DEVELOPMENTAL DYNAMICS
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2020
·Vol. 250
·期 4
·527-541
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IF 3.275
Jiangping Chen,Wenbing Tang,Chengquan Lin,Yuhang Hong,Chuanqing Mao,Yongzhen Lai,Caiyu Liao,Minkui Lin,Weihui Chen
Background The hedgehog signaling pathway is critical for developmental patterning of the limb, craniofacial and axial skeleton. Disruption of this pathway in mice leads to a series of structural malformations, but the exact role and critical period of the Hh pathway in the early development of the cranial base have been rarely described. Results Embryos exposed to vismodegib from E7.5, E9.5, and E10.5 had a higher percentage of cranial base fenestra. The peak incidence of hypoplasia in sphenoid winglets and severe craniosynostosis in cranial base synchondroses was observed when vismodegib was administered between E9.5 and E10.5. Cranial base craniosynostosis results from accelerating terminal differentiation of chondrocytes and premature osteogenesis. Conclusions We define the critical periods for the induction of cranial base deformity by vismodegib administration at a meticulous temporal resolution. Our findings suggest that the Hh pathway may play a vital role in the early development of the cranial base. This research also establishes a novel and easy-to-establish mouse model of synostosis in the cranial base using a commercially available pathway-selective inhibitor.
研究领域:
发育生物学
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医学遗传学
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PubMed
高影响因子
CELL BIOLOGY INTERNATIONAL
·
2018
·Vol. 42
·期 8
·994-1005
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IF 1.936
Kuiyuan Song,Guanqun Zheng,Yue Zhao
Lung cancer is one of life-threatening cancers in the worldwide. Liver kinase B1 (LKB1) has been reported to be closely related to cancers; however, the underlying mechanism of LKB1 in lung cancer remains unclear. In our study, a LKB1 specific shRNA was employed to down-regulate LKB1 levels and a LKB1 over-expression plasmid was constructed to up-regulate LKB1 levels. Thereafter, growth of lung cancer cells was assessed by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Effects of LKB1 on the activation of sonic hedgehog (Shh) signaling pathway were detected by Western blot. Effects of LKB1 on lung cancer growth and Shh signaling pathway activation were also assessed in vivo. Our results showed that LKB1 inhibited proliferation of lung cancer cells and induced their apoptosis. Moreover, LKB1 inhibited Shh signaling pathway activation. Our in vivo study also showed that LKB1 inhibited lung cancer growth in vivo and modulated Shh signaling pathway. Treatment with cyclopamine, a Shh signaling pathway inhibitor, reversed the effects of LKB1 silencing and enhanced the effects of LKB1 over-expression. Results of our study demonstrate that LKB1 inhibits lung cancer growth in vitro and in vivo through Shh signaling pathway.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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PubMed
高影响因子
Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology
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2020
·
IF 1.111
Bin Chen,Zeming Hu,Biao Chen,Bofei Li
Background/Aims To investigate the effect and the possible mechanism of lanthanum citrate on the proliferation and apoptosis of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line SMMC-7721 through the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway. Materials and Methods Different concentrations of lanthanum citrate and KAAD-cyclopamine (the Hh signaling pathway representative inhibitor) were used to treat SMMC-7721 cells. Cell proliferation was detected using Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Cell apoptosis was detected using flow cytometry analysis of Annexin V-FITC/ propidium iodide (PI). The protein expressions of regulatory genes, such as cell cycle protein D1 (CyclinD1), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1 (p21), cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3 (Caspase-3), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1), and sonic hedgehog (Shh) were quantified using Western blot assays. The mRNA expressions of Gli1 and Shh were tested using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) assays and the protein expressions of Gli1 and Shh were determined using immunofluorescence assays. Results The Annexin V-FITC and PI double staining results revealed that the 0.1 mM lanthanum citrate group and the 15 μM KAAD-cyclopamine group had both increased the apoptosis rate of SMMC-7721 cells. Both lanthanum citrate and KAAD-cyclopamine down-regulated the protein expressions of CyclinD1, Bcl-2, Gli1, and Shh and upregulated the protein expressions of p21 and Caspase-3. Additionally, the immunofluorescence results revealed that the protein expressions of Gli1 and Shh were significantly decreased in both the lanthanum citrate group and the KAAD-cyclopamine group compared to the control group. Conclusion Lanthanum citrate inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis in HCC SMMC-7721 cells by suppressing the Hh signaling pathway.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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分子生物学
