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Liu L, Ning B, Zhan Y, Zhao T, Chang Y. MiR-210, not let-7, regulates Akt gene expression against Vibrio splendidus infection in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 153:109848. [PMID: 39168293 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2024.109848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2024] [Revised: 07/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The immune regulatory roles of microRNAs (miRNAs) have recently attracted considerable attention. Bioinformatics prediction revealed that both let-7 and miR-210 provide potential binding sites for the Akt (rac-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase) gene sequence in the sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus (termed AjAkt). In this study, we first used a dual-luciferase reporter assay and functional validation techniques to verify the interactions between these two miRNAs (let-7 and miR-210) and AjAkt, and then investigated the functions of the validated miRNA/mRNA pair as part of the innate immune response against Vibrio splendidus infection. We found that AjAkt interacts with miR-210 rather than let-7, and miR-210 negatively regulates the expression of AjAkt. From 8 to 48 h after infection with V. splendidus, opposite trends were observed in the expression levels of miR-210 and AjAkt (mRNA and protein) in coelomocytes, suggesting that the miR-210/AjAkt pair is involved in immune regulation during this period after infection. Both AjAkt silencing and miR-210 overexpression enhanced the phagocytic capacity and reduced the infectivity of A. japonicus after pathogen infection, suggesting that the miR-210/AjAkt pair may regulate the innate immune response of A. japonicus by altering phagocytic capacity. The findings of this study enrich our knowledge of the role of miRNA/mRNA pairs in immune regulation in sea cucumbers and provide insights into the molecular mechanisms of the innate immune response in marine echinoderms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116023, China
| | - Bingyu Ning
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116023, China
| | - Yaoyao Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116023, China.
| | - Tanjun Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116023, China
| | - Yaqing Chang
- Key Laboratory of Mariculture & Stock Enhancement in North China's Sea, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Dalian Ocean University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116023, China
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2
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Menges CW, Hassan D, Cheung M, Bellacosa A, Testa JR. Alterations of the AKT Pathway in Sporadic Human Tumors, Inherited Susceptibility to Cancer, and Overgrowth Syndromes. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2024. [PMID: 39192048 DOI: 10.1007/82_2024_278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
The AKT kinases are critical signaling molecules that regulate cellular physiology upon the activation of tyrosine kinase receptors and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K). AKT kinases govern many cellular processes considered hallmarks of cancer, including cell proliferation and survival, cell size, tumor invasion, metastasis, and angiogenesis. AKT signaling is regulated by multiple tumor suppressors and oncogenic proteins whose loss or activation, respectively, leads to dysregulation of this pathway, thereby contributing to oncogenesis. Herein, we review the enormous body of literature documenting how the AKT pathway becomes hyperactivated in sporadic human tumors and various hereditary cancer syndromes. We also discuss the role of activating mutations of AKT pathway genes in various chimeric overgrowth disorders, including Proteus syndrome, hypoglycemia with hypertrophy, CLOVES and SOLAMEN syndromes, and hemimegalencephaly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig W Menges
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Professional Scientific Services, Lancaster, PA, 17601, USA
| | - Dalal Hassan
- Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
- Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Mitchell Cheung
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Alfonso Bellacosa
- Cancer Epigenetics Institute, Nuclear Dynamics and Cancer Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA
| | - Joseph R Testa
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, 19111, USA.
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3
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Ding Y, Li H, Cao S, Yu Y. Effects of catechin on the malignant biological behavior of gastric cancer cells through the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 490:117036. [PMID: 39009138 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.117036] [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: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Catechin is a kind of flavonoids, mainly derived from the plant Camellia sinensis. It has a strong antioxidant effect, and it also has significant therapeutic effects on anti-cancer, anti-diabetes, and anti-infection. This study was intended to look at how catechin affected the malignant biological activity of gastric cancer cells. We used databases to predict the targets of catechin and the pathogenic targets of gastric cancer. Venn diagram was used to find the intersection genes, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analyses were performed on intersection genes. Using the STRING database, the Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network was built. The top 8 genes were screened by Cytoscape 3.9.1, then their binding was verified by molecular docking. The proliferation ability, cell cycle, apoptosis and migration of gastric cancer cells were detected, as well as the protein expression levels of PI3K, p-AKT, and AKT and the mRNA expression levels of AKT1, VEGFA, EGFR, HRAS, and HSP90AA1 in gastric cancer cells. Our research revealed that different concentrations of catechin could effectively inhibit the proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells, regulate the cell cycle, and promote the death of these cells, and it's possible that the PI3K/Akt pathway was crucial in mediating this impact. Moreover, adding the PI3K/Akt pathway agonist significantly reduced the promoting effect of catechin on the apoptosis of gastric cancer cells. This study suggested that catechin was a potential drug for the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Ding
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Hao Li
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Saisai Cao
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Yong Yu
- Henan Key Laboratory of Helicobacter Pylori & Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Cancer, Marshall Medical Research Center, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China; Department of Gastroenterology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China.
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4
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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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5
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Doi T, Takahashi S, Aoki D, Yonemori K, Hara H, Hasegawa K, Takehara K, Harano K, Yunokawa M, Nomura H, Shimoi T, Horie K, Ogasawara A, Okame S. A first-in-human phase I study of TAS-117, an allosteric AKT inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 2024; 93:605-616. [PMID: 38411735 PMCID: PMC11129975 DOI: 10.1007/s00280-023-04631-7] [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: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE TAS-117 is a highly potent and selective, oral, allosteric pan-AKT inhibitor under development for advanced/metastatic solid tumors. The safety, clinical pharmacology, pharmacogenomics and efficacy were investigated. METHODS This phase I, open-label, non-randomized, dose-escalating, first-in-human study enrolled patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors and comprised three phases (dose escalation phase [DEP], regimen modification phase [RMP], and safety assessment phase [SAP]). The SAP dose and regimen were determined in the DEP and RMP. Once-daily and intermittent dosing (4 days on/3 days off, 21-day cycles) were investigated. The primary endpoints were dose-limiting toxicities (DLTs) in Cycle 1 of the DEP and RMP and incidences of adverse events (AEs) and adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in the SAP. Secondary endpoints included pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, pharmacogenomics, and antitumor activity. RESULTS Of 66 enrolled patients, 65 received TAS-117 (DEP, n = 12; RMP, n = 10; SAP, n = 43). No DLTs were reported with 24-mg/day intermittent dosing, which was selected as a recommended dose in SAP. In the SAP, 98.5% of patients experienced both AEs and ADRs (grade ≥ 3, 67.7% and 60.0%, respectively). In the dose range tested (8 to 32 mg/day), TAS-117 pharmacokinetics were dose proportional, and pharmacodynamic analysis showed a reduction of phosphorylated PRAS40, a direct substrate of AKT. Four patients in the SAP had confirmed partial response. CONCLUSION Oral doses of TAS-117 once daily up to 16 mg/day and intermittent dosing of 24 mg/day were well tolerated. TAS-117 pharmacokinetics were dose proportional at the doses evaluated. Antitumor activity may occur through AKT inhibition. TRIAL REGISTRATION jRCT2080222728 (January 29, 2015).
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Doi
- National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Japan.
