1
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Banerjee R, Knauer LA, Iyer D, Barlow SE, Shalaby H, Dehghan R, Scallan JP, Yang Y. Rictor, an mTORC2 Protein, Regulates Murine Lymphatic Valve Formation Through the AKT-FOXO1 Signaling. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2024; 44:2004-2023. [PMID: 39087350 PMCID: PMC11335088 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.124.321164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lymphatic valves are specialized structures in collecting lymphatic vessels and are crucial for preventing retrograde lymph flow. Mutations in valve-forming genes have been clinically implicated in the pathology of congenital lymphedema. Lymphatic valves form when oscillatory shear stress from lymph flow signals through the PI3K/AKT pathway to promote the transcription of valve-forming genes that trigger the growth and maintenance of lymphatic valves. Conventionally, in many cell types, AKT is phosphorylated at Ser473 by the mTORC2 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2). However, mTORC2 has not yet been implicated in lymphatic valve formation. METHODS In vivo and in vitro techniques were used to investigate the role of Rictor, a critical component of mTORC2, in lymphatic endothelium. RESULTS Here, we showed that embryonic and postnatal lymphatic deletion of Rictor, a critical component of mTORC2, led to a significant decrease in lymphatic valves and prevented the maturation of collecting lymphatic vessels. RICTOR knockdown in human dermal lymphatic endothelial cells not only reduced the level of activated AKT and the expression of valve-forming genes under no-flow conditions but also abolished the upregulation of AKT activity and valve-forming genes in response to oscillatory shear stress. We further showed that the AKT target, FOXO1 (forkhead box protein O1), a repressor of lymphatic valve formation, had increased nuclear activity in Rictor knockout mesenteric lymphatic endothelial cells in vivo. Deletion of Foxo1 in Rictor knockout mice restored the number of valves to control levels in lymphatic vessels of the ear and mesentery. CONCLUSIONS Our work identifies a novel role for RICTOR in the mechanotransduction signaling pathway, wherein it activates AKT and prevents the nuclear accumulation of the valve repressor, FOXO1, which ultimately enables the formation and maintenance of lymphatic valves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richa Banerjee
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa
| | - Luz A. Knauer
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa
| | - Drishya Iyer
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa
| | - Sara E. Barlow
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa
| | - Hanan Shalaby
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa
| | - Razieh Dehghan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa
| | - Joshua P. Scallan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa
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2
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Mahmud J, Geiler BW, Biswas J, Miller MJ, Myers JE, Matthews SM, Wass AB, O'Connor CM, Chan GC. Delivery of US28 by incoming HCMV particles rapidly attenuates Akt activity to suppress HCMV lytic replication in monocytes. Sci Signal 2024; 17:eadn8727. [PMID: 39190708 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adn8727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Establishing a nonproductive, quiescent infection within monocytes is essential for the spread of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). We investigated the mechanisms through which HCMV establishes a quiescent infection in monocytes. US28 is a virally encoded G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) that is essential for silent infections within cells of the myeloid lineage. We found that preformed US28 was rapidly delivered to monocytes by HCMV viral particles, whereas the de novo synthesis of US28 was delayed for several days. A recombinant mutant virus lacking US28 (US28Δ) was unable to establish a quiescent infection, resulting in a fully productive lytic infection able to produce progeny virus. Infection with US28Δ HCMV resulted in the phosphorylation of the serine and threonine kinase Akt at Ser473 and Thr308, in contrast with the phosphorylation of Akt only at Ser473 after WT viral infection. Inhibiting the dual phosphorylation of Akt prevented the lytic replication of US28Δ, and ectopic expression of a constitutively phosphorylated Akt variant triggered lytic replication of wild-type HCMV. Mechanistically, we found that US28 was necessary and sufficient to attenuate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling induced during the entry of WT virus, which led to the site-specific phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473. Thus, particle-delivered US28 fine-tunes Akt activity by limiting HCMV-induced EGFR activation during viral entry, enabling quiescent infection in monocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamil Mahmud
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Brittany W Geiler
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Juthi Biswas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Michael J Miller
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
| | - Julia E Myers
- Infection Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Global Center for Pathogen and Human Health Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Stephen M Matthews
- Infection Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Global Center for Pathogen and Human Health Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Amanda B Wass
- Infection Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Global Center for Pathogen and Human Health Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Christine M O'Connor
- Infection Biology, Lerner Research Institute, Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Global Center for Pathogen and Human Health Research, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Gary C Chan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA
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3
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Zhang Y, Dos Santos M, Huang H, Chen K, Iyengar P, Infante R, Polanco PM, Brekken RA, Cai C, Caijgas A, Cano Hernandez K, Xu L, Bassel-Duby R, Liu N, Olson EN. A molecular pathway for cancer cachexia-induced muscle atrophy revealed at single-nucleus resolution. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114587. [PMID: 39116208 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cachexia is a prevalent and often fatal wasting condition that cannot be fully reversed with nutritional interventions. Muscle atrophy is a central component of the syndrome, but the mechanisms whereby cancer leads to skeletal muscle atrophy are not well understood. We performed single-nucleus multi-omics on skeletal muscles from a mouse model of cancer cachexia and profiled the molecular changes in cachexic muscle. Our results revealed the activation of a denervation-dependent gene program that upregulates the transcription factor myogenin. Further studies showed that a myogenin-myostatin pathway promotes muscle atrophy in response to cancer cachexia. Short hairpin RNA inhibition of myogenin or inhibition of myostatin through overexpression of its endogenous inhibitor follistatin prevented cancer cachexia-induced muscle atrophy in mice. Our findings uncover a molecular basis of muscle atrophy associated with cancer cachexia and highlight potential therapeutic targets for this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yichi Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Matthieu Dos Santos
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Huocong Huang
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kenian Chen
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Puneeth Iyengar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Rodney Infante
- Center for Human Nutrition, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Patricio M Polanco
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rolf A Brekken
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Chunyu Cai
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ambar Caijgas
- Department of Neuroscience, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Karla Cano Hernandez
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Lin Xu
- Quantitative Biomedical Research Center, Peter O'Donnell Jr. School of Public Health, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Rhonda Bassel-Duby
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
| | - Eric N Olson
- Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA; Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
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4
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Behzadi P, Cuevas RA, Crane A, Wendling AA, Chu CC, Moorhead WJ, Wong R, Brown M, Tamakloe J, Suresh S, Salehi P, Jaffe IZ, Kuipers AL, Lukashova L, Verdelis K, St Hilaire C. Rapamycin increases murine lifespan but does not reduce mineral volume in the Matrix GLA Protein (MGP) knockout mouse model of medial arterial calcification. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.01.606196. [PMID: 39149364 PMCID: PMC11326142 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.01.606196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is the narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the lower extremities. PAD has been traditionally associated with atherosclerosis. However, recent studies have found that medial arterial calcification (MAC) is the primary cause of chronic limb ischemia below the knee. MAC involves calcification of the elastin fibers surrounding smooth muscle cells (SMCs) in arteries. Matrix GLA Protein (MGP) binds circulating calcium and inhibits vascular calcification. Mgp -/- mice develop severe MAC and die within 8 weeks of birth due to aortic rupture or heart failure. We previously discovered a rare genetic disease Arterial Calcification due to Deficiency in CD73 (ACDC) in which patients present with extensive MAC in their lower extremity arteries. Using a patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell model we found that rapamycin inhibited calcification. Here we investigated whether rapamycin could reduce MAC in vivo using Mgp -/- mice as a model. Mgp +/+ and Mgp -/- mice received 5mg/kg rapamycin or vehicle. Calcification content was assessed via microCT, and vascular morphology and extracellular matrix content assessed histologically. Immunostaining and western blot analysis were used to examine SMC phenotypes and cellular functions. Rapamycin prolonged Mgp -/- mice lifespan, decreased mineral density in the arteries, and increased smooth muscle actin protein levels, however, calcification volume, vessel morphology, SMC proliferation, and autophagy flux were all unchanged. These findings suggest that rapamycin's effects in the Mgp -/- mouse are independent of the vascular phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parya Behzadi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Rolando A Cuevas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alex Crane
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Andrew A Wendling
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Claire C Chu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - William J Moorhead
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ryan Wong
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Mark Brown
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Joshua Tamakloe
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Swathi Suresh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Payam Salehi
- CardioVascular Center, Vascular Surgery, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111-1800, USA
| | - Iris Z Jaffe
- Molecular Cardiology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, 800 Washington Street, Boston, MA, 02111-1800, USA
| | - Allison L Kuipers
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lyudmila Lukashova
- Departments of Endodontics and Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Konstantinos Verdelis
- Departments of Endodontics and Oral Biology, School of Dental Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Cynthia St Hilaire
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, and the Pittsburgh Heart, Lung, Blood and Vascular Medicine Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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5
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Taheri R, Mokhtari Y, Yousefi AM, Bashash D. The PI3K/Akt signaling axis and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM): From mechanistic insights into possible therapeutic targets. Cell Biol Int 2024; 48:1049-1068. [PMID: 38812089 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.12189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an immensely debilitating chronic disease that progressively undermines the well-being of various bodily organs and, indeed, most patients succumb to the disease due to post-T2DM complications. Although there is evidence supporting the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway by insulin, which is essential in regulating glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, the significance of this pathway in T2DM has only been explored in a few studies. The current review aims to unravel the mechanisms by which different classes of PI3Ks control the metabolism of glucose; and also to discuss the original data obtained from international research laboratories on this topic. We also summarized the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling axis in target tissues spanning from the skeletal muscle to the adipose tissue and liver. Furthermore, inquiries regarding the impact of disrupting this axis on insulin function and the development of insulin resistance have been addressed. We also provide a general overview of the association of impaired PI3K/Akt signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of the most prevalent diabetes-related complications. The last section provides a special focus on the therapeutic potential of this axis by outlining the latest advances in active compounds that alleviate diabetes via modulation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. Finally, we comment on the future research aspects in which the field of T2DM therapies using PI3K modulators might be developed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rana Taheri
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yazdan Mokhtari
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir-Mohammad Yousefi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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6
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Jakubek P, Pakula B, Rossmeisl M, Pinton P, Rimessi A, Wieckowski MR. Autophagy alterations in obesity, type 2 diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: the evidence from human studies. Intern Emerg Med 2024; 19:1473-1491. [PMID: 38971910 PMCID: PMC11364608 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-024-03700-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved process that plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis and its impairment has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various metabolic diseases including obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). This review synthesizes the current evidence from human studies on autophagy alterations under these metabolic conditions. In obesity, most data point to autophagy upregulation during the initiation phase of autophagosome formation, potentially in response to proinflammatory conditions in the adipose tissue. Autophagosome formation appears to be enhanced under hyperglycemic or insulin-resistant conditions in patients with T2D, possibly acting as a compensatory mechanism to eliminate damaged organelles and proteins. Other studies have proposed that prolonged hyperglycemia and disrupted insulin signaling hinder autophagic flux, resulting in the accumulation of dysfunctional cellular components that can contribute to β-cell dysfunction. Evidence from patients with MASLD supports autophagy inhibition in disease progression. Nevertheless, given the available data, it is difficult to ascertain whether autophagy is enhanced or suppressed in these conditions because the levels of autophagy markers depend on the overall metabolism of specific organs, tissues, experimental conditions, or disease duration. Owing to these constraints, determining whether the observed shifts in autophagic activity precede or result from metabolic diseases remains challenging. Additionally, autophagy-modulating strategies are shortly discussed. To conclude, more studies investigating autophagy impairment are required to gain a more comprehensive understanding of its role in the pathogenesis of obesity, T2D, and MASLD and to unveil novel therapeutic strategies for these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Jakubek
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology and Metabolism, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.
| | - Barbara Pakula
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology and Metabolism, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Martin Rossmeisl
- Laboratory of Adipose Tissue Biology, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Paolo Pinton
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center of Research for Innovative Therapies in Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Rimessi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Section of Experimental Medicine, Laboratory for Technologies of Advanced Therapies, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Center of Research for Innovative Therapies in Cystic Fibrosis, University of Ferrara, 44121, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mariusz Roman Wieckowski
- Laboratory of Mitochondrial Biology and Metabolism, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 3 Pasteur St., 02-093, Warsaw, Poland.
