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Wnt Signaling in Stem Cells

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A special issue of Genes (ISSN 2073-4425). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Genetics and Genomics".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2017) | Viewed by 120360

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Prof. Dr. Ethan Lee

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Guest Editor

Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37240, USA
Interests: Wnt signaling; Xenopus laevis; biochemistry; ubiquitination; chemical biology; systems biology

Prof. Dr. Yashi Ahmed

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Guest Editor

Department of Molecular and Systems Biology and the Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
Interests: Wingless; Drosophila genetics; APC, ADP-ribosylation; intestinal stem cells Introduction

Prof. Dr. Robert J. Coffey

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Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
Interests: EGFR; epithelial polarity; vesicle trafficking; Wnt signaling; Naked2; GI cancer

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We write to invite you to contribute to a Special Issue in Genes that will be focused on Wnt signalling in stem cells. Originally identified as an evolutionarily conserved key determinant of embryonic patterning and an oncogenic pathway, Wnt signaling has been shown to play a major role in the maintenance, renewal, and differentiation of a number of stem cell lineages in the adult multicellular organism (including gastrointestinal, hematopoietic, neural, mammary, epidermal, follicular, testicular, and ovarian lineages). Thus, modulating this pathway has enormous potential in regenerative medicine and in the treatment of major human cancers. Major questions that are currently being investigated include the role of Wnt signaling in regulating stem cell self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation as well as the characterization of cells in the niche that produce and receive the Wnt signal. In addition, the detailed mechanisms by which the Wnt pathway is controlled and maintained in the stem cell niche remain ill defined.

This Special Issue will highlight reviews, new methods, and original articles that advance our understanding of the Wnt pathway and its role in stem cell biology. We welcome contributions in the areas of Wnt/b-catenin as well as noncanonical Wnt signaling, as both have been implicated in stem cell regulation. Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the role of Wnt signaling in maintenance, proliferation, and differentiation of stem cells of various organ lineages; the role of Wnt signaling in embryonic stem cells and cancer stem cells; and the role of Wnt signaling in controlling and regulating stem cell niches. We also welcome studies that highlight new technologies, new modes of regulation, and/or novel components of the Wnt signaling pathway that reveal underlying biochemical mechanisms that may ultimately control stem cell behavior. Finally, we welcome studies that make use of traditional as well as non-traditional model organisms that may provide insight into the evolutionarily conserved role of Wnt signaling in stem cell function across phyla. We look forward to your contributions.

Prof. Dr. Ethan Lee
Prof. Dr. Yashi Ahmed
Prof. Dr. Robert J. Coffey
Guest Editors

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Keywords

Wnt signaling
stem cells
development
regenerative medicine
cancer
model organisms

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Published Papers (13 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 2013 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identification of a WNT5A-Responsive Degradation Domain in the Kinesin Superfamily Protein KIF26B

by Edith P. Karuna, Shannon S. Choi, Michael K. Scales, Jennie Hum, Michael Cohen, Fernando A. Fierro and Hsin-Yi Henry Ho

Genes 2018, 9(4), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes9040196 - 5 Apr 2018

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6428

Abstract

Noncanonical WNT pathways function independently of the β-catenin transcriptional co-activator to regulate diverse morphogenetic and pathogenic processes. Recent studies showed that noncanonical WNTs, such as WNT5A, can signal the degradation of several downstream effectors, thereby modulating these effectors’ cellular activities. The protein domain(s) that mediates the WNT5A-dependent degradation response, however, has not been identified. By coupling protein mutagenesis experiments with a flow cytometry-based degradation reporter assay, we have defined a protein domain in the kinesin superfamily protein KIF26B that is essential for WNT5A-dependent degradation. We found that a human disease-causing KIF26B mutation located at a conserved amino acid within this domain compromises the ability of WNT5A to induce KIF26B degradation. Using pharmacological perturbation, we further uncovered a role of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) in WNT5A regulation of KIF26B degradation. Lastly, based on the identification of the WNT5A-responsive domain, we developed a new reporter system that allows for efficient profiling of WNT5A-KIF26B signaling activity in both somatic and stem cells. In conclusion, our study identifies a new protein domain that mediates WNT5A-dependent degradation of KIF26B and provides a new tool for functional characterization of noncanonical WNT5A signaling in cells. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wnt Signaling in Stem Cells)

