Prospective isolation and characterization of mesenchymal stem cells from human placenta using a frizzled-9-specific monoclonal antibody

Abstract We have recently shown that frizzled-9 (FZD9, CD349) is expressed on the cell surface of cultured mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) derived from the human bone marrow (BM) and chorionic placenta (PL). To study whether FZD9 is also a marker for naive mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), we analyzed the expression pattern of FZD9 on freshly isolated PL cells and determined the clonogenic potential of isolated FZD9⁺ cells using the colony-forming units-fibroblastic (CFU-F) assay. About 0.2% of isolated PL cells were positive for FZD9. Two-color analysis revealed that FZD9⁺ PL cells uniformly express CD9, CD63, and CD90, but are heterogeneous for CD10, CD13, and CD26 expression. In contrast to BM-derived MSC, PL-derived MSC expressed only low levels of CD271. Colony assays of sorted cells showed that clonogenic CFU-F reside exclusively in the FZD9⁺ but not in the FZD9⁻ fraction. Further analysis revealed that CFU-F were enriched by 60-fold in the FZD9⁺CD10⁺CD26⁺ fraction but were absent in the FZD9⁺CD10⁻CD26⁻ population. Cultured FZD9⁺ cells expressed the embryonic stem cell makers Oct-4 and nanog as well as SSEA-4 and TRA1-2-49/6E. In addition, they could be differentiated into functional adipocytes and osteoblasts. This report describes for the first time that FZD9 is a novel and specific marker for the prospective isolation of MSC from human term PL.     

Molecular cloning and characterization of human Frizzled-4 on chromosome 11q14-q21.

The WNT receptors, encoded by the Frizzled genes, are implicated in a variety of cellular processes such as cell fate determination, cell polarity control, and malignant transformation. Human Frizzled-4 (FZD4) cDNAs have been cloned and characterized. FZD4 spans a total of 7392 nucleotides and encodes a 537-amino-acid protein with the N-terminal cysteine-rich domain, seven transmembrane domains, and the C-terminal S/T-X-V motif. The FZD4 mRNA of 7.7 kb in size were detected almost ubiquitously in normal human tissues and larger amounts in fetal kidney, adult heart, skeletal muscle, and ovary. Among cancer cell lines, the FZD4 mRNA level was higher in HeLa S3. The FZD4 gene has been mapped to human chromosome 11q14-q21. FZD4 is homologous to FZD9 and FZD10, and overall amino acid identity is as follows: FZD4 vs FZD9, 51.6%; FZD4 vs FZD10, 51.2%; FZD9 vs FZD10, 65.7%. FZD4 consists of two exons, while FZD9 and FZD10 consist of a single exon. FZD4 might belong to rather the independent FZD subfamily than the FZD9-FZD10 subfamily.     

MicroRNA‐488 inhibits endometrial glandular epithelial cell proliferation,migration, and invasion in endometriosis mice via Wnt by inhibiting FZD7

Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory syndrome and nearly 6%‐10% of women are affected by it during the reproductive period. Previous studies have proved that microRNAs (miRNAs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of ovarian endometriosis. In this study, we aimed to investigate that restored miR‐488 would effectively inhibit the development of endometriosis. The microarray‐based data analysis was performed to screen endometriosis‐related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The mouse model in endometriosis syndrome was established by being subcutaneously injected with Estradiol benzoate, and the ectopic endometrial tissues and normal endometrial tissues were collected. Additionally, the endometrial glandular epithelial cells were extracted from the endometrial glandular epithelial tissues from normal and endometriosis mice. In order to examine the role of miR‐488 in mice with endometriosis, we measured miR‐488 expression and expression levels of Frizzled‐7 (FZD7), cyclinD1, β‐catenin, and c‐Myc in vivo and in vitro. Finally, we detected the effect of miR‐488 on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration and invasion in vitro. FZD7 was upregulated in human endometriosis. The data showed higher expression levels of FZD7, β‐catenin, c‐Myc and cyclinD1, and lower miR‐488 expression in mouse endometrial tissues. FZD7 was the target gene of miR‐488. Furthermore, elevated miR‐488 in isolated mouse endometrial glandular endometrial cells inhibited FZD7, the translocation of β‐catenin to nucleus, the activation of Wnt pathway, and the cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Collectively, these findings indicated that up‐regulated miR‐488 may reduce the proliferation, migration and invasion of endometrial glandular epithelial cells through inhibiting the activation of Wnt pathway by down‐regulating FZD7.     