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细胞生物学
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高影响因子
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
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2025
·Vol. 26
·期 4
·1631
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IF 4.9
Wang Chen,Feifan Lai,Jianghe Xu
The Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in the initiation and progression of tumors, and Hh inhibitors have been used as potential chemotherapeutic agents for the treatment of basal cell carcinomas (BCCs). Vitamin D3(VD3) and its derivatives have been identified as potent Hh inhibitors. However, the selectivity of VD3derivatives to vitamin D receptor (VDR) and the Hh signaling pathway still needs optimization. In this study, a series of aromatic A-ring mimics VD3analogues that contain a C-23 oxygen atom or incorporate C-25 hydroxyl on side chains were designed and synthesized. These compounds were tested in various cell lines for anti-Hh activity, with analogues3jand4iidentified as potent inhibitors. Mechanism studies showed their anti-Hh effects are mainly due to targeting Smoothened (Smo) without binding to the cyclopamine site. Structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies revealed that VD3-based inhibitors enhance anti-Hh activity by adding a hydroxyl group at C25 while reducing VDR activity by incorporating an oxygen atom into the side chain.
研究领域:
药理学
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肿瘤学
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分子生物学
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PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Functional Foods
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2020
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IF 3.701
Jinglou Chen,Yongfang Lei,Min Liu
Cigarettes consumption is popular all over the world. In the meantime, green tea is widely accepted for their health benefits. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant catechin in green tea. This study aimed to investigate the effects of cigarette smoke (CS) exposure on human prostate cells and rat prostate, as well as the potential protective functions of EGCG. The results suggested that chronic CS exposure stimulated prostatic epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), collagen deposition and fibrosis. Down-regulation of the Hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway helped to ameliorate CS-induced prostatic deficits. Meanwhile, EGCG could exhibit strong anti-fibrosis effects on prostate. Its underlying mechanisms were related to modulate EMT and decrease the activity of HH signal pathway.
研究领域:
医学
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分子生物学
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高影响因子
DIFFERENTIATION
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2023
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IF 2.9
Yan Guo,Xingyu Chen,Yongzhen Lai,Meng Lu,Chengyong Wang,Yun Shi,Chengyan Ren,Weihui Chen
The development of the hyoid bone is a complex process that involves the coordination of multiple signaling pathways. Previous studies have demonstrated that disruption of the hedgehog pathway in mice results in a series of structural malformations. However, the specific role and critical period of the hedgehog pathway in the early development of the hyoid bone have not been thoroughly characterized. In this study, we treated pregnant ICR mice with the hedgehog pathway inhibitor vismodegib by oral gavage in order to establish a model of hyoid bone dysplasia. Our results indicate that administration of vismodegib at embryonic days 11.5 (E11.5) and E12.5 resulted in the development of hyoid bone dysplasia. We were able to define the critical periods for the induction of hyoid bone deformity through the use of a meticulous temporal resolution. Our findings suggest that the hedgehog pathway plays a crucial role in the early development of the hyoid bone. Additionally, our research has established a novel and easily established mouse model of synostosis in the hyoid bone using a commercially available pathway-selective inhibitor.
