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Werlen G, Hernandez T, Jacinto E. Food for thought: Nutrient metabolism controlling early T cell development. Bioessays 2025; 47:e2400179. [PMID: 39504233 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202400179] [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: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 10/11/2024] [Accepted: 10/15/2024] [Indexed: 11/08/2024]
Abstract
T cells develop in the thymus by expressing a diverse repertoire of either αβ- or γδ-T cell receptors (TCR). While many studies have elucidated how TCR signaling and gene expression control T cell ontogeny, the role of nutrient metabolism is just emerging. Here, we discuss how metabolic reprogramming and nutrient availability impact the fate of developing thymic T cells. We focus on how the PI3K/mTOR signaling mediates various extracellular inputs and how this signaling pathway controls metabolic rewiring during highly proliferative and anabolic developmental stages. We highlight the role of the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway that generates metabolites that are utilized for N- and O-linked glycosylation of proteins and how it impacts TCR expression during T cell ontogeny. We consider the dichotomy in metabolic needs during αβ- versus γδ-T cell lineage commitment as well as how metabolism is also coupled to molecular signaling that controls cell fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Werlen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Tatiana Hernandez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
| | - Estela Jacinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, New Jersey, USA
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2
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Gong GQ, Anandapadamanaban M, Islam MS, Hay IM, Bourguet M, Špokaitė S, Dessus AN, Ohashi Y, Perisic O, Williams RL. Making PI3K superfamily enzymes run faster. Adv Biol Regul 2024:101060. [PMID: 39592347 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2024.101060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2024] [Accepted: 11/16/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024]
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) superfamily includes lipid kinases (PI3Ks and type III PI4Ks) and a group of PI3K-like Ser/Thr protein kinases (PIKKs: mTOR, ATM, ATR, DNA-PKcs, SMG1 and TRRAP) that have a conserved C-terminal kinase domain. A common feature of the superfamily is that they have very low basal activity that can be greatly increased by a range of regulatory factors. Activators reconfigure the active site, causing a subtle realignment of the N-lobe of the kinase domain relative to the C-lobe. This realignment brings the ATP-binding loop in the N-lobe closer to the catalytic residues in the C-lobe. In addition, a conserved C-lobe feature known as the PIKK regulatory domain (PRD) also can change conformation, and PI3K activators can alter an analogous PRD-like region. Recent structures have shown that diverse activating influences can trigger these conformational changes, and a helical region clamping onto the kinase domain transmits regulatory interactions to bring about the active site realignment for more efficient catalysis. A recent report of a small-molecule activator of PI3Kα for application in nerve regeneration suggests that flexibility of these regulatory elements might be exploited to develop specific activators of all PI3K superfamily members. These activators could have roles in wound healing, anti-stroke therapy and treating neurodegeneration. We review common structural features of the PI3K superfamily that may make them amenable to activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Q Gong
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK; University College London Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Md Saiful Islam
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Iain M Hay
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Maxime Bourguet
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Saulė Špokaitė
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Antoine N Dessus
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Yohei Ohashi
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Olga Perisic
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK
| | - Roger L Williams
- MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Francis Crick Avenue, Cambridge, CB2 0QH, UK.
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3
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Chu L, Liu A, Chang J, Zhang J, Hou X, Zhu X, Xing Q, Bao Z. TORC1 Regulates Thermotolerance via Modulating Metabolic Rate and Antioxidant Capacity in Scallop Argopecten irradians irradians. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:1359. [PMID: 39594501 PMCID: PMC11591371 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13111359] [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: 08/25/2024] [Revised: 11/03/2024] [Accepted: 11/04/2024] [Indexed: 11/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) is a key regulator of metabolism in eukaryotes across multiple pathways. Although TORC1 has been extensively studied in vertebrates and some invertebrates, research on this complex in scallops is limited. In this study, we identified the genes encoding TORC1 complex subunits in the scallop Argopecten irradians irradians through genome-wide in silico scanning. Five genes, including TOR, RAPTOR, LST8, DEPTOR, and PRAS40, that encode the subunits of TORC1 complex were identified in the bay scallop. We then conducted structural characterization and phylogenetic analysis of the A. i. irradians TORC1 (AiTORC1) subunits to determine their structural features and evolutionary relationships. Next, we analyzed the spatiotemporal expressions of AiTORC1-coding genes during various embryo/larvae developmental stages and across different tissues in healthy adult scallops. The results revealed stage- and tissue-specific expression patterns, suggesting diverse roles in development and growth. Furthermore, the regulation of AiTORC1-coding genes was examined in temperature-sensitive tissues (the mantle, gill, hemocyte, and heart) of bay scallops exposed to high-temperature (32 °C) stress over different durations (0 h, 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, 3 d, 6 d, and 10 d). The expression of AiTORC1-coding genes was predominantly suppressed in the hemocyte but was generally activated in the mantle, gill, and heart, indicating a tissue-specific response to heat stress. Finally, functional validation was performed using the TOR inhibitor rapamycin to suppress AiTORC1, leading to an enhanced catabolism, a decreased antioxidant capacity, and a significant reduction in thermotolerance in bay scallops. Collectively, this study elucidates the presence, structural features, evolutional relationships, expression profiles, and roles in antioxidant capacity and metabolism regulation of AiTORC1 in the bay scallop, providing a preliminary understanding of its versatile functions in response to high-temperature challenges in marine mollusks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longfei Chu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (L.C.); (A.L.); (J.C.); (J.Z.); (X.H.); (X.Z.); (Z.B.)
