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Ragupathi A, Kim C, Jacinto E. The mTORC2 signaling network: targets and cross-talks. Biochem J 2024; 481:45-91. [PMID: 38270460 PMCID: PMC10903481 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin, mTOR, controls cell metabolism in response to growth signals and stress stimuli. The cellular functions of mTOR are mediated by two distinct protein complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2. Rapamycin and its analogs are currently used in the clinic to treat a variety of diseases and have been instrumental in delineating the functions of its direct target, mTORC1. Despite the lack of a specific mTORC2 inhibitor, genetic studies that disrupt mTORC2 expression unravel the functions of this more elusive mTOR complex. Like mTORC1 which responds to growth signals, mTORC2 is also activated by anabolic signals but is additionally triggered by stress. mTORC2 mediates signals from growth factor receptors and G-protein coupled receptors. How stress conditions such as nutrient limitation modulate mTORC2 activation to allow metabolic reprogramming and ensure cell survival remains poorly understood. A variety of downstream effectors of mTORC2 have been identified but the most well-characterized mTORC2 substrates include Akt, PKC, and SGK, which are members of the AGC protein kinase family. Here, we review how mTORC2 is regulated by cellular stimuli including how compartmentalization and modulation of complex components affect mTORC2 signaling. We elaborate on how phosphorylation of its substrates, particularly the AGC kinases, mediates its diverse functions in growth, proliferation, survival, and differentiation. We discuss other signaling and metabolic components that cross-talk with mTORC2 and the cellular output of these signals. Lastly, we consider how to more effectively target the mTORC2 pathway to treat diseases that have deregulated mTOR signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aparna Ragupathi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, U.S.A
| | - Christian Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, U.S.A
| | - Estela Jacinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, U.S.A
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2
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Saha B, Shabbir W, Takagi E, Duan XP, Leite Dellova DCA, Demko J, Manis A, Loffing-Cueni D, Loffing J, Sørensen MV, Wang WH, Pearce D. Potassium Activates mTORC2-dependent SGK1 Phosphorylation to Stimulate Epithelial Sodium Channel: Role in Rapid Renal Responses to Dietary Potassium. J Am Soc Nephrol 2023; 34:1019-1038. [PMID: 36890646 PMCID: PMC10278851 DOI: 10.1681/asn.0000000000000109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Rapid renal responses to ingested potassium are essential to prevent hyperkalemia and also play a central role in blood pressure regulation. Although local extracellular K + concentration in kidney tissue is increasingly recognized as an important regulator of K + secretion, the underlying mechanisms that are relevant in vivo remain controversial. To assess the role of the signaling kinase mTOR complex-2 (mTORC2), the authors compared the effects of K + administered by gavage in wild-type mice and knockout mice with kidney tubule-specific inactivation of mTORC2. They found that mTORC2 is rapidly activated to trigger K + secretion and maintain electrolyte homeostasis. Downstream targets of mTORC2 implicated in epithelial sodium channel regulation (SGK1 and Nedd4-2) were concomitantly phosphorylated in wild-type, but not knockout, mice. These findings offer insight into electrolyte physiologic and regulatory mechanisms. BACKGROUND Increasing evidence implicates the signaling kinase mTOR complex-2 (mTORC2) in rapid renal responses to changes in plasma potassium concentration [K + ]. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms that are relevant in vivo for these responses remain controversial. METHODS We used Cre-Lox-mediated knockout of rapamycin-insensitive companion of TOR (Rictor) to inactivate mTORC2 in kidney tubule cells of mice. In a series of time-course experiments in wild-type and knockout mice, we assessed urinary and blood parameters and renal expression and activity of signaling molecules and transport proteins after a K + load by gavage. RESULTS A K + load rapidly stimulated epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) processing, plasma membrane localization, and activity in wild-type, but not in knockout, mice. Downstream targets of mTORC2 implicated in ENaC regulation (SGK1 and Nedd4-2) were concomitantly phosphorylated in wild-type, but not knockout, mice. We observed differences in urine electrolytes within 60 minutes, and plasma [K + ] was greater in knockout mice within 3 hours of gavage. Renal outer medullary potassium (ROMK) channels were not acutely stimulated in wild-type or knockout mice, nor were phosphorylation of other mTORC2 substrates (PKC and Akt). CONCLUSIONS The mTORC2-SGK1-Nedd4-2-ENaC signaling axis is a key mediator of rapid tubule cell responses to increased plasma [K + ] in vivo . The effects of K + on this signaling module are specific, in that other downstream mTORC2 targets, such as PKC and Akt, are not acutely affected, and ROMK and Large-conductance K + (BK) channels are not activated. These findings provide new insight into the signaling network and ion transport systems that underlie renal responses to K +in vivo .
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidisha Saha
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Waheed Shabbir
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Enzo Takagi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Xin-Peng Duan
- Department of Pharmacology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - Deise Carla Almeida Leite Dellova
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
- Current address: Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - John Demko
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Anna Manis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | | | | | - Mads Vaarby Sørensen
- Department of Biomedicine, Unit of Physiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Wen-Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York
| | - David Pearce
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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3
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Johnston JG, Welch AK, Cain BD, Sayeski PP, Gumz ML, Wingo CS. Aldosterone: Renal Action and Physiological Effects. Compr Physiol 2023; 13:4409-4491. [PMID: 36994769 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c190043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Aldosterone exerts profound effects on renal and cardiovascular physiology. In the kidney, aldosterone acts to preserve electrolyte and acid-base balance in response to changes in dietary sodium (Na+ ) or potassium (K+ ) intake. These physiological actions, principally through activation of mineralocorticoid receptors (MRs), have important effects particularly in patients with renal and cardiovascular disease as demonstrated by multiple clinical trials. Multiple factors, be they genetic, humoral, dietary, or otherwise, can play a role in influencing the rate of aldosterone synthesis and secretion from the adrenal cortex. Normally, aldosterone secretion and action respond to dietary Na+ intake. In the kidney, the distal nephron and collecting duct are the main targets of aldosterone and MR action, which stimulates Na+ absorption in part via the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC), the principal channel responsible for the fine-tuning of Na+ balance. Our understanding of the regulatory factors that allow aldosterone, via multiple signaling pathways, to function properly clearly implicates this hormone as central to many pathophysiological effects that become dysfunctional in disease states. Numerous pathologies that affect blood pressure (BP), electrolyte balance, and overall cardiovascular health are due to abnormal secretion of aldosterone, mutations in MR, ENaC, or effectors and modulators of their action. Study of the mechanisms of these pathologies has allowed researchers and clinicians to create novel dietary and pharmacological targets to improve human health. This article covers the regulation of aldosterone synthesis and secretion, receptors, effector molecules, and signaling pathways that modulate its action in the kidney. We also consider the role of aldosterone in disease and the benefit of mineralocorticoid antagonists. © 2023 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 13:4409-4491, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jermaine G Johnston
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Nephrology Section, Veteran Administration Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Amanda K Welch
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Nephrology Section, Veteran Administration Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Brian D Cain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Peter P Sayeski
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Michelle L Gumz
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Nephrology Section, Veteran Administration Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Charles S Wingo
- Division of Nephrology, Hypertension and Renal Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Nephrology Section, Veteran Administration Medical Center, North Florida/South Georgia Malcom Randall Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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4
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Saha B, Leite-Dellova DCA, Demko J, Sørensen MV, Takagi E, Gleason CE, Shabbir W, Pearce D. WNK1 is a chloride-stimulated scaffold that regulates mTORC2 activity and ion transport. J Cell Sci 2022; 135:jcs260313. [PMID: 36373794 PMCID: PMC9789407 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian (or mechanistic) target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) is a kinase complex that targets predominantly Akt family proteins, SGK1 and protein kinase C (PKC), and has well-characterized roles in mediating hormone and growth factor effects on a wide array of cellular processes. Recent evidence suggests that mTORC2 is also directly stimulated in renal tubule cells by increased extracellular K+ concentration, leading to activation of the Na+ channel, ENaC, and increasing the electrical driving force for K+ secretion. We identify here a signaling mechanism for this local effect of K+. We show that an increase in extracellular [K+] leads to a rise in intracellular chloride (Cl-), which stimulates a previously unknown scaffolding activity of the protein 'with no lysine-1' (WNK1) kinase. WNK1 interacts selectively with SGK1 and recruits it to mTORC2, resulting in enhanced SGK1 phosphorylation and SGK1-dependent activation of ENaC. This scaffolding effect of WNK1 is independent of its own kinase activity and does not cause a generalized stimulation of mTORC2 kinase activity. These findings establish a novel WNK1-dependent regulatory mechanism that harnesses mTORC2 kinase activity selectively toward SGK1 to control epithelial ion transport and electrolyte homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bidisha Saha
