1
|
Dong Y, Wang X, Wei L, Liu Z, Zhou J, Zhao H, Wang J, Liu W, Li X. Uncoordinated 51-like kinase 1a/b and 2 in fish Megalobrama amblycephala: Molecular cloning, functional characterization, and their potential roles in glucose metabolism. Int J Biol Macromol 2024; 265:130985. [PMID: 38518944 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.130985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
Uncoordinated (Unc) 51-like kinase (ulk1) and ulk2 are closely involved in autophagy activation, but little is known about their roles in regulating glucose homeostasis. In this study, the genes of ulk1a, ulk1b and ulk2 were cloned and characterized in fish Megalobrama amblycephala. All the three genes shared the approximate N-terminal kinase domain and the C-terminal Atg1-like_tMIT domain structure, while the amino acid sequence identity of them are different between M. amblycephala and other vertebrates. Their transcripts were widely observed in various tissues (brain, muscle, gill, heart, spleen, eye, liver, intestine, abdominal adipose and kidney), but differed in tissue expression patterns. During the glucose tolerance test and the insulin tolerance test, the up-regulated transcriptions of ulk1a, ulk1b and ulk2 were all found despite some differences in the temporal patterns. At the same time, the activities of glycolytic enzymes like hexokinase and phosphofructokinase both showed parallel increases. Furthermore, the feeding of a high-carbohydrate diet decreased the transcriptions of ulk1a, ulk1b and ulk2. Collectively, this study demonstrated that ulk1a, ulk1b and ulk2 in M. amblycephala had similar molecular characterizations, but with different conservation and tissue expression patterns. In addition, ulk1/2 might play important roles in maintaining the glucose homeostasis in fish through regulating the glycolytic pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanzou Dong
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Nutrition and Feed Science of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang Road, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Nutrition and Feed Science of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang Road, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Luyao Wei
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Nutrition and Feed Science of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang Road, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Zishang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Nutrition and Feed Science of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang Road, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyu Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Nutrition and Feed Science of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang Road, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanjing Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Nutrition and Feed Science of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang Road, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianfeng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Nutrition and Feed Science of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang Road, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenbin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Nutrition and Feed Science of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang Road, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiangfei Li
- Key Laboratory of Aquatic Nutrition and Feed Science of Jiangsu Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, No.1 Weigang Road, Nanjing 210095, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Khalil MI, Ali MM, Holail J, Houssein M. Growth or death? Control of cell destiny by mTOR and autophagy pathways. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 185:39-55. [PMID: 37944568 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2023.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
One of the central regulators of cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism is the mammalian target of rapamycin, mTOR, which exists in two structurally and functionally different complexes: mTORC1 and mTORC2; unlike m TORC2, mTORC1 is activated in response to the sufficiency of nutrients and is inhibited by rapamycin. mTOR complexes have critical roles not only in protein synthesis, gene transcription regulation, proliferation, tumor metabolism, but also in the regulation of the programmed cell death mechanisms such as autophagy and apoptosis. Autophagy is a conserved catabolic mechanism in which damaged molecules are recycled in response to nutrient starvation. Emerging evidence indicates that the mTOR signaling pathway is frequently activated in tumors. In addition, dysregulation of autophagy was associated with the development of a variety of human diseases, such as cancer and aging. Since mTOR can inhibit the induction of the autophagic process from the early stages of autophagosome formation to the late stage of lysosome degradation, the use of mTOR inhibitors to regulate autophagy could be considered a potential therapeutic option. The present review sheds light on the mTOR and autophagy signaling pathways and the mechanisms of regulation of mTOR-autophagy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud I Khalil
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, 11072809, Lebanon; Molecular Biology Unit, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, 21511, Egypt.
