Evidence for functional redundancy of class IA PI3K isoforms in insulin signalling

Phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases, phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate and cancer

This article focuses on the emerging roles for phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate and the phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases in cancer. Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate is a common substrate for both the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and phospholipase C pathways, and has been implicated in the membrane targeting of proteins such as Girdin/GIV and OSBP. Alterations to phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase expression levels can modulate MAP kinase and Akt signalling, and are important for chemoresistance, tumour angiogenesis and the suppression of apoptosis and metastases. Recent improvements in high-throughput screening assays, and the discoveries that some anti-viral molecules are isoform selective phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase inhibitors have advanced the drugability of these enzymes.

Isoform-selective induction of human p110δ PI3K expression by TNFα: identification of a new and inducible PIK3CD promoter

PI3Ks (phosphoinositide 3-kinases) are signalling molecules and drug targets with important biological functions, yet the regulation of PI3K gene expression is poorly understood. Key PI3Ks are the class IA PI3Ks that consist of a catalytic subunit (p110α, p110β and p110δ) in complex with a p85 regulatory subunit. Whereas p110α and p110β are ubiquitously expressed, high levels of p110δ are mainly found in white blood cells, with most non-leucocytes expressing low levels of p110δ. In the present paper we report that TNFα (tumour necrosis factor α) stimulation induces p110δ expression in human ECs (endothelial cells) and synovial fibroblasts, but not in leucocytes, through transcription start sites located in a novel promoter region in the p110δ gene (PIK3CD). This promoter is used in all cell types, including solid tumour cell lines that express p110δ, and is activated by TNFα in ECs and synovial fibroblasts. We further present a detailed biochemical and bioinformatic characterization of p110δ gene regulation, demonstrating that PIK3CD has distinct promoters, some of which can be dynamically activated by pro-inflammatory mediators. This is the first molecular identification of a PI3K promoter under the control of acute extracellular stimulation.

Suppression of PDGF-induced PI3 kinase activity by imatinib promotes adipogenesis and adiponectin secretion

Improved glucose and lipid metabolism is a unique side effect of imatinib therapy in some chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) patients. We recently reported that plasma levels of adiponectin, an important regulator of insulin sensitivity, are elevated following imatinib therapy in CML patients, which could account for these improved metabolic outcomes. Adiponectin is secreted exclusively from adipocytes, suggesting that imatinib modulates adiponectin levels directly, by transcriptional upregulation of adiponectin in pre-existing adipocytes, and/or indirectly, by stimulating adipogenesis. In this report, we have demonstrated that imatinib promotes adipogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which in turn secrete high-molecular-weight adiponectin. Conversely, imatinib does not stimulate adiponectin secretion from mature adipocytes. We hypothesise that inhibition of PDGFRα (PDGFRA) and PDGFRβ (PDGFRB) is the mechanism by which imatinib promotes adipogenesis. Supporting this, functional blocking antibodies to PDGFR promote adipogenesis and adiponectin secretion in MSC cultures. We have shown that imatinib is a potent inhibitor of PDGF-induced PI3 kinase activation and, using a PI3 kinase p110α-specific inhibitor (PIK-75), we have demonstrated that suppression of this pathway recapitulates the effects of imatinib on MSC differentiation. Furthermore, using mitogens that activate the PI3 kinase pathway, or MSCs expressing constitutively activated Akt, we have shown that activation of the PI3 kinase pathway negates the pro-adipogenic effects of imatinib. Taken together, our results suggest that imatinib increases plasma adiponectin levels by promoting adipogenesis through the suppression of PI3 kinase signalling downstream of PDGFR.

Synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking studies of 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives as potential immunosuppressive agents

A series of 1,3,4-oxadiazole derivatives derived from 4-methoxysalicylic acid or 4-methylsalicylic acid (6a-6z) have been first synthesized for their potential immunosuppressive activity. Among them, compound 6z displayed the most potent biological activity against lymph node cells (inhibition=38.76% for lymph node cells and IC(50)=0.31 μM for PI3Kγ). The preliminary mechanism of compound 6z inhibition effects was also detected by flow cytometry (FCM) and the compound exerted immunosuppressive activity via inducing the apoptosis of activated lymph node cells in a dose dependent manner. Docking simulation was performed to position compound 6z into the PI3Kγ structure active site to determine the probable binding model.

Effects of acutely inhibiting PI3K isoforms and mTOR on regulation of glucose metabolism in vivo

In in vitro studies class-I PI3Ks (phosphoinositide 3-kinases), class-II PI3Ks and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) have all been described as having roles in the regulation of glucose metabolism. The relative role each plays in the normal signalling processes regulating glucose metabolism in vivo is less clear. Knockout and knockin mouse models have provided some evidence that the class-I PI3K isoforms p110α, p110β, and to a lesser extent p110γ, are necessary for processes regulating glucose metabolism and appetite. However, in these models the PI3K activity is chronically reduced. Therefore we analysed the effects of acutely inhibiting PI3K isoforms alone, or PI3K and mTOR, on glucose metabolism and food intake. In the present study impairments in glucose tolerance, insulin tolerance and increased hepatic glucose output were observed in mice treated with the pan-PI3K/mTOR inhibitors PI-103 and NVP-BEZ235. The finding that ZSTK474 has similar effects indicates that these effects are due to inhibition of PI3K rather than mTOR. The p110α-selective inhibitors PIK75 and A66 also induced these phenotypes, but inhibitors of p110β, p110δ or p110γ induced only minor effects. These drugs caused no significant effects on BMR (basal metabolic rate), O₂ consumption or water intake, but BEZ235, PI-103 and PIK75 did cause a small reduction in food consumption. Surprisingly, pan-PI3K inhibitors or p110α inhibitors caused reductions in animal movement, although the cause of this is not clear. Taken together these studies provide pharmacological evidence to support a pre-eminent role for the p110α isoform of PI3K in pathways acutely regulating glucose metabolism.

Novel pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridines as p110α-selective PI3 kinase inhibitors: Exploring the benzenesulfonohydrazide SAR

Structure-activity relationship studies of the pyrazolo[1,5-a]pyridine class of PI3 kinase inhibitors show that substitution off the hydrazone nitrogen and replacement of the sulfonyl both gave a loss of p110α selectivity, with the exception of an N-hydroxyethyl analogue. Limited substitutions were tolerated around the phenyl ring; in particular the 2,5-substitution pattern was important for PI3 kinase activity. The N-hydroxyethyl compound also showed good inhibition of cell proliferation and inhibition of phosphorylation of Akt/PKB, a downstream marker of PI3 kinase activity. It had suitable pharmacokinetics for evaluation in vivo, and showed tumour growth inhibition in two human tumour cell lines in xenograft studies. This work has provided suggestions for the design of more soluble analogues.