- Division of Nephrology, Departments of Medicine and Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology,University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Deise C. A. Leite-Dellova
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Animal Science and Food Engineering, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, Sao Paulo 13635-900, Brazil
| | - John Demko
- Division of Nephrology, Departments of Medicine and Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology,University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Mads Vaarby Sørensen
- Departments of Biomedicine and Physiology, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Enzo Takagi
- Division of Nephrology, Departments of Medicine and Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology,University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Catherine E. Gleason
- Division of Nephrology, Departments of Medicine and Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology,University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Waheed Shabbir
- Division of Nephrology, Departments of Medicine and Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology,University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - David Pearce
- Division of Nephrology, Departments of Medicine and Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology,University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
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5
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TOR complex 2 is a master regulator of plasma membrane homeostasis. Biochem J 2022; 479:1917-1940. [PMID: 36149412 PMCID: PMC9555796 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20220388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
As first demonstrated in budding yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), all eukaryotic cells contain two, distinct multi-component protein kinase complexes that each harbor the TOR (Target Of Rapamycin) polypeptide as the catalytic subunit. These ensembles, dubbed TORC1 and TORC2, function as universal, centrally important sensors, integrators, and controllers of eukaryotic cell growth and homeostasis. TORC1, activated on the cytosolic surface of the lysosome (or, in yeast, on the cytosolic surface of the vacuole), has emerged as a primary nutrient sensor that promotes cellular biosynthesis and suppresses autophagy. TORC2, located primarily at the plasma membrane, plays a major role in maintaining the proper levels and bilayer distribution of all plasma membrane components (sphingolipids, glycerophospholipids, sterols, and integral membrane proteins). This article surveys what we have learned about signaling via the TORC2 complex, largely through studies conducted in S. cerevisiae. In this yeast, conditions that challenge plasma membrane integrity can, depending on the nature of the stress, stimulate or inhibit TORC2, resulting in, respectively, up-regulation or down-regulation of the phosphorylation and thus the activity of its essential downstream effector the AGC family protein kinase Ypk1. Through the ensuing effect on the efficiency with which Ypk1 phosphorylates multiple substrates that control diverse processes, membrane homeostasis is maintained. Thus, the major focus here is on TORC2, Ypk1, and the multifarious targets of Ypk1 and how the functions of these substrates are regulated by their Ypk1-mediated phosphorylation, with emphasis on recent advances in our understanding of these processes.
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6
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Tomaszewski M, Morris AP, Howson JMM, Franceschini N, Eales JM, Xu X, Dikalov S, Guzik TJ, Humphreys BD, Harrap S, Charchar FJ. Kidney omics in hypertension: from statistical associations to biological mechanisms and clinical applications. Kidney Int 2022; 102:492-505. [PMID: 35690124 PMCID: PMC9886011 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2022.04.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hypertension is a major cardiovascular disease risk factor and contributor to premature death globally. Family-based investigations confirmed a significant heritable component of blood pressure (BP), whereas genome-wide association studies revealed >1000 common and rare genetic variants associated with BP and/or hypertension. The kidney is not only an organ of key relevance to BP regulation and the development of hypertension, but it also acts as the tissue mediator of genetic predisposition to hypertension. The identity of kidney genes, pathways, and related mechanisms underlying the genetic associations with BP has started to emerge through integration of genomics with kidney transcriptomics, epigenomics, and other omics as well as through applications of causal inference, such as Mendelian randomization. Single-cell methods further enabled mapping of BP-associated kidney genes to cell types, and in conjunction with other omics, started to illuminate the biological mechanisms underpinning associations of BP-associated genetic variants and kidney genes. Polygenic risk scores derived from genome-wide association studies and refined on kidney omics hold the promise of enhanced diagnostic prediction, whereas kidney omics-informed drug discovery is likely to contribute new therapeutic opportunities for hypertension and hypertension-mediated kidney damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Tomaszewski
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Manchester Heart Centre and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.
| | - Andrew P Morris
- Centre for Genetics and Genomics Versus Arthritis, Centre for Musculoskeletal Research, Division of Musculoskeletal and Dermatological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Joanna M M Howson
- Department of Genetics, Novo Nordisk Research Centre Oxford, Novo Nordisk Ltd, Oxford, UK
| | - Nora Franceschini
- Department of Epidemiology, Gillings School of Global Public Health, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - James M Eales
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Xiaoguang Xu
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Sergey Dikalov
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Tomasz J Guzik
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK; Department of Internal and Agricultural Medicine, Jagiellonian University College of Medicine, Kraków, Poland
| | - Benjamin D Humphreys
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Stephen Harrap
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Fadi J Charchar
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, School of Science, Psychology and Sport, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia; Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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7
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Yu Z, Chen J, Takagi E, Wang F, Saha B, Liu X, Joubert LM, Gleason CE, Jin M, Li C, Nowotny C, Agard D, Cheng Y, Pearce D. Interactions between mTORC2 core subunits Rictor and mSin1 dictate selective and context-dependent phosphorylation of substrate kinases SGK1 and Akt. J Biol Chem 2022; 298:102288. [PMID: 35926713 PMCID: PMC9440446 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2022.102288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) is a multi-subunit kinase complex, central to multiple essential signaling pathways. Two core subunits, Rictor and mSin1, distinguish it from the related mTORC1 and support context-dependent phosphorylation of its substrates. mTORC2 structures have been determined previously; however, important questions remain, particularly regarding the structural determinants mediating substrate specificity and context-dependent activity. Here, we used cryo-EM to obtain high-resolution structures of the human mTORC2 apo-complex in the presence of substrates Akt and SGK1. Using functional assays, we then tested predictions suggested by substrate-induced structural changes in mTORC2. For the first time, we visualized in the apo-state the side chain interactions between Rictor and mTOR that sterically occlude recruitment of mTORC1 substrates and confer resistance to the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin. Also in the apo-state, we observed that mSin1 formed extensive contacts with Rictor via a pair of short α-helices nestled between two Rictor helical repeat clusters, as well as by an extended strand that makes multiple weak contacts with Rictor helical cluster 1. In co-complex structures, we found that SGK1, but not Akt, markedly altered the conformation of the mSin1 N-terminal extended strand, disrupting multiple weak interactions while inducing a large rotation of mSin1 residue Arg-83, which then interacts with a patch of negatively charged residues within Rictor. Finally, we demonstrate mutation of Arg-83 to Ala selectively disrupts mTORC2-dependent phosphorylation of SGK1, but not of Akt, supporting context-dependent substrate selection. These findings provide new structural and functional insights into mTORC2 specificity and context-dependent activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zanlin Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Junliang Chen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Enzo Takagi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Feng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Bidisha Saha
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Xi Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Lydia-Marie Joubert
- Division of CryoEM and Bioimaging, SSRL, SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory, Stanford University, Menlo Park, California, USA
| | - Catherine E Gleason
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mingliang Jin
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Chengmin Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Carlos Nowotny
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - David Agard
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yifan Cheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - David Pearce
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA.
