Insulin-like growth factor I-induced degradation of insulin receptor substrate 1 is mediated by the 26S proteasome and blocked by phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase inhibition

IGF-I concentration determines cell fate by converting signaling dynamics as a bifurcation parameter in L6 myoblasts

Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I mediates long-term activities that determine cell fate, including cell proliferation and differentiation. This study aimed to characterize the mechanisms by which IGF-I determines cell fate from the aspect of IGF-I signaling dynamics. In L6 myoblasts, myogenic differentiation proceeded under low IGF-I levels, whereas proliferation was enhanced under high levels. Mathematical and experimental analyses revealed that IGF-I signaling oscillated at low IGF-I levels but remained constant at high levels, suggesting that differences in IGF-I signaling dynamics determine cell fate. We previously reported that differential insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 levels generate a driving force for cell competition. Computational simulations and immunofluorescence analyses revealed that asynchronous IRS-1 protein oscillations were synchronized during myogenic processes through cell competition. Disturbances of cell competition impaired signaling synchronization and cell fusion, indicating that synchronization of IGF-I signaling oscillation is critical for myoblast cell fusion to form multinucleate myotubes.

Suppression of Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 Inhibits Breast Cancer Growth In Vitro and in Female Athymic Mice

Targeting the type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) has not been successful in breast cancer. Data suggest the highly homologous insulin receptor (IR) may be an alternate growth stimulatory pathway used by cancer cells. Since both receptors phosphorylate the insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) protein as an immediate consequence of ligand binding, disruption of both receptors could be accomplished by suppression of IRS-1. IRS-1 gene deletion by CRISPR/Cas9 editing resulted in suppression of IGF-I, insulin, and estrogen-stimulated growth in hormone-dependent MCF-7L breast cancer cells. A doxycycline-inducible IRS-1 shRNA lentiviral construct was also used to infect MCF-7L breast cancer cells. IRS-1 shRNA downregulation resulted in decreased responses to IGF-I, insulin, and estradiol in monolayer and anchorage-independent growth assays. Decreased IRS-1 levels also suppressed estradiol-stimulated gene expression and estrogen receptor binding to DNA. Xenograft growth was also inhibited by induction of IRS-1 shRNA. These data show that IRS-1 is a critical regulator of endocrine responsive breast cancer. Efforts to target this adaptor protein could have broader growth inhibitory effects and receptor targeting.

The Insulin-like Growth Factor Signaling Pathway in Breast Cancer: An Elusive Therapeutic Target

In this review, we provide an overview of the role of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway in breast cancer and discuss its potential as a therapeutic target. The IGF pathway ligands, IGF-1 and IGF-2, and their receptors, primarily IGF-1R, are important for normal mammary gland biology, and dysregulation of their expression and function drives breast cancer risk and progression through activation of downstream signaling effectors, often in a subtype-dependent manner. The IGF signaling pathway has also been implicated in resistance to current therapeutic strategies, including ER and HER2 targeting drugs. Unfortunately, efforts to target IGF signaling for the treatment of breast cancer have been unsuccessful, due to a number of factors, most significantly the adverse effects of disrupting IGF signaling on normal glucose metabolism. We highlight here the recent discoveries that provide enthusiasm for continuing efforts to target IGF signaling for the treatment of breast cancer patients.

Deubiquitinase OTUD3 regulates metabolism homeostasis in response to nutritional stresses

The ovarian-tumor-domain-containing deubiquitinases (OTUDs) block ubiquitin-dependent protein degradation and are involved in diverse signaling pathways. We discovered a rare OTUD3 c.863G>A mutation in a family with an early age of onset of diabetes. This mutation reduces the stability and catalytic activity of OTUD3. We next constructed an experiment with Otud3^-/- mice and found that they developed worse obesity, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance than wild-type mice when challenged with a high-fat diet (HFD). We further found that glucose and fatty acids stimulate CREB-binding-protein-dependent OTUD3 acetylation, promoting its nuclear translocation, where OTUD3 regulates various genes involved in glucose and lipid metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation by stabilizing peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARδ). Moreover, targeting PPARδ using a specific agonist can partially rescue the phenotype of HFD-fed Otud3^-/- mice. We propose that OTUD3 is an important regulator of energy metabolism and that the OTUD3 c.863G>A is associated with obesity and a higher risk of diabetes.

Diversity of insulin and IGF signaling in breast cancer: Implications for therapy

This review highlights the significance of the insulin receptor (IR) and insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling pathway in cancer and assesses its potential as a therapeutic target. Our emphasis is on breast cancer, but this pathway is central to the behavior of many cancers. An understanding of how IR/IGF-1R signaling contributes to the function of the normal mammary gland provides a foundation for understanding its aberrations in breast cancer. Specifically, dysregulation of the expression and function of ligands (insulin, IGF-1 and IGF-2), receptors and their downstream signaling effectors drive breast cancer initiation and progression, often in a subtype-dependent manner. Efforts to target this pathway for the treatment of cancer have been hindered by several factors including a lack of biomarkers to select patients that could respond to targeted therapy and adverse effects on normal metabolism. To this end, we discuss ongoing efforts aimed at overcoming such obstacles.

Decreased maternal serum adiponectin and increased insulin-like growth factor-1 levels along with increased placental glucose transporter-1 expression in gestational diabetes mellitus: Possible role in fetal overgrowth

INTRODUCTION

The placental glucose transporter - 1 (GLUT-1) is involved in the transplacental glucose transport to the fetus. GLUT-1 expressions are increased in diabetic pregnancies and associated with altered fetal growth. However, the factors regulating the GLUT-1 expressions are largely unknown. We hypothesised that maternal adipokines and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) modulate the placental expressions of GLUT-1 through the activation of insulin/IGF-1 signalling which may contribute to a fetal overgrowth in GDM.

METHODS

Maternal blood, cord blood and placental samples were collected from GDM and control pregnant women (CPW). The biochemical parameters, IGF1, adipokines, and high sensitive C- reactive protein were measured. We analysed the placental expressions of GLUT-1 and proteins related to insulin/IGF-1 signalling - insulin receptor -β, insulin receptor substrate - 1, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase p110α, phospho Akt-1, phospho extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and nuclear factor-κB p65 in GDM and CPW.

RESULTS

Increased maternal IGF-1 and decreased adiponectin levels were found in the GDM women. Maternal IGF-1 levels were positively correlated, whereas adiponectin levels were negatively correlated with the birth weight of GDM newborns. Increased phosphorylation of Akt and ERK 1/2 was found in the placenta of GDM women. Placental expressions of GLUT-1 were significantly higher in the GDM women and positively correlated to the maternal IGF-1 levels in the GDM group.

DISCUSSION

Decreased maternal adiponectin and increased IGF-1 levels might have caused increased GLUT-1 expression via the increased activation of insulin/IGF-1 signalling in the placenta of GDM women which might have influenced the fetal growth.