| | - Shunji Takahashi
- Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Aoki
- Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Akasaka Sannou Medical Center, Tokyo, Japan
- International University of Health and Welfare Graduate School, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | | | - Kosei Hasegawa
- Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Japan
| | | | | | - Mayu Yunokawa
- Cancer Institute Hospital of Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nomura
- Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | | | - Koji Horie
- Saitama Cancer Center, Kita-Adachi, Japan
| | - Aiko Ogasawara
- Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Hidaka, Japan
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Lu D, Yuan L, Ma X, Meng F, Xu D, Jia S, Wang Z, Li Y, Zhang Z, Nan Y. The mechanism of polyphyllin in the treatment of gastric cancer was verified based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31452. [PMID: 38831826 PMCID: PMC11145480 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Polyphyllin is a class of saponins extracted from Paris polyphylla rhizomes and has been used in clinical application in China for more than 2000 years. However, the mechanism for treating gastric cancer (GC) is still unclear. This study was designed to predict the targets and mechanisms of total Polyphyllin from Paris polyphylla rhizomes for the treatment of GC. Method Firstly, PubChem and Swiss Target Prediction databases were utilized to collect the 12 ingredients of total Polyphyllin from Paris polyphylla rhizomes and their targets. GC-related genes were obtained from the GEO database. Then the intersecting targets to all these molecules that identified using Venny. Secondly, the intersecting targets were imported into STRING platform for protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were conducted in DAVID website. In addition, the GEPIA was applied to perform the expression levels, transcript levels, staging, and overall survival of hub genes. In addition, we used AutoDock Vina to evaluate binding affinity of molecular docking between key ingredients and anti-GC targets. In vitro cell experiments, we detected the cell viability of gastric cancer cells at 24, 36, and 48 h using CCK-8 assay. The G0/G1 of cell cycle and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. Finally, quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to detect the level of hub genes, and Western blot was used to detect the changes of PI3K/Akt signal pathway. Results Firstly, we identified 12 ingredients and 286 targets of total Polyphyllin. A total of 2653 GC-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were collected, including 1366 up-regulated genes and 1287 down-regulated genes. Moreover, 45 targets were obtained after intersection. Secondly, results of the GO enrichment suggested that these genes were closely related to cell proliferation, migration and aging. KEGG analysis suggested that Polyphyllin in GC therapy were mostly regulated by multiple pathways, including the pathways in cancer, calcium signaling pathway, Rap1 signaling pathway, phospholipase D signaling pathway, etc. In addition, GEPIA results exhibited that PDGFRB, KIT, FGF1, GLI1, F2R, and HIF1A were associated with GC progression, stage, and survival. Besides, the molecular docking results further confirmed that the binding energy of Polyphyllin Ⅲ with HIF1A was minimal. In vitro cell experiments, Polyphyllin Ⅲ inhibited the cell viability of gastric cancer cells, blocked the cell cycle G0/G1 phase, and induced cell apoptosis. In addition, Polyphyllin Ⅲ down-regulated the mRNA levels of PDGFRB, KIT, FGF1, GLI1, F2R, and HIF1A, and regulated the PI3K/Akt signal pathway. Conclusions The results revealed that total Polyphyllin treated GC through multiple targets, multiple channels, and multiple pathways. In addition, Polyphyllin Ⅲ played an anti-gastric cancer role by inhibiting the proliferation of gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doudou Lu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Ling Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Xiaoyan Ma
- The Affiliated TCM Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Wuzhong 751100, Ningxia, China
| | - Fandi Meng
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Duojie Xu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Shumin Jia
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Zhaozhao Wang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Yahong Li
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Chinese Medical Gastrointestinal, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yi Nan
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, Ningxia, China
- Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia, China
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7
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Etikyala U, Reddyrajula R, Vani T, Kuchana V, Dalimba U, Manga V. An in silico approach to identify novel and potential Akt1 (protein kinase B-alpha) inhibitors as anticancer drugs. Mol Divers 2024:10.1007/s11030-024-10887-9. [PMID: 38796797 DOI: 10.1007/s11030-024-10887-9] [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: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Akt1 (protein kinase B) has become a major focus of attention due to its significant functionality in a variety of cellular processes and the inhibition of Akt1 could lead to a decrease in tumour growth effectively in cancer cells. In the present work, we discovered a set of novel Akt1 inhibitors by using multiple computational techniques, i.e. pharmacophore-based virtual screening, molecular docking, binding free energy calculations, and ADME properties. A five-point pharmacophore hypothesis was implemented and validated with AADRR38. The obtained R2 and Q2 values are in the acceptable region with the values of 0.90 and 0.64, respectively. The generated pharmacophore model was employed for virtual screening to find out the potential Akt1 inhibitors. Further, the selected hits were subjected to molecular docking, binding free energy analysis, and refined using ADME properties. Also, we designed a series of 6-methoxybenzo[b]oxazole analogues by comprising the structural characteristics of the hits acquired from the database. Molecules D1-D10 were found to have strong binding interactions and higher binding free energy values. In addition, Molecular dynamic simulation was performed to understand the conformational changes of protein-ligand complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umadevi Etikyala
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500076, India
| | - Rajkumar Reddyrajula
- Central Research Facility, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, Mangalore, 575025, India
| | - T Vani
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500076, India
| | - Vinutha Kuchana
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500076, India
| | - Udayakumar Dalimba
- Organic Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, National Institute of Technology Karnataka, Surathkal, Mangalore, 575025, India
| | - Vijjulatha Manga
- Medicinal Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500076, India.
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8
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Devine EA, Imami AS, Eby H, Hamoud AR, Golchin H, Ryan W, Sahay S, Shedroff EA, Arvay T, Joyce AW, Asah SM, Walss-Bass C, O'Donovan S, McCullumsmith RE. Neuronal alterations in AKT isotype expression in schizophrenia. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-3940448. [PMID: 38559131 PMCID: PMC10980160 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3940448/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is characterized by substantial alterations in brain function, and previous studies suggest insulin signaling pathways, particularly involving AKT, are implicated in the pathophysiology of the disorder. This study demonstrates elevated mRNA expression of AKT1-3 in neurons from schizophrenia subjects, contrary to unchanged or diminished total AKT protein expression reported in previous postmortem studies, suggesting a potential decoupling of transcript and protein levels. Sex-specific differential AKT activity was observed, indicating divergent roles in males and females with schizophrenia. Alongside AKT, upregulation of PDPK1, a critical component of the insulin signaling pathway, and several protein phosphatases known to regulate AKT were detected. Moreover, enhanced expression of the transcription factor FOXO1, a regulator of glucose metabolism, hints at possible compensatory mechanisms related to insulin signaling dysregulation. Findings were largely independent of antipsychotic medication use, suggesting inherent alterations in schizophrenia. These results highlight the significance of AKT and related signaling pathways in schizophrenia, proposing that these changes might represent a compensatory response to a primary defect of conical insulin signaling pathways. This research underscores the need for a detailed understanding of these signaling pathways for the development of effective therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily A Devine
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ali S Imami
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Hunter Eby
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Abdul-Rizaq Hamoud
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Hasti Golchin
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - William Ryan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Smita Sahay
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Shedroff
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Taylen Arvay
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Alex W Joyce
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Sophie M Asah
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Consuelo Walss-Bass
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Sinead O'Donovan
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Robert E McCullumsmith
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
- Neurosciences Institute, ProMedica, Toledo, OH, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
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9
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Tang Y, Lin Z, Liu L, Yin L, Zhang D, Yu C, Yang C, Gong Y, Wang Y, Liu Y. Attenuated AKT signaling by miR-146a-5p interferes with chicken granulosa cell proliferation, lipid deposition and progesterone biosynthesis. Theriogenology 2024; 214:370-385. [PMID: 37995530 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2023.11.007] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Steroid hormones play a crucial role in the growth and maturation of poultry ovarian follicles, with progesterone secretion by granulosa cells (GC) being essential. According to our previous transcriptome analysis, it apparented that miR-146a-5p expressions were upregulated in the follicles undergoing atresia. In this study, we delved the depth to explore the underlying mechanisms by miR-146a-5p in the regulation of follicle functions in chicken. The study demonstrated that miR-146a-5p suppressed cell growth, lipids accumulation, and progesterone biosynthesis in chicken GC. Through targeting association validations, we identified delta 4-desaturase, sphingolipid 1 (DEGS1) as capable of interacting with miR-146a-5p. Co-transfection experiments further confirmed that DEGS1 reversed the impairment of GC functions by miR-146a-5p. Moreover, we discovered that miR-146a-5p suppressed AKT phosphorylation, while DEGS1 enhanced AKT phosphorylation. Phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor (LY294002) studies showed that miR-146a-5p would inhibit AKT phosphorylation by governing the DEGS1/AKT pathway, which in turn regulates GC function. In summary, the findings revealed that miR-146a-5p suppressed cell growth, lipid deposition, and progesterone biosynthesis via the DEGS1/AKT pathway. These results may further enrich our understandings of how non-coding RNA regulates productive performance in chickens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhongzhen Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lingqian Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Donghao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunlin Yu
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, China
| | - Chaowu Yang
- Animal Breeding and Genetics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Animal Science Academy, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanrong Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiping Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Swine and Poultry Breeding Industry, Key Laboratory of Livestock and Poultry Multi-omics, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, and Farm Animal Genetic Resources Exploration and Innovation Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China.
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Li X, Hu S, Cai Y, Liu X, Luo J, Wu T. Revving the engine: PKB/AKT as a key regulator of cellular glucose metabolism. Front Physiol 2024; 14:1320964. [PMID: 38264327 PMCID: PMC10804622 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1320964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucose metabolism is of critical importance for cell growth and proliferation, the disorders of which have been widely implicated in cancer progression. Glucose uptake is achieved differently by normal cells and cancer cells. Even in an aerobic environment, cancer cells tend to undergo metabolism through glycolysis rather than the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. Disordered metabolic syndrome is characterized by elevated levels of metabolites that can cause changes in the tumor microenvironment, thereby promoting tumor recurrence and metastasis. The activation of glycolysis-related proteins and transcription factors is involved in the regulation of cellular glucose metabolism. Changes in glucose metabolism activity are closely related to activation of protein kinase B (PKB/AKT). This review discusses recent findings on the regulation of glucose metabolism by AKT in tumors. Furthermore, the review summarizes the potential importance of AKT in the regulation of each process throughout glucose metabolism to provide a theoretical basis for AKT as a target for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuying Hu
- General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yaoting Cai
- General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuelian Liu
- General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Luo
- General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Patil N, Abdelrahim OG, Leupold JH, Allgayer H. JAK1 Is a Novel Target of Tumor- and Invasion-Suppressive microRNA 494-5p in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:24. [PMID: 38201452 PMCID: PMC10778350 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010024] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
MiR-494-5p expression has been suggested to be associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) and its metastases in our previous studies. However, functional investigations on the molecule-mediating actions of this miR in CRC are lacking. In silico analysis in the present study revealed a putative binding sequence within the 3'UTR of JAK1. Overexpression of miR-494-5p in cultured CRC significantly reduced the luciferase activity of a reporter plasmid containing the wild-type JAK1-3'UTR, which was abolished by seed sequence mutation. Furthermore, the overexpression of miR-494-5p in CRC cell lines led to a significant reduction in JAK1 expression, proliferation, in vitro migration, and invasion. These effects were abolished by co-transfection with a specific double-stranded RNA that inhibits endogenous miR-494-5p. Moreover, IL-4-induced migration, invasion, and phosphorylation of JAK1, STAT6, and AKT proteins were reduced after an overexpression of this miR, suggesting that this miR affects one of the most essential pathways in CRC. A Kaplan-Meier plotter analysis revealed that patients with high JAK1 expression show reduced survival. Together, these data suggest that miR-494-5p physically inhibits the expression of JAK1 at the translational level as well as in migration and invasion, supporting the hypothesis of miR-494-5p as an early tumor suppressor and inhibitor of early steps of metastasis in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Heike Allgayer
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-(0)621-383-71630 or +49-(0)621-383-71635; Fax: +49-(0)621-383-71631
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Hazem RM, Aboslema RF, Mehanna ET, Kishk SM, Elsayed M, El-Sayed NM. Antitumor effect of trimetazidine in a model of solid Ehrlich carcinoma is mediated by inhibition of glycolytic pathway and AKT signaling. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 383:110672. [PMID: 37591408 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110672] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Disturbance in glucose metabolism was proposed to be a pathogenetic mechanism of breast cancer. Trimetazidine (TMZ) inhibits β-oxidation of fatty acids through blocking the activity of 3-ketoacylCoA thiolase enzyme, leading to enhancement of glucose oxidation and metabolic respiration. The present study aimed to examine the cytotoxic effect of TMZ in both in vivo and in vitro models of breast cancer, focusing on its impact on the expression of some glycolytic enzymes and AKT signaling. The cytotoxic effect of TMZ was screened against breast (MCF-7) cancer cell line at different concentrations [0.01-100 μM]. In vivo, graded doses (10, 20, 30 mg/kg) of TMZ were tested against solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC) in mice. Tumor tissues were isolated for assessment of the expression of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1) and glycolytic enzymes by quantitative PCR. The protein expression of AKT and cellular myelocytomatosis (c-Myc) was determined by western blotting, while p53 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry. Molecular docking study of TMZ effect on AKT and c-Myc was performed using Auto-Dock Vina docking program. TMZ showed a cytotoxic action against MCF-7 cells, having IC50 value of 2.95 μM. In vivo, TMZ reduced tumor weight, downregulated the expression of glycolytic enzymes, suppressed AKT signaling, but increased p53 expression. Molecular docking and in silico studies proposed that TMZ is an AKT and c-Myc selective inhibitor. In conclusion, TMZ demonstrated a viable approach to suppress tumor proliferation in biological models of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem M Hazem
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Rasha F Aboslema
- The Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population, Port Said, Egypt
| | - Eman T Mehanna
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt.