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7
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Smiles WJ, Ovens AJ, Kemp BE, Galic S, Petersen J, Oakhill JS. New developments in AMPK and mTORC1 cross-talk. Essays Biochem 2024:EBC20240007. [PMID: 38994736 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20240007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic homeostasis and the ability to link energy supply to demand are essential requirements for all living cells to grow and proliferate. Key to metabolic homeostasis in all eukaryotes are AMPK and mTORC1, two kinases that sense nutrient levels and function as counteracting regulators of catabolism (AMPK) and anabolism (mTORC1) to control cell survival, growth and proliferation. Discoveries beginning in the early 2000s revealed that AMPK and mTORC1 communicate, or cross-talk, through direct and indirect phosphorylation events to regulate the activities of each other and their shared protein substrate ULK1, the master initiator of autophagy, thereby allowing cellular metabolism to rapidly adapt to energy and nutritional state. More recent reports describe divergent mechanisms of AMPK/mTORC1 cross-talk and the elaborate means by which AMPK and mTORC1 are activated at the lysosome. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of current understanding in this exciting area and comment on new evidence showing mTORC1 feedback extends to the level of the AMPK isoform, which is particularly pertinent for some cancers where specific AMPK isoforms are implicated in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J Smiles
- Metabolic Signalling Laboratory, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumour Metabolism, Department of Paediatrics, University Hospital of the Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ashley J Ovens
- Protein Engineering in Immunity and Metabolism, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Bruce E Kemp
- Protein Chemistry and Metabolism, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Mary Mackillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, Vic 3065, Vic. Australia
| | - Sandra Galic
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Metabolic Physiology, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Janni Petersen
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA 5042, Australia
- Nutrition and Metabolism, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia
| | - Jonathan S Oakhill
- Metabolic Signalling Laboratory, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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8
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Xu W, Chen H, Xiao H. mTORC2: A neglected player in aging regulation. J Cell Physiol 2024:e31363. [PMID: 38982866 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that plays a pivotal role in various biological processes, through integrating external and internal signals, facilitating gene transcription and protein translation, as well as by regulating mitochondria and autophagy functions. mTOR kinase operates within two distinct protein complexes known as mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2), which engage separate downstream signaling pathways impacting diverse cellular processes. Although mTORC1 has been extensively studied as a pro-proliferative factor and a pro-aging hub if activated aberrantly, mTORC2 received less attention, particularly regarding its implication in aging regulation. However, recent studies brought increasing evidence or clues for us, which implies the associations of mTORC2 with aging, as the genetic elimination of unique subunits of mTORC2, such as RICTOR, has been shown to alleviate aging progression in comparison to mTORC1 inhibition. In this review, we first summarized the basic characteristics of mTORC2, including its protein architecture and signaling network. We then focused on reviewing the molecular signaling regulation of mTORC2 in cellular senescence and organismal aging, and proposed the multifaceted regulatory characteristics under senescent and nonsenescent contexts. Next, we outlined the research progress of mTOR inhibitors in the field of antiaging and discussed future prospects and challenges. It is our pleasure if this review article could provide meaningful information for our readers and call forth more investigations working on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weitong Xu
- The Lab of Aging Research, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Honghan Chen
- The Lab of Aging Research, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hengyi Xiao
- The Lab of Aging Research, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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9
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Khezri MR, Hsueh H, Mohammadipanah S, Khalili Fard J, Ghasemnejad‐Berenji M. The interplay between the PI3K/AKT pathway and circadian clock in physiologic and cancer-related pathologic conditions. Cell Prolif 2024; 57:e13608. [PMID: 38336976 PMCID: PMC11216939 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The circadian clock is responsible for the regulation of different cellular processes, and its disturbance has been linked to the development of different diseases, such as cancer. The main molecular mechanism for this issue has been linked to the crosstalk between core clock regulators and intracellular pathways responsible for cell survival. The PI3K/AKT signalling pathway is one of the most known intracellular pathways in the case of cancer initiation and progression. This pathway regulates different aspects of cell survival including proliferation, apoptosis, metabolism, and response to environmental stimuli. Accumulating evidence indicates that there is a link between the PI3K/AKT pathway activity and circadian rhythm in physiologic and cancer-related pathogenesis. Different classes of PI3Ks and AKT isoforms are involved in regulating circadian clock components in a transcriptional and functional manner. Reversely, core clock components induce a rhythmic fashion in PI3K and AKT activity in physiologic and pathogenic conditions. The aim of this review is to re-examine the interplay between this pathway and circadian clock components in normal condition and cancer pathogenesis, which provides a better understanding of how circadian rhythms may be involved in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Rafi Khezri
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research InstituteUrmia University of Medical SciencesUrmiaIran
| | - Hsiang‐Yin Hsueh
- The Ohio State University Graduate Program in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental BiologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Somayeh Mohammadipanah
- Reproductive Health Research Center, Clinical Research InstituteUrmia University of Medical SciencesUrmiaIran
| | - Javad Khalili Fard
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of PharmacyTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Morteza Ghasemnejad‐Berenji
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of PharmacyUrmia University of Medical SciencesUrmiaIran
- Research Center for Experimental and Applied Pharmaceutical SciencesUrmia University of Medical SciencesUrmiaIran
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10
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Wang Y, Zuo D, Huang Z, Qiu Y, Wu Z, Liu S, Zeng Y, Qiu Z, He W, Li B, Yuan Y, Niu Y, Qiu J. KLF4 Suppresses the Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Reducing Tumor ATP Synthesis through Targeting the Mir-206/RICTOR Axis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7165. [PMID: 39000273 PMCID: PMC11240942 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2024] [Revised: 06/22/2024] [Accepted: 06/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
To address the increased energy demand, tumor cells undergo metabolic reprogramming, including oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and aerobic glycolysis. This study investigates the role of Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF4), a transcription factor, as a tumor suppressor in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by regulating ATP synthesis. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess KLF4 expression in HCC tissues. Functional assays, such as CCK-8, EdU, and colony formation, as well as in vivo assays, including subcutaneous tumor formation and liver orthotopic xenograft mouse models, were conducted to determine the impact of KLF4 on HCC proliferation. Luciferase reporter assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay were utilized to evaluate the interaction between KLF4, miR-206, and RICTOR. The findings reveal low KLF4 expression in HCC, which is associated with poor prognosis. Both in vitro and in vivo functional assays demonstrate that KLF4 inhibits HCC cell proliferation. Mechanistically, it was demonstrated that KLF4 reduces ATP synthesis in HCC by suppressing the expression of RICTOR, a core component of mTORC2. This suppression promotes glutaminolysis to replenish the TCA cycle and increase ATP levels, facilitated by the promotion of miR-206 transcription. In conclusion, this study enhances the understanding of KLF4's role in HCC ATP synthesis and suggests that targeting the KLF4/miR-206/RICTOR axis could be a promising therapeutic approach for anti-HCC therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (D.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (S.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (W.H.); (B.L.); (Y.Y.)
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Dinglan Zuo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (D.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (S.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (W.H.); (B.L.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Zhenkun Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (D.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (S.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (W.H.); (B.L.); (Y.Y.)
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yuxiong Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (D.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (S.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (W.H.); (B.L.); (Y.Y.)
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zongfeng Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (D.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (S.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (W.H.); (B.L.); (Y.Y.)
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Shaoru Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (D.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (S.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (W.H.); (B.L.); (Y.Y.)
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yi Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (D.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (S.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (W.H.); (B.L.); (Y.Y.)
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Zhiyu Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (D.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (S.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (W.H.); (B.L.); (Y.Y.)
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Wei He
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (D.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (S.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (W.H.); (B.L.); (Y.Y.)
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Binkui Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (D.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (S.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (W.H.); (B.L.); (Y.Y.)
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yunfei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (D.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (S.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (W.H.); (B.L.); (Y.Y.)
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China
| | - Yi Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (D.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (S.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (W.H.); (B.L.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Jiliang Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China; (Y.W.); (D.Z.); (Z.H.); (Y.Q.); (Z.W.); (S.L.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Q.); (W.H.); (B.L.); (Y.Y.)
- Department of Liver Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, 651 Dongfeng Road East, Guangzhou 510060, China
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11
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Wang Y, Vandewalle N, De Veirman K, Vanderkerken K, Menu E, De Bruyne E. Targeting mTOR signaling pathways in multiple myeloma: biology and implication for therapy. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:320. [PMID: 38862983 PMCID: PMC11165851 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01699-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple Myeloma (MM), a cancer of terminally differentiated plasma cells, is the second most prevalent hematological malignancy and is incurable due to the inevitable development of drug resistance. Intense protein synthesis is a distinctive trait of MM cells, supporting the massive production of clonal immunoglobulins or free light chains. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase is appreciated as a master regulator of vital cellular processes, including regulation of metabolism and protein synthesis, and can be found in two multiprotein complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. Dysregulation of these complexes is implicated in several types of cancer, including MM. Since mTOR has been shown to be aberrantly activated in a large portion of MM patients and to play a role in stimulating MM cell survival and resistance to several existing therapies, understanding the regulation and functions of the mTOR complexes is vital for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. This review provides a general overview of the mTOR pathway, discussing key discoveries and recent insights related to the structure and regulation of mTOR complexes. Additionally, we highlight findings on the mechanisms by which mTOR is involved in protein synthesis and delve into mTOR-mediated processes occurring in MM. Finally, we summarize the progress and current challenges of drugs targeting mTOR complexes in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmeng Wang
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC) - Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Jette, Belgium
| | - Niels Vandewalle
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC) - Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Jette, Belgium
| | - Kim De Veirman
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC) - Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Jette, Belgium
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC) - Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Universitair Ziekenhuis Brussel (UZ Brussel), Jette, Belgium
| | - Karin Vanderkerken
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC) - Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Jette, Belgium
| | - Eline Menu
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC) - Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Jette, Belgium.
| | - Elke De Bruyne
- Translational Oncology Research Center (TORC) - Team Hematology and Immunology (HEIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Jette, Belgium.
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12
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Hablase R, Kyrou I, Randeva H, Karteris E, Chatterjee J. The "Road" to Malignant Transformation from Endometriosis to Endometriosis-Associated Ovarian Cancers (EAOCs): An mTOR-Centred Review. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2160. [PMID: 38893278 PMCID: PMC11172073 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16112160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/01/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is an umbrella term covering a number of distinct subtypes. Endometrioid and clear-cell ovarian carcinoma are endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers (EAOCs) frequently arising from ectopic endometrium in the ovary. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a crucial regulator of cellular homeostasis and is dysregulated in both endometriosis and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancer, potentially favouring carcinogenesis across a spectrum from benign disease with cancer-like characteristics, through an atypical phase, to frank malignancy. In this review, we focus on mTOR dysregulation in endometriosis and EAOCs, investigating cancer driver gene mutations and their potential interaction with the mTOR pathway. Additionally, we explore the complex pathogenesis of transformation, considering environmental, hormonal, and epigenetic factors. We then discuss postmenopausal endometriosis pathogenesis and propensity for malignant transformation. Finally, we summarize the current advancements in mTOR-targeted therapeutics for endometriosis and EAOCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radwa Hablase
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB83PH, UK; (R.H.); (E.K.)