A combination of growth factors and cytokines alter preimplantation mouse embryo development, foetal development and gene expression profiles

Within the maternal tract, the preimplantation embryo is exposed to an array of growth factors (GFs) and cytokines, most of which are absent from culture media used in clinical IVF. Whilst the addition of individual GFs and cytokines to embryo culture media can improve preimplantation mouse embryo development, there is a lack of evidence on the combined synergistic effects of GFs and cytokines on embryo development and further foetal growth. Therefore, in this study, the effect of a combined group of GFs and cytokines on mouse preimplantation embryo development and subsequent foetal development and gene expression profiles was investigated. Supplementation of embryo culture media with an optimised combination of GFs and cytokines (0.05 ng/ml vascular endothelial GF, 1 ng/ml platelet-derived GF, 0.13 ng/ml insulin-like GF 1, 0.026 ng/ml insulin-like GF 2 and 1 ng/ml granulocyte colony-stimulating factor) had no effect on embryo morphokinetics but significantly increased trophectoderm cell number (P = 0.0002) and total cell number (P = 0.024). Treatment with this combination of GFs and cytokines also significantly increased blastocyst outgrowth area (P < 0.05) and, following embryo transfer, increased foetal weight (P = 0.027), crown-rump length (P = 0.017) and overall morphological development (P = 0.027). RNA-seq analysis of in vitro derived foetuses identified concurrent alterations to the transcriptional profiles of liver and placental tissues compared with those developed in vivo, with greater changes observed in the GF and cytokine treated group. Together these data highlight the importance of balancing the actions of such factors for the regulation of normal development and emphasise the need for further studies investigating this prior to clinical implementation.

Advances in cancer cachexia: Intersection between affected organs, mediators, and pharmacological interventions

Advanced cancer patients exhibit cachexia, a condition characterized by a significant reduction in the body weight predominantly from loss of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. Cachexia is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. Decreased food intake and multi-organ energy imbalance in cancer patients worsen the cachexia syndrome. Cachectic cancer patients have a low tolerance for chemo- and radiation therapies and also have a reduced quality of life. The presence of tumors and the current treatment options for cancer further exacerbate the cachexia condition, which remains an unmet medical need. The onset of cachexia involves crosstalk between different organs leading to muscle wasting. Recent advancements in understanding the molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle atrophy/hypertrophy and adipose tissue wasting/browning provide a platform for the development of new targeted therapies. Therefore, a better understanding of this multifactorial disorder will help to improve the quality of life of cachectic patients. In this review, we summarize the metabolic mediators of cachexia, their molecular functions, affected organs especially with respect to muscle atrophy and adipose browning and then discuss advanced therapeutic approaches to cancer cachexia.

Deficiency of the autophagy gene ATG16L1 induces insulin resistance through KLHL9/KLHL13/CUL3-mediated IRS1 degradation

Connections between deficient autophagy and insulin resistance have emerged, however, the mechanism through which reduced autophagy impairs insulin-signaling remains unknown. We examined mouse embryonic fibroblasts lacking Atg16l1 (ATG16L1 KO mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs)), an essential autophagy gene, and observed deficient insulin and insulin-like growth factor-1 signaling. ATG16L1 KO MEFs displayed reduced protein content of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS1), pivotal to insulin signaling, whereas IRS1myc overexpression recovered downstream insulin signaling. Endogenous IRS1 protein content and insulin signaling were restored in ATG16L1 KO mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) upon proteasome inhibition. Through proximity-dependent biotin identification (BioID) and co-immunoprecipitation, we found that Kelch-like proteins KLHL9 and KLHL13, which together form an E3 ubiquitin (Ub) ligase complex with cullin 3 (CUL3), are novel IRS1 interactors. Expression of Klhl9 and Klhl13 was elevated in ATG16L1 KO MEFs and siRNA-mediated knockdown of Klhl9, Klhl13, or Cul3 recovered IRS1 expression. Moreover, Klhl13 and Cul3 knockdown increased insulin signaling. Notably, adipose tissue of high-fat fed mice displayed lower Atg16l1 mRNA expression and IRS1 protein content, and adipose tissue KLHL13 and CUL3 expression positively correlated to body mass index in humans. We propose that ATG16L1 deficiency evokes insulin resistance through induction of Klhl9 and Klhl13, which, in complex with Cul3, promote proteasomal IRS1 degradation.

Endogenous insulin signaling in the RPE contributes to the maintenance of rod photoreceptor function in diabetes

In diabetes, there are two major physiological aberrations: (i) Loss of insulin signaling due to absence of insulin (type 1 diabetes) or insulin resistance (type 2 diabetes) and (ii) increased blood glucose levels. The retina has a high proclivity to damage following diabetes, and much of the pathology seen in diabetic retinopathy has been ascribed to hyperglycemia and downstream cascades activated by increased blood glucose. However, less attention has been focused on the direct role of insulin on retinal physiology, likely due to the fact that uptake of glucose in retinal cells is not insulin-dependent. The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is instrumental in maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the retina. Recent studies have suggested that RPE dysfunction is a precursor of, and contributes to, the development of diabetic retinopathy. To evaluate the role of insulin on RPE cell function directly, we generated a RPE specific insulin receptor (IR) knockout (RPEIRKO) mouse using the Cre-loxP system. Using this mouse, we sought to determine the impact of insulin-mediated signaling in the RPE on retinal function under physiological control conditions as well as in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes. We demonstrate that loss of RPE-specific IR expression resulted in lower a- and b-wave electroretinogram amplitudes in diabetic mice as compared to diabetic mice that expressed IR on the RPE. Interestingly, RPEIRKO mice did not exhibit significant differences in the amplitude of the RPE-dependent electroretinogram c-wave as compared to diabetic controls. However, loss of IR-mediated signaling in the RPE reduced levels of reactive oxygen species and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the retina of diabetic mice. These results imply that IR-mediated signaling in the RPE regulates photoreceptor function and may play a role in the generation of oxidative stress and inflammation in the retina in diabetes.

IRS-2 deubiquitination by USP9X maintains anchorage-independent cell growth via Erk1/2 activation in prostate carcinoma cell line

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) have been shown to induce proliferation of many types of cells. Insulin receptor substrates (IRSs) are major targets of IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) tyrosine kinase activated by IGFs, and are known to play important roles in the activation of downstream signaling pathways, such as the Erk1/2 pathway. Dysregulation of IGF signaling represents a central tumor promoting principle in human carcinogenesis. Prostate carcinoma is highly dependent on the IGF/IGF-IR/IRS axis. Here we identified the deubiquitinase, ubiquitin specific peptidase 9X (USP9X) as a novel binding partner of IRS-2. In a human prostate carcinoma cell line, small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated knockdown of USP9X reduced IGF-IR as well as IRS-2 protein levels and increased their ubiquitination. Knockdown of USP9X suppressed basal activation of the Erk1/2 pathway, which was significantly restored by exogenous expression of IRS-2 but not by IGF-IR, suggesting that the stabilization of IRS-2 by USP9X is critical for basal Erk1/2 activation. Finally, we measured anchorage-independent cell growth, a characteristic cancer feature, by soft-agar colony formation assay. Knockdown of USP9X significantly reduced anchorage-independent cell growth of prostate carcinoma cell line. Taken all together, our findings indicate that USP9X is required for the promotion of prostate cancer growth by maintaining the activation of the Erk1/2 pathway through IRS-2 stabilization.