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8
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Grahammer F, Huber TB, Artunc F. Role of mTOR Signaling for Tubular Function and Disease. Physiology (Bethesda) 2021; 36:350-358. [PMID: 34514872 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00021.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) forms two distinct intracellular multiprotein complexes that control a multitude of intracellular processes linked to metabolism, proliferation, actin cytoskeleton, and survival. Recent studies have identified the importance of these complexes for transport regulation of ions and nutrients along the entire nephron. First reports could link altered activity of these complexes to certain disease entities, i.e. diabetic nephropathy, acute kidney injury or hyperkalemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Grahammer
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias B Huber
- Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ferruh Artunc
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology, and Nephrology, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,Institute of Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases, Helmholtz Center Munich, University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany.,German Center for Diabetes Research, University Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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9
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Abstract
Cells metabolize nutrients for biosynthetic and bioenergetic needs to fuel growth and proliferation. The uptake of nutrients from the environment and their intracellular metabolism is a highly controlled process that involves cross talk between growth signaling and metabolic pathways. Despite constant fluctuations in nutrient availability and environmental signals, normal cells restore metabolic homeostasis to maintain cellular functions and prevent disease. A central signaling molecule that integrates growth with metabolism is the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR). mTOR is a protein kinase that responds to levels of nutrients and growth signals. mTOR forms two protein complexes, mTORC1, which is sensitive to rapamycin, and mTORC2, which is not directly inhibited by this drug. Rapamycin has facilitated the discovery of the various functions of mTORC1 in metabolism. Genetic models that disrupt either mTORC1 or mTORC2 have expanded our knowledge of their cellular, tissue, as well as systemic functions in metabolism. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the regulation and functions of mTORC2, particularly in metabolism, has lagged behind. Since mTOR is an important target for cancer, aging, and other metabolism-related pathologies, understanding the distinct and overlapping regulation and functions of the two mTOR complexes is vital for the development of more effective therapeutic strategies. This review discusses the key discoveries and recent findings on the regulation and metabolic functions of the mTOR complexes. We highlight findings from cancer models but also discuss other examples of the mTOR-mediated metabolic reprogramming occurring in stem and immune cells, type 2 diabetes/obesity, neurodegenerative disorders, and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelia Szwed
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Eugene Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
| | - Estela Jacinto
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, New Jersey
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10
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Fu W, Hall MN. Regulation of mTORC2 Signaling. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E1045. [PMID: 32899613 PMCID: PMC7564249 DOI: 10.3390/genes11091045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/threonine protein kinase and a master regulator of cell growth and metabolism, forms two structurally and functionally distinct complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2. While mTORC1 signaling is well characterized, mTORC2 is relatively poorly understood. mTORC2 appears to exist in functionally distinct pools, but few mTORC2 effectors/substrates have been identified. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of mTORC2 signaling, with particular emphasis on factors that control mTORC2 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxiang Fu
- Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Yunnan University, Kunming 650500, China
- Biozentrum, University of Basel, CH4056 Basel, Switzerland;
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11
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The Emerging Roles of mTORC1 in Macromanaging Autophagy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101422. [PMID: 31554253 PMCID: PMC6826502 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a process of self-degradation that enables the cell to survive when faced with starvation or stressful conditions. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), also known as the mammalian target of rapamycin, plays a critical role in maintaining a balance between cellular anabolism and catabolism. mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) was unveiled as a master regulator of autophagy since inhibition of mTORC1 was required to initiate the autophagy process. Evidence has emerged in recent years to indicate that mTORC1 also directly regulates the subsequent steps of the autophagy process, including the nucleation, autophagosome elongation, autophagosome maturation and termination. By phosphorylating select protein targets of the autophagy core machinery and/or their regulators, mTORC1 can alter their functions, increase their proteasomal degradation or modulate their acetylation status, which is a key switch of the autophagy process. Moreover, it phosphorylates and alters the subcellular localization of transcription factors to suppress the expression of genes needed for autophagosome formation and lysosome biogenesis. The purpose of this review article is to critically analyze current literatures to provide an integrated view of how mTORC1 regulates various steps of the autophagy process.
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12
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Sørensen MV, Saha B, Jensen IS, Wu P, Ayasse N, Gleason CE, Svendsen SL, Wang WH, Pearce D. Potassium acts through mTOR to regulate its own secretion. JCI Insight 2019; 5:126910. [PMID: 31013253 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.126910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Potassium (K+) secretion by kidney tubule cells is central to electrolyte homeostasis in mammals. In the K+ secretory "principal" cells of the distal nephron, electrogenic Na+ transport by the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) generates the electrical driving force for K+ transport across the apical membrane. Regulation of this process is attributable in part to aldosterone, which stimulates the gene transcription of the ENaC-regulatory kinase, SGK1. However, a wide range of evidence supports the conclusion that an unidentified aldosterone-independent pathway exists. We show here that in principal cells, K+ itself acts through the type 2 mTOR complex (mTORC2) to activate SGK1, which stimulates ENaC to enhance K+ excretion. The effect depends on changes in K+ concentration on the blood side of the cells, and requires basolateral membrane K+-channel activity. However, it does not depend on changes in aldosterone, or on enhanced distal delivery of Na+ from upstream nephron segments. These data strongly support the idea that K+ is sensed directly by principal cells to stimulate its own secretion by activating the mTORC2-SGK1 signaling module, and stimulate ENaC. We propose that this local effect acts in concert with aldosterone and increased Na+ delivery from upstream nephron segments to sustain K+ homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mads Vaarby Sørensen
- Departments of Biomedicine and Physiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.,Aarhus Institute for Advanced Studies, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Bidisha Saha
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Iben Skov Jensen
- Departments of Biomedicine and Physiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Peng Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Niklas Ayasse
- Departments of Biomedicine and Physiology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Catherine E Gleason
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Wen-Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - David Pearce
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, and Department of Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology, UCSF, San Francisco, California, USA
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13
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Gleason CE, Oses-Prieto JA, Li KH, Saha B, Situ G, Burlingame AL, Pearce D. Phosphorylation at distinct subcellular locations underlies specificity in mTORC2-mediated activation of SGK1 and Akt. J Cell Sci 2019; 132:jcs.224931. [PMID: 30837283 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.224931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
mTORC2 lies at the intersection of signaling pathways that control metabolism and ion transport through phosphorylation of the AGC-family kinases, the Akt and SGK1 proteins. How mTORC2 targets these functionally distinct downstream effectors in a context-specific manner is not known. Here, we show that the salt- and blood pressure-regulatory hormone, angiotensin II (AngII) stimulates selective mTORC2-dependent phosphorylation of SGK1 (S422) but not Akt (S473 and equivalent sites). Conventional PKC (cPKC), a critical mediator of the angiotensin type I receptor (AT1R, also known as AGTR1) signaling, regulates the subcellular localization of SIN1 (also known as MAPKAP1) and SGK1. Inhibition of cPKC catalytic activity disturbs SIN1 and SGK1 subcellular localization, re-localizing them from the nucleus and a perinuclear compartment to the plasma membrane in advance of hormonal stimulation. Surprisingly, pre-targeting of SIN1 and SGK1 to the plasma membrane prevents SGK1 S422 but not Akt S473 phosphorylation. Additionally, we identify three sites on SIN1 (S128, S315 and S356) that are phosphorylated in response to cPKC activation. Collectively, these data demonstrate that SGK1 activation occurs at a distinct subcellular compartment from that of Akt and suggests a mechanism for the selective activation of these functionally distinct mTORC2 targets through subcellular partitioning of mTORC2 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine E Gleason
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Juan A Oses-Prieto
- Departments of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Kathy H Li
- Departments of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Bidisha Saha
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Gavin Situ
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Alma L Burlingame
- Departments of Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Chemistry, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - David Pearce
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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14
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Caron A, Briscoe DM, Richard D, Laplante M. DEPTOR at the Nexus of Cancer, Metabolism, and Immunity. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:1765-1803. [PMID: 29897294 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00064.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
DEP domain-containing mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)-interacting protein (DEPTOR) is an important modulator of mTOR, a kinase at the center of two important protein complexes named mTORC1 and mTORC2. These highly studied complexes play essential roles in regulating growth, metabolism, and immunity in response to mitogens, nutrients, and cytokines. Defects in mTOR signaling have been associated with the development of many diseases, including cancer and diabetes, and approaches aiming at modulating mTOR activity are envisioned as an attractive strategy to improve human health. DEPTOR interaction with mTOR represses its kinase activity and rewires the mTOR signaling pathway. Over the last years, several studies have revealed key roles for DEPTOR in numerous biological and pathological processes. Here, we provide the current state of the knowledge regarding the cellular and physiological functions of DEPTOR by focusing on its impact on the mTOR pathway and its role in promoting health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Caron
