Functional implications of neutrophil metabolism during ischemic tissue repair

Immune cell mobilization and their accumulation in the extravascular space is a key consequence of tissue injury. Maladaptive trafficking and immune activation following reperfusion of ischemic tissue can exacerbate tissue repair. After ischemic injury such as myocardial infarction (MI), PMNs are the first cells to arrive at the sites of insult and their response is critical for the sequential progression of ischemia from inflammation to resolution and finally to tissue repair. However, PMN-induced inflammation can also be detrimental to cardiac function and ultimately lead to heart failure. In this review, we highlight the role of PMNs during key cellular and molecular events of ischemic heart failure. We address new research on PMN metabolism, and how this orchestrates diverse functions such as PMN chemotaxis, degranulation, and phagocytosis. Particular focus is given to PMN metabolism regulation by mitochondrial function and mTOR kinase activity.

Optochemical Control of mTOR Signaling and mTOR-Dependent Autophagy

As an important regulator of cell metabolism, proliferation, and survival, mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling provides both a potential target for cancer treatment and a research tool for investigation of cell metabolism. One inhibitor for both mTORC1 and mTORC2 pathways, OSI-027, exhibited robust anticancer efficacy but induced side effects. Herein, we designed a photoactivatable OSI-027 prodrug, which allowed the release of OSI-027 after light irradiation to inhibit the mTOR signaling pathway, triggering autophagy and leading to cell death. This photoactivatable prodrug can provide novel strategies for mTOR-targeting cancer therapy and act as a new tool for investigating mTOR signaling and its related biological processes.

Biochemical Mechanisms Underlying Psychedelic-Induced Neuroplasticity

In addition to producing profound subjective effects following acute administration, psychedelic compounds can induce beneficial behavioral changes relevant to the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders that last long after the compounds have been cleared from the body. One hypothesis with the potential to explain the remarkable enduring effects of psychedelics is related to their abilities to promote structural and functional neuroplasticity in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). A hallmark of many stress-related neuropsychiatric diseases, including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and addiction, is the atrophy of neurons in the PFC. Psychedelics appear to be particularly effective catalysts for the growth of these key neurons, ultimately leading to restoration of synaptic connectivity in this critical brain region. Furthermore, evidence suggests that the hallucinogenic effects of psychedelics are not directly linked to their ability to promote structural and functional neuroplasticity. If we are to develop improved alternatives to psychedelics for treating neuropsychiatric diseases, we must fully characterize the molecular mechanisms that give rise to psychedelic-induced neuroplasticity. Here, I review our current understanding of the biochemical signaling pathways activated by psychedelics and related neuroplasticity-promoting molecules, with an emphasis on key unanswered questions.

γδ T Cells Support Antigen-Specific αβ T cell-Mediated Antitumor Responses during BCG Treatment for Bladder Cancer

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is the most effective intravesical agent at reducing recurrence for patients with high-grade, non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer. Nevertheless, response to BCG is variable and strategies to boost BCG efficacy have not materialized. Prior work demonstrated a requirement for either conventional αβ or nonconventional γδ T cells in mediating BCG treatment efficacy, yet the importance of T-cell antigen specificity for BCG's treatment effect is unclear. Here, we provide direct evidence to show that BCG increases the number of tumor antigen-specific αβ T cells in patients with bladder cancer and protects mice from subsequent same-tumor challenge, supporting BCG induction of tumor-specific memory and protection. Adoptive T-cell transfers of antigen-specific αβ T cells into immunodeficient mice challenged with syngeneic MB49 bladder tumors showed that both tumor and BCG antigen-specific αβ T cells contributed to BCG efficacy. BCG-specific antitumor immunity, however, also required nonconventional γδ T cells. Prior work shows that the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin induces the proliferation and effector function of γδ T cells. Here, rapamycin increased BCG efficacy against both mouse and human bladder cancer in vivo in a γδ T cell-dependent manner. Thus, γδ T cells augment antitumor adaptive immune effects of BCG and support rapamycin as a promising approach to boost BCG efficacy in the treatment of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer.