IGF1 receptor signaling pathways

Insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) bind specifically to the IGF1 receptor on the cell surface of targeted tissues. Ligand binding to the α subunit of the receptor leads to a conformational change in the β subunit, resulting in the activation of receptor tyrosine kinase activity. Activated receptor phosphorylates several substrates, including insulin receptor substrates (IRSs) and Src homology collagen (SHC). Phosphotyrosine residues in these substrates are recognized by certain Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing signaling molecules. These include, for example, an 85 kDa regulatory subunit (p85) of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), growth factor receptor-bound 2 (GRB2) and SH2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2/Syp). These bindings lead to the activation of downstream signaling pathways, PI 3-kinase pathway and Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP kinase) pathway. Activation of these signaling pathways is known to be required for the induction of various bioactivities of IGFs, including cell proliferation, cell differentiation and cell survival. In this review, the well-established IGF1 receptor signaling pathways required for the induction of various bioactivities of IGFs are introduced. In addition, we will discuss how IGF signals are modulated by the other extracellular stimuli or by themselves based on our studies.

Serine Phosphorylation by mTORC1 Promotes IRS-1 Degradation through SCFβ-TRCP E3 Ubiquitin Ligase

The insulin receptor substrate IRS-1 is a key substrate of insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF) receptor tyrosine kinases that mediates their metabolic and growth-promoting actions. Proteasomal degradation of IRS-1 is induced following activation of the downstream kinase mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) to constitute a negative feedback loop. However, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Here we report that Ser 422 of IRS-1 is phosphorylated by mTORC1 and required for IRS-1 degradation induced by prolonged IGF stimulation. Phosphorylation of Ser 422 then recruits the SCF^β-TRCP E3 ligase complex, which catalyzes IRS-1 ubiquitination. Phosphorylation-dependent IRS-1 degradation contributes to impaired growth and survival responses to IGF in cells lacking TSC2, a negative regulator of mTORC1. Inhibition of IRS-1 degradation promotes sustained Akt activation in IGF-stimulated cells. Our work clarifies the nature of the IRS-1-mTORC1 feedback loop and elucidates its role in temporal regulation of IGF signaling.

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Ser 422 of IRS-1 is identified as a phosphorylation site by mTORC1

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Phosphorylation of Ser 422 induces the binding of SCF β-TRCP E3 ligase to IRS-1

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Ser 422 phosphorylation triggers the SCF β-TRCP-mediated degradation of IRS-1

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The IRS-1-mTORC1 negative feedback loop determines the duration of IGF signaling

Analysis of Association of Genetic Markers in the LUZP2 and FBXO40 Genes with the Normal Variability in Cognitive Performance in the Elderly

Cognitive performance is an important endophenotype for various neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric traits. In the present study two genetic variants in the leucine-zipper protein (LUZP2) and the F-box 40 protein (FBXO40) genes, previously reported to be genome-wide significant for Alzheimer's diseases and schizophrenia, were examined for an association with cognitive abilities in normal elderly from the Russian population. Rs1021261 in the LUZP2 and rs3772130 in the FBXO40 were genotyped by multiplex PCR and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry in a sample of 708 normal elderly subjects tested for cognitive performance using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Association of genetic variability with the MoCA scores was estimated by parametric and nonparametric analysis of variance and by the frequency comparison between upper and lower quartiles of MoCA distribution. Significantly higher frequency of "TT" genotype of rs1021261 in the LUZP2 gene as well as "A" allele and "AA" genotype of rs3772130 in the FBXO40 gene was found in a subsample of individuals with the MoCA score less than 20 comparing to the fourth quartile's subsample (MoCA > 25). The data of the present study suggests that genetic variability in the LUZP2 and FBXO40 loci associated with neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases is also contributed to the normal variability in cognitive performance in the elderly.

LPIN1 promotes epithelial cell transformation and mammary tumourigenesis via enhancing insulin receptor substrate 1 stability

LPIN1 is a protein that exhibits dual functions as a phosphatidic acid phosphatase enzyme in regulation of triglyceride and glycerophospholipid metabolism and a transcriptional coregulator. Through unknown tumour-promoting mechanism, LPIN1 frequently observed in various human cancer cell lines controls main cellular processes involved in cancer progression. Here, we demonstrate that LPIN1 enhances the tumour-promoting function of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) by controlling IRS1 stability. LPIN1 interacts with IRS1 in an insulin growth factor-1-dependent signalling pathway and inhibits its serine phosphorylation, and thereby eliminating ubiquitin-dependent degradation of IRS1 via proteasomal and lysosomal pathways. Consequently, LPIN1 overexpression increases IRS1 abundance and enhances IRS1's ability to induce epithelial cell proliferation and mammary tumourigenesis. By contrast, depletion or inhibition of LPIN1 in breast cancer cells leads to a decreased IRS1 level, which subsequently inhibits the RAF1-mediated signalling pathway and AP-1 activity. In the syngeneic 4T1 breast cancer model, LPIN1 overexpression increased tumour development, whereas inhibition of LPIN1 and IRS1 suppressed it. Consistent with these observations, LPIN1 levels were positively correlated with IRS1 expression in human breast cancer. Thus, our results indicate a mechanism by which IRS1 expression is increased in breast cancer, and LPIN1 may be a promising drug target for anticancer therapy.

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) That Signal via Protein Kinase A (PKA) Cross-talk at Insulin Receptor Substrate 1 (IRS1) to Activate the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT Pathway

G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) activate PI3K/v-AKT thymoma viral oncoprotein (AKT) to regulate many cellular functions that promote cell survival, proliferation, and growth. However, the mechanism by which GPCRs activate PI3K/AKT remains poorly understood. We used ovarian preantral granulosa cells (GCs) to elucidate the mechanism by which the GPCR agonist FSH via PKA activates the PI3K/AKT cascade. Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is secreted in an autocrine/paracrine manner by GCs and activates the IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) but, in the absence of FSH, fails to stimulate YXXM phosphorylation of IRS1 (insulin receptor substrate 1) required for PI3K/AKT activation. We show that PKA directly phosphorylates the protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) regulatory subunit myosin phosphatase targeting subunit 1 (MYPT1) to activate PP1 associated with the IGF1R-IRS1 complex. Activated PP1 is sufficient to dephosphorylate at least four IRS1 Ser residues, Ser³¹⁸, Ser³⁴⁶, Ser⁶¹², and Ser⁷⁸⁹, and promotes IRS1 YXXM phosphorylation by the IGF1R to activate the PI3K/AKT cascade. Additional experiments indicate that this mechanism also occurs in breast cancer, thyroid, and preovulatory granulosa cells, suggesting that the PKA-dependent dephosphorylation of IRS1 Ser/Thr residues is a conserved mechanism by which GPCRs signal to activate the PI3K/AKT pathway downstream of the IGF1R.

Serum 5-LOX: a progressive protein marker for breast cancer and new approach for therapeutic target

Lipoxygenase (LOX) pathway has emerged to have a role in carcinogenesis. There is an evidence that both 12-LOX and 5-LOX have procarcinogenic role. We have previously reported the elevated level of serum 12-LOX in breast cancer patients. This study evaluated the serum level of 5-LOX in breast cancer patients and its in vitro inhibition assessment with peptide inhibitor YWCS. The level of 5-LOX was determined by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The peptide inhibitor of 5-LOX was designed by molecular modeling and kinetic assay was performed by spectrophotometry. The siRNA mediated 5-LOX gene silencing was performed to investigate the effect on proliferation of MDA-MB-231, breast cancer cell line. The serum 5-LOX level in breast cancer (5.69±1.97ng/µl) was almost 2-fold elevated compared to control (3.53±1.0ng/µl) (P < 0.0001). The peptide YWCS had shown competitive inhibitory effects with IC50, 2.2 µM and dissociation constant (K D), 4.92×10(-8) M. The siRNA mediated knockdown of 5-LOX, resulted in the decreased gene expression for 5-LOX and increased cell death in MDA-MB-231 cell line and thereby play a key role in reducing tumor proliferation. Thus, it can be concluded that 5-LOX is one of the potential serum protein marker for breast cancer and a promising therapeutic target for the same.