| | - Safaa M Kishk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Mohammed Elsayed
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
| | - Norhan M El-Sayed
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, 41522, Egypt
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Qiu X, Wang J, Zhang N, Du T, Chen L, Xi H. Estradiol cypionate inhibits proliferation and promotes apoptosis of gastric cancer by regulating AKT ubiquitination. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115073. [PMID: 37392652 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115073] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a common gastrointestinal malignancy worldwide, with a high mortality rate and poor prognosis. Multidrug resistance remains a major obstacle to successful treatment for patients. Hence, it is of great significance to develop novel therapies to potentiate the anti-tumor effect. In this study, we have investigated the effect of estradiol cypionate (ECP) on gastric cancer in vitro and vivo. Our data show that ECP inhibited the proliferation, promoted apoptosis, and caused G1/S phase arrest of gastric cancer cells. The mechanism by which ECP promoted apoptosis of gastric cancer cells was related to the downregulation of AKT protein expression caused by the increased ubiquitination modification levels of AKT, which finally inhibited the over-activation of the PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway. In vivo tumorigenesis experiments showed that ECP significantly inhibited the growth of gastric cancer cells, showing promise for clinical application. The above findings indicate that ECP inhibited the growth of gastric cancer and induced apoptosis through the PI3K /Akt/mTOR pathway. In summary, the efficacy showed in our data suggests that ECP is a promising anti-tumor compound for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China; Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Dushu Lake Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Medical Center of Soochow University, Suzhou Dushu Lake Hospital, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongi Uni-versuty, Shanghai 200434, China
| | - Tongde Du
- Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, No. 100 Chongwen Road, Suzhou City, Suzhou 215000, China.
| | - Lin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China; Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.
| | - Hongqing Xi
- Department of General Surgery, the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China; Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China.
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Safaroghli-Azar A, Sanaei MJ, Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Bashash D. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) classes: From cell signaling to endocytic recycling and autophagy. Eur J Pharmacol 2023:175827. [PMID: 37269974 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Lipid signaling is defined as any biological signaling action in which a lipid messenger binds to a protein target, converting its effects to specific cellular responses. In this complex biological pathway, the family of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) represents a pivotal role and affects many aspects of cellular biology from cell survival, proliferation, and migration to endocytosis, intracellular trafficking, metabolism, and autophagy. While yeasts have a single isoform of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), mammals possess eight PI3K types divided into three classes. The class I PI3Ks have set the stage to widen research interest in the field of cancer biology. The aberrant activation of class I PI3Ks has been identified in 30-50% of human tumors, and activating mutations in PIK3CA is one of the most frequent oncogenes in human cancer. In addition to indirect participation in cell signaling, class II and III PI3Ks primarily regulate vesicle trafficking. Class III PI3Ks are also responsible for autophagosome formation and autophagy flux. The current review aims to discuss the original data obtained from international research laboratories on the latest discoveries regarding PI3Ks-mediated cell biological processes. Also, we unravel the mechanisms by which pools of the same phosphoinositides (PIs) derived from different PI3K types act differently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ava Safaroghli-Azar
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Javad Sanaei
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- 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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15
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Fan Z, Wang S, Xu C, Yang J, Cui B. Mechanisms of action of Fu Fang Gang Liu liquid in treating condyloma acuminatum by network pharmacology and experimental validation. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:128. [PMID: 37081536 PMCID: PMC10116837 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03960-7] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Condyloma acuminatum (CA) is a sexually transmitted disease characterized by the anomalous proliferation of keratinocytes caused by human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Fu Fang Gang Liu liquid (FFGL) is an effective externally administered prescription used to treat CA; however, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. This study aimed to identify and experimentally validate the major active ingredients and prospective targets of FFGL. METHODS Network pharmacology, transcriptomics, and enrichment analysis were used to identify the active ingredients and prospective targets of FFGL, which were confirmed through subsequent experimental validation using mass spectrometry, molecular docking, western blotting, and in vitro assays. RESULTS The network pharmacology analysis revealed that FFGL contains a total of 78 active compounds, which led to the screening of 610 compound-related targets. Among them, 59 overlapped with CA targets and were considered to be targets with potential therapeutic effects. The protein-protein interaction network analysis revealed that protein kinase B (Akt) serine/threonine kinase 1 was a potential therapeutic target. To further confirm this result, we performed ribonucleic acid sequencing (RNA-seq) assays on HPV 18+ cells after FFGL exposure and conducted enrichment analyses on the differentially expressed genes that were screened. The enrichment analysis results indicated that the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway may be a key pathway through which FFGL exerts its effects. Further in vitro experiments revealed that FFGL significantly inhibited the activity of HPV 18+ cells and reduced PI3K and Akt protein levels. A rescue experiment indicated that the reduction in cell viability induced by FFGL was partially restored after the administration of activators of the PI3K/Akt pathway. We further screened two active components of FFCL that may be efficacious in the treatment of CA: periplogenin and periplocymarin. The molecular docking experiments showed that these two compounds exhibited good binding activity to Akt1. CONCLUSION FFGL reduced HPV 18+ cell viability by inhibiting key proteins in the PI3K/Akt pathway; this pathway may represent an essential mechanism through which FFGL treats CA. Periplogenin and periplocymarin may play a significant role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu Fan
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Postdoctoral Research Station, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuxin Wang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Chenchen Xu
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jiao Yang
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bingnan Cui
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China.
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16
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Alam M, Hasan GM, Eldin SM, Adnan M, Riaz MB, Islam A, Khan I, Hassan MI. Investigating regulated signaling pathways in therapeutic targeting of non-small cell lung carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114452. [PMID: 36878052 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114452] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is the most common malignancy worldwide. The signaling cascades are stimulated via genetic modifications in upstream signaling molecules, which affect apoptotic, proliferative, and differentiation pathways. Dysregulation of these signaling cascades causes cancer-initiating cell proliferation, cancer development, and drug resistance. Numerous efforts in the treatment of NSCLC have been undertaken in the past few decades, enhancing our understanding of the mechanisms of cancer development and moving forward to develop effective therapeutic approaches. Modifications of transcription factors and connected pathways are utilized to develop new treatment options for NSCLC. Developing designed inhibitors targeting specific cellular signaling pathways in tumor progression has been recommended for the therapeutic management of NSCLC. This comprehensive review provided deeper mechanistic insights into the molecular mechanism of action of various signaling molecules and their targeting in the clinical management of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manzar Alam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Gulam Mustafa Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sayed M Eldin
- Center of Research, Faculty of Engineering, Future University in Egypt, New Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Mohd Adnan
- Department of Biology, College of Science, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Bilal Riaz
- Faculty of Applied Physics and Mathematics, Gdansk University of Technology, Narutowicza 11/12, 80-233 Gdnask, Poland; Department of Computer Science and Mathematics, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India
| | - Ilyas Khan
- Department of Mathematics, College of Science Al-Zulfi, Majmaah University, Al-Majmaah 11952, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Md Imtaiyaz Hassan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi 110025, India.