Modulation of the IGF1R-MTOR pathway attenuates motor neuron toxicity of human ALS SOD1G93A astrocytes

ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), the most common motor neuron disease, causes muscle denervation and rapidly fatal paralysis. While motor neurons are the most affected cells in ALS, studies on the pathophysiology of the disease have highlighted the importance of non-cell autonomous mechanisms, which implicate astrocytes and other glial cells. In ALS, subsets of reactive astrocytes lose their physiological functions and become toxic for motor neurons, thereby contributing to disease pathogenesis. Evidence of astrocyte contribution to disease pathogenesis are well established in cellular and animal models of familial ALS linked to mutant SOD1, where astrocytes promote motor neuron cell death. The mechanism underlying astrocytes reactivity in conditions of CNS injury have been shown to involve the MTOR pathway. However, the role of this conserved metabolic signaling pathway, and the potential therapeutic effects of its modulation, have not been investigated in ALS astrocytes. Here, we show elevated activation of the MTOR pathway in human-derived astrocytes harboring mutant SOD1, which results in inhibition of macroautophagy/autophagy, increased cell proliferation, and enhanced astrocyte reactivity. We demonstrate that MTOR pathway activation in mutant SOD1 astrocytes is due to post-transcriptional upregulation of the IGF1R (insulin like growth factor 1 receptor), an upstream positive modulator of the MTOR pathway. Importantly, inhibition of the IGF1R-MTOR pathway decreases cell proliferation and reactivity of mutant SOD1 astrocytes, and attenuates their toxicity to motor neurons. These results suggest that modulation of astrocytic IGF1R-MTOR pathway could be a viable therapeutic strategy in SOD1 ALS and potentially other neurological diseases.Abbreviations: ACM: astrocyte conditioned medium; AKT: AKT serine/threonine kinase; ALS: amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; BrdU: thymidine analog 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine; CNS: central nervous system; EIF4EBP1/4EBP1: eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1; GFAP: glial fibrillary acidic protein; IGF1R: insulin like growth factor 1 receptor; INSR: insulin receptor; iPSA: iPSC-derived astrocytes; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta;MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; NES: nestin; PPK1: 3-phosphoinositide dependent protein kinase 1; PI: propidium iodide; PPP: picropodophyllotoxin; PTEN: phosphatase and tensin homolog; S100B/S100β: S100 calcium binding protein B; SLC1A3/ EAAT1: solute carrier family 1 member 3; SMI-32: antibody to nonphosphorylated NEFH; SOD1: superoxide dismutase 1; TUBB3: tubulin beta 3 class III; ULK1: unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1.

GNS561, a clinical-stage PPT1 inhibitor, is efficient against hepatocellular carcinoma via modulation of lysosomal functions

Hepatocellular carcinoma is the most frequent primary liver cancer. Macroautophagy/autophagy inhibitors have been extensively studied in cancer but, to date, none has reached efficacy in clinical trials. In this study, we demonstrated that GNS561, a new autophagy inhibitor, whose anticancer activity was previously linked to lysosomal cell death, displayed high liver tropism and potent antitumor activity against a panel of human cancer cell lines and in two hepatocellular carcinoma in vivo models. We showed that due to its lysosomotropic properties, GNS561 could reach and specifically inhibited its enzyme target, PPT1 (palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1), resulting in lysosomal unbound Zn²⁺ accumulation, impairment of cathepsin activity, blockage of autophagic flux, altered location of MTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase), lysosomal membrane permeabilization, caspase activation and cell death. Accordingly, GNS561, for which a global phase 1b clinical trial in liver cancers was just successfully achieved, represents a promising new drug candidate and a hopeful therapeutic strategy in cancer treatment.