Chapter Seven - When Phosphorylation Encounters Ubiquitination: A Balanced Perspective on IGF-1R Signaling

Cell-surface receptors govern the critical information passage from outside to inside the cell and hence control important cellular decisions such as survival, growth, and differentiation. These receptors, structurally grouped into different families, utilize common intracellular signaling-proteins and pathways, yet promote divergent biological consequences. In rapid processing of extracellular signals to biological outcomes, posttranslational modifications offer a repertoire of protein processing options. Protein ubiquitination was originally identified as a signal for protein degradation through the proteasome system. It is now becoming increasingly recognized that both ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins, all evolved from a common ubiquitin structural superfold, are used extensively by the cell and encompass signal tags for many different cellular fates. In this chapter we examine the current understanding of the ubiquitin regulation surrounding the insulin-like growth factor and insulin signaling systems, major members of the larger family of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and key regulators of fundamental physiological and pathological states.

Low Oxygen Tension Modulates the Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 or -2 Signaling via Both Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Receptor and Insulin Receptor to Maintain Stem Cell Identity in Placental Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Placental mesenchymal stem cells (PMSCs) are readily available multipotent stem cells for potential use in regenerative therapies. For this purpose, PMSCs must be maintained in culture conditions that mimic the in vivo microenvironment. IGFs (IGF-1 and IGF-2) and oxygen tension are low in the placenta in early gestation and increase as pregnancy progresses. IGFs bind to two receptor tyrosine kinases, the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and the insulin receptor (IR), and their hybrid receptors. We hypothesized that IGF-1 and IGF-2 signal via distinct signaling pathways under low-oxygen tension to maintain PMSC multipotency. In preterm PMSCs, low-oxygen tension increased the expression of IGF-2 and reduced IGF-1. IGF-1 stimulated higher phosphorylation of IGF-1Rβ, ERK1/2, and AKT, which was maintained at steady lower levels by low oxygen tension. PMSC proliferation was increased by IGF-1 more than IGF-2,and was potentiated by low-oxygen tension. This IGF/low oxygen tension-mediated proliferation was receptor dependent because neutralization of the IGF-1R inhibited PMSC proliferation in the presence of IGF-1 and the IR in presence of IGF-2. These findings suggest that both IGF-1R and the IR can participate in mediating IGF signaling in maintaining PMSCs multipotency. We conclude that low-oxygen tension can modify the IGF-1 or IGF-2 signaling via the IGF-1R and IR in PMSCs.

Insulin Receptor Substrate 1, the Hub Linking Follicle-stimulating Hormone to Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase Activation

The ubiquitous phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway regulates many cellular functions. However, the mechanism by which G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) signal to activate PI3K is poorly understood. We have used ovarian granulosa cells as a model to investigate this pathway, based on evidence that the GPCR agonist follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) promotes the protein kinase A (PKA)-dependent phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) on tyrosine residues that activate PI3K. We report that in the absence of FSH, granulosa cells secrete a subthreshold concentration of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) that primes the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) but fails to promote tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS1. FSH via PKA acts to sensitize IRS1 to the tyrosine kinase activity of the IGF-1R by activating protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) to promote dephosphorylation of inhibitory Ser/Thr residues on IRS1, including Ser(789). Knockdown of PP1β blocks the ability of FSH to activate PI3K in the presence of endogenous IGF-1. Activation of PI3K thus requires both PKA-mediated relief of IRS1 inhibition and IGF-1R-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS1. Treatment with FSH and increasing concentrations of exogenous IGF-1 triggers synergistic IRS1 tyrosine phosphorylation at PI3K-activating residues that persists downstream through protein kinase B (AKT) and FOXO1 (forkhead box protein O1) to drive synergistic expression of genes that underlies follicle maturation. Based on the ability of GPCR agonists to synergize with IGFs to enhance gene expression in other cell types, PP1 activation to relieve IRS1 inhibition may be a more general mechanism by which GPCRs act with the IGF-1R to activate PI3K/AKT.

The Novel Functions of High-Molecular-Mass Complexes Containing Insulin Receptor Substrates in Mediation and Modulation of Insulin-Like Activities: Emerging Concept of Diverse Functions by IRS-Associated Proteins

Insulin-like peptides, such as insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) and insulin, induce a variety of bioactivities, such as growth, differentiation, survival, increased anabolism, and decreased catabolism in many cell types and in vivo. In general, IGFs or insulin bind to IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) or insulin receptor (IR), activating the receptor tyrosine kinase. Insulin receptor substrates (IRSs) are known to be major substrates of receptor kinases, mediating IGF/insulin signals to direct bioactivities. Recently, we discovered that IRSs form high-molecular-mass complexes (referred to here as IRSomes) even without IGF/insulin stimulation. These complexes contain proteins (referred to here as IRSAPs; IRS-associated proteins), which modulate tyrosine phosphorylation of IRSs by receptor kinases, control IRS stability, and determine intracellular localization of IRSs. In addition, in these complexes, we found not only proteins that are involved in RNA metabolism but also RNAs themselves. Thus, IRSAPs possibly contribute to modulation of IGF/insulin bioactivities. Since it is established that disorder of modulation of insulin-like activities causes various age-related diseases including cancer, we could propose that the IRSome is an important target for treatment of these diseases.

Signaling pathways controlling skeletal muscle mass

The molecular mechanisms underlying skeletal muscle maintenance involve interplay between multiple signaling pathways. Under normal physiological conditions, a network of interconnected signals serves to control and coordinate hypertrophic and atrophic messages, culminating in a delicate balance between muscle protein synthesis and proteolysis. Loss of skeletal muscle mass, termed "atrophy", is a diagnostic feature of cachexia seen in settings of cancer, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney disease, and burns. Cachexia increases the likelihood of death from these already serious diseases. Recent studies have further defined the pathways leading to gain and loss of skeletal muscle as well as the signaling events that induce differentiation and post-injury regeneration, which are also essential for the maintenance of skeletal muscle mass. In this review, we summarize and discuss the relevant recent literature demonstrating these previously undiscovered mediators governing anabolism and catabolism of skeletal muscle.

