lncRNA OXCT1-AS1 Promotes Metastasis in Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer by Stabilizing LEF1, In Vitro and In Vivo.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play nonnegligible roles in the metastasis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study is aimed at investigating the biological role of lncRNA OXCT1-AS1 in NSCLC metastasis and the underlying regulatory mechanisms. The expression profiles of lncRNA OXCT1-AS1 in different NSCLC cell lines were examined. Then, the biological function of lncRNA OXCT1-AS1 in NSCLC metastasis was explored by loss-of-function assays in vitro and in vivo. Further, the protective effect of lncRNA OXCT1-AS1 on lymphoid enhancer factor 1 (LEF1) was examined using RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation assays. Additionally, the role of LEF1 in NSCLC metastasis was investigated. Results indicated that lncRNA OXCT1-AS1 expression was significantly increased in NSCLC cell lines. Functional analysis revealed that knockdown of lncRNA OXCT1-AS1 impaired invasion and migration in vitro. Additionally, the ability of lncRNA OXCT1-AS1 to promote NSCLC metastasis was also confirmed in vivo. Mechanistically, through direct interaction, lncRNA OXCT1-AS1 maintained LEF1 stability by blocking NARF-mediated ubiquitination. Furthermore, LEF1 knockdown impaired invasion and migration of NSCLC in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, these data highlight the ability of lncRNA OXCT1-AS1 to promote NSCLC metastasis by stabilizing LEF1 and suggest that lncRNA OXCT1-AS1 represents a novel therapeutic target in NSCLC.

Small-Molecule Inhibitors Targeting the Canonical WNT Signaling Pathway for the Treatment of Cancer.

Canonical WNT signaling is an important developmental pathway that has attracted increased attention for anticancer drug discovery. From the production and secretion of WNT ligands, their binding to membrane receptors, and the ß-catenin destruction complex to the expansive ß-catenin transcriptional complex, multiple components have been investigated as drug targets to modulate WNT signaling. Significant progress in developing WNT inhibitors such as porcupine inhibitors, tankyrase inhibitors, ß-catenin/coactivators, protein-protein interaction inhibitors, casein kinase modulators, DVL inhibitors, and dCTPP1 inhibitors has been made, with several candidates (e.g., LGK-974, PRI-724, and ETC-159) in human clinical trials. Herein we summarize recent progress in the drug discovery and development of small-molecule inhibitors targeting the canonical WNT pathway, focusing on their specific target proteins, in vitro and in vivo activities, physicochemical properties, and therapeutic potential. The relevant opportunities and challenges toward maintaining the balance between efficacy and toxicity in effectively targeting this pathway are also highlighted.

Identification and expression characterization of three Wnt signaling genes in pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata).

The Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role in animal development and in the biomineralization process. At present, although the biomineralization mechanism in pearl oyster (Pinctada fucata) has been extensively studied, there is little research on the Wnt signaling pathway in pearl oyster. To understand the potential role of the Wnt signaling pathway in pearl oyster, we cloned and sequenced three genes from the Wnt signaling pathway in pearl oyster that encode the following proteins: ß-catenin, Dishevelled (Dvl) and T-cell factor (TCF). Genomic structure analysis revealed that Pf-ß-catenin genomic DNA contained 15 exons, Pf-Dvl genomic DNA contained 16 exons, and Pf-TCF genomic DNA contained 7 exons. Their deduced amino acid sequences all showed the highest identity with homologs in Crassostrea gigas. Yeast two-hybrid analysis verified that Pf-ß-catenin interacted with Pf-TCF. These three genes were ubiquitously expressed in seven pearl oyster tissues analyzed with the highest expression in the gill and a certain amount of expression in the mantle, a tissue related to shell formation. After shell notching, the dynamic changes in expression of these three genes showed that they reached a maximum at 4days, indicating their response to shell regeneration. All three genes were constitutively expressed during five developmental stages of the pearl oyster, with high levels at the early embryonic development stage. Taken together, these results suggested that Pf-ß-catenin, Pf-Dvl and Pf-TCF might participate in shell formation and early embryonic and larval development in the pearl oyster.