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17 pages, 2420 KiB

Open AccessArticle

WNT9A Is a Conserved Regulator of Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cell Development

by Jenna Richter, Edouard G. Stanley, Elizabeth S. Ng, Andrew G. Elefanty, David Traver and Karl Willert

Genes 2018, 9(2), 66; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes9020066 - 29 Jan 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5651

Abstract

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) differentiate into all cell types of the blood and can be used therapeutically to treat hematopoietic cancers and disorders. Despite decades of research, it is not yet possible to derive therapy-grade HSCs from pluripotent precursors. Analysis of HSC development in model organisms has identified some of the molecular cues that are necessary to instruct hematopoiesis in vivo, including Wnt9A, which is required during an early time window in zebrafish development. Although bona fide HSCs cannot be derived in vitro, it is possible to model human hematopoietic progenitor development by differentiating human pluripotent stem cells to hematopoietic cells. Herein, we modulate WNT9A expression during the in vitro differentiation of human embryonic stem cells to hematopoietic progenitor cells and demonstrate that WNT9A also regulates human hematopoietic progenitor cell development in vitro. Overexpression of WNT9A only impacts differentiation to CD34⁺/CD45⁺ cells during early time windows and does so in a dose-dependent manner. The cells that receive the Wnt signal—not the cells that secrete WNT9A—differentiate most efficiently to hematopoietic progenitors; this mimics the paracrine action of Wnt9a during in vivo hematopoiesis. Taken together, these data indicate that WNT9A is a conserved regulator of zebrafish and human hematopoietic development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wnt Signaling in Stem Cells)

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Review

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18 pages, 3710 KiB

Open AccessReview

Wnt Signaling in Thyroid Homeostasis and Carcinogenesis

by Kim A. Ely, Lindsay A. Bischoff and Vivian L. Weiss

Genes 2018, 9(4), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes9040204 - 10 Apr 2018

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6694

Abstract

The Wnt pathway is essential for stem cell maintenance, but little is known about its role in thyroid hormone signaling and thyroid stem cell survival and maintenance. In addition, the role of Wnt signaling in thyroid cancer progenitor cells is also unclear. Here, we present emerging evidence for the role of Wnt signaling in somatic thyroid stem cell and thyroid cancer stem cell function. An improved understanding of the role of Wnt signaling in thyroid physiology and carcinogenesis is essential for improving both thyroid disease diagnostics and therapeutics. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wnt Signaling in Stem Cells)

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32 pages, 1279 KiB

Open AccessReview

Wnt Signalling in Gastrointestinal Epithelial Stem Cells

by Dustin J. Flanagan, Chloe R. Austin, Elizabeth Vincan and Toby J. Phesse

Genes 2018, 9(4), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes9040178 - 23 Mar 2018

Cited by 60 | Viewed by 14658

Abstract

Wnt signalling regulates several cellular functions including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and migration, and is critical for embryonic development. Stem cells are defined by their ability for self-renewal and the ability to be able to give rise to differentiated progeny. Consequently, they are essential for the homeostasis of many organs including the gastrointestinal tract. This review will describe the huge advances in our understanding of how stem cell functions in the gastrointestinal tract are regulated by Wnt signalling, including how deregulated Wnt signalling can hijack these functions to transform cells and lead to cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wnt Signaling in Stem Cells)

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19 pages, 2208 KiB

Open AccessReview

Wnt Signalling in Intestinal Stem Cells: Lessons from Mice and Flies

by Jessica Perochon, Lynsey R. Carroll and Julia B. Cordero

Genes 2018, 9(3), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes9030138 - 2 Mar 2018

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 9591

Abstract

Adult stem cells play critical roles in the basal maintenance of tissue integrity, also known as homeostasis, and in tissue regeneration following damage. The highly conserved Wnt signalling pathway is a key regulator of stem cell fate. In the gastrointestinal tract, Wnt signalling activation drives homeostasis and damage-induced repair. Additionally, deregulated Wnt signalling is a common hallmark of age-associated tissue dysfunction and cancer. Studies using mouse and fruit fly models have greatly improved our understanding of the functional contribution of the Wnt signalling pathway in adult intestinal biology. Here, we summarize the latest knowledge acquired from mouse and Drosophila research regarding canonical Wnt signalling and its key functions during stem cell driven intestinal homeostasis, regeneration, ageing and cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wnt Signaling in Stem Cells)

