• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.26 no.6
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• pp.584-590
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• 2018

Osteoporosis development is closely associated with oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Taurine has potential antioxidant effects, but its role in osteoblasts is not clearly understood. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effects and mechanisms of actions of taurine on hydrogen peroxide ($H_2O_2$)-induced oxidative stress in osteoblast cells. UMR-106 cells were treated with taurine prior to $H_2O_2$ exposure. After treatment, cell viability, apoptosis, intracellular ROS production, malondialdehyde content, and alkaline phosphate (ALP) activity were measured. We also investigated the protein levels of ${\beta}-catenin$, ERK, CHOP and NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) along with the mRNA levels of Nrf2 downstream antioxidants. The results showed that pretreatment of taurine could reverse the inhibition of cell viability and suppress the induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner: taurine significantly reduced $H_2O_2$-induced oxidative damage and expression of CHOP, while it induced protein expression of Nrf2 and ${\beta}-catenin$ and activated ERK phosphorylation. DKK1, a Wnt/${\beta}-catenin$ signaling inhibitor, significantly suppressed the taurine-induced Nrf2 signaling pathway and increased CHOP. Activation of ERK signaling mediated by taurine in the presence of $H_2O_2$ was significantly inhibited by DKK1. These data demonstrated that taurine protects osteoblast cells against oxidative damage via Wnt/${\beta}-catenin$-mediated activation of the ERK signaling pathway.

• Journal of Biomedical Engineering Research
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• v.41 no.6
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• pp.235-246
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• 2020

This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of micro-current stimulation(MCS) on adipogenesis regarding with Wnt/β-catenin pathway using the ob/ob mouse and 3T3-L1 cell line. 6-week old ob/ob male mice were equally assigned to four groups: obese group(ob), obese with MCS groups(50 μA, 200 μA, and 400 μA). 6-week old C57BL/6J male mice were assigned to the control group(CON). We analyzed abdominal adipose tissue volume by using in vivo micro-CT and measured the body weight, feed intake, liver weight and triglycerides in serum. All the MCS groups showed that significantly reduced body weight and triglycerides in serum. In the case of liver weight and abdominal adipose tissue volume, the inhibitory effect of adipogenesis was shown in the 200 μA and 400 μA groups. To elucidate the anti-obesity effect of MCS, β-catenin, C/EBPα and FAS protein expressions were analyzed by western blotting. β-catenin expression was upregulated, C/EBPα and FAS expression were down-regulated in the relatively high-intensity groups(200 μA and 400 μA). Thus, the 200 μA and 400 μA for the intensity of MCS were chosen for cell experiments. In the 3T3-L1 cell line, Wnt/β-catenin pathway including Wnt10b, Wnt3a, β-catenin and Cyclin D1 was activated in all MCS groups. Accordingly, the expression level of C/EBPα was decreased during the differentiation and lipid droplet was significantly reduced in Oil red O staining results. These results suggest that the Wnt/β-catenin signaling might be activated by MCS with current intensities between 200-400 μA and it may lead to anti-obesity effects.

• BMB Reports
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• v.55 no.11
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• pp.559-564
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• 2022

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most prevalent diseases in modern society. Many complicationssuch as hepatic cirrhosis, neuropathy, cardiac infarction, and so on are associated with diabetes. Although a relationship between diabetes and hair loss has been recently reported, the treatment of diabetic hair loss by Wnt/β-catenin activators has not been achieved yet. In this study, we found that the depilation-induced anagen phase was delayed in both db/db mice and high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice. In diabetic mice, both hair regrowth and wound-induced hair follicle neogenesis (WIHN) were reduced because of suppression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and decreased proliferation of hair follicle cells. We identified that KY19382, a small molecule that activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling, restored the capabilities of regrowth and WIHN in diabetic mice. The Wnt/β-catenin signaling activator also increased the length of the human hair follicle which was decreased under high glucose culture conditions. Overall, the diabetic condition reduced both hair regrowth and regeneration with suppression of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Consequently, the usage of Wnt/β-catenin signaling activators could be a potential strategy to treat diabetes-induced alopecia patients.