- Academic Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK
| | - Ioannis Kyrou
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK (H.R.)
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Institute for Cardiometabolic Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
- Aston Medical School, College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
- College of Health, Psychology and Social Care, University of Derby, Derby DE22 1GB, UK
- Laboratory of Dietetics and Quality of Life, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Harpal Randeva
- Warwickshire Institute for the Study of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism (WISDEM), University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK (H.R.)
- Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK
- Institute for Cardiometabolic Medicine, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust, Coventry CV2 2DX, UK
- Centre for Sport, Exercise and Life Sciences, Research Institute for Health & Wellbeing, Coventry University, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK
| | - Emmanouil Karteris
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB83PH, UK; (R.H.); (E.K.)
| | - Jayanta Chatterjee
- College of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB83PH, UK; (R.H.); (E.K.)
- Academic Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust Hospital, Guildford GU2 7XX, UK
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13
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Göttig L, Schreiner S. E4orf1: The triple agent of adenovirus - Unraveling its roles in oncogenesis, infectious obesity and immune responses in virus replication and vector therapy. Tumour Virus Res 2024; 17:200277. [PMID: 38428735 PMCID: PMC10937242 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvr.2024.200277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Human Adenoviruses (HAdV) are nearly ubiquitous pathogens comprising numerous sub-types that infect various tissues and organs. Among many encoded proteins that facilitate viral replication and subversion of host cellular processes, the viral E4orf1 protein has emerged as an intriguing yet under-investigated player in the complex interplay between the virus and its host. E4orf1 has gained attention as a metabolism activator and oncogenic agent, while recent research is showing that E4orf1 may play a more important role in modulating cellular pathways such as PI3K-Akt-mTOR, Ras, the immune response and further HAdV replication stages than previously anticipated. In this review, we aim to explore the structure, molecular mechanisms, and biological functions of E4orf1, shedding light on its potentially multifaceted roles during HAdV infection, including metabolic diseases and oncogenesis. Furthermore, we discuss the role of functional E4orf1 in biotechnological applications such as Adenovirus (AdV) vaccine vectors and oncolytic AdV. By dissecting the intricate relationships between HAdV types and E4orf1 proteins, this review provides valuable insights into viral pathogenesis and points to promising areas of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lilian Göttig
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Germany
| | - Sabrina Schreiner
- Institute of Virology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Germany; Institute of Virology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany; Cluster of Excellence RESIST (Resolving Infection Susceptibility; EXC 2155), Hannover, Germany; Institute of Virology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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14
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Onaka GM, de Carvalho MR, Onaka PK, Barbosa CM, Martinez PF, de Oliveira-Junior SA. Exercise, mTOR Activation, and Potential Impacts on the Liver in Rodents. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:362. [PMID: 38927242 PMCID: PMC11201249 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The literature offers a consensus on the association between exercise training (ET) protocols based on the adequate parameters of intensity and frequency, and several adaptive alterations in the liver. Indeed, regular ET can reverse glucose and lipid metabolism disorders, especially from aerobic modalities, which can decrease intrahepatic fat formation. In terms of molecular mechanisms, the regulation of hepatic fat formation would be directly related to the modulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), which would be stimulated by insulin signaling and Akt activation, from the following three different primary signaling pathways: (I) growth factor, (II) energy/ATP-sensitive, and (III) amino acid-sensitive signaling pathways, respectively. Hyperactivation of the Akt/mTORC1 pathway induces lipogenesis by regulating the action of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1 (SREBP-1). Exercise training interventions have been associated with multiple metabolic and tissue benefits. However, it is worth highlighting that the mTOR signaling in the liver in response to exercise interventions remains unclear. Hepatic adaptive alterations seem to be most outstanding when sustained by chronic interventions or high-intensity exercise protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuliano Moreto Onaka
- Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Midwest Region, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul—UFMS, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil; (G.M.O.); (P.F.M.)
| | - Marianna Rabelo de Carvalho
- Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Midwest Region, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul—UFMS, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil; (G.M.O.); (P.F.M.)
| | - Patricia Kubalaki Onaka
- Graduate Program in Education and Health, State University of Mato Grosso do Sul, Dourados 79804-970, MS, Brazil
| | - Claudiane Maria Barbosa
- Graduate Program in Movement Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul—UFMS, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil;
| | - Paula Felippe Martinez
- Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Midwest Region, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul—UFMS, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil; (G.M.O.); (P.F.M.)
- Graduate Program in Movement Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul—UFMS, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil;
| | - Silvio Assis de Oliveira-Junior
- Graduate Program in Health and Development in the Midwest Region, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul—UFMS, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil; (G.M.O.); (P.F.M.)
- Graduate Program in Movement Sciences, Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul—UFMS, Campo Grande 79070-900, MS, Brazil;
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15
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Aljaibeji H, Heydarpour M, Stanton AM, Williams JS, Pojoga LH, Romero JR, Williams GH. Role of Raptor Gene Variants in Hypertension: Influence on Blood Pressure Independent of Salt Intake in White Population. Hypertension 2024; 81:1167-1177. [PMID: 38497230 PMCID: PMC11023780 DOI: 10.1161/hypertensionaha.123.22273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) is an essential regulator of fundamental biological processes. mTOR forms 2 distinct complexes, mTORC1 (mTOR complex 1) when it binds with RAPTOR (Regulatory-associated Protein of mTOR) and mTORC2 (mTOR complex 2) when it associates with RICTOR (Rapamycin-insesitive companion of mTOR). Due to the previous link between the mTOR pathway, aldosterone, and blood pressure (BP), we anticipated that variants in the mTOR complex might be associated with salt-sensitive BP. METHODS BP and other parameters were assessed after a one-week liberal Na+ (200 mmol/d) and a one-week restricted Na+ (10 mmol/d) diet in 608 White subjects from the Hypertensive Pathotype cohort, single-nucleotide variants in MTOR, RPTOR, and RICTOR genes were obtained for candidate genes analyses. RESULTS The analysis revealed a significant association between a single nucleotide variants within the RPTOR gene and BP. Individuals carrying the RPTOR rs9901846 homozygous risk allele (AA) and heterozygous risk allele (GA) exhibited a 5 mm Hg increase in systolic BP on a liberal diet compared with nonrisk allele individuals (GG), but only in women. This single nucleotide variants effect was more pronounced on the restricted diet and present in both sexes, with AA carriers having a 9 mm Hg increase and GA carriers having a 5 mm Hg increase in systolic BP compared with GG. Interestingly, there were no significant associations between MTOR or RICTOR gene variants and BP. CONCLUSIONS The RPTOR gene variation is associated with elevated BP in White participants, regardless of salt intake, specifically in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hayat Aljaibeji
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (H.A., M.H., A.M.S., J.S.W., L.H.P., J.R.R., G.H.W.)
| | - Mahyar Heydarpour
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (H.A., M.H., A.M.S., J.S.W., L.H.P., J.R.R., G.H.W.)
| | - Ana Maria Stanton
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (H.A., M.H., A.M.S., J.S.W., L.H.P., J.R.R., G.H.W.)
| | - Jonathan S Williams
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (H.A., M.H., A.M.S., J.S.W., L.H.P., J.R.R., G.H.W.)
| | - Luminita H Pojoga
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (H.A., M.H., A.M.S., J.S.W., L.H.P., J.R.R., G.H.W.)
| | - Jose R Romero
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (H.A., M.H., A.M.S., J.S.W., L.H.P., J.R.R., G.H.W.)
| | - Gordon H Williams
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Hypertension, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA (H.A., M.H., A.M.S., J.S.W., L.H.P., J.R.R., G.H.W.)
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16
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Meuten TK, Dean GA, Thamm DH. Review: The PI3K-AKT-mTOR signal transduction pathway in canine cancer. Vet Pathol 2024; 61:339-356. [PMID: 37905509 DOI: 10.1177/03009858231207021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Tumors in dogs and humans share many similar molecular and genetic features, incentivizing a better understanding of canine neoplasms not only for the purpose of treating companion animals, but also to facilitate research of spontaneously developing tumors with similar biologic behavior and treatment approaches in an immunologically competent animal model. Multiple tumor types of both species have similar dysregulation of signal transduction through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), protein kinase B (PKB; AKT), and mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), collectively known as the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway. This review aims to delineate the pertinent aspects of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway in health and in tumor development. It will then present a synopsis of current understanding of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling in important canine cancers and advancements in targeted inhibitors of this pathway.
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17
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Hashizume O, Kawabe T, Funato Y, Miki H. Intestinal Mg 2+ accumulation induced by cnnm mutations decreases the body size by suppressing TORC2 signaling in Caenorhabditis elegans. Dev Biol 2024; 509:59-69. [PMID: 38373693 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2024.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Mg2+ is a vital ion involved in diverse cellular functions by forming complexes with ATP. Intracellular Mg2+ levels are tightly regulated by the coordinated actions of multiple Mg2+ transporters, such as the Mg2+ efflux transporter, cyclin M (CNNM). Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) worms with mutations in both cnnm-1 and cnnm-3 exhibit excessive Mg2+ accumulation in intestinal cells, leading to various phenotypic abnormalities. In this study, we investigated the mechanism underlying the reduction in body size in cnnm-1; cnnm-3 mutant worms. RNA interference (RNAi) of gtl-1, which encodes a Mg2+-intake channel in intestinal cells, restored the worm body size, confirming that this phenotype is due to excessive Mg2+ accumulation. Moreover, RNAi experiments targeting body size-related genes and analyses of mutant worms revealed that the suppression of the target of rapamycin complex 2 (TORC2) signaling pathway was involved in body size reduction, resulting in downregulated DAF-7 expression in head ASI neurons. As the DAF-7 signaling pathway suppresses dauer formation under stress, cnnm-1; cnnm-3 mutant worms exhibited a greater tendency to form dauer upon induction. Collectively, our results revealed that excessive accumulation of Mg2+ repressed the TORC2 signaling pathway in C. elegans worms and suggest the novel role of the DAF-7 signaling pathway in the regulation of their body size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osamu Hashizume
- Laboratory of Biorecognition Chemistry, Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan; Department of Cellular Regulation, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Tomofumi Kawabe
- Department of Cellular Regulation, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Yosuke Funato
- Laboratory of Biorecognition Chemistry, Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan; Department of Cellular Regulation, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Miki
- Laboratory of Biorecognition Chemistry, Department of Synthetic Chemistry and Biological Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto, 615-8510, Japan; Department of Cellular Regulation, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, 565-0871, Japan.
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18
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Radaszkiewicz KA, Sulcova M, Kohoutkova E, Harnos J. The role of prickle proteins in vertebrate development and pathology. Mol Cell Biochem 2024; 479:1199-1221. [PMID: 37358815 PMCID: PMC11116189 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-023-04787-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
Prickle is an evolutionarily conserved family of proteins exclusively associated with planar cell polarity (PCP) signalling. This signalling pathway provides directional and positional cues to eukaryotic cells along the plane of an epithelial sheet, orthogonal to both apicobasal and left-right axes. Through studies in the fruit fly Drosophila, we have learned that PCP signalling is manifested by the spatial segregation of two protein complexes, namely Prickle/Vangl and Frizzled/Dishevelled. While Vangl, Frizzled, and Dishevelled proteins have been extensively studied, Prickle has been largely neglected. This is likely because its role in vertebrate development and pathologies is still being explored and is not yet fully understood. The current review aims to address this gap by summarizing our current knowledge on vertebrate Prickle proteins and to cover their broad versatility. Accumulating evidence suggests that Prickle is involved in many developmental events, contributes to homeostasis, and can cause diseases when its expression and signalling properties are deregulated. This review highlights the importance of Prickle in vertebrate development, discusses the implications of Prickle-dependent signalling in pathology, and points out the blind spots or potential links regarding Prickle, which could be studied further.