Cross-talk between estradiol receptor and EGFR/IGF-IR signaling pathways in estrogen-responsive breast cancers: focus on the role and impact of proteoglycans

In hormone-dependent breast cancer, estrogen receptors are the principal signaling molecules that regulate several cell functions either by the genomic pathway acting directly as transcription factors in the nucleus or by the non-genomic pathway interacting with other receptors and their adjacent pathways like EGFR/IGFR. It is well established in literature that EGFR and IGFR signaling pathways promote cell proliferation and differentiation. Moreover, recent data indicate the cross-talk between ERs and EGFR/IGFR signaling pathways causing a transformation of cell functions as well as deregulation on normal expression pattern of matrix molecules. Specifically, proteoglycans, a major category of extracellular matrix (ECM) and cell surface macromolecules, are modified during malignancy and cause alterations in cancer cell signaling, affecting eventually functional cell properties such as proliferation, adhesion and migration. The on-going strategies to block only one of the above signaling effectors result cancer cells to overcome such inactivation using alternative signaling pathways. In this article, we therefore review the underlying mechanisms in respect to the role of ERs and the involvement of cross-talk between ERs, IGFR and EGFR in breast cancer cell properties and expression of extracellular secreted and cell bound proteoglycans involved in cancer progression. Understanding such signaling pathways may help to establish new potential pharmacological targets in terms of using ECM molecules to design novel anticancer therapies.

Liver kinase b1 is required for white adipose tissue growth and differentiation

White adipose tissue (WAT) is not only a lipogenic and fat storage tissue but also an important endocrine organ that regulates energy homeostasis, lipid metabolism, appetite, fertility, and immune and stress responses. Liver kinase B1 (LKB1), a tumor suppressor, is a key regulator in energy metabolism. However, the role of LKB1 in adipogenesis is unknown. The current study aimed to determine the contributions of LKB1 to adipogenesis in vivo. Using the Fabp4-Cre/loxP system, we generated adipose tissue-specific LKB1 knockout (LKB1(ad-/-)) mice. LKB1(ad-/-) mice exhibited a reduced amount of WAT, postnatal growth retardation, and early death before weaning. Further, LKB1 deletion markedly reduced the levels of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α, and phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Consistent with these results, overexpression of constitutively active AMPK partially ablated IRS1 degradation in LKB1-deficient cells. LKB1 deletion increased the levels of F-box/WD repeat-containing protein (Fbw) 8, the IRS1 ubiquitination E3 ligase. Silencing of Fbw8 increased IRS1 levels. Finally, promoter analysis and DNA chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis identified three sterol regulatory element (SRE) sites in the Fbw8 promoter, where SRE-binding protein 1c binds and induces the expression of Fbw8. Taken together, these data indicate that LKB1 controls IRS1-dependent adipogenesis via AMPK in WAT.

FGF-2 prevents cancer cells from ER stress-mediated apoptosis via enhancing proteasome-mediated Nck degradation

Induction of ER (endoplasmic reticulum) stress-mediated apoptosis in cancer cells represents an alternative approach for cancer therapy. Whether FGF-2 (fibroblast growth factor 2)-induced survival signals may interact with ER stress signalling in cancer cells remains elusive. In the present study, we showed that pretreatment with FGF-2 decreased the inhibition of DNA synthesis and induction of apoptosis by two different ER stress inducers, TM (tunicamycin) and TG (thapsigargin), in both human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells and breast cancer MCF-7 cells. Pretreatment with FGF-2 prevented ER stress-mediated apoptosis by decreasing ER stress-induced CHOP [C/EBP (CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein)-homologous protein] expression. We further demonstrated that pretreatment with FGF-2 mediated the decrease in TM-induced CHOP expression and apoptosis through ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2) pathway. Finally, we demonstrated that FGF-2 promoted proteasome-mediated degradation of Nck (non-catalytic region of tyrosine kinase adaptor protein), an SH (Src homology) 2/SH3-containing adaptor protein. Whereas overexpression of Nck1 decreased FGF-2-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation to inhibit the effect of FGF-2 on TM-induced CHOP expression and apoptosis, a decrease in Nck expression prevented TM-induced CHOP expression and apoptosis. Taken together, the findings of the present study provide the first evidence that Nck plays a pivotal role in integrating FGF-2 and ER stress signals to counteract the ER stress deleterious effect on cancer cell survival.

Serine phosphorylation sites on IRS2 activated by angiotensin II and protein kinase C to induce selective insulin resistance in endothelial cells

Protein kinase C (PKC) activation, induced by hyperglycemia and angiotensin II (AngII), inhibited insulin-induced phosphorylation of Akt/endothelial nitric oxide (eNOS) by decreasing tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS2 (p-Tyr-IRS2) in endothelial cells. PKC activation by phorbol ester (phorbol myristate acetate [PMA]) reduced insulin-induced p-Tyr-IRS2 by 46% ± 13% and, similarly, phosphorylation of Akt/eNOS. Site-specific mutational analysis showed that PMA increased serine phosphorylation at three sites on IRS2 (positions 303, 343, and 675), which affected insulin-induced tyrosine phosphorylation of IRS2 at positions 653, 671, and 911 (p-Tyr-IRS2) and p-Akt/eNOS. Specific PKCβ2 activation decreased p-Tyr-IRS2 and increased the phosphorylation of two serines (Ser303 and Ser675) on IRS2 that were confirmed in cells overexpressing single point mutants of IRS2 (S303A or S675A) containing a PKCβ2-dominant negative or selective PKCβ inhibitor. AngII induced phosphorylation only on Ser303 of IRS2 and inhibited insulin-induced p-Tyr911 of IRS2 and p-Akt/eNOS, which were blocked by an antagonist of AngII receptor I, losartan, or overexpression of single mutant S303A of IRS2. Increases in p-Ser303 and p-Ser675 and decreases in p-Tyr911 of IRS2 were observed in vessels of insulin-resistant Zucker fatty rats versus lean rats. Thus, AngII or PKCβ activation can phosphorylate Ser303 and Ser675 in IRS2 to inhibit insulin-induced p-Tyr911 and its anti-atherogenic actions (p-Akt/eNOS) in endothelial cells.

mTOR complex 2 regulates proper turnover of insulin receptor substrate-1 via the ubiquitin ligase subunit Fbw8

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) integrates signals from nutrients and insulin via two distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. Disruption of mTORC2 impairs the insulin-induced activation of Akt, an mTORC2 substrate. Here, we found that mTORC2 can also regulate insulin signaling at the level of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1). Despite phosphorylation at the mTORC1-mediated serine sites, which supposedly triggers IRS-1 downregulation, inactive IRS-1 accumulated in mTORC2-disrupted cells. Defective IRS-1 degradation was due to attenuated expression and phosphorylation of the ubiquitin ligase substrate-targeting subunit, Fbw8. mTORC2 stabilizes Fbw8 by phosphorylation at Ser86, allowing the insulin-induced translocation of Fbw8 to the cytosol where it mediates IRS-1 degradation. Thus, mTORC2 negatively feeds back to IRS-1 via control of Fbw8 stability and localization. Our findings reveal that in addition to persistent mTORC1 signaling, heightened mTORC2 signals can promote insulin resistance due to mTORC2-mediated degradation of IRS-1.

A nonsynonymous polymorphism in IRS1 modifies risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers in BRCA1 and ovarian cancer in BRCA2 mutation carriers

BACKGROUND

We previously reported significant associations between genetic variants in insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) and breast cancer risk in women carrying BRCA1 mutations. The objectives of this study were to investigate whether the IRS1 variants modified ovarian cancer risk and were associated with breast cancer risk in a larger cohort of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers.

METHODS

IRS1 rs1801123, rs1330645, and rs1801278 were genotyped in samples from 36 centers in the Consortium of Investigators of Modifiers of BRCA1/2 (CIMBA). Data were analyzed by a retrospective cohort approach modeling the associations with breast and ovarian cancer risks simultaneously. Analyses were stratified by BRCA1 and BRCA2 status and mutation class in BRCA1 carriers.

