scholarly journals β-Elemene inhibits the proliferation of primary human airway granulation fibroblasts by down-regulating canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway

2018 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Xue ◽  
Ling-Ling Hong ◽  
Jun-Sheng Lin ◽  
Xiang-Yang Yao ◽  
Ding-Hui Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Chinese Drug ◽  
Cultured Fibroblasts ◽  
Human Airway ◽  
Normal Human ◽  
Gsk 3Β ◽  
Canonical Wnt

Benign airway stenosis is a clinical challenge because of recurrent granulation tissues. Our previous study proved that a Chinese drug, β-elemene, could effectively inhibit the growth of fibroblasts cultured from hyperplastic human airway granulation tissues, which could slow down the progression of this disease. The purpose of the present study is to find out the mechanism for this effect. We cultured fibroblasts from normal human airway tissues and human airway granulation tissues. These cells were cultured with 160 μg/ml normal saline (NS), different doses of β-elemene, or 10 ng/ml canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway inhibitor (Dickkopf-1, DKK-1). The proliferation rate of cells and the expression of six molecules involved in canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway, Wnt3a, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), β-catenin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and Collagen I (Col-I), were measured. At last, we used canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway activator (LiCl) to further ascertain the mechanism of β-elemene. Canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway is activated in human airway granulation fibroblasts. β-Elemene didn’t affect normal human airway fibroblasts; however, it had a dose–responsive inhibitive effect on the proliferation and expression of Wnt3a, non-active GSK-3β, β-catenin, α-SMA, TGF-β, and Col-I of human airway granulation fibroblasts. More importantly, it had the same effect on the expression and nuclear translocation of active β-catenin. All these effects were similar to 10 ng/ml DKK-1 and could be attenuated by 10 mM LiCl. Thus, β-elemene inhibits the proliferation of primary human airway granulation fibroblasts by down-regulating canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway. This pathway is possibly a promising target to treat benign tracheobronchial stenosis.

scholarly journals Astragalus Inhibits Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition of Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells by Down-Regulating β-Catenin

2018 ◽  
Vol 51 (6) ◽  
pp. 2794-2813 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manshu Yu ◽  
Jun Shi ◽  
Meixiao Sheng ◽  
Kun Gao ◽  
Lu Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial To Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Inhibitory Effect ◽  
Mesothelial Cells ◽  
Peritoneal Fibrosis ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells ◽  
Gsk 3Β ◽  
Canonical Wnt

Background/Aims: The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs) is a crucial event in the induction of peritoneal fibrosis (PF), in which canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling participates. Smads signaling is reported to interact with β-catenin and synergistically regulates EMT. This study was aimed to reveal the effect of Astragalus on β-catenin in EMT of PMCs. Methods: To obtain the role of β-catenin in EMT, gene transfer into HMrSV5 cell line and rats has been achieved. After Astragalus treatment, EMT markers and signaling pathway-related indicators were detected by western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, immunoprecipitation and real time-PCR. Results: β-catenin knockdown suppressed EMT of HMrSV5 cells. Astragalus alleviated EMT of PMCs characterized by increased E-cadherin and decreased α-SMA and Vimentin. In rat model of peritoneal dialysis (PD), Astragalus attenuated peritoneal thickening and fibrosis. Astragalus down-regulated β-catenin by stabilizing the Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β)/β-catenin complex and further inhibited the nuclear translocation of β-catenin. Meanwhile, Astragalus down-regulated β-catenin by enhancing Smad7 expression. Silencing Smad7 antagonized the EMT-inhibitory effect of Astragalus. Conclusion: Astragalus inhibits EMT of PMCs by down-regulating β-catenin. The modulation of β-catenin in peritoneum can be a novel tool to prevent PF.

scholarly journals Dextromethorphan Attenuates NADPH Oxidase-Regulated Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β and NF-κB Activation and Reduces Nitric Oxide Production in Group A Streptococcal Infection

2018 ◽  
Vol 62 (6) ◽  
pp. e02045-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia-Ling Chen ◽  
Miao-Huei Cheng ◽  
Chih-Feng Kuo ◽  
Yi-Lin Cheng ◽  
Ming-Han Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitric Oxide ◽  
Nadph Oxidase ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Glycogen Synthase Kinase ◽  
Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome ◽  
Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3Β ◽  
Diphenylene Iodonium ◽  
Group A ◽  
Gsk 3Β

