Exploring the role of the WNT5A rs566926 polymorphism and its interactions in non-syndromic orofacial cleft: a multicenter study in Brazil

Abstract Associations between the WNT5A rs566926 variant and non-syndromic orofacial cleft (NSOC) have been reported in different populations. Objective This study aimed to investigate the role of the rs566926 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in WNT5A and its interactions with SNPs in BMP4, FGFR1, GREM1, MMP2, and WNT3 in the occurrence of NSOC in a Brazilian population. Methodology A case-control genetic association study was carried out involving participants from four regions of Brazil, totaling 801 patients with non-syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL±P), 273 patients with cleft palate only (NSCPO), and 881 health volunteers without any congenital condition (control). Applying TaqMan allelic discrimination assays, we evaluated WNT5A rs566926 in an ancestry-structured multiple logistic regression analysis, considering sex and genomic ancestry as covariates. Interactions between rs566926 and variants in genes involved in the WNT5A signaling pathway (BMP4, FGFR1, GREM1, MMP2, and WNT3) were also explored. Results WNT5A rs566926 was significantly associated with an increased risk of NSCL±P, particularly due to a strong association with non-syndromic cleft lip only (NSCLO), in which the C allele increased the risk by 32% (OR: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.04-1.67, p=0.01). According to the proportions of European and African genomic ancestry, the association of rs566926 reached significant levels only in patients with European ancestry. Multiple interactions were detected between WNT5A rs566926 and BMP4 rs2071047, GREM1 rs16969681 and rs16969862, and FGFR1 rs7829058. Conclusion The WNT5A rs566926 polymorphism was associated with NSCL±P, particularly in individuals with NSCLO and high European ancestry. Epistatic interactions involving WNT5A rs566926 and variants in BMP4, GREM1, and FGFR1 may contribute to the risk of NSCL±P in the Brazilian population.

Genetic polymorphism of WNT9A is functionally associated with thumb osteoarthritis in the Chinese population

Abstract Background In a recent genome-wide association study, novel genetic variations of WNT9A were reported to be involved in the etiopathogenesis of thumb osteoarthritis (TOA) in Caucasians. Our purposes were to replicate the association of WNT9A with the development of TOA in the Chinese population and to further unveil the functional role of the risk variants. Methods SNP rs11588850 of WNT9A were genotyped in 953 TOA patients and 1124 healthy controls. The differences of genotype and allele distributions between the patients and healthy controls were evaluated using the Chi-square test. Luciferase Reporter Assay was performed to investigate the influence of variant on the gene expression. Results There was significantly lower frequency of genotype AA in TOA patients than in the controls 74.9% vs. 81.9%, p < 0.001). The frequency of allele A was remarkably lower in the patients than in the controls (86.3% vs. 90.5%, p < 0.001), with an odds ratio of 0.66 (95% CI = 0.54-0.80). Luciferase Reporter Assay showed that the construct containing mutant allele G of rs11588850 displayed 29.1% higher enhancer activity than the wild allele A construct (p < 0.05). Conclusions Allele G of rs11588850 was associated with the increased risk of TOA possibly via up-regulation of WNT9A expression. Further functional analysis into the regulatory role of rs11588850 in WNT9A expression can shed new light on the genetic architecture of TOA. Key Points Genetic variants of WNT9A were associated with the incidence and severity of TOA. Allele G of rs11588850 was associated with an increased transcriptional activity of WNT9A promoter. Allele G of rs11588850 may add to the risk of TOA possibly via up-regulation of WNT9A expression. Further functional analysis into the regulatory role of rs11588850 in WNT9A expression can shed new light on the genetic architecture of TOA.

Correlation Between Wnt5a Expression and Vasculogenic Mimicry in Prostate Cancer Tissues / 肿瘤防治研究

Objective To investigate the correlation of Wnt5a expression and vasculogenic mimicry (VM) in prostate cancer tissues, and analyze their relationships with cancer stem cells (CSCs) characteristics and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Methods Immunohistochemistry was conducted to detect the expression of Wnt5a in 50 prostate cancer tissues and 50 benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues. The expression levels of CD133, vimentin, and E-cadherin were detected in the prostate cancer tissues, and CD34/PAS double staining was used to detect VM structures. We analyzed the difference in Wnt5a level between prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia tissues, the clinical significance of Wnt5a and VM, the relationship of Wnt5a expression and VM, and the relationships of Wnt5a expression and VM with CD133, Vimentin, E-cadherin. Results The expression of Wnt5a was significantly higher in prostate cancer tissues than in benign prostatic hyperplasia (P < 0.05). A positive correlation was observed between Wnt5a expression and VM (P < 0.05). The expression levels of Wnt5a and VM were positively correlated with those of CD133 and vimentin (P < 0.05). Wnt5a expression and VM were positively correlated with Gleason score, vas deferens invasion and lymphatic metastasis (P < 0.05) of prostate cancer, and VM was also positively correlated with T stage of prostate cancer (P < 0.05). Conclusion The expression level of Wnt5a in prostate cancer tissues is elevated and positively related with VM formation. Wnt5a expression and VM are correlated with cancer stem cells characteristics and the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition marker proteins.