RESULTS

Rs1801278 (Gly972Arg) was associated with ovarian cancer risk for both BRCA1 (HR, 1.43; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06-1.92; P = 0.019) and BRCA2 mutation carriers (HR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.39-3.52, P = 0.0008). For BRCA1 mutation carriers, the breast cancer risk was higher in carriers with class II mutations than class I mutations (class II HR, 1.86; 95% CI, 1.28-2.70; class I HR, 0.86; 95%CI, 0.69-1.09; P(difference), 0.0006). Rs13306465 was associated with ovarian cancer risk in BRCA1 class II mutation carriers (HR, 2.42; P = 0.03).

CONCLUSION

The IRS1 Gly972Arg single-nucleotide polymorphism, which affects insulin-like growth factor and insulin signaling, modifies ovarian cancer risk in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers and breast cancer risk in BRCA1 class II mutation carriers.

IMPACT

These findings may prove useful for risk prediction for breast and ovarian cancers in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers.

Insulin and insulin-like growth factor II differentially regulate endocytic sorting and stability of insulin receptor isoform A

The insulin receptor isoform A (IR-A) binds both insulin and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-II, although the affinity for IGF-II is 3-10-fold lower than insulin depending on a cell and tissue context. Notably, in mouse embryonic fibroblasts lacking the IGF-IR and expressing solely the IR-A (R-/IR-A), IGF-II is a more potent mitogen than insulin. As receptor endocytosis and degradation provide spatial and temporal regulation of signaling events, we hypothesized that insulin and IGF-II could affect IR-A biological responses by differentially regulating IR-A trafficking. Using R-/IR-A cells, we discovered that insulin evoked significant IR-A internalization, a process modestly affected by IGF-II. However, the differential internalization was not due to IR-A ubiquitination. Notably, prolonged stimulation of R-/IR-A cells with insulin, but not with IGF-II, targeted the receptor to a degradative pathway. Similarly, the docking protein insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1) was down-regulated after prolonged insulin but not IGF-II exposure. Similar results were also obtained in experiments using [NMeTyr(B26)]-insulin, an insulin analog with IR-A binding affinity similar to IGF-II. Finally, we discovered that IR-A was internalized through clathrin-dependent and -independent pathways, which differentially regulated the activation of downstream effectors. Collectively, our results suggest that a lower affinity of IGF-II for the IR-A promotes lower IR-A phosphorylation and activation of early downstream effectors vis à vis insulin but may protect IR-A and IRS-1 from down-regulation thereby evoking sustained and robust mitogenic stimuli.

Proteasome alterations during adipose differentiation and aging: links to impaired adipocyte differentiation and development of oxidative stress

Intracellular proteins are degraded by a number of proteases, including the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP). Impairments in the UPP occur during the aging of a variety of tissues, although little is known in regards to age-related alterations to the UPP during the aging of adipose tissue. The UPP is known to be involved in regulating the differentiation of a variety of cell types, although the potential changes in the UPP during adipose differentiation have not been fully elucidated. How the UPP is altered in aging adipose tissue and adipocyte differentiation and the effects of proteasome inhibition on adipocyte homeostasis and differentiation are critical issues to elucidate experimentally. Adipogenesis continues throughout the life of adipose tissue, with continual differentiation of preadipocytes essential to maintaining tissue function during aging, and UPP alterations in mature adipocytes are likely to directly modulate adipose function during aging. In this study we demonstrate that aging induces alterations in the activity and expression of principal components of the UPP. Additionally, we show that multiple changes in the UPP occur during the differentiation of 3T3-L1 cells into adipocytes. In vitro data link observed UPP alterations to increased levels of oxidative stress and altered adipose biology relevant to both aging and differentiation. Taken together, these data demonstrate that changes in the UPP occur in response to adipose aging and adipogenesis and strongly suggest that proteasome inhibition is sufficient to decrease adipose differentiation, as well as increasing oxidative stress in mature adipocytes, both of which probably promote deleterious effects on adipose aging.

Decorin antagonizes IGF receptor I (IGF-IR) function by interfering with IGF-IR activity and attenuating downstream signaling

We have recently discovered that the insulin-like growth factor receptor I (IGF-IR) is up-regulated in human invasive bladder cancer and promotes migration and invasion of transformed urothelial cells. The proteoglycan decorin, a key component of the tumor stroma, can positively regulate the IGF-IR system in normal cells. However, there are no available data on the role of decorin in modulating IGF-IR activity in transformed cells or in tumor models. Here we show that the expression of decorin inversely correlated with IGF-IR expression in low and high grade bladder cancers (n = 20 each). Decorin bound with high affinity IGF-IR and IGF-I at distinct sites and negatively regulated IGF-IR activity in urothelial cancer cells. Nanomolar concentrations of decorin promoted down-regulation of IRS-1, one of the critical proteins of the IGF-IR pathway, and attenuated IGF-I-dependent activation of Akt and MAPK. This led to decorin-evoked inhibition of migration and invasion upon IGF-I stimulation. Notably, decorin did not cause down-regulation of the IGF-IR in bladder, breast, and squamous carcinoma cells. This indicates that decorin action on the IGF-IR differs from its known activity on other receptor tyrosine kinases such as the EGF receptor and Met. Our results provide a novel mechanism for decorin in negatively modulating both IGF-I and its receptor. Thus, decorin loss may contribute to increased IGF-IR activity in the progression of bladder cancer and perhaps other forms of cancer where IGF-IR plays a role.

A novel domain mediates insulin-induced proteasomal degradation of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1)

Insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) plays a pivotal role in insulin signaling, therefore its degradation is exquisitely regulated. Here, we show that insulin-stimulated degradation of IRS-1 requires the presence of a highly conserved Ser/Thr-rich domain that we named domain involved in degradation of IRS-1 (DIDI). DIDI (amino acids 386-430 of IRS-1) was identified by comparing the intracellular degradation rate of several truncated forms of IRS-1 transfected into CHO cells. The isolated DIDI domain underwent insulin-stimulated Ser/Thr phosphorylation, suggesting that it serves as a target for IRS-1 kinases. The effects of deletion of DIDI were studied in Fao rat hepatoma and in CHO cells expressing Myc-IRS-1(WT) or Myc-IRS-1(Δ386-430). Deletion of DIDI maintained the ability of IRS-1(Δ386-434) to undergo ubiquitination while rendering it insensitive to insulin-induced proteasomal degradation, which affected IRS-1(WT) (80% at 8 h). Consequently, IRS-1(Δ386-434) mediated insulin signaling (activation of Akt and glycogen synthesis) better than IRS-1(WT). IRS-1(Δ386-434) exhibited a significant greater preference for nuclear localization, compared with IRS-1(WT). Higher nuclear localization was also observed when cells expressing IRS-1(WT) were incubated with the proteasome inhibitor MG-132. The sequence of DIDI is conserved more than 93% across species, from fish to mammals, as opposed to approximately 40% homology of the entire IRS-1. These findings implicate DIDI as a novel, highly conserved domain of IRS-1, which mediates its cellular localization, rate of degradation, and biological activity, with a direct impact on insulin signal transduction.