ABSTRACTGroup AStreptococcus(GAS) is an important human pathogen that causes a wide spectrum of diseases, including necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. Dextromethorphan (DM), an antitussive drug, has been demonstrated to efficiently reduce inflammatory responses, thereby contributing to an increased survival rate of GAS-infected mice. However, the anti-inflammatory mechanisms underlying DM treatment in GAS infection remain unclear. DM is known to exert neuroprotective effects through an NADPH oxidase-dependent regulated process. In the present study, membrane translocation of NADPH oxidase subunit p47phoxand subsequent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation induced by GAS infection were significantly inhibited via DM treatment in RAW264.7 murine macrophage cells. Further determination of proinflammatory mediators revealed that DM effectively suppressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and NO, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukin-6 generation in GAS-infected RAW264.7 cells as well as in air-pouch-infiltrating cells from GAS/DM-treated mice. GAS infection caused AKT dephosphorylation, glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) activation, and subsequent NF-κB nuclear translocation, which were also markedly inhibited by treatment with DM and an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium. These results suggest that DM attenuates GAS infection-induced overactive inflammation by inhibiting NADPH oxidase-mediated ROS production that leads to downregulation of the GSK-3β/NF-κB/NO signaling pathway.

scholarly journals Microparticles as Potential Mediators of High Glucose-Induced Renal Cell Injury

Biomolecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 348 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ravindran ◽  
Pasha ◽  
Agouni ◽  
Munusamy
Keyword(s):  
Er Stress ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Beta ◽  
High Glucose ◽  
Cell Injury ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease worldwide. Activation of signaling pathways such as the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), are thought to play a significant role in the etiology of DN. Microparticles (MPs), the small membrane vesicles containing bioactive signals shed by cells upon activation or during apoptosis, are elevated in diabetes and were identified as biomarkers in DN. However, their exact role in the pathophysiology of DN remains unclear. Here, we examined the effect of MPs shed from renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs) exposed to high glucose conditions on naïve RPTCs in vitro. Our results showed significant increases in the levels of phosphorylated forms of 4E-binding protein 1 and ERK1/2 (the downstream targets of mTOR and ERK pathways), phosphorylated-eIF2α (an ER stress marker), alpha smooth muscle actin (an EMT marker), and phosphorylated-SMAD2 and nuclear translocation of SMAD4 (markers of TGF-β signaling). Together, our findings indicate that MPs activate key signaling pathways in RPTCs under high glucose conditions. Pharmacological interventions to inhibit shedding of MPs from RPTCs might serve as an effective strategy to prevent the progression of DN.

scholarly journals All-Trans Retinoic Acid Attenuates Fibrotic Processes by Downregulating TGF-β1/Smad3 in Early Diabetic Nephropathy

Biomolecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 525 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edith Sierra-Mondragon ◽  
Rafael Rodríguez-Muñoz ◽  
Carmen Namorado-Tonix ◽  
Eduardo Molina-Jijon ◽  
Daniel Romero-Trejo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetic Nephropathy ◽  
Retinoic Acid ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Kidney Injury ◽  
Alpha Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Trans Retinoic Acid ◽  
All Trans Retinoic Acid ◽  
Tgf Β1

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) involves damage associated to hyperglycemia and oxidative stress. Renal fibrosis is a major pathologic feature of DN. The aim of this study was to evaluate anti-fibrogenic and renoprotective effects of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) in isolated glomeruli and proximal tubules of diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by single injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/Kg). ATRA (1 mg/Kg) was administered daily by gavage, from days 3–21 after STZ injection. ATRA attenuated kidney injury through the reduction of proteinuria, renal hypertrophy, increase in natriuresis, as well as early markers of damage such as β2-microglobulin, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL). The following parameters increased: macrophage infiltration, localization of alpha-smooth muscle actin (αSMA)-positive cells in renal tissue, and pro-fibrotic proteins such as transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β1), laminin beta 1 (LAM-β1), and collagens IV and I. Remarkably, ATRA treatment ameliorated these alterations and attenuated expression and nuclear translocation of Smad3, with increment of glomerular and tubular Smad7. The diabetic condition decreased expression of retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR-α) through phosphorylation in serine residues mediated by the activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). ATRA administration restored the expression of RAR-α and inhibited direct interactions of JNK/RAR-α. ATRA prevented fibrogenesis through down-regulation of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling.