Selective expression of angiopoietin 1 and 2 in mesenchymal cells surrounding veins and arteries of the avian embryo

We have isolated a new Wnt receptor frizzled family member from Xenopus laevis, Xenopus frizzled-5 (Xfz5), a likely ortholog of human frizzled-5. Based on Northern and whole-mount in situ hybridization data, Xfz5 is first detected at the late neurula stage in retinal primordia. Throughout the tailbud stage Xfz5 is expressed exclusively in the neural retina within the optic vesicles. During tadpole stage Xfz5 expression becomes restricted to the ciliary marginal zone. This highly restrictive expression pattern makes Xfz5 an excellent marker for neural retinal tissue.     

ARID3B Directly Regulates Ovarian Cancer Promoting Genes

The DNA-binding protein AT-Rich Interactive Domain 3B (ARID3B) is elevated in ovarian cancer and increases tumor growth in a xenograft model of ovarian cancer. However, relatively little is known about ARID3B''s function. In this study we perform the first genome wide screen for ARID3B direct target genes and ARID3B regulated pathways. We identified and confirmed numerous ARID3B target genes by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) followed by microarray and quantitative RT-PCR. Using motif-finding algorithms, we characterized a binding site for ARID3B, which is similar to the previously known site for the ARID3B paralogue ARID3A. Functionality of this predicted site was demonstrated by ChIP analysis. We next demonstrated that ARID3B induces expression of its targets in ovarian cancer cell lines. We validated that ARID3B binds to an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) enhancer and increases mRNA expression. ARID3B also binds to the promoter of Wnt5A and its receptor FZD5. FZD5 is highly expressed in ovarian cancer cell lines, and is upregulated by exogenous ARID3B. Both ARID3B and FZD5 expression increase adhesion to extracellular matrix (ECM) components including collagen IV, fibronectin and vitronectin. ARID3B-increased adhesion to collagens II and IV require FZD5. This study directly demonstrates that ARID3B binds target genes in a sequence-specific manner, resulting in increased gene expression. Furthermore, our data indicate that ARID3B regulation of direct target genes in the Wnt pathway promotes adhesion of ovarian cancer cells.     

Mutations in LRP5 or FZD4 underlie the common familial exudative vitreoretinopathy locus on chromosome 11q

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is an inherited blinding disorder of the retinal vascular system. Autosomal dominant FEVR is genetically heterogeneous, but its principal locus, EVR1, is on chromosome 11q13-q23. The gene encoding the Wnt receptor frizzled-4 (FZD4) was recently reported to be the EVR1 gene, but our mutation screen revealed fewer patients harboring mutations than expected. Here, we describe mutations in a second gene at the EVR1 locus, low-density-lipoprotein receptor-related protein 5 (LRP5), a Wnt coreceptor. This finding further underlines the significance of Wnt signaling in the vascularization of the eye and highlights the potential dangers of using multiple families to refine genetic intervals in gene-identification studies.     

Structural dynamics of receptor recognition and pH-induced dissociation of full-length Clostridioides difficile Toxin B

Clostridioides difficile secretes Toxin B (TcdB) as one of its major virulence factors, which binds to intestinal epithelial and subepithelial receptors, including frizzled proteins and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 (CSPG4). Here, we present cryo-EM structures of full-length TcdB in complex with the CSPG4 domain 1 fragment (D1_401-560) at cytosolic pH and the cysteine-rich domain of frizzled-2 (CRD2) at both cytosolic and acidic pHs. CSPG4 specifically binds to the autoprocessing and delivery domains of TcdB via networks of salt bridges, hydrophobic and aromatic/proline interactions, which are disrupted upon acidification eventually leading to CSPG4 drastically dissociating from TcdB. In contrast, FZD2 moderately dissociates from TcdB under acidic pH, most likely due to its partial unfolding. These results reveal structural dynamics of TcdB during its preentry step upon endosomal acidification, which provide a basis for developing therapeutics against C. difficile infections.