Sphingomyelin synthase 2 regulates the malignant biological behaviors of ovarian cancer TOV-21G cells through Wnt/β-catenin pathway / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[摘 要] 目的：探讨鞘磷脂合成酶2（SMS2）是否通过Wnt/β-catenin信号通路调控卵巢癌（OC）TOV-21G细胞增殖、迁移、侵袭、凋亡及其机制。方法：收集武汉市第三医院2022年7月至2023年5月间确诊的21例OC患者的癌及癌旁组织标本，免疫组化法检测OC组织SMS2表达水平。体外培养TOV-21G细胞，将细胞分为对照组、shRNA慢病毒阴性对照组（sh-NC组）、SMS2 shRNA慢病毒组（sh-SMS2组）、Wnt/β-catenin通路激活剂组LiCl（LiCl组）和sh-SMS2+LiCl组。Edu染色法、Transwell法、流式细胞术分别检测各组细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭能力及凋亡水平，WB法检测细胞中SMS2、Ki67、cyclin D1、BAX、c-caspase3、Bcl-2及Wnt/β-catenin通路蛋白（β-catenin、c-Myc、MMP-9）的表达。构建TOV-21G细胞裸鼠移植瘤模型，观察敲低SMS2对移植瘤生长和SMS2、β-catenin表达的影响。结果：与癌旁组织比较，OC组织中SMS2呈高表达（P<0.01）。转染sh-SMS2后，TOV-21G细胞中SMS2表达水平显著降低（P<0.05），细胞的增殖、迁移和侵袭能力及Bcl-2、β-catenin、c-Myc、MMP-9蛋白表达均显著降低（均P<0.05），细胞凋亡率、BAX、c-caspase3蛋白表达均显著升高（均P<0.05）；LiCl处理能逆转敲低SMS2对TOV-21G细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭及Wnt/β-catenin通路的抑制作用（均P<0.05）。体内成瘤实验显示，敲低SMS2抑制裸鼠移植瘤的生长及SMS2、β-catenin蛋白的表达（均P<0.05）。结论：敲低SMS2表达通过Wnt/β-catenin信号通路抑制OC TOV-21G细胞的增殖、迁移、侵袭并促进细胞凋亡，同时LiCl处理则能逆转敲低SMS2对TOV-21G细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭的抑制作用。

DANCR Regulates hESC Differentiation Towards Definitive Endoderm / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

ObjectiveTo explore the function of DANCR during the differentiation of human embryonic stem cells （hESC） toward definitive endoderm （DE）. MethodsThe in vitro DE differentiation system was established and its efficiency was verified. The correlation between the expression level of DANCR and DE differentiation process was detected. Using lentivirus system， we stably knocked down DANCR in hESC. The shDANCR hESC line was applied to DE differentiation， using qPCR and Western blot to detect the expression of DE marker genes SOX17 and FOXA2， and that of primitive streak marker genes Brachyury （T）， EOMES， MIXL1 and GSC. Dual luciferase reporter assay and qPCR were used to confirm the interaction between DANCR and the WNT pathway during DE differentiation. ResultsThe in vitro differentiation system mimicked DE differentiation efficiently. And the expression of DANCR was gradually downregulated during differentiation. DANCR was efficiently knocked down in the shDANCR hESC line （P < 0.001）. Compared with those in the control group， the expression levels of primitive markers Brachyury （T）， EOMES， MIXL1 and GSC， as well as DE markers SOX17 and FOXA2， were significantly decreased in shDANCR groups （P < 0.05）. Furthermore， the transcriptional activity of the WNT pathway in shDANCR groups was lower than that in the control group （P < 0.05）. And RNA levels of downstream genes of the WNT pathway， FZD5， FZD8， SFRP1， FRZB and ANKRD6， were significantly decreased in shDANCR groups （P < 0.05）. However， differences in protein levels of the TGFβ pathway effectors SMAD2/3 and p-SMAD2 were statistically insignificant in shDANCR and control groups （P > 0.05）. Forced activation of β-CATENIN rescued DANCR knock down-induced deficiency in DE differentiation. ConclusionsThe expression of DANCR decreases during DE differentiation. DANCR may promote DE differentiation through modulating the activity of the WNT pathway.