A drug targeting only p110α can block phosphoinositide 3-kinase signalling and tumour growth in certain cell types

Genetic alterations in PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) signalling are common in cancer and include deletions in PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10), amplifications of PIK3CA and mutations in two distinct regions of the PIK3CA gene. This suggests drugs targeting PI3K, and p110α in particular, might be useful in treating cancers. Broad-spectrum inhibition of PI3K is effective in preventing growth factor signalling and tumour growth, but suitable inhibitors of p110α have not been available to study the effects of inhibiting this isoform alone. In the present study we characterize a novel small molecule, A66, showing the S-enantiomer to be a highly specific and selective p110α inhibitor. Using molecular modelling and biochemical studies, we explain the basis of this selectivity. Using a panel of isoform-selective inhibitors, we show that insulin signalling to Akt/PKB (protein kinase B) is attenuated by the additive effects of inhibiting p110α/p110β/p110δ in all cell lines tested. However, inhibition of p110α alone was sufficient to block insulin signalling to Akt/PKB in certain cell lines. The responsive cell lines all harboured H1047R mutations in PIK3CA and have high levels of p110α and class-Ia PI3K activity. This may explain the increased sensitivity of these cells to p110α inhibitors. We assessed the activation of Akt/PKB and tumour growth in xenograft models and found that tumours derived from two of the responsive cell lines were also responsive to A66 in vivo. These results show that inhibition of p110α alone has the potential to block growth factor signalling and reduce growth in a subset of tumours.

Inhibition of PI3K prevents the proliferation and differentiation of human lung fibroblasts into myofibroblasts: the role of class I P110 isoforms

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fibroproliferative disease characterized by an accumulation of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts in the alveolar wall. Even though the pathogenesis of this fatal disorder remains unclear, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)-induced differentiation and proliferation of myofibroblasts is recognized as a primary event. The molecular pathways involved in TGF-β signalling are generally Smad-dependent yet Smad-independent pathways, including phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt), have been recently proposed. In this research we established ex-vivo cultures of human lung fibroblasts and we investigated the role of the PI3K/Akt pathway in two critical stages of the fibrotic process induced by TGF-β: fibroblast proliferation and differentiation into myofibroblasts. Here we show that the pan-inhibitor of PI3Ks LY294002 is able to abrogate the TGF-β-induced increase in cell proliferation, in α- smooth muscle actin expression and in collagen production besides inhibiting Akt phosphorylation, thus demonstrating the centrality of the PI3K/Akt pathway in lung fibroblast proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, for the first time we show that PI3K p110δ and p110γ are functionally expressed in human lung fibroblasts, in addition to the ubiquitously expressed p110α and β. Finally, results obtained with both selective inhibitors and gene knocking-down experiments demonstrate a major role of p110γ and p110α in both TGF-β-induced fibroblast proliferation and differentiation. This finding suggests that specific PI3K isoforms can be pharmacological targets in IPF.

Calpain interacts with class IA phosphoinositide 3-kinases regulating their stability and signaling activity

Class IA phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are signaling enzymes with key roles in the regulation of essential cellular functions and disease, including cancer. Accordingly, their activity is tightly controlled in cells to maintain homeostasis. The formation of multiprotein complexes is a ubiquitous mechanism to regulate enzyme activity but the contribution of protein-protein interactions to the regulation of PI3K signaling is not fully understood. We designed an affinity purification quantitative mass spectrometry strategy to identify proteins interacting dynamically with PI3K in response to pathway activation, with the view that such binding partners may have a functional role in pathway regulation. Our study reveals that calpain small subunit 1 interacts with PI3K and that the association between these proteins is lower in cells stimulated with serum compared to starved cells. Calpain and PI3K activity assays confirmed these results, thus demonstrating that active calpain heterodimers associate dynamically with PI3K. In addition, calpains were found to cleave PI3K proteins in vitro (resulting in a reduction of PI3K lipid kinase activity) and to regulate endogenous PI3K protein levels in vivo. Further investigations revealed that calpains have a role in the negative regulation of PI3K/Akt pathway activity (as measured by Akt and ribosomal S6 phosphorylation) and that their inhibition promotes cell survival during serum starvation. These results indicate that the interaction between calpain and PI3K is a novel mechanism for the regulation of class IA PI3K stability and activity.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of novel analogues of the pan class I phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor 2-(difluoromethyl)-1-[4,6-di(4-morpholinyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]-1H-benzimidazole (ZSTK474)

A structure-activity relationship (SAR) study of the pan class I PI 3-kinase inhibitor 2-(difluoromethyl)-1-[4,6-di(4-morpholinyl)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]-1H-benzimidazole (ZSTK474) identified substitution at the 4 and 6 positions of the benzimidazole ring as having significant effects on the potency of substituted derivatives. The 6-amino-4-methoxy analogue displayed a greater than 1000-fold potency enhancement over the corresponding 6-aza-4-methoxy analogue against all three class Ia PI 3-kinase enzymes (p110α, p110β, and p110δ) and also displayed significant potency against two mutant forms of the p110α isoform (H1047R and E545K). This compound was also evaluated in vivo against a U87MG human glioblastoma tumor xenograft model in Rag1(-/-) mice, and at a dose of 50 mg/kg given by ip injection at a qd × 10 dosing schedule it dramatically reduced cancer growth by 81% compared to untreated controls.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling pathway mediated by p110α regulates invadopodia formation

Inhibition of p110α or of the downstream PI3K signaling pathway components PDK1 and Akt, as well as phosphoinositide sequestration, blocks invadopodia formation in breast cancer cells.

Invadopodia are extracellular matrix–degrading protrusions formed by invasive cancer cells that are thought to function in cancer invasion. Although many invadopodia components have been identified, signaling pathways that link extracellular stimuli to invadopodia formation remain largely unknown. We investigate the role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling during invadopodia formation. We find that in human breast cancer cells, both invadopodia formation and degradation of a gelatin matrix were blocked by treatment with PI3K inhibitors or sequestration of D-3 phosphoinositides. Functional analyses revealed that among the PI3K family proteins, the class I PI3K catalytic subunit p110α, a frequently mutated gene product in human cancers, was selectively involved in invadopodia formation. The expression of p110α with cancerous mutations promoted invadopodia-mediated invasive activity. Furthermore, knockdown or inhibition of PDK1 and Akt, downstream effectors of PI3K signaling, suppressed invadopodia formation induced by p110α mutants. These data suggest that PI3K signaling via p110α regulates invadopodia-mediated invasion of breast cancer cells.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K(p110alpha)) directly regulates key components of the Z-disc and cardiac structure

Maintenance of cardiac structure and Z-disc signaling are key factors responsible for protecting the heart in a setting of stress, but how these processes are regulated is not well defined. We recently demonstrated that PI3K(p110α) protects the heart against myocardial infarction. The aim of this study was to determine whether PI3K(p110α) directly regulates components of the Z-disc and cardiac structure. To address this question, a unique three-dimensional virtual muscle model was applied to gene expression data from transgenic mice with increased or decreased PI3K(p110α) activity under basal conditions (sham) and in a setting of myocardial infarction to display the location of structural proteins. Key findings from this analysis were then validated experimentally. The three-dimensional virtual muscle model visually highlighted reciprocally regulated transcripts associated with PI3K activation that encoded key components of the Z-disc and costamere, including melusin. Studies were performed to assess whether PI3K and melusin interact in the heart. Here, we identify a novel melusin-PI3K interaction that generates lipid kinase activity. The direct impact of PI3K(p110α) on myocyte structure was assessed by treating neonatal rat ventricular myocytes with PI3K(p110α) inhibitors and examining the myofiber morphology of hearts from PI3K transgenic mice. Results demonstrate that PI3K is critical for myofiber maturation and Z-disc alignment. In summary, PI3K regulates the expression of genes essential for cardiac structure and Z-disc signaling, interacts with melusin, and is critical for Z-disc alignment.