Clostridioides difficile secretes Toxin B (TcdB) as one of its major virulence factors, which binds to intestinal receptors. This structural study of TcdB in complex with frizzled-2 and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 reveals how TcdB binds to human receptors and primes itself for host entry.     

FZD4S, a splicing variant of frizzled-4, encodes a soluble-type positive regulator of the WNT signaling pathway

Frizzled-1 (FZD1)-FZD10 are seven-transmembrane-type WNT receptors, and SFRP1-SFRP5 are soluble-type WNT antagonists. These molecules are encoded by mutually distinct genes. We have previously isolated and characterized the 7.7-kb FZD4 mRNA, encoding a seven-transmembrane receptor with the extracellular cysteine-rich domain (CRD). Here, we have cloned and characterized FZD4S, a splicing variant of the FZD4 gene. FZD4S, corresponding to the 10.0-kb FZD4 mRNA, consisted of exon 1, intron 1, and exon 2 of the FZD4 gene. FZD4S encoded a soluble-type polypeptide with the N-terminal part of CRD, and was expressed in human fetal kidney. Injection of synthetic FZD4S mRNA into the ventral marginal zone of Xenopus embryos at the 4-cell stage did not induce axis duplication by itself, but augmented the axis duplication potential of coinjected Xwnt-8 mRNA. These results indicate that the FZD4 gene gives rise to soluble-type FZD4S as well as seven-transmembrane-type FZD4 due to alternative splicing, and strongly suggest that FZD4S plays a role as a positive regulator of the WNT signaling pathway.     

白藜芦醇对小鼠溃疡性结肠炎的影响*

目的:研究白藜芦醇通过调节Wnt/β-catenin信号通路抗溃疡性结肠炎的作用机制。方法:①葡聚糖硫酸钠盐(DSS)诱发溃疡性结肠炎实验:28只C57BL/6小鼠随机分为4组(n=7):control组、 DSS组、DSS+白藜芦醇(DSS+Res)组和Res组。实验周期为3周,小鼠饮用DSS水诱导溃疡性结肠炎并给予白藜芦醇灌胃。实验期间每天称小鼠体重并观察小鼠活动和粪便情况。处理结束后,安乐死小鼠,取小鼠脾脏称重,取小鼠结肠测量长度。苏木精-伊红染色法(H&E)染色观察小鼠结肠组织病理改变;实时荧光定量PCR(qPCR)检测小鼠结肠组织miRNA-31的表达;Western Blot检测小鼠结肠组织β-catenin、Cyclin D1蛋白的表达。②离体实验:以10 mg/ml浓度的白藜芦醇处理HCT 116细胞,检测HCT 116细胞β-catenin、低密度脂蛋白受体相关蛋白6(LRP-6)、卷曲蛋白3(FZD3)、c-Myc蛋白的表达;HCT 116细胞转染miRNA-31 mimic和inhibitor,检测β-catenin蛋白的表达。结果:①DSS组小鼠实验期间体重下降明显,精神萎靡,活动减少,出现血便;处理结束后小鼠的结肠长度缩短,脾脏增大。而给予白藜芦醇后小鼠的以上情况得到改善。②白藜芦醇抑制了溃疡性结肠炎小鼠结肠组织miRNA-31的表达及β-catenin、Cyclin D1蛋白的表达。③白藜芦醇下调HCT 116细胞β-catenin、LRP-6、FZD3、c-Myc蛋白的表达。转染miRNA-31 inhibitor后,HCT 116细胞中β-catenin蛋白表达减少。结论:白藜芦醇能够抑制DSS诱导的小鼠溃疡性结肠炎,这种作用与下调Wnt信号通路有关,其对Wnt 信号的下调作用与miRNA-31有关。     

FZD10在骨肉瘤组织中的表达及临床意义

目的：探讨骨肉瘤组织中FZD10的表达及其临床意义。方法：用S-P免疫组织化学染色法对69例骨肉瘤及35例骨软骨瘤中FZD10蛋白的表达进行检测,并对其与骨肉瘤临床病理及预后的关系进行统计学分析。结果：FZD10在骨肉瘤和骨软骨瘤组织中阳性表达率分别为89.9%和5.7%,P〈0.01。FZD10蛋白表达与Enneking分期和Price分级呈正相关,与WHO分型和预后相关。结论：骨肉瘤FZD10蛋白的表达与肿瘤恶性程度密切相关,对骨肉瘤诊断和预后评估具有重要价值。     