Identification of novel T cell factor 4 (TCF-4) binding sites on the HIV long terminal repeat which associate with TCF-4, ß-catenin, and SMAR1 to repress HIV transcription.

Molecular regulation of HIV transcription is a multifaceted process dictated in part by the abundance of cellular transcription factors that induce or repress HIV promoter activity. ß-Catenin partners with members of the T cell factor (TCF)/LEF transcription factors to regulate gene expression. The interaction between ß-catenin and TCF-4 is linked to inhibition of HIV replication in multiple cell types, including lymphocytes and astrocytes. Here, we evaluated the molecular mechanism by which ß-catenin/TCF-4 repress HIV replication. We identified for the first time multiple TCF-4 binding sites at -336, -143, +66, and +186 relative to the transcription initiation site on the HIV long terminal repeat (LTR). Two of the sites (-143 and +66) were present in approximately 1/3 of 500 HIV-1 isolates examined. Although all four sites could bind to TCF-4, the strongest association occurred at -143. Deletion and/or mutation of -143, in conjunction with ß-catenin or TCF-4 knockdown in cells stably expressing an LTR reporter construct, enhanced basal HIV promoter activity by 5-fold but had no effect on Tat-mediated transactivation of the HIV LTR. We also found that TCF-4, ß-catenin, and the nuclear matrix binding protein SMAR1 tether at the -143-nucleotide (nt) site on the HIV LTR to inhibit HIV promoter activity. Collectively, these data indicate that TCF-4 and ß-catenin at -143 associate with SMAR1, which likely pulls the HIV DNA segment into the nuclear matrix and away from transcriptional machinery, leading to repression of basal HIV LTR transcription. These studies point to novel avenues for regulation of HIV replication by manipulation of ß-catenin signaling within cells.

Cell-context dependent TCF/LEF expression and function: alternative tales of repression, de-repression and activation potentials.

Wnt signaling controls cell specification and fate during development and adult tissue homeostasis by converging on a small family of DNA binding factors, the T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) family. In response to Wnt signals, TCF/LEF members undergo a transcriptional switch from repression to activation mediated in part by nuclear ß-catenin binding and recruitment of co-activator complexes. In mammals, the specificity and fine tuning of this transcriptional switch is also achieved by the cell-context-dependent expression of four members (TCF7, TCF7L1, TCF7L2, and LEF1) and numerous variants, which display differential DNA binding affinity and specificity, repression strength, activation potential, and regulators. TCF7/LEF1 variants are generated by alternative promoters, alternative exon cassettes, and alternative donor/acceptor splicing sites, allowing combinatorial insertion/exclusion of modular functional and regulatory domains. In this review we present mounting evidence for the interdependency of TCF7/LEF1 variant expression and functions with cell lineage and cell state. We also illustrate how the p53 and nuclear receptor family of transcription factors, known to control cell fate and to inhibit Wnt signaling, may participate in the fine tuning of TCF7/LEF1 repression/activation potentials.

Regulation of TCF3 by Wnt-dependent phosphorylation during vertebrate axis specification.

A commonly accepted model of Wnt/ß-catenin signaling involves target gene activation by a complex of ß-catenin with a T-cell factor (TCF) family member. TCF3 is a transcriptional repressor that has been implicated in Wnt signaling and plays key roles in embryonic axis specification and stem cell differentiation. Here we demonstrate that Wnt proteins stimulate TCF3 phosphorylation in gastrulating Xenopus embryos and mammalian cells. This phosphorylation event involves ß-catenin-mediated recruitment of homeodomain-interacting protein kinase 2 (HIPK2) to TCF3 and culminates in the dissociation of TCF3 from a target gene promoter. Mutated TCF3 proteins resistant to Wnt-dependent phosphorylation function as constitutive inhibitors of Wnt-mediated activation of Vent2 and Cdx4 during anteroposterior axis specification. These findings reveal an alternative in vivo mechanism of Wnt signaling that involves TCF3 phosphorylation and subsequent derepression of target genes and link this molecular event to a specific developmental process.

Alternative splicing of Tcf7l2 transcripts generates protein variants with differential promoter-binding and transcriptional activation properties at Wnt/beta-catenin targets.