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17
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Meng Z, Tan D, Cheng Z, Jiang M, Zhan K. GPR41 Regulates the Proliferation of BRECs via the PIK3-AKT-mTOR Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044203. [PMID: 36835615 PMCID: PMC9963637 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) play a pivotal role in regulating the proliferation and development of bovine rumen epithelial cells (BRECs). G protein-coupled receptor 41 (GPR41) is involved in the signal transduction in BRECs as a receptor for SCFAs. Nevertheless, the impact of GPR41 on the proliferation of BRECs has not been reported. The results of this research showed that the knockdown of GPR41 (GRP41KD) decreased BRECs proliferation compared with the wild-type BRECs (WT) (p < 0.001). The RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis showed that the gene expression profiles differed between WT and GPR41KD BRECs, with the major differential genes enriched in phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PIK3) signaling, cell cycle, and amino acid transport pathways (p < 0.05). The transcriptome data were further validated by Western blot and qRT-PCR. It was evident that the GPR41KD BRECs downregulated the level of the PIK3-Protein kinase B (AKT)-mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway core genes, such as PIK3, AKT, eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4EBP1) and mTOR contrasted with the WT cells (p < 0.01). Furthermore, the GPR41KD BRECs downregulated the level of Cyclin D2 p < 0.001) and Cyclin E2 (p < 0.05) compared with the WT cells. Therefore, it was proposed that GPR41 may affect the proliferation of BRECs by mediating the PIK3-AKT-mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zitong Meng
- Institute of Animal Culture Collection and Application, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Dejin Tan
- Institute of Animal Culture Collection and Application, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Zhiqiang Cheng
- Institute of Animal Culture Collection and Application, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Maocheng Jiang
- Institute of Animal Culture Collection and Application, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
| | - Kang Zhan
- Institute of Animal Culture Collection and Application, College of Animal Science and Technology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Agriculture and Agri-Product Safety, The Ministry of Education of China, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225009, China
- Correspondence:
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Paccosi E, Balzerano A, Proietti-De-Santis L. Interfering with the Ubiquitin-Mediated Regulation of Akt as a Strategy for Cancer Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032809. [PMID: 36769122 PMCID: PMC9917864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The serine/threonine kinase Akt modulates the functions of numerous substrates, many of them being involved in cell proliferation and growth, metabolism, angiogenesis, resistance to hypoxia and migration. Akt is frequently deregulated in many types of human cancers, its overexpression or abnormal activation being associated with the increased proliferation and survival of cancer cells. A promising avenue for turning off the functionality of Akt is to either interfere with the K63-linked ubiquitination that is necessary for Akt membrane recruitment and activation or increase the K48-linked polyubiquitination that aims to target Akt to the proteasome for its degradation. Recent evidence indicates that targeting the ubiquitin proteasome system is effective for certain cancer treatments. In this review, the functions and roles of Akt in human cancer will be discussed, with a main focus on molecules and compounds that target various elements of the ubiquitination processes that regulate the activation and inactivation of Akt. Moreover, their possible and attractive implications for cancer therapy will be discussed.
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Sirico M, D’Angelo A, Gianni C, Casadei C, Merloni F, De Giorgi U. Current State and Future Challenges for PI3K Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:703. [PMID: 36765661 PMCID: PMC9913212 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (PKB/AKT)-mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) axis is a key signal transduction system that links oncogenes and multiple receptor classes which are involved in many essential cellular functions. Aberrant PI3K signalling is one of the most commonly mutated pathways in cancer. Consequently, more than 40 compounds targeting key components of this signalling network have been tested in clinical trials among various types of cancer. As the oncogenic activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway often occurs alongside mutations in other signalling networks, combination therapy should be considered. In this review, we highlight recent advances in the knowledge of the PI3K pathway and discuss the current state and future challenges of targeting this pathway in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianna Sirico
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Alberto D’Angelo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK
- Department of Oncology, Royal United Hospital, Bath BA1 3NG, UK
| | - Caterina Gianni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Chiara Casadei
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Filippo Merloni
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Ugo De Giorgi
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy
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Redox Regulation of Autophagy in Cancer: Mechanism, Prevention and Therapy. LIFE (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 13:life13010098. [PMID: 36676047 PMCID: PMC9863886 DOI: 10.3390/life13010098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS), products of normal cellular metabolism, play an important role in signal transduction. Autophagy is an intracellular degradation process in response to various stress conditions, such as nutritional deprivation, organelle damage and accumulation of abnormal proteins. ROS and autophagy both exhibit double-edged sword roles in the occurrence and development of cancer. Studies have shown that oxidative stress, as the converging point of these stimuli, is involved in the mechanical regulation of autophagy process. The regulation of ROS on autophagy can be roughly divided into indirect and direct methods. The indirect regulation of autophagy by ROS includes post-transcriptional and transcriptional modulation. ROS-mediated post-transcriptional regulation of autophagy includes the post-translational modifications and protein interactions of AMPK, Beclin 1, PI3K and other molecules, while transcriptional regulation mainly focuses on p62/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway. Notably, ROS can directly oxidize key autophagy proteins, such as ATG4 and p62, leading to the inhibition of autophagy pathway. In this review, we will elaborate the molecular mechanisms of redox regulation of autophagy in cancer, and discuss ROS- and autophagy-based therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
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Arthur R, Navik U, Kumar P. Repurposing artemisinins as neuroprotective agents: a focus on the PI3k/Akt signalling pathway. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 396:593-605. [PMID: 36464748 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02350-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives, since their discovery by professor Tu Youyou in the early 1970s, have been the bedrock for the management of malaria globally. Recent works have implied that they could be used to manage other diseases including neurodegenerative disorders. Neurodegenerative disorders mainly occur in the adult population resulting from a progressive deterioration of neuronal structures. These include Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), and Multiple sclerosis (MS), among others. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway plays a significant role in the central nervous system. It has been investigated extensively for its role in central nervous system physiological processes such as cell survival, autophagy, neuronal proliferation, and synaptic plasticity. Therefore, the modulation of this pathway will be crucial in the management of neurodegenerative disorders. This review seeks to compile most of the research findings on the possible neuroprotective role of artemisinins with special emphasis on their modulatory role on the PI3k/Akt pathway. A literature survey was conducted on PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, and EMBASE using the keyword artemisinins, and a total of 10,281 articles were retrieved from 1956 to 2022. Among these, 120 articles were examined using Mesh words like PI3k/Akt, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation coupled with boolean operators. Most research revealed that artemisinins could help neurodegenerative disorders by modulating the PI3k/Akt with subsequent inhibition of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis. This paper illustrates that artemisinins could be repurposed as a neuroprotective agent.
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22
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Wang Q, Pan Y, Luo H, Zhang Y, Gao F, Wang J, Zheng J. Novel Approaches for the Solid-Phase Synthesis of Dihydroquinazoline-2(1 H)-One Derivatives and Biological Evaluation as Potential Anticancer Agents. Molecules 2022; 27:8577. [PMID: 36500678 PMCID: PMC9737648 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the design of antineoplastic drugs, quinazolinone derivatives are often used as small molecule inhibitors for kinases or receptor kinases, such as the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor gefitinib, p38MAP kinase inhibitor DQO-501, and BRD4 protein inhibitor PFI-1. A novel and convenient approach for the solid-phase synthesis of dihydroquinazoline-2(1H)-one derivatives was proposed and 19 different compounds were synthesized. Cytotoxicity tests showed that most of the target compounds had anti-proliferative activity against HepG-2, A2780 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Among them, compounds CA1-e and CA1-g had the most potent effect on A2780 cells, with IC50 values of 22.76 and 22.94 μM, respectively. In addition, in an antioxidant assay, the IC50 of CA1-7 was 57.99 μM. According to bioinformatics prediction, ERBB2, SRC, TNF receptor, and AKT1 were predicted to be the key targets and play an essential role in cancer treatment. ADMET prediction suggested 14 of the 19 compounds had good pharmacological properties, i.e., these compounds displayed clinical potential. The correct structure of the final compounds was confirmed based on LC/MS, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital &
- Shenzhen Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Shenzhen 518116, China
| | - Ying Pan
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Hongjun Luo
- Bio-Analytical Laboratory, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Yanmei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Fenfei Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Jinzhi Wang
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Jinhong Zheng
- Department of Chemistry, Shantou University Medical College, 22 Xinling Road, Shantou 515041, China
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Siddika T, Balasuriya N, Frederick MI, Rozik P, Heinemann IU, O’Donoghue P. Delivery of Active AKT1 to Human Cells. Cells 2022; 11:cells11233834. [PMID: 36497091 PMCID: PMC9738475 DOI: 10.3390/cells11233834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase B (AKT1) is a serine/threonine kinase and central transducer of cell survival pathways. Typical approaches to study AKT1 biology in cells rely on growth factor or insulin stimulation that activates AKT1 via phosphorylation at two key regulatory sites (Thr308, Ser473), yet cell stimulation also activates many other kinases. To produce cells with specific AKT1 activity, we developed a novel system to deliver active AKT1 to human cells. We recently established a method to produce AKT1 phospho-variants from Escherichia coli with programmed phosphorylation. Here, we fused AKT1 with an N-terminal cell penetrating peptide tag derived from the human immunodeficiency virus trans-activator of transcription (TAT) protein. The TAT-tag did not alter AKT1 kinase activity and was necessary and sufficient to rapidly deliver AKT1 protein variants that persisted in human cells for 24 h without the need to use transfection reagents. TAT-pAKT1T308 induced selective phosphorylation of the known AKT1 substrate GSK-3α, but not GSK-3β, and downstream stimulation of the AKT1 pathway as evidenced by phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 at Ser240/244. The data demonstrate efficient delivery of AKT1 with programmed phosphorylation to human cells, thus establishing a cell-based model system to investigate signaling that is dependent on AKT1 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tarana Siddika
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Nileeka Balasuriya
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Mallory I. Frederick
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Peter Rozik
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Ilka U. Heinemann
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Correspondence: (I.U.H.); (P.O.)
| | - Patrick O’Donoghue
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
- Correspondence: (I.U.H.); (P.O.)
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Expression of AKT1 Related with Clinicopathological Parameters in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2022; 44:4921-4929. [PMID: 36286049 PMCID: PMC9600081 DOI: 10.3390/cimb44100334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathways such as VEGF, EGF and mTOR are known to be one of the major mechanisms of tumorigenesis including kidney cancer. To identify potential signaling pathway proteins, we performed differential/correlation analyses of mTOR-associated genes from three public datasets. AKT1 protein, one of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways, turned out to be the potential by showing a consistent discrepancy between ccRCC-associated conditions as well as strong correlation with other mTOR-associated genes across the datasets. Then, we analyzed how AKT1 alteration affects clear cell renal cell carcinoma. The pathology of 58 kidney cancer patients was constructed to analyze the relationship between the expression level of AKT1 through immunohistochemical staining and their clinicopathological data. Gender, age and TNM stage did not show significant results. AKT1 is a known oncogene. However, in this study, high expression of AKT1 showed a slight correlation with lower WHO/ISUP grade, longer recurrence-free and progression-free survival rates.