研究领域:
发育生物学
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分子生物学
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遗传学
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PubMed
高影响因子
PHARMACOLOGICAL RESEARCH
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2024
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IF 9.1
Yilan Huang,Siwei Wang,Xiaojun Zhang,Chen Yang,Sikai Wang,Hongxia Cheng,Aiwu Ke,Chao Gao,Kun Guo
Lenvatinib is a frontline tyrosine kinase inhibitor for patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, just 25% of patients benefit from the treatment, and acquired resistance always develops. To date, there are neither effective medications to combat lenvatinib resistance nor accurate markers that might predict how well a patient would respond to the lenvatinib treatment. Thus, novel strategies to recognize and deal with lenvatinib resistance are desperately needed. In the current study, a robust Lenvatinib Resistance index (LRi) model to predict lenvatinib response status in HCC was first established. Subsequently, five candidate drugs (Mercaptopurine, AACOCF3, NU1025, Fasudil, and Exisulind) that were capable of reversing lenvatinib resistance signature were initially selected by performing the connectivity map (CMap) analysis, and fasudil finally stood out by conducting a series of cellular functional assays in vitro and xenograft mouse model. Transcriptomics revealed that the co-administration of lenvatinib and fasudil overcame lenvatinib resistance by remodeling the hedgehog signaling pathway. Mechanistically, the feedback activation of EGFR by lenvatinib led to the activation of the GLI2-ABCC1 pathway, which supported the HCC cell's survival and proliferation. Notably, co-administration of lenvatinib and fasudil significantly inhibited IHH, the upstream switch of the hedgehog pathway, to counteract GLI2 activation and finally enhance the effectiveness of lenvatinib. These findings elucidated a novel EGFR-mediated mechanism of lenvatinib resistance and provided a practical approach to overcoming drug resistance in HCC through meaningful drug repurposing strategies.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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癌症生物学
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International Journal of Oral Science
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2019
·Vol. 11
·期 1
·1-12
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IF 2.75
Jiang Yuanjing,Zhang Shixian,Mao Chuanqing,Lai Yongzhen,Wu Di,Zhao Hu,Liao Caiyu,Chen Weihui
The Hedgehog (Hh) signalling pathway is essential for cellular proliferation and differentiation during embryonic development. Gain and loss of function of Hh signalling are known to result in an array of craniofacial malformations. To determine the critical period for Hh pathway antagonist-induced frontal bone hypoplasia, we examined patterns of dysmorphology caused by Hh signalling inhibition. Pregnant mice received a single oral administration of Hh signalling inhibitor GDC-0449 at 100 mg•kg − 1 or 150 mg•kg − 1 body weight at preselected time points between embryonic days (E)8.5 and 12.5. The optimal teratogenic concentration of GDC-0449 was determined to be 150 mg•kg − 1 . Exposure between E9.5 and E10.5 induced frontal bone dysplasia, micrognathia and limb defects, with administration at E10.5 producing the most pronounced effects. This model showed decreased ossification of the frontal bone with downregulation of Hh signalling. The osteoid thickness of the frontal bone was significantly reduced. The amount of neural crest-derived frontal bone primordium was reduced after GDC-0449 exposure owing to a decreased rate of cell proliferation and increased cell death.
研究领域:
发育生物学
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分子生物学
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颅面发育
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高影响因子
ACTA PHARMACOLOGICA SINICA
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2020
·Vol. 42
·期 7
·1190-1194
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IF 5.064
Shen Zhu-qing,Wang Juan,Tan Wen-fu,Huang Tao-min
Hedgehog plays an important role in a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions. Paracrine activation of Hedgehog pathway in stromal cells increases the expression of VEGF, which promotes neovascularization in colorectal cancer and ultimately the growth of colorectal cancer. Berberine (BBR) has anticancer activity. In this study we investigated whether BBR inhibited the growth of colon cancer through suppressing the paracrine sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling in vitro and in vivo. We showed that BBR (1–10 μM) dose-dependently inhibited the secretion and expression of SHH protein in HT-29 and SW480 cells. BBR did not influence the transcription of SHH, but promoted the degradation of SHH mRNA, thus decreased the SHH mRNA expression in the colorectal cancer cells. In nude mice bearing HT-29 xenograft, oral administration of BBR (100 mg · kg − 1 · d −1 ) or a positive control drug GDC-0449 (100 mg · kg −1 · d −1 ) for 4 weeks markedly suppressed the growth of HT-29 tumor with BBR exhibiting a better antitumor efficacy. The tumor growth inhibition caused by BBR or GDC-0449 was comparable to their respective inhibitory effect on the mouse-specific Gli mRNA expression in the tumor. However, BBR (20 μM) did not affect the expression of human transcription factor Gli1 mRNA in HT-29 and SW480 cells. In conclusion, BBR promotes the degradation of SHH mRNA in colorectal cancer cells, interrupting the paracrine Hedgehog signaling pathway activity thus suppresses the colorectal cancer growth. This study reveals a novel molecular mechanism underlying the anticancer action of BBR.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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分子生物学