Alternative splicing can produce multiple protein products with variable domain composition from a single gene. The mouse Tcf7l2 gene is subject to alternative splicing. It encodes TCF4, a member of the T-cell factor (TCF) family of DNA-binding proteins and a nuclear interaction partner of beta-catenin which performs essential functions in Wnt growth factor signalling. Multiple TCF4 isoforms, potentially exhibiting cell-type-specific distribution and differing in gene regulatory properties, could strongly influence tissue-specific Wnt responses. Therefore, we have examined mouse Tcf7l2 splice variants in neonatal tissues, embryonic stem cells and neural progenitors. By polymerase chain reaction amplification, cloning and sequencing, we identify a large number of alternatively spliced transcripts and report a highly flexible combinatorial repertoire of alternative exons. Many, but not all of the variants exhibit a broad tissue distribution. Moreover, two functionally equivalent versions of the C-clamp, thought to represent an auxiliary DNA-binding domain, were identified. Depending upon promoter context and precise domain composition, TCF4 isoforms exhibit strikingly different transactivation potentials at natural Wnt/beta-catenin target promoters. However, differences in C-clamp-mediated DNA binding can only partially explain functional differences among TCF4 variants. Still, the cell-type-specific complement of TCF4 isoforms is likely to be a major determinant for the context-dependent transcriptional output of Wnt/beta-catenin signalling.

No effect of cancer-associated SNP rs6983267 in the 8q24 region on co-expression of MYC and TCF7L2 in normal colon tissue.

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs6983267, located within the 8q24 region, is strongly associated with risk of colorectal and prostate cancer. It has been suggested that the mechanism of this association is related to differential interaction of TCF7L2 protein (previously known as TCF-4) with alleles of rs6983267, influencing the expression of a well-known oncogene, MYC, located 335 Kb telomeric. Here, we tested the correlation between mRNA expression of MYC and several alternatively spliced forms of TCF7L2 in 117 non-cancer colon samples. We observed a strong correlation (r = 0.60, p < 10(-6)) between expression of MYC and a unique splicing form of TCF7L2. The level of MYC expression in these samples was associated with expression of some TCF7L2 splicing forms but not with genotypes of rs6983267, or interaction of rs6983267 with TCF7L2 expression. These findings suggest that some splicing forms of TCF7L2 may be functionally important for regulation of MYC expression in colon tissue but this regulation is not directly dependent on rs6983267.

Positive reciprocal regulation of ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 and beta-catenin/TCF signaling.

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) are involved in the regulation of distinct critical cellular processes. Ubiquitin C-terminal Hydrolase L1 (UCH L1) has been linked to several neurological diseases as well as human cancer, but the physiological targets and the regulation of UCH L1 expression in vivo have been largely unexplored. Here we demonstrate that UCH L1 up-regulates beta-catenin/TCF signaling: UCH L1 forms endogenous complexes with beta-catenin, stabilizes it and up-regulates beta-catenin/TCF-dependent transcription. We also show that, reciprocally, beta-catenin/TCF signaling up-regulates expression of endogenous UCH L1 mRNA and protein. Moreover, using ChIP assay and direct mutagenesis we identify two TCF4-binding sites on the uch l1 promoter that are involved in this regulation. Since the expression and deubiquitinating activity of UCH L1 are required for its own basic promoter activity, we propose that UCH L1 up-regulates its expression by activation of the oncogenic beta-catenin/TCF signaling in transformed cells.

Activation of wingless targets requires bipartite recognition of DNA by TCF.

Specific recognition of DNA by transcription factors is essential for precise gene regulation. In Wingless (Wg) signaling in Drosophila, target gene regulation is controlled by T cell factor (TCF), which binds to specific DNA sequences through a high mobility group (HMG) domain. However, there is considerable variability in TCF binding sites, raising the possibility that they are not sufficient for target location. Some isoforms of human TCF contain a domain, termed the C-clamp, that mediates binding to an extended sequence in vitro. However, the significance of this extended sequence for the function of Wnt response elements (WREs) is unclear. In this report, we identify a cis-regulatory element that, to our knowledge, was previously unpublished. The element, named the TCF Helper site (Helper site), is essential for the activation of several WREs. This motif greatly augments the ability of TCF binding sites to respond to Wg signaling. Drosophila TCF contains a C-clamp that enhances in vitro binding to TCF-Helper site pairs and is required for transcriptional activation of WREs containing Helper sites. A genome-wide search for clusters of TCF and Helper sites identified two new WREs. Our data suggest that DNA recognition by fly TCF occurs through a bipartite mechanism, involving both the HMG domain and the C-clamp, which enables TCF to locate and activate WREs in the nucleus.