| | - Mohamad M Ali
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-751 23, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jasmine Holail
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Translational Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
| | - Marwa Houssein
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, 11072809, Lebanon.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Siapoush S, Rezaei R, Alavifard H, Hatami B, Zali MR, Vosough M, Lorzadeh S, Łos MJ, Baghaei K, Ghavami S. Therapeutic implications of targeting autophagy and TGF-β crosstalk for the treatment of liver fibrosis. Life Sci 2023; 329:121894. [PMID: 37380126 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is characterized by the excessive deposition and accumulation of extracellular matrix components, mainly collagens, and occurs in response to a broad spectrum of triggers with different etiologies. Under stress conditions, autophagy serves as a highly conserved homeostatic system for cell survival and is importantly involved in various biological processes. Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) has emerged as a central cytokine in hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and is the main mediator of liver fibrosis. A growing body of evidence from preclinical and clinical studies suggests that TGF-β1 regulates autophagy, a process that affects various essential (patho)physiological aspects related to liver fibrosis. This review comprehensively highlights recent advances in our understanding of cellular and molecular mechanisms of autophagy, its regulation by TGF-β, and the implication of autophagy in the pathogenesis of progressive liver disorders. Moreover, we evaluated crosstalk between autophagy and TGF-β1 signalling and discussed whether simultaneous inhibition of these pathways could represent a novel approach to improve the efficacy of anti-fibrotic therapy in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Siapoush
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramazan Rezaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Helia Alavifard
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behzad Hatami
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research center, Research institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research center, Research institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Lorzadeh
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Marek J Łos
- Biotechnology Center, Silesian University of Technology, 8 Krzywousty St., 44-100 Gliwice, Poland; Autophagy Research Center, Department of Biochemistry; Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; LinkoCare Life Sciences AB, Linkoping, Sweden
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research center, Research institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, University of Technology in Katowice, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland; Research Institute of Oncology and Hematology, Cancer Care Manitoba-University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada; Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, University of Manitoba College of Medicine, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Negoita F, Addinsall AB, Hellberg K, Bringas CF, Hafen PS, Sermersheim TJ, Agerholm M, Lewis CTA, Ahwazi D, Ling NXY, Larsen JK, Deshmukh AS, Hossain MA, Oakhill JS, Ochala J, Brault JJ, Sankar U, Drewry DH, Scott JW, Witczak CA, Sakamoto K. CaMKK2 is not involved in contraction-stimulated AMPK activation and glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. Mol Metab 2023; 75:101761. [PMID: 37380024 PMCID: PMC10362367 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2023.101761] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) gets activated in response to energetic stress such as contractions and plays a vital role in regulating various metabolic processes such as insulin-independent glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. The main upstream kinase that activates AMPK through phosphorylation of α-AMPK Thr172 in skeletal muscle is LKB1, however some studies have suggested that Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CaMKK2) acts as an alternative kinase to activate AMPK. We aimed to establish whether CaMKK2 is involved in activation of AMPK and promotion of glucose uptake following contractions in skeletal muscle. METHODS A recently developed CaMKK2 inhibitor (SGC-CAMKK2-1) alongside a structurally related but inactive compound (SGC-CAMKK2-1N), as well as CaMKK2 knock-out (KO) mice were used. In vitro kinase inhibition selectivity and efficacy assays, as well as cellular inhibition efficacy analyses of CaMKK inhibitors (STO-609 and SGC-CAMKK2-1) were performed. Phosphorylation and activity of AMPK following contractions (ex vivo) in mouse skeletal muscles treated with/without CaMKK inhibitors or isolated from wild-type (WT)/CaMKK2 KO mice were assessed. Camkk2 mRNA in mouse tissues was measured by qPCR. CaMKK2 protein expression was assessed by immunoblotting with or without prior enrichment of calmodulin-binding proteins from skeletal muscle extracts, as well as by mass spectrometry-based proteomics of mouse skeletal muscle and C2C12 myotubes. RESULTS STO-609 and SGC-CAMKK2-1 were equally potent and effective in inhibiting CaMKK2 in cell-free and cell-based assays, but SGC-CAMKK2-1 was much more selective. Contraction-stimulated phosphorylation and activation of AMPK were not affected with CaMKK inhibitors or in CaMKK2 null muscles. Contraction-stimulated glucose uptake was comparable between WT and CaMKK2 KO muscle. Both CaMKK inhibitors (STO-609 and SGC-CAMKK2-1) and the inactive compound (SGC-CAMKK2-1N) significantly inhibited contraction-stimulated glucose uptake. SGC-CAMKK2-1 also inhibited glucose uptake induced by a pharmacological AMPK activator or insulin. Relatively low levels of Camkk2 mRNA were detected in mouse skeletal muscle, but neither CaMKK2 protein nor its derived peptides were detectable in mouse skeletal muscle tissue. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition or genetic loss of CaMKK2 does not affect contraction-stimulated AMPK phosphorylation and activation, as well as glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. Previously observed inhibitory effect of STO-609 on AMPK activity and glucose uptake is likely due to off-target effects. CaMKK2 protein is either absent from adult murine skeletal muscle or below the detection limit of currently available methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florentina Negoita
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Alex B Addinsall
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Kristina Hellberg
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Conchita Fraguas Bringas
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Paul S Hafen
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, and Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Indiana Center for Diabetes & Metabolic Diseases, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Division of Science, Indiana University Purdue University Columbus, Columbus, IN 47203, USA
| | - Tyler J Sermersheim
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, and Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Indiana Center for Diabetes & Metabolic Diseases, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Marianne Agerholm
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Christopher T A Lewis
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Danial Ahwazi
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Naomi X Y Ling
- Metabolic Signalling, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Jeppe K Larsen
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Atul S Deshmukh
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Mohammad A Hossain
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Jonathan S Oakhill
- Metabolic Signalling, St. Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC 3065, Australia; Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Julien Ochala
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Jeffrey J Brault
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, and Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Uma Sankar
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, and Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - David H Drewry
- Structural Genomics Consortium, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA; Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - John W Scott
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, VIC 3052, Australia; St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Melbourne, VIC 3065, Australia
| | - Carol A Witczak
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, and Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA; Indiana Center for Diabetes & Metabolic Diseases, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
| | - Kei Sakamoto
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark; The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Genomic Mechanisms of Disease, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Small Molecule Inhibitors for Unc-51-like Autophagy-Activating Kinase Targeting Autophagy in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24020953. [PMID: 36674464 PMCID: PMC9866249 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24020953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a cellular process that removes damaged components of cells and recycles them as biochemical building blocks. Autophagy can also be induced to protect cells in response to intra- and extracellular stresses, including damage to cellular components, nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, and pathogenic invasion. Dysregulation of autophagy has been attributed to various diseases. In particular, autophagy protects cancer cells by supporting tumor cell survival and the development of drug resistance. Understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of autophagy in cancer has stimulated the research on discovery and development of specific inhibitors targeting various stages of autophagy. In recent years, Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase (ULK) inhibitors have become an attractive strategy to treat cancer. This review summarizes recent discoveries and developments in small-molecule ULK inhibitors and their potential as anticancer agents. We focused on structural features, interactions with binding sites, and biological effects of these inhibitors. Overall, this review will provide guidance for using ULK inhibitors as chemical probes for autophagy in various cancers and developing improved ULK inhibitors that would enhance therapeutic benefits in the clinic.