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hypothalamic Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas ; Transplant Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts ; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts ; Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ), Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval , Québec , Canada ; and Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Université Laval , Québec , Canada
| | - David M Briscoe
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hypothalamic Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas ; Transplant Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts ; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts ; Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ), Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval , Québec , Canada ; and Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Université Laval , Québec , Canada
| | - Denis Richard
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hypothalamic Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas ; Transplant Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts ; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts ; Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ), Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval , Québec , Canada ; and Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Université Laval , Québec , Canada
| | - Mathieu Laplante
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hypothalamic Research, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center , Dallas, Texas ; Transplant Research Program, Boston Children's Hospital , Boston, Massachusetts ; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts ; Centre de Recherche de l'Institut Universitaire de Cardiologie et de Pneumologie de Québec (CRIUCPQ), Faculté de Médecine, Université Laval , Québec , Canada ; and Centre de Recherche sur le Cancer de l'Université Laval, Université Laval , Québec , Canada
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15
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Kamel KS, Schreiber M, Halperin ML. Renal potassium physiology: integration of the renal response to dietary potassium depletion. Kidney Int 2018; 93:41-53. [PMID: 29102372 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2017.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
We summarize the current understanding of the physiology of the renal handling of potassium (K+), and present an integrative view of the renal response to K+ depletion caused by dietary K+ restriction. This renal response involves contributions from different nephron segments, and aims to diminish the rate of excretion of K+ as a result of: decreasing the rate of electrogenic (and increasing the rate of electroneutral) reabsorption of sodium in the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron (ASDN), decreasing the abundance of renal outer medullary K+ channels in the luminal membrane of principal cells in the ASDN, decreasing the flow rate in the ASDN, and increasing the reabsorption of K+ in the cortical and medullary collecting ducts. The implications of this physiology for the association between K+ depletion and hypertension, and K+ depletion and formation of calcium kidney stones are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kamel S Kamel
- Renal Division, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Keenan Research Center, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
| | - Martin Schreiber
- Renal Division, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mitchell L Halperin
- Renal Division, St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Keenan Research Center, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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16
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Luo Y, Xu W, Li G, Cui W. Weighing In on mTOR Complex 2 Signaling: The Expanding Role in Cell Metabolism. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:7838647. [PMID: 30510625 PMCID: PMC6232796 DOI: 10.1155/2018/7838647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In all eukaryotes, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling emerges as a master regulator of homeostasis, which integrates environmental inputs, including nutrients, energy, and growth factors, to regulate many fundamental cellular processes such as cell growth and metabolism. mTOR signaling functions through two structurally and functionally distinct complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2), which correspond to two major branches of signal output. While mTORC1 is well characterized for its structure, regulation, and function in the last decade, information of mTORC2 signaling is only rapidly expanding in recent years, from structural biology, signaling network, to functional impact. Here we review the recent advances in many aspects of the mTORC2 signaling, with particular focus on its involvement in the control of cell metabolism and its physiological implications in metabolic diseases and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongting Luo
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wenyi Xu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Guannan Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
| | - Wei Cui
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing 100193, China
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London W12 0NN, UK
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17
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Therapeutic Use of mTOR Inhibitors in Renal Diseases: Advances, Drawbacks, and Challenges. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:3693625. [PMID: 30510618 PMCID: PMC6231362 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3693625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 09/07/2018] [Accepted: 09/25/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The mammalian (or mechanistic) target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has a key role in the regulation of a variety of biological processes pivotal for cellular life, aging, and death. Impaired activity of mTOR complexes (mTORC1/mTORC2), particularly mTORC1 overactivation, has been implicated in a plethora of age-related disorders, including human renal diseases. Since the discovery of rapamycin (or sirolimus), more than four decades ago, advances in our understanding of how mTOR participates in renal physiological and pathological mechanisms have grown exponentially, due to both preclinical studies in animal models with genetic modification of some mTOR components as well as due to evidence coming from the clinical experience. The main clinical indication of rapamycin is as immunosuppressive therapy for the prevention of allograft rejection, namely, in renal transplantation. However, considering the central participation of mTOR in the pathogenesis of other renal disorders, the use of rapamycin and its analogs meanwhile developed (rapalogues) everolimus and temsirolimus has been viewed as a promising pharmacological strategy. This article critically reviews the use of mTOR inhibitors in renal diseases. Firstly, we briefly overview the mTOR components and signaling as well as the pharmacological armamentarium targeting the mTOR pathway currently available or in the research and development stages. Thereafter, we revisit the mTOR pathway in renal physiology to conclude with the advances, drawbacks, and challenges regarding the use of mTOR inhibitors, in a translational perspective, in four classes of renal diseases: kidney transplantation, polycystic kidney diseases, renal carcinomas, and diabetic nephropathy.
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18
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Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase that senses and integrates environmental information into cellular regulation and homeostasis. Accumulating evidence has suggested a master role of mTOR signalling in many fundamental aspects of cell biology and organismal development. mTOR deregulation is implicated in a broad range of pathological conditions, including diabetes, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, myopathies, inflammatory, infectious, and autoimmune conditions. Here, we review recent advances in our knowledge of mTOR signalling in mammalian physiology. We also discuss the impact of mTOR alteration in human diseases and how targeting mTOR function can treat human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yassine El Hiani
- a Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Emmanuel Eroume-A Egom
- b Jewish General Hospital and Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Xian-Ping Dong
- a Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Dalhousie University, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
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19
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Rad E, Murray JT, Tee AR. Oncogenic Signalling through Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR): A Driver of Metabolic Transformation and Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 10:cancers10010005. [PMID: 29301334 PMCID: PMC5789355 DOI: 10.3390/cancers10010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 12/27/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout the years, research into signalling pathways involved in cancer progression has led to many discoveries of which mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key player. mTOR is a master regulator of cell growth control. mTOR is historically known to promote cell growth by enhancing the efficiency of protein translation. Research in the last decade has revealed that mTOR’s role in promoting cell growth is much more multifaceted. While mTOR is necessary for normal human physiology, cancer cells take advantage of mTOR signalling to drive their neoplastic growth and progression. Oncogenic signal transduction through mTOR is a common occurrence in cancer, leading to metabolic transformation, enhanced proliferative drive and increased metastatic potential through neovascularisation. This review focuses on the downstream mTOR-regulated processes that are implicated in the “hallmarks” of cancer with focus on mTOR’s involvement in proliferative signalling, metabolic reprogramming, angiogenesis and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie Rad
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
- School of Biochemistry & Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - James T Murray
- School of Biochemistry & Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Andrew R Tee
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
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20
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The TORC2-Dependent Signaling Network in the Yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Biomolecules 2017; 7:biom7030066. [PMID: 28872598 PMCID: PMC5618247 DOI: 10.3390/biom7030066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 08/25/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To grow, eukaryotic cells must expand by inserting glycerolipids, sphingolipids, sterols, and proteins into their plasma membrane, and maintain the proper levels and bilayer distribution. A fungal cell must coordinate growth with enlargement of its cell wall. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, a plasma membrane-localized protein kinase complex, Target of Rapamicin (TOR) complex-2 (TORC2) (mammalian ortholog is mTORC2), serves as a sensor and master regulator of these plasma membrane- and cell wall-associated events by directly phosphorylating and thereby stimulating the activity of two types of effector protein kinases: Ypk1 (mammalian ortholog is SGK1), along with a paralog (Ypk2); and, Pkc1 (mammalian ortholog is PKN2/PRK2). Ypk1 is a central regulator of pathways and processes required for plasma membrane lipid and protein homeostasis, and requires phosphorylation on its T-loop by eisosome-associated protein kinase Pkh1 (mammalian ortholog is PDK1) and a paralog (Pkh2). For cell survival under various stresses, Ypk1 function requires TORC2-mediated phosphorylation at multiple sites near its C terminus. Pkc1 controls diverse processes, especially cell wall synthesis and integrity. Pkc1 is also regulated by Pkh1- and TORC2-dependent phosphorylation, but, in addition, by interaction with Rho1-GTP and lipids phosphatidylserine (PtdSer) and diacylglycerol (DAG). We also describe here what is currently known about the downstream substrates modulated by Ypk1-mediated and Pkc1-mediated phosphorylation.