The Wnt signaling pathway effector TCF7L2 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Since the relationship between TCF7L2 (also known as TCF-4) polymorphisms and type 2 diabetes mellitus was identified in 2006, extensive genome-wide association examinations in different ethnic groups have further confirmed this relationship. As a component of the bipartite transcription factor beta-catenin/TCF, TCF7L2 is important in conveying Wnt signaling during embryonic development and in regulating gene expression during adulthood. Although we still do not know mechanistically how the polymorphisms within the intron regions of TCF7L2 affect the risk of type 2 diabetes, this transcriptional regulator was shown to be involved in stimulating the proliferation of pancreatic beta-cells and the production of the incretin hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 in intestinal endocrine L cells. In this review, we introduce background knowledge of TCF7L2 as a component of the Wnt signaling pathway, summarize recent findings demonstrating the association between TCF7L2 polymorphisms and the risk of type 2 diabetes, outline experimental evidence of the potential function of TCF7L2 in pancreatic and intestinal endocrine cells, and present our perspective views.

A conserved domain in the transcription factor ITF-2B attenuates its activity.

The immunoglobulin transcription factor-2B (ITF-2B) belongs to the basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) family of transcription factors. It is ubiquitously expressed and plays a prominent role in the regulation of differentiation processes. Protein sequence alignment of the closely related bHLH transcription factors ITF-2B, HeLa E box protein (HITF4), and the E2A proteins E12 and E47 revealed the presence of a highly conserved protein domain. Functional analysis of this domain demonstrated that it plays an important role in repressing the transcriptional activity of the ITF-2B protein. Moreover, this domain comprises a self-contained transcriptional repressor whose activity depends on specific amino acid residues.

Calcium regulation of myogenesis by differential calmodulin inhibition of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors.

The members of the MyoD family of basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors are critical regulators of skeletal muscle differentiation that function as heterodimers with ubiquitously expressed E-protein bHLH transcription factors. These heterodimers must compete successfully with homodimers of E12 and other E-proteins to enable myogenesis. Here, we show that E12 mutants resistant to Ca(2+)-loaded calmodulin (CaM) inhibit MyoD-initiated myogenic conversion of transfected fibroblasts. Ca(2+) channel blockers reduce, and Ca(2+) stimulation increases, transcription by coexpressed MyoD and wild-type E12 but not CaM-resistant mutant E12. Furthermore, CaM-resistant E12 gives lower MyoD binding and higher E12 binding to a MyoD-responsive promoter in vivo and cannot rescue myogenic differentiation that has been inhibited by siRNA against E12 and E47. Our data support the concept that Ca(2+)-loaded CaM enables myogenesis by inhibiting DNA binding of E-protein homodimers, thereby promoting occupancy of myogenic bHLH protein/E-protein heterodimers on promoters of myogenic target genes.

Crystal structure of E47-NeuroD1/beta2 bHLH domain-DNA complex: heterodimer selectivity and DNA recognition.

The ubiquitous class I basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) factor E47 forms heterodimers with multiple tissue specific class II bHLH proteins to regulate distinct differentiation pathways. In order to define how class I- class II heterodimer partners are selected, we determined the crystal structure of the E47-NeuroD1-bHLH dimer in complex with the insulin promoter E-box sequence. Purification of the bHLH domain of E47-NeuroD1 indicates that E47 heterodimers are stable in solution. The interactions between E47 and NeuroD1 in the heterodimer are comparable to the interactions between E47 monomers in the homodimer, including hydrogen bonding, buried hydrophobic surface, and packing interactions. This is consistent with a model in which E47-NeuroD1 heterodimers are favored due to the instability of NeuroD1 homodimers. Although E47-NeuroD1 is oriented uniquely on the E-box sequence (CATCTG) within the promoter of the insulin gene, no direct contacts are observed with the central base pairs within this E-box sequence. We propose that concerted domain motions allow E47 to form specific base contacts in solution. NeuroD1 is restrained from adopting the same base contacts by an additional phosphate backbone interaction by the neurogenic-specific residue His115. Orienting E47-NeuroD1 on promoters may foster protein-protein contacts essential to initiate transcription.

