Identification of PP2A and S6 Kinase as Modifiers of Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase-Induced Neurotoxicity.

Mutations in LRRK2 are currently recognized as the most common monogenetic cause of Parkinsonism. The elevation of kinase activity of LRRK2 that frequently accompanies its mutations is widely thought to contribute to its toxicity. Accordingly, many groups have developed LRRK2-specific kinase inhibitors as a potential therapeutic strategy. Given that protein phosphorylation is a reversible event, we sought to elucidate the phosphatase(s) that can reverse LRRK2-mediated phosphorylation, with the view that targeting this phosphatase(s) may similarly be beneficial. Using an unbiased RNAi phosphatase screen conducted in a Drosophila LRRK2 model, we identified PP2A as a genetic modulator of LRRK2-induced neurotoxicity. Further, we also identified ribosomal S6 kinase (S6K), a target of PP2A, as a novel regulator of LRRK2 function. Finally, we showed that modulation of PP2A or S6K activities ameliorates LRRK2-associated disease phenotype in Drosophila.

Guanidinoacetic Acid Regulates Myogenic Differentiation and Muscle Growth Through miR-133a-3p and miR-1a-3p Co-mediated Akt/mTOR/S6K Signaling Pathway.

Guanidinoacetic acid (GAA), an amino acid derivative that is endogenous to animal tissues including muscle and nerve, has been reported to enhance muscular performance. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a post-transcriptional regulator that plays a key role in nutrient-mediated myogenesis. However, the effects of GAA on myogenic differentiation and skeletal muscle growth, and the potential regulatory mechanisms of miRNA in these processes have not been elucidated. In this study, we investigated the effects of GAA on proliferation, differentiation, and growth in C2C12 cells and mice. The results showed that GAA markedly inhibited the proliferation of myoblasts, along with the down-regulation of cyclin D1 (CCND1) and cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) mRNA expression, and the upregulation of cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A (P21) mRNA expression. We also demonstrated that GAA treatment stimulated myogenic differentiation 1 (MyoD) and myogenin (MyoG) mRNA expression, resulting in an increase in the myotube fusion rate. Meanwhile, GAA supplementation promoted myotube growth through increase in total myosin heavy chain (MyHC) protein level, myotubes thickness and gastrocnemius muscle cross-sectional area. Furthermore, small RNA sequencing revealed that a total of eight miRNAs, including miR-133a-3p and miR-1a-3p cluster, showed differential expression after GAA supplementation. To further study the function of miR-133a-3p and miR-1a-3p in GAA-induced skeletal muscle growth, we transfected miR-133a-3p and miR-1a-3p mimics into myotube, which also induced muscle growth. Through bioinformatics and a dual-luciferase reporter system, the target genes of miR-133a-3p and miR-1a-3p were determined. These two miRNAs were shown to modulate the Akt/mTOR/S6K signaling pathway by restraining target gene expression. Taken together, these findings suggest that GAA supplementation can promote myoblast differentiation and skeletal muscle growth through miR-133a-3p- and miR-1a-3p-induced activation of the AKT/mTOR/S6K signaling pathway.

pAKT Expression and Response to Sorafenib in Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.

Sorafenib has an antitumor activity in patients with radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid carcinoma (RAIR-DTC). Prior research has implicated signaling through the MAPK and AKT/PI3K pathways in the progression of DTC. To assess whether the activity of these pathways is predictive of response to sorafenib, we retrospectively studied molecular tumor markers from these two pathways from a phase 2 study of sorafenib in RAIR-DTC. Tumor samples from 40 of 53 DTC subjects obtained prior to initiation of sorafenib were immunostained with DAB-labeled antibodies to phospho-AKT (pAKT), phospho-ERK (pERK), and phospho-S6 (pS6). BRAFV600E genetic mutation analysis was performed on all samples. Expression levels and mutational status were compared to response and progression-free survival (PFS) for each patient. Low tumor expression of nuclear pAKT was associated with partial response to sorafenib (p < 0.01). Patients with nuclear pAKT expression that was below the median for our sample were more than three times as likely to have a partial response as patients with equal to or above median expression. There was no correlation between tumor expression of nuclear pERK or pS6 and response. Endothelial cell and pericyte expression of pERK, pAKT, and pS6 were not predictive of response. There was no correlation between BRAFV600E mutation status and partial response. No correlation was observed between either the expression of pAKT, pERK, or pS6, or the presence of the BRAFV600E mutation, and PFS. In conclusion, lower tumor expression of nuclear pAKT was associated with higher rate of response to sorafenib. This observation justifies evaluation of combination therapy with sorafenib and an inhibitor of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in RAIR-DTC.