Abbreviations: ANXA5:annexin A5; ATCC: American type culture collection; BafA1: bafilomycin A₁; BSA: bovine serum albumin; CASP3: caspase 3; CASP7: caspase 7; CASP8: caspase 8; CCND1: cyclin D1; CTSB: cathepsin B; CTSD: cathepsin D; CTSL: cathepsin L; CQ: chloroquine; iCCA: intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma; DEN: diethylnitrosamine; DMEM: Dulbelcco’s modified Eagle medium; FBS: fetal bovine serum; FITC: fluorescein isothiocyanate; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; HCC: hepatocellular carcinoma; HCQ: hydroxychloroquine; HDSF: hexadecylsulfonylfluoride; IC₅₀: mean half-maximal inhibitory concentration; LAMP: lysosomal associated membrane protein; LC3-II: phosphatidylethanolamine-conjugated form of MAP1LC3; LMP: lysosomal membrane permeabilization; MALDI: matrix assisted laser desorption ionization; MAP1LC3/LC3: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3; MKI67: marker of proliferation Ki-67; MTOR: mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase; MRI: magnetic resonance imaging; NH₄Cl: ammonium chloride; NtBuHA: N-tert-butylhydroxylamine; PARP: poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase; PBS: phosphate-buffered saline; PPT1: palmitoyl-protein thioesterase 1; SD: standard deviation; SEM: standard error mean; vs, versus; Zn²⁺: zinc ion; Z-Phe: Z-Phe-Tyt(tBu)-diazomethylketone; Z-VAD-FMK: carbobenzoxy-valyl-alanyl-aspartyl-[O-methyl]- fluoromethylketone.

Role of Autophagy in Cardiovascular Disease and Aging

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide and is expected to further increase as people continue to live even longer. Although the life span of the general population is increasing, the con of such a prolonged life span is that aging has certain detrimental effects on the molecular, structural, and functional elements of the cardiovascular system. This review will discuss various molecular pathways linked to longevity, most notably autophagy and its associated mechanisms, and how these pathways can be targeted to promote cardiovascular health through the process of aging. It is to be noted that the process of autophagy decreases with aging; hence, this review concludes that the promotion of autophagy, through implementation of caloric restriction, intermittent fasting, and pharmacologic agents, has proven to be an efficacious means of stimulating cardiovascular health. Therefore, autophagy is an important target for prevention and procrastination of cardiovascular pathologies in the geriatric population.

A Unique Presentation of Birt-Hogg-Dube Syndrome

Birt-Hogg-Dube (BHD) syndrome is a rare autosomal dominant condition identified by the triad of cutaneous fibrofolliculomas, pulmonary cysts, and renal cell carcinoma. The vast majority of patients with BHD syndrome initially present with spontaneous pneumothorax. This unique case describes a patient with BHD syndrome who presented with sebaceous cysts and perifollicular fibromas. The evaluation by dermatology is what led to his diagnosis. Expanding the clinical presentation of BHD syndrome to encompass a variety of skin findings could help with recognizing these patients before they suffer the serious complications of renal carcinoma and pneumothorax.

Mitochondrial ROS Induced Lysosomal Dysfunction and Autophagy Impairment in an Animal Model of Congenital Hereditary Endothelial Dystrophy

Purpose

The Slc4a11 knock out (KO) mouse model recapitulates the human disease phenotype associated with congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED). Increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the Slc4a11 KO mouse model is a major cause of edema and endothelial cell loss. Here, we asked if autophagy was activated by ROS in the KO mice.

Methods

Immortalized cell lines and mouse corneal endothelia were used to measure autophagy and lysosome associated protein expressions using Protein Simple Wes immunoassay. Autophagy and lysosome functions were examined in wild type (WT) and KO cells as well as animals treated with the mitochondrial ROS quencher MitoQ.