Deciphering the cis-regulatory elements of co-expressed genes in PCOS by in silico analysis.

In recent times, the focus of research in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has shifted from candidate gene(s) approach to whole genome analysis for deciphering its molecular pathophysiology. In this regard, several microarray studies have been published, showing differential expression of genes between normal and PCOS states. Co-expression of genes as obtained in microarray experiments can also imply co-regulation at the transcriptional level by various transcription factors. In order to identify such transcription factors, the in silico elucidation of Transcription Factor Binding Sites (TFBS) is emerging as an important tool. With this hypothesis, we looked for TFBS over-representation in a PCOS microarray gene set (n=130) using in silico tools. We extracted 1000 bps upstream and 200 bps downstream regions from all these genes and identified 4 different TFBS, which were over-represented as compared to a human promoter background model. These four transcription factors are Staf, E47, CCAAT and CRE-BP1/c-jun. The role of these transcription factors and their compatible members in PCOS pathophysiology is described in details in the text. The factors might provide a novel insight into the pathophysiology of PCOS.

A unique DNA binding domain converts T-cell factors into strong Wnt effectors.

Wnt regulation of gene expression requires binding of LEF/T-cell factor (LEF/TCF) transcription factors to Wnt response elements (WREs) and recruitment of the activator beta-catenin. There are significant differences in the abilities of LEF/TCF family members to regulate Wnt target genes. For example, alternatively spliced isoforms of TCF-1 and TCF-4 with a C-terminal "E" tail are uniquely potent in their activation of LEF1 and CDX1. Here we report that the mechanism responsible for this unique activity is an auxiliary 30-amino-acid DNA interaction motif referred to here as the "cysteine clamp" (or C-clamp). The C-clamp contains invariant cysteine, aromatic, and basic residues, and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) studies with recombinant C-clamp protein showed that it binds double-stranded DNA but not single-stranded DNA or RNA (equilibrium dissociation constant = 16 nM). CASTing (Cyclic Amplification and Selection of Targets) experiments were used to test whether this motif influences WRE recognition. Full-length LEF-1, TCF-1E, and TCF-1E with a mutated C-clamp all bind nearly identical WREs (TYYCTTTGATSTT), showing that the C-clamp does not alter WRE specificity. However, a GC element downstream of the WRE (RCCG) is enriched in wild-type TCF-1E binding sites but not in mutant TCF-1E binding sites. We conclude that the C-clamp is a sequence-specific DNA binding motif. C-clamp mutations destroy the ability of beta-catenin to regulate the LEF1 promoter, and they severely impair the ability of TCF-1 to regulate growth in colon cancer cells. Thus, E-tail isoforms of TCFs utilize two DNA binding activities to access a subset of Wnt targets important for cell growth.

Isolation and characterization of Wnt pathway-related genes from Porifera.

The Wnt signal acts by binding to Frizzled receptors, with the subsequent activation of two different signal transduction cascades, the canonical and the non-canonical Wnt pathways, involved in cell growth, differentiation, migration and fate. The canonical pathway functions through the translocation of beta-catenin to the nucleus and the activation of TCF/LEF transcription factors; it plays an important role in developmental patterning and cell fate decisions during embryogenesis. The non-canonical Wnt pathway is responsible for the planar cell polarity process in invertebrates, and for the convergent-extension movements during vertebrate gastrulation. The final effect of the non-canonical Wnt pathway is the rearrangement of the cell cytoskeleton, through the activation of the subfamily of Ras-like small GTPases. In a recent report we described for the first time the isolation of a Wnt-related gene, Sd-Frizzled, from the most basal animal phylum, the Porifera. In the present study we report the isolation and phylogenetic characterization of several Wnt pathway-related genes from the sponge Suberites domuncula: Sd-TCF/LEF, Sd-GSK3, a recently discovered molecule with a putative function as a Wnt regulator (Sd-LZIC), the small Rho GTPases Sd-RhoA, Sd-Cdc42, and their effector Sd-mrlc. Also the isolation of a secreted frizzled related protein sFRP from another sponge species (Lubomirskia baicalensis) is reported.