Troglitazone ameliorates high glucose-induced EMT and dysfunction of SGLTs through PI3K/Akt, GSK-3β, Snail1, and β-catenin in renal proximal tubule cells

2010 ◽  
Vol 298 (5) ◽  
pp. F1263-F1275 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Jin Lee ◽  
Ho Jae Han
Keyword(s):  
Protein Expression ◽  
Glucose Uptake ◽  
Membrane Transport ◽  
High Glucose ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Pparγ Agonist ◽  
Gsk 3Β ◽  
Tgf Β1

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonists ameliorate renal fibrotic lesions in diabetic nephropathy. However, the effects of the agonists on the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) linked to membrane transport dysfunction are unknown. The present study aimed to verify the effects of the PPARγ agonist troglitazone on high glucose (HG)-induced EMT in primary cultured renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTCs). HG (25 mM) as well as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) decreased expression of epithelial cell marker E-cadherin and increased the expression of the mesenchymal markers vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). HG, H2O2, and TGF-β1 decreased Na+/H+ exchangers (NHEs) or Na+-glucose cotransporters (SGLTs) and glucose uptake, showing membrane transport dysfunction. HG stimulated the production of cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and antioxidants blocked the HG-induced increase in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt activation. Antioxidants and inhibitors of PI3K/Akt reversed HG-induced EMT protein expression. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt also blocked HG-induced glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) phosphorylation. HG and lithium chloride (GSK-3β inhibitor) blocked Snail1 and β-catenin activation. Moreover, transfection with Snail1 or β-catenin small interfering RNA (siRNA) reversed HG-induced EMT protein expression. Importantly, HG decreased PPARγ activation and troglitazone reversed HG-induced expression of PI3K/Akt, GSK-3β, Snail1, and β-catenin as well as EMT proteins. Finally, inhibitors of PI3K/Akt, Snail1/β-catenin siRNA, and troglitazone blocking the HG-induced EMT restored glucose uptake in PTCs. In conclusion, HG induces EMT through ROS, PI3K/Akt, GSK-3β, Snail, and β-catenin. Subsequently, HG-induced EMT may result in SGLT dysfunction that is restored by the PPARγ agonist troglitazone in primary cultured PTCs.

Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein expression in systemic sclerosis reveals heterogeneity of dermal fibroblast responses to transforming growth factor β

2008 ◽  
Vol 68 (3) ◽  
pp. 435-441 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Farina ◽  
R Lemaire ◽  
P Pancari ◽  
J Bayle ◽  
R L Widom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein ◽  
Matrix Protein ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Dermal Fibroblast ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Dermal Fibroblasts ◽  
Cultured Fibroblasts

Objective:Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) accumulates in systemic sclerosis (SSc) skin and is upregulated by transforming growth factor (TGF)β. To further characterise the response to TGFβ in SSc, we investigated TGFβ1 and COMP expression and myofibroblast staining in SSc skin.Methods:Skin biopsies from patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dSSc), limited cutaneous SSc (lSSc) and healthy controls were evaluated for COMP mRNA expression using real-time PCR. COMP, α-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and TGFβ were assessed in skin sections and in cultured fibroblasts by immunohistochemistry. Clinical disease status was assessed by the modified Rodnan skin score (mRSS).Results:Myofibroblasts expressing SMA and COMP were found coexpressed in many cells in dSSc dermis, but each also stained distinct cells in the dermis. Cultured SSc dermal fibroblasts also showed heterogeneity for COMP and SMA expression, with cells expressing SMA, COMP, both or neither. TGFβ treatment increased COMP and SMA-expressing cells. COMP mRNA expression in lesional skin from patients with dSSc correlated with the mRSS and TGFβ1 staining.Conclusion:These findings suggest that TGFβ upregulation of COMP and/or SMA expression in subpopulations of fibroblasts contributes to different pathways of fibrosis and that multiple TGFβ regulated genes may serve as biomarkers for the degree of SSc skin involvement.