Results

Even though autophagy activation was evident, autophagy flux was aberrant in Slc4a11 KO cells and corneal endothelium. Expression of lysosomal proteins and lysosomal mass were decreased along with reduced nuclear translocation of lysosomal master regulator, transcription factor EB (TFEB). MitoQ reversed aberrant lysosomal functions and TFEB nuclear localization in KO cells. MitoQ injections in KO animals reduced corneal edema and decreased the rate of endothelial cell loss.

Conclusions

Mitochondrial ROS disrupts TFEB signaling causing lysosomal dysfunction with impairment of autophagy in Slc4a11 KO corneal endothelium. Our study is the first to identify the presence as well as cause of lysosomal dysfunction in an animal model of CHED, and to identify a potential therapeutic approach.

Atg8ylation as a general membrane stress and remodeling response

The yeast Atg8 protein and its paralogs in mammals, mammalian Atg8s (mAtg8s), have been primarily appreciated for their participation in autophagy. However, lipidated mAtg8s, including the most frequently used autophagosomal membrane marker LC3B, are found on cellular membranes other than autophagosomes. Here we put forward a hypothesis that the lipidation of mAtg8s, termed 'Atg8ylation', is a general membrane stress and remodeling response analogous to the role that ubiquitylation plays in tagging proteins. Ubiquitin and mAtg8s are related in sequence and structure, and the lipidation of mAtg8s occurs on its C-terminal glycine, akin to the C-terminal glycine of ubiquitin. Conceptually, we propose that mAtg8s and Atg8ylation are to membranes what ubiquitin and ubiquitylation are to proteins, and that, like ubiquitylation, Atg8ylation has a multitude of downstream effector outputs, one of which is autophagy.

Eosinophilic Vacuolated Tumor of the Kidney: A Review of Evolving Concepts in This Novel Subtype With Additional Insights From a Case With MTOR Mutation and Concomitant Chromosome 1 Loss

Recent advances in molecular genetics have expanded our knowledge of renal tumors and enabled a better classification. These studies have revealed that renal tumors with predominantly "eosinophilic/oncocytic" cytoplasm include several novel biological subtypes beyond the traditionally well-recognized renal oncocytoma and an eosinophilic variant of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma. Herein, we present a comprehensive review of the eosinophilic vacuolated tumor (EVT) building upon a case report including radiology, histopathology, electron microscopy, and next-generation sequencing. EVTs are characterized by mTORC1 activation. We speculate that loss of chromosome 1 in EVT with MTOR mutation may be driven in part by an advantage conferred by loss of the remaining MTOR wild-type allele. mTORC1 is best known for its role in promoting protein translation and it is interesting that dilated cisterns of rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) likely account for the cytoplasmic vacuoles seen by light microscopy. We present an integrated view of EVT as well as cues that can assist in the differential diagnosis.

Perivascular Epithelioid Cell Tumor of the Buttock Region

Perivascular epithelioid cell neoplasms, also known as PEComas, are a group of rare mesenchymal tumors that have a perivascular distribution and have no known counterpart to normal cells. The PEComa grouping includes angiomyolipomas, lymphangioleiomyomatoses, clear cell (sugar) tumors at extrapulmonary and intrapulmonary sites, clear cell myomelanocytic tumor of the falciform ligament/ligamentum teres among others. These rare tumors most commonly arise in the uterus. Here, we present an unusual case of malignant PEComa arising in the buttock region.

Downregulation of long non-coding RNA AIRN promotes mitophagy in alcoholic fatty hepatocytes by promoting ubiquitination of mTOR