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21
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Tatebe H, Murayama S, Yonekura T, Hatano T, Richter D, Furuya T, Kataoka S, Furuita K, Kojima C, Shiozaki K. Substrate specificity of TOR complex 2 is determined by a ubiquitin-fold domain of the Sin1 subunit. eLife 2017; 6. [PMID: 28264193 PMCID: PMC5340527 DOI: 10.7554/elife.19594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 01/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The target of rapamycin (TOR) protein kinase forms multi-subunit TOR complex 1 (TORC1) and TOR complex 2 (TORC2), which exhibit distinct substrate specificities. Sin1 is one of the TORC2-specific subunit essential for phosphorylation and activation of certain AGC-family kinases. Here, we show that Sin1 is dispensable for the catalytic activity of TORC2, but its conserved region in the middle (Sin1CRIM) forms a discrete domain that specifically binds the TORC2 substrate kinases. Sin1CRIM fused to a different TORC2 subunit can recruit the TORC2 substrate Gad8 for phosphorylation even in the sin1 null mutant of fission yeast. The solution structure of Sin1CRIM shows a ubiquitin-like fold with a characteristic acidic loop, which is essential for interaction with the TORC2 substrates. The specific substrate-recognition function is conserved in human Sin1CRIM, which may represent a potential target for novel anticancer drugs that prevent activation of the mTORC2 substrates such as AKT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Tatebe
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara, Japan
| | - Shinichi Murayama
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara, Japan
| | - Toshiya Yonekura
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara, Japan
| | - Tomoyuki Hatano
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara, Japan
| | - David Richter
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, California, United States
| | - Tomomi Furuya
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara, Japan
| | - Saori Kataoka
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kyoko Furuita
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Chojiro Kojima
- Institute for Protein Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan.,Graduate School of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Shiozaki
- Graduate School of Biological Sciences, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, Nara, Japan.,Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, California, United States
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22
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Zhang J, Xu K, Liu P, Geng Y, Wang B, Gan W, Guo J, Wu F, Chin YR, Berrios C, Lien EC, Toker A, DeCaprio JA, Sicinski P, Wei W. Inhibition of Rb Phosphorylation Leads to mTORC2-Mediated Activation of Akt. Mol Cell 2016; 62:929-942. [PMID: 27237051 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2016.04.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The retinoblastoma (Rb) protein exerts its tumor suppressor function primarily by inhibiting the E2F family of transcription factors that govern cell-cycle progression. However, it remains largely elusive whether the hyper-phosphorylated, non-E2F1-interacting form of Rb has any physiological role. Here we report that hyper-phosphorylated Rb directly binds to and suppresses the function of mTORC2 but not mTORC1. Mechanistically, Rb, but not p107 or p130, interacts with Sin1 and blocks the access of Akt to mTORC2, leading to attenuated Akt activation and increased sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs. As such, inhibition of Rb phosphorylation by depleting cyclin D or using CDK4/6 inhibitors releases Rb-mediated mTORC2 suppression. This, in turn, leads to elevated Akt activation to confer resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs in Rb-proficient cells, which can be attenuated with Akt inhibitors. Therefore, our work provides a molecular basis for the synergistic usage of CDK4/6 and Akt inhibitors in treating Rb-proficient cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Kai Xu
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, P.R. China.,Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Pengda Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Yan Geng
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Department of Gastroenterology, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, P. R. China
| | - Wenjian Gan
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Jianping Guo
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Fei Wu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA.,Department of Urology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200040, P.R. China
| | - Y Rebecca Chin
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Christian Berrios
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Evan C Lien
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Alex Toker
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - James A DeCaprio
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Piotr Sicinski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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23
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Beauchamp RL, James MF, DeSouza PA, Wagh V, Zhao WN, Jordan JT, Stemmer-Rachamimov A, Plotkin SR, Gusella JF, Haggarty SJ, Ramesh V. A high-throughput kinome screen reveals serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 as a therapeutic target for NF2-deficient meningiomas. Oncotarget 2016. [PMID: 26219339 PMCID: PMC4627286 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Meningiomas are the most common primary intracranial adult tumor. All Neurofibromatosis 2 (NF2)-associated meningiomas and ~60% of sporadic meningiomas show loss of NF2 tumor suppressor protein. There are no effective medical therapies for progressive and recurrent meningiomas. Our previous work demonstrated aberrant activation of mTORC1 signaling that led to ongoing clinical trials with rapamycin analogs for NF2 and sporadic meningioma patients. Here we performed a high-throughput kinome screen to identify kinases responsible for mTORC1 pathway activation in NF2-deficient meningioma cells. Among the emerging top candidates were the mTORC2-specific target serum/glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 (SGK1) and p21-activated kinase 1 (PAK1). In NF2-deficient meningioma cells, inhibition of SGK1 rescues mTORC1 activation, and SGK1 activation is sensitive to dual mTORC1/2 inhibitor AZD2014, but not to rapamycin. PAK1 inhibition also leads to attenuated mTORC1 but not mTORC2 signaling, suggesting that mTORC2/SGK1 and Rac1/PAK1 pathways are independently responsible for mTORC1 activation in NF2-deficient meningiomas. Using CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing, we generated isogenic human arachnoidal cell lines (ACs), the origin cell type for meningiomas, expressing or lacking NF2. NF2-null CRISPR ACs recapitulate the signaling of NF2-deficient meningioma cells. Interestingly, we observe increased SGK1 transcription and protein expression in NF2-CRISPR ACs and in primary NF2-negative meningioma lines. Moreover, we demonstrate that the dual mTORC1/mTORC2 inhibitor, AZD2014 is superior to rapamycin and PAK inhibitor FRAX597 in blocking proliferation of meningioma cells. Importantly, AZD2014 is currently in use in several clinical trials of cancer. Therefore, we believe that AZD2014 may provide therapeutic advantage over rapalogs for recurrent and progressive meningiomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta L Beauchamp
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Marianne F James
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrick A DeSouza
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vilas Wagh
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Wen-Ning Zhao
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Justin T Jordan
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Scott R Plotkin
- Department of Neurology and Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - James F Gusella
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stephen J Haggarty
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Chemical Neurobiology Laboratory, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vijaya Ramesh
- Center for Human Genetic Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