scholarly journals β-Catenin/Smad3 Interaction Regulates Transforming Growth Factor-β-Induced Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in the Lens

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 2078 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aftab Taiyab ◽  
Julie Holms ◽  
Judith A. West-Mays
Keyword(s):  
Growth Factor ◽  
Signaling Pathways ◽  
Epithelial To Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Vision Loss ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Ex Vivo ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Posterior Capsular Opacification ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide. Although surgery is a successful method to restore vision loss due to cataracts, post-surgical complications can occur, such as secondary cataracts, also known as posterior capsular opacification (PCO). PCO arises when lens epithelial cells (LEC) are left behind in the capsular bag following surgery and are induced to undergo epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Following EMT, LEC morphology and phenotype are altered leading to a loss of transparency and vision. Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β-induced signaling through both canonical, TGF-β/Smad, and non-canonical, β-catenin/Wnt and Rho/ROCK/MRTF-A, pathways have been shown to be involved in lens EMT, and thus PCO. However, the interactions between these signaling pathways in the lens have not been thoroughly explored. In the current study we use rat LEC explants as an ex vivo model, to examine the interplay between three TGF-β-mediated pathways using α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) as a molecular marker for EMT. We show that Smad3 inhibition via SIS3 prevents nuclear translocation of β-catenin and MRTF-A, and α-SMA expression, suggesting a key role of Smad3 in regulation of MRTF-A and β-catenin nuclear transport in LECs. Further, we demonstrate that inhibition of β-catenin/CBP interaction by ICG-001 decreased the amount of phosphorylated Smad3 upon TGF-β stimulation in addition to significantly decreasing the expression levels of TGF-β receptors, TBRII and TBRI. Overall, our findings demonstrate interdependence between the canonical and non-canonical TGF-β-mediated signaling pathways controlling EMT in the lens.

scholarly journals β-Catenin Regulates Wound Healing and IL-6 Expression in Activated Human Astrocytes

Biomedicines ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. 479
Author(s):  
Venkata Viswanadh Edara ◽  
Shruthi Nooka ◽  
Jessica Proulx ◽  
Satomi Stacy ◽  
Anuja Ghorpade ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Reactive Astrogliosis ◽  
Human Astrocytes ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Inflammatory Stimuli ◽  
Chemokine Ligand ◽  
Gsk 3Β

Reactive astrogliosis is prominent in most neurodegenerative disorders and is often associated with neuroinflammation. The molecular mechanisms regulating astrocyte-linked neuropathogenesis during injury, aging and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the implications of the wingless type (Wnt)/β-catenin signaling pathway in regulating astrocyte function during gliosis. First, we identified that HIV-associated inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α induced mediators of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway including β-catenin and lymphoid enhancer-binding factor (LEF)-1 expression in astrocytes. Next, we investigated the regulatory role of β-catenin on primary aspects of reactive astrogliosis, including proliferation, migration and proinflammatory responses, such as IL-6. Knockdown of β-catenin impaired astrocyte proliferation and migration as shown by reduced cyclin-D1 levels, bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and wound healing. HIV-associated cytokines, IL-1β alone and in combination with TNF-α, strongly induced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines including C-C motif chemokine ligand (CCL)2, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)8 and IL-6; however, only IL-6 levels were regulated by β-catenin as demonstrated by knockdown and pharmacological stabilization. In this context, IL-6 levels were negatively regulated by β-catenin. To better understand this relationship, we examined the crossroads between β-catenin and nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathways. While NF-κB expression was significantly increased by IL-1β and TNF-α, NF-κB levels were not affected by β-catenin knockdown. IL-1β treatment significantly increased glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3β phosphorylation, which inhibits β-catenin degradation. Further, pharmacological inhibition of GSK-3β increased nuclear translocation of both β-catenin and NF-κB p65 into the nucleus in the absence of any other inflammatory stimuli. HIV+ human astrocytes show increased IL-6, β-catenin and NF-κB expression levels and are interconnected by regulatory associations during HAND. In summary, our study demonstrates that HIV-associated inflammation increases β-catenin pathway mediators to augment activated astrocyte responses including migration and proliferation, while mitigating IL-6 expression. These findings suggest that β-catenin plays an anti-inflammatory role in activated human astrocytes during neuroinflammatory pathologies, such as HAND.

