scholarly journals The role of R-spondin proteins in cancer biology

Oncogene ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eline J. ter Steege ◽  
Elvira R. M. Bakker
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Therapeutic Target ◽  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
The Body ◽  
Gene Fusions ◽  
Stem Cell Regulation ◽  
Multiple Organs ◽  
Enhanced Expression

AbstractR-spondin (RSPO) proteins constitute a family of four secreted glycoproteins (RSPO1–4) that have appeared as multipotent signaling ligands. The best-known molecular function of RSPOs lie within their capacity to agonize the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. As RSPOs act upon cognate receptors LGR4/5/6 that are typically expressed by stem cells and progenitor cells, RSPO proteins importantly potentiate Wnt/β-catenin signaling especially within these proliferative stem cell compartments. Since multiple organs express LGR4/5/6 receptors and RSPO ligands within their stem cell niches, RSPOs can exert an influential role in stem cell regulation throughout the body. Inherently, over the last decade a multitude of reports implicated the deregulation of RSPOs in cancer development. First, RSPO2 and RSPO3 gene fusions with concomitant enhanced expression have been identified in colon cancer patients, and proposed as an alternative driver of Wnt/β-catenin hyperactivation that earmarks cancer in the colorectal tract. Moreover, the causal oncogenic capacity of RSPO3 overactivation has been demonstrated in the mouse intestine. As a paradigm organ in this field, most of current knowledge about RSPOs in cancer is derived from studies in the intestinal tract. However, RSPO gene fusions as well as enhanced RSPO expression have been reported in multiple additional cancer types, affecting different organs that involve divergent stem cell hierarchies. Importantly, the emerging oncogenic role of RSPO and its potential clinical utility as a therapeutic target have been recognized and investigated in preclinical and clinical settings. This review provides a survey of current knowledge on the role of RSPOs in cancer biology, addressing the different organs implicated, and of efforts made to explore intervention opportunities in cancer cases with RSPO overrepresentation, including the potential utilization of RSPO as novel therapeutic target itself.

scholarly journals Role of Mitochondria in Viral Infections

Life ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 232
Author(s):  
Srikanth Elesela ◽  
Nicholas W. Lukacs
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Mitochondrial Dynamics ◽  
The Body ◽  
Viral Diseases ◽  
Multiple Organs ◽  
Innate Immune Signaling ◽  
Mitochondrial Functions ◽  
Host Virus Interactions ◽  
Virus Interactions

Viral diseases account for an increasing proportion of deaths worldwide. Viruses maneuver host cell machinery in an attempt to subvert the intracellular environment favorable for their replication. The mitochondrial network is highly susceptible to physiological and environmental insults, including viral infections. Viruses affect mitochondrial functions and impact mitochondrial metabolism, and innate immune signaling. Resurgence of host-virus interactions in recent literature emphasizes the key role of mitochondria and host metabolism on viral life processes. Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to damage of mitochondria that generate toxic compounds, importantly mitochondrial DNA, inducing systemic toxicity, leading to damage of multiple organs in the body. Mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy are essential for the maintenance of mitochondrial quality control and homeostasis. Therefore, metabolic antagonists may be essential to gain a better understanding of viral diseases and develop effective antiviral therapeutics. This review briefly discusses how viruses exploit mitochondrial dynamics for virus proliferation and induce associated diseases.

scholarly journals Metabolic Acidosis in Patients with CKD: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, and Treatment

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Marcin Adamczak ◽  
Stanisław Surma
Keyword(s):  
Metabolic Acidosis ◽  
Sodium Bicarbonate ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Venous Blood ◽  
The Body ◽  
Hydrogen Ions ◽  
Ckd Progression ◽  
New Drug ◽  
Treatment And Prevention

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Metabolic acidosis in CKD is diagnosed in patients with plasma or venous blood bicarbonate concentration lower than 22 mmol/L. Metabolic acidosis occurs in about 20% of patients with CKD. Metabolic acidosis may lead to dysfunction of many systems and organs as well as CKD progression. Currently, sodium bicarbonate is mainly used for pharmacological treatment of metabolic acidosis in patients with CKD. Veverimer is a new drug dedicated to treatment of metabolic acidosis in patients with CKD. Orally given veverimer binds hydrogen ions in the intestines and subsequently is excreted from the body with feces. Clinical studies have shown that veverimer is effective in increasing serum bicarbonate concentrations in CKD patients with metabolic acidosis. Here, we present review of the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of metabolic acidosis in CKD patients. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> Metabolic acidosis is common in patients with CKD and contributes to CKD progression and many complications, which worsen the prognosis in these patients. Currently, sodium bicarbonate is mainly used in metabolic acidosis treatment. The role of the new drug veverimer in the metabolic acidosis therapy needs further studies. <b><i>Key Message:</i></b> The aim of this review article is to summarize the current knowledge concerning the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of metabolic acidosis in CKD patients.

scholarly journals The Role of Cellular Prion Protein in Cancer Biology: A Potential Therapeutic Target