Discovery of novel AKT inhibitors with enhanced anti-tumor effects in combination with the MEK inhibitor.

Tumor cells upregulate many cell signaling pathways, with AKT being one of the key kinases to be activated in a variety of malignancies. GSK2110183 and GSK2141795 are orally bioavailable, potent inhibitors of the AKT kinases that have progressed to human clinical studies. Both compounds are selective, ATP-competitive inhibitors of AKT 1, 2 and 3. Cells treated with either compound show decreased phosphorylation of several substrates downstream of AKT. Both compounds have desirable pharmaceutical properties and daily oral dosing results in a sustained inhibition of AKT activity as well as inhibition of tumor growth in several mouse tumor models of various histologic origins. Improved kinase selectivity was associated with reduced effects on glucose homeostasis as compared to previously reported ATP-competitive AKT kinase inhibitors. In a diverse cell line proliferation screen, AKT inhibitors showed increased potency in cell lines with an activated AKT pathway (via PI3K/PTEN mutation or loss) while cell lines with activating mutations in the MAPK pathway (KRAS/BRAF) were less sensitive to AKT inhibition. Further investigation in mouse models of KRAS driven pancreatic cancer confirmed that combining the AKT inhibitor, GSK2141795 with a MEK inhibitor (GSK2110212; trametinib) resulted in an enhanced anti-tumor effect accompanied with greater reduction in phospho-S6 levels. Taken together these results support clinical evaluation of the AKT inhibitors in cancer, especially in combination with MEK inhibitor.

Identification of the general transcription factor Yin Yang 1 as a novel and specific binding partner for S6 kinase 2.

S6 kinase is a member of the AGC family of serine/threonine kinases and plays a key role in diverse cellular processes including cell growth and metabolism. Although, the high degree of homology between S6K family members (S6K1 and S6K2) in kinase and kinase-extension domains, the two proteins are highly divergent in the N- and C-terminal regulatory regions, hinting at differential regulation, downstream signalling and cellular function. Deregulated signalling via S6Ks has been linked to various human pathologies, such as diabetes and cancer. Therefore, S6K has emerged as a promising target for drug development. Much of what we know about S6K signalling in health and disease comes from studies of S6K1, as molecular cloning of this isoform was reported a decade earlier than S6K2. In this study, we report for the first time, the identification of the general transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) as a novel and specific binding partner of S6K2, but not S6K1. The interaction between YY1 and S6K2 was demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation of transiently overexpressed and endogenous proteins in a number of cell lines, including HEK293, MCF7 and U937. Furthermore, direct association between S6K2 and YY1 was demonstrated by GST pull-down assay using recombinant proteins. A panel of deletion mutants was used to show that the C-terminal regulatory region of S6K2 mediates the interaction with YY1. Interestingly, the complex formation between S6K2 and YY1 can be detected in serum-starved cells, but the interaction is strongly induced in response to mitogenic stimulation. The induction of S6K2/YY1 complex formation in response to serum stimulation is abolished by pre-treatment of cells with the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin. Furthermore, mTOR is also detected in complex with YY1 and S6K2 in serum-stimulated cells. We utilized size exclusion chromatography along with co-immunoprecipitation analysis to demonstrate the existence of the mTOR/S6K2/YY1 complex in high molecular weight fractions, which might also involve other cellular proteins. The physiological significance of the mTOR/S6K2/YY1 complex, which is induced in response to mitogenic stimulation, remains to be further investigated.

Post-exercise whey protein hydrolysate supplementation induces a greater increase in muscle protein synthesis than its constituent amino acid content.

It is well known that ingestion of a protein source is effective in stimulating muscle protein synthesis after exercise. In addition, there are numerous reports on the impact of leucine and leucine-rich whey protein on muscle protein synthesis and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling. However, there is only limited information on the effects of whey protein hydrolysates (WPH) on muscle protein synthesis and mTOR signalling. The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of WPH and amino acids on muscle protein synthesis and the initiation of translation in skeletal muscle during the post-exercise phase. Male Sprague­Dawley rats swam for 2 h to depress muscle protein synthesis. Immediately after exercise, the animals were administered either carbohydrate (CHO), CHO plus an amino acid mixture (AA) or CHO plus WPH. At 1 h after exercise, the supplements containing whey-based protein (AA and WPH) caused a significant increase in the fractional rate of protein synthesis (FSR) compared with CHO. WPH also caused a significant increase in FSR compared with AA. Post-exercise ingestion of WPH caused a significant increase in the phosphorylation of mTOR levels compared with AA or CHO. In addition, WPH caused greater phosphorylation of ribosomal protein S6 kinase and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 than AA and CHO. In contrast, there was no difference in plasma amino acid levels following supplementation with either AA or WPH. These results indicate that WPH may include active components that are superior to amino acids for stimulating muscle protein synthesis and initiating translation.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) can reverse AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and S6 kinase (P70S6K) activities induced by fluctuations in glucose levels in hypothalamic areas involved in feeding behaviour.