Kidney-tonifying and Blood-activating Prescription Regulates Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway to Improve Uterine Spiral Artery Remodeling in Mouse Model of Recurrent Miscarriage / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo observe the effects of the kidney-tonifying and blood-activating prescription on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and uterine spiral artery remodeling in a mouse model of recurrent miscarriage and to explore its underlying mechanism. MethodA mouse model of normal pregnancy was established by mating CBA/J mice with BALB/c mice. A mouse model of recurrent miscarriage was established by mating CBA/J mice with DBA/2 mice. The modeled mice of recurrent miscarriage were randomized into model， dydrogesterone， and low- and high-dose Chinese medicine groups. The mice in normal pregnancy were used as the control group. Each group consisted of 10 mice， and the drug administration lasted for 14 days. After the treatment， the embryo absorption rate of each group was recorded. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was employed to observe the pathological morphology of the uterine decidua， and the physiological transformation rate of spiral arteries （SPA） was evaluated. Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） and Western blot were performed to determine the mRNA and protein levels， respectively， of matrix metalloproteinases （MMP）-2， MMP-9， vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）， and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. ResultCompared with the control group， the model group presented increased embryo absorption rate （P<0.05）， decreased physiological transformation rate of uterine SPA （P<0.05）， cellular swelling， degeneration， and disordered arrangement in the uterine decidua tissue， and down-regulated mRNA and protein levels of key factors involved in SPA remodeling （MMP-2， MMP-9， VEGF） and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway （Wnt2， β-catenin， Cyclin D1， c-Myc） （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， both the low- and high-dose Chinese medicine reduced embryo absorption rate （P<0.05）， increased SPA physiological transformation rate （P<0.05）， improved uterine decidua tissue morphology， and increased decidua vessel count. Furthermore， they up-regulated the mRNA and protein levels of MMP-2， MMP-9， VEGF， and proteins in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway （P<0.05）. ConclusionRecurrent miscarriage is associated with impaired uterine spiral artery remodeling. The kidney-tonifying and blood-activating prescription can promote uterine spiral artery remodeling by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and promoting the expression of VEGF， MMP-2， and MMP-9， thus treating recurrent miscarriage.

Down-regulation of METTL5 inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of triple-negative breast cancer cells through Wnt/6-catenin signaling pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the role and potential mechanism of methyltransferase-like 5 (METTL5) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) . Methods The expression of METTL5 in TNBC tumor tissues and cell lines was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. After shRNA targeting METTL5 (shRNAMETTL5) was transfected into TNBC cells, cell proliferation, migration and invasion were detected by CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Wnt/p-catenin signaling-related key proteins. A xenograft tumor model was constructed to verify the effect of METTL5 knockdown on the growth of TNBC cells and Wnt/p-catenin signaling activity in vivo. Results The expression of METTL5 was up-regulated in TNBC tumor tissues and cell lines (P < 0. 01) . Knockdown of METTL5 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of TNBC cells and reduced the expression of Wnt/p-catenin signaling molecules (3-catenin, cyclin Dl, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -2 and MMP-7 (all P < 0. 01) . Knockdown of METTL5 reduced tumor growth and Wnt/pcatenin signaling activity in vivo. Conclusions Knockdown of METTL5 can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of TNBC cells, which may be related to the inhibition of Wnt/p-catenin signaling pathway.

Research progress on bone metabolism and molecular mechanisms in accelerated aging SAMP6 mice / 中国药理学通报

Senile osteoporosis (SOP) is a systemic bone disease characterized by increased susceptibility to fractures. The pathogenesis of SOP is complex and not well understood. Currently, the rapid aging model mouse, senescence accelerated mouse prone 6 (SAMP6), is an ideal model for studying the mechanisms of SOP development and exploring its prevention and treatment. This model exhibits characteristics including increased bone fragility, degradation of bone microstructure, loss of bone matrix, and abnormal metabolism and dysfunction of bone cells, faithfully replicating the process of SOP occurrence and progression at both macroscopic and microscopic levels.