| | - Ancheng Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (L.C.); (A.L.); (J.C.); (J.Z.); (X.H.); (X.Z.); (Z.B.)
| | - Jiaxi Chang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (L.C.); (A.L.); (J.C.); (J.Z.); (X.H.); (X.Z.); (Z.B.)
| | - Junhao Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (L.C.); (A.L.); (J.C.); (J.Z.); (X.H.); (X.Z.); (Z.B.)
| | - Xiujiang Hou
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (L.C.); (A.L.); (J.C.); (J.Z.); (X.H.); (X.Z.); (Z.B.)
| | - Xinghai Zhu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (L.C.); (A.L.); (J.C.); (J.Z.); (X.H.); (X.Z.); (Z.B.)
| | - Qiang Xing
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (L.C.); (A.L.); (J.C.); (J.Z.); (X.H.); (X.Z.); (Z.B.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
| | - Zhenmin Bao
- MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, 5 Yushan Road, Qingdao 266003, China; (L.C.); (A.L.); (J.C.); (J.Z.); (X.H.); (X.Z.); (Z.B.)
- Laboratory for Marine Fisheries Science and Food Production Processes, Qingdao Marine Science and Technology Center, Qingdao 266237, China
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Chadha Y, Khurana A, Schmoller KM. Eukaryotic cell size regulation and its implications for cellular function and dysfunction. Physiol Rev 2024; 104:1679-1717. [PMID: 38900644 PMCID: PMC11495193 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00046.2023] [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: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Depending on cell type, environmental inputs, and disease, the cells in the human body can have widely different sizes. In recent years, it has become clear that cell size is a major regulator of cell function. However, we are only beginning to understand how the optimization of cell function determines a given cell's optimal size. Here, we review currently known size control strategies of eukaryotic cells and the intricate link of cell size to intracellular biomolecular scaling, organelle homeostasis, and cell cycle progression. We detail the cell size-dependent regulation of early development and the impact of cell size on cell differentiation. Given the importance of cell size for normal cellular physiology, cell size control must account for changing environmental conditions. We describe how cells sense environmental stimuli, such as nutrient availability, and accordingly adapt their size by regulating cell growth and cell cycle progression. Moreover, we discuss the correlation of pathological states with misregulation of cell size and how for a long time this was considered a downstream consequence of cellular dysfunction. We review newer studies that reveal a reversed causality, with misregulated cell size leading to pathophysiological phenotypes such as senescence and aging. In summary, we highlight the important roles of cell size in cellular function and dysfunction, which could have major implications for both diagnostics and treatment in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yagya Chadha
- Institute of Functional Epigenetics, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Arohi Khurana
- Institute of Functional Epigenetics, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kurt M Schmoller
- Institute of Functional Epigenetics, Molecular Targets and Therapeutics Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
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5
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Zhang B, Zhang J, Chen H, Qiao D, Guo F, Hu X, Qin C, Jin X, Zhang K, Wang C, Cui H, Li S. Role of FMRP in AKT/mTOR pathway-mediated hippocampal autophagy in fragile X syndrome. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111036. [PMID: 38823765 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is caused by epigenetic silencing of the Fmr1 gene, leading to the deletion of the coding protein FMRP. FXS induces abnormal hippocampal autophagy and mTOR overactivation. However, it remains unclear whether FMRP regulates hippocampal autophagy through the AKT/mTOR pathway, which influences the neural behavior of FXS. Our study revealed that FMRP deficiency increased the protein levels of p-ULK-1 and p62 and decreased LC3II/LC3I level in Fmr1 knockout (KO) mice. The mouse hippocampal neuronal cell line HT22 with knockdown of Fmr1 by lentivirus showed that the protein levels of p-ULK-1 and p62 were increased, whereas LC3II/LC3I was unchanged. Further observations revealed that FMRP deficiency obstructed autophagic flow in HT22 cells. Therefore, FMRP deficiency inhibited autophagy in the mouse hippocampus and HT22 cells. Moreover, FMRP deficiency increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, decreased the co-localization between the mitochondrial outer membrane proteins TOM20 and LC3 in HT22 cells, and caused a decrease in the mitochondrial autophagy protein PINK1 in HT22 cells and Fmr1 KO mice, indicating that FMRP deficiency caused mitochondrial autophagy disorder in HT22 cells and Fmr1 KO mice. To explore the mechanism by which FMRP deficiency inhibits autophagy, we examined the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in the hippocampus of Fmr1 KO mice, found that FMRP deficiency caused overactivation of the AKT/mTOR pathway. Rapamycin-mediated mTOR inhibition activated and enhanced mitochondrial autophagy. Finally, we examined whether rapamycin affected the neurobehavior of Fmr1 KO mice. The Fmr1 KO mice exhibited stereotypical behavior, impaired social ability, and learning and memory impairment, while rapamycin treatment improved behavioral disorders in Fmr1 KO mice. Thus, our study revealed the molecular mechanism by which FMRP regulates autophagy function, clarifying the role of hippocampal neuron mitochondrial autophagy in the pathogenesis of FXS, and providing novel insights into potential therapeutic targets of FXS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Zhang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Jingbao Zhang