• The Korean Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.21-30
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• 2024

The challenging clinical outcomes associated with advanced cervical cancer underscore the need for a novel therapeutic approach. Monensin, a polyether antibiotic, has recently emerged as a promising candidate with anti-cancer properties. In line with these ongoing efforts, our study presents compelling evidence of monensin's potent efficacy in cervical cancer. Monensin exerts a pronounced inhibitory impact on proliferation and anchorage-independent growth. Additionally, monensin significantly inhibited cervical cancer growth in vivo without causing any discernible toxicity in mice. Mechanism studies show that monensin's anti-cervical cancer activity can be attributed to its capacity to inhibit the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, rather than inducing oxidative stress. Monensin effectively reduces both the levels and activity of β-catenin, and we identify Akt, rather than CK1, as the key player involved in monensin-mediated Wnt/β-catenin inhibition. Rescue studies using Wnt activator and β-catenin-overexpressing cells confirmed that β-catenin inhibition is the mechanism of monensin's action. As expected, cervical cancer cells exhibiting heightened Wnt/β-catenin activity display increased sensitivity to monensin treatment. In conclusion, our findings provide pre-clinical evidence that supports further exploration of monensin's potential for repurposing in cervical cancer therapy, particularly for patients exhibiting aberrant Wnt/β-catenin activation.

• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.448-458
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• 2020

We investigated the therapeutic effects of microRNA-139-5p in relation to osteoporosis of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSCs) and its underlying mechanisms. In this study we used a dexamethasone-induced in vivo model of osteoporosis and BMSCs were used for the in vitro model. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and gene chip were used to analyze the expression of microRNA-139-5p. In an osteoporosis rat model, the expression of microRNA-139-5p was increased, compared with normal group. Down-regulation of microRNA-139-5p promotes cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs. Especially, up-regulation of microRNA-139-5p reduced cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs. Overexpression of miR-139-5p induced Wnt/β-catenin and down-regulated NOTCH1 signaling in BMSCs. Down-regulation of miR-139-5p suppressed Wnt/β-catenin and induced NOTCH1 signaling in BMSCs. The inhibition of NOTCH1 reduced the effects of anti-miR-139-5p on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs. Activation of Wnt/β-catenin also inhibited the effects of anti-miR-139-5p on cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in BMSCs. Taken together, our results suggested that the inhibition of microRNA-139-5p promotes osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs via targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by NOTCH1.

• Biomolecules & Therapeutics
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.465-472
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• 2020

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most malignant type of cancers and its incidence is steadily increasing, due to life style factors that include western diet. Abnormal activation of canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway plays an important role in colorectal carcinogenesis. Therefore, targeting Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been considered a crucial strategy in the discovery of small molecules for CRC. In the present study, we found that Nodosin, an ent-kaurene diterpenoid isolated from Isodon serra, effectively inhibits the proliferation of human colon cancer HCT116 cells. Mechanistically, Nodosin effectively inhibited the overactivated transcriptional activity of β-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF) determined by Wnt/β-catenin reporter gene assay in HEK293 and HCT116 cells. The expression of Wnt/β-catenin target genes such as Axin2, cyclin D1, and survivin were also suppressed by Nodosin in HCT116 cells. Further study revealed that a longer exposure of Nodosin induced the G₂/M phase cell cycle arrest and subsequently apoptosis in HCT116 cells. These findings suggest that the anti-proliferative activity of Nodosin in colorectal cancer cells might in part be associated with the regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

• Journal of the Korean Magnetic Resonance Society
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.72-77
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• 2017

${\beta}-catenin$ is a key signaling protein which regulates cell signaling and gene transcription. Abnormal activation of ${\beta}-catenin$ is linked to many cancers, particularly with colorectal cancers. Although many genetic and biological studies on $Wnt/{\beta}-catenin$ have been reported and structures of the complex between ${\beta}-catenin$ and its diverse binding partners have been published, many of them have focused on armadillo repeat domain of ${\beta}-catenin$. Both N- and C-terminal domains have been suggested to regulate interactions of ${\beta}-catenin$ with other molecules, but still little is known about the C-terminal unstructured domain. To investigate the structure of this domain, construct of C-terminus was designed and structural studies were performed using size exclusion chromatography (SEC), circular dichroism (CD), fluorescence and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. We observed that not only the purified full-length construct but the purified C-terminal construct also dimerizes in solution by SEC, suggesting that this domain involves in dimerization of ${\beta}-catenin$. CD and fluorescence data indicate its flexibility and structural formation in the presence of membrane environments.

• Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences
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• v.32 no.4
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• pp.477-484
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• 2019

Objective: We aimed to observe hair follicle (HF) development in the dorsal skin and elucidate the expression patterns of genes and proteins related to skin and HF development in Rex rabbits from birth to 8 weeks of age. Methods: Whole-skin samples were obtained from the backs of Rex rabbits at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age, the morphological development of primary and secondary HFs was observed, and the gene transcript levels of insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), epidermal growth factor (EGF), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2), transforming growth factor ${\beta}-1$, 2, and 3 ($TGF{\beta}-1$, $TGF{\beta}-2$, and $TGF{\beta}-3$) were examined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Additionally, Wnt family member 10b (Wnt10b) and ${\beta}$-Catenin gene and protein expression were examined by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot, respectively. Results: The results showed significant changes in the differentiation of primary and secondary HFs in Rex rabbits during their first 8 weeks of life. The IGF-I, EGF, $TGF{\beta}-2$, and $TGF{\beta}-3$ transcript levels in the rabbits were significantly lower at 2 weeks of age than at birth and gradually increased thereafter, while the BMP2 and $TGF{\beta}-1$ transcript levels at 2 weeks of age were significantly higher than those at birth and gradually decreased thereafter. ${\beta}$-Catenin gene expression was also significantly affected by age, while the Wnt10b transcript level was not. However, the Wnt10b and ${\beta}$-catenin protein expression levels were the lowest at 2 and 4 weeks of age. Conclusion: Our data showed that a series of changes in HFs in dorsal skin occurred during the first 8 weeks. Many genes, such as IGF-I, EGF, BMP2, $TGF{\beta}-1$, $TGF{\beta}-2$, $TGF{\beta}-3$, and ${\beta}$-Catenin, participated in this process, and the related proteins Wnt10b and ${\beta}$-Catenin in skin were also affected by age.

• BMB Reports
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.299-304
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• 2022

Chloride channel-5 (ClC-5), an important branch of the ClC family, is involved in the regulation of the proliferation and cell-fate of a variety of cells, including tumor cells. However, its function in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells remains enigmatic. Here, we discovered that ClC-5 was up-regulated in CCA tissues and CCA cell lines, while ClC-5 silencing inhibited CCA cell proliferation and induced apoptosis. Further mechanism studies revealed that ClC-5 inhibition could inhibit Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity and further activate the mitochondria apoptotic pathway in CCA cells. Furthermore, rescuing Wnt/β-catenin signaling activation eliminated the anti-tumor function of ClC-5 knockdown. Together, our research findings illustrated that ClC-5 inhibition plays an anti-tumor role in CCA cells via inhibiting the activity of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which in turn activates the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway.

• Molecules and Cells
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.188-197
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• 2020

Cells are designed to be sensitive to a myriad of external cues so they can fulfil their individual destiny as part of the greater whole. A number of well-characterised signalling pathways dictate the cell's response to the external environment and incoming messages. In healthy, well-ordered homeostatic systems these signals are tightly controlled and kept in balance. However, given their powerful control over cell fate, these pathways, and the transcriptional machinery they orchestrate, are frequently hijacked during the development of neoplastic disease. A prime example is the Wnt signalling pathway that can be modulated by a variety of ligands and inhibitors, ultimately exerting its effects through the β-catenin transcription factor and its downstream target genes. Here we focus on the interplay between the three-member family of RUNX transcription factors with the Wnt pathway and how together they can influence cell behaviour and contribute to cancer development. In a recurring theme with other signalling systems, the RUNX genes and the Wnt pathway appear to operate within a series of feedback loops. RUNX genes are capable of directly and indirectly regulating different elements of the Wnt pathway to either strengthen or inhibit the signal. Equally, β-catenin and its transcriptional co-factors can control RUNX gene expression and together they can collaborate to regulate a large number of third party co-target genes.