Role of Wnt signaling Pathway in Diabetic Osteoporosis and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Diabetic osteoporosis （DOP） is a kind of bone complication caused by diabetes， which is characterized by the decrease of bone mineral density， the change of bone microstructure and the increase of bone fragility. The process of DOP is closely related to high glucose， insulin resistance， oxidative stress and other mechanisms. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays an important role in mediating insulin resistance and bone metabolic balance in diabetes. Regulation of Wnt signal transduction promotes the expression of glycogen synthase kinase-3β（GSK-3β）phosphorylation and improves glucose and lipid metabolism. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway is also an important way regulating osteocyte-driven bone remodeling， which not only plays an important regulatory role in the balance between osteoblasts and osteoclasts and improve bone metabolic homeostasis， but also promotes the expression of osteopontin， osteocalcin and type Ⅰ collagen， and improves bone proliferation and osteogenic differentiation by regulating the Wnt pathway. In recent years， the research of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in the prevention and treatment of DOP has gradually increased， and the exploration of TCM to interfere with the Wnt pathway to improve DOP has made some progress. This paper collects and summarizes the studies on the Wnt signaling pathway in glucose metabolism， bone metabolism and DOP worldwide in the past decade， as well as the related literature on the intervention of DOP by TCM compounds （classical and other compounds）， single Chinese medicine and TCM monomers based on the Wnt pathway， in order to provide a reference and direction for the development of new drugs for clinical prevention and treatment of DOP.

Prevention and Treatment of Lung Cancer by Traditional Chinese Medicine Targeting Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Pathway： A Review / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors in the world， with its morbidity and mortality ranking at the top. The early symptoms are not obvious， and the biological structure is complex， so many patients have missed the optimal treatment time. At present， the treatment of lung cancer in modern medicine is dominated by first-line chemotherapy and surgical treatment with platinum-containing regimen， which has relatively large side effects， poor prognosis， and a high risk of metastasis and recurrence. With the gradual rise of targeted therapy and immunotherapy for lung cancer， the overall recovery of patients with lung cancer is still poor and the survival rate is low， despite more abundant treatment methods. From the perspective of holistic concept and syndrome differentiation， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） plays an important role in the prognosis of tumor patients， with many targets， a wide range and light toxic and side effect. Modern studies have shown that the occurrence and development of lung cancer are closely related to the abnormality of multiple signaling pathways， and the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway， as one of the most important pathways in cancer， is involved in the whole process of lung cancer development by regulating the expression of related signaling proteins and genes. In recent years， many studies have confirmed that TCM monomers and TCM compounds can inhibit the epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） process of lung cancer and the activity of lung cancer stem cells （LCSCs） by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway， induce lung cancer cell apoptosis， inhibit the proliferation， invasion and migration of lung cancer cells， and thus play an anti-lung cancer role. In recent years， research in this field has made breakthroughs， but there is a lack of systematic reviews and summaries. Thus， this paper reviewed relevant literature worldwide to analyze and interpret the mechanism of TCM intervention in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway against lung cancer. The TCM monomers targeted to regulate this signaling pathway were summarized in four categories： promoting blood circulation for removing blood stasis， clearing heat and removing dampness， clearing heat and removing toxicity， and awakening the spirit. TCM compounds included Buzhong Yiqitang， Xuefu Zhuyutang， et al. This study aims to provide new ideas for clinical research and drug development for lung cancer.

Mechanism of Qingre Huayu Jianpi Prescription Inhibiting Development of Colitis-associated Colorectal Cancer in Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of Qingre Huayu Jianpi prescription （QHJ） on colitis-associated colorectal cancer （CAC） in mice， and its related mechanism. MethodC57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups including the normal， model， QHJ low-dose （QHJ-L， 10 g·kg-1）， and QHJ high-dose （QHJ-H， 40 g·kg-1） groups. Azoxymethane （AOM） and dextran sodium sulfate （DSS） were combined to chemically build a CAC mouse model for 14 weeks. Each drug group was given intragastrically from the 5th week to the 14th week， once per day. An equal volume of water was fed to the normal and model groups. The mouse survival rate， colon length， weight， and pathological alterations were assessed. The protein expressions of Wnt-3a protein signaling （Wnt3a）， β-catenin， Non-phosphor-β-catenin （Non-p-β-catenin）， and cholesterol-binding glycoproteins 133 （CD133） were detected by Western blot. The localization and expression of the cluster of differentiation （CD） 80 and CD11 antigen-like family member B （CD11b） were detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. The colon organoids derived from CAC mice were isolated and cultured to detect the expression of Wnt signaling pathway-related proteins. ResultThe survival rate of the CAC mice was improved by QHJ treatment and the number of colon tumors was inhibited significantly. Compared with those in the normal group， the expression levels of Wnt3a， β-catenin， Non-p-β-catenin， and CD133 in colon tissues in the model group were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with those in the model group， the levels of Wnt3a and β-catenin in the QHJ-L group were significantly decreased （P<0.01）， and the protein levels of Wnt3a， β-catenin， Non-p-β-catenin， and CD133 in the QHJ-H group were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Meanwhile， the expression level of CD11b in the model group was significantly increased compared with that in the normal group while the CD80 level was significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with those in the model group， CD11b in QHJ-L and QHJ-H groups was significantly decreased， and CD80 was significantly increased（P<0.05， P<0.01）. The expressions of Non-p-β-catenin and CD133 in colonic organoids of CAC model mice were significantly increased， while QHJ treatment could inhibit the expressions of Non-p-β-catenin and CD133 in colonic organoids （P<0.01）. ConclusionQHJ could inhibit the inflammation-cancer development in CAC mice， the mechanism of which might be related to regulating the microenvironment and inhibiting the over-activation of Wnt signaling.

Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine monomer and compound intervention on the Wnt signaling pathway in regulating bone metabolism / 中国药房

Bone metabolism refers to the decomposition and anabolism occurring during bone remodeling， and its balance is regulated by bone resorption and bone formation. A slight deviation of this balance causes various skeletal diseases， such as osteoporosis and renal osteodystrophy. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） monomers and compounds have certain advantages in treating bone metabolism diseases. The Wnt signaling pathway includes the canonical Wnt signaling pathway， dependent on β-catenin， and the non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway， independent of β-catenin. Both types of pathways can maintain bone metabolism balance by regulating bone formation and bone resorption and are essential for bone development， bone mass maintenance， and bone remodeling. A variety of TCM monomers （albiflorin， catalpol and icariin） and formulas （Zuogui pill， Yishen gugu prescription， Duzhong jiangu prescription， etc.） have been confirmed to promote differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells， proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts， bone injury repair， and osteoporosis improvement by activating the Wnt signaling pathway in recent years. Here， this article summarizes the research progress in the Wnt signaling pathway regulation of bone metabolism by TCM monomers and compounds to provide ideas for the clinical application of TCM and the research and development of new drugs for the prevention and treatment of bone metabolism diseases.

Mechanism of Medicated Serum of Buyang Huanwutang in Inhibiting Endothelial-to-mesenchymal Transition of Human Pulmonary Artery Endothelial Cells Based on Wnt1/β-catenin Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the role of the Wnt1/β-catenin signaling pathway in the intervention of medicated serum of Buyang Huanwutang （BYHWT） in endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition （EndMT） of human pulmonary artery endothelial cells （HPAECs） as well as its related mechanisms. MethodMedicated serum of BYHWT was prepared by gavage to New Zealand rabbits with a dosage of 53.36 g·kg-1·d-1 after decocting the medicine as usual. In addition， the same volume of normal saline was used to prepare blank serum. The HPAECs were cultured in vitro， and then induced by the transforming growth factor-β1 （TGF-β1） to establish the EndMT model. Five groups were established： blank group （10% blank serum）， model group （TGF-β1+10% blank serum）， low-dose BYHWT group （TGF-β1+2.5% medicated serum+7.5% blank serum）， medium-dose BYHWT group （TGF-β1+5% medicated serum+5% blank serum） and high-dose BYHWT group （TGF-β1+10% medicated serum）. Through Western blot， the expressions of Wnt1， β-catenin， and glycogen synthase kinase-3β （GSK-3β） were detected. In order to further clarify the mechanism of the Wnt1/β-catenin signaling pathway in the intervention of the medicated serum of BYHWT in inhibiting EndMT， the overexpression of β-catenin was confirmed by polymerase chain reaction after plasmid of overexpression β-catenin was constructed and transfected into the HPAECs. The HPAECs were intervened by 10% medicated serum with the optimal effect in previous studies. Then， they were divided into another five groups： the blank group （10% blank serum）， the model group （TGF-β1+10% blank serum）， the BYHWT group （TGF-β1+10% medicated serum）， the BYHWT+overexpression plasmid control group （TGF-β1+10% medicated serum+blank plasmid） and the BYHWT+β-catenin overexpression plasmid group （TGF-β1+10% medicated serum+β-catenin）. Apart from that， cell proliferation ability was detected by the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium （MTT） method and cell migration ability by scratch assay and Transwell assay together. Immunofluorescence was adopted to detect the expressions of platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule （PECAM-1/CD31）， vascular endothelial cadherin （VE-cadherin）， fibroblast-specific protein 1 （FSP1）， and α-smooth muscle actin （α-SMA）. ResultIn comparison to the blank group， the expressions of Wnt1 and β-catenin were significantly increased （P<0.01） while the expression of GSK-3β significantly decreased （P<0.01） in the model group. In comparison to the model group， the expressions of Wnt1 and β-catenin were significantly decreased （P<0.01） while the expression of GSK-3β was significantly increased （P<0.01） in the high-dose BYHWT group. The expression of β-catenin was significantly decreased （P<0.01） while the expression of GSK-3β was significantly increased （P<0.01） in the medium-dose BYHWT group. There was no significant difference in these indexes of the low-dose BYHWT group. In comparison to the blank group， proliferation and migration abilities were remarkably increased （P<0.01） and the immunofluorescence intensities of CD31 and VE-cadherin were decreased， while those of FSP1 and α-SMA were increased in the model group. In comparison to the model group， proliferation and migration abilities were significantly decreased （P<0.01） and the immunofluorescence intensities of CD31 and VE-cadherin were increased， while those of FSP1 and α-SMA diminished in the BYHWT group. Beyond that， the change trend of those indexes in the BYHWT+β-catenin overexpression plasmid group was consistent with that in the model group. In comparison to the BYHWT+overexpression plasmid control group， proliferation and migration abilities were significantly increased （P<0.01） and the immunofluorescence intensities of CD31 and VE-cadherin were decreased， while those of FSP1 and α-SMA were increased in the BYHWT+β-catenin overexpression plasmid group. ConclusionMedicated serum of BYHWT can inhibit EndMT of HPAECs by the Wnt1/β-catenin signaling pathway.

