Dysregulation of the mTOR pathway in p53-deficient mice

Mikhail 'Misha' Blagosklonny's enduring legacy in geroscience: the hyperfunction theory and the therapeutic potential of rapamycin

The untimely passing of Dr. Mikhail "Misha" Blagosklonny has left a lasting void in geroscience and oncology. This review examines his profound contributions, focusing on his pioneering the Hyperfunction Theory and his advocacy for rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, as a therapeutic agent for lifespan extension. Contrary to traditional damage-centric models, the Hyperfunction Theory rejects damage accumulation as the primary driver of aging. Instead, it redefines aging as a quasi-programmed process driven by the persistent, excessive activity of growth-promoting pathways beyond their developmental roles, leading to age-related pathologies. We explore how Blagosklonny's insights predict rapamycin's ability to decelerate aging by modulating excessive mTOR signaling, supported by empirical evidence across multiple physiological systems, including immune, cardiovascular, cognitive, and oncologic health. His forward-thinking approach, advocating for the cautious clinical use of rapamycin and suggesting personalized, preventive, and combination therapy strategies, has catalyzed interest in translational geroscience. This review synthesizes Blagosklonny's legacy, presenting rapamycin as a foundational pharmacological intervention with potential in managing age-related decline and extending healthspan, and underlines his impact in shifting aging research from theoretical frameworks to actionable interventions. Blagosklonny's work remains an enduring inspiration, paving the way toward treating aging as a modifiable condition.

Differential DNA damage response and cell fate in human lung cells after exposure to genotoxic compounds

DNA damage can impair normal cellular functions and result in various pathophysiological processes including cardiovascular diseases and cancer. We compared the genotoxic potential of diverse DNA damaging agents, and focused on their effects on the DNA damage response (DDR) and cell fate in human lung cells BEAS-2B. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs; benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), 1-nitropyrene (1-NP)] induced DNA strand breaks and oxidative damage to DNA; anticancer drugs doxorubicin (DOX) and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) were less effective. DOX triggered the most robust p53 signaling indicating activation of DDR, followed by cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, induction of apoptosis and senescence, possibly due to the severe and irreparable DNA lesions. BrdU not only activated p53, but also increased the percentage of G1-phased cells and caused a massive accumulation of senescent cells. In contrast, regardless the activation of p53, both PAHs did not substantially affect the cell cycle distribution or senescence. Finally, a small fraction of cells accumulated only in the G2/M phase and exhibited increased cell death after the prolonged incubation with B[a]P. Overall, we characterized differential responses to diverse DNA damaging agents resulting in specific cell fate and highlighted the key role of DNA lesion type and the p53 signaling persistence.

Au-Pt Nanoparticle Formulation as a Radiosensitizer for Radiotherapy with Dual Effects

Background

Radiotherapy occupies an essential position as one of the most significant approaches for the clinical treatment of cancer. However, we cannot overcome the shortcoming of X-rays which is the high value of the oxygen enhancement ratio (OER). Radiosensitizers with the ability to enhance the radiosensitivity of tumor cells provide an alternative to changing X-rays to protons and heavy ion radiotherapy.

Materials and Methods

We prepared the Au-Pt nanoparticles (Au-Pt NPs) using a one-step method. The characteristics of the Au-Pt NPs were determined using TEM, HAADF-STEM, elemental mapping images, and DLS. The enhanced radiotherapy was demonstrated in vitro using MTT assays, colony formation assays, fluorescence imaging, and flow cytometric analyses of the apoptosis. The biodistribution of the Au-Pt NPs was analyzed using ICP-OES, and thermal images. The enhanced radiotherapy was demonstrated in vitro using immunofluorescence images, tumor volume and weigh, and hematoxylin & eosin (H&E) staining.

Results

Polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalized nanoparticles composed of the metallic elements Au and Pt were designed to increase synergistic radiosensitivity. The mechanism demonstrated that heavy metal NPs possess a high X-ray photon capture cross-section and Compton scattering effect which increased DNA damage. Furthermore, the Au-Pt NPs exhibited enzyme-mimicking activities by catalyzing the decomposition of endogenous H₂O₂ to O₂ in the solid tumor microenvironment (TME).

