iCRT3 is a small molecule inhibitor of the Wnt pathway which binds to β-catenin interfering with its interaction with TCF. iCRT3 significantly reduces the LPS-induced Wnt/β-catenin activity and also inhibits TNF-α production and IκB degradation in a dose-dependent manner. iCRT3 does not influence the transcriptional activity of FOP-Flash luciferase reporter, which harbors mutations in the DNA binding sites for TCF (β-cat response element), showing specificity of the response. It inhibits cytokine production in LPS-stimulated macrophages.
In vivo
Intraperitoneal administration of iCRT3 to C57BL/6 mice, subjected to cecal ligation and puncture-induced sepsis, decreases the plasma levels of proinflammatory cytokines and organ injury markers in a dose-dependent manner. The histological integrity of the lungs is improved with iCRT3 treatment, along with reduced lung collagen deposition and apoptosis. In addition, iCRT3 treatment also decreases the expression of the cytokines, neutrophil chemoattractants, as well as the MPO activity in the lungs of septic mice.