A novel TNKS/USP25 inhibitor blocks the Wnt pathway to overcome multi-drug resistance in TNKS-overexpressing colorectal cancer

Modulating Tankyrases (TNKS), interactions with USP25 to promote TNKS degradation, rather than inhibiting their enzymatic activities, is emerging as an alternative/specific approach to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Here, we identified UAT-B, a novel neoantimycin analog isolated from Streptomyces conglobatus, as a small-molecule inhibitor of TNKS-USP25 protein-protein interaction (PPI) to overcome multi-drug resistance in colorectal cancer (CRC). The disruption of TNKS-USP25 complex formation by UAT-B led to a significant decrease in TNKS levels, triggering cell apoptosis through modulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Importantly, UAT-B successfully inhibited the CRC cells growth that harbored high TNKS levels, as demonstrated in various in vitro and in vivo studies utilizing cell line-based and patient-derived xenografts, as well as APCmin/+ spontaneous CRC models. Collectively, these findings suggest that targeting the TNKS-USP25 PPI using a small-molecule inhibitor represents a compelling therapeutic strategy for CRC treatment, and UAT-B emerges as a promising candidate for further preclinical and clinical investigations.

Robinow syndrome and its response to growth hormone treatment / Síndrome de Robinow y su respuesta al tratamiento con hormona del crecimiento

Abstract Background: Robinow syndrome is a rare disease with short stature, characteristic phenotypical abnormalities, and intellectual integrity in most cases. Case report: We present the case of a 13-year and one-month-old male who came for medical consultation at 3 years of age due to short stature. Additionally, the patient showed craniofacial dysmorphia, congenital heart disease, and growth hormone deficiency. As per family history, the mother presented the same phenotype. The genetic study identified an unreported variant of the WNT5A gene. Conclusions: The patient initiated growth hormone treatment at a dose of 0.7 U/kg/week at 4 years of age with favorable results, increasing his height from the < 1st percentile to the 44th percentile.

Resumen Introducción: El síndrome de Robinow es una enfermedad rara en la que se presentan estatura baja, anomalías fenotípicas características y, en la mayoría de los casos, integridad intelectual. Caso clínico: Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 13 años y 1 mes de edad quien acudió a consulta a los 3 años por estatura baja. Adicionalmente, el paciente presentaba dismorfias craneofaciales, cardiopatía congénita y deficiencia de hormona de crecimiento. Como antecedentes familiares, la madre presentó el mismo fenotipo. El estudio genético identificó una variante no reportada del gen WNT5A. Conclusiones: El paciente inició tratamiento con hormona del crecimiento a una dosis de 0.7 U/kg/semana a los 4 años de edad con resultados favorables, aumentando su estatura del percentil < 1 a percentil 44.

miR-29c-3p represses the angiogenesis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma by targeting SERPINH1 to regulate the Wnt signaling pathway