Collapse
|
6
|
Luo J, Jin W, Jin M, Pan W, Gao S, Zhao X, Lai X, Sun L, Piao C. Jiedutongluotiaogan formula restores pancreatic function by suppressing excessive autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:1542-1555. [PMID: 35944284 PMCID: PMC9367665 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2107019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Jiedutongluotiaogan formula (JTTF), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), could promote islet function. However, the potential effect of JTTF on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and autophagy have not been reported. OBJECTIVE This study explores the potential effect of JTTF on ERS and autophagy in the pancreas. MATERIALS AND METHODS The Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats were randomised into five groups, control, model, JTTF (1, 3, 5 g/kg/day for 12 weeks). LPS induced pancreatic β-cells were treated with JTTF (50, 100, 200 μg/mL). LPS was used to induce pancreatic β-cell injury, with cell viability and insulin secretion evaluated using MTT, glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) assays, and PCR. Intracellular Ca2+ concentration was measured using flow cytometry, while ERS and autophagy levels were monitored via Western blotting and/or immunostaining. RESULTS Compared with the model group, body weight, FGB, HbA1c, IPGTT, FINs, and HOMA-IR in JTTF treatment groups were significantly reduced. In islets cells treated with JTTF, the pancreatic islet cells in the JTTF group were increased, lipid droplets were reduced, and there was a decrease in Ca2+ (16.67%). After JTTF intervention, PERK, p-PERK, IRE1α, p- IRE1α, ATF6, eIF2α, GRP78, p-ULK1, LC3 and p62 expression decreased, whereas Beclin1and p-mTOR expression increased. In addition, the expression of proteins related to apoptosis in the JTTF groups were lower than those in the control group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS JTTF may alleviate pancreatic β-cell injury by inhibiting ER stress and excessive autophagy in diabetic rats. This provides a new direction for treating diabetes and restoring pancreatic dysfunction by TCM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinli Luo
- Institution of Shenzhen Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Futian), Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenqi Jin
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Meiying Jin
- The Third Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Weiwei Pan
- School of Clinical Medicine, Changchun Medical College, Changchun, China
| | - Shengnan Gao
- Institution of Shenzhen Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Futian), Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaohua Zhao
- Institution of Shenzhen Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Futian), Shenzhen, China
| | - Xingrong Lai
- Institution of Shenzhen Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Futian), Shenzhen, China
| | - Liwei Sun
- Research Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Chunli Piao
- Institution of Shenzhen Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine (Futian), Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Function and regulation of ULK1: From physiology to pathology. Gene 2022; 840:146772. [PMID: 35905845 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.146772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The expression of ULK1, a core protein of autophagy, is closely related to autophagic activity. Numerous studies have shown that pathological abnormal expression of ULK1 is associated with various human diseases such as neurological disorders, infections, cardiovascular diseases, liver diseases and cancers. In addition, new advances in the regulation of ULK1 have been identified. Furthermore, targeting ULK1 as a therapeutic strategy for diseases is gaining attention as new corresponding activators or inhibitors are being developed. In this review, we describe the structure and regulation of ULK1 as well as the current targeted activators and inhibitors. Moreover, we highlight the pathological disorders of ULK1 expression and its critical role in human diseases.
Collapse
|
8
|
Gillson J, Abd El-Aziz YS, Leck LYW, Jansson PJ, Pavlakis N, Samra JS, Mittal A, Sahni S. Autophagy: A Key Player in Pancreatic Cancer Progression and a Potential Drug Target. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14143528. [PMID: 35884592 PMCID: PMC9315706 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14143528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary With the mortality rate of pancreatic cancer predicted to rise over the coming years, it is essential that effective treatment strategies are developed as soon as possible. Pancreatic cancer has always proven very difficult to treat due to its fast growing and aggressive nature. Chemotherapeutic treatment has struggled to increase the survival rate of pancreatic cancer patients due to effective chemo-resistant properties that derive from the supporting tumor microenvironment and autophagy, a vital survival pathway. This review will explore how the autophagy pathway and tumor microenvironment help to sustain tumor survival under stress and expand into a metastatic state. Due to the comprehensive understanding of the autophagy pathway, we will highlight the potential chinks in the pancreatic tumor’s armor and identify potential targets to overcome chemo-resistance in pancreatic cancer. We will also present novel autophagy inhibitors that could reduce tumor survival and how they could be most effectively conceived. Abstract Pancreatic cancer is known to have the lowest survival outcomes among all major cancers, and unfortunately, this has only been marginally improved over last four decades. The innate characteristics of pancreatic cancer include an aggressive and fast-growing nature from powerful driver