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Fang H, Li H, Zhang H, Wang S, Xu S, Chang L, Yang Y, Cui R. Short-chain L-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase: A novel vital oncogene or tumor suppressor gene in cancers. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1019312. [PMID: 36313354 PMCID: PMC9614034 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1019312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The reprogramming of cellular metabolism is frequently linked to tumorigenesis. Glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids are the specific substrates involved in how an organism maintains metabolic equilibrium. The HADH gene codes for the short-chain L-3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (HADH), a crucial enzyme in fatty acid oxidation that catalyzes the third phase of fatty acid oxidation in mitochondria. Increasing data suggest that HADH is differentially expressed in various types of malignancies and is linked to cancer development and progression. The significance of HADH expression in tumors and its potential mechanisms of action in the onset and progression of certain cancers are summarized in this article. The possible roles of HADH as a target and/or biomarker for the detection and treatment of various malignancies is also described here.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Fang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hanyang Li
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hang Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuang Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Li Chang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yongsheng Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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A Novel Isaindigotone Derivative Displays Better Anti-Proliferation Activities and Induces Apoptosis in Gastric Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23148028. [PMID: 35887375 PMCID: PMC9324172 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23148028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Isaindigotone is an alkaloid containing a pyrrolo-[2,1-b]quinazoline moiety conjugated with a benzylidene group and isolated from the root of Isatis indigotca Fort. However, further anticancer activities of this alkaloid and its derivatives have not been fully explored. In this work, a novel isaindigotone derivative was synthesized and three different gastric cell lines and one human epithelial gastric cell line were used to study the anti-proliferation effects of the novel isaindigotone derivative BLG26. HGC27 cells and AGS cells were used to further explore the potential mechanisms. BLG26 exhibited better anti-proliferation activities in AGS cells with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 1.45 μM. BLG26 caused mitochondrial membrane potential loss and induced apoptosis in both HGC27 cells and AGS cells by suppressing mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and PI3K/AKT/mTOR axis. Acute toxicity experiment showed that LD50 (median lethal dose) of BLG26 was above 1000.0 mg/kg. This research suggested that BLG26 can be a potential candidate for the treatment of gastric cancer.
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Chen KQ, Wei BH, Hao SL, Yang WX. The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway: How does it regulate development of Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells? Histol Histopathol 2022; 37:621-636. [PMID: 35388905 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The PI3K/AKT signaling pathway is one of the most crucial regulatory mechanisms in animal cells, which can mainly regulate proliferation, survival and anti-apoptosis in cell lines. In the seminiferous epithelium, most studies were concentrated on the role of PI3K/AKT signaling in immature Sertoli cells (SCs) and spermatogonia stem cells (SSCs). PI3K/AKT signaling can facilitate the proliferation and anti-apoptosis of immature Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells. Besides, in mature Sertoli cells, this pathway can disintegrate the structure of the blood-testis barrier (BTB) via regulatory protein synthesis and the cytoskeleton of Sertoli cells. All of these effects can directly and indirectly maintain and promote spermatogenesis in male testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuang-Qi Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bang-Hong Wei
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuang-Li Hao
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Wan-Xi Yang
- The Sperm Laboratory, College of Life Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Gao J, Xia Z, Vohidova D, Joseph J, Luo JN, Joshi N. Progress in non-viral localized delivery of siRNA therapeutics for pulmonary diseases. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 13:1400-1428. [PMID: 37139423 PMCID: PMC10150162 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging therapies based on localized delivery of siRNA to lungs have opened up exciting possibilities for treatment of different lung diseases. Localized delivery of siRNA to lungs has shown to result in severalfold higher lung accumulation than systemic route, while minimizing non-specific distribution in other organs. However, to date, only 2 clinical trials have explored localized delivery of siRNA for pulmonary diseases. Here we systematically reviewed recent advances in the field of pulmonary delivery of siRNA using non-viral approaches. We firstly introduce the routes of local administration and analyze the anatomical and physiological barriers towards effective local delivery of siRNA in lungs. We then discuss current progress in pulmonary delivery of siRNA for respiratory tract infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, acute lung injury, and lung cancer, list outstanding questions, and highlight directions for future research. We expect this review to provide a comprehensive understanding of current advances in pulmonary delivery of siRNA.
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The role of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway in the corneal epithelium: recent updates. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:513. [PMID: 35641491 PMCID: PMC9156734 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04963-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/AKT (also called protein kinase B, PKB) signalling regulates various cellular processes, such as apoptosis, cell proliferation, the cell cycle, protein synthesis, glucose metabolism, and telomere activity. Corneal epithelial cells (CECs) are the outermost cells of the cornea; they maintain good optical performance and act as a physical and immune barrier. Various growth factors, including epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ligands, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), neurokinin 1 (NK-1), and insulin activate the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway by binding their receptors and promote antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, proliferative, and migratory functions and wound healing in the corneal epithelium (CE). Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate apoptosis and inflammation in CECs in a concentration-dependent manner. Extreme environments induce excess ROS accumulation, inhibit PI3K/AKT, and cause apoptosis and inflammation in CECs. However, at low or moderate levels, ROS activate PI3K/AKT signalling, inhibiting apoptosis and stimulating proliferation of healthy CECs. Diabetes-associated hyperglycaemia directly inhibit PI3K/AKT signalling by increasing ROS and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress levels or suppressing the expression of growth factors receptors and cause diabetic keratopathy (DK) in CECs. Similarly, hyperosmolarity and ROS accumulation suppress PI3K/AKT signalling in dry eye disease (DED). However, significant overactivation of the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, which mediates inflammation in CECs, is observed in both infectious and noninfectious keratitis. Overall, upon activation by growth factors and NK-1, PI3K/AKT signalling promotes the proliferation, migration, and anti-apoptosis of CECs, and these processes can be regulated by ROS in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, PI3K/AKT signalling pathway is inhibited in CECs from individuals with DK and DED, but is overactivated by keratitis.
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30
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Li L, Wang K, Liu Z, Lü Y, Wang C, Yi X, Guo J. Compound Kushen injection inhibits EMT of gastric cancer cells via the PI3K/AKT pathway. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:161. [PMID: 35590327 PMCID: PMC9121642 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02609-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The effective components contained in compound Kushen injection (CKI) and the genes and signalling pathways related to gastric cancer (GC) were analyzed through the network pharmacology method of traditional Chinese medicine, and various possible mechanisms by which CKI affects the proliferation, differentiation, survival, and metastasis of GC cells were discussed. The PI3K/AKT signalling pathway is considered to be one of the most important pathways targeted by CKI in the regulation of GC cells. The implementation of related cell experiments also confirmed the information we revealed. Methods Effective drug components of Kushen and Baituling in CKI were identified from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database (TCMSP). Genes related to GC were identified using the GENECARD and OMIM databases. The common target genes related to the effective components of the drug and GC were identified using the intersection method and visualized using software. A protein–protein interaction network (PPI) was established using STRING online software to confirm the key genes. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed to predict the key pathways of CKI in GC treatment. BGC-803 and MKN-28 GC cells were used to verify the signalling pathway. Cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration ability, and invasion ability were assessed using CCK8, flow cytometry, scratch, and transwell assays. Immunofluorescence assays and western blotting were used to detect the expression of related proteins. Results CKI regulated GC cells through 35 effective drug components of GC-related target genes. In total, 194 genes were common targets of CKI and GC. The most significant function of the enriched genes was DNA-binding transcription activator activity as demonstrated by GO enrichment analysis. The metabolic pathway with the highest enrichment was the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway as demonstrated by KEGG enrichment analysis. Our cell experimental evidence also shows that CKI inhibits GC cell growth and migration and induce GC cell apoptosis. In addition, CKI inhibits the EMT process in GC cells through the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Conclusion AKT1 is a key gene for CKI treatment of GC. CKI inhibited GC cell growth and migration and induced GC cell apoptosis. In addition, CKI regulated the EMT process in GC cells through the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luo Li
- Quality Management Office, Zibo Central Hospital, Zibo, 255000, Shandong, China
| | - Keshan Wang
- Department of Intervention, The Fourth People's Hospital of ZiBo City, Zibo, 255000, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenguo Liu
- Department of Oncology, The People's Hospital of Gaoqing District, Zibo, 256300, Shandong, China
| | - Yajuan Lü
- Department of Radiotherapy, Shandong Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Congcong Wang
- Department of Oncology, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, 255029, Shandong, China
| | - Xuefei Yi
- Department of Oncology, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, 255029, Shandong, China
| | - Jianping Guo
- Department of Oncology, Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Zibo, Zibo, 255029, Shandong, China.
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31
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Walkowski B, Kleibert M, Majka M, Wojciechowska M. Insight into the Role of the PI3K/Akt Pathway in Ischemic Injury and Post-Infarct Left Ventricular Remodeling in Normal and Diabetic Heart. Cells 2022; 11:cells11091553. [PMID: 35563860 PMCID: PMC9105930 DOI: 10.3390/cells11091553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the significant decline in mortality, cardiovascular diseases are still the leading cause of death worldwide. Among them, myocardial infarction (MI) seems to be the most important. A further decline in the death rate may be achieved by the introduction of molecularly targeted drugs. It seems that the components of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway are good candidates for this. The PI3K/Akt pathway plays a key role in the regulation of the growth and survival of cells, such as cardiomyocytes. In addition, it has been shown that the activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway results in the alleviation of the negative post-infarct changes in the myocardium and is impaired in the state of diabetes. In this article, the role of this pathway was described in each step of ischemia and subsequent left ventricular remodeling. In addition, we point out the most promising substances which need more investigation before introduction into clinical practice. Moreover, we present the impact of diabetes and widely used cardiac and antidiabetic drugs on the PI3K/Akt pathway and discuss the molecular mechanism of its effects on myocardial ischemia and left ventricular remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Walkowski
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (B.W.); (M.W.)
| | - Marcin Kleibert
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (B.W.); (M.W.)