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are crucial in chronic liver diseases, but the specific molecular mechanism of lncRNAs in alcoholic fatty liver (AFL) remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the in-depth regulatory mechanism of mTOR affected by AIRN non-protein coding RNA (lncRNA-AIRN) in the development of AFL. LncRNA-AIRN was highly expressed in the liver tissues of AFL C57BL/6mice and oleic acid+alcohol (O+A)treated AML-12cells by using quantitative real-timePCR. RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation experiments demonstrated that there was an interaction between lncRNA-AIRN and mTOR, and that interference with lncRNA-AIRN could promote the mTOR protein level. Results ofcycloheximide-chase assay showed that the proteinlevel of mTOR was decreased with the treatment time after the knockdown of lncRNA-AIRN. Furthermore, the knockdown of lncRNA-AIRN reducedmTOR protein level by promoting the E3 ubiquitin ligase FBXW7-mediated ubiquitination.The lncRNA-AIRN/mTORaxis was involved in the regulation of the mitophagy of O+A treated hepatocytes, which was confirmed by the cell transfection and the MTT assay.SPSS 16.0 was used for analyzing data. The difference between the two groups was analyzed by performing Student's t-test, and ANOVA was used to analyze the difference when more than two groups. P values < 0.05 were considered to be significantly different.Our findings demonstrated that the knockdown of lncRNA-AIRN influencedmitophagy in AFL by promoting mTOR ubiquitination.

Drosophila PDGF/VEGF signaling from muscles to hepatocyte-like cells protects against obesity

PDGF/VEGF ligands regulate a plethora of biological processes in multicellular organisms via autocrine, paracrine, and endocrine mechanisms. We investigated organ-specific metabolic roles of Drosophila PDGF/VEGF-like factors (Pvfs). We combine genetic approaches and single-nuclei sequencing to demonstrate that muscle-derived Pvf1 signals to the Drosophila hepatocyte-like cells/oenocytes to suppress lipid synthesis by activating the Pi3K/Akt1/TOR signaling cascade in the oenocytes. Functionally, this signaling axis regulates expansion of adipose tissue lipid stores in newly eclosed flies. Flies emerge after pupation with limited adipose tissue lipid stores and lipid level is progressively accumulated via lipid synthesis. We find that adult muscle-specific expression of pvf1 increases rapidly during this stage and that muscle-to-oenocyte Pvf1 signaling inhibits expansion of adipose tissue lipid stores as the process reaches completion. Our findings provide the first evidence in a metazoan of a PDGF/VEGF ligand acting as a myokine that regulates systemic lipid homeostasis by activating TOR in hepatocyte-like cells.

Parallel global profiling of plant TOR dynamics reveals a conserved role for LARP1 in translation

Target of rapamycin (TOR) is a protein kinase that coordinates eukaryotic metabolism. In mammals, TOR specifically promotes translation of ribosomal protein (RP) mRNAs when amino acids are available to support protein synthesis. The mechanisms controlling translation downstream from TOR remain contested, however, and are largely unexplored in plants. To define these mechanisms in plants, we globally profiled the plant TOR-regulated transcriptome, translatome, proteome, and phosphoproteome. We found that TOR regulates ribosome biogenesis in plants at multiple levels, but through mechanisms that do not directly depend on 5' oligopyrimidine tract motifs (5'TOPs) found in mammalian RP mRNAs. We then show that the TOR-LARP1-5'TOP signaling axis is conserved in plants and regulates expression of a core set of eukaryotic 5'TOP mRNAs, as well as new, plant-specific 5'TOP mRNAs. Our study illuminates ancestral roles of the TOR-LARP1-5'TOP metabolic regulatory network and provides evolutionary context for ongoing debates about the molecular function of LARP1.