mutations, a highly defensive tumor microenvironment and the upregulation of advantageous survival pathways such as autophagy. Autophagy involves targeted degradation of proteins and organelles to provide a secondary source of cellular supplies to maintain cell growth. Elevated autophagic activity in pancreatic cancer is recognized as a major survival pathway as it provides a plethora of support for tumors by supplying vital resources, maintaining tumour survival under the stressful microenvironment and promoting other pathways involved in tumour progression and metastasis. The combination of these features is unique to pancreatic cancer and present significant resistance to chemotherapeutic strategies, thus, indicating a need for further investigation into therapies targeting this crucial pathway. This review will outline the autophagy pathway and its regulation, in addition to the genetic landscape and tumor microenvironment that contribute to pancreatic cancer severity. Moreover, this review will also discuss the mechanisms of novel therapeutic strategies that inhibit autophagy and how they could be used to suppress tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josef Gillson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.G.); (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.); (N.P.); (J.S.S.); (A.M.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Yomna S. Abd El-Aziz
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.G.); (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.); (N.P.); (J.S.S.); (A.M.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Oral Pathology Department, Faculty of Dentistry, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Lionel Y. W. Leck
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.G.); (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.); (N.P.); (J.S.S.); (A.M.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Cancer Drug Resistance and Stem Cell Program, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Patric J. Jansson
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.G.); (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.); (N.P.); (J.S.S.); (A.M.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Cancer Drug Resistance and Stem Cell Program, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Nick Pavlakis
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.G.); (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.); (N.P.); (J.S.S.); (A.M.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Jaswinder S. Samra
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.G.); (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.); (N.P.); (J.S.S.); (A.M.)
- Upper GI Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private Hospital, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Australian Pancreatic Centre, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
| | - Anubhav Mittal
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.G.); (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.); (N.P.); (J.S.S.); (A.M.)
- Upper GI Surgical Unit, Royal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private Hospital, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Australian Pancreatic Centre, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia
| | - Sumit Sahni
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW 2050, Australia; (J.G.); (Y.S.A.E.-A.); (L.Y.W.L.); (P.J.J.); (N.P.); (J.S.S.); (A.M.)
- Bill Walsh Translational Cancer Research Laboratory, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Australian Pancreatic Centre, St Leonards, Sydney, NSW 2065, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-2-9926-7829
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zou L, Liao M, Zhen Y, Zhu S, Chen X, Zhang J, Hao Y, Liu B. Autophagy and beyond: Unraveling the complexity of UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) from biological functions to therapeutic implications. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:3743-3782. [PMID: 36213540 PMCID: PMC9532564 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1), as a serine/threonine kinase, is an autophagic initiator in mammals and a homologous protein of autophagy related protein (Atg) 1 in yeast and of UNC-51 in Caenorhabditis elegans. ULK1 is well-known for autophagy activation, which is evolutionarily conserved in protein transport and indispensable to maintain cell homeostasis. As the direct target of energy and nutrition-sensing kinase, ULK1 may contribute to the distribution and utilization of cellular resources in response to metabolism and is closely associated with multiple pathophysiological processes. Moreover, ULK1 has been widely reported to play a crucial role in human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular disease, and infections, and subsequently targeted small-molecule inhibitors or activators are also demonstrated. Interestingly, the non-autophagy function of ULK1 has been emerging, indicating that non-autophagy-relevant ULK1 signaling network is also linked with diseases under some specific contexts. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the structure and functions of ULK1 as an autophagic initiator, with a focus on some new approaches, and further elucidated the key roles of ULK1 in autophagy and non-autophagy. Additionally, we also discussed the relationships between ULK1 and human diseases, as well as illustrated a rapid progress for better understanding of the discovery of more candidate small-molecule drugs targeting ULK1, which will provide a clue on novel ULK1-targeted therapeutics in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Minru Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongqi Zhen
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Shiou Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiya Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 28 85503817.