Syndecan-2 is a novel ligand for the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor CD148

The proteoglycan syndecan-2 is a novel ligand for the tyrosine phosphatase receptor CD148, an interaction that stimulates a signaling pathway leading to integrin-mediated cell adhesion. The pathway involves SRC and PI3 kinases and is an example of cell surface receptor cross-talk influencing integrin-mediated cellular processes.

Syndecan-2 is a heparan sulfate proteoglycan that has a cell adhesion regulatory domain contained within its extracellular core protein. Cell adhesion to the syndecan-2 extracellular domain (S2ED) is β1 integrin dependent; however, syndecan-2 is not an integrin ligand. Here the protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor CD148 is shown to be a key intermediary in cell adhesion to S2ED, with downstream β1 integrin–mediated adhesion and cytoskeletal organization. We show that S2ED is a novel ligand for CD148 and identify the region proximal to the transmembrane domain of syndecan-2 as the site of interaction with CD148. A mechanism for the transduction of the signal from CD148 to β1 integrins is elucidated requiring Src kinase and potential implication of the C2β isoform of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase. Our data uncover a novel pathway for β1 integrin–mediated adhesion of importance in cellular processes such as angiogenesis and inflammation.

The PI3K signaling pathway mediates the biological effects of leptin

The activation of the leptin receptor recruits several intracellular signaling pathways, including the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. While some of the leptin-induced signaling pathways, such as the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, induce cellular responses primarily through changes in gene expression, the PI3K pathway affects cellular properties more rapidly, through post-translational changes such as protein phosphorylation. Accordingly, several studies have shown that the PI3K pathway is required for the acute effects of leptin, such as a leptin-induced decrease in food intake. Leptin signaling through PI3K also affects the electrophysiological properties of neurons, including changes in their membrane potential and firing rates. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in our understanding of the role played by the PI3K signaling pathway in controlling food intake and energy balance. In particular, we focus on the importance of the PI3K signaling pathway as a mediator of the effects of leptin on hypothalamic neurons.

PF-04691502, a potent and selective oral inhibitor of PI3K and mTOR kinases with antitumor activity

Deregulation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway such as by PTEN loss or PIK3CA mutation occurs frequently in human cancer and contributes to resistance to antitumor therapies. Inhibition of key signaling proteins in the pathway therefore represents a valuable targeting strategy for diverse cancers. PF-04691502 is an ATP-competitive PI3K/mTOR dual inhibitor, which potently inhibited recombinant class I PI3K and mTOR in biochemical assays and suppressed transformation of avian fibroblasts mediated by wild-type PI3K γ, δ, or mutant PI3Kα. In PIK3CA-mutant and PTEN-deleted cancer cell lines, PF-04691502 reduced phosphorylation of AKT T308 and AKT S473 (IC(50) of 7.5-47 nmol/L and 3.8-20 nmol/L, respectively) and inhibited cell proliferation (IC(50) of 179-313 nmol/L). PF-04691502 inhibited mTORC1 activity in cells as measured by PI3K-independent nutrient stimulated assay, with an IC(50) of 32 nmol/L and inhibited the activation of PI3K and mTOR downstream effectors including AKT, FKHRL1, PRAS40, p70S6K, 4EBP1, and S6RP. Short-term exposure to PF-04691502 predominantly inhibited PI3K, whereas mTOR inhibition persisted for 24 to 48 hours. PF-04691502 induced cell cycle G(1) arrest, concomitant with upregulation of p27 Kip1 and reduction of Rb. Antitumor activity was observed in U87 (PTEN null), SKOV3 (PIK3CA mutation), and gefitinib- and erlotinib-resistant non-small cell lung carcinoma xenografts. In summary, PF-04691502 is a potent dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor with broad antitumor activity. PF-04691502 has entered phase I clinical trials.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling is critical for ErbB3-driven breast cancer cell motility and metastasis

Many malignancies show increased expression of the EGF receptor family member ErbB3 (HER3). ErbB3 binds beta-1 (HRGβ1), and forms a heterodimer with other ErbB family members, such as ErbB2 (HER2) or EGFR (HER1), enhancing phosphorylation of specific C terminal tyrosine residues and activation of downstream signaling pathways. ErbB3 contains six YXXM motifs that bind the p85 subunit of PI3-kinase. Previous studies demonstrated that overexpression of ErbB3 in mammary tumor cells can significantly enhance chemotaxis to HRGβ1 and overall metastatic potential. We tested the hypothesis that ErbB3-mediated PI3-kinase signaling is critical for heregulin-induced motility, and therefore crucial for ErbB3-mediated invasion, intravasation and metastasis. The tyrosines in the six YXXM motifs on the ErbB3 C-terminus were replaced with phenylalanine. In contrast to overexpression of the wild-type ErbB3, overexpression of the mutant ErbB3 did not enhance chemotaxis towards HRGβ1 in vitro or in vivo. We also observed reduced tumor cell motility in the primary tumor by multiphoton microscopy, as well as a dramatically reduced ability of these cells to cross the endothelium and intravasate into the circulation. Moreover, while mutation of the ErbB3 C-terminus had no effect on tumor growth, it had a dramatic effect on spontaneous metastatic potential. Treatment with the PI3-kinase inhibitor PIK-75 similarly inhibited motility and invasion in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicate that stimulation of the early metastatic steps of motility and invasion by ErbB3 requires activation of the PI3-kinase pathway by the ErbB3 receptor.

Differential effects of the phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases, PI4KIIα and PI4KIIIβ, on Akt activation and apoptosis

In this study, we investigated the role of PI4P synthesis by the phosphatidylinositol 4-kinases, PI4KIIα and PI4KIIIβ, in epidermal growth factor (EGF)-stimulated phosphoinositide signaling and cell survival. In COS-7 cells, knockdown of either isozyme by RNA interference reduced basal levels of PI4P and PI(4,5)P₂, without affecting receptor activation. Only knockdown of PI4KIIα inhibited EGF-stimulated Akt phosphorylation, indicating that decreased PI(4,5)P₂ synthesis observed by loss of either isoform could not account for this PI4KIIα-specific effect. Phospholipase Cγ activation was also differentially affected by knockdown of either PI4K isozyme. Overexpression of kinase-inactive PI4KIIα, which induces defective endosomal trafficking without reducing PI(4,5)P₂ levels, also reduced Akt activation. Furthermore, PI4KIIα knockdown profoundly inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis as evidenced by the cleavage of caspase-3 and its substrate poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. However, in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, apoptosis was observed subsequent to knockdown of either PI4KIIα or PI4KIIIβ and this correlated with enhanced proapoptotic Akt phosphorylation. The differential effects of phosphatidylinositol 4-kinase knockdown in the two cell lines lead to the conclusion that phosphoinositide turnover is inhibited through PI4P substrate depletion, whereas impaired antiapoptotic Akt signaling is an indirect consequence of dysfunctional endosomal trafficking.

Whole genome siRNA cell-based screen links mitochondria to Akt signaling network through uncoupling of electron transport chain

Akt activation sequesters FOXO1a away from its target genes and serves as an endpoint of a complex signaling network. A cell-based RNAi screen reveals an extensive network of genes, including UCP5, which directs nuclear localization of FOXO1a. Silencing of UCP5 disrupts the mitochondria and induces JNK1, creating a link to the Akt signaling network.