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Grahammer F, Nesterov V, Ahmed A, Steinhardt F, Sandner L, Arnold F, Cordts T, Negrea S, Bertog M, Ruegg MA, Hall MN, Walz G, Korbmacher C, Artunc F, Huber TB. mTORC2 critically regulates renal potassium handling. J Clin Invest 2016; 126:1773-82. [PMID: 27043284 DOI: 10.1172/jci80304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2014] [Accepted: 02/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mTOR pathway orchestrates cellular homeostasis. The rapamycin-sensitive mTOR complex (mTORC1) in the kidney has been widely studied; however, mTORC2 function in renal tubules is poorly characterized. Here, we generated mice lacking mTORC2 in the distal tubule (Rictorfl/fl Ksp-Cre mice), which were viable and had no obvious phenotype, except for a 2.5-fold increase in plasma aldosterone. Challenged with a low-Na+ diet, these mice adequately reduced Na+ excretion; however, Rictorfl/fl Ksp-Cre mice rapidly developed hyperkalemia on a high-K+ diet, despite a 10-fold increase in serum aldosterone levels, implying that mTORC2 regulates kaliuresis. Phosphorylation of serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 (SGK1) and PKC-α was absent in Rictorfl/fl Ksp-Cre mice, indicating a functional block in K+ secretion activation via ROMK channels. Indeed, patch-clamp experiments on split-open tubular segments from the transition zone of the late connecting tubule and early cortical collecting duct demonstrated that Ba2+-sensitive apical K+ currents were barely detectable in the majority of Rictorfl/fl Ksp-Cre mice. Conversely, epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) activity was largely preserved, suggesting that the reduced ability to maintain K+ homeostasis is the result of impaired apical K+ conductance and not a reduced electrical driving force for K+ secretion. Thus, these data unravel a vital and nonredundant role of mTORC2 for distal tubular K+ handling.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW NEDD4-2 is an ubiquitin-protein ligase that was originally identified as an interactor of the epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC); this interaction is defective in Liddle's syndrome, causing elevated ENaC activity and salt-sensitive hypertension. In this review we aim to highlight progress achieved in recent years demonstrating that NEDD4-2 is involved in the control of Na+ transporters that are different from ENaC, but which also play a role in salt-sensitive hypertension. RECENT FINDINGS It has been shown that NEDD4-2 interacts with ubiquitylates and negatively regulates the thiazide-sensitive NCC (Na+,Cl- -cotransporter), both in vitro and in vivo in inducible, nephron-specific Nedd4-2 knockout mice. Moreover, evidence has been provided that NEDD4-2 is also involved in the regulation of human NHE3 (Na+,H+-exchanger 3) and NKCC2 (Na+,K+,2Cl- -cotransporter 2). SUMMARY The emerging role of NEDD4-2 in the regulation of different Na+ transporters along the nephron and the identification of human polymorphisms in the NEDD4-2 gene (Nedd4L) related to salt-sensitive hypertension makes this ubiquitin-protein ligase an interesting target for the development of antihypertensive drugs.
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Gaubitz C, Oliveira TM, Prouteau M, Leitner A, Karuppasamy M, Konstantinidou G, Rispal D, Eltschinger S, Robinson GC, Thore S, Aebersold R, Schaffitzel C, Loewith R. Molecular Basis of the Rapamycin Insensitivity of Target Of Rapamycin Complex 2. Mol Cell 2015; 58:977-88. [PMID: 26028537 DOI: 10.1016/j.molcel.2015.04.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Target of Rapamycin (TOR) plays central roles in the regulation of eukaryote growth as the hub of two essential multiprotein complexes: TORC1, which is rapamycin-sensitive, and the lesser characterized TORC2, which is not. TORC2 is a key regulator of lipid biosynthesis and Akt-mediated survival signaling. In spite of its importance, its structure and the molecular basis of its rapamycin insensitivity are unknown. Using crosslinking-mass spectrometry and electron microscopy, we determined the architecture of TORC2. TORC2 displays a rhomboid shape with pseudo-2-fold symmetry and a prominent central cavity. Our data indicate that the C-terminal part of Avo3, a subunit unique to TORC2, is close to the FKBP12-rapamycin-binding domain of Tor2. Removal of this sequence generated a FKBP12-rapamycin-sensitive TORC2 variant, which provides a powerful tool for deciphering TORC2 function in vivo. Using this variant, we demonstrate a role for TORC2 in G2/M cell-cycle progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christl Gaubitz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Taiana M Oliveira
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble Outstation, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble, France; Fondation ARC, 9 rue Guy Môquet, BP 90003, 04803 Villejuif Cedex, France
| | - Manoel Prouteau
- Department of Molecular Biology and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alexander Leitner
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Manikandan Karuppasamy
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble Outstation, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble, France
| | - Georgia Konstantinidou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Delphine Rispal
- Department of Molecular Biology and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sandra Eltschinger
- Department of Molecular Biology and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Graham C Robinson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH1211 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stéphane Thore
- Department of Molecular Biology and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH1211 Geneva, Switzerland; University of Bordeaux, European Institute for Chemistry and Biology, ARNA Laboratory, F-33607 Pessac, France; Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale, INSERM-U869, ARNA Laboratory, F-33000, Bordeaux, France
| | - Ruedi Aebersold
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zürich, 8093 Zürich, Switzerland; Faculty of Science, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Schaffitzel
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory, Grenoble Outstation, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, 38042 Grenoble, France; School of Biochemistry, University of Bristol, Bristol, BS8 1TD, United Kingdom.
| | - Robbie Loewith
- Department of Molecular Biology and Institute of Genetics and Genomics of Geneva (iGE3), University of Geneva, 30 Quai Ernest Ansermet, CH1211 Geneva, Switzerland; National Centre of Competence in Research "Chemical Biology," University of Geneva, Geneva CH-1211, Switzerland.
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Gleason CE, Frindt G, Cheng CJ, Ng M, Kidwai A, Rashmi P, Lang F, Baum M, Palmer LG, Pearce D. mTORC2 regulates renal tubule sodium uptake by promoting ENaC activity. J Clin Invest 2014; 125:117-28. [PMID: 25415435 DOI: 10.1172/jci73935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2013] [Accepted: 10/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The epithelial Na+ channel (ENaC) is essential for Na+ homeostasis, and dysregulation of this channel underlies many forms of hypertension. Recent studies suggest that mTOR regulates phosphorylation and activation of serum/glucocorticoid regulated kinase 1 (SGK1), which is known to inhibit ENaC internalization and degradation; however, it is not clear whether mTOR contributes to the regulation of renal tubule ion transport. Here, we evaluated the effect of selective mTOR inhibitors on kidney tubule Na+ and K+ transport in WT and Sgk1-/- mice, as well as in isolated collecting tubules. We found that 2 structurally distinct competitive inhibitors (PP242 and AZD8055), both of which prevent all mTOR-dependent phosphorylation, including that of SGK1, caused substantial natriuresis, but not kaliuresis, in WT mice, which indicates that mTOR preferentially influences ENaC function. PP242 also substantially inhibited Na+ currents in isolated perfused cortical collecting tubules. Accordingly, patch clamp studies on cortical tubule apical membranes revealed that mTOR inhibition markedly reduces ENaC activity, but does not alter activity of K+ inwardly rectifying channels (ROMK channels). Together, these results demonstrate that mTOR regulates kidney tubule ion handling and suggest that mTOR regulates Na+ homeostasis through SGK1-dependent modulation of ENaC activity.