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14 pages, 2642 KiB

Open AccessReview

Wnt Signaling in Stem Cell Maintenance and Differentiation in the Drosophila Germarium

by Indrayani Waghmare and Andrea Page-McCaw

Genes 2018, 9(3), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes9030127 - 27 Feb 2018

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 7634

Abstract

Wnt signaling is a conserved regulator of stem cell behaviors, and the Drosophila germarium has been an important model tissue for the study of stem cell maintenance, differentiation, and proliferation. Here we review Wnt signaling in the germarium, which houses two distinct types of ovarian stem cells: the anteriorly located germline stem cells (GSCs), which give rise to oocytes; and the mid-posteriorly located follicle stem cells (FSCs), which give rise to the somatic follicle cells that cover a developing oocyte. The maintenance and proliferation of GSCs and FSCs is regulated by the stem cell niches, whereas differentiation of the germline is regulated by the differentiation niche. Four distinct Wnt ligands are localized in the germarium, and we focus review on how these Wnt ligands and Wnt signaling affects maintenance and differentiation of both germline and follicle stem cells in their respective niches. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wnt Signaling in Stem Cells)

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11 pages, 584 KiB

Open AccessReview

Protein Phosphatase 2A in the Regulation of Wnt Signaling, Stem Cells, and Cancer

by Joshua J. Thompson and Christopher S. Williams

Genes 2018, 9(3), 121; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes9030121 - 26 Feb 2018

Cited by 54 | Viewed by 7215

Abstract

Protein phosphorylation is a ubiquitous cellular process that allows for the nuanced and reversible regulation of protein activity. Protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) is a heterotrimeric serine-threonine phosphatase—composed of a structural, regulatory, and catalytic subunit—that controls a variety of cellular events via protein dephosphorylation. While much is known about PP2A and its basic biochemistry, the diversity of its components—especially the multitude of regulatory subunits—has impeded the determination of PP2A function. As a consequence of this complexity, PP2A has been shown to both positively and negatively regulate signaling networks such as the Wnt pathway. Wnt signaling modulates major developmental processes, and is a dominant mediator of stem cell self-renewal, cell fate, and cancer stem cells. Because PP2A affects Wnt signaling both positively and negatively and at multiple levels, further understanding of this complex dynamic may ultimately provide insight into stem cell biology and how to better treat cancers that result from alterations in Wnt signaling. This review will summarize literature that implicates PP2A as a tumor suppressor, explore PP2A mutations identified in human malignancy, and focus on PP2A in the regulation of Wnt signaling and stem cells so as to better understand how aberrancy in this pathway can contribute to tumorigenesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wnt Signaling in Stem Cells)

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24 pages, 1958 KiB

Open AccessReview

Wnt Signaling and Its Impact on Mitochondrial and Cell Cycle Dynamics in Pluripotent Stem Cells

by Megan L. Rasmussen, Natalya A. Ortolano, Alejandra I. Romero-Morales and Vivian Gama

Genes 2018, 9(2), 109; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes9020109 - 19 Feb 2018

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 12814

Abstract

The core transcriptional network regulating stem cell self-renewal and pluripotency remains an intense area of research. Increasing evidence indicates that modified regulation of basic cellular processes such as mitochondrial dynamics, apoptosis, and cell cycle are also essential for pluripotent stem cell identity and fate decisions. Here, we review evidence for Wnt regulation of pluripotency and self-renewal, and its connections to emerging features of pluripotent stem cells, including (1) increased mitochondrial fragmentation, (2) increased sensitivity to cell death, and (3) shortened cell cycle. We provide a general overview of the stem cell–specific mechanisms involved in the maintenance of these uncharacterized hallmarks of pluripotency and highlight potential links to the Wnt signaling pathway. Given the physiological importance of stem cells and their enormous potential for regenerative medicine, understanding fundamental mechanisms mediating the crosstalk between Wnt, organelle-dynamics, apoptosis, and cell cycle will be crucial to gain insight into the regulation of stemness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wnt Signaling in Stem Cells)