Electrophoretic techniques applied to the detection and analysis of the human microsatellite DG10s478.

Short nucleotide repetitions (STRs) are commonly used as genetic markers; thus their detection and analysis constitutes a very important tool for the mapping of genetic diseases, as well as for gathering information about genetic polymorphisms at the population level. STRs can be detected with agarose- or acrylamide-based electrophoretic techniques, followed by visualization of the DNA sample with ethidium bromide, silver nitrate, or fluorophore labeling. In this work, we analyzed genomic DNA from five individuals affected with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and five controls (unaffected individuals) in order to know the most precise and reproducible technique for the analysis of the existing polymorphism in the STR DG10S478 of the TCF7L2 gene. The combination of PCR with labeling of the products with the CY5 fluorophore, followed by detection on an ALFexpress sequencer, offered the required resolution to detect the variability in this STR, based solely on size analysis. Our methodology offers similar accuracy and reproducibility at lower costs than existing methods based on the sequencing of PCR products, and is a faster alternative when applied to genotyping studies.

Crystal structure of a beta-catenin/BCL9/Tcf4 complex.

The canonical Wnt pathway plays critical roles in embryonic development, stem cell growth, and tumorigenesis. Stimulation of the Wnt pathway leads to the association of beta-catenin with Tcf and BCL9 in the nucleus, resulting in the transactivation of Wnt target genes. We have determined the crystal structure of a beta-catenin/BCL9/Tcf-4 triple complex at 2.6 A resolution. Our studies reveal that the beta-catenin binding site of BCL9 is distinct from that of most other beta-catenin partners and forms a good target for developing drugs that block canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. The BCL9 beta-catenin binding domain (CBD) forms an alpha helix that binds to the first armadillo repeat of beta-catenin, which can be mutated to prevent beta-catenin binding to BCL9 without affecting cadherin or alpha-catenin binding. We also demonstrate that beta-catenin Y142 phosphorylation, which has been proposed to regulate BCL9-2 binding, does not directly affect the interaction of beta-catenin with either BCL9 or BCL9-2.

Construction of a novel DNA decoy that inhibits the oncogenic beta-catenin/T-cell factor pathway.

The oncogenic beta-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF) signal is a common trigger inducing expressions of various cancer-related genes and is activated in various types of human malignancy. The aim of this study was to create an effective double-stranded DNA decoy that would interfere with endogenous TCF hyperactivity in tumor cells. We first established the TCF-activated model using nontumor human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells by introducing a beta-catenin cDNA. Based on a consensus TCF-binding sequence in the cyclin D1 and c-myc promoters, several double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides were designed and tested for their ability to inhibit TCF activity in the HEK293 model. Among them, the 18-mer oligodeoxynucleotide stably formed double-stranded DNA and efficiently inhibited TCF activity. FITC-labeled oligodeoxynucleotide was efficiently incorporated into the nucleus at 6 hours and remained within cells for up to 72 to 96 hours. When compared with scrambled oligodeoxynucleotide, we found that the 18-mer TCF decoy significantly inhibited TCF activity and promoter activities of the downstream target genes, such as cyclin D1, c-myc, and matrix metalloproteinase 7 in HCT116 colon cancer cells. Reverse transcription-PCR assays indicated that mRNA expression of these genes decreased with treatment of the TCF decoy. Proliferation assay showed that the TCF decoy significantly inhibited growth of HCT116 tumor cells, but not of nontumor HEK293 cells. Our data provide evidence that the TCF decoy reduced both TCF activity and transcriptional activation of downstream target genes. Thus, this TCF decoy is potentially an efficient and nontoxic molecular targeting therapy for controlling malignant properties of cancer cells.