Forkhead transcription factors (FOXOs) alter a diverse array of cellular processes including the cell cycle, oxidative stress resistance, and aging. Insulin/Akt activation directs phosphorylation and cytoplasmic sequestration of FOXO away from its target genes and serves as an endpoint of a complex signaling network. Using a human genome small interfering RNA (siRNA) library in a cell-based assay, we identified an extensive network of proteins involved in nuclear export, focal adhesion, and mitochondrial respiration not previously implicated in FOXO localization. Furthermore, a detailed examination of mitochondrial factors revealed that loss of uncoupling protein 5 (UCP5) modifies the energy balance and increases free radicals through up-regulation of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3). The increased superoxide content induces c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1) kinase activity, which in turn affects FOXO localization through a compensatory dephosphorylation of Akt. The resulting nuclear FOXO increases expression of target genes, including mitochondrial superoxide dismutase. By connecting free radical defense and mitochondrial uncoupling to Akt/FOXO signaling, these results have implications in obesity and type 2 diabetes development and the potential for therapeutic intervention.

Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase isoform-specific effects in airway mesenchymal cell function

The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signal transduction pathway is implicated in the airway remodeling associated with asthma. The class IA PI3K isoforms are known to be activated by growth factors and cytokines. Because this pathway is a possible site of pharmacological intervention for treating the disease, it is important to know which isoforms contribute to this process. Therefore, we used a pharmacological approach to investigate the roles of the three class IA PI3K isoforms (p110α, p110β, and p110δ) in airway remodeling using airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells derived from asthmatic subjects and ASM cells and lung fibroblasts from nonasthmatic subjects. These studies used the inhibitors N'-[(E)-(6-bromoimidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-3-yl)methylidene]-N,2-dimethyl-5-nitrobenzenesulfonohydrazide (PIK75) (which selectively inhibits p110α), 7-methyl-2-(4-morpholinyl)-9-[1-(phenylamino)ethyl]-4H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-4-one (TGX221) (which selectively inhibits p110β), and 2-[(6-amino-9H-purin-9-yl)methyl]-5-methyl-3-(2-methylphenyl)-4(3H)-quinazolinone (IC87114) (which selectively inhibits p110δ). Cells were stimulated with transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) and/or 10% fetal bovine serum in the presence or absence of inhibitor or vehicle control (dimethyl sulfoxide). PIK75, but not TGX221 or IC87114, attenuated TGFβ-induced fibronectin deposition in all cell types tested. PIK75 and TGX221 each decreased secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor and interleukin-6 in nonasthmatic ASM cells and lung fibroblasts, whereas TGX221 was not as effective in asthmatic ASM cells. In addition, PIK75 decreased cell survival in TGFβ-stimulated asthmatic, but not nonasthmatic, ASM cells. In conclusion, specific PI3K isoforms may play a role in pathophysiological events relevant to airway wall remodeling.

PDGF-induced vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation is associated with dysregulation of insulin receptor substrates

In vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) plays a major role in inducing phenotypic switching from contractile to proliferative state. Importantly, VSMC phenotypic switching is also determined by the phosphorylation state/expression levels of insulin receptor substrate (IRS), an intermediary signaling component that is shared by insulin and IGF-I. To date, the roles of PDGF-induced key proliferative signaling components including Akt, p70S6kinase, and ERK1/2 on the serine phosphorylation/expression of IRS-1 and IRS-2 isoforms remain unclear in VSMCs. We hypothesize that PDGF-induced VSMC proliferation is associated with dysregulation of insulin receptor substrates. Using human aortic VSMCs, we demonstrate that prolonged PDGF treatment led to sustained increases in the phosphorylation of protein kinases such as Akt, p70S6kinase, and ERK1/2, which mediate VSMC proliferation. In addition, PDGF enhanced IRS-1/IRS-2 serine phosphorylation and downregulated IRS-2 expression in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Notably, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) inhibitor (PI-103) and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (rapamycin), which abolished PDGF-induced Akt and p70S6kinase phosphorylation, respectively, blocked PDGF-induced IRS-1 serine phosphorylation and IRS-2 downregulation. In contrast, MEK1/ERK inhibitor (U0126) failed to block PDGF-induced IRS-1 serine phosphorylation and IRS-2 downregulation. PDGF-induced IRS-2 downregulation was prevented by lactacystin, an inhibitor of proteasomal degradation. Functionally, PDGF-mediated IRS-1/IRS-2 dysregulation resulted in the attenuation of insulin-induced IRS-1/IRS-2-associated PI 3-kinase activity. Pharmacological inhibition of PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase with imatinib prevented IRS-1/IRS-2 dysregulation and restored insulin receptor signaling. In conclusion, strategies to inhibit PDGF receptors would not only inhibit neointimal growth but may provide new therapeutic options to prevent dysregulated insulin receptor signaling in VSMCs in nondiabetic and diabetic states.

Amino acids activate mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) via PI3K/Akt signaling

The activity of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complexes regulates essential cellular processes, such as growth, proliferation, or survival. Nutrients such as amino acids are important regulators of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) activation, thus affecting cell growth, protein synthesis, and autophagy. Here, we show that amino acids may also activate mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). This activation is mediated by the activity of class I PI3K and of Akt. Amino acids induced a rapid phosphorylation of Akt at Thr-308 and Ser-473. Whereas both phosphorylations were dependent on the presence of mTOR, only Akt phosphorylation at Ser-473 was dependent on the presence of rictor, a specific component of mTORC2. Kinase assays confirmed mTORC2 activation by amino acids. This signaling was functional, as demonstrated by the phosphorylation of Akt substrate FOXO3a. Interestingly, using different starvation conditions, amino acids can selectively activate mTORC1 or mTORC2. These findings identify a new signaling pathway used by amino acids underscoring the crucial importance of these nutrients in cell metabolism and offering new mechanistic insights.

Defining a relationship between dietary fatty acids and the cytochrome P450 system in a mouse model of fatty liver disease

Liver-specific ablation of cytochrome P450 reductase in mice (LCN) results in hepatic steatosis that can progress to steatohepatitis characterized by inflammation and fibrosis. The specific cause of the fatty liver phenotype is poorly understood but is hypothesized to result from elevated expression of genes encoding fatty acid synthetic genes. Since expression of these genes is known to be suppressed by polyunsaturated fatty acids, we performed physiological and genomics studies to evaluate the effects of dietary linoleic and linolenic fatty acids (PUFA) or arachidonic and decosahexaenoic acids (HUFA) on the hepatic phenotypes of control and LCN mice by comparison with a diet enriched in saturated fatty acids. The dietary interventions with HUFA reduced the fatty liver phenotype in livers of LCN mice and altered the gene expression patterns in these livers to more closely resemble those of control mice. Importantly, the expression of genes encoding lipid pathway enzymes were not different between controls and LCN livers, indicating a strong influence of diet over POR genotype. These analyses highlighted the impact of POR ablation on expression of genes encoding P450 enzymes and proteins involved in stress and inflammation. We also found that livers from animals of both genotypes fed diets enriched in PUFA had gene expression patterns more closely resembling those fed diets enriched in saturated fatty acids. These results strongly suggest only HUFA supplied from an exogenous source can suppress hepatic lipogenesis.

