold). Notably, BC2059 treatment (10 mg/kg, t.i.w., by IV injection) also exerted potent in vivo anti-AML activity and significantly improved the survival of immune depleted mice engrafted with cultured and patient-derived pAML BPCs (p < 0.001). Since compared to the control OCI-AML3 cells, BC2059 demonstrated significantly greater lethality against the OCI-AML3 cells ectopically overexpressing FLT3-ITD (approximately 8-fold), we hypothesized that co-treatment with a FLT3 antagonist would further reduce the nuclear levels of β-catenin and enhance the lethal activity of FLT3-antagonist against AML BPCs expressing FLT3-ITD. Indeed, co-treatment with BC2059 (50 nM) and the FLT3-antagonist quizartinib or ponatinib (100 to 200 nM), versus each agent alone, caused more reduction in the nuclear levels and binding of β-catenin to TBL1 (by confocal immunofluorescence analysis). This was associated with greater decline in the expression of c-Myc, cyclin D1 and survivin, but increase in the levels of p21 and BIM. Compared to each agent alone, co-treatment with BC2059 and quizartinib or ponatinib also synergistically induced apoptosis of the FLT3-ITD expressing cultured (MOLM13 and MV4-11) and pAML BPCs (combination indices of < 1.0, by isobologram analyses) but not of normal CD34+ progenitor cells. Treatment with BC2059 (25 to 100 nM) also significantly increased the apoptosis observed by the shRNA mediated incomplete knockdown of TBL1 or β-catenin (approximately 70%) in MOLM13 cells (p < 0.01). Collectively, our findings support that targeted inhibition of the levels and binding of β-catenin to TBL by BC2059 and FLT3-antagonist is a promising approach to exert lethal activity against AML BPCs expressing FLT3-ITD. Further pre-clinical development of this combination therapy against FLT3-ITD expressing AML is progressing. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Cutting short the path to murine liver cancer models.

Abstract The study of cancer genes in mouse models has traditionally relied on genetically-engineered strains made via transgenesis or gene targeting in embryonic stem cells. Here we describe a new method of cancer model generation using the CRISPR/Cas (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated proteins) system in vivo in wild-type mice. We used hydrodynamic injection to deliver a CRISPR plasmid DNA expressing Cas9 and single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) to the liver that directly target the tumour suppressor genes Pten (ref. 5) and p53 (also known as TP53 and Trp53) (ref. 6), alone and in combination. CRISPR-mediated Pten mutation led to elevated Akt phosphorylation and lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, phenocopying the effects of deletion of the gene using Cre-LoxP technology. Simultaneous targeting of Pten and p53 induced liver tumours that mimicked those caused by Cre-loxP-mediated deletion of Pten and p53. DNA sequencing of liver and tumour tissue revealed insertion or deletion mutations of the tumour suppressor genes, including bi-allelic mutations of both Pten and p53 in tumours. Furthermore, co-injection of Cas9 plasmids harbouring sgRNAs targeting the β-catenin gene and a single-stranded DNA oligonucleotide donor carrying activating point mutations led to the generation of hepatocytes with nuclear localization of β-catenin. This study demonstrates the feasibility of direct mutation of tumour suppressor genes and oncogenes in the liver using the CRISPR/Cas system, which presents a new avenue for rapid development of liver cancer models and functional genomics.

Loss of β-catenin promotes chondrogenic differentiation of aortic valve interstitial cells.