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Affiliation(s)
- K A Radaszkiewicz
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czechia
| | - M Sulcova
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czechia
| | - E Kohoutkova
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czechia
| | - J Harnos
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, 62500, Czechia.
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19
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Zhang J, Yang SG, Zhou FQ. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 signaling in neural regeneration in vivo. J Mol Cell Biol 2024; 15:mjad075. [PMID: 38059848 PMCID: PMC11063957 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjad075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) signaling plays important and broad roles in regulating neural development in vitro and in vivo. Here, we reviewed recent findings of GSK3-regulated axon regeneration in vivo in both the peripheral and central nervous systems and discussed a few controversial findings in the field. Overall, current evidence indicates that GSK3β signaling serves as an important downstream mediator of the PI3K-AKT pathway to regulate axon regeneration in parallel with the mTORC1 pathway. Specifically, the mTORC1 pathway supports axon regeneration mainly through its role in regulating cap-dependent protein translation, whereas GSK3β signaling might be involved in regulating N6-methyladenosine mRNA methylation-mediated, cap-independent protein translation. In addition, GSK3 signaling also plays a key role in reshaping the neuronal transcriptomic landscape during neural regeneration. Finally, we proposed some research directions to further elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulatory function of GSK3 signaling and discover novel GSK3 signaling-related therapeutic targets. Together, we hope to provide an updated and insightful overview of how GSK3 signaling regulates neural regeneration in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhang
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Shu-Guang Yang
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
| | - Feng-Quan Zhou
- Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China
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20
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deRiso J, Mukherjee M, Janga M, Simmons A, Kareta M, Tao J, Chandrasekar I, Surendran K. Kidney collecting duct cell type composition is regulated by Notch signaling via modulation of mTORC1. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.09.587573. [PMID: 38645025 PMCID: PMC11030444 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.09.587573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
The plasticity and diversity of cell types with specialized functions likely defines the capacity of multicellular organisms to adapt to physiologic stressors. The kidney collecting ducts contribute to water, electrolyte, and pH homeostasis and are composed of mature intermingled epithelial cell types that are susceptible to transdifferentiate. The conversion of kidney collecting duct principal cells to intercalated cells is actively inhibited by Notch signaling to ensure urine concentrating capability. Here we identify Hes1, a target of Notch signaling, allows for maintenance of functionally distinct epithelial cell types within the same microenvironment by regulating mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activity. Hes1 directly represses the expression of insulin receptor substrate 1 ( Irs1 ), an upstream component of mTOR pathway and suppresses mTORC1 activity in principal cells. Genetic inactivation of tuberous sclerosis complex 2 ( Tsc2 ) to increase mTORC1 activity in mature principal cells is sufficient to promote acquisition of intercalated cell properties, while inhibition of mTORC1 in adult kidney epithelia suppresses intercalated cell properties. Considering that mTORC1 integrates environmental cues, the linkage of functionally distinct epithelial cell types to mTORC1 activity levels likely allows for cell plasticity to be regulated by physiologic and metabolic signals and the ability to sense/transduce these signals.
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21
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Park SLL, Ramírez-Jarquín UN, Shahani N, Rivera O, Sharma M, Joshi PS, Hansalia A, Dagar S, McManus FP, Thibault P, Subramaniam S. SUMO modifies GβL and mediates mTOR signaling. J Biol Chem 2024; 300:105778. [PMID: 38395307 PMCID: PMC10982569 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.105778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is influenced by multiple regulatory proteins and post-translational modifications; however, underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we report a novel role of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) in mTOR complex assembly and activity. By investigating the SUMOylation status of core mTOR components, we observed that the regulatory subunit, GβL (G protein β-subunit-like protein, also known as mLST8), is modified by SUMO1, 2, and 3 isoforms. Using mutagenesis and mass spectrometry, we identified that GβL is SUMOylated at lysine sites K86, K215, K245, K261, and K305. We found that SUMO depletion reduces mTOR-Raptor (regulatory protein associated with mTOR) and mTOR-Rictor (rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR) complex formation and diminishes nutrient-induced mTOR signaling. Reconstitution with WT GβL but not SUMOylation-defective KR mutant GβL promotes mTOR signaling in GβL-depleted cells. Taken together, we report for the very first time that SUMO modifies GβL, influences the assembly of mTOR protein complexes, and regulates mTOR activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Neelam Shahani
- Department of Neuroscience, The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Oscar Rivera
- Department of Neuroscience, The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Manish Sharma
- Department of Neuroscience, The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | | | - Aayushi Hansalia
- Department of Neuroscience, The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Sunayana Dagar
- Department of Neuroscience, The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA
| | - Francis P McManus
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre Thibault
- Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Srinivasa Subramaniam
- Department of Neuroscience, The Wertheim UF Scripps Institute, Jupiter, Florida, USA; The Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California, USA; Norman Fixel Institute for Neurological Diseases, Gainesville, Florida, USA.
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22
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Salama RM, Eissa N, Doghish AS, Abulsoud AI, Abdelmaksoud NM, Mohammed OA, Abdel Mageed SS, Darwish SF. Decoding the secrets of longevity: unraveling nutraceutical and miRNA-Mediated aging pathways and therapeutic strategies. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2024; 5:1373741. [PMID: 38605867 PMCID: PMC11007187 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2024.1373741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short RNA molecules that are not involved in coding for proteins. They have a significant function in regulating gene expression after the process of transcription. Their participation in several biological processes has rendered them appealing subjects for investigating age-related disorders. Increasing data indicates that miRNAs can be influenced by dietary variables, such as macronutrients, micronutrients, trace minerals, and nutraceuticals. This review examines the influence of dietary factors and nutraceuticals on the regulation of miRNA in relation to the process of aging. We examine the present comprehension of miRNA disruption in age-related illnesses and emphasize the possibility of dietary manipulation as a means of prevention or treatment. Consolidating animal and human research is essential to validate the significance of dietary miRNA control in living organisms, despite the abundance of information already provided by several studies. This review elucidates the complex interaction among miRNAs, nutrition, and aging, offering valuable insights into promising areas for further research and potential therapies for age-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania M. Salama
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nermin Eissa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmed S. Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Egypt
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Egypt
| | - Ahmed I. Abulsoud
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Egypt
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Osama A. Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sherif S. Abdel Mageed
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Samar F. Darwish
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Egypt
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23
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Tucker SK, Ghosal R, Swartz ME, Zhang S, Eberhart JK. Zebrafish raptor mutation inhibits the activity of mTORC1, inducing craniofacial defects due to autophagy-induced neural crest cell death. Development 2024; 151:dev202216. [PMID: 38512806 PMCID: PMC11006402 DOI: 10.1242/dev.202216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) coordinates metabolism and cell growth with environmental inputs. mTOR forms two functional complexes: mTORC1 and mTORC2. Proper development requires both complexes but mTORC1 has unique roles in numerous cellular processes, including cell growth, survival and autophagy. Here, we investigate the function of mTORC1 in craniofacial development. We created a zebrafish raptor mutant via CRISPR/Cas9, to specifically disrupt mTORC1. The entire craniofacial skeleton and eyes were reduced in size in mutants; however, overall body length and developmental timing were not affected. The craniofacial phenotype associates with decreased chondrocyte size and increased neural crest cell death. We found that autophagy is elevated in raptor mutants. Chemical inhibition of autophagy reduced cell death and improved craniofacial phenotypes in raptor mutants. Genetic inhibition of autophagy, via mutation of the autophagy gene atg7, improved facial phenotypes in atg7;raptor double mutants, relative to raptor single mutants. We conclude that finely regulated levels of autophagy, via mTORC1, are crucial for craniofacial development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott K. Tucker
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research and Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Ritika Ghosal
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research and Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Mary E. Swartz
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research and Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Stephanie Zhang
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research and Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Johann K. Eberhart
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research and Institute for Neuroscience, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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24
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Jhanwar-Uniyal M, Zeller SL, Spirollari E, Das M, Hanft SJ, Gandhi CD. Discrete Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Signaling Pathways, Stem Cells, and Therapeutic Targets. Cells 2024; 13:409. [PMID: 38474373 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that functions via its discrete binding partners to form two multiprotein complexes, mTOR complex 1 and 2 (mTORC1 and mTORC2). Rapamycin-sensitive mTORC1, which regulates protein synthesis and cell growth, is tightly controlled by PI3K/Akt and is nutrient-/growth factor-sensitive. In the brain, mTORC1 is also sensitive to neurotransmitter signaling. mTORC2, which is modulated by growth factor signaling, is associated with ribosomes and is insensitive to rapamycin. mTOR regulates stem cell and cancer stem cell characteristics. Aberrant Akt/mTOR activation is involved in multistep tumorigenesis in a variety of cancers, thereby suggesting that the inhibition of mTOR may have therapeutic potential. Rapamycin and its analogues, known as rapalogues, suppress mTOR activity through an allosteric mechanism that only suppresses mTORC1, albeit incompletely. ATP-catalytic binding site inhibitors are designed to inhibit both complexes. This review describes the regulation of mTOR and the targeting of its complexes in the treatment of cancers, such as glioblastoma, and their stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meena Jhanwar-Uniyal
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Sabrina L Zeller
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Eris Spirollari
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Mohan Das
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Simon J Hanft
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
| | - Chirag D Gandhi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA
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25
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Szablewski L. Changes in Cells Associated with Insulin Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2397. [PMID: 38397072 PMCID: PMC10889819 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2024] [Revised: 02/10/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Insulin is a polypeptide hormone synthesized and secreted by pancreatic β-cells. It plays an important role as a metabolic hormone. Insulin influences the metabolism of glucose, regulating plasma glucose levels and stimulating glucose storage in organs such as the liver, muscles and adipose tissue. It is involved in fat metabolism, increasing the storage of triglycerides and decreasing lipolysis. Ketone body metabolism also depends on insulin action, as insulin reduces ketone body concentrations and influences protein metabolism. It increases nitrogen retention, facilitates the transport of amino acids into cells and increases the synthesis of proteins. Insulin also inhibits protein breakdown and is involved in cellular growth and proliferation. On the other hand, defects in the intracellular signaling pathways of insulin may cause several disturbances in human metabolism, resulting in several chronic diseases. Insulin resistance, also known as impaired insulin sensitivity, is due to the decreased reaction of insulin signaling for glucose levels, seen when glucose use in response to an adequate concentration of insulin is impaired. Insulin resistance may cause, for example, increased plasma insulin levels. That state, called hyperinsulinemia, impairs metabolic processes and is observed in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. Hyperinsulinemia may increase the risk of initiation, progression and metastasis of several cancers and may cause poor cancer outcomes. Insulin resistance is a health problem worldwide; therefore, mechanisms of insulin resistance, causes and types of insulin resistance and strategies against insulin resistance are described in this review. Attention is also paid to factors that are associated with the development of insulin resistance, the main and characteristic symptoms of particular syndromes, plus other aspects of severe insulin resistance. This review mainly focuses on the description and analysis of changes in cells due to insulin resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leszek Szablewski