Dihydromyricetin promotes autophagy and attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis by regulating miR-155-5p/PTEN signaling in diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common complication of diabetes and is prone to kidney failure. Dihydromyricetin (DHM) has been reported to have a variety of pharmacological activities. This study aims to explore the effect of DHM on DN and the underlying molecular mechanism. An in vivo DN rat model was established. The degree of renal interstitial fibrosis (RIF) was detected by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry (IHC). In vitro, NRK-52E cells were divided into four groups: normal glucose (NG), high glucose (HG), HG+DHM, and HG+rapamycin (autophagy inhibitor). The levels of autophagy- and fibrosis-related proteins were analyzed by western blotting. The expression of miR-155-5p and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN) and their relationship were assessed by quantitative reverse transcription (qRT)-PCR and dual luciferase reporter gene assay. Our results showed that RIF was increased in DN rat model and in HG-induced NRK-52E cells. DHM treatment attenuated the increased RIF and also increased autophagy. MiR-155-5p expression was increased, while PTEN expression was decreased in DN rat and cell model, and DHM reversed both effects. Dual luciferase assay showed that PTEN was the target gene of miR-155-5p. DHM inhibited HG-induced fibrosis and promoted autophagy by inhibiting miR-155-5p expression in NRK-52E cells. In addition, DHM promoted autophagy by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, DHM promotes autophagy and attenuates RIF by regulating the miR-155-5p/PTEN signaling and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in DN.

HEM1 deficiency disrupts mTORC2 and F-actin control in inherited immunodysregulatory disease

Immunodeficiency often coincides with hyperactive immune disorders such as autoimmunity, lymphoproliferation, or atopy, but this coincidence is rarely understood on a molecular level. We describe five patients from four families with immunodeficiency coupled with atopy, lymphoproliferation, and cytokine overproduction harboring mutations in NCKAP1L, which encodes the hematopoietic-specific HEM1 protein. These mutations cause the loss of the HEM1 protein and the WAVE regulatory complex (WRC) or disrupt binding to the WRC regulator, Arf1, thereby impairing actin polymerization, synapse formation, and immune cell migration. Diminished cortical actin networks caused by WRC loss led to uncontrolled cytokine release and immune hyperresponsiveness. HEM1 loss also blocked mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2)-dependent AKT phosphorylation, T cell proliferation, and selected effector functions, leading to immunodeficiency. Thus, the evolutionarily conserved HEM1 protein simultaneously regulates filamentous actin (F-actin) and mTORC2 signaling to achieve equipoise in immune responses.

Targeting apoptosis in cancer therapy

For over three decades, a mainstay and goal of clinical oncology has been the development of therapies promoting the effective elimination of cancer cells by apoptosis. This programmed cell death process is mediated by several signalling pathways (referred to as intrinsic and extrinsic) triggered by multiple factors, including cellular stress, DNA damage and immune surveillance. The interaction of apoptosis pathways with other signalling mechanisms can also affect cell death. The clinical translation of effective pro-apoptotic agents involves drug discovery studies (addressing the bioavailability, stability, tumour penetration, toxicity profile in non-malignant tissues, drug interactions and off-target effects) as well as an understanding of tumour biology (including heterogeneity and evolution of resistant clones). While tumour cell death can result in response to therapy, the selection, growth and dissemination of resistant cells can ultimately be fatal. In this Review, we present the main apoptosis pathways and other signalling pathways that interact with them, and discuss actionable molecular targets, therapeutic agents in clinical translation and known mechanisms of resistance to these agents.

Pathway-Specific Genome Editing of PI3K/mTOR Tumor Suppressor Genes Reveals that PTEN Loss Contributes to Cetuximab Resistance in Head and Neck Cancer

Cetuximab, an mAb targeting EGFR, is a standard of care for the treatment for locally advanced or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, despite overexpression of EGFR in more than 90% of HNSCC lesions, most patients with HNSCC fail to respond to cetuximab treatment. In addition, there are no available biomarkers to predict sensitivity or resistance to cetuximab in the clinic. Here, we sought to advance precision medicine approaches for HNSCC by identifying PI3K/mTOR signaling network-specific cetuximab resistance mechanisms. We first analyzed the frequency of genomic alterations in genes involved in the PI3K/mTOR signaling circuitry in the HNSCC TCGA dataset. Experimentally, we took advantage of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing approaches to systematically explore the contribution of genomic alterations in each tumor suppressor gene (TSG) controlling the PI3K-mTOR pathway to cetuximab resistance in HNSCC cases that do not exhibit PIK3CA mutations. Remarkably, we found that many HNSCC cases exhibit pathway-specific gene copy number loss of multiple TSGs that normally restrain PI3K/mTOR signaling. Among them, we found that both engineered and endogenous PTEN gene deletions can mediate resistance to cetuximab. Our findings suggest that PTEN gene copy number loss, which is highly prevalent in HNSCC, may result in sustained PI3K/mTOR signaling independent of EGFR, thereby representing a promising mechanistic biomarker predictive of cetuximab resistance in this cancer type. Further prospective studies are needed to investigate the impact of PTEN loss on cetuximab efficacy in the clinic.