- Grade 2020, Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Dan Qiao
- Department of Human Anatomy, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Fangzhen Guo
- Department of Human Anatomy, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Xiangting Hu
- Grade 2020, Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Chao Qin
- Grade 2021, Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Xiaowen Jin
- Grade 2021, Basic Medicine, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Kaixi Zhang
- Grade 2021, 5+3 Integrated pediatrics, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, Hebei, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China
| | - Huixian Cui
- Department of Human Anatomy, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
| | - Sha Li
- Department of Human Anatomy, Neuroscience Research Center, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; Hebei Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Disease Mechanism, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050017, China; The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology of Ministry of Education, Shijiazhuang 050017, China.
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Ashraf N, Van Nostrand JL. Fine-tuning AMPK in physiology and disease using point-mutant mouse models. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050798. [PMID: 39136185 PMCID: PMC11340815 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050798] [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] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase that monitors the cellular energy status to adapt it to the fluctuating nutritional and environmental conditions in an organism. AMPK plays an integral part in a wide array of physiological processes, such as cell growth, autophagy and mitochondrial function, and is implicated in diverse diseases, including cancer, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases and neurodegenerative diseases. AMPK orchestrates many different physiological outcomes by phosphorylating a broad range of downstream substrates. However, the importance of AMPK-mediated regulation of these substrates in vivo remains an ongoing area of investigation to better understand its precise role in cellular and metabolic homeostasis. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of our understanding of the kinase function of AMPK in vivo, as uncovered from mouse models that harbor phosphorylation mutations in AMPK substrates. We discuss some of the inherent limitations of these mouse models, highlight the broader implications of these studies for understanding human health and disease, and explore the valuable insights gained that could inform future therapeutic strategies for the treatment of metabolic and non-metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naghmana Ashraf
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jeanine L. Van Nostrand
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Li Y, Xu C, Qian X, Wang G, Han C, Hua H, Dong M, Chen J, Yu H, Zhang R, Feng X, Yang Z, Pan Y. Myeloid PTEN loss affects the therapeutic response by promoting stress granule assembly and impairing phagocytosis by macrophages in breast cancer. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:344. [PMID: 39080255 PMCID: PMC11289284 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-02094-0] [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: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 06/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BRCA) has become the most common type of cancer in women. Improving the therapeutic response remains a challenge. Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) is a classic tumour suppressor with emerging new functions discovered in recent years, and myeloid PTEN loss has been reported to impair antitumour immunity. In this study, we revealed a novel mechanism by which myeloid PTEN potentially affects antitumour immunity in BRCA. We detected accelerated stress granule (SG) assembly under oxidative stress in PTEN-deficient bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) through the EGR1-promoted upregulation of TIAL1 transcription. PI3K/AKT/mTOR (PAM) pathway activation also promoted SG formation. ATP consumption during SG assembly in BMDMs impaired the phagocytic ability of 4T1 cells, potentially contributing to the disruption of antitumour immunity. In a BRCA neoadjuvant cohort, we observed a poorer response in myeloid PTENlow patients with G3BP1 aggregating as SGs in CD68+ cells, a finding that was consistent with the observation in our study that PTEN-deficient macrophages tended to more readily assemble SGs with impaired phagocytosis. Our results revealed the unconventional impact of SGs on BMDMs and might provide new perspectives on drug resistance and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of BRCA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Li
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Chao Xu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Xiaojun Qian