- Chair and Department of General Biology and Parasitology, Medical University of Warsaw, Chałubińskiego Str. 5, 02-004 Warsaw, Poland
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26
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Cao R, Guo S, Min L, Li P. Roles of Rictor alterations in gastrointestinal tumors (Review). Oncol Rep 2024; 51:37. [PMID: 38186315 PMCID: PMC10807360 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal tumors account for five of the top 10 causes of mortality from all cancers (colorectal, liver, stomach, esophageal and pancreatic cancer). Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is commonly dysregulated in various human cancers. As a core component of the mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2), Rictor is a key effector molecule of the PI3K/Akt pathway. A high alteration rate of Rictor has been observed in gastrointestinal tumors, and such Rictor alterations are often associated with resistance to chemotherapy and related adverse clinical outcomes. However, the exact roles of Rictor in gastrointestinal tumors remain elusive. The aim of the present study was to critically discuss the following: i) Mutation and biological characteristics of Rictor in tumors with a detailed overview of Rictor in cell proliferation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, autophagy and drug resistance; ii) the role of Rictor in tumors of the digestive system, particularly colorectal, hepatobiliary, gastric, esophageal and pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma; and iii) the current status and prospects of targeted therapy for Rictor by inhibiting Akt activation. Despite the growing realization of the importance of Rictor/mTORC2 in cancer, the underlying mechanistic details remain poorly understood; this needs to change in order for the development of efficient targeted therapies and re‑sensitization of therapy‑resistant cancers to be made possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruizhen Cao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ordos Central Hospital, Ordos School of Clinical Medicine, Inner Mongolia Medical University, Ordos, Inner Mongolia 017000, P.R. China
| | - Shuilong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Li Min
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
| | - Peng Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Clinical Research Center for Digestive Disease, Beijing Digestive Disease Center, Beijing Key Laboratory for Precancerous Lesion of Digestive Disease, Beijing 100050, P.R. China
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27
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Ragupathi A, Kim C, Jacinto E. The mTORC2 signaling network: targets and cross-talks. Biochem J 2024; 481:45-91. [PMID: 38270460 PMCID: PMC10903481 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin, mTOR, controls cell metabolism in response to growth signals and stress stimuli. The cellular functions of mTOR are mediated by two distinct protein complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2. Rapamycin and its analogs are currently used in the clinic to treat a variety of diseases and have been instrumental in delineating the functions of its direct target, mTORC1. Despite the lack of a specific mTORC2 inhibitor, genetic studies that disrupt mTORC2 expression unravel the functions of this more elusive mTOR complex. Like mTORC1 which responds to growth signals, mTORC2 is also activated by anabolic signals but is additionally triggered by stress. mTORC2 mediates signals from growth factor receptors and G-protein coupled receptors. How stress conditions such as nutrient limitation modulate mTORC2 activation to allow metabolic reprogramming and ensure cell survival remains poorly understood. A variety of downstream effectors of mTORC2 have been identified but the most well-characterized mTORC2 substrates include Akt, PKC, and SGK, which are members of the AGC protein kinase family. Here, we review how mTORC2 is regulated by cellular stimuli including how compartmentalization and modulation of complex components affect mTORC2 signaling. We elaborate on how phosphorylation of its substrates, particularly the AGC kinases, mediates its diverse functions in growth, proliferation, survival, and differentiation. We discuss other signaling and metabolic components that cross-talk with mTORC2 and the cellular output of these signals. Lastly, we consider how to more effectively target the mTORC2 pathway to treat diseases that have deregulated mTOR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Ragupathi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, U.S.A
| | - Christian Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, U.S.A
| | - Estela Jacinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, U.S.A
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28
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Liu Y, Zhang M, Jang H, Nussinov R. The allosteric mechanism of mTOR activation can inform bitopic inhibitor optimization. Chem Sci 2024; 15:1003-1017. [PMID: 38239681 PMCID: PMC10793652 DOI: 10.1039/d3sc04690g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
mTOR serine/threonine kinase is a cornerstone in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Yet, the detailed mechanism of activation of its catalytic core is still unresolved, likely due to mTOR complexes' complexity. Its dysregulation was implicated in cancer and neurodevelopmental disorders. Using extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and compiled published experimental data, we determine exactly how mTOR's inherent motifs can control the conformational changes in the kinase domain, thus kinase activity. We also chronicle the critical regulation by the unstructured negative regulator domain (NRD). When positioned inside the catalytic cleft (NRD IN state), mTOR tends to adopt a deep and closed catalytic cleft. This is primarily due to the direct interaction with the FKBP-rapamycin binding (FRB) domain which restricts it, preventing substrate access. Conversely, when outside the catalytic cleft (NRD OUT state), mTOR favors an open conformation, exposing the substrate-binding site on the FRB domain. We further show how an oncogenic mutation (L2427R) promotes shifting the mTOR ensemble toward the catalysis-favored state. Collectively, we extend mTOR's "active-site restriction" mechanism and clarify mutation action. In particular, our mechanism suggests that RMC-5552 (RMC-6272) bitopic inhibitors may benefit from adjustment of the (PEG8) linker length when targeting certain mTOR variants. In the cryo-EM mTOR/RMC-5552 structure, the distance between the allosteric and orthosteric inhibitors is ∼22.7 Å. With a closed catalytic cleft, this linker bridges the sites. However, in our activation mechanism, in the open cleft it expands to ∼24.7 Å, offering what we believe to be the first direct example of how discovering an activation mechanism can potentially increase the affinity of inhibitors targeting mutants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonglan Liu
- Cancer Innovation Laboratory, National Cancer Institute Frederick MD 21702 USA
| | - Mingzhen Zhang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Frederick MD 21702 USA +1-301-846-5579
| | - Hyunbum Jang
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Frederick MD 21702 USA +1-301-846-5579
| | - Ruth Nussinov
- Computational Structural Biology Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research Frederick MD 21702 USA +1-301-846-5579
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University Tel Aviv 69978 Israel
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29
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Liu J, Zhu L, Bao Y, Du Z, Shi L, Hong X, Zou Z, Peng G. Injectable dexamethasone-loaded peptide hydrogel for therapy of radiation-induced ototoxicity by regulating the mTOR signaling pathway. J Control Release 2024; 365:729-743. [PMID: 38065412 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 11/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Radiation-induced ototoxicity is associated with inflammation response and excessive reactive oxygen species in the cochlea. However, the effectiveness of many drugs in clinical settings is limited due to anatomical barriers in the inner ear and pharmacokinetic instability. To address this issue, we developed an injectable hydrogel called RADA32-HRN-dexamethasone (RHD). The RHD hydrogel possesses self-anti-inflammatory properties and can self-assemble into nanofibrous structures, ensuring controlled and sustained release of dexamethasone in the local region. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the uptake of FITC-conjugated RHD gel by hair cells increased in a time-dependent manner. Compared to free dexamethasone solutions, dexamethasone-loaded RHD gel achieved a longer and more controlled release profile of dexamethasone. Additionally, RHD gel effectively protected against the inflammatory response, reduced excessive reactive oxygen species production, and reversed the decline in mitochondrial membrane potentials induced by ionizing radiation, leading to attenuation of apoptosis and DNA damage. Moreover, RHD gel promoted the recovery of outer hair cells and partially restored auditory function in mice exposed to ionizing radiation. These findings validated the protective effects of RHD gel against radiation-induced ototoxicity in both cell cultures and animal models. Furthermore, RHD gel enhanced the activity of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway, which was inhibited by ionizing radiation, thereby promoting the survival of hair cells. Importantly, intratympanic injections of RHD gel exhibited excellent biosafety and do not interfere with the anti-tumor effects of radiotherapy. In summary, our study demonstrates the therapeutic potential of injectable dexamethasone-loaded RHD hydrogel for the treatment of radiation-induced hearing loss by regulating the mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyu Liu
- Cancer center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Lisheng Zhu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yuqing Bao
- Cancer center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhouyuan Du
- Cancer center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Liangliang Shi
- Cancer center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Xiaohua Hong
- Cancer center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Zhenwei Zou
- Cancer center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
| | - Gang Peng
- Cancer center, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, Hubei, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Precision Radiation Oncology, Wuhan 430022, China; Institute of Radiation Oncology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong, University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
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Martin-Salgado M, Ochoa-Echeverría A, Mérida I. Diacylglycerol kinases: A look into the future of immunotherapy. Adv Biol Regul 2024; 91:100999. [PMID: 37949728 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2023.100999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Cancer still represents the second leading cause of death right after cardiovascular diseases. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cancer provoked around 10 million deaths in 2020, with lung and colon tumors accounting for the deadliest forms of cancer. As tumor cells become resistant to traditional therapeutic approaches, immunotherapy has emerged as a novel strategy for tumor control. T lymphocytes are key players in immune responses against tumors. Immunosurveillance allows identification, targeting and later killing of cancerous cells. Nevertheless, tumors evolve through different strategies to evade the immune response and spread in a process called metastasis. The ineffectiveness of traditional strategies to control tumor growth and expansion has led to novel approaches considering modulation of T cell activation and effector functions. Program death receptor 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) showed promising results in the early 90s and nowadays are still being exploited together with other drugs for several cancer types. Other negative regulators of T cell activation are diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) a family of enzymes that catalyze the conversion of diacylglycerol (DAG) into phosphatidic acid (PA). In T cells, DGKα and DGKζ limit the PLCγ/Ras/ERK axis thus attenuating DAG mediated signaling and T cell effector functions. Upregulation of either of both isoforms results in impaired Ras activation and anergy induction, whereas germline knockdown mice showed enhanced antitumor properties and more effective immune responses against pathogens. Here we review the mechanisms used by DGKs to ameliorate T cell activation and how inhibition could be used to reinvigorate T cell functions in cancer context. A better knowledge of the molecular mechanisms involved upon T cell activation will help to improve current therapies with DAG promoting agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Martin-Salgado
- Department of Immunology and Oncology. National Centre for Biotechnology. Spanish Research Council (CNB-CSIC), Spain
| | - Ane Ochoa-Echeverría
- Department of Immunology and Oncology. National Centre for Biotechnology. Spanish Research Council (CNB-CSIC), Spain
| | - Isabel Mérida
- Department of Immunology and Oncology. National Centre for Biotechnology. Spanish Research Council (CNB-CSIC), Spain.