Metabolic pathways mediate pathogenesis and offer targets for treatment in rheumatic diseases

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The cause of autoimmune diseases remains incompletely understood. Here, we highlight recent advances in the role of proinflammatory metabolic pathways in autoimmune disease, including treatment with antioxidants and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent studies show that mTOR pathway activation, glucose utilization, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, and antioxidant defenses play critical roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, immune thrombocytopenia, Sjögren's syndrome, large vessel vasculitis, and systemic lupus erythematosus. mTOR activity leads to Th1 and Th17 cell proliferation, Treg depletion, plasma cell differentiation, macrophage dysfunction, and increased antibody and immune complex production, ultimately resulting in tissue inflammation. mTOR also affects the function of connective tissue cells, including fibroblast-like synoviocytes, endothelial cells, and podocytes. mTOR inhibition via rapamycin and N-acetylcysteine, and blockade of glucose utilization show clinical efficacy in both mouse models and clinical trials, such as systemic lupus erythematosus.

SUMMARY

The mTOR pathway is a central regulator of growth and survival signals, integrating environmental cues to control cell proliferation and differentiation. Activation of mTOR underlies inflammatory lineage specification, and mTOR blockade-based therapies show promising efficacy in several autoimmune diseases.

Emerging Players in Autophagy Deficiency-Induced Liver Injury and Tumorigenesis

Studies using genetic mouse models that have defective autophagy have led to the conclusion that macroautophagy/autophagy serves as a tumor suppressor. One of such models is the liver-specific Atg5 or Atg7 knockout mice, and these knockout mice develop spontaneous liver tumors. It has been generally agreed that p62-mediated Nrf2 activation plays a critical role in promoting autophagy deficiency-induced liver injury and liver tumorigenesis. The mechanisms of how persistent Nrf2 activation induces liver injury and tumorigenesis are incompletely known. We discuss the recent progress on the new roles of HMGB1 and Yap in regulating liver injury and tumorigenesis in mice with liver-specific autophagy deficiency.

Krüppel‑like factor 4 ameliorates diabetic kidney disease by activating autophagy via the mTOR pathway

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is diagnosed increasingly frequently and represents a serious threat to human health. Krüppel‑like factor 4 (KLF4) has aroused attention due to its potential effect on podocytes and in ameliorating proteinuria associated with glomerulopathy. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential role of KLF4 in DKD. It was hypothesized that KLF4 impacts diabetic nephropathy by mediating the podocyte autophagic process. A KLF4 plasmid vector was constructed, and podocytes were transfected and incubated with DKD mice serum for in vitro experiments. A db/db spontaneous DKD mouse model was also established for in vivo study. After treatment, the level of serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and 24‑h urinary protein was determined. Immunofluorescence and periodic acid‑Schiff staining, western blotting, flow cytometry and a TUNEL assay were performed to observe changes in glomerular morphology and the level of apoptosis, cytoskeleton proteins, epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers, autophagic proteins and mTOR pathway proteins in each group. KLF4 overexpression significantly reduced the level of urinary albumin, Scr, BUN and attenuated mesangial matrix expansion, as well as mesangial cell proliferation in DKD mice. KLF4 overexpression also inhibited podocyte apoptosis and downregulated vimentin and α‑smooth muscle actin, and upregulated E‑cadherin and nephrin, both in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3α (LC3)‑II/LC3‑I ratio and LC3‑II fluorescence was significantly increased in the vector‑KLF4 group compared to the negative control vector group both in vivo and in vitro. Finally, a decrease in the level of phosphorylated (p)‑mTOR and p‑S6K protein expression was observed following KLF4 overexpression in vitro. The present findings suggested that KLF4 plays a renoprotective role in DKD, which is associated with the activation of podocyte autophagy, and may be involved in the mTOR signaling pathway.