scholarly journals Fate-determining mechanisms in epithelial–myofibroblast transition: major inhibitory role for Smad3

2010 ◽  
Vol 188 (3) ◽  
pp. 383-399 ◽  
Author(s):  
András Masszi ◽  
Pam Speight ◽  
Emmanuel Charbonney ◽  
Monika Lodyga ◽  
Hiroyasu Nakano ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Transforming Growth Factor ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Smooth Muscle Actin ◽  
Transforming Growth Factor Β ◽  
Muscle Actin ◽  
Intercellular Contacts ◽  
Related Transcription Factor ◽  
Myogenic Program ◽  
Critical Process ◽  
Organ Fibrosis

Epithelial–myofibroblast (MF) transition (EMyT) is a critical process in organ fibrosis, leading to α–smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression in the epithelium. The mechanism underlying the activation of this myogenic program is unknown. We have shown previously that both injury to intercellular contacts and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) are indispensable for SMA expression (two-hit model) and that contact disruption induces nuclear translocation of myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF). Because the SMA promoter harbors both MRTF-responsive CC(A/T)-rich GG element (CArG) boxes and TGF-β–responsive Smad-binding elements, we hypothesized that the myogenic program is mobilized by a synergy between MRTF and Smad3. In this study, we show that the synergy between injury and TGF-β exclusively requires CArG elements. Surprisingly, Smad3 inhibits MRTF-driven activation of the SMA promoter, and Smad3 silencing renders injury sufficient to induce SMA expression. Furthermore, Smad3 is degraded under two-hit conditions, thereby liberating the myogenic program. Thus, Smad3 is a critical timer/delayer of MF commitment in the epithelium, and EMyT can be dissected into Smad3-promoted (mesenchymal) and Smad3-inhibited (myogenic) phases.

scholarly journals Progesterone initiates Wnt-β-catenin signaling but estradiol is required for nuclear activation and synchronous proliferation of rat uterine stromal cells

2006 ◽  
Vol 191 (3) ◽  
pp. 537-548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginia Rider ◽  
Kazuto Isuzugawa ◽  
Meryl Twarog ◽  
Stacy Jones ◽  
Brent Cameron ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle ◽  
Wnt Signaling ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Stromal Cell ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Ovariectomized Rats ◽  
Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor ◽  
Cell Cycle Entry ◽  
Gsk 3Β

Progesterone pretreatment of ovariectomized rat uteri increases the number of synchronously proliferating stromal cells in response to estradiol 17-β. To identify the signals involved in stimulating synchronous proliferation, sexually mature ovariectomized rats were injected with progesterone (2 mg) for 3 consecutive days. Estradiol 17-β (0.2 μg) was administered to initiate cell cycle entry. Uterine samples were removed at various times after hormone administration and changes in wingless (Wnt) pathway effectors and gene targets were identified by microarray. Progesterone pretreatment decreased glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) and increased expression of T-cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF). GSK-3β protein decreased markedly in the uterine stroma of progesterone-pretreated uteri with the concomitant appearance of β-catenin in these stromal cells. Translocation of β-catenin from the cytosol to the nuclei in progesterone-pretreated stromal cells was stimulated in response to estradiol. β-Catenin binding to TCF/LEF increased (P<0.05) in progesterone-pretreated uteri in response to estradiol. Progesterone stimulated the expression of the Wnt target gene urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPA-R) in the periluminal uterine stromal cells. The expression of uPA-R increased in progesterone-pretreated stromal cells in response to estradiol administration. Together, the results indicate that progesterone initiates Wnt signaling in the uterine stroma by down-regulating GSK-3β. However, nuclear translocation of β-catenin and sufficient complex formation with TCF/LEF to activate stromal cell cycle entry requires estradiol. Stimulation of a uterine stromal cell line to proliferate and differentiate resulted in β-catenin accumulation, suggesting that endocrine-dependent Wnt signaling controls proliferation and differentiation (decidualization).

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