Showing papers by "Randall T. Moon published in 2011"

Differential requirement for the dual functions of β-catenin in embryonic stem cell self-renewal and germ layer formation.

Abstract: Canonical Wnt signalling and its transcriptional effector β-catenin have been implicated in embryonic stem cell (ESC) function. Self-renewal is now shown to be maintained in β-catenin-deficient mouse ESCs, whereas mesendodermal and neuronal differentiation are impaired. A β-catenin variant that cannot function in transcription but re-establishes cadherin-mediated cell-adhesion rescues these differentiation defects.

Crystal structures of the extracellular domain of LRP6 and its complex with DKK1.

Abstract: Low-density-lipoprotein (LDL) receptor-related proteins 5 and 6 (LRP5/6) are Wnt co-receptors essential for Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Dickkopf 1 (DKK1) inhibits Wnt signaling by interacting with the extracellular domains of LRP5/6 and is a drug target for multiple diseases. Here we present the crystal structures of a human LRP6-E3E4-DKK1 complex and the first and second halves of human LRP6's four propeller-epidermal growth factor (EGF) pairs (LRP6-E1E2 and LRP6-E3E4). Combined with EM analysis, these data demonstrate that LRP6-E1E2 and LRP6-E3E4 form two rigid structural blocks, with a short intervening hinge that restrains their relative orientation. The C-terminal domain of DKK1 (DKK1c) interacts with the top surface of the LRP6-E3 YWTD propeller and given their structural similarity, probably also that of the LRP6-E1 propeller, through conserved hydrophobic patches buttressed by a network of salt bridges and hydrogen bonds. Our work provides key insights for understanding LRP5/6 structure and the interaction of LRP5/6 with DKK, as well as for drug discovery.

Mindbomb 1, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, forms a complex with RYK to activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling

Abstract: Receptor-like tyrosine kinase (RYK) functions as a transmembrane receptor for the Wnt family of secreted protein ligands. Although RYK undergoes endocytosis in response to Wnt, the mechanisms that regulate its internalization and concomitant activation of Wnt signaling are unknown. We discovered that RYK both physically and functionally interacts with the E3 ubiquitin ligase Mindbomb 1 (MIB1). Overexpression of MIB1 promotes the ubiquitination of RYK and reduces its steady-state levels at the plasma membrane. Moreover, we show that MIB1 is sufficient to activate Wnt/β-catenin (CTNNB1) signaling and that this activity depends on endogenous RYK. Conversely, in loss-of-function studies, both RYK and MIB1 are required for Wnt-3A–mediated activation of CTNNB1. Finally, we identify the Caenorhabditis elegans orthologue of MIB1 and demonstrate a genetic interaction between ceMIB and lin-18/RYK in vulva development. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms of Wnt/RYK signaling and point to novel targets for the modulation of Wnt signaling.

Wnt Signaling Exerts an Antiproliferative Effect on Adult Cardiac Progenitor Cells Through IGFBP3

Abstract: Rationale: Recent work in animal models and humans has demonstrated the presence of organ-specific progenitor cells required for the regenerative capacity of the adult heart. In response to tissue injury, progenitor cells differentiate into specialized cells, while their numbers are maintained through mechanisms of self-renewal. The molecular cues that dictate the self-renewal of adult progenitor cells in the heart, however, remain unclear. Objective: We investigate the role of canonical Wnt signaling on adult cardiac side population (CSP) cells under physiological and disease conditions. Methods and Results: CSP cells isolated from C57BL/6J mice were used to study the effects of canonical Wnt signaling on their proliferative capacity. The proliferative capacity of CSP cells was also tested after injection of recombinant Wnt3a protein (r-Wnt3a) in the left ventricular free wall. Wnt signaling was found to decrease the proliferation of adult CSP cells, both in vitro and in vivo, through suppression of cell cycle progression. Wnt stimulation exerted its antiproliferative effects through a previously unappreciated activation of insulin-like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP3), which requires intact IGF binding site for its action. Moreover, injection of r-Wnt3a after myocardial infarction in mice showed that Wnt signaling limits CSP cell renewal, blocks endogenous cardiac regeneration and impairs cardiac performance, highlighting the importance of progenitor cells in maintaining tissue function after injury. Conclusions: Our study identifies canonical Wnt signaling and the novel downstream mediator, IGFBP3, as key regulators of adult cardiac progenitor self-renewal in physiological and pathological states.

Assessment of Hypoxia Inducible Factor Levels in Cancer Cell Lines upon Hypoxic Induction Using a Novel Reporter Construct

Abstract: Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) signaling pathway is important for tumor cells with limited oxygen supplies, as it is shown to be involved in the process of proliferation and angiogenesis. Given its pivotal role in cancer biology, robust assays for tracking changes in HIF expression are necessary for understanding its regulation in cancer as well as developing therapies that target HIF signaling. Here we report a novel HIF reporter construct containing tandem repeats of minimum HIF binding sites upstream of eYFP coding sequence. We show that the reporter construct has an excellent signal to background ratio and the reporter activity is HIF dependent and directly correlates with HIF protein levels. By utilizing this new construct, we assayed HIF activity levels in different cancer cell lines cultured in various degrees of hypoxia. This analysis reveals a surprising cancer cell line specific variation of HIF activity in the same level of hypoxia. We further show that in two cervical cancer cell lines, ME180 and HeLa, the different HIF activity levels observed correlate with the levels of hsp90, a cofactor that protects HIF against VHL-independent degradation. This novel HIF reporter construct serves as a tool to rapidly define HIF activity levels and therefore the therapeutic capacity of potential HIF repressors in individual cancers.

Compositions and methods for treating cancer and methods for predicting a response to such treatments

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the regulation and function of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and the ERK signaling pathway. The disclosure provides methods of treatment for melanoma by administering both an inhibitor of ERK signaling and an activator of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. These methods may be used alone or in combination with other strategies targeting melanoma cell survival. The disclosure also provides diagnostic methods for predicting a patient's clinical response to inhibitors of ERK signaling.