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Grahammer F, Wanner N, Huber TB. mTOR controls kidney epithelia in health and disease. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2014; 29 Suppl 1:i9-i18. [PMID: 24493874 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gft491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal epithelial function is the cornerstone of key excretory processes performed by our kidneys. Most of these tasks need to be tightly controlled to keep our internal environment in balance. Recently, the mTOR signalling network emerged as a key pathway controlling renal epithelial cells from the glomerular tuft along the entire nephron. Both mTOR complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, regulate such diverse processes as glomerular filtration and the fine tuning of tubular electrolyte balance. Most importantly, dysregulation of mTOR signalling contributes to prevalent kidney diseases like diabetic nephropathy and cystic kidney disease. The following review shall summarize our current knowledge of the renal epithelial mTOR signalling system under physiological and pathophysiological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Grahammer
- Renal Division, Department of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Muir A, Ramachandran S, Roelants FM, Timmons G, Thorner J. TORC2-dependent protein kinase Ypk1 phosphorylates ceramide synthase to stimulate synthesis of complex sphingolipids. eLife 2014; 3. [PMID: 25279700 PMCID: PMC4217029 DOI: 10.7554/elife.03779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 10/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasma membrane lipid composition must be maintained during growth and under environmental insult. In yeast, signaling mediated by TOR Complex 2 (TORC2)-dependent protein kinase Ypk1 controls lipid abundance and distribution in response to membrane stress. Ypk1, among other actions, alleviates negative regulation of L-serine:palmitoyl-CoA acyltransferase, upregulating production of long-chain base precursors to sphingolipids. To explore other roles for TORC2-Ypk1 signaling in membrane homeostasis, we devised a three-tiered genome-wide screen to identify additional Ypk1 substrates, which pinpointed both catalytic subunits of the ceramide synthase complex. Ypk1-dependent phosphorylation of both proteins increased upon either sphingolipid depletion or heat shock and was important for cell survival. Sphingolipidomics, other biochemical measurements and genetic analysis demonstrated that these modifications of ceramide synthase increased its specific activity and stimulated channeling of long-chain base precursors into sphingolipid end-products. Control at this branch point also prevents accumulation of intermediates that could compromise cell growth by stimulating autophagy. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03779.001 Cells are enclosed by a plasma membrane that separates and protects each cell from its environment. These membranes are made of a variety of proteins and fatty molecules called lipids, which are carefully organized throughout the membrane. When cells experience stresses such as heat or excessive pressure, the plasma membrane changes to help protect the cell. In particular, more of a group of lipids called sphingolipids are incorporated into the membrane under stress conditions. In yeast cells, a protein called Ypk1 plays an important role in protecting the cell from stress. Ypk1 controls the activity of a number of proteins that are responsible for balancing the amounts of different types of lipids in cell membranes. The combined action of these Ypk1-dependent proteins leads to the remodelling of the cell membrane to protect against stress. While several proteins that work with Ypk1 are known, some of the changes that serve to protect the plasma membrane cannot be explained by the action of these proteins alone. To provide a more comprehensive picture of how Ypk1 helps cells to respond to changes in the environment, Muir et al. developed a new approach that combines biochemical, genetic and bioinformatics techniques to survey the yeast genome for proteins that could be Ypk1 targets. Muir et al. first produced a list of potential candidate proteins by searching for proteins with features similar to known Ypk1 targets, and then considered those that are known to be involved in processes that also involve Ypk1. To filter the potential targets further, Muir et al. performed experiments in yeast cells to see which proteins prevented normal cell growth if they were over-produced. Further experiments investigating which of these proteins interact with Ypk1 when purified identified 12 new proteins that are most likely targets of the Ypk1 protein. Two of these newly identified Ypk1 target proteins form part of an enzyme complex called ceramide synthase, which produces a family of waxy lipid molecules from which more complex sphingolipids are built. Muir et al. discovered that during stress, Ypk1 enhances the activity of the ceramide synthase enzyme, which increases lipid production and the amount of sphingolipid deposited in the cell membrane. If this process is interrupted at any stage, cells struggle to survive under stress conditions. The other candidate proteins identified by Muir et al. remain to be validated and characterized as Ypk1 targets. Nevertheless, the techniques used have conclusively identified some new Ypk1 targets and could also be applied to similar searches for proteins targeted in other biological processes. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.03779.002
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Muir
- Division of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Subramaniam Ramachandran
- Division of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Françoise M Roelants
- Division of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Garrett Timmons
- Department of Chemistry, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
| | - Jeremy Thorner
- Division of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Structural Biology, Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, Berkeley, United States
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31
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Heikamp EB, Patel CH, Collins S, Waickman A, Oh MH, Sun IH, Illei P, Sharma A, Naray-Fejes-Toth A, Fejes-Toth G, Misra-Sen J, Horton MR, Powell JD. The AGC kinase SGK1 regulates TH1 and TH2 differentiation downstream of the mTORC2 complex. Nat Immunol 2014; 15:457-64. [PMID: 24705297 PMCID: PMC4267697 DOI: 10.1038/ni.2867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Accepted: 03/10/2014] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
SGK1 is an AGC kinase that regulates the expression of membrane sodium channels in renal tubular cells in a manner dependent on the metabolic checkpoint kinase complex mTORC2. We hypothesized that SGK1 might represent an additional mTORC2-dependent regulator of the differentiation and function of T cells. Here we found that after activation by mTORC2, SGK1 promoted T helper type 2 (TH2) differentiation by negatively regulating degradation of the transcription factor JunB mediated by the E3 ligase Nedd4-2. Simultaneously, SGK1 repressed the production of interferon-γ (IFN-γ) by controlling expression of the long isoform of the transcription factor TCF-1. Consistent with those findings, mice with selective deletion of SGK1 in T cells were resistant to experimentally induced asthma, generated substantial IFN-γ in response to viral infection and more readily rejected tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily B Heikamp
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Research Center, Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Chirag H Patel
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Research Center, Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Sam Collins
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Adam Waickman
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Research Center, Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Min-Hee Oh
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Im-Hong Sun
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Research Center, Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter Illei
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Archna Sharma
- Immune Cells and Inflammation Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Geza Fejes-Toth
- Department of Physiology, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA
| | - Jyoti Misra-Sen
- Immune Cells and Inflammation Section, Laboratory of Immunology, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Maureen R Horton
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonathan D Powell
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Research Center, Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Abstract
The target of rapamycin (TOR) is an evolutionarily conserved protein kinase that regulates cell growth in response to various environmental as well as intracellular cues through the formation of 2 distinct TOR complexes (TORC), TORC1 and TORC2. Dysregulation of TORC1 and TORC2 activity is closely associated with various diseases, including diabetes, cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Over the past few years, new regulatory mechanisms of TORC1 and TORC2 activity have been elucidated. Furthermore, recent advances in the study of TOR inhibitors have revealed previously unrecognized cellular functions of TORC1. In this review, we briefly summarize the current understanding of the evolutionarily conserved TOR signalling from upstream regulators to downstream events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terunao Takahara
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