| | - Yue Hao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 28 85503817.
| | - Bo Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Corresponding authors. Tel./fax: +86 28 85503817.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Knudsen JR, Madsen AB, Li Z, Andersen NR, Schjerling P, Jensen TE. Gene deletion of γ-actin impairs insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle glucose uptake in growing mice but not in mature adult mice. Physiol Rep 2022; 10:e15183. [PMID: 35224890 PMCID: PMC8882697 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The cortical cytoskeleton, consisting of the cytoplasmic actin isoforms β and/or γ-actin, has been implicated in insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake in muscle and adipose cell culture. Furthermore, transgenic inhibition of multiple actin-regulating proteins in muscle inhibits insulin-stimulated muscle glucose uptake. The current study tested if γ-actin was required for insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in mouse skeletal muscle. Based on our previously reported age-dependent phenotype in muscle-specific β-actin gene deletion (-/- ) mice, we included cohorts of growing 8-14 weeks old and mature 18-32 weeks old muscle-specific γ-actin-/- mice or wild-type littermates. In growing mice, insulin significantly increased the glucose uptake in slow-twitch oxidative soleus and fast-twitch glycolytic EDL muscles from wild-type mice, but not γ-actin-/- . In relative values, the maximal insulin-stimulated glucose uptake was reduced by ~50% in soleus and by ~70% in EDL muscles from growing γ-actin-/- mice compared to growing wild-type mice. In contrast, the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake responses in mature adult γ-actin-/- soleus and EDL muscles were indistinguishable from the responses in wild-type muscles. Mature adult insulin-stimulated phosphorylations on Akt, p70S6K, and ULK1 were not significantly affected by genotype. Hence, insulin-stimulated muscle glucose uptake shows an age-dependent impairment in young growing but not in fully grown γ-actin-/- mice, bearing phenotypic resemblance to β-actin-/- mice. Overall, γ-actin does not appear required for insulin-stimulated muscle glucose uptake in adulthood. Furthermore, our data emphasize the need to consider the rapid growth of young mice as a potential confounder in transgenic mouse phenotyping studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonas R. Knudsen
- Section for Molecular PhysiologyDepartment of Nutrition, Exercise and SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Agnete B. Madsen
- Section for Molecular PhysiologyDepartment of Nutrition, Exercise and SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Zhencheng Li
- Section for Molecular PhysiologyDepartment of Nutrition, Exercise and SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Nicoline R. Andersen
- Section for Molecular PhysiologyDepartment of Nutrition, Exercise and SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Peter Schjerling
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery MInstitute of Sports Medicine CopenhagenBispebjerg HospitalCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Thomas E. Jensen
- Section for Molecular PhysiologyDepartment of Nutrition, Exercise and SportsUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ahwazi D, Neopane K, Markby GR, Kopietz F, Ovens AJ, Dall M, Hassing AS, Gräsle P, Alshuweishi Y, Treebak JT, Salt IP, Göransson O, Zeqiraj E, Scott JW, Sakamoto K. Investigation of the specificity and mechanism of action of the ULK1/AMPK inhibitor SBI-0206965. Biochem J 2021; 478:2977-2997. [PMID: 34259310 PMCID: PMC8370752 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
SBI-0206965, originally identified as an inhibitor of the autophagy initiator kinase ULK1, has recently been reported as a more potent and selective AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor relative to the widely used, but promiscuous inhibitor Compound C/Dorsomorphin. Here, we studied the effects of SBI-0206965 on AMPK signalling and metabolic readouts in multiple cell types, including hepatocytes, skeletal muscle cells and adipocytes. We observed SBI-0206965 dose dependently attenuated AMPK activator (991)-stimulated ACC phosphorylation and inhibition of lipogenesis in hepatocytes. SBI-0206965 (≥25 μM) modestly inhibited AMPK signalling in C2C12 myotubes, but also inhibited insulin signalling, insulin-mediated/AMPK-independent glucose uptake, and AICA-riboside uptake. We performed an extended screen of SBI-0206965 