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Cai J, Xie D, Kong F, Zhai Z, Zhu Z, Zhao Y, Xu Y, Sun T. Effect and Mechanism of Rapamycin on Cognitive Deficits in Animal Models of Alzheimer's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Preclinical Studies. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 99:53-84. [PMID: 38640155 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, remains long-term and challenging to diagnose. Furthermore, there is currently no medication to completely cure AD patients. Rapamycin has been clinically demonstrated to postpone the aging process in mice and improve learning and memory abilities in animal models of AD. Therefore, rapamycin has the potential to be significant in the discovery and development of drugs for AD patients. Objective The main objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to investigate the effects and mechanisms of rapamycin on animal models of AD by examining behavioral indicators and pathological features. Methods Six databases were searched and 4,277 articles were retrieved. In conclusion, 13 studies were included according to predefined criteria. Three authors independently judged the selected literature and methodological quality. Use of subgroup analyses to explore potential mechanistic effects of rapamycin interventions: animal models of AD, specific types of transgenic animal models, dosage, and periodicity of administration. Results The results of Morris Water Maze (MWM) behavioral test showed that escape latency was shortened by 15.60 seconds with rapamycin therapy, indicating that learning ability was enhanced in AD mice; and the number of traversed platforms was increased by 1.53 times, indicating that the improved memory ability significantly corrected the memory deficits. CONCLUSIONS Rapamycin therapy reduced age-related plaque deposition by decreasing AβPP production and down-regulating β-secretase and γ-secretase activities, furthermore increased amyloid-β clearance by promoting autophagy, as well as reduced tau hyperphosphorylation by up-regulating insulin-degrading enzyme levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Cai
- School of Intelligent Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Danni Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Fanjing Kong
- School of Intelligent Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhenwei Zhai
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhishan Zhu
- School of Intelligent Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanru Zhao
- School of Intelligent Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Sun
- School of Intelligent Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Rodriguez-Colman MJ, Dansen TB, Burgering BMT. FOXO transcription factors as mediators of stress adaptation. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2024; 25:46-64. [PMID: 37710009 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-023-00649-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
The forkhead box protein O (FOXO, consisting of FOXO1, FOXO3, FOXO4 and FOXO6) transcription factors are the mammalian orthologues of Caenorhabditis elegans DAF-16, which gained notoriety for its capability to double lifespan in the absence of daf-2 (the gene encoding the worm insulin receptor homologue). Since then, research has provided many mechanistic details on FOXO regulation and FOXO activity. Furthermore, conditional knockout experiments have provided a wealth of data as to how FOXOs control development and homeostasis at the organ and organism levels. The lifespan-extending capabilities of DAF-16/FOXO are highly correlated with their ability to induce stress response pathways. Exogenous and endogenous stress, such as cellular redox stress, are considered the main drivers of the functional decline that characterizes ageing. Functional decline often manifests as disease, and decrease in FOXO activity indeed negatively impacts on major age-related diseases such as cancer and diabetes. In this context, the main function of FOXOs is considered to preserve cellular and organismal homeostasis, through regulation of stress response pathways. Paradoxically, the same FOXO-mediated responses can also aid the survival of dysfunctional cells once these eventually emerge. This general property to control stress responses may underlie the complex and less-evident roles of FOXOs in human lifespan as opposed to model organisms such as C. elegans.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tobias B Dansen
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Boudewijn M T Burgering
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands.
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Silnitsky S, Rubin SJS, Zerihun M, Qvit N. An Update on Protein Kinases as Therapeutic Targets-Part I: Protein Kinase C Activation and Its Role in Cancer and Cardiovascular Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17600. [PMID: 38139428 PMCID: PMC10743896 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Protein kinases are one of the most significant drug targets in the human proteome, historically harnessed for the treatment of cancer, cardiovascular disease, and a growing number of other conditions, including autoimmune and inflammatory processes. Since the approval of the first kinase inhibitors in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the field has grown exponentially, comprising 98 approved therapeutics to date, 37 of which were approved between 2016 and 2021. While many of these small-molecule protein kinase inhibitors that interact orthosterically with the protein kinase ATP binding pocket have been massively successful for oncological indications, their poor selectively for protein kinase isozymes have limited them due to toxicities in their application to other disease spaces. Thus, recent attention has turned to the use of alternative allosteric binding mechanisms and improved drug platforms such as modified peptides to design protein kinase modulators with enhanced selectivity and other pharmacological properties. Herein we review the role of different protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms in cancer and cardiovascular disease, with particular attention to PKC-family inhibitors. We discuss translational examples and carefully consider the advantages and limitations of each compound (Part I). We also discuss the recent advances in the field of protein kinase modulators, leverage molecular docking to model inhibitor-kinase interactions, and propose mechanisms of action that will aid in the design of next-generation protein kinase modulators (Part II).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shmuel Silnitsky
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Henrietta Szold St. 8, Safed 1311502, Israel; (S.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Samuel J. S. Rubin
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305, USA;
| | - Mulate Zerihun
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Henrietta Szold St. 8, Safed 1311502, Israel; (S.S.); (M.Z.)
| | - Nir Qvit
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Henrietta Szold St. 8, Safed 1311502, Israel; (S.S.); (M.Z.)
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Welters A, Leiter SM, Bachmann N, Bergmann C, Hoermann H, Korsch E, Meissner T, Payne F, Williams R, Hussain K, Semple RK, Kummer S. An expanded clinical spectrum of hypoinsulinaemic hypoketotic hypoglycaemia. Orphanet J Rare Dis 2023; 18:360. [PMID: 37974153 PMCID: PMC10652530 DOI: 10.1186/s13023-023-02954-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hypoketotic hypoglycaemia with suppressed plasma fatty acids and detectable insulin suggests congenital hyperinsulinism (CHI). Severe hypoketotic hypoglycaemia mimicking hyperinsulinism but without detectable insulin has recently been described in syndromic individuals with mosaic genetic activation of post-receptor insulin signalling. We set out to expand understanding of this entity focusing on metabolic phenotypes. METHODS Metabolic profiling, candidate gene and exome sequencing were performed in six infants with hypoketotic, hypoinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia, with or without syndromic features. Additional signalling studies were carried out in dermal fibroblasts from two individuals. RESULTS Two infants had no syndromic features. One was mistakenly diagnosed with CHI. One had mild features of megalencephaly-capillary malformation-polymicrogyria (MCAP) syndrome, one had non-specific macrosomia, and two had complex syndromes. All required intensive treatment to maintain euglycaemia, with CHI-directed therapies being ineffective. Pathogenic PIK3CA variants were found in two individuals - de novo germline c.323G>A (p.Arg108His) in one non-syndromic infant and postzygotic mosaic c.2740G>A (p.Gly914Arg) in the infant with MCAP. No causal variants were proven in the other individuals despite extensive investigation, although rare variants in mTORC components were identified in one. No increased PI3K signalling in fibroblasts of two individuals was seen. CONCLUSIONS We expand the spectrum of PI3K-related hypoinsulinaemic hypoketotic hypoglycaemia. We demonstrate that pathogenic germline variants activating post-insulin-receptor signalling may cause non-syndromic hypoinsulinaemic hypoketotic hypoglycaemia closely resembling CHI. This distinct biochemical footprint should be sought and differentiated from CHI in infantile hypoglycaemia. To facilitate adoption of this differential diagnosis, we propose the term "pseudohyperinsulinism".
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Welters
- Department of General Paediatrics, Neonatology and Paediatric Cardiology, Medical Faculty, University Children's Hospital, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sarah M Leiter
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Nadine Bachmann
- Medizinische Genetik Mainz, Limbach Genetics, Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Henrike Hoermann
- Department of General Paediatrics, Neonatology and Paediatric Cardiology, Medical Faculty, University Children's Hospital, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Eckhard Korsch
- Paediatric Endocrinology, Children's Hospital, Amsterdamer Straße 59, Cologne, Germany
| | - Thomas Meissner
- Department of General Paediatrics, Neonatology and Paediatric Cardiology, Medical Faculty, University Children's Hospital, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Felicity Payne
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Rachel Williams
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Khalid Hussain
- Department of Paediatric Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Sidra Medicine, Education City North Campus, Doha, Qatar
| | - Robert K Semple
- MRC Metabolic Diseases Unit, Wellcome-MRC Institute of Metabolic Science, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Cardiovascular Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Sebastian Kummer
- Department of General Paediatrics, Neonatology and Paediatric Cardiology, Medical Faculty, University Children's Hospital, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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Li S, Chen JS, Li X, Bai X, Shi D. MNK, mTOR or eIF4E-selecting the best anti-tumor target for blocking translation initiation. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115781. [PMID: 37669595 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023]
Abstract
Overexpression of eIF4E is common in patients with various solid tumors and hematologic cancers. As a potential anti-cancer target, eIF4E has attracted extensive attention from researchers. At the same time, mTOR kinases inhibitors and MNK kinases inhibitors, which are directly related to regulation of eIF4E, have been rapidly developed. To explore the optimal anti-cancer targets among MNK, mTOR, and eIF4E, this review provides a detailed classification and description of the anti-cancer activities of promising compounds. In addition, the structures and activities of some dual-target inhibitors are briefly described. By analyzing the different characteristics of the inhibitors, it can be concluded that MNK1/2 and eIF4E/eIF4G interaction inhibitors are superior to mTOR inhibitors. Simultaneous inhibition of MNK and eIF4E/eIF4G interaction may be the most promising anti-cancer method for targeting translation initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Jia-Shu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Xiangqian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Xiaoyi Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, PR China.
| | - Dayong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, 266237, Shandong, PR China.
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36
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Frappaolo A, Giansanti MG. Using Drosophila melanogaster to Dissect the Roles of the mTOR Signaling Pathway in Cell Growth. Cells 2023; 12:2622. [PMID: 37998357 PMCID: PMC10670727 DOI: 10.3390/cells12222622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The evolutionarily conserved target of rapamycin (TOR) serine/threonine kinase controls eukaryotic cell growth, metabolism and survival by integrating signals from the nutritional status and growth factors. TOR is the catalytic subunit of two distinct functional multiprotein complexes termed mTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1) and mTORC2, which phosphorylate a different set of substrates and display different physiological functions. Dysregulation of TOR signaling has been involved in the development and progression of several disease states including cancer and diabetes. Here, we highlight how genetic and biochemical studies in the model system Drosophila melanogaster have been crucial to identify the mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling components and to dissect their function in cellular growth, in strict coordination with insulin signaling. In addition, we review new findings that involve Drosophila Golgi phosphoprotein 3 in regulating organ growth via Rheb-mediated activation of mTORC1 in line with an emerging role for the Golgi as a major hub for mTORC1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Frappaolo
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, c/o Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Giansanti
- Istituto di Biologia e Patologia Molecolari del CNR, c/o Dipartimento di Biologia e Biotecnologie, Sapienza Università di Roma, 00185 Roma, Italy
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37
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Prosseda PP, Dannewitz Prosseda S, Tran M, Liton PB, Sun Y. Crosstalk between the mTOR pathway and primary cilia in human diseases. Curr Top Dev Biol 2023; 155:1-37. [PMID: 38043949 PMCID: PMC11227733 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ctdb.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy is a fundamental catabolic process whereby excessive or damaged cytoplasmic components are degraded through lysosomes to maintain cellular homeostasis. Studies of mTOR signaling have revealed that mTOR controls biomass generation and metabolism by modulating key cellular processes, including protein synthesis and autophagy. Primary cilia, the assembly of which depends on kinesin molecular motors, serve as sensory organelles and signaling platforms. Given these pathways' central role in maintaining cellular and physiological homeostasis, a connection between mTOR and primary cilia signaling is starting to emerge in a variety of diseases. In this review, we highlight recent advances in our understanding of the complex crosstalk between the mTOR pathway and cilia and discuss its function in the context of related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp P Prosseda
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | | | - Matthew Tran
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Paloma B Liton
- Department of Ophthalmology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Ophthalmology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States; Palo Alto Veterans Administration Medical Center, Palo Alto, CA, United States.