Post-translational modification of cellular proteins by ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like molecules: role in cellular senescence and aging

Ubiquitination ofendogenous proteins is one of the key regulatory steps that guides protein degradation through regulation of proteasome activity. During the last years evidence has accumulated that proteasome activity is decreased during the aging process in various model systems and that these changes might be causally related to aging and age-associated diseases. Since in most instances ubiquitination is the primary event in target selection, the system ofubiquitination and deubiquitination might be of similar importance. Furthermore, ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation are not completely congruent, since ubiquitination confers also functions different from targeting proteins for degradation. Depending on mono- and polyubiquitination and on how ubiquitin chains are linked together, post-translational modifications of cellular proteins by covalent attachment of ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like proteins are involved in transcriptional regulation, receptor internalization, DNA repair, stabilization of protein complexes and autophagy. Here, we summarize the current knowledge regarding the ubiquitinome and the underlying ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinating enzymes in replicative senescence, tissue aging as well as in segmental progeroid syndromes and discuss potential causes and consequences for aging.

A protein interaction network for Ecm29 links the 26 S proteasome to molecular motors and endosomal components

Ecm29 is a 200-kDa HEAT repeat protein that binds the 26 S proteasome. Genome-wide two-hybrid screens and mass spectrometry have identified molecular motors, endosomal components, and ubiquitin-proteasome factors as Ecm29-interacting proteins. The C-terminal half of human Ecm29 binds myosins and kinesins; its N-terminal region binds the endocytic proteins, Vps11, Rab11-FIP4, and rabaptin. Whereas full-length FLAG-Ecm29, its C-terminal half, and a small central fragment of Ecm29 remain bound to glycerol-gradient-separated 26 S proteasomes, the N-terminal half of Ecm29 does not. Confocal microscopy showed that Ecm-26 S proteasomes are present on flotillin-positive endosomes, but they are virtually absent from caveolin- and clathrin-decorated endosomes. Expression of the small central fragment of Ecm29 markedly reduces proteasome association with flotillin-positive endosomes. Identification of regions within Ecm29 capable of binding molecular motors, endosomal proteins, and the 26 S proteasome supports the hypothesis that Ecm29 serves as an adaptor for coupling 26 S proteasomes to specific cellular compartments.

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta mediates high glucose-induced ubiquitination and proteasome degradation of insulin receptor substrate 1

High glucose (HG) has been shown to induce insulin resistance in both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. However, the molecular mechanism behind this phenomenon is unknown. Insulin receptor substrate (IRS) proteins are the key signaling molecules that mediate insulin's intracellular actions. Genetic and biological studies have shown that reductions in IRS1 and/or IRS2 protein levels are associated with insulin resistance. In this study we have shown that proteasome degradation of IRS1, but not of IRS2, is involved in HG-induced insulin resistance in Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells as well as in primary hepatocytes. To further investigate the molecular mechanism by which HG induces insulin resistance, we examined various molecular candidates with respect to their involvement in the reduction in IRS1 protein levels. In contrast to the insulin-induced degradation of IRS1, HG-induced degradation of IRS1 did not require IR signaling or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt activity. We have identified glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3 beta or GSK3B as listed in the MGI Database) as a kinase required for HG-induced serine(332) phosphorylation, ubiquitination, and degradation of IRS1. Overexpression of IRS1 with mutation of serine(332) to alanine partially prevents HG-induced IRS1 degradation. Furthermore, overexpression of constitutively active GSK3 beta was sufficient to induce IRS1 degradation. Our data reveal the molecular mechanism of HG-induced insulin resistance, and support the notion that activation of GSK3 beta contributes to the induction of insulin resistance via phosphorylation of IRS1, triggering the ubiquitination and degradation of IRS1.

IGF-I activation of the AKT pathway is impaired in visceral but not subcutaneous preadipocytes from obese subjects

Obesity morbidity is associated with excess visceral adiposity, whereas sc adipose tissue is much less metabolically hazardous. Human abdominal sc preadipocytes have greater capacity for proliferation, differentiation, and survival than omental preadipocytes. IGF-I is a critical mediator of preadipocyte proliferation, differentiation, and survival through multiple signaling pathways. We investigated IGF-I action in primary cultures of human preadipocytes isolated from sc and omental adipose tissue of obese subjects. IGF-I-stimulated DNA synthesis was significantly lower in omental compared with sc preadipocytes. IGF-I phosphorylation of the IGF-I receptor and the ERK pathway was comparable in sc and omental cells. However, omental preadipocytes had decreased insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1 protein associated with increased IRS-1-serine(636/639) phosphorylation and degradation. IGF-I-stimulated phosphorylation of AKT on serine(473) but not threonine(308) was decreased in omental cells, and activation of downstream targets, including S6Kinase, glycogen synthase kinase-3, and Forkhead box O1 was also impaired. CyclinD1 abundance was decreased in omental cells due to increased degradation. Over-expression of IRS-1 by lentivirus in omental preadipocytes increased IGF-I-stimulated AKT-serine(473) phosphorylation. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-Rictor complex regulates phosphorylation of AKT-serine(473) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes, but knockdown of Rictor by lentivirus-delivered short hairpin RNA in sc preadipocytes did not affect AKT-serine(473) phosphorylation by IGF-I. These data reveal an intrinsic defect in IGF-I activation of the AKT pathway in omental preadipocytes from obese subjects that involves IRS-1 but probably not mTOR-Rictor complex. We conclude that impaired cell cycle regulation by AKT contributes to the distinct growth phenotype of preadipocytes in visceral fat of obese subjects.

Effect of insulin levels on the phosphorylation of specific amino acid residues in IRS-1: implications for burn-induced insulin resistance

Alterations in the phosphorylation and/or degradation of insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) produced by burn injury may be responsible, at least in part, for burn-induced insulin resistance. In particular, following burn injury, reductions in glucose uptake by skeletal muscle may be secondary to altered abundance and/or phosphorylation of IRS-1. In this study, we performed in vitro experiments with 293 cells transfected with IRS-1. These studies demonstrated that there is a dramatic change in the phosphorylation pattern of Tyr, Ser and Thr residues in IRS-1 as a function of insulin levels. Specifically, Ser and Thr residues in the C-terminal region were phosphorylated only at high insulin levels. SILAC (stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture) followed by sequencing of C-terminal IRS-1 fragments by tandem mass spectrometry demonstrated that there is significant protein cleavage at these sites. These findings suggest that one of the biological roles of the C-terminal region of IRS-1 may be negative modulation of the finely coordinated insulin signaling system. Clearly, this could represent an important factor in insulin resistance, and identification of kinase inhibitors that are responsible for the phosphorylation may foster new lines of research for the development of drugs for treating insulin resistance.

Insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-2, not IRS-1, protects human neuroblastoma cells against apoptosis

Insulin receptor substrates (IRS)-1 and -2 are major substrates of insulin and type I insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) receptor (IGF-IR) signaling. In this study, SH-EP human neuroblastoma cells are used as a model system to examine the differential roles of IRS-1 and IRS-2 on glucose-mediated apoptosis. In the presence of high glucose, IRS-1 underwent caspase-mediated degradation, followed by focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Akt degradation and apoptosis. IRS-2 expression blocked all these changes whereas IRS-1 overexpression had no effect. In parallel, IRS-2, but not IRS-1, overexpression enhanced IGF-I-mediated Akt activation without affecting extracellular regulated kinase signaling. While IRS-1 was readily degraded by caspases, hyperglycemia-mediated IRS-2 degradation was unaffected by caspase inhibitors but blocked by proteasome and calpain inhibitors. Our data suggest that the differential degradation of IRS-1 and IRS-2 contributes to their distinct modes of action and the increased neuroprotective effects of IRS-2 in this report are due, in part, to its resistance to caspase-mediated degradation.