Purpose: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is characterized by early metastasis and late diagnosis. miR-29c-3p is confirmed to repress angiogenesis in multiple tumor types. Yet, the functions of miR-29c-3p in the mechanism of ESCC angiogenesis, which were not sufficiently explored previously, were exactly what we investigated here at the molecular level. Methods: The mRNA level of miR-29c-3p and Serpin peptidase inhibitor clade H member 1 (SERPINH1) in ESCC tissues were assessed via bioinformatics analysis. Thereafter, miR-29c-3p and SERPINH1 (HSP47) mRNA level in ESCC cell lines was evaluated via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The effects of abnormal miR-29c-3p and SERPINH1 expression on ESCC cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and HUVEC angiogenesis were examined via CCK8, colony formation, transwell, and angiogenesis assays, respectively. The protein levels of SERPINH1, vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGFA), Wnt-1, ?-catenin, and p-?-catenin were evaluated via Western blot. Expression of VEGFA secreted by ESCC cells was measured via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Treatment with the Wnt activator BML-284 further revealed the way miR-29c-3p mediated the Wnt signaling pathway and its effects on angiogenesis. Results: Herein, we revealed a decrease of miR-29c-3p expression in ESCC tissues and cells, while the overexpressed miR-29c-3p could remarkably suppress ESCC cell progression, as well as HUVEC angiogenesis. Meanwhile, overexpressed miR-29c-3p notably downregulated VEGFA and repressed the Wnt signaling pathway. Treatment with the Wnt activator BML-284 could reverse the inhibition of HUVEC angiogenesis caused by miR-29c-3p. SERPINH1 was a downstream target of miR-29c-3p. SERPINH1 knockdown suppressed the malignant phenotypes of ESCC cells and impeded the Wnt signaling activation, while such suppression was reversed through miR-29c-3p inhibitor. Conclusions: We confirmed the mechanism that miR-29c-3p targeted SERPINH1, thus regulating angiogenesis in ESCC through the Wnt signaling pathway. It improves the understanding of angiogenesis in ESCC and offers new ideas for the research of ESCC treatment strategies in the future.

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 inhibition enhances mineral nodule formation by cementoblasts in vitro

Abstract This study aimed to investigate whether GSK-3 inhibition (CHIR99021) effectively promoted mineralization by cementoblasts (OCCM-30). OCCM-30 cells were used and treated with different concentrations of CHIR99021 (2.5, 5, and 10 mM). Experiments included proliferation and viability, cellular metabolic activity, gene expression, and mineral nodule formation by Xylene Orange at the experimental time points. In general, CHIR99021 did not significantly affect OCCM-30 viability and cell metabolism (MTT assay) (p > 0.05), but increased OCCM-30 proliferation at 2.5 mM on days 2 and 4 (p < 0.05). Data analysis further showed that inhibition of GSK-3 resulted in increased transcript levels of Axin2 in OCCM-30 cells starting as early as 4 h, and regulated the expression of key bone markers including alkaline phosphatase (Alp), runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx-2), osteocalcin (Ocn), and osterix (Osx). In addition, CHIR99021 led to an enhanced mineral nodule formation in vitro under both osteogenic and non-osteogenic conditions as early as 5 days after treatment. Altogether, the results of the current study suggest that inhibition of GSK-3 has the potential to promote cementoblast differentiation leading to increased mineral deposition in vitro.

Higher immunoexpression of CK14 from the Wnt-1/β-catenin pathway in the development of odontomas

Abstract Tooth development depends on a series of reciprocal signaling interactions between the oral epithelium and ectomesenchyme. This study aimed to investigate the role of CK14, a protein involved in Wnt-1/β-catenin signaling, in odontogenesis and the development of odontomas. This cross-sectional, retrospective, immunohistochemical study analyzed 30 compound odontomas, 30 complex odontomas, and 17 tooth germs. Higher immunoexpression of CK14 was observed in odontogenic epithelial cells of tooth germs (p < 0.001) and odontogenic epithelial cells of odontomas (p < 0.001). There was higher immunoexpression of Wnt-1 and β-catenin proteins in epithelial cells of tooth germs (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively), as well as in the ectomesenchyme of odontomas (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001, respectively). β-Catenin was moderately and significantly correlated with CK14 in the membrane of reduced enamel epithelial cells in odontomas (p = 0.007). Higher immunoexpression of CK14 was observed in the odontogenic epithelium during the bud and cap stages and lower immunoexpression in the internal enamel epithelium during the bell stage. In odontomas, lower expression of Wnt-1/β-catenin and higher immunoexpression of CK14 were found in odontogenic epithelial cells, especially adjacent to the mineralized material resembling the tooth formed in these lesions.