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (M.M.)
| | - Miłosz Majka
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (B.W.); (M.W.)
- Correspondence: (M.K.); (M.M.)
| | - Małgorzata Wojciechowska
- Laboratory of Centre for Preclinical Research, Department of Experimental and Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Warsaw, Banacha 1b, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (B.W.); (M.W.)
- Invasive Cardiology Unit, Independent Public Specialist Western Hospital John Paul II, Daleka 11, 05-825 Grodzisk Mazowiecki, Poland
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Luo Y, Liu L, Zhao J, Jiao Y, Zhang M, Xu G, Jiang Y. PI3K/AKT1 Signaling Pathway Mediates Sinomenine-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells Apoptosis: An <i>in Vitro</i> and <i>in Vivo</i> Study. Biol Pharm Bull 2022; 45:614-624. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b21-01063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Luo
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
| | - Liwei Liu
- Institute of Basic Research in Clinical Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
| | - Jihua Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Yue Jiao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
| | - Meiyu Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Basic Research on Prevention and Treatment of Major Diseases, Experimental Research Center, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
| | - Guangli Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Yumao Jiang
- Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences
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Ahmad Z, Somanath PR. AKT Isoforms in the Immune Response in Cancer. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 436:349-366. [PMID: 36243852 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06566-8_15] [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: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
AKT is a protein kinase that exists in three isoforms: AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3. Though similar in structure, these isoforms display different effects. AKT is activated downstream of PI3K, and together, this signaling pathway helps regulate cellular processes including cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, survival, and apoptosis. Disruption in these pathways has been associated with disorders including cardiovascular diseases, developmental disorders, inflammatory responses, autoimmune diseases, neurologic disorders, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers. In cancer, deregulation in the PI3K/AKT pathway can be manifested as tumorigenesis, pathological angiogenesis, and metastasis. Increased activity has been correlated with tumor progression and resistance to cancer treatments. Recent studies have suggested that inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway plays a significant role in the development, expansion, and proliferation of cells of the immune system. Additionally, AKT has been found to play an important role in differentiating regulatory T cells, activating B cells, and augmenting tumor immunosurveillance. This emphasizes AKT as a potential target for inhibition in cancer therapy. This chapter reviews AKT structure and regulation, its different isoforms, its role in immune cells, and its modulation in oncotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zayd Ahmad
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
- Georgia Cancer Center, Vascular Biology Center and Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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Zhang X, Qi W, Xu Q, Li X, Zhou L, Ye L. Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) and thyroid: biological mechanisms of interference and possible clinical implications. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:1634-1644. [PMID: 34677768 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17027-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a ubiquitous environmental endocrine disruptor. DEHP can be absorbed into the human body through the air, food, water, and skin. After entering the human body, DEHP is rapidly converted to mono(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP) with greater toxicity than DEHP. An increasing number of studies indicates that DEHP or MEHP can damage the thyroid tissue and disrupt the function, but the mechanisms remain unclear. This article reviews the toxicity of DEHP on thyroid structures and functions and summarizes the potential mechanisms to provide evidence for preventing the thyroid-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueting Zhang
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, 1163 Xin Min Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Wen Qi
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, 1163 Xin Min Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Qi Xu
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, 1163 Xin Min Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, 1163 Xin Min Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Liting Zhou
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, 1163 Xin Min Street, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Lin Ye
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Jilin University, 1163 Xin Min Street, Changchun, 130021, China.
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35
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Borsari C, Wymann MP. Targeting Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase - Five Decades of Chemical Space Exploration. Chimia (Aarau) 2021; 75:1037-1044. [PMID: 34920774 DOI: 10.2533/chimia.2021.1037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) plays a key role in a plethora of physiologic processes and controls cell growth, metabolism, immunity, cardiovascular and neurological function, and more. The discovery of wort-mannin as the first potent PI3K inhibitor (PI3Ki) in the 1990s provided rapid identification of PI3K-dependent processes, which drove the discovery of the PI3K/protein kinase B (PKB/Akt)/target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. Genetic mouse models and first PI3K isoform-specific inhibitors pinpointed putative therapeutic applications. The recognition of PI3K as target for cancer therapy drove subsequently drug development. Here we provide a brief journey through the emerging roles of PI3K to the development of preclinical and clinical PI3Ki candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Borsari
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Matthias P Wymann
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Basel, Mattenstrasse 28, CH-4058 Basel, Switzerland;,
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36
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He Y, Sun MM, Zhang GG, Yang J, Chen KS, Xu WW, Li B. Targeting PI3K/Akt signal transduction for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:425. [PMID: 34916492 PMCID: PMC8677728 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00828-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 430] [Impact Index Per Article: 143.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway plays a crucial role in various cellular processes and is aberrantly activated in cancers, contributing to the occurrence and progression of tumors. Examining the upstream and downstream nodes of this pathway could allow full elucidation of its function. Based on accumulating evidence, strategies targeting major components of the pathway might provide new insights for cancer drug discovery. Researchers have explored the use of some inhibitors targeting this pathway to block survival pathways. However, because oncogenic PI3K pathway activation occurs through various mechanisms, the clinical efficacies of these inhibitors are limited. Moreover, pathway activation is accompanied by the development of therapeutic resistance. Therefore, strategies involving pathway inhibitors and other cancer treatments in combination might solve the therapeutic dilemma. In this review, we discuss the roles of the PI3K/Akt pathway in various cancer phenotypes, review the current statuses of different PI3K/Akt inhibitors, and introduce combination therapies consisting of signaling inhibitors and conventional cancer therapies. The information presented herein suggests that cascading inhibitors of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, either alone or in combination with other therapies, are the most effective treatment strategy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan He
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Miao Miao Sun
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Guo Geng Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Yang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kui Sheng Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Pathology, Zhengzhou, China.
| | - Wen Wen Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering Medicine, National Engineering Research Center of Genetic Medicine, Institute of Biomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Bin Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Institute of Life and Health Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
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Kumar N, Mandal CC. Cholesterol-Lowering Drugs on Akt Signaling for Prevention of Tumorigenesis. Front Genet 2021; 12:724149. [PMID: 34603386 PMCID: PMC8483559 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.724149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholesterol has been reported to be accumulated in cancer cells. The metabolic dysregulation of the cholesterol is associated with tumor development and progression. The cholesterol-lowering drugs have been found to be involved in the prevention and treatment of various cancers. Akt, a serine/threonine kinase, can modulate the role of several downstream proteins involved in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, metabolism, and apoptosis. Since its involvement in several signaling pathways, its dysregulation is commonly reported in several cancers. Thus, targeting Akt could be an effective approach for cancer prevention and therapy. Cholesterol-lowering drugs have been found to affect the expression of Akt, and its activation in the cancer cells and thus have shown anticancer activity in different type of cancers. These drugs act on various signaling pathways such as PTEN/Akt, PI3k/Akt, Akt/NF-κB, Akt/FOXO1, Akt/mTOR, etc., which will be discussed in this article. This review article will discuss the significance of cholesterol in cancer cells, cholesterol-lowering drugs, the role of Akt in cancer cells, and the effects of cholesterol-lowering drugs on Akt in the prevention of therapy resistance and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Navneet Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India
| | - Chandi C Mandal
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Central University of Rajasthan, Ajmer, India
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Kalogirou AS, East MP, Laitinen T, Torrice CD, Maffuid KA, Drewry DH, Koutentis PA, Johnson GL, Crona DJ, Asquith CRM. Synthesis and Evaluation of Novel 1,2,6-Thiadiazinone Kinase Inhibitors as Potent Inhibitors of Solid Tumors. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26195911. [PMID: 34641454 PMCID: PMC8513058 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A focused series of substituted 4H-1,2,6-thiadiazin-4-ones was designed and synthesized to probe the anti-cancer properties of this scaffold. Insights from previous kinase inhibitor programs were used to carefully select several different substitution patterns. Compounds were tested on bladder, prostate, pancreatic, breast, chordoma, and lung cancer cell lines with an additional skin fibroblast cell line as a toxicity control. This resulted in the identification of several low single digit micro molar compounds with promising therapeutic windows, particularly for bladder and prostate cancer. A number of key structural features of the 4H-1,2,6-thiadiazin-4-one scaffold are discussed that show promising scope for future improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas S. Kalogirou
- Department of Life Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, 6 Diogenis Str., Engomi, P.O. Box 22006, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus;
- Correspondence: (A.S.K.); (C.R.M.A.); Tel.: +357-22-559655 (A.S.K.); +1-919-491-3177 (C.R.M.A.)
| | - Michael P. East
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (M.P.E.); (G.L.J.)
| | - Tuomo Laitinen
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, 70211 Kuopio, Finland;
| | - Chad D. Torrice
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (C.D.T.); (K.A.M.); (D.J.C.)
| | - Kaitlyn A. Maffuid
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (C.D.T.); (K.A.M.); (D.J.C.)
| | - David H. Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA;
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | - Gary L. Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (M.P.E.); (G.L.J.)
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Daniel J. Crona
- Division of Pharmacotherapy and Experimental Therapeutics, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (C.D.T.); (K.A.M.); (D.J.C.)
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Christopher R. M. Asquith
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; (M.P.E.); (G.L.J.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.K.); (C.R.M.A.); Tel.: +357-22-559655 (A.S.K.); +1-919-491-3177 (C.R.M.A.)