Conclusion

Our work provides a systematically administered radiosensitizer that can selectively reside in a tumor via the EPR effect and enhances the efficiency of treating cancer with radiotherapy.

Mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling in mouse models of accelerated aging

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an essential nutrient-sensing kinase that integrates and regulates a number of fundamental cellular processes required for cell growth, cell motility, translation, metabolism, and autophagy. mTOR signaling has been implicated in the progression of many human diseases, and its dysregulation has been reported in several pathological processes, especially in age-related human diseases and mouse models of accelerated aging. In addition, many studies have demonstrated that the regulation of mTOR activity has a beneficial effect on longevity in several mouse models of aging. However, not all mouse models of accelerated aging show positive effects on aging-associated phenotypes in response to targeting mTOR signaling. Here, we review the effects of interventions that modulate mTOR signaling on aging-related phenotypes in different mouse models of accelerated aging and discuss their implications with respect to aging and aging-related disorders.

Is cellular senescence involved in cystic fibrosis?

Pulmonary disease is the main cause of the morbidity and mortality of patients affected by cystic fibrosis (CF). The lung pathology is dominated by excessive recruitment of neutrophils followed by an exaggerated inflammatory process that has also been reported to occur in the absence of apparent pathogenic infections. Airway surface dehydration and mucus accumulation are the driving forces of this process. The continuous release of reactive oxygen species and proteases by neutrophils contributes to tissue damage, which eventually leads to respiratory insufficiency. CF has been considered a paediatric problem for several decades. Nevertheless, during the last 40 years, therapeutic options for CF have been greatly improved, turning CF into a chronic disease and extending the life expectancy of patients. Unfortunately, chronic inflammatory processes, which are characterized by a substantial release of cytokines and chemokines, along with ROS and proteases, can accelerate cellular senescence, leading to further complications in adulthood. The alterations and mechanisms downstream of CFTR functional defects that can stimulate cellular senescence remain unclear. However, while there are correlative data suggesting that cellular senescence may be implicated in CF, a causal or consequential relationship between cellular senescence and CF is still far from being established. Senescence can be both beneficial and detrimental. Senescence may suppress bacterial infections and cooperate with tissue repair. Additionally, it may act as an effective anticancer mechanism. However, it may also promote a pro-inflammatory environment, thereby damaging tissues and leading to chronic age-related diseases. In this review, we present the most current knowledge on cellular senescence and contextualize its possible involvement in CF.

p53 Functions in Adipose Tissue Metabolism and Homeostasis

As a tumor suppressor and the most frequently mutated gene in cancer, p53 is among the best-described molecules in medical research. As cancer is in most cases an age-related disease, it seems paradoxical that p53 is so strongly conserved from early multicellular organisms to humans. A function not directly related to tumor suppression, such as the regulation of metabolism in nontransformed cells, could explain this selective pressure. While this role of p53 in cellular metabolism is gradually emerging, it is imperative to dissect the tissue- and cell-specific actions of p53 and its downstream signaling pathways. In this review, we focus on studies reporting p53’s impact on adipocyte development, function, and maintenance, as well as the causes and consequences of altered p53 levels in white and brown adipose tissue (AT) with respect to systemic energy homeostasis. While whole body p53 knockout mice gain less weight and fat mass under a high-fat diet owing to increased energy expenditure, modifying p53 expression specifically in adipocytes yields more refined insights: (1) p53 is a negative regulator of in vitro adipogenesis; (2) p53 levels in white AT are increased in diet-induced and genetic obesity mouse models and in obese humans; (3) functionally, elevated p53 in white AT increases senescence and chronic inflammation, aggravating systemic insulin resistance; (4) p53 is not required for normal development of brown AT; and (5) when p53 is activated in brown AT in mice fed a high-fat diet, it increases brown AT temperature and brown AT marker gene expression, thereby contributing to reduced fat mass accumulation. In addition, p53 is increasingly being recognized as crucial player in nutrient sensing pathways. Hence, despite existence of contradictory findings and a varying density of evidence, several functions of p53 in adipocytes and ATs have been emerging, positioning p53 as an essential regulatory hub in ATs. Future studies need to make use of more sophisticated in vivo model systems and should identify an AT-specific set of p53 target genes and downstream pathways upon different (nutrient) challenges to identify novel therapeutic targets to curb metabolic diseases.