Mechanically stimulated osteocytes reduce the bone-metastatic potential of breast cancer cells in vitro by signaling through endothelial cells

Bone metastases occur in 65% to 75% of patients with advanced breast cancer and significantly worsen their survival and quality of life. We previously showed that conditioned medium (CM) from osteocytes stimulated with oscillatory fluid flow, mimicking bone mechanical loading during routine physical activities, reduced the transendothelial migration of breast cancer cells. Endothelial cells are situated at an ideal location to mediate signals between osteocytes in the bone matrix and metastasizing cancer cells in the blood vessels. In this study, we investigated the specific effects of flow-stimulated osteocytes on the interaction between endothelial cells and breast cancer cells in vitro. We observed that CM from flow-stimulated osteocytes reduced endothelial permeability by 15% and breast cancer cell adhesion onto endothelial monolayers by 18%. The difference in adhesion was abolished with anti-intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore, CM from endothelial cells conditioned in CM from flow-stimulated osteocytes significantly altered the gene expression in bone-metastatic breast cancer cells, as shown by RNA sequencing. Specifically, breast cancer cell expression of matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) was downregulated by 62%, and frizzled-4 (FZD4) by 61%, when the osteocytes were stimulated with flow. The invasion of these breast cancer cells across Matrigel was also reduced by 47%, and this difference was abolished by MMP-9 inhibitors. In conclusion, we demonstrated that flow-stimulated osteocytes downregulate the bone-metastatic potential of breast cancer cells by signaling through endothelial cells. This provides insights into the capability of bone mechanical regulation in preventing bone metastases; and may assist in prescribing exercise or bone-loading regimens to patients with breast cancers.     

Disulfide Bond Requirements for Active Wnt Ligands

Secreted Wnt lipoproteins are cysteine-rich and lipid-modified morphogens that bind to the Frizzled (FZD) receptor and LDL receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6). Wnt engages FZD through protruding thumb and index finger domains, which are each assembled from paired β strands secured by disulfide bonds and grasp two sides of the FZD ectodomain. The importance of Wnt disulfide bonds has been assumed but uncharacterized. We systematically analyzed cysteines and associated disulfide bonds in the prototypic Wnt3a. Our data show that mutation of any individual cysteine of Wnt3a results in covalent Wnt oligomers through ectopic intermolecular disulfide bond formation and diminishes/abolishes Wnt signaling. Although individual cysteine mutations in the amino part of the saposin-like domain and in the base of the index finger are better tolerated and permit residual Wnt3a secretion/activity, those in the amino terminus, the thumb, and at the tip of the index finger are incompatible with secretion and/or activity. A few select double cysteine mutants based on the disulfide bond pattern restore Wnt secretion/activity. Further, a double cysteine mutation at the index finger tip results in a Wnt3a with normal secretion but minimal FZD binding and dominant negative properties. Our results experimentally validate predictions from the Wnt crystal structure and highlight critical but different roles of the saposin-like and cytokine-like domains, including the thumb and the index finger in Wnt folding/secretion and FZD binding. Finally, we modified existing expression vectors for 19 epitope-tagged human WNT proteins by removal of a tag-supplied ectopic cysteine, thereby generating tagged WNT ligands active in canonical and non-canonical signaling.     

Xenopus frizzled-2 is expressed highly in the developing eye, otic vesicle and somites.

Wnts are secreted signaling molecules implicated in a large number of developmental processes. Frizzled proteins have been identified as likely receptors for Wnt ligands in vertebrates and invertebrates. To assess the endogenous role of frizzled proteins during the development of Xenopus laevis, we have identified several frizzled homologs. Here we report the cloning and expression of Xenopus frizzled-2 (xfz2). Xfz2 shows high sequence homology to rat and human frizzleds-2. It is expressed in the developing embryo from late gastrula stages onward. Xfz2 has a wide domain of expression but is concentrated in the eye anlage, otic vesicle, and developing somites.