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Cervellera C, Russo M, Dotolo S, Facchiano A, Russo GL. STL1, a New AKT Inhibitor, Synergizes with Flavonoid Quercetin in Enhancing Cell Death in A Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cell Line. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26195810. [PMID: 34641354 PMCID: PMC8510450 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Using a pharmacophore model based on the experimental structure of AKT-1, we recently identified the compound STL1 (ZINC2429155) as an allosteric inhibitor of AKT-1. STL1, was able to reduce Ser473 phosphorylation, thus inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway. Moreover, we demonstrated that the flavonoid quercetin downregulated the phosphorylated and active form of AKT. However, in this case, quercetin inhibited the PI3K/AKT pathway by directly binding the kinases CK2 and PI3K. In the present work, we investigated the antiproliferative effects of the co-treatment quercetin plus STL1 in HG-3 cells, derived from a patient affected by chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Quercetin and STL1 in the mono-treatment maintained the capacity to inhibit AKT phosphorylation on Ser473, but did not significantly reduce cell viability. On the contrary, they activated a protective form of autophagy. When the HG-3 cells were co-treated with quercetin and STL1, their association synergistically (combination index < 1) inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis. The combined treatment caused the switch from protective to non-protective autophagy. This work demonstrated that cytotoxicity could be enhanced in a drug-resistant cell line by combining the effects of different inhibitors acting in concert on PI3K and AKT kinases.
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MESH Headings
- Antioxidants/pharmacology
- Apoptosis
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation
- Drug Synergism
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/drug effects
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/antagonists & inhibitors
- Quercetin/pharmacology
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Keratin 8/18 Regulate the Akt Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179227. [PMID: 34502133 PMCID: PMC8430995 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Keratin 8 and keratin 18 (K8/K18) are intermediate filament proteins that form the obligate heteropolymers in hepatocytes and protect the liver against toxins. The mechanisms of protection include the regulation of signaling pathway associated with cell survival. Previous studies show K8/K18 binding with Akt, which is a well-known protein kinase involved in the cell survival signaling pathway. However, the role of K8/K18 in the Akt signaling pathway is unclear. In this study, we found that K8/K18-Akt binding is downregulated by K8/K18 phosphorylation, specifically phosphorylation of K18 ser7/34/53 residues, whereas the binding is upregulated by K8 gly-62-cys mutation. K8/K18 expression in cultured cell system tends to enhance the stability of the Akt protein. A comparison of the Akt signaling pathway in a mouse system with liver damage shows that the pathway is downregulated in K18-null mice compared with nontransgenic mice. K18-null mice with Fas-induced liver damage show enhanced apoptosis combined with the downregulation of the Akt signaling pathway, i.e., lower phosphorylation levels of GSK3β and NFκB, which are the downstream signaling factors in the Akt signaling pathway, in K18-null mice compared with the control mice. Our study indicates that K8/K18 expression protects mice from liver damage by participating in enhancing the Akt signaling pathway.
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Hua H, Zhang H, Chen J, Wang J, Liu J, Jiang Y. Targeting Akt in cancer for precision therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:128. [PMID: 34419139 PMCID: PMC8379749 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01137-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomarkers-guided precision therapeutics has revolutionized the clinical development and administration of molecular-targeted anticancer agents. Tailored precision cancer therapy exhibits better response rate compared to unselective treatment. Protein kinases have critical roles in cell signaling, metabolism, proliferation, survival and migration. Aberrant activation of protein kinases is critical for tumor growth and progression. Hence, protein kinases are key targets for molecular targeted cancer therapy. The serine/threonine kinase Akt is frequently activated in various types of cancer. Activation of Akt promotes tumor progression and drug resistance. Since the first Akt inhibitor was reported in 2000, many Akt inhibitors have been developed and evaluated in either early or late stage of clinical trials, which take advantage of liquid biopsy and genomic or molecular profiling to realize personalized cancer therapy. Two inhibitors, capivasertib and ipatasertib, are being tested in phase III clinical trials for cancer therapy. Here, we highlight recent progress of Akt signaling pathway, review the up-to-date data from clinical studies of Akt inhibitors and discuss the potential biomarkers that may help personalized treatment of cancer with Akt inhibitors. In addition, we also discuss how Akt may confer the vulnerability of cancer cells to some kinds of anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Hua
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Oncogene, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jingzhu Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Oncogene, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jiao Wang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jieya Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Oncogene, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Laboratory of Oncogene, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Kang BW, Chau I. Molecular target: pan-AKT in gastric cancer. ESMO Open 2021; 5:e000728. [PMID: 32948630 PMCID: PMC7511610 DOI: 10.1136/esmoopen-2020-000728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway is involved in multiple cellular processes, including cell survival, proliferation, differentiation, metabolism and cytoskeletal reorganisation. The downstream effectors of this PI3K pathway are also essential for maintaining physiologic homeostasis, commonly dysregulated in most solid tumours. AKT is the key regulator in PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling, interacting with multiple intracellular molecules. AKT activation subsequently leads to a number of potential downstream effects, and its aberrant activation results in the pathogenesis of cancer. Accordingly, as an attractive therapeutic target for cancer treatment, several AKT inhibitors are currently under development and in multiple stages of clinical trials for various types of malignancy, including gastric cancer (GC). Therefore, the authors review the significance of AKT and recent studies on AKT inhibitors in GC, focusing on the scientific background with the potential to improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Byung Woog Kang
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kyungpook National University Hospital, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ian Chau
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Surrey, UK.
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Phosphorylation of RCC1 on Serine 11 Facilitates G1/S Transition in HPV E7-Expressing Cells. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11070995. [PMID: 34356619 PMCID: PMC8301946 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent infection of high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) plays a causal role in cervical cancer. Regulator of chromosome condensation 1 (RCC1) is a critical cell cycle regulator, which undergoes a few post-translational modifications including phosphorylation. Here, we showed that serine 11 (S11) of RCC1 was phosphorylated in HPV E7-expressing cells. However, S11 phosphorylation was not up-regulated by CDK1 in E7-expressing cells; instead, the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway promoted S11 phosphorylation. Knockdown of AKT or inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway down-regulated phosphorylation of RCC1 S11. Furthermore, S11 phosphorylation occurred throughout the cell cycle, and reached its peak during the mitosis phase. Our previous data proved that RCC1 was necessary for the G1/S cell cycle progression, and in the present study we showed that the RCC1 mutant, in which S11 was mutated to alanine (S11A) to mimic non-phosphorylation status, lost the ability to facilitate G1/S transition in E7-expressing cells. Moreover, RCC1 S11 was phosphorylated by the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in HPV-positive cervical cancer SiHa and HeLa cells. We conclude that S11 of RCC1 is phosphorylated by the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and phosphorylation of RCC1 S11 facilitates the abrogation of G1 checkpoint in HPV E7-expressing cells. In short, our study explores a new role of RCC1 S11 phosphorylation in cell cycle regulation.
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Li J, Mo S, Sun Y, Huang H, Wang S. Association between AKT2 gene polymorphism and polycystic ovary syndrome: a case-control study. Gynecol Endocrinol 2021; 37:635-639. [PMID: 34044676 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2021.1932800] [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] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to understand the association between the AKT2 (AKT serine/threonine kinase 2) gene polymorphism (rs2304186) and PCOS. METHODS In total, 1287 participants were included. Six genotype models (Dominant model: TT + TG vs. GG; Recessive model: TT vs. TG + GG; Over-dominant model: TT + GG vs. TG; Co-dominant model: TT vs. TG; Co-dominant TT vs. GG; Allele analysis: T vs. G) were applied in the analysis. According to the races and obesity, subgroup analyses were also performed. RESULTS No significant association between rs2304186 and PCOS was identified in the whole sample or the Han groups, even after multi-adjustments. Only in the Zhuang groups was it suggested that rs2304186 might promote the risk of PCOS to some extent (Unadjusted: Over-dominant TT + GG vs. TG, OR = 1.522, 95%CI = 1.076-2.152, p = .018; Age-adjusted: Over-dominant TT + GG vs. TG, OR = 1.543, 95%CI = 1.069-2.228, p = .021; Multi-adjusted: OR = 1.497, 95%CI = 1.024-2.188, p = .037). The risk effect was also detected in the non-obesity group (BMI <24.0 kg/m2) for the Co-dominant model (TT vs. TG: OR = 1.355, 95%CI = 1.001-1.835, p = .050). CONCLUSIONS In summary, we first discovered that rs2304186 might significantly elevate the PCOS risk, especially in the Chinese Zhuang population and the non-obesity group. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Sien Mo
- The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Sun
- The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Hua Huang
- The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Shujia Wang
- The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
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Yu L, Wei J, Liu P. Attacking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway for targeted therapeutic treatment in human cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 85:69-94. [PMID: 34175443 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the second leading cause of human death globally. PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling is one of the most frequently dysregulated signaling pathways observed in cancer patients that plays crucial roles in promoting tumor initiation, progression and therapy responses. This is largely due to that PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling is indispensable for many cellular biological processes, including cell growth, metastasis, survival, metabolism, and others. As such, small molecule inhibitors targeting major kinase components of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway have drawn extensive attention and been developed and evaluated in preclinical models and clinical trials. Targeting a single kinase component within this signaling usually causes growth arrest rather than apoptosis associated with toxicity-induced adverse effects in patients. Combination therapies including PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors show improved patient response and clinical outcome, albeit developed resistance has been reported. In this review, we focus on revealing the mechanisms leading to the hyperactivation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in cancer and summarizing efforts for developing PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors as either mono-therapy or combination therapy in different cancer settings. We hope that this review will facilitate further understanding of the regulatory mechanisms governing dysregulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR oncogenic signaling in cancer and provide insights into possible future directions for targeted therapeutic regimen for cancer treatment, by developing new agents, drug delivery systems, or combination regimen to target the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This information will also provide effective patient stratification strategy to improve the patient response and clinical outcome for cancer patients with deregulated PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Yu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | | | - Pengda Liu
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Degan SE, Gelman IH. Emerging Roles for AKT Isoform Preference in Cancer Progression Pathways. Mol Cancer Res 2021; 19:1251-1257. [PMID: 33931488 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-20-1066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The phosphoinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)-AKT pathway is one of the most mutated in human cancers, predominantly associated with the loss of the signaling antagonist, PTEN, and to lesser extents, with gain-of-function mutations in PIK3CA (encoding PI3K-p110α) and AKT1. In addition, most oncogenic driver pathways activate PI3K/AKT signaling. Nonetheless, drugs targeting PI3K or AKT have fared poorly against solid tumors in clinical trials as monotherapies, yet some have shown efficacy when combined with inhibitors of other oncogenic drivers, such as receptor tyrosine kinases or nuclear hormone receptors. There is growing evidence that AKT isoforms, AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3, have different, often distinct roles in either promoting or suppressing specific parameters of oncogenic progression, yet few if any isoform-preferred substrates have been characterized. This review will describe recent data showing that the differential activation of AKT isoforms is mediated by complex interplays between PTEN, PI3K isoforms and upstream tyrosine kinases, and that the efficacy of PI3K/AKT inhibitors will likely depend on the successful targeting of specific AKT isoforms and their preferred pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seamus E Degan
- Department of Cancer Genetics & Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Irwin H Gelman
- Department of Cancer Genetics & Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York.