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Chen Y, Jiao D, He H, Sun H, Liu Y, Shi Q, Zhang P, Li Y, Mo R, Gao K, Wang C. Disruption of the Keap1-mTORC2 axis by cancer-derived Keap1/mLST8 mutations leads to oncogenic mTORC2-AKT activation. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102872. [PMID: 37688978 PMCID: PMC10498434 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which participates in the regulation of cellular growth and metabolism, is aberrantly regulated in various cancer types. The mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2), which consists of the core components mTOR, Rictor, mSin1, and mLST8, primarily responds to growth signals. However, the coordination between mTORC2 assembly and activity remains poorly understood. Keap1, a major sensor of oxidative stress in cells, functions as a substrate adaptor for Cullin 3-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase (CRL3) to promote proteasomal degradation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2), which is a transcription factor that protects cells against oxidative and electrophilic stress. In the present study, we demonstrate that Keap1 binds to mLST8 via a conserved ETGE motif. The CRL3Keap1 ubiquitin ligase complex promotes non-degradative ubiquitination of mLST8, thus reducing mTORC2 complex integrity and mTORC2-AKT activation. However, this effect can be prevented by oxidative/electrophilic stresses and growth factor signaling-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) burst. Cancer-derived Keap1 or mLST8 mutations disrupt the Keap1-mLST8 interaction and allow mLST8 to evade Keap1-mediated ubiquitination, thereby enhancing mTORC2-AKT activation and promoting cell malignancy and remodeling cell metabolism. Our findings provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of Keap1/mLST8 mutation-driven tumorigenesis by promoting mTORC2-AKT activation, which is independent of the canonical NRF2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingji Chen
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Dongyue Jiao
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Huiying He
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Huiru Sun
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Yajuan Liu
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Qing Shi
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Pingzhao Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center and Department of Pathology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Yao Li
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China
| | - Ren Mo
- Department of Urology, Inner Mongolia Urological Institute, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region People's Hospital, Hohhot, 010017, Inner Mongolia, PR China.
| | - Kun Gao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Maternal and Fetal Medicine, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai, 200092, PR China.
| | - Chenji Wang
- Shanghai Stomatological Hospital & School of Stomatology, State Key Lab of Genetic Engineering, MOE Engineering Research Center of Gene Technology, Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Industrial Microorganisms, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, PR China.
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Santos BF, Grenho I, Martel PJ, Ferreira BI, Link W. FOXO family isoforms. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:702. [PMID: 37891184 PMCID: PMC10611805 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06177-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
FOXO family of proteins are transcription factors involved in many physiological and pathological processes including cellular homeostasis, stem cell maintenance, cancer, metabolic, and cardiovascular diseases. Genetic evidence has been accumulating to suggest a prominent role of FOXOs in lifespan regulation in animal systems from hydra, C elegans, Drosophila, and mice. Together with the observation that FOXO3 is the second most replicated gene associated with extreme human longevity suggests that pharmacological targeting of FOXO proteins can be a promising approach to treat cancer and other age-related diseases and extend life and health span. However, due to the broad range of cellular functions of the FOXO family members FOXO1, 3, 4, and 6, isoform-specific targeting of FOXOs might lead to greater benefits and cause fewer side effects. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the common and specific features of these proteins as well as their redundant and specific functions in our cells represents the basis of specific targeting strategies. In this review, we provide an overview of the evolution, structure, function, and disease-relevance of each of the FOXO family members.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno F Santos
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute-ABC-RI, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Centro Hospitalar Universitário do Algarve (CHUA). Rua Leão Penedo, 8000-386, Faro, Portugal
| | - Inês Grenho
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute-ABC-RI, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Paulo J Martel
- Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS)@RISE, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal
| | - Bibiana I Ferreira
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute-ABC-RI, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
- Algarve Biomedical Center (ABC), University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Campus de Gambelas, 8005-139, Faro, Portugal.
| | - Wolfgang Link
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols" (CSIC-UAM). Arturo Duperier 4, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
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Zhang F, Cheng T, Zhang SX. Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR): a potential new therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis Res Ther 2023; 25:187. [PMID: 37784141 PMCID: PMC10544394 DOI: 10.1186/s13075-023-03181-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by systemic synovitis and bone destruction. Proinflammatory cytokines activate pathways of immune-mediated inflammation, which aggravates RA. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway associated with RA connects immune and metabolic signals, which regulates immune cell proliferation and differentiation, macrophage polarization and migration, antigen presentation, and synovial cell activation. Therefore, therapy strategies targeting mTOR have become an important direction of current RA treatment research. In the current review, we summarize the biological functions of mTOR, its regulatory effects on inflammation, and the curative effects of mTOR inhibitors in RA, thus providing references for the development of RA therapeutic targets and new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fen Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Xinghualing District, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi Province, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Ting Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Xinghualing District, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi Province, China
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Sheng-Xiao Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Xinghualing District, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi Province, China.
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Rheumatism Immune Microecology, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China.
- Key Laboratory of Cellular Physiology at Shanxi Medical University, Ministry of Education, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China.
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Tang Z, Shi H, Chen C, Teng J, Dai J, Ouyang X, Liu H, Hu Q, Cheng X, Ye J, Su Y, Sun Y, Pan H, Wang X, Liu J, Su B, Yang C, Xu Y, Liu T. Activation of Platelet mTORC2/Akt Pathway by Anti-β2GP1 Antibody Promotes Thrombosis in Antiphospholipid Syndrome. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2023; 43:1818-1832. [PMID: 37381985 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.123.318978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anti-β2GP1 (β2-glycoprotein 1) antibodies are the primary pathogenic antibody to promote thrombosis in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), yet the underlying mechanism remains obscure. We aimed to explore the intracellular pathway that mediated platelet activation. METHODS Platelets were isolated from patients with APS and subjected to RNA sequencing. Platelet aggregation, the release of platelet granules, platelet spreading, and clot retraction were detected to evaluate platelet activation. We purified anti-β2GP1 antibodies from patients with APS and the total IgG from healthy donors to stimulate platelets with/without FcγRIIA (Fcγ receptor IIA) blocking antibody or Akt (protein kinase B) inhibitor. Platelet-specific Sin1 (stress-activated protein kinase-interacting protein) deficiency mice were established. The thrombus model of inferior vena cava flow restriction, ferric chloride-induced carotid injury model, and laser-induced vessel wall injury in cremaster arterioles model were constructed after administration of anti-β2GP1 antibodies. RESULTS Combined RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis suggested that APS platelets exhibited increased levels of mRNA associated with platelet activation, which was in line with the hyperactivation of APS platelets in response to stimuli. Platelet activation in APS platelets was accompanied by upregulation of the mTORC2 (mammalian target of the rapamycin complex 2)/Akt pathway and increased levels of SIN1 phosphorylation at threonine 86. Anti-β2GP1 antibody derived from patients with APS enhanced platelet activation and upregulated the mTORC2/Akt pathway. Moreover, the Akt inhibitor weakened the potentiating effect of the anti-β2GP1 antibody on platelet activation. Notably, Sin1 deficiency suppresses anti-β2GP1 antibody-enhanced platelet activation in vitro and thrombosis in all 3 models. CONCLUSIONS This study elucidated the novel mechanism involving the mTORC2/Akt pathway, which mediates the promotion of platelet activation and induction of thrombosis by the anti-β2GP1 antibody. The findings suggest that SIN1 may be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of APS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Tang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital (Z.T., H.S., J.T., H.L., Q.H., X.C., J.Y., Y. Su, Y. Sun, H.P., C.Y., T.L.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Hui Shi
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital (Z.T., H.S., J.T., H.L., Q.H., X.C., J.Y., Y. Su, Y. Sun, H.P., C.Y., T.L.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Changming Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital (C.C., J.D., X.W.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Jialin Teng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital (Z.T., H.S., J.T., H.L., Q.H., X.C., J.Y., Y. Su, Y. Sun, H.P., C.Y., T.L.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Jing Dai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital (C.C., J.D., X.W.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Xinxing Ouyang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Death and Differentiation (X.O., B.S.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
- Department of Tumor Biology, Shanghai Chest Hospital (X.O.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Honglei Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital (Z.T., H.S., J.T., H.L., Q.H., X.C., J.Y., Y. Su, Y. Sun, H.P., C.Y., T.L.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Qiongyi Hu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital (Z.T., H.S., J.T., H.L., Q.H., X.C., J.Y., Y. Su, Y. Sun, H.P., C.Y., T.L.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Xiaobing Cheng
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital (Z.T., H.S., J.T., H.L., Q.H., X.C., J.Y., Y. Su, Y. Sun, H.P., C.Y., T.L.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Junna Ye
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital (Z.T., H.S., J.T., H.L., Q.H., X.C., J.Y., Y. Su, Y. Sun, H.P., C.Y., T.L.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Yutong Su
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital (Z.T., H.S., J.T., H.L., Q.H., X.C., J.Y., Y. Su, Y. Sun, H.P., C.Y., T.L.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Yue Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital (Z.T., H.S., J.T., H.L., Q.H., X.C., J.Y., Y. Su, Y. Sun, H.P., C.Y., T.L.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Haoyu Pan
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital (Z.T., H.S., J.T., H.L., Q.H., X.C., J.Y., Y. Su, Y. Sun, H.P., C.Y., T.L.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ruijin Hospital (C.C., J.D., X.W.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Junling Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology (J.L., Y.X.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Bing Su
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Death and Differentiation (X.O., B.S.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
- Center for Human Translational Immunology at Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Ruijin Hospital (B.S.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine-Yale Institute for Immune Metabolism (B.S.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Radiation Oncology of Hunan Province, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China (B.S.)