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21 pages, 690 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Role of Wnt Signal in Glioblastoma Development and Progression: A Possible New Pharmacological Target for the Therapy of This Tumor

by Mariachiara Zuccarini, Patricia Giuliani, Sihana Ziberi, Marzia Carluccio, Patrizia Di Iorio, Francesco Caciagli and Renata Ciccarelli

Genes 2018, 9(2), 105; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes9020105 - 17 Feb 2018

Cited by 93 | Viewed by 7128

Abstract

Wnt is a complex signaling pathway involved in the regulation of crucial biological functions such as development, proliferation, differentiation and migration of cells, mainly stem cells, which are virtually present in all embryonic and adult tissues. Conversely, dysregulation of Wnt signal is implicated in development/progression/invasiveness of different kinds of tumors, wherein a certain number of multipotent cells, namely “cancer stem cells”, are characterized by high self-renewal and aggressiveness. Hence, the pharmacological modulation of Wnt pathway could be of particular interest, especially in tumors for which the current standard therapy results to be unsuccessful. This might be the case of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), one of the most lethal, aggressive and recurrent brain cancers, probably due to the presence of highly malignant GBM stem cells (GSCs) as well as to a dysregulation of Wnt system. By examining the most recent literature, here we point out several factors in the Wnt pathway that are altered in human GBM and derived GSCs, as well as new molecular strategies or experimental drugs able to modulate/inhibit aberrant Wnt signal. Altogether, these aspects serve to emphasize the existence of alternative pharmacological targets that may be useful to develop novel therapies for GBM. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wnt Signaling in Stem Cells)

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23 pages, 4884 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Pleiotropic Effects of the Canonical Wnt Pathway in Early Development and Pluripotency

by Anchel De Jaime-Soguero, Willy Antoni Abreu de Oliveira and Frederic Lluis

Genes 2018, 9(2), 93; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes9020093 - 14 Feb 2018

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 15244

Abstract

The technology to derive embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells from early embryonic stages and adult somatic cells, respectively, emerged as a powerful resource to enable the establishment of new in vitro models, which recapitulate early developmental processes and disease. Additionally, pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) represent an invaluable source of relevant differentiated cell types with immense potential for regenerative medicine and cell replacement therapies. Pluripotent stem cells support self-renewal, potency and proliferation for extensive periods of culture in vitro. However, the core pathways that rule each of these cellular features specific to PSCs only recently began to be clarified. The Wnt signaling pathway is pivotal during early embryogenesis and is central for the induction and maintenance of the pluripotency of PSCs. Signaling by the Wnt family of ligands is conveyed intracellularly by the stabilization of β-catenin in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus, where it elicits the transcriptional activity of T-cell factor (TCF)/lymphoid enhancer factor (LEF) family of transcription factors. Interestingly, in PSCs, the Wnt/β-catenin–TCF/LEF axis has several unrelated and sometimes opposite cellular functions such as self-renewal, stemness, lineage commitment and cell cycle regulation. In addition, tight control of the Wnt signaling pathway enhances reprogramming of somatic cells to induced pluripotency. Several recent research efforts emphasize the pleiotropic functions of the Wnt signaling pathway in the pluripotent state. Nonetheless, conflicting results and unanswered questions still linger. In this review, we will focus on the diverse functions of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway on the developmental processes preceding embryo implantation, as well as on its roles in pluripotent stem cell biology such as self-renewal and cell cycle regulation and somatic cell reprogramming. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wnt Signaling in Stem Cells)

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12 pages, 597 KiB

Open AccessReview

Renal Tubule Repair: Is Wnt/β-Catenin a Friend or Foe?

by Leslie S. Gewin

Genes 2018, 9(2), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes9020058 - 24 Jan 2018

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 7745

Abstract

Wnt/β-catenin signaling is extremely important for proper kidney development. This pathway is also upregulated in injured renal tubular epithelia, both in acute kidney injury and chronic kidney disease. The renal tubular epithelium is an important target of kidney injury, and its response (repair versus persistent injury) is critical for determining whether tubulointerstitial fibrosis, the hallmark of chronic kidney disease, develops. This review discusses how Wnt/β-catenin signaling in the injured tubular epithelia promotes either repair or fibrosis after kidney injury. There is data suggesting that epithelial Wnt/β-catenin signaling is beneficial in acute kidney injury and important in tubular progenitors responsible for epithelial repair. The role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in chronically injured epithelia is less clear. There is convincing data that Wnt/β-catenin signaling in interstitial fibroblasts and pericytes contributes to the extracellular matrix accumulation that defines fibrosis. However, some recent studies question whether Wnt/β-catenin signaling in chronically injured epithelia actually promotes fibrosis or repair. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wnt Signaling in Stem Cells)