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manqiu Ding ◽  
Yongqiang Chen ◽  
Yue Lang ◽  
Li Cui
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Cell Survival ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Prion Protein ◽  
Therapeutic Target ◽  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Cellular Prion Protein ◽  
Potential Therapeutic Target

Prion protein has two isoforms including cellular prion protein (PrPC) and scrapie prion protein (PrPSc). PrPSc is the pathological aggregated form of prion protein and it plays an important role in neurodegenerative diseases. PrPC is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored protein that can attach to a membrane. Its expression begins at embryogenesis and reaches the highest level in adulthood. PrPC is expressed in the neurons of the nervous system as well as other peripheral organs. Studies in recent years have disclosed the involvement of PrPC in various aspects of cancer biology. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of the roles of PrPC in proliferation, cell survival, invasion/metastasis, and stem cells of cancer cells, as well as its role as a potential therapeutic target.

scholarly journals PI3K in Stemness Regulation: From Development to Cancer

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralitsa Madsen
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Pluripotent Stem Cells ◽  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Pi3k Pathway ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Pten Loss ◽  
Pi3k Activation ◽  
Developmental Signalling ◽  
Dose Dependent

The PI3K/AKT pathway is a key target in oncology where most efforts are focussed on phenotypes such as cell proliferation and survival. Comparatively little attention has been paid to PI3K in stemness regulation, despite the emerging link between acquisition of stem cell-like features and therapeutic failure in cancer. The aim of this review is to summarise current known and unknowns of PI3K-dependent stemness regulation, by integrating knowledge from the fields of developmental, signalling and cancer biology. Particular attention is given to the role of the PI3K pathway in pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) and the emerging parallels to dedifferentiated cancer cells with stem cell-like features. Compelling evidence suggests that PI3K/AKT signalling forms part of a &lsquo;core molecular stemness programme&rsquo; in both mouse and human PSCs. In cancer, the oncogenic PIK3CAH1047R variant causes constitutive activation of the PI3K pathway and has recently been linked to increased stemness in a dose-dependent manner, similar to observations in mouse PSCs with heterozygous versus homozygous Pten loss. There is also evidence that the stemness phenotype may become &lsquo;locked&rsquo; and thus independent of the original PI3K activation, posing limitations for the success of PI3K monotherapy in cancer.Ongoing therapeutic developments for PI3K-associated cancers may therefore benefit from a better understanding of the pathway&rsquo;s two-layered and highly context-dependent regulation of cell growth versus stemness.

scholarly journals Stem/Progenitor Cells, Atherosclerosis and Cardiovascular Regeneration

2010 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 97-104 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olena Dotsenko
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cell ◽  
Progenitor Cells ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Specific Cell ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Cell Trafficking ◽  
Chronic Coronary Artery Disease ◽  
Atherosclerosis Progression ◽  
Cell Based Therapy

Regenerative cell based therapy has potential to become effective adjuvant treatment for patients with atherosclerotic disease. Although data from animal studies support this notion, clinical studies undertaken in patients with acute and chronic coronary artery disease do not conclusively demonstrate benefits of such therapy. There are many questions on the stem cell translational roadmap. The basic mechanisms of stem cell-dependent tissue regeneration are not well understood. There is a debate regarding characterization of specific cell types conferring therapeutic effects. In particular, the role of endothelial progenitor cells as a specific reparative cell subtype is questioned, and the role of myeloid cell linage in fostering of vasculo- and angiogenesis is being increasingly appreciated. Intense discussions surround the place of stem/progenitor cells in atherosclerosis progression, plaque destabilization and vessel remodeling. This paper summarizes the current knowledge on the regenerative stem/progenitor cell definitions, mechanisms of stem cell trafficking, homing and their involvement in atherosclerosis progression.

scholarly journals Calcium Regulates HCC Proliferation as well as EGFR Recycling/Degradation and Could Be a New Therapeutic Target in HCC

Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1588 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Maria Elisa Modica ◽  
Francesco Dituri ◽  
Serena Mancarella ◽  
Claudio Pisano ◽  
Isabel Fabregat ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Epidermal Growth Factor ◽  
Therapeutic Target ◽  
Intracellular Signaling ◽  
Growth Factor Receptor ◽  
The Body ◽  
Biochemical Processes ◽  
Epidermal Growth ◽  
Abundant Element

Calcium is the most abundant element in the human body. Its role is essential in physiological and biochemical processes such as signal transduction from outside to inside the cell between the cells of an organ, as well as the release of neurotransmitters from neurons, muscle contraction, fertilization, bone building, and blood clotting. As a result, intra- and extracellular calcium levels are tightly regulated by the body. The liver is the most specialized organ of the body, as its functions, carried out by hepatocytes, are strongly governed by calcium ions. In this work, we analyze the role of calcium in human hepatoma (HCC) cell lines harboring a wild type form of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), particularly its role in proliferation and in EGFR downmodulation. Our results highlight that calcium is involved in the proliferative capability of HCC cells, as its subtraction is responsible for EGFR degradation by proteasome machinery and, as a consequence, for EGFR intracellular signaling downregulation. However, calcium-regulated EGFR signaling is cell line-dependent. In cells responding weakly to the epidermal growth factor (EGF), calcium seems to have an opposite effect on EGFR internalization/degradation mechanisms. These results suggest that besides EGFR, calcium could be a new therapeutic target in HCC.