Somatic polyploidy is associated with the upregulation of c-MYC interacting genes and EMT-like signature

The dependence of cancer on overexpressed c-MYC and its predisposition for polyploidy represents a double puzzle. We address this conundrum by cross-species transcription analysis of c-MYC interacting genes in polyploid vs. diploid tissues and cells, including human vs. mouse heart, mouse vs. human liver and purified 4n vs. 2n mouse decidua cells. Gene-by-gene transcriptome comparison and principal component analysis indicated that c-MYC interactants are significantly overrepresented among ploidy-associated genes. Protein interaction networks and gene module analysis revealed that the most upregulated genes relate to growth, stress response, proliferation, stemness and unicellularity, as well as to the pathways of cancer supported by MAPK and RAS coordinated pathways. A surprising feature was the up-regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) modules embodied by the N-cadherin pathway and EMT regulators from SNAIL and TWIST families. Metabolic pathway analysis also revealed the EMT-linked features, such as global proteome remodeling, oxidative stress, DNA repair and Warburg-like energy metabolism. Genes associated with apoptosis, immunity, energy demand and tumour suppression were mostly down-regulated. Noteworthy, despite the association between polyploidy and ample features of cancer, polyploidy does not trigger it. Possibly it occurs because normal polyploidy does not go that far in embryonalisation and linked genome destabilisation. In general, the analysis of polyploid transcriptome explained the evolutionary relation of c-MYC and polyploidy to cancer.

A role for cellular senescence in birth timing

Senescence contributes to the local and systemic aging of tissues and has been associated with age-related diseases. Recently, roles for this process during pregnancy have come to light, the dysregulation of which has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes such as preterm birth. Here, we summarize recent advances that support a role for senescence in birth timing and propose new aspects of study in this emerging field.

Genetic polymorphisms of mTOR and cancer risk: a systematic review and updated meta-analysis

mTOR regulates several cellular processes that are critical for tumorigenesis. However, previous studies on the association of mTOR polymorphisms with predisposition to different cancer types are somewhat contradictory. Therefore, we performed a systematic review and updated meta-analysis of the available evidence regarding the relationship between mTOR single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and cancer risk. Up to November 2015, 23 original publications were identified covering 20 mTOR SNPs, of which seven SNPs (rs2536, rs2295080, rs1883965, rs1034528, rs17036508, rs3806317 and rs1064261) were included in the final meta-analysis. We estimated the summary odds ratios (ORs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for mTOR polymorphisms and cancer risk, and used the model-free approach to investigate the biological effect of each polymorphism. Our meta-analysis found that rs1883965, rs1034528, and rs17036508 were correlated with increased cancer risk in the complete over-dominant model (rs1883965 GA versus GG/AA: fixed-effects OR=1.15, 95% CI 1.02-1.29; rs1034528 GC versus GG/CC: fixed-effects OR=1.30, 95% CI 1.13-1.48; rs17036508 TC versus CC/TT: fixed-effects OR=1.23, 95% CI 1.06-1.43). Stratifying analyses by cancer type, we found that the rs2295080 G allele was associated with a significantly higher risk of acute leukemia in the recessive model (GG versus GT/TT: fixed-effects OR=2.08, 95% CI 1.34-3.22) and a lower risk of genitourinary cancers in the dominant model (TG/GG versus TT: fixed-effects OR=0.77, 95% CI 0.68-0.86). Interestingly, further expression analysis showed that homozygous variant genotype carriers of rs1883965, rs1034528 and rs17036508 had lower mTOR transcript levels, based on HapMap data.