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Xiong Y, Ju L, Yuan L, Chen L, Wang G, Xu H, Peng T, Luo Y, Xiao Y, Wang X. KNSTRN promotes tumorigenesis and gemcitabine resistance by activating AKT in bladder cancer. Oncogene 2021; 40:1595-1608. [PMID: 33452459 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01634-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
KNSTRN is a component of the mitotic spindle, which was rarely investigated in tumorigenesis. AKT plays an essential role in tumorigenesis by modulating the phosphorylation of various substrates. The activation of AKT is regulated by PTEN and PIP3. Here, we prove KNSTRN is positively correlated with malignancy of bladder cancer and KNSTRN activates AKT phosphorylation at Thr308 and Ser473. More importantly, our study reveals that both KNSTRN and PTEN interact with PH domain of AKT at cell membrane. The amount of KNSTRN interacted with AKT is negatively related to PTEN. Furthermore, PIP3 pull-down assay proves that KNSTRN promoted AKT movement to PIP3. These data suggest KNSTRN may activate AKT phosphorylation by promoting AKT movement to PIP3 and alleviating PTEN suppression. Based on the activation of AKT phosphorylation, our study demonstrates that KNSTRN promotes bladder cancer metastasis and gemcitabine resistance in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, the effect of KNSTRN on tumorigenesis and gemcitabine resistance could be restored by AKT specific inhibitor MK2206 or AKT overexpression. In conclusion, we identify an oncogene KNSTRN that promotes tumorigenesis and gemcitabine resistance by activating AKT phosphorylation and may serve as a therapeutic target in bladder cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoyi Xiong
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Lingao Ju
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Human Genetic Resource Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China.,Research Center of Wuhan for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Lushun Yuan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Liang Chen
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Signal Transduction Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Gang Wang
- Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Human Genetic Resource Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China.,Research Center of Wuhan for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Huimin Xu
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Tianchen Peng
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yongwen Luo
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Xiao
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. .,Department of Biological Repositories, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. .,Human Genetic Resource Preservation Center of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China. .,Research Center of Wuhan for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China. .,Laboratory of Precision Medicine, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xinghuan Wang
- Department of Urology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China. .,Research Center of Wuhan for Infectious Diseases and Cancer, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Wuhan, China. .,Medical Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Baghery Saghchy Khorasani A, Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Pirsalehi A, Safaroghli-Azar A, Zali MR, Bashash D. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in gastric cancer; from oncogenic variations to the possibilities for pharmacologic interventions. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 898:173983. [PMID: 33647255 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 02/13/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Genetic and epigenetic alterations have been under concentrated investigations for many years in order to unearth the molecules regulating human cancer pathogenesis. However, the identification of a wide range of dysregulated genes and their protein products has raised a question regarding how the results of this large collection of alterations could converge into a formation of one malignancy. The answer may be found in the signaling cascades that regulate the survival and metabolism of the cells. Aberrancies of each participant molecule of such cascades may well result in augmented viability and unlimited proliferation of cancer cells. Among various signaling pathways, the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) axis has been shown to be activated in about one-third of human cancers. One of the malignancies that is mostly affected by this axis is gastric cancer (GC), one of the most fatal cancers worldwide. In the present review, we aimed to illustrate the significance of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis in the pathogenesis of GC and also provided a wide perspective about the application of the inhibitors of this axis in the therapeutic strategies of this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Pirsalehi
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Ayatollah Taleghani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ava Safaroghli-Azar
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, 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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Blaustein M, Piegari E, Martínez Calejman C, Vila A, Amante A, Manese MV, Zeida A, Abrami L, Veggetti M, Guertin DA, van der Goot FG, Corvi MM, Colman-Lerner A. Akt Is S-Palmitoylated: A New Layer of Regulation for Akt. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:626404. [PMID: 33659252 PMCID: PMC7917195 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.626404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The protein kinase Akt/PKB participates in a great variety of processes, including translation, cell proliferation and survival, as well as malignant transformation and viral infection. In the last few years, novel Akt posttranslational modifications have been found. However, how these modification patterns affect Akt subcellular localization, target specificity and, in general, function is not thoroughly understood. Here, we postulate and experimentally demonstrate by acyl-biotin exchange (ABE) assay and 3H-palmitate metabolic labeling that Akt is S-palmitoylated, a modification related to protein sorting throughout subcellular membranes. Mutating cysteine 344 into serine blocked Akt S-palmitoylation and diminished its phosphorylation at two key sites, T308 and T450. Particularly, we show that palmitoylation-deficient Akt increases its recruitment to cytoplasmic structures that colocalize with lysosomes, a process stimulated during autophagy. Finally, we found that cysteine 344 in Akt1 is important for proper its function, since Akt1-C344S was unable to support adipocyte cell differentiation in vitro. These results add an unexpected new layer to the already complex Akt molecular code, improving our understanding of cell decision-making mechanisms such as cell survival, differentiation and death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matías Blaustein
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular (DFBMC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Estefanía Piegari
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular (DFBMC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Camila Martínez Calejman
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Antonella Vila
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular (DFBMC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Analía Amante
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular (DFBMC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Biociencias, Biotecnología y Biología Traslacional (iB3), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Victoria Manese
- Laboratorio de bioquímica y biología celular de parásitos, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (IIB-INTECH), Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Ari Zeida
- Departamento de Bioquímica and Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas (CEINBIO), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Laurence Abrami
- Global Health Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Mariela Veggetti
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular (DFBMC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - David A Guertin
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Department of Molecular, Cell and Cancer Biology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States.,Lei Weibo Institute for Rare Diseases, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - F Gisou van der Goot
- Global Health Institute, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - María Martha Corvi
- Laboratorio de bioquímica y biología celular de parásitos, Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (IIB-INTECH), Universidad Nacional de San Martín (UNSAM) - CONICET, Chascomús, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Colman-Lerner
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular (DFBMC), Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (FCEN), Universidad de Buenos Aires (UBA), Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET)-UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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An Immunohistochemical Study of the PTEN/AKT Pathway Involvement in Canine and Feline Mammary Tumors. Animals (Basel) 2021; 11:ani11020365. [PMID: 33535663 PMCID: PMC7912927 DOI: 10.3390/ani11020365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The PTEN/AKT pathway is involved in several human and animal tumors’ pathogenesis. This study investigates the PTEN/AKT pathway’s biological and prognostic values in canine and feline mammary tumors. PTEN, phospho-AKT (p-AKT) and Rictor expression was determined by immunohistochemistry in canine mammary adenomas and carcinomas and feline mammary carcinomas. In mammary tumors of both species p-Akt was inversely correlated with PTEN expression and positively with Rictor expression; p-Akt and Rictor expression correlated with poorer prognosis. This data could provide a rationale for further studies of this pathway in veterinary oncology due to prognostic and therapeutic implications. Abstract Phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome10 (PTEN), phospho-v-Akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT), and the Rapamycin-Insensitive Companion of mTOR (Rictor) expression was investigated by immunohistochemistry in 10 canine mammary adenomas (CMAs), 40 canine mammary carcinomas (CMCs), and 30 feline mammary carcinomas (FMCs). All the CMAs, 25 of 40 CMCs (63%) and 7 of 30 FMCs (23%), were PTEN-positive. In dogs, no CMAs and 15 of 25 CMCs (37%) expressed phospho-AKT (p-AKT), while 24 of 30 FMCs (82%) were p-AKT-positive. One of 10 CMAs (10%), 24 of 40 CMCs (60%) and 20 of 30 FMCs (67%) were Rictor-positive. In the dog, PTEN expression correlated with less aggressive tumors, absence of lymphatic invasion, and longer survival. P-AKT expression correlated with more aggressive subtype, lymphatic invasion, and poorer survival and Rictor expression with lymphatic invasion. In cats, PTEN correlated with less aggressive carcinomas, absence of lymphatic invasion, and better survival. P-AKT and Rictor expression correlated with poorer survival. PTEN expression was inversely correlated with p-AKT and Rictor in both species, while p-AKT positively correlated with Rictor expression. A strong PTEN/AKT pathway involvement in behavior worsening of CMT and FMTs is demonstrated, providing a rationale for further studies of this pathway in veterinary oncology.
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