Coordination of Fc receptor signaling regulates cellular commitment to phagocytosis

During Fcγ receptor (FcR)-mediated phagocytosis by macrophages, cytoplasm advances over IgG-coated particles by the sequential ligation of FcR in plasma membranes. If FcR signaling was strictly autonomous, then the signals generated during phagocytosis should be proportional to the number of ligated receptors. By measuring FcR-dependent responses to beads coated with various densities of IgG, this study identified nonlinear signaling that organizes an all or none response during particle ingestion. Phagocytosis of beads with IgG at low density either stalled after making small, actin-rich cups or proceeded to completion at the same rate as phagocytosis of high-density IgG beads. Signals were measured by quantifying the recruitment of YFP-labeled probes to phagocytic cup membranes. Although the magnitude of early signals correlated with IgG density, later signals showed an all or none response, which was regulated by the concentrations of 3' phosphoinositides in phagocytic cup membranes. Thus, 3' phosphoinositides, shown previously to be required for phagocytosis, function in a feedback regulatory mechanism affecting late but not early signals. This indicates a mechanism for the coordination of cell movements initiated by receptor signaling.

The p110α and p110β isoforms of class I phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase are involved in toll-like receptor 5 signaling in epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

Bacterial flagellin triggers inflammation in mammalian cells via Toll-like receptor (TLR) 5. Release of the chemokine IL-8 in response to flagellin involves NF-κB, p38 MAP kinase, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). However, PI3K has been reported to be either pro- or anti-inflammatory in different model systems. We hypothesized that this could be due to different activities of the p110α and β isoforms of PI3K.

RESULTS

PI3K and Akt were rapidly activated in Caco-2 colon carcinoma cells by flagellin. Using a plasmid-based shRNA delivery system and novel p110 isoform-specific inhibitors, we found that flagellin-induced IL-8 production was dependent on both p110α and p110β. However in the mouse, inhibition of p110β but not p110α reduced the increase of serum IL-6 levels induced by intraperitoneal injection of flagellin.

CONCLUSIONS

These data demonstrate that the p110α and β isoforms of class IA PI3K are both required for the proinflammatory response to flagellin.

NVP-BEZ235, a dual pan class I PI3 kinase and mTOR inhibitor, promotes osteogenic differentiation in human mesenchymal stromal cells

Osteoblasts are bone-forming cells derived from mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) that reside within the bone marrow. In response to a variety of factors, MSCs proliferate and differentiate into mature, functional osteoblasts. Several studies have shown previously that suppression of the PI3K and mTOR signaling pathways in these cells strongly promotes osteogenic differentiation, which suggests that inhibitors of these pathways may be useful as anabolic bone agents. In this study we examined the effect of BEZ235, a newly developed dual PI3K and mTOR inhibitor currently in phase I-II clinical trials for advanced solid tumors, on osteogenic differentiation and function using primary MSC cultures. Under osteoinductive conditions, BEZ235 strongly promotes osteogenic differentiation, as evidenced by an increase in mineralized matrix production, an upregulation of genes involved in osteogenesis, including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP2, -4, and -6) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) superfamily members (TGFB1, TGFB2, and INHBE), and increased activation of SMAD signaling molecules. In addition, BEZ235 enhances de novo bone formation in calvarial organotypic cultures. Using pharmacologic inhibitors to delineate mechanism, our studies reveal that suppression of mTOR and, to a much lesser extent PI3K p110α, mediates the osteogenic effects of BEZ235. As confirmation, shRNA-mediated knockdown of mTOR enhances osteogenic differentiation and function in SAOS-2 osteoblast-like cells. Taken together, our findings suggest that BEZ235 may be useful in treating PI3K/mTOR-dependent tumors associated with bone loss, such as the hematologic malignancy multiple myeloma.

Key role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase class IB in pancreatic cancer

PURPOSE

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling is well established as important in cancer. To date most studies have been focused on the PI3K/p110α isoform, which has been found to be mutated in several different cancers. The aim of our study was to determine which specific PI3K isoforms are involved in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and investigate the effects of these isoforms on proliferation, survival, and induction of Akt activation in pancreatic cancer cells.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The expression of all PI3K isoforms and downstream targets was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in human pancreatic cancer tissue and normal counterparts. Isoform selective inhibitors and short interfering RNA (siRNA) were employed to investigate the effects of the different PI3Ks on proliferation, survival, and intracellular signaling in PDAC cell lines.

RESULTS

Immunohistochemical screening revealed high specific expression of the PI3K/p110γ isoform. Scoring indicated that 72% of the PDAC tissue stained positive for PI3K/p110γ, whereas no stain was detected in normal pancreatic ducts. Proliferation analyses after selective inhibition and siRNA downregulation of PI3K/p110γ showed that PI3K/p110γ, but not other PI3K isoforms, was required for cell proliferation. Overexpression of PI3K/p110γ indeed increased cell numbers and mediated activation of Akt in PDAC cell lines. Moreover, PI3K/p110γ was required for Akt activation via lysophosphatidic acid receptors.

CONCLUSIONS

These data represent the first identification of a tumor-specific accumulation of the PI3K isoform p110γ in human cancer. Further, our results signify a critical role for PI3K/p110γ in pancreatic cancer, and we hypothesize that PI3K/p110γ overexpression is a key event in the disease progression.

Both p110alpha and p110beta isoforms of phosphatidylinositol 3-OH-kinase are required for insulin signalling in the hypothalamus

Both insulin and leptin action in the brain are considered to involve activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), although the roles of different PI3K isoforms in insulin signalling in the hypothalamus are unknown. In the present study, we characterised the roles of these isoforms in hypothalamic insulin and leptin signalling and investigated the cross-talk of both hormones. To evaluate PI3K levels in the hypothalamus, PI3K was immunoprecipitated using an antibody directed against the p85 subunit, and then total PI3K activity was measured in the presence of novel isoform-selective pharmacological inhibitors of each isoform of PI3K. Subsequently, these inhibitors were administered into the lateral ventricle of male Sprague-Dawley rats, followed by vehicle, insulin, leptin or both hormones 45 min later. PI3K activity was determined by immunohistochemical detection of phosphorylated AKT (S473). In a separate study, the effects of the inhibitors on the anorexigenic action of insulin and leptin were determined. Hypothalamic insulin signalling was specifically mediated by the combined actions of the class Ia isoforms p110alpha and p110beta. Total hypothalamic PI3K activity was inhibited 65% by a p110alpha inhibitor, and 35% by a p110beta inhibitor, with a combination of inhibitors being equally effective as the broad-spectrum PI3K inhibitor wortmannin. Individual i.c.v. administration of p110alpha and p110beta inhibitors partly prevented insulin-induced phosphorylated AKT (S473) in the arcuate nucleus, whereas simultaneous application completely blocked insulin action. Unlike insulin, leptin did not induce phosphorylated AKT in the hypothalamus, as detected by immunohistochemistry, and the anorectic effects of leptin were not affected by pre-treatment with a combination of p110alpha and p110beta inhibitors. The enhanced anorectic effect of a combined i.c.v. application of both insulin and leptin could be prevented by pre-treatment with the combination of p110alpha and p110beta inhibitors. The data suggest that p110alpha and p110beta isoforms of PI3K are necessary to mediate insulin action in the hypothalamus. The role of PI3K in leptin action is less clear, but it may be involved by means of an insulin-dependent sensitisation of leptin action.