Quantitative analysis of male germline stem cell differentiation reveals a role for the p53-mTORC1 pathway in spermatogonial maintenance

p53 protects cells from DNA damage by inducing cell-cycle arrest upon encountering genomic stress. Among other pathways, p53 elicits such an effect by inhibiting mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), the master regulator of cell proliferation and growth. Although recent studies have indicated roles for both p53 and mTORC1 in stem cell maintenance, it remains unclear whether the p53-mTORC1 pathway is conserved to mediate this process under normal physiological conditions. Spermatogenesis is a classic stem cell-dependent process in which undifferentiated spermatogonia undergo self-renewal and differentiation to maintain the lifelong production of spermatozoa. To better understand this process, we have developed a novel flow cytometry (FACS)-based approach that isolates spermatogonia at consecutive differentiation stages. By using this as a tool, we show that genetic loss of p53 augments mTORC1 activity during early spermatogonial differentiation. Functionally, loss of p53 drives spermatogonia out of the undifferentiated state and causes a consistent expansion of early differentiating spermatogonia until the stage of preleptotene (premeiotic) spermatocyte. The frequency of early meiotic spermatocytes is, however, dramatically decreased. Thus, these data suggest that p53-mTORC1 pathway plays a critical role in maintaining the homeostasis of early spermatogonial differentiation. Moreover, our FACS approach could be a valuable tool in understanding spermatogonial differentiation.

Dual mTORC1/C2 inhibitors suppress cellular geroconversion (a senescence program)

In proliferating cells, mTOR is active and promotes cell growth. When the cell cycle is arrested, then mTOR converts reversible arrest to senescence (geroconversion). Rapamycin and other rapalogs suppress geroconversion, maintaining quiescence instead. Here we showed that ATP-competitive kinase inhibitors (Torin1 and PP242), which inhibit both mTORC1 and TORC2, also suppressed geroconversion. Despite inhibition of proliferation (in proliferating cells), mTOR inhibitors preserved re-proliferative potential (RP) in arrested cells. In p21-arrested cells, Torin 1 and PP242 detectably suppressed geroconversion at concentrations as low as 1-3 nM and 10-30 nM, reaching maximal gerosuppression at 30 nM and 300 nM, respectively. Near-maximal gerosuppression coincided with inhibition of p-S6K(T389) and p-S6(S235/236). Dual mTOR inhibitors prevented senescent morphology and hypertrophy. Our study warrants investigation into whether low doses of dual mTOR inhibitors will prolong animal life span and delay age-related diseases. A new class of potential anti-aging drugs can be envisioned.

Rejuvenating immunity: "anti-aging drug today" eight years later

The 2014 year ended with celebration: Everolimus, a rapamycin analog, was shown to improve immunity in old humans, heralding ‘a turning point’ in research and new era in human quest for immortality. Yet, this turning point was predicted a decade ago. But what will cause human death, when aging will be abolished?

p53 and rapamycin are additive

Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a kinase found in a complex (mTORC1) that enables macromolecular synthesis and cell growth and is implicated in cancer etiology. The rapamycin-FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) complex allosterically inhibits mTORC1. In response to stress, p53 inhibits mTORC1 through a separate pathway involving cell signaling and amino acid sensing. Thus, these different mechanisms could be additive. Here we show that p53 improved the ability of rapamycin to: 1) extend mouse life span, 2) suppress ionizing radiation (IR)-induced senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) and 3) increase the levels of amino acids and citric acid in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. This additive effect could have implications for cancer treatment since rapamycin and p53 are anti-oncogenic.

Tumor promoter-induced cellular senescence: cell cycle arrest followed by geroconversion

Phorbol ester (PMA or TPA), a tumor promoter, can cause either proliferation or cell cycle arrest, depending on cellular context. For example, in SKBr3 breast cancer cells, PMA hyper-activates the MEK/MAPK pathway, thus inducing p21 and cell cycle arrest. Here we showed that PMA-induced arrest was followed by conversion to cellular senescence (geroconversion). Geroconversion was associated with active mTOR and S6 kinase (S6K). Rapamycin suppressed geroconversion, maintaining quiescence instead. In this model, PMA induced arrest (step one of a senescence program), whereas constitutively active mTOR drove geroconversion (step two). Without affecting Akt phosphorylation, PMA increased phosphorylation of S6K (T389) and S6 (S240/244), and that was completely prevented by rapamycin. Yet, T421/S424 and S235/236 (p-S6K and p-S6, respectively) phosphorylation became rapamycin-insensitive in the presence of PMA. Either MEK or mTOR was sufficient to phosphorylate these PMA-induced rapamycin-resistant sites because co-treatment with U0126 and rapamycin was required to abrogate them. We next tested whether activation of rapamycin-insensitive pathways would shift quiescence towards senescence. In HT-p21 cells, cell cycle arrest was caused by IPTG-inducible p21 and was spontaneously followed by mTOR-dependent geroconversion. Rapamycin suppressed geroconversion, whereas PMA partially counteracted the effect of rapamycin, revealing the involvement of rapamycin-insensitive gerogenic pathways. In normal RPE cells arrested by serum withdrawal, the mTOR/pS6 pathway was inhibited and cells remained quiescent. PMA transiently activated mTOR, enabling partial geroconversion. We conclude that PMA can initiate a senescent program by either inducing arrest or fostering geroconversion or both. Rapamycin can decrease gero-conversion by PMA, without preventing PMA-induced arrest. The tumor promoter PMA is a gero-promoter, which may be useful to study aging in mammals.