[Research advances in the role of mTOR signaling pathway in autism spectrum disorder]

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an intracellular signaling pathway molecule which regulates various fundamental physiological processes. The mTOR signaling pathway plays an important role in synaptic plasticity, information transmission and processing, and neuroregulation. Dysregulation of the mTOR signaling pathway is generally considered to be related to the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD); meanwhile, the mTOR inhibitor can ameliorate the symptoms of ASD. The role of mTOR in the pathogenesis of ASD is summarized in this article to provide a theoretical basis for targeted therapy of ASD.

Influence of the HDAC Inhibitor Valproic Acid on the Growth and Proliferation of Temsirolimus-Resistant Prostate Cancer Cells In Vitro

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is elevated in prostate cancer, making this protein attractive for tumor treatment. Unfortunately, resistance towards mTOR inhibitors develops and the tumor becomes reactivated. We determined whether epigenetic modulation by the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor, valproic acid (VPA), may counteract non-responsiveness to the mTOR inhibitor, temsirolimus, in prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Prostate cancer cells, sensitive (parental) and resistant to temsirolimus, were exposed to VPA, and tumor cell growth behavior compared. Temsirolimus resistance enhanced the number of tumor cells in the G2/M-phase, correlating with elevated cell proliferation and clonal growth. The cell cycling proteins cdk1 and cyclin B, along with Akt-mTOR signaling increased, whereas p19, p21 and p27 decreased, compared to the parental cells. VPA significantly reduced cell growth and up-regulated the acetylated histones H3 and H4. Cdk1 and cyclin B decreased, as did phosphorylated mTOR and the mTOR sub-complex Raptor. The mTOR sub-member Rictor and phosphorylated Akt increased under VPA. Knockdown of cdk1, cyclin B, or Raptor led to significant cell growth reduction. HDAC inhibition through VPA counteracts temsirolimus resistance, probably by down-regulating cdk1, cyclin B and Raptor. Enhanced Rictor and Akt, however, may represent an undesired feedback loop, which should be considered when designing future therapeutic regimens.

PI3K/mTOR inhibition potentiates and extends palbociclib activity in anaplastic thyroid cancer

Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most aggressive form of thyroid cancer. Despite its low incidence, it accounts for a disproportionate number of thyroid cancer-related deaths, because of its resistance to current therapeutic approaches. Novel actionable targets are urgently needed to prolong patient survival and increase their quality of life. Loss and mutation of the RB1 tumor suppressor are rare events in ATC, which suggests that therapies directed at inhibiting the cyclin D/CDK4 complexes, responsible for RB phosphorylation and inactivation, might be effective in this tumor type. In fact, we found that the CDK4/6 inhibitor, palbociclib, strongly inhibits proliferation in all the RB1 wild type ATC cell lines tested. Efficacy was also observed in vivo, in a xenograft model. However, ATC cells rapidly developed resistance to palbociclib. Resistance was associated with increased levels of cyclin D1 and D3. To counter cyclin D overexpression, we tested the effect of combining palbociclib with the PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor, omipalisib. Combined treatment synergistically reduced cell proliferation, even in cell lines that do not carry PI3K-activating mutations. More importantly, low-dose combination was dramatically effective in inhibiting tumor growth in a xenograft model. Thus, combined PI3K/mTOR and CDK4/6 inhibition is a highly promising novel approach for the treatment of aggressive, therapy-resistant thyroid cancer.