against a panel of 140 human protein kinases in vitro, which showed SBI-0206965 inhibits several kinases, including members of AMPK-related kinases (NUAK1, MARK3/4), equally or more potently than AMPK or ULK1. This screen, together with molecular modelling, revealed that most SBI-0206965-sensitive kinases contain a large gatekeeper residue with a preference for methionine at this position. We observed that mutation of the gatekeeper methionine to a smaller side chain amino acid (threonine) rendered AMPK and ULK1 resistant to SBI-0206965 inhibition. These results demonstrate that although SBI-0206965 has utility for delineating AMPK or ULK1 signalling and cellular functions, the compound potently inhibits several other kinases and critical cellular functions such as glucose and nucleoside uptake. Our study demonstrates a role for the gatekeeper residue as a determinant of the inhibitor sensitivity and inhibitor-resistant mutant forms could be exploited as potential controls to probe specific cellular effects of SBI-0206965.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danial Ahwazi
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katyayanee Neopane
- Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Nestlé Research, Societé Produit de Nestlé S.A
- School of Life Sciences, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Greg R. Markby
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Franziska Kopietz
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ashley J. Ovens
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Morten Dall
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna S. Hassing
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pamina Gräsle
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yazeed Alshuweishi
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, U.K
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Jonas T. Treebak
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ian P. Salt
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, U.K
| | - Olga Göransson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Elton Zeqiraj
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K
| | - John W. Scott
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kei Sakamoto
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Alghamdi F, Alshuweishi Y, Salt IP. Regulation of nutrient uptake by AMP-activated protein kinase. Cell Signal 2020; 76:109807. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
13
|
Beclin1 Haploinsufficiency accentuates second-hand smoke exposure -induced myocardial Remodeling and contractile dysfunction through a STING-mediated mechanism. J Mol Cell Cardiol 2020; 148:78-88. [PMID: 32891637 DOI: 10.1016/j.yjmcc.2020.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Second-hand smoking evokes inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. Recent evidence has revealed a pivotal role for deranged autophagy in smoke exposure-induced cardiac anomalies. This study evaluated the impact of haploinsufficiency of the mTOR-independent autophagy protein Beclin1 on side-stream smoke exposure-induced cardiac anomalies and mechanism(s) involved. Adult WT and Beclin1 haploinsufficiency (Becn+/-) mice were exposed to cigarette smoke for 1 h daily for 90 days. Echocardiographic, cardiomyocyte function, intracellular Ca2+, autophagy, mitophagy, apoptosis and inflammation were examined. DHE staining was employed to evaluate O2- level. Our data revealed that Beclin1 deficiency exacerbated smoke exposure-induced myocardial anomalies in geometry, fractional shortening, cardiomyocyte function, intracellular Ca2+ handling, TEM ultrastructure, and inflammation along with pronounced apoptosis and O2- production. Side-stream smoke provoked excessive autophagy/mitophagy, mtDNA release, and activation of innate immune response signals cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) and its effector - stimulator of interferon genes (STING), the effect was abolished or unaffected by Becn haploinsufficiency. STING phosphorylation was overtly promoted by smoke exposure in Becn+/- mice. Smoke exposure also suppressed phosphorylation of mTOR although it facilitated that of ULK1 in both groups. In vitro data revealed that inhibition of cGAS or STING failed to affect smoke extract-induced mitophagy although they abrogated smoke extract-induced cardiomyocyte dysfunction except cGAS inhibition in Becn+/- mice. These data suggest that Beclin1 is integral in the maintenance of cardiac homeostasis under side-stream smoke exposure via a STING-mediated mechanism.
Collapse
|