Resumo O desenvolvimento dentário depende de uma série de interações de sinalização recíproca entre o epitélio oral e o ectomesênquima. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o papel da CK14 das vias WNT-1/β-catenina na odontogênese e no desenvolvimento de odontomas. Este estudo transversal, retrospectivo, imuno-histoquímico analisou 30 odontomas compostos, 30 odontomas complexos e 17 germes dentários. A CK14 apresentou maior imunoexpressão em células epiteliais odontogênicas de germes dentários (p<0,001) e em células epiteliais odontogênicas de odontomas (p<0,001). A Wnt-1 e a β-catenina apresentaram maior imunoexpressão de proteínas nas células epiteliais dos germes dentários (p = 0,002 e p<0,001, respectivamente), bem como no ectomesênquima dos odontomas (p = 0,003 e p < 0,001, respectivamente). A β-catenina correlacionou-se moderada e significativamente com a CK14 na membrana de células epiteliais reduzidas do esmalte em odontomas (p = 0,007). Maior imunoexpressão da CK14 foi observada no epitélio odontogênico nos estágios de botão e capuz com menor imunoexpressão no epitélio interno do órgão do esmalte no estágio de sino. Nos odontomas, foi observado menor expressão de Wnt-1/β-catenina e maior imunoexpressão da CK14 presente nas células epiteliais odontogênicas, especialmente, vizinhas ao material mineralizado semelhante ao dente formado nessas lesões.

Relationship between villous atrophy and Wnt pathway gene expressions in pediatric celiac patients

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease characterized by an abnormal immune response occurring in the small intestine linked to consumption of food containing gluten in individuals with a genetic predisposition. Dysregulation of Wnt signal transduction plays a role in the pathogenesis of many diseases including autoimmune diseases like celiac disease. In this study, the correlation of Wnt pathway gene expressions with each other and the correlation with clinical data were researched in pediatric celiac disease cases grouped according to the Marsh classification. METHODS: Gene expression levels of FZD8, DVL2, LRP5, RHOA, CCND2, CXADR, and NFATC1, which are involved in the Wnt pathway, were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in 40 celiac disease and 30 healthy individuals. RESULTS: All cases with the short height symptom were observed to be in Marsh 3b/3c groups (p=0.03). The gene expressions of DVL2, CCND2, and NFATC1 were high in the Marsh 3b group, and these genes showed positive correlation with each other (p=0.002). LRP5 and CXADR gene expressions were lower in the Marsh 3b group compared to other Marsh groups, and these genes showed a positive correlation with each other (p=0.003). CCND2 gene expression was associated with Marsh 3b group, diarrhea, and vomiting symptoms. DVL2 gene expression was correlated with Marsh 2 group and constipation symptom (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Wnt signaling in the early stages of the disease of Marsh 1-2 involves high expression of LRP5 and CXADR genes, while expression of these two genes reduces, and DVL2, CCND2, and NFATC1 gene expressions clearly increase with a transduction variation observed from Marsh 3a stage when villous atrophy begins to form. It appears that the Wnt pathway may contribute to disease progression through expression changes.

The protective role of Wnt3a in peroxynitrite-induced damage of cochlear hair cells in vitro

Abstract Objective To investigate the effect of peroxynitrite on the cultured cochlear hair cells of C57BL/6 P3 mice in vitro as well as the role of Wnt3a, as an activator of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, underlying the action of such an oxidative stress. Methods The in vitro primary cultured cochlear hair cells were subjected to l00 μM peroxynitrite and l00 μM peroxynitrite +25 ng/mL Wnt3a for 24 h, the cell survival and morphological changes were examined by immunofluorescence and transmission electron microscopy. Results The number of surviving hair cells was significantly reduced in the 100 μM peroxynitrite group, while it was significantly higher in the Wnt3a + peroxynitrite treated group compared with the peroxynitrite treated group. The transmission electron microscopy showed that exposure to peroxynitrite induced a dramatic decrease in the number of mitochondria and severely disrupted mitochondrial ultrastructure, while Wnt3a clearly diminished the disruption of mitochondrial structure and preserved a higher number of mitochondria. Conclusion These results indicated that peroxynitrite could cause oxidative damage to the cochlear hair cells, and low concentrations of Wnt3a has a protective effect against oxidative damage. Level of evidence: Level 2.