Genetic prevention of lymphoma in p53 knockout mice allows the early development of p53-related sarcomas

Homozygous knockout of p53 in mice leads to early mortality from lymphoma, with almost complete penetrance, thus hampering studies of other tumor histotypes related to p53 alterations. To avoid lymphoma development, we crossed p53 knockout mice (BALB-p53 mice) with alymphocytic BALB/c Rag2^−/−;Il2rg^−/− (RGKO) mice. We compared the tumor spectrum of homozygous (BALB-p53^−/−) and heterozygous (BALB-p53^+/−) mice with alymphocytic mice (RGKO-p53^−/− and RGKO-p53^+/−). Lymphoma incidence in BALB-p53^−/− mice exceeded 80%, whereas in RGKO-p53^−/− it was strongly reduced. The prevalent tumor of RGKO-p53^−/− mice was hemangiosarcoma (incidence over 65% in both sexes, mean latency 18 weeks), other tumors included soft tissue sarcomas (incidence ~10%), lung and mammary carcinomas. Tumor spectrum changes occurred also in p53 heterozygotes, in which lymphomas are relatively rare (~20%). RGKO-p53^+/− had an increased incidence of hemangiosarcomas, reaching ~30%, and females had an increased incidence of osteosarcomas, reaching ~20%. Osteosarcomas shared with the corresponding human tumors the involvement of limbs and a high metastatic ability, mainly to the lungs. Specific alterations in the expression of p53-related genes (p16Ink4a, p19Arf, p15Ink4b, p21Cip1) were observed. Genetic prevention of lymphoma in p53 knockout mice led to new models of sarcoma development, available for studies on hemangiosarcoma and osteosarcoma onset and metastatization.

Geroconversion: irreversible step to cellular senescence

Cellular senescence happens in 2 steps: cell cycle arrest followed, or sometimes preceded, by gerogenic conversion (geroconversion). Geroconvesrion is a form of growth, a futile growth during cell cycle arrest. It converts reversible arrest to irreversible senescence. Geroconversion is driven by growth-promoting, mitogen-/nutrient-sensing pathways such as mTOR. Geroconversion leads to hyper-secretory, hypertrophic and pro-inflammatory cellular phenotypes, hyperfunctions and malfunctions. On organismal level, geroconversion leads to age-related diseases and death. Rapamycin, a gerosuppressant, extends life span in diverse species from yeast to mammals. Stress-and oncogene-induced accelerated senescence, replicative senescence in vitro and life-long cellular aging in vivo all can be described by 2-step model.

p70 S6 kinase drives ovarian cancer metastasis through multicellular spheroid-peritoneum interaction and P-cadherin/b1 integrin signaling activation

Peritoneal dissemination as a manifestation of ovarian cancer is an adverse prognostic factor associated with poor clinical outcome, and is thus a potentially promising target for improved treatment. Sphere forming cells (multicellular spheroids) present in malignant ascites of patients with ovarian cancer represent a major impediment to effective treatment. p70 S6 kinase (p70^S6K), which is a downstream effector of mammalian target of rapamycin, is frequently hyperactivated in human ovarian cancer. Here, we identified p70^S6K as an important regulator for the seeding and successful colonization of ovarian cancer spheroids on the peritoneum. Furthermore, we provided evidence for the existence of a novel crosstalk between P-cadherin and β1 integrin, which was crucial for the high degree of specificity in cell adhesion. In particular, we demonstrated that the upregulation of mature β1 integrin occurred as a consequence of P-cadherin expression through the induction of the Golgi glycosyltransferase, ST6Gal-I, which mediated β1 integrin hypersialylation. Loss of p70^S6K or targeting the P-cadherin/β1-integrin interplay could significantly attenuate the metastatic spread onto the peritoneum in vivo. These findings establish a new role for p70^S6K in tumor spheroid-mesothelium communication in ovarian cancer and provide a preclinical rationale for targeting p70^S6K as a new avenue for microenvironment-based therapeutic strategy.

