Functional Characterization of a Small-Molecule Inhibitor of the DKK1-LRP6 Interaction

Sara Iozzi1, Rosaria Remelli2, Barbara Lelli3

  • 1Pharmacology Department, Sienabiotech S.p.A, Strada del Petriccio e Belriguardo 35, 53100 Siena, Italy; Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Università Degli Studi di Siena, Via Fiorentina 1, 53100 Siena, Italy.

Summary

A novel small molecule, NCI8642, effectively blocks Dickkopf-1 (DKK1) from inhibiting Wnt signaling by targeting the LRP6 receptor. This discovery offers new therapeutic avenues for diseases linked to DKK1 dysregulation.

Related Concept Videos

Inhibition of Cdk Activity02:34

Inhibition of Cdk Activity

The orderly progression of the cell cycle depends on the activation of Cdk protein by binding to its cyclin partner. However, the cell cycle must be restricted when undergoing abnormal changes. Most cancers correlate to the deregulated cell cycle, and since Cdks are a central component of the cell cycle, Cdk inhibitors are extensively studied to develop anticancer agents. For instance, cyclin D associates with several Cdks, such as Cdk 4/6, to form an active complex. The cyclin D-Cdk4/6 complex...
6.1K
Inhibition of CDK Activity02:34

Inhibition of CDK Activity

5.6K
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway01:20

The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway

Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as  SH2...
13.7K
Enzyme Inhibition01:30

Enzyme Inhibition

Inhibitors are molecules that reduce enzyme activity by binding to the enzyme. In a normally functioning cell, enzymes are regulated by a variety of inhibitors. Drugs and other toxins can also inhibit enzymes. Some inhibitors bind to the enzyme’s active site, while others inhibit enzymatic activity by binding to other sites on the protein structure.
94.6K