The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been implicated in human heart valve disease and is required for early heart valve formation in mouse and zebrafish. However, the specific functions of Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity in heart valve maturation and maintenance in adults have not been determined previously. Here, we show that Wnt/β-catenin signaling inhibits Sox9 nuclear localization and proteoglycan expression in cultured chicken embryo aortic valves. Loss of β-catenin in vivo in mice, using Periostin(Postn)Cre-mediated tissue-restricted loss of β-catenin (Ctnnb1) in valvular interstitial cells, leads to the formation of aberrant chondrogenic nodules and induction of chondrogenic gene expression in adult aortic valves. These nodular cells strongly express nuclear Sox9 and Sox9 downstream chondrogenic extracellular matrix genes, including Aggrecan, Col2a1, and Col10a1. Excessive chondrogenic proteoglycan accumulation and disruption of stratified extracellular matrix maintenance in the aortic valve leaflets are characteristics of myxomatous valve disease. Both in vitro and in vivo data demonstrate that the loss of Wnt/β-catenin signaling leads to increased nuclear expression of Sox9 concomitant with induced expression of chondrogenic extracellular matrix proteins. β-Catenin limits Sox9 nuclear localization and inhibits chondrogenic differentiation during valve development and in adult aortic valve homeostasis.

Inhibition of β-catenin and STAT3 with a curcumin analog suppresses gastric carcinogenesis in vivo.

BackgroundPotent chemotherapy for advanced gastric cancer has not been completely established. Many molecularly targeted therapies are under investigation, but their therapeutic outcomes are not promising because they do not target specific and/or critical targets of gastric carcinogenesis. Although the molecular basis of gastric carcinogenesis remains poorly understood, nuclear localization of β-catenin was observed in approximately 50 % of gastric cancer specimens. Recent studies have suggested that activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) contributes to gastric carcinogenesis in a mouse model. A newly synthesized curcumin analog has inhibitory potential against β-catenin and STAT3.MethodsUsing a transgenic mouse model of gastric cancer in which β-catenin, cyclooxygenase 2, and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 activation is induced, we examined a curcumin analog with the most enhanced potential for treating gastric cancer through oral administration. Inhibition of these targets was demonstrated using microarray and immunohistochemical analyses.ResultsThe curcumin analog GO-Y031 decreased the incidence of gastric carcinogenesis to 54.5 % of that of the control (50.0 % vs 91.7 %, p = 0.043), and tumor size was reduced to 51.6 % of that of the control (1.6 mm vs 3.1 mm, p = 0.03). β-Catenin and STAT3 levels were suppressed to 26.2 % (p = 0.00023) and 44.8 % (p = 0.025), respectively, of those of the control. Moreover, macrophage infiltration was suppressed with GO-Y031.Conclusionβ-Catenin and STAT3 can be pharmacologically inhibited in vivo with a curcumin analog, which effectively inhibits β-catenin and STAT3.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10120-014-0434-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Connective tissue growth factor induces tubular epithelial to mesenchymal transition through the activation of canonical Wnt signaling in vitro

Background: Overwhelming evidences suggest epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of tubular epithelial cells contributes to renal fibrosis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of EMT. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate cell behaviors are not clear. Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether CTGF induces EMT via activation of canonical Wnt signaling in renal tubular epithelial cells. Methods: Human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) were divided into control group, CTGF group and dickkopf (Dkk)-1 plus CTGF group. We assessed the biological changes of canonical Wnt signaling, including phosphorylation of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein (LRP6) and glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and accumulation and nuclear localization of β-catenin. Meanwhile, morphological changes of the three groups were observed and tubular EMT was further confirmed by detecting the expression of α-SMA and E-cadherin. Results: The phosphorylation levels of LRP6 and GSK-3β and the expression of β-catenin in CTGF group were higher than control group (p < 0.05). The accumulation and nuclear localization of β-catenin was induced in CTGF group. Meanwhile, CTGF group cells showed a mesenchymal morphological phenotype and exhibited increased expressions of E-cadherin and decreased expressions of α-SMA compared to control group (p < 0.05), suggesting tubular EMT. Furthermore, we also found that Dkk-1 blocked the above CTGF’s effects by binding with LRP6. Conclusion: CTGF induces EMT via activation of canonical Wnt signaling in HK-2 cells in vitro, which may play an important role in the renal fibrosis of CKD.