p53 status as effect modifier of the association between pre-treatment fasting glucose and breast cancer outcomes in non diabetic, HER2 positive patients treated with trastuzumab

Mounting evidence supports the role of p53 in metabolic processes involved in breast carcinogenesis. We investigated whether p53 status affects the association of pre-treatment fasting glucose with treatment outcomes in 106 non diabetic, HER2 positive breast cancer patients treated with trastuzumab. p53 status was validated against gene sequencing of selected codons in 49 patients. The Kaplan-Meier method and log rank test were used to compare survival by categories of fasting glucose in the overall population and separate settings. Cox models included age and body mass index. Direct sequencing confirmed the lack of mutations in 73.7% of p53 negative patients and their presence in 53.3% of p53 positive cases. At 66 months, 88.3% of patients with glucose ≤ 89.0 mg/dl (median value) did not experiment disease progression compared with 70.0% in the highest category (p=0.034), with glucose being an independent predictor (p=0.046). Stratified analysis confirmed this association in p53 negative patients only (p=0.01). In the early setting, data suggested longer disease free survival in p53 negative patients in the lowest glucose category (p=0.053). In our study, p53 status acted as effect modifier of the investigated association. This may help differentiate target sub-groups and affect outcomes interpretation in similarly characterized patients.

Targeting Phosphatidylinositide3-Kinase/Akt pathway by BKM120 for radiosensitization in hepatocellular carcinoma

Tumor control of hepatocellular carcinoma by radiotherapy remains unsatisfactory. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathway plays a critical role in inhibiting cancer cell death. Elevated PI3K/Akt activity is associated with increased cellular resistance to irradiation. Our aim was to determine whether the inhibition of PI3K/Akt activity by a PI3K inhibitor, BKM120, contributes to the increased sensitivity of liver cancer cells to irradiation. The hepatocellular carcinoma cell lines (Huh7 and BNL) were used to evaluate the in vitro synergism between BKM120 and irradiation. Balb/c mice bearing ectopic BNL xenografts were treated with BKM120 and/or radiotherapy to assess the in vivo response. BKM120 increased cell killing by radiation, increased the expression of apoptotic markers, and suppressed the repair of radiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks. BKM120 pretreatment inhibited radiation-induced Akt phosphorylation and enhanced the tumor-suppressive effect and radiation-induced tumor cell apoptosis in ectopic xenografts. Inhibition of mTOR phosphorylation by rapamycin enhanced the radiosensitivity of BKM120-treated hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The synergism between BKM120 and irradiation likely inhibits the activation of Akt by radiation, leading to increased cell apoptosis and suppression of DNA-double-strand breaks repair in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. These data suggest that the BKM120/radiation combination may be a strategy worthy of clinical trials.

High level of full-length cereblon mRNA in lower risk myelodysplastic syndrome with isolated 5q deletion is implicated in the efficacy of lenalidomide

Downregulation of cereblon (CRBN) gene expression is associated with resistance to the immunomodulatory drug lenalidomide and poor survival outcomes in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. However, the importance of CRBN gene expression in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and its impact on lenalidomide therapy are not clear. In this study, we evaluate cereblon expression in mononuclear cells isolated from bone marrow [23 lower risk MDS patients with isolated 5q deletion (5q-), 37 lower risk MDS patients with chromosome 5 without the deletion of long arms (non-5q-), and 24 healthy controls] and from peripheral blood (38 patients with 5q-, 52 non-5q- patients and 25 healthy controls) to gain insight into, firstly, the role of cereblon in lower risk MDS patients with or without 5q deletion and, secondly, into the mechanisms of lenalidomide action. Patients with 5q- lower risk MDS have the highest levels of CRBN mRNA in comparison with both lower risk MDS without the deletion of long arms of chromosome 5 and healthy controls. CRBN gene expression was measured using the quantitative TaqMan real-time PCR. High levels of CRBN mRNA were detected in all lenalidomide responders during the course of therapy. A significant decrease of the CRBN mRNA level during lenalidomide treatment is associated with loss of response to treatment and disease progression. These results suggest that, similar to the treatment of MM, high levels of full-length CRBN mRNA in lower risk 5q- patients are necessary for the efficacy of lenalidomide.

