Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional secreted cytokines that act in a highly context-dependent manner. BMP action extends beyond the induction of cartilage and bone formation, to... Show moreBone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional secreted cytokines that act in a highly context-dependent manner. BMP action extends beyond the induction of cartilage and bone formation, to encompass pivotal roles in controlling tissue and organ homeostasis during development and adulthood. BMPs signal via plasma membrane type I and type II serine/threonine kinase receptors and intracellular SMAD transcriptional effectors. Exquisite temporospatial control of BMP/SMAD signalling and crosstalk with other cellular cues is achieved by a series of positive and negative regulators at each step in the BMP/SMAD pathway. The interaction of BMP ligand with its receptors is carefully controlled by a diverse set of secreted antagonists that bind BMPs and block their interaction with their cognate BMP receptors. Perturbations in this BMP/BMP antagonist balance are implicated in a range of developmental disorders and diseases, including cancer. Here, we provide an overview of the structure and function of secreted BMP antagonists, and summarize recent novel insights into their role in cancer progression and bone metastasis. Gremlin1 (GREM1) is a highly studied BMP antagonist, and we will focus on this molecule in particular and its role in cancer. The therapeutic potential of pharmacological inhibitors for secreted BMP antagonists for cancer and other human diseases will also be discussed. Show less
Cancer is caused by an accumulation of mutations (formed when cells attempt to replicate damaged DNA) that lead to unchecked cell growth and proliferation. The first chapter of this thesis gives an... Show moreCancer is caused by an accumulation of mutations (formed when cells attempt to replicate damaged DNA) that lead to unchecked cell growth and proliferation. The first chapter of this thesis gives an overview of the major DNA-damaging agents and the opposing repair pathways, subsequently nucleotide excision repair (NER), able to repair a wide range of damages, is discussed. The second chapter thoroughly discusses the assembly of the NER complex, subsequent incision and repair synthesis. The recently elucidated regulation of NER is also discussed in detail whereas DNA-damage induced signalling is discussed briefly. Perspectives in respect to NER related research are discussed in the third chapter. Chapter four concerns the regulation of NER, preventing dual incision when gaps, formed by previously excised damages, cannot be filled. Chapter five and six concern the recruitment and activity of replication factors after dual incision. Finally, chapter seven describes UV-damage mediated incision and signalling in NER deficient cells. The main focus of this thesis is the sequence of events following dual incision, as much was known about the steps leading to incision yet little was known about the handover from pre- to post-incision complexes, the recruitment of post-incision factors and how they function in NER Show less
Through evolution the social amoebas have developed mechanisms to adapt to environmental changes and ensure survival. This thesis explores the evolutionary origins of cAMP signalling and regulation... Show moreThrough evolution the social amoebas have developed mechanisms to adapt to environmental changes and ensure survival. This thesis explores the evolutionary origins of cAMP signalling and regulation of developmental decisions in the model organism Dictyostelium discoideum. It also shows the first molecular-based phylogeny of the Dictyostelids. Development in Dictyostelium is characterized by the formation of a multicellular structure, the fruiting body, with a well-defined temporal and spatial pattern. cAMP, normally used as intracellular second messenger, in Dictyostelium is used also as an extracellular signal (chemoattractant) to mediate cell movement and cell differentiation. The study of the different components that control the formation of a multicellular fruiting body at a molecular level and from an evolutionary perspective shows that extracellular cAMP signalling was originally developed to control fruiting body morphogenesis. Furthermore it reinforces the idea that Dictyostelium is a simple but yet robust model to study the origins of multicellularity. Do to cAMP being so prevalent in Dictyostelium development I have studied the regulation of cAMP production during particular developmental stages showing in this thesis novel roles for the adenylyl cyclases that produce cAMP and their specific patters of expression during development. A thorough pharmacological analysis of these enzymes is also present in this work. Show less