| | - Chengde Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital (Z.T., H.S., J.T., H.L., Q.H., X.C., J.Y., Y. Su, Y. Sun, H.P., C.Y., T.L.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Yanyan Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology (J.L., Y.X.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Ruijin Hospital (Z.T., H.S., J.T., H.L., Q.H., X.C., J.Y., Y. Su, Y. Sun, H.P., C.Y., T.L.), Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, China
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42
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Torres-Montaner A. Interactions between the DNA Damage Response and the Telomere Complex in Carcinogenesis: A Hypothesis. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:7582-7616. [PMID: 37754262 PMCID: PMC10527771 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45090478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Contrary to what was once thought, direct cancer originating from normal stem cells seems to be extremely rare. This is consistent with a preneoplastic period of telomere length reduction/damage in committed cells that becomes stabilized in transformation. Multiple observations suggest that telomere damage is an obligatory step preceding its stabilization. During tissue turnover, the telomeres of cells undergoing differentiation can be damaged as a consequence of defective DNA repair caused by endogenous or exogenous agents. This may result in the emergence of new mechanism of telomere maintenance which is the final outcome of DNA damage and the initial signal that triggers malignant transformation. Instead, transformation of stem cells is directly induced by primary derangement of telomere maintenance mechanisms. The newly modified telomere complex may promote survival of cancer stem cells, independently of telomere maintenance. An inherent resistance of stem cells to transformation may be linked to specific, robust mechanisms that help maintain telomere integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Torres-Montaner
- Department of Pathology, Queen’s Hospital, Rom Valley Way, Romford, London RM7 OAG, UK;
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biologia Molecular, Universidad de Cadiz, Puerto Real, 11510 Cadiz, Spain
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43
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Cortada M, Levano S, Hall MN, Bodmer D. mTORC2 regulates auditory hair cell structure and function. iScience 2023; 26:107687. [PMID: 37694145 PMCID: PMC10484995 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
mTOR broadly controls cell growth, but little is known about the role of mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) in the inner ear. To investigate the role of mTORC2 in sensory hair cells (HCs), we generated HC-specific Rictor knockout (HC-RicKO) mice. HC-RicKO mice exhibited early-onset, progressive, and profound hearing loss. Increased DPOAE thresholds indicated outer HC dysfunction. HCs are lost, but this occurs after hearing loss. Ultrastructural analysis revealed stunted and absent stereocilia in outer HCs. In inner HCs, the number of synapses was significantly decreased and the remaining synapses displayed a disrupted actin cytoskeleton and disorganized Ca2+ channels. Thus, the mTORC2 signaling pathway plays an important role in regulating auditory HC structure and function via regulation of the actin cytoskeleton. These results provide molecular insights on a central regulator of cochlear HCs and thus hearing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Cortada
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Soledad Levano
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | | | - Daniel Bodmer
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
- Clinic for Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University of Basel Hospital, CH-4031 Basel, Switzerland
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44
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Zhao Y, Zhao C, Guo H, Zhang Z, Xu H, Shi M, Xu Y, Wei D, Zhao Y. mTORC2 orchestrates monocytic and granulocytic lineage commitment by an ATF5-mediated pathway. iScience 2023; 26:107540. [PMID: 37649699 PMCID: PMC10462862 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Myeloid hematopoiesis is a finely controlled consecutive developmental process, which is essential to maintain peripheral innate immune homeostasis. Herein, we found that Rictor deletion caused the remarkable reduction of granulocyte-monocyte progenitors (GMPs), monocytes, and macrophages, while the levels of neutrophils were unaffected. Adoptive transfer of Rictor-deleted GMPs or common myeloid progenitors (CMPs) in syngeneic mice showed poor re-constitution of monocytes compared to wild-type GMPs or CMPs. In addition to decreasing the proliferation of CMPs/GMPs, Rictor deletion preferentially inhibited Ly6C+ monocyte differentiation, while enhancing neutrophil differentiation, as determined by colony formation assays. mTORC2 promotes monocyte development by downregulation of the AKT-Foxo4-activating transcription factor 5 (ATF5)-mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR) pathway. Genetic overexpression of ATF5 or exposure to ethidium bromide significantly rescued monocyte/macrophage differentiation defects of Rictor-deficient myeloid progenitors. Therefore, Rictor is required for CMP/GMP proliferation and acts as an important switch to balance monocytic and granulocytic lineage commitment in bone marrow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Chenxu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Han Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
| | - Zhaoqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Huawen Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mingpu Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yanan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Dong Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
| | - Yong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing 100101, China
- Faculty of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, CAS Key Laboratory of Quantitative Engineering Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Synthetic Biology, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China
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45
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Sparta B, Kosaisawe N, Pargett M, Patankar M, DeCuzzi N, Albeck JG. Continuous sensing of nutrients and growth factors by the mTORC1-TFEB axis. eLife 2023; 12:e74903. [PMID: 37698461 PMCID: PMC10547473 DOI: 10.7554/elife.74903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
mTORC1 senses nutrients and growth factors and phosphorylates downstream targets, including the transcription factor TFEB, to coordinate metabolic supply and demand. These functions position mTORC1 as a central controller of cellular homeostasis, but the behavior of this system in individual cells has not been well characterized. Here, we provide measurements necessary to refine quantitative models for mTORC1 as a metabolic controller. We developed a series of fluorescent protein-TFEB fusions and a multiplexed immunofluorescence approach to investigate how combinations of stimuli jointly regulate mTORC1 signaling at the single-cell level. Live imaging of individual MCF10A cells confirmed that mTORC1-TFEB signaling responds continuously to individual, sequential, or simultaneous treatment with amino acids and the growth factor insulin. Under physiologically relevant concentrations of amino acids, we observe correlated fluctuations in TFEB, AMPK, and AKT signaling that indicate continuous activity adjustments to nutrient availability. Using partial least squares regression modeling, we show that these continuous gradations are connected to protein synthesis rate via a distributed network of mTORC1 effectors, providing quantitative support for the qualitative model of mTORC1 as a homeostatic controller and clarifying its functional behavior within individual cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breanne Sparta
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Nont Kosaisawe
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Michael Pargett
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Madhura Patankar
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, DavisDavisUnited States
| | - Nicholaus DeCuzzi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, DavisDavisUnited States
| | - John G Albeck
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, DavisDavisUnited States
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46
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Mahmud J, Geiler BW, Biswas J, Miller MJ, Myers JE, Matthews SM, Wass AB, O'Connor CM, Chan GC. Virion-associated US28 rapidly modulates Akt activity to suppress HCMV lytic replication in monocytes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.05.556359. [PMID: 37732204 PMCID: PMC10508783 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.05.556359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Establishing a non-productive quiescent/silent infection within monocytes is essential for spread of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). Yet, how HCMV establishes a quiescent infection in monocytes remains unclear. US28 is a viral G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) essential for silent infections within cells of the myeloid lineage. We found virion-associated US28 was rapidly delivered to monocytes, while de novo synthesized US28 was delayed for several days. A recombinant mutant virus lacking US28 (US28Δ) was unable to establish a quiescent infection, resulting in a fully productive lytic replication cycle. Mechanistically, viral entry of US28Δ phosphorylated Akt at both serine 473 (S473) and threonine 308 (T308), which contrasted with the site-specific phosphorylation of Akt at S473 following WT infection. Preventing Akt bi-phosphorylation prevented lytic replication of US28Δ, and ectopic expression of a constitutively phosphorylated Akt variant triggered lytic replication of WT infection. Our data demonstrate that virion-delivered US28 fine-tunes Akt activity to permit HCMV infection to enter a quiescent state following primary infection of monocytes.
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47
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Kazyken D, Lentz SI, Wadley M, Fingar DC. Alkaline intracellular pH (pHi) increases PI3K activity to promote mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling and function during growth factor limitation. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105097. [PMID: 37507012 PMCID: PMC10477693 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The conserved protein kinase mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) responds to diverse environmental cues to control cell metabolism and promote cell growth, proliferation, and survival as part of two multiprotein complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2. Our prior work demonstrated that an alkaline intracellular pH (pHi) increases mTORC2 activity and cell survival in complete media in part by activating AMP-activated protein kinase, a kinase best known to sense energetic stress. It is important to note that an alkaline pHi represents an underappreciated hallmark of cancer cells that promotes their oncogenic behaviors. In addition, mechanisms that control mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling and function remain incompletely defined, particularly in response to stress conditions. Here, we demonstrate that an alkaline pHi increases phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) activity to promote mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling in the absence of serum growth factors. Alkaline pHi increases mTORC1 activity through PI3K-Akt signaling, which mediates inhibitory phosphorylation of the upstream proteins tuberous sclerosis complex 2 and proline-rich Akt substrate of 40 kDa and dissociates tuberous sclerosis complex from lysosomal membranes, thus enabling Rheb-mediated activation of mTORC1. Thus, alkaline pHi mimics growth factor-PI3K signaling. Functionally, we also demonstrate that an alkaline pHi increases cap-dependent protein synthesis through inhibitory phosphorylation of eIF4E binding protein 1 and suppresses apoptosis in a PI3K- and mTOR-dependent manner. We speculate that an alkaline pHi promotes a low basal level of cell metabolism (e.g., protein synthesis) that enables cancer cells within growing tumors to proliferate and survive despite limiting growth factors and nutrients, in part through elevated PI3K-mTORC1 and/or PI3K-mTORC2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dubek Kazyken
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
| | - Stephen I Lentz
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Metabolism, Endocrinology, and Diabetes, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Maxwell Wadley
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Diane C Fingar
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
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48
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Tserunyan V, Finley SD. A systems and computational biology perspective on advancing CAR therapy. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 94:34-49. [PMID: 37263529 PMCID: PMC10529846 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
In the recent decades, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy signaled a new revolutionary approach to cancer treatment. This method seeks to engineer immune cells expressing an artificially designed receptor, which would endue those cells with the ability to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. While some CAR therapies received FDA approval and others are subject to clinical trials, many aspects of their workings remain elusive. Techniques of systems and computational biology have been frequently employed to explain the operating principles of CAR therapy and suggest further design improvements. In this review, we sought to provide a comprehensive account of those efforts. Specifically, we discuss various computational models of CAR therapy ranging in scale from organismal to molecular. Then, we describe the molecular and functional properties of costimulatory domains frequently incorporated in CAR structure. Finally, we describe the signaling cascades by which those costimulatory domains elicit cellular response against the target. We hope that this comprehensive summary of computational and experimental studies will further motivate the use of systems approaches in advancing CAR therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vardges Tserunyan
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stacey D Finley
- Department of Quantitative and Computational Biology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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49
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Fu Y, Fu Z, Su Z, Li L, Yang Y, Tan Y, Xiang Y, Shi Y, Xie S, Sun L, Peng G. mLST8 is essential for coronavirus replication and regulates its replication through the mTORC1 pathway. mBio 2023; 14:e0089923. [PMID: 37377422 PMCID: PMC10470783 DOI: 10.1128/mbio.00899-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronaviruses (CoVs), which pose a serious threat to human and animal health worldwide, need to hijack host factors to complete their replicative cycles. However, the current study of host factors involved in CoV replication remains unknown. Here, we identified a novel host factor, mammalian lethal with sec-13 protein 8 (mLST8), which is a common subunit of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2), and is critical for CoV replication. Inhibitor and knockout (KO) experiments revealed that mTORC1, but not mTORC2, is essential for transmissible gastroenteritis virus replication. Furthermore, mLST8 KO reduced the phosphorylation of unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1), a factor downstream of the mTORC1 signaling pathway, and mechanistic studies revealed that decreased phosphorylation of the mTORC1 downstream factor ULK1 promoted the activation of autophagy, which is responsible for antiviral replication in mLST8 KO cells. Then, transmission electron microscopy indicated that both mLST8 KO and autophagy activator inhibited the formation of double-membrane vesicles in early viral replication. Finally, mLST8 KO and autophagy activator treatment could also inhibit the replication of other CoVs, indicating a conserved relationship between autophagy activation and CoV replication. In summary, our work reveals that mLST8 is a novel host regulator of CoV replication, which provides new insights into the mechanism of CoV replication and can facilitate the development of broad-spectrum antiviral drugs. IMPORTANCE CoVs are highly variable, and existing CoV vaccines are still limited in their ability to address mutations in CoVs. Therefore, the need to improve our understanding of the interaction of CoVs with the host during viral replication and to find targets for drugs against CoVs is urgent. Here, we found that a novel host factor, mLST8, is critical for CoV infection. Further studies showed that mLST8 KO inhibited the mTORC1 signaling pathway, and we found that autophagy activation downstream of mTORC1 was the main cause of antiviral replication in mLST8 KO cells. Autophagy activation impaired the formation of DMVs and inhibited early viral replication. These findings deepen our understanding of the CoV replication process and provide insights into potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanan Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhen Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhelin Su
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Lisha Li
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Yilin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Yubei Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Yixin Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuejun Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Shengsong Xie
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Ministry of Education & Key Lab of Swine Genetics and Breeding of Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Limeng Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
| | - Guiqing Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Preventive Veterinary Medicine in Hubei Province, The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Prevention & Control for African Swine Fever and Other Major Pig Diseases, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Wuhan, China
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Gargalionis AN, Papavassiliou KA, Papavassiliou AG. Implication of mTOR Signaling in NSCLC: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives. Cells 2023; 12:2014. [PMID: 37566093 PMCID: PMC10416991 DOI: 10.3390/cells12152014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway represents a central cellular kinase that controls cell survival and metabolism. Increased mTOR activation, along with upregulation of respective upstream and downstream signaling components, have been established as oncogenic features in cancer cells in various tumor types. Nevertheless, mTOR pathway therapeutic targeting has been proven to be quite challenging in various clinical settings. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a frequent type of solid tumor in both genders, where aberrant regulation of the mTOR pathway contributes to the development of oncogenesis, apoptosis resistance, angiogenesis, cancer progression, and metastasis. In this context, the outcome of mTOR pathway targeting in clinical trials still demonstrates unsatisfactory results. Herewith, we discuss recent findings regarding the mechanisms and therapeutic targeting of mTOR signaling networks in NSCLC, as well as future perspectives for the efficient application of treatments against mTOR and related protein molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonios N. Gargalionis
- Department of Biopathology, ‘Eginition’ Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11528 Athens, Greece;
| | - Kostas A. Papavassiliou
- First University Department of Respiratory Medicine, ‘Sotiria’ Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece;
| | - Athanasios G. Papavassiliou
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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