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药理学
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PubMed
高影响因子
STEROIDS
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2024
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IF 2.1
Jinwen Chen,Wei Chen,Xiaoyu Li,Yiping Ye,Wenkang Huang,Lijuan Gao,Meng Zhang
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common gastrointestinal cancers that results in death in worldwide. The Hedgehog (HH) signalling pathway regulates the initiation and progression of CRC. Inhibiting the HH pathway has been presented as a potential treatment strategy in recent years. Cynanbungeigenin C (CBC) is a new type of C 21 steroid that has been previously reported for the treatment of medulloblastoma. However, its further investigation was limited by its poor water solubility. In this study, six new CBC derivatives were synthesized through the structural modification of CBC, and four of them showed better water solubility than CBC. Moreover, their antiproliferative activities on CRC were evaluated. It was found that CBC-1 presented the best inhibitory effect on three types of CRC cell lines, and this effect was superior to that of CBC. Mechanistically, CBC-1 inhibited the proliferation of CRC cells through regulation of mRNA and proteins of the HH pathway according to qRT–PCR and Western blotting analysis. Furthermore, Cellular Thermal Shift Assay results indicated that CBC-1 regulated this signalling pathway by targeting glioma‑associated oncogene (GLI 1).In addition, cell apoptosis was induced increasingly by transfection with GLI 1 siRNA or treatment with CBC-1 to downregulate GLI 1. Last, the in vivo results demonstrated that CBC-1 significantly reduced tumour size and downregulated GLI 1 in CRC. Therefore, this study suggests that CBC-1, a new GLI 1 inhibitor derived from natural products, may be developed as a potential antitumour candidate for CRC treatment.
研究领域:
肿瘤学
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药理学
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分子生物学
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癌症治疗
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PubMed
高影响因子
Journal of Cell Communication and Signaling
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2023
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IF 4.1
Zhao Ye,Wang Huiling,He Tianhua,Ma Bo,Chen Guoguang,Tzeng Chimeng
Liver fibrosis is an aberrant wound healing response to tissue injury characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition and loss of normal liver architecture. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is regards to be the major process in liver fibrogenesis which is dynamic and reversible. Both Hippo signaling core factor Yap and Hedgehog (Hh) signaling promote HSCs transdifferentiation thereby regulating the repair process of liver injury. However, the molecular function of YAP and the regulation between Yap and Hh during fibrogenesis remain uncertain. In this study, the essential roles of Yap in liver fibrosis were investigated. Yap was detected to be increased in liver fibrotic tissue by the thioacetamide (TAA)-induced zebrafish embryonic and adult models. Inhibition of Yap by both embryonic morpholino interference and adult’s inhibitor treatment was proved to alleviate TAA-induced liver lesions by and histology and gene expression examination. Transcriptomic analysis and gene expression detection showed that Yap and Hh signaling pathway have a cross talking upon TAA-induced liver fibrosis. In addition, TAA induction promoted the nuclear colocalization of YAP and Hh signaling factor GLI2α. This study demonstrates that Yap and Hh play synergistic protective roles in liver fibrotic response and provides new theoretical insight concerning the mechanisms of fibrosis progression. Graphical abstract
研究领域:
分子生物学
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肝病学
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细胞信号传导
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PubMed
高影响因子
Aging-US
·
2019
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IF 5.515
Jinglou Chen,Jianhua Liu,Yongfang Lei,Min Liu
Chronic cigarette smoke (CS) exposure induces prostate deficits. We previously found that swertiamarin had prostatic protective potential. This study was to investigate the possible protective effect of swertiamarin against CS-induced prostate dysfunction on human prostate epithelial cells, stromal cells and rats. Rat prostate collagen deposition and fibrosis were assessed by sirius red staining and measuring hydroxyproline content, as well as by qPCR and western blot analysis for fibrotic extracellular matrix components. Prostatic levels of oxidative stress and inflammatory-related factors were also analyzed. In order to explore its underling mechanisms, the activities of Hedgehog signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human prostate cells and rat prostate tissue were estimated. It was found that swertiamarin ameliorated CS-induced prostatic collagen deposition, relieved oxidative stress and local inflammation, inhibited the activation of Hedgehog signaling pathway and attenuated epithelial-mesenchymal transition. It indicated that swertiamarin could ameliorate CS-induced prostatic fibrosis by inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition and Hedgehog pathway.
研究领域:
药理学
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毒理学
·
泌尿学
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PubMed
高影响因子
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