Multiple phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases regulate vaccinia virus morphogenesis

Poxvirus morphogenesis is a complex process that involves the successive wrapping of the virus in host cell membranes. We screened by plaque assay a focused library of kinase inhibitors for those that caused a reduction in viral growth and identified several compounds that selectively inhibit phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Previous studies demonstrated that PI3Ks mediate poxviral entry. Using growth curves and electron microscopy in conjunction with inhibitors, we show that that PI3Ks additionally regulate morphogenesis at two distinct steps: immature to mature virion (IMV) transition, and IMV envelopment to form intracellular enveloped virions (IEV). Cells derived from animals lacking the p85 regulatory subunit of Type I PI3Ks (p85α^−/−β^−/−) presented phenotypes similar to those observed with PI3K inhibitors. In addition, VV appear to redundantly use PI3Ks, as PI3K inhibitors further reduce plaque size and number in p85α^−/−β^−/− cells. Together, these data provide evidence for a novel regulatory mechanism for virion morphogenesis involving phosphatidylinositol dynamics and may represent a new therapeutic target to contain poxviruses.

Phosphoinositide 3-kinase pathway activation in phosphate and tensin homolog (PTEN)-deficient prostate cancer cells is independent of receptor tyrosine kinases and mediated by the p110beta and p110delta catalytic subunits

Class IA phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) p110 catalytic subunits are activated upon Src homology 2 domain-mediated binding of their p85 regulatory subunits to tyrosine-phosphorylated pYXXM motifs in receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) or adaptor proteins. The PI3K pathway is activated by phosphate and tensin homolog (PTEN) loss in most prostate cancers (PCa), but the contribution of upstream RTKs that may be targeted therapeutically has not been assessed. Immunoblotting of p85-associated proteins in serum-starved PTEN-deficient LNCaP and C4-2 PCa cells showed a small set of discrete tyrosine-phosphorylated proteins, but these proteins were not recognized by an anti-pYXXM motif antibody and were not found in PTEN-deficient PC3 PCa cells. LC/MS/MS using label-free proteomics and immunoblotting showed that p85 was associated primarily with p110beta and p110delta. An interaction with ErbB3 was also detected but was independent of ErbB3 tyrosine phosphorylation and was not required for basal PI3K activity. Basal tyrosine phosphorylation of p110beta and p110delta could be blocked by c-Src inhibitors, but this did not suppress PI3K activity, which was similarly independent of Ras. Basal PI3K activity was mediated by p110beta in PC3 cells and by both p110beta and p110delta in LNCaP cells, whereas p110alpha was required for PI3K activation in response to RTK stimulation by heregulin-beta1. These findings show that basal PI3K activity in PTEN-deficient PCa cells is RTK-independent and can be mediated by p110beta and p110delta. Increased p110beta expression in PCa may be required for RTK-independent PI3K pathway activation in adult prostate epithelium with genetic or epigenetic PTEN down-regulation.

Inhibitors of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase in cancer therapy

The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway is implicated in multiple aspects of tumorigenesis and tumor maintenance, and recent years have seen significant efforts towards developing agents to inhibit the pathway. However, the development of such agents raises issues such as what specific member or members in the PI3K family should be inhibited to achieve maximal therapeutic benefit, and can specific inhibitors be developed with the necessary pharmacologic properties to allow them to proceed to clinical trials? The number of PI3K inhibitors has gone from a handful of archetypal inhibitors which largely determined how the pathway was initially defined through their inhibition of PI3K, but also due to their off target properties, to a much larger number of inhibitors of not only PI3K but also other members of the PI3K family. The question remains to be answered whether greater therapeutic efficacy will be obtained through the use of inhibitors with increased specificity, or through inhibitors that target a spectrum of targets within the pathway. This review will cover the development of agents targeting the pathway, and will discuss current issues surrounding the development of such agents.

BacMam-enabled LanthaScreen cellular assays for PI3K/Akt pathway compound profiling in disease-relevant cell backgrounds

The authors recently reported the development and application of multiple LanthaScreen cellular assays to interrogate specific steps within the PI3K/Akt pathway. The importance of this signaling cascade in regulating fundamental aspects of cell growth and survival, as well as in the progression of cancer, underscores the need for portable cell-based assays for compound profiling in multiple disease-relevant cell backgrounds. To meet this need, the authors have now expanded their LanthaScreen assay platform across a variety of cell types using a gene delivery technology known as BacMam. Here, they have demonstrated the successful detection of Akt-dependent phosphorylation of PRAS40 at Thr246 in 10 different cell lines harboring mutations known to activate the PI3K/Akt pathway. In addition, they generated inhibitory profiles of 17 known pathway inhibitors in these same cells to validate the approach of using the BacMam-enabled LanthaScreen cellular assay format to rapidly profile compounds in disease-relevant cell types. Importantly, their results provide a broad illustration of how the genetic alterations that affect PI3K/Akt signaling can also influence the inhibitory profile of a given compound.

A Cdc42 activation cycle coordinated by PI 3-kinase during Fc receptor-mediated phagocytosis

Fcgamma Receptor (FcR)-mediated phagocytosis by macrophages requires phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and activation of the Rho-family GTPases Cdc42 and Rac1. Cdc42 is activated at the advancing edge of the phagocytic cup, where actin is concentrated, and is deactivated at the base of the cup. The timing of 3' phosphoinositide (3'PI) concentration changes in cup membranes suggests a role for 3'PIs in deactivation of Cdc42. This study examined the relationships between PI3K and the patterns of Rho-family GTPase signaling during phagosome formation. Inhibition of PI3K resulted in persistently active Cdc42 and Rac1, but not Rac2, in stalled phagocytic cups. Patterns of 3'PIs and Rho-family GTPase activities during phagocytosis of 5- and 2-mum-diameter microspheres indicated similar underlying mechanisms despite particle size-dependent sensitivities to PI3K inhibition. Expression of constitutively active Cdc42(G12V) increased 3'PI concentrations in plasma membranes and small phagosomes, indicating a role for Cdc42 in PI3K activation. Cdc42(G12V) inhibited phagocytosis at a later stage than inhibition by dominant negative Cdc42(N17). Together, these studies identified a Cdc42 activation cycle organized by PI3K, in which FcR-activated Cdc42 stimulates PI3K and actin polymerization, and the subsequent increase of 3'PIs in cup membranes inactivates Cdc42 to allow actin recycling necessary for phagosome formation.

A preferential p110alpha/gamma PI3K inhibitor attenuates experimental inflammation by suppressing the production of proinflammatory mediators in a NF-kappaB-dependent manner

A promising therapeutic approach to diminish pathological inflammation is to inhibit the increased production and/or biological activity of proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-alpha, IL-6). The production of proinflammatory cytokines is controlled at the gene level by the activity of transcription factors, such as NF-kappaB. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), a lipid kinase, is known to induce the activation of NF-kappaB. Given this, we hypothesized that inhibitors of PI3K activation would demonstrate anti-inflammatory potential. Accordingly, we studied the effects of a preferential p110alpha/gamma PI3K inhibitor (compound 8C; PIK-75) in inflammation-based assays. Mechanism-based assays utilizing human cells revealed that PIK-75-mediated inhibition of PI3K activation is associated with dramatic suppression of downstream signaling events, including AKT phosphorylation, IKK activation, and NF-kappaB transcription. Cell-based assays revealed that PIK-75 potently and dose dependently inhibits in vitro and in vivo production of TNF-alpha and IL-6, diminishes the induced expression of human endothelial cell adhesion molecules (E-selectin, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1), and blocks human monocyte-endothelial cell adhesion. Most importantly, PIK-75, when administered orally in a therapeutic regimen, significantly suppresses the macroscopic and histological abnormalities associated with dextran sulfate sodium-induced murine colitis. The efficacy of PIK-75 in attenuating experimental inflammation is mediated, at least in part, due to the downregulation of pertinent inflammatory mediators in the colon. Collectively, these results provide first evidence that PIK-75 possesses anti-inflammatory potential. Given that PIK-75 is known to exhibit anti-cancer activity, the findings from this study thus reinforce the cross-therapeutic functionality of potential drugs.