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Pavlov TS, Ilatovskaya DV, Levchenko V, Li L, Ecelbarger CM, Staruschenko A. Regulation of ENaC in mice lacking renal insulin receptors in the collecting duct. FASEB J 2013; 27:2723-32. [PMID: 23558339 DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-223792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) is one of the central effectors involved in regulation of salt and water homeostasis in the kidney. To study mechanisms of ENaC regulation, we generated knockout mice lacking the insulin receptor (InsR KO) specifically in the collecting duct principal cells. Single-channel analysis in freshly isolated split-open tubules demonstrated that the InsR-KO mice have significantly lower ENaC activity compared to their wild-type (C57BL/6J) littermates when animals were fed either normal or sodium-deficient diets. Immunohistochemical and Western blot assays demonstrated no significant changes in expression of ENaC subunits in InsR-KO mice compared to wild-type littermates. Insulin treatment caused greater ENaC activity in split-open tubules isolated from wild-type mice but did not have this effect in the InsR-KO mice. Thus, these results suggest that insulin increases ENaC activity via its own receptor affecting the channel open probability. To further determine the mechanism of the action of insulin on ENaC, we used mouse mpkCCDc14 principal cells. Insulin significantly augmented amiloride-sensitive transepithelial flux in these cells. Pretreatment of the mpkCCDc14 cells with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (LY294002; 10 μM) or mTOR (PP242; 100 nM) inhibitors precluded this effect. This study provides new information about the importance of insulin receptors expressed in collecting duct principal cells for ENaC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tengis S Pavlov
- Department of Physiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, 8701 Watertown Plank Rd., Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
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Lang F, Voelkl J. Therapeutic potential of serum and glucocorticoid inducible kinase inhibition. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2013; 22:701-14. [PMID: 23506284 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2013.778971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Expression of serum-and-glucocorticoid-inducible kinase-1 (SGK1) is low in most cells, but dramatically increases under certain pathophysiological conditions, such as glucocorticoid or mineralocorticoid excess, inflammation with TGFβ release, hyperglycemia, cell shrinkage and ischemia. SGK1 is activated by insulin and growth factors via phosphatidylinositide-3-kinase, 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin. SGK1 sensitive functions include activation of ion channels (including epithelial Na(+) channel ENaC, voltage gated Na(+) channel SCN5A transient receptor potential channels TRPV4 - 6, Ca(2+) release activated Ca(2+) channel Orai1/STIM1, renal outer medullary K(+) channel ROMK, voltage gated K(+) channels KCNE1/KCNQ1, kainate receptor GluR6, cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator CFTR), carriers (including Na(+),Cl(-) symport NCC, Na(+),K(+),2Cl(-) symport NKCC, Na(+)/H(+) exchangers NHE1 and NHE3, Na(+), glucose symport SGLT1, several amino acid transporters), and Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase. SGK1 regulates several enzymes (e.g., glycogen synthase kinase-3, ubiquitin-ligase Nedd4-2) and transcription factors (e.g., forkhead transcription factor 3a, β-catenin, nuclear factor kappa B). AREAS COVERED The phenotype of SGK1 knockout mice is mild and SGK1 is apparently dispensible for basic functions. Excessive SGK1 expression and activity, however, contributes to the pathophysiology of several disorders, including hypertension, obesity, diabetes, thrombosis, stroke, fibrosing disease, infertility and tumor growth. A SGK1 gene variant (prevalence ∼ 3 - 5% in Caucasians and ∼ 10% in Africans) is associated with hypertension, stroke, obesity and type 2 diabetes. SGK1 inhibitors have been developed and shown to reduce blood pressure of hyperinsulinemic mice and to counteract tumor cell survival. EXPERT OPINION Targeting SGK1 may be a therapeutic option in several clinical conditions, including metabolic syndrome and tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Lang
- University of Tuebingen, Department of Physiology, Tuebingen, Germany.
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Lang F, Shumilina E. Regulation of ion channels by the serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase SGK1. FASEB J 2012; 27:3-12. [PMID: 23012321 DOI: 10.1096/fj.12-218230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The ubiquitously expressed serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase-1 (SGK1) is genomically regulated by cell stress (including cell shrinkage) and several hormones (including gluco- and mineralocorticoids). SGK1 is activated by insulin and growth factors through PI3K and 3-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase PDK1. SGK1 activates a wide variety of ion channels (e.g., ENaC, SCN5A, TRPV4-6, ROMK, Kv1.3, Kv1.5, Kv4.3, KCNE1/KCNQ1, KCNQ4, ASIC1, GluR6, ClCKa/barttin, ClC2, CFTR, and Orai/STIM), which participate in the regulation of transport, hormone release, neuroexcitability, inflammation, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. SGK1-sensitive ion channels participate in the regulation of renal Na(+) retention and K(+) elimination, blood pressure, gastric acid secretion, cardiac action potential, hemostasis, and neuroexcitability. A common (∼3-5% prevalence in Caucasians and ∼10% in Africans) SGK1 gene variant is associated with increased blood pressure and body weight as well as increased prevalence of type II diabetes and stroke. SGK1 further contributes to the pathophysiology of allergy, peptic ulcer, fibrosing disease, ischemia, tumor growth, and neurodegeneration. The effect of SGK1 on channel activity is modest, and the channels do not require SGK1 for basic function. SGK1-dependent ion channel regulation may thus become pathophysiologically relevant primarily after excessive (pathological) expression. Therefore, SGK1 may be considered an attractive therapeutic target despite its broad range of functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Lang
- Department of Physiology, University of Tuebingen, Gmelinstrasse 5, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany.
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Soundararajan R, Lu M, Pearce D. Organization of the ENaC-regulatory machinery. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2012; 47:349-59. [PMID: 22506713 DOI: 10.3109/10409238.2012.678285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The control of fluid and electrolyte homeostasis in vertebrates requires the integration of a diverse set of signaling inputs, which control epithelial Na(+) transport, the principal ionic component of extracellular fluid. The key site of regulation is a segment of the kidney tubules, frequently termed the aldosterone-sensitive distal nephron, wherein the epithelial Na(+) channel (or ENaC) mediates apical ion entry. Na(+) transport in this segment is strongly regulated by the salt-retaining hormone, aldosterone, which acts through the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) to influence the expression of a selected set of target genes, most notably the serine-threonine kinase SGK1, which phosphorylates and inhibits the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4-2. It has long been known that ENaC activity is tightly regulated in vertebrate epithelia. Recent evidence suggests that SGK1 and Nedd4-2, along with other ENaC-regulatory proteins, physically associate with each other and with ENaC in a multi-protein complex. The various components of the complex are regulated by diverse signaling networks, including steroid receptor-, PI3-kinase-, mTOR-, and Raf-MEK-ERK-dependent pathways. In this review, we focus on the organization of the targets of these pathways by multi-domain scaffold proteins and lipid platforms into a unified complex, thereby providing a molecular basis for signal integration in the control of ENaC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Soundararajan
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Liao HC, Chen MY. Target of rapamycin complex 2 signals to downstream effector yeast protein kinase 2 (Ypk2) through adheres-voraciously-to-target-of-rapamycin-2 protein 1 (Avo1) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. J Biol Chem 2011; 287:6089-99. [PMID: 22207764 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m111.303701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The conserved Ser/Thr kinase target of rapamycin (TOR) serves as a central regulator in controlling cell growth-related functions. There exist two distinct TOR complexes, TORC1 and TORC2, each coupling to specific downstream effectors and signaling pathways. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, TORC2 is involved in regulating actin organization and maintaining cell wall integrity. Ypk2 (yeast protein kinase 2), a member of the cAMP-dependent, cGMP-dependent, and PKC (AGC) kinase family, is a TORC2 substrate known to participate in actin and cell wall regulation. Employing avo3(ts) mutants with defects in TORC2 functions that are suppressible by active Ypk2, we investigated the molecular interactions involved in mediating TORC2 signaling to Ypk2. GST pulldown assays in yeast lysates demonstrated physical interactions between Ypk2 and components of TORC2. In vitro binding assays revealed that Avo1 directly binds to Ypk2. In avo3(ts) mutants, the TORC2-Ypk2 interaction was reduced and could be restored by AVO1 overexpression, highlighting the important role of Avo1 in coupling TORC2 to Ypk2. The interaction was mapped to an internal region (amino acids 600-840) of Avo1 and a C-terminal region of Ypk2. Ypk2(334-677), a truncated form of Ypk2 containing the Avo1-interacting region, was able to interfere with Avo1-Ypk2 interaction in vitro. Overexpressing Ypk2(334-677) in yeast cells resulted in a perturbation of TORC2 functions, causing defective cell wall integrity, aberrant actin organization, and diminished TORC2-dependent Ypk2 phosphorylation evidenced by the loss of an electrophoretic mobility shift. Together, our data support the conclusion that the direct Avo1-Ypk2 interaction is crucial for TORC2 signaling to the downstream Ypk2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsien-Ching Liao
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan
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