Modulation of skeletal muscle insulin signaling with chronic caloric restriction in cynomolgus monkeys

OBJECTIVE

Caloric restriction (CR) has been shown to retard aging processes, extend maximal life span, and consistently increase insulin action in experimental animals. The mechanism by which CR enhances insulin action, specifically in higher species, is not precisely known. We sought to examine insulin receptor signaling and transcriptional alterations in skeletal muscle of nonhuman primates subjected to CR over a 4-year period.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

At baseline, 32 male adult cynomolgus monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) were randomized to an ad libitum (AL) diet or to 30% CR. Dietary intake, body weight, and insulin sensitivity were obtained at routine intervals over 4 years. At the end of the study, hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps were performed and skeletal muscle (vastus lateralis) was obtained in the basal and insulin-stimulated states for insulin receptor signaling and gene expression profiling.

RESULTS

CR significantly increased whole-body insulin-mediated glucose disposal compared with AL diet and increased insulin receptor signaling, i.e., insulin receptor substrate (IRS)-1, insulin receptor phosphorylation, and IRS-associated PI 3-kinase activity in skeletal muscle (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, and P < 0.01, respectively). Gene expression for insulin signaling proteins, i.e., IRS-1 and IRS-2, were not increased with CR, although a significant increase in protein abundance was noted. Components of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, i.e., 20S and 19S proteasome subunit abundance and 20S proteasome activity, were significantly decreased by CR.

CONCLUSIONS

CR increases insulin sensitivity on a whole-body level and enhances insulin receptor signaling in this higher species. CR in cynomolgus monkeys may alter insulin signaling in vivo by modulating protein content of insulin receptor signaling proteins.

Phosphorylation of IRS proteins Yin-Yang regulation of insulin signaling

Growing evidence reveals that insulin signal pathway is not static, but is rather a dynamic, flexible, and fed in by negative (Yin) and positive (Yang) regulation in response to environmental changes. Normal insulin response reflects the balance between Yin and Yang regulation acting upon insulin signaling pathway. Conceivably, imbalance between the Yin and Yang results in abnormal insulin sensitivity such as insulin resistance. IRS-proteins are insulin receptor substrates that mediate insulin signaling via multiple tyrosyl phosphorylations. However, they are also substrates for many serine/threonine kinases downstream of other signaling network and become serine phosphorylated in response to various conditions such as inflammation, stress and over nutrients. The serine phosphorylation of IRS-proteins alters the capacities of IRS-proteins to be phosphorylated on tyrosyl, therefore, able to mediate insulin signaling. The unique structure of IRS-proteins render them idea molecules to fulfill the task to sense the environmental cues and integrate them into insulin sensitivity through serine/threonine phosphorylation. This review intends to summarize the role of IRS-proteins in insulin signaling with focuses on the role of Yin and Yang regulation of insulin signaling pathway. Understanding the dynamic of these complicated regulation net work not only provide us a complete picture of what happens in the normal conditions, but also pathaphysiological conditions such as obesity and insulin resistance.

Ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b is a negative regulator for insulin-like growth factor 1 signaling during muscle atrophy caused by unloading

Skeletal muscle atrophy caused by unloading is characterized by both decreased responsiveness to myogenic growth factors (e.g., insulin-like growth factor 1 [IGF-1] and insulin) and increased proteolysis. Here, we show that unloading stress resulted in skeletal muscle atrophy through the induction and activation of the ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b. Upon induction, Cbl-b interacted with and degraded the IGF-1 signaling intermediate IRS-1. In turn, the loss of IRS-1 activated the FOXO3-dependent induction of atrogin-1/MAFbx, a dominant mediator of proteolysis in atrophic muscle. Cbl-b-deficient mice were resistant to unloading-induced atrophy and the loss of muscle function. Furthermore, a pentapeptide mimetic of tyrosine(608)-phosphorylated IRS-1 inhibited Cbl-b-mediated IRS-1 ubiquitination and strongly decreased the Cbl-b-mediated induction of atrogin-1/MAFbx. Our results indicate that the Cbl-b-dependent destruction of IRS-1 is a critical dual mediator of both increased protein degradation and reduced protein synthesis observed in unloading-induced muscle atrophy. The inhibition of Cbl-b-mediated ubiquitination may be a new therapeutic strategy for unloading-mediated muscle atrophy.

Expression and function of the insulin receptor substrate proteins in cancer

The Insulin Receptor Substrate (IRS) proteins are cytoplasmic adaptor proteins that function as essential signaling intermediates downstream of activated cell surface receptors, many of which have been implicated in cancer. The IRS proteins do not contain any intrinsic kinase activity, but rather serve as scaffolds to organize signaling complexes and initiate intracellular signaling pathways. As common intermediates of multiple receptors that can influence tumor progression, the IRS proteins are positioned to play a pivotal role in regulating the response of tumor cells to many different microenvironmental stimuli. Limited studies on IRS expression in human tumors and studies on IRS function in human tumor cell lines and in mouse models have provided clues to the potential function of these adaptor proteins in human cancer. A general theme arises from these studies; IRS-1 and IRS-4 are most often associated with tumor growth and proliferation and IRS-2 is most often associated with tumor motility and invasion. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which IRS expression and function are regulated and how the IRS proteins contribute to tumor initiation and progression.

Loss of Phosphatase and Tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 engages ErbB3 and insulin-like growth factor-I receptor signaling to promote antiestrogen resistance in breast cancer

Knockdown of the tumor suppressor phosphatase Phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN) with shRNA in three estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cell lines resulted in increased phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) and AKT activities, resistance to tamoxifen and fulvestrant, and hormone-independent growth. PTEN knockdown induced the up-regulation of ER transcriptional activity in MCF-7 cells but decreased ER protein levels and transcriptional activity in T47D and MDA-361 cells. Tamoxifen and fulvestrant treatment inhibited estradiol-induced ER transcriptional activity in all shPTEN cell lines but did not abrogate the increased cell proliferation induced by PTEN knockdown. PTEN knockdown increased basal and ligand-induced activation of the insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and ErbB3 receptor tyrosine kinases, and prolonged the association of the p85 PI3K subunit with the IGF-I receptor (IGF-IR) effector insulin receptor substrate-1 and with ErbB3, implicating PTEN in the modulation of signaling upstream of PI3K. Consistent with these data, PTEN levels inversely correlated with levels of tyrosine-phosphorylated IGF-IR in tissue lysate arrays of primary breast cancers. Inhibition of IGF-IR and/or ErbB2-mediated activation of ErbB3 with tyrosine kinase inhibitors restored hormone dependence and the growth inhibitory effect of tamoxifen and fulvestrant on shPTEN cells, suggesting that cotargeting both ER and receptor tyrosine kinase pathways holds promise for the treatment of patients with ER+, PTEN-deficient breast cancers.