Phosphoinositide signalling pathways in metabolic regulation

The Insulin Receptor/PI 3-kinase (INSR/PI3K) signalling pathway is a key regulator of cell and organismal metabolism. Phosphoinositides generated by PI 3-kinases following insulin and other metabolic hormone receptor activation give rise to signalling cascades involving a multitude of effector molecules. The physiological roles of these molecules have been dissected with the use of both pharmacological and genetic tools. Furthermore, tissue-specific mutagenesis has revealed the extent to which individual insulin-target organs and signalling molecules contribute to whole-body carbohydrate and lipid homeostasis. These studies have generated important information with respect to the function of these molecules in normal physiology and their implication in the development of metabolic diseases such as type-2 diabetes and obesity.

Inhibitory odorant signaling in Mammalian olfactory receptor neurons

Odorants inhibit as well as excite olfactory receptor neurons (ORNs) in many species of animals. Cyclic nucleotide-dependent activation of canonical mammalian ORNs is well established but it is still unclear how odorants inhibit these cells. Here we further implicate phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K), an indispensable element of PI signaling in many cellular processes, in olfactory transduction in rodent ORNs. We show that odorants rapidly and transiently activate PI3K in the olfactory cilia and in the olfactory epithelium in vitro. We implicate known G-protein-coupled isoforms of PI3K and show that they modulate not only the magnitude but also the onset kinetics of the electrophysiological response of ORNs to complex odorants. Finally, we show that the ability of a single odorant to inhibit another can be PI3K dependent. Our collective results provide compelling support for the idea that PI3K-dependent signaling mediates inhibitory odorant input to mammalian ORNs and at least in part contributes to the mixture suppression typically seen in the response of ORNs to complex natural odorants.

Non-redundant roles of phosphoinositide 3-kinase isoforms alpha and beta in glycoprotein VI-induced platelet signaling and thrombus formation

Platelets are activated by adhesion to vascular collagen via the immunoglobulin receptor, glycoprotein VI (GPVI). This causes potent signaling toward activation of phospholipase Cgamma2, which bears similarity to the signaling pathway evoked by T- and B-cell receptors. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) plays an important role in collagen-induced platelet activation, because this activity modulates the autocrine effects of secreted ADP. Here, we identified the PI3K isoforms directly downstream of GPVI in human and mouse platelets and determined their role in GPVI-dependent thrombus formation. The targeting of platelet PI3Kalpha or -beta strongly and selectively suppressed GPVI-induced Ca(2+) mobilization and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate production, thus demonstrating enhancement of phospholipase Cgamma2 by PI3Kalpha/beta. That PI3Kalpha and -beta have a non-redundant function in GPVI-induced platelet activation and thrombus formation was concluded from measurements of: (i) serine phosphorylation of Akt, (ii) dense granule secretion, (iii) intracellular Ca(2+) increases and surface expression of phosphatidylserine under flow, and (iv) thrombus formation, under conditions where PI3Kalpha/beta was blocked or p85alpha was deficient. In contrast, GPVI-induced platelet activation was insensitive to inhibition or deficiency of PI3Kdelta or -gamma. Furthermore, PI3Kalpha/beta, but not PI3Kgamma, contributed to GPVI-induced Rap1b activation and, surprisingly, also to Rap1b-independent platelet activation via GPVI. Together, these findings demonstrate that both PI3Kalpha and -beta isoforms are required for full GPVI-dependent platelet Ca(2+) signaling and thrombus formation, partly independently of Rap1b. This provides a new mechanistic explanation for the anti-thrombotic effect of PI3K inhibition and makes PI3Kalpha an interesting new target for anti-platelet therapy.

Dominant role of the p110beta isoform of PI3K over p110alpha in energy homeostasis regulation by POMC and AgRP neurons

PI3K signaling is thought to mediate leptin and insulin action in hypothalamic pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) and agouti-related protein (AgRP) neurons, key regulators of energy homeostasis, through largely unknown mechanisms. We inactivated either p110alpha or p110beta PI3K catalytic subunits in these neurons and demonstrate a dominant role for the latter in energy homeostasis regulation. In POMC neurons, p110beta inactivation prevented insulin- and leptin-stimulated electrophysiological responses. POMCp110beta null mice exhibited central leptin resistance, increased adiposity, and diet-induced obesity. In contrast, the response to leptin was not blocked in p110alpha-deficient POMC neurons. Accordingly, POMCp110alpha null mice displayed minimal energy homeostasis abnormalities. Similarly, in AgRP neurons, p110beta had a more important role than p110alpha. AgRPp110alpha null mice displayed normal energy homeostasis regulation, whereas AgRPp110beta null mice were lean, with increased leptin sensitivity and resistance to diet-induced obesity. These results demonstrate distinct metabolic roles for the p110alpha and p110beta isoforms of PI3K in hypothalamic energy regulation.

PI3K p110 alpha and p110 beta have differential effects on Akt activation and protection against oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in myoblasts

Catalytic subunits of PI3K play a critical role in growth factor signaling and survival by phosphorylating inositol lipids. We found that PI3K Class IA p110α and p110β have distinct functions in myoblasts. Inhibition of p110α reduced IGF-I-stimulated Akt activity and prevented IGF-I-mediated survival in H₂O₂-treated cells; in contrast, siRNA knockdown of p110β increased IGF-I-stimulated Akt activity. However, inhibition of p110β catalytic activity did not increase IGF-I-stimulated Akt activity, suggesting a role for p110β protein interactions rather than decreased generation of phosphoinositides in this effect. Increased Akt activity in p110β-deficient myoblasts was associated with diminished ERK activation as well as ERK-dependent IRS-1 636/639 phosphorylation, findings we show to be independent of p110β catalytic function, but associated with IGF-IR endocytosis. We also report that IGF-I protects myoblasts from H₂O₂-induced apoptosis through a mechanism that requires p110α, but may be independent of Akt or ERK under conditions of Akt and ERK inhibition. These observations suggest that both p110α and p110β are essential for growth and metabolism in myoblasts. Overall, our results provide new evidence for the roles of p110 isoforms in promoting cellular proliferation and homeostasis, IGF-IR internalization, and in opposing apoptosis.