Weekly administration of rapamycin improves survival and biomarkers in obese male mice on high-fat diet

Recent discoveries have revealed the key role of mTOR (target of rapamycin) in aging. Furthermore, rapamycin extends lifespan in mice, especially in female mice. Here, we treated obese male mice on high-fat diet with rapamycin given intermittently: either weekly (once a week) or alternating bi-weekly (three injections every other week). While only marginally reducing obesity, intermittent administration of rapamycin significantly extended lifespan. Significance was achieved for weekly treated group and for the three rapamycin-received groups combined. In weekly treatment group, 100% mice were alive by the age of 2 years, whereas 60% of mice died in untreated group by this age. The effect of weekly treatment on survival was highly significant and cannot be fully explained by partial reduction in obesity. Alternating bi-weekly treatments seem to be less effective than weekly treatment, although effects of additional factors (see Discussion) may not be excluded. After one year of treatment, all survived mice were sacrificed 8 days after the last administration of rapamycin to avoid its direct interference with parameters examined. Fasting levels of cardiac and hepatic p-S6, a marker of mTORC1 activity, were lower in weekly treatment group compared with control mice. In contrast, levels of p-Akt (S473), glucose, triglycerides and insulin were unchanged, whereas leptin and IGF-1 tended to be lower. Thus, weekly treatment with rapamycin may slow down aging in obese male mice on high-fat diet.

Phosphorylation of Akt at the C-terminal tail triggers Akt activation

Aberrant hyper-activation of the protein kinase Akt plays a critical role in promoting tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, previous studies establish that phosphorylation of Akt at S473 and T308 by mTORC2 and PDK1, respectively, is necessary for its full activation, thereby having been used as Akt activation markers. Recently, we report that phosphorylation of S477 and T479 at the extreme C-terminus of Akt1 promotes Akt1 activation. We further demonstrate that Akt1 pS477 and pT479 events are governed by Cdk2/Cyclin A or mTORC2 under distinct cellular contexts such as cell cycle progression or growth stimulation conditions. Here, we summarize our major findings regarding the biological significance for pS477/pT479-mediated activation of Akt and also provide perspectives for future follow-up studies.

Contact inhibition and high cell density deactivate the mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, thus suppressing the senescence program

During cell cycle arrest caused by contact inhibition (CI), cells do not undergo senescence, thus resuming proliferation after replating. The mechanism of senescence avoidance during CI is unknown. Recently, it was demonstrated that the senescence program, namely conversion from cell cycle arrest to senescence (i.e., geroconversion), requires mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Geroconversion can be suppressed by serum starvation, rapamycin, and hypoxia, which all inhibit mTOR. Here we demonstrate that CI, as evidenced by p27 induction in normal cells, was associated with inhibition of the mTOR pathway. Furthermore, CI antagonized senescence caused by CDK inhibitors. Stimulation of mTOR in contact-inhibited cells favored senescence. In cancer cells lacking p27 induction and CI, mTOR was still inhibited in confluent culture as a result of conditioning of the medium. This inhibition of mTOR suppressed p21-induced senescence. Also, trapping of malignant cells among contact-inhibited normal cells antagonized p21-induced senescence. Thus, we identified two nonmutually exclusive mechanisms of mTOR inhibition in high cell density: (i) CI associated with p27 induction in normal cells and (ii) conditioning of the medium, especially in cancer cells. Both mechanisms can coincide in various proportions in various cells. Our work explains why CI is reversible and, most importantly, why cells avoid senescence in vivo, given that cells are contact-inhibited in the organism.

Latest progress in tyrosine kinase inhibitors

Here we discuss the latest progress in development of some kinase inhibitors such as inhibitors of c-MET, LIM and Bcr-Abl kinases. Importantly, many oncogenic kinases signal via the mTOR pathway, suggesting a common target for drug combinations.