scholarly journals The Emerging Role of Galectins and O-GlcNAc Homeostasis in Processes of Cellular Differentiation

Cells ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 1792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rada Tazhitdinova ◽  
Alexander V. Timoshenko
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Biology ◽  
Cellular Differentiation ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Expression Profiles ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Innovative Strategies ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Differentiated Cells ◽  
Independent Functions

Galectins are a family of soluble β-galactoside-binding proteins with diverse glycan-dependent and glycan-independent functions outside and inside the cell. Human cells express twelve out of sixteen recognized mammalian galectin genes and their expression profiles are very different between cell types and tissues. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the changes in the expression of individual galectins at mRNA and protein levels in different types of differentiating cells and the effects of recombinant galectins on cellular differentiation. A new model of galectin regulation is proposed considering the change in O-GlcNAc homeostasis between progenitor/stem cells and mature differentiated cells. The recognition of galectins as regulatory factors controlling cell differentiation and self-renewal is essential for developmental and cancer biology to develop innovative strategies for prevention and targeted treatment of proliferative diseases, tissue regeneration, and stem-cell therapy.

Renal interstitial hyaluronan: functional aspects during normal and pathological conditions

2012 ◽  
Vol 302 (11) ◽  
pp. R1235-R1249 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Stridh ◽  
Fredrik Palm ◽  
Peter Hansell
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Stone Formation ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
The Body ◽  
Receptor Expression ◽  
Whole Body ◽  
Hydration Status ◽  
Hyaluronan Synthases ◽  
Pathological Conditions

The glycosaminoglycan (GAG) hyaluronan (HA) is recognized as an important structural component of the extracellular matrix, but it also interacts with cells during embryonic development, wound healing, inflammation, and cancer; i.e., important features in normal and pathological conditions. The specific physicochemical properties of HA enable a unique hydration capacity, and in the last decade it was revealed that in the interstitium of the renal medulla, where the HA content is very high, it changes rapidly depending on the body hydration status while the HA content of the cortex remains unchanged at very low amounts. The kidney, which regulates fluid balance, uses HA dynamically for the regulation of whole body fluid homeostasis. Renomedullary HA elevation occurs in response to hydration and during dehydration the opposite occurs. The HA-induced alterations in the physicochemical characteristics of the interstitial space affects fluid flux; i.e., reabsorption. Antidiuretic hormone, nitric oxide, angiotensin II, and prostaglandins are classical hormones/compounds involved in renal fluid handling and are important regulators of HA turnover during variations in hydration status. One major producer of HA in the kidney is the renomedullary interstitial cell, which displays receptors and/or synthesis enzymes for the hormones mentioned above. During several kidney disease states, such as ischemia-reperfusion injury, tubulointerstitial inflammation, renal transplant rejection, diabetes, and kidney stone formation, HA is upregulated, which contributes to an abnormal phenotype. In these situations, cytokines and other growth factors are important stimulators. The immunosuppressant agent cyclosporine A is nephrotoxic and induces HA accumulation, which could be involved in graft rejection and edema formation. The use of hyaluronidase to reduce pathologically overexpressed levels of tissue HA is a potential therapeutic tool since diuretics are less efficient in removing water bound to HA in the interstitium. Although the majority of data describing the role of HA originate from animal and cell studies, the available data from humans demonstrate that an upregulation of HA also occurs in diabetic kidneys, in transplant-rejected kidneys, and during acute tubular necrosis. This review summarizes the current knowledge regarding interstitial HA in the role of regulating kidney function during normal and pathological conditions. It encompasses mechanistic insights into the background of the heterogeneous intrarenal distribution of HA; i.e., late nephrogenesis, its regulation during variations in hydration status, and its involvement during several pathological conditions. Changes in hyaluronan synthases, hyaluronidases, and binding receptor expression are discussed in parallel.

scholarly journals Neurons and Glia in the Enteric Nervous System and Epithelial Barrier Function

Physiology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 269-280 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nathalie Vergnolle ◽  
Carla Cirillo
Keyword(s):  
Nervous System ◽  
Enteric Nervous System ◽  
Barrier Function ◽  
Current Knowledge ◽  
The Body ◽  
Epithelial Barrier ◽  
Intestinal Epithelial ◽  
Epithelial Barrier Function ◽  
Exchange Surface

The intestinal epithelial barrier is the largest exchange surface between the body and the external environment. Its functions are regulated by luminal, and also internal, components including the enteric nervous system. This review summarizes current knowledge about the role of the digestive “neuronal-glial-epithelial unit” on epithelial barrier function.

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