Specific role of phosphoinositide 3-kinase p110alpha in the regulation of phagocytosis and pinocytosis in macrophages

PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) alpha has been implicated in phagocytosis and fluid-phase pinocytosis in macrophages. The subtype-specific role of PI3K in these processes is poorly understood. To elucidate this issue, we made Raw 264.7 cells (a mouse leukaemic monocyte-macrophage cell line) deficient in each of the class-I PI3K catalytic subunits: p110alpha, p110beta, p110delta and p110gamma. Among these cells, only the p110alpha-deficient cells exhibited lower phagocytosis of opsonized and non-opsonized zymosan. The p110alpha-deficient cells also showed the impaired phagocytosis of IgG-opsonized erythrocytes and the impaired fluid-phase pinocytosis of dextran (molecular mass of 40 kDa). Receptor-mediated pinocytosis of DiI (1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate)-labelled acetylated low-density lipoprotein and fluid-phase pinocytosis of Lucifer Yellow (molecular mass of 500 Da) were resistant to p110alpha depletion. None of these processes were impaired in cells lacking p110beta, p110delta or p110gamma, but were susceptible to a pan-PI3K inhibitor wortmannin. In cells deficient in the enzymes catalysing PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 breakdown [PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10) or SHIP-1 (Src-homology-2-domain-containing inositol phosphatase-1)], uptake of IgG-opsonized particles was enhanced. These results indicated that phagocytosis and fluid-phase pinocytosis of larger molecules are dependent on the lipid kinase activity of p110alpha, whereas pinocytosis via clathrin-coated and small non-coated vesicles may depend on subtypes of PI3Ks other than class I.

High ambient glucose induces angiotensin-independent AT-1 receptor activation, leading to increases in proliferation and extracellular matrix accumulation in MES-13 mesangial cells

Diabetic nephropathy is associated with mesangial ECM (extracellular matrix) accumulation. We have shown that AT-1R [Ang II (angiotensin II) type I receptor] signalling induces ECM proteins via transactivation of PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) in mesangial cells. In the present study, we examined the mechanisms underlying the effect of high ambient glucose on cell proliferation and ECM expansion in a mesangial context. High glucose induced increases in PI3K activity, proliferation and ECM accumulation in mesangial cells. These effects were abrogated by losartan, an AT-1R antagonist, but not by [Sar1,Thr8]-Ang II (Sar is sarcosine), an inactive analogue of Ang II, or by a neutralizing antibody against Ang I/II. Overexpression of a constitutively active PI3Kα or AT-1R alone was sufficient to induce similar changes by high glucose. In contrast, overexpression of an inactive AT-1R lowered the basal levels and rendered the cells non-responsive to high glucose. Moreover, cells overexpressing wild-type AT-1R had enhanced sensitivity to acute Ang II stimulation. These cells, however, did not respond to conditioned medium obtained from mesangial cells cultured in high glucose. We further demonstrated that iAng (intracellular Ang II) can be induced by high glucose but only under certain conditions. Efficient suppression of iAng by short hairpin RNA against angiotensinogen, however, did not affect high glucose-induced effects on MES-13 cells. These results suggest that high ambient glucose induces activation of AT-1R in an Ang II-independent manner to transactivate PI3K, resulting in proliferation and ECM accumulation in mesangial cells.

Phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors: identification of new scaffolds using virtual screening

In the present work, we used virtual screening (VS) of the ZINC database of 2.5 million compounds to seek new PI3K inhibitory scaffolds. The VS flowchart implemented various filters, including a 3D-database screen, and extensive docking studies, to derive 89 derivatives that were experimentally assayed against the four PI3K isoforms. Seven compounds showed inhibitory activities between 1 and 100 microM, with four being sufficiently potent to constitute potential new scaffolds. The binding conformations of these four were analyzed to provide a rationalization of their activity profile.

PI3K signaling: a crossroads of metabolic regulation

Insulin exerts a fundamental role in glucose metabolism. Several lines of evidence have established PI3Ks as crucial signaling crossroads of metabolic regulation. These kinases play a key role in glucose homeostasis through the generation of lipid secondary messengers upon membrane receptor activation, thus regulating liver gluconeogenesis and glycogen synthesis. While class IA Pl3Kα historically appeared as the major PI3K isoform involved in insulin-mediated glucose metabolism, emerging evidence has demonstrated the contribution of other PI3K isoforms. In this review, we focus on the prototypical insulin receptor-PI3K pathway and on the effects of its impairment on metabolism, insulin sensitivity and the molecular pathophysiology of diabetes mellitus.

Distinct roles for isoforms of the catalytic subunit of class-IA PI3K in the regulation of behaviour of murine embryonic stem cells

Self-renewal of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) is essential for maintenance of pluripotency, which is defined as the ability to differentiate into any specialised cell type comprising the adult organism. Understanding the mechanisms that regulate ESC self-renewal and proliferation is required before ESCs can fulfil their potential in regenerative therapies, and murine ESCs (mESCs) have been widely used as a model. Members of the class-IA phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) family of lipid kinases regulate a variety of physiological responses, including cell migration, proliferation and survival. PI3Ks have been reported to regulate both proliferation and self-renewal of mESCs. Here we investigate the contribution of specific class-IA PI3K isoforms to the regulation of mESC fate using small-molecule inhibitors with selectivity for particular class-IA PI3K catalytic isoforms, and siRNA-mediated knockdown. Pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of p110beta promoted mESC differentiation, accompanied by a decrease in expression of Nanog. By comparison, pharmacological inhibition or siRNA-mediated knockdown of p110alpha had no effect on mESC self-renewal per se, but instead appeared to reduce proliferation, which was accompanied by inhibition of leukaemia inhibitory factor (LIF) and insulin-induced PI3K signalling. Our results suggest that PI3Ks contribute to the regulation of both mESC pluripotency and proliferation by differential coupling to selected p110 catalytic isoforms.

Adiponectin haploinsufficiency promotes mammary tumor development in MMTV-PyVT mice by modulation of phosphatase and tensin homolog activities

BACKGROUND

Adiponectin is an adipokine possessing beneficial effects on obesity-related medical complications. A negative association of adiponectin levels with breast cancer development has been demonstrated. However, the precise role of adiponectin deficiency in mammary carcinogenesis remains elusive.

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

In the present study, MMTV-polyomavirus middle T antigen (MMTV-PyVT) transgenic mice with reduced adiponectin expressions were established and the stromal effects of adiponectin haploinsufficiency on mammary tumor development evaluated. In mice from both FVB/N and C57BL/6J backgrounds, insufficient adiponectin production promoted mammary tumor onset and development. A distinctive basal-like subtype of tumors, with a more aggressive phenotype, was derived from adiponectin haplodeficient MMTV-PyVT mice. Comparing with those from control MMTV-PyVT mice, the isolated mammary tumor cells showed enhanced tumor progression in re-implanted nude mice, accelerated proliferation in primary cultures, and hyperactivated phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/beta-catenin signaling, which at least partly attributed to the decreased phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) activities. Further analysis revealed that PTEN was inactivated by a redox-regulated mechanism. Increased association of PTEN-thioredoxin complexes was detected in tumors derived from mice with reduced adiponectin levels. The activities of thioredoxin (Trx1) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR1) were significantly elevated, whereas treatment with either curcumin, an irreversible inhibitor of TrxR1, or adiponectin largely attenuated their activities and resulted in the re-activation of PTEN in these tumor cells. Moreover, adiponectin could inhibit TrxR1 promoter-mediated transcription and restore the mRNA expressions of TrxR1.

CONCLUSION

Adiponectin haploinsufficiency facilitated mammary tumorigenesis by down-regulation of PTEN activity and activation of PI3K/Akt signalling pathway through a mechanism involving Trx1/TrxR1 redox regulations.