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18 pages, 1633 KiB

Open AccessReview

Wnt, RSPO and Hippo Signalling in the Intestine and Intestinal Stem Cells

by Vitezslav Kriz and Vladimir Korinek

Genes 2018, 9(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes9010020 - 8 Jan 2018

Cited by 51 | Viewed by 12315

Abstract

In this review, we address aspects of Wnt, R-Spondin (RSPO) and Hippo signalling, in both healthy and transformed intestinal epithelium. In intestinal stem cells (ISCs), the Wnt pathway is essential for intestinal crypt formation and renewal, whereas RSPO-mediated signalling mainly affects ISC numbers. In human colorectal cancer (CRC), aberrant Wnt signalling is the driving mechanism initiating this type of neoplasia. The signalling role of the RSPO-binding transmembrane proteins, the leucine-rich-repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptors (LGRs), is possibly more pleiotropic and not only limited to the enhancement of Wnt signalling. There is growing evidence for multiple crosstalk between Hippo and Wnt/β-catenin signalling. In the ON state, Hippo signalling results in serine/threonine phosphorylation of Yes-associated protein (YAP1) and tafazzin (TAZ), promoting formation of the β-catenin destruction complex. In contrast, YAP1 or TAZ dephosphorylation (and YAP1 methylation) results in β-catenin destruction complex deactivation and β-catenin nuclear localization. In the Hippo OFF state, YAP1 and TAZ are engaged with the nuclear β-catenin and participate in the β-catenin-dependent transcription program. Interestingly, YAP1/TAZ are dispensable for intestinal homeostasis; however, upon Wnt pathway hyperactivation, the proteins together with TEA domain (TEAD) transcription factors drive the transcriptional program essential for intestinal cell transformation. In addition, in many CRC cells, YAP1 phosphorylation by YES proto-oncogene 1 tyrosine kinase (YES1) leads to the formation of a transcriptional complex that includes YAP1, β-catenin and T-box 5 (TBX5) DNA-binding protein. YAP1/β-catenin/T-box 5-mediated transcription is necessary for CRC cell proliferation and survival. Interestingly, dishevelled (DVL) appears to be an important mediator involved in both Wnt and Hippo (YAP1/TAZ) signalling and some of the DVL functions were assigned to the nuclear DVL pool. Wnt ligands can trigger alternative signalling that directly involves some of the Hippo pathway components such as YAP1, TAZ and TEADs. By upregulating Wnt pathway agonists, the alternative Wnt signalling can inhibit the canonical Wnt pathway activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wnt Signaling in Stem Cells)

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11 pages, 2698 KiB

Open AccessOpinion

Modeling the Role of Wnt Signaling in Human and Drosophila Stem Cells

by Prameet Kaur, Helen Jingshu Jin, Jay B Lusk and Nicholas S. Tolwinski

Genes 2018, 9(2), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes9020101 - 16 Feb 2018

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 6367

Abstract

The discovery of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, barely more than a decade ago, dramatically transformed the study of stem cells and introduced a completely new way to approach many human health concerns. Although advances have pushed the field forward, human application remains some years away, in part due to the need for an in-depth mechanistic understanding. The role of Wnts in stem cells predates the discovery of iPS cells with Wnts established as major pluripotency promoting factors. Most work to date has been done using mouse and tissue culture models and few attempts have been made in other model organisms, but the recent combination of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) gene editing with iPS cell technology provides a perfect avenue for exploring iPS cells in model organisms. Drosophila is an ideal organism for such studies, but fly iPS cells have not yet been made. In this opinion article, we draw parallels between Wnt signaling in human and Drosophila stem cell systems, propose ways to obtain Drosophila iPS cells, and suggest ways to exploit the versatility of the Drosophila system for future stem cell studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wnt Signaling in Stem Cells)

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