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Chaoqiang Han
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Hui Hua
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Menghao Dong
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Haiyang Yu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Rutong Zhang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Xiaoxi Feng
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Zhenye Yang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
| | - Yueyin Pan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
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8
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Sun Q, Chu Y, Zhang N, Chen R, Wang L, Wu J, Dong Y, Li H, Wang L, Tang L, Zhan C, Zhang JQ. Design, Synthesis, Formulation, and Bioevaluation of Trisubstituted Triazines as Highly Selective mTOR Inhibitors for the Treatment of Human Breast Cancer. J Med Chem 2024. [PMID: 38661655 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
The aberrant activation of the PI3K/mTOR signaling pathway is implicated in various human cancers. Thus, the development of inhibitors targeting mTOR has attracted considerable attention. In this study, we used a structure-based drug design strategy to discover a highly potent and kinase-selective mTOR inhibitor 24 (PT-88), which demonstrated an mTOR inhibitory IC50 value of 1.2 nM without obvious inhibition against another 195 kinases from the kinase profiling screening. PT-88 displayed selective inhibition against MCF-7 cells (IC50: 0.74 μM) with high biosafety against normal cells, in which autophagy induced by mTOR inhibition was implicated. After successful encapsulation in a lipodisc formulation, PT-88 demonstrated favorable pharmacokinetic and biosafety profiles and exerted a large antitumor effect in an MCF-7 subcutaneous bearing nude mice model. Our study shows the discovery of a highly selective mTOR inhibitor using a structure-based drug discovery strategy and provides a promising antitumor candidate for future study and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiwen Sun
- Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, P. R. China
| | - Yuxiu Chu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Pudong Hospital & Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Nana Zhang
- Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, P. R. China
| | - Rui Chen
- Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, P. R. China
| | - Lili Wang
- Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, P. R. China
| | - Jiangxia Wu
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Yongxi Dong
- Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, P. R. China
| | - Hongliang Li
- School of Medicine, Yunnan University, 2 Cuihu North Road, Kunming 650091, China
| | - Ling Wang
- School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P. R. China
| | - Lei Tang
- Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, P. R. China
| | - Changyou Zhan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Pudong Hospital & Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P. R. China
| | - Ji-Quan Zhang
- Guizhou Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center for Chemical Drug R&D, College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 561113, P. R. China
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Wu M, Sun L, Song T. OTUB1-mediated inhibition of ubiquitination: a growing list of effectors, multiplex mechanisms, and versatile functions. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 10:1261273. [PMID: 38264570 PMCID: PMC10803509 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1261273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein ubiquitination plays a pivotal role in protein homeostasis. Ubiquitination may regulate the stability, activity, protein-protein interaction, and localization of a protein. Ubiquitination is subject to regulation by two groups of counteracting enzymes, the E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases. Consistently, deubiquitinases are involved in essentially all biological processes. OTUB1, an OTU-family deubiquitinase, is a critical regulator of development, cancer, DNA damage response, and immune response. OTUB1 antagonizes the ubiquitination of a wide-spectrum of proteins through at least two different mechanisms. Besides direct deubiquitination, OTUB1 can also inhibit ubiquitination by non-canonically blocking ubiquitin transfer from certain ubiquitin-conjugases (E2). In this review, we start with a general background of protein ubiquitination and deubiquitination. Next, we introduce the basic characteristics of OTUB1 and then elaborate on the updated biological functions of OTUB1. Afterwards, we discuss potential mechanisms underlying the versatility and specificity of OTUB1 functions. In the end, we discuss the perspective that OTUB1 can be a potential therapeutic target for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Wu
- Deparment of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shuyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suqian, China
| | - Lidong Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cell Architecture Research Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tanjing Song
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Cell Architecture Research Institute, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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