The anorexigenic peptide, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), reduces glucose metabolism in the human hypothalamus and brain stem. The brain activity of metabolic sensors such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) responds to changes in glucose levels. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its downstream target, p70S6 kinase (p70S6K), integrate nutrient and hormonal signals. The hypothalamic mTOR/p70S6K pathway has been implicated in the control of feeding and the regulation of energy balances. Therefore, we investigated the coordinated effects of glucose and GLP-1 on the expression and activity of AMPK and p70S6K in the areas involved in the control of feeding. The effect of GLP-1 on the expression and activities of AMPK and p70S6K was studied in hypothalamic slice explants exposed to low- and high-glucose concentrations by quantitative real-time RT-PCR and by the quantification of active-phosphorylated protein levels by immunoblot. In vivo, the effects of exendin-4 on hypothalamic AMPK and p70S6K activation were analysed in male obese Zucker and lean controls 1 h after exendin-4 injection to rats fasted for 48 h or after re-feeding for 2-4 h. High-glucose levels decreased the expression of Ampk in the lateral hypothalamus and treatment with GLP-1 reversed this effect. GLP-1 treatment inhibited the activities of AMPK and p70S6K when the activation of these protein kinases was maximum in both the ventromedial and lateral hypothalamic areas. Furthermore, in vivo s.c. administration of exendin-4 modulated AMPK and p70S6K activities in those areas, in both fasted and re-fed obese Zucker and lean control rats.

Differential effect of long-term leucine supplementation on skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in old rats: an insulin signaling pathway approach.

Leucine acts as a signal nutrient in promoting protein synthesis in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue via mTOR pathway activation, and may be of interest in age-related sarcopenia. However, hyper-activation of mTOR/S6K1 has been suggested to inhibit the first steps of insulin signaling and finally promote insulin resistance. The impact of long-term dietary leucine supplementation on insulin signaling and sensitivity was investigated in old rats (18 months old) fed a 15% protein diet supplemented (LEU group) or not (C group) with 4.5% leucine for 6 months. The resulting effects on muscle and fat were examined. mTOR/S6K1 signaling pathway was not significantly altered in muscle from old rats subjected to long-term dietary leucine excess, whereas it was increased in adipose tissue. Overall glucose tolerance was not changed but insulin-stimulated glucose transport was improved in muscles from leucine-supplemented rats related to improvement in Akt expression and phosphorylation in response to food intake. No change in skeletal muscle mass was observed, whereas perirenal adipose tissue mass accumulated (+45%) in leucine-supplemented rats. A prolonged leucine supplementation in old rats differently modulates mTOR/S6K pathways in muscle and adipose tissue. It does not increase muscle mass but seems to promote hypertrophy and hyperplasia of adipose tissue that did not result in insulin resistance.

Hot topics in aging research: protein translation and TOR signaling, 2010.

In this, the fourth installment of our annual Hot Topics review on mRNA translation and aging, we have decided to expand our scope to include recent findings related to the role of TOR signaling in aging. As new data emerge, it is clear that TOR signaling acts upstream of mRNA translation, as well as a variety of other cellular processes, to modulate longevity and healthspan in evolutionarily diverse species. This Hot Topics review will cover important new findings in this area that have occurred over the past year. These include the demonstration that the TOR substrate ribosomal S6 kinase modulates longevity in mammals, the potential for TOR inhibitors as therapeutic treatments for Alzheimer's disease, and further studies emphasizing the importance of differential translation of specific mRNAs for healthy aging and enhanced longevity.

Small-molecule inducers of insulin expression in pancreatic alpha-cells.

High-content screening for small-molecule inducers of insulin expression identified the compound BRD7389, which caused alpha-cells to adopt several morphological and gene expression features of a beta-cell state. Assay-performance profile analysis suggests kinase inhibition as a mechanism of action, and we show that biochemical and cellular inhibition of the RSK kinase family by BRD7389 is likely related to its ability induce a beta-cell-like state. BRD7389 also increases the endocrine cell content and function of donor human pancreatic islets in culture.

Augmentation of insulin secretion by leucine supplementation in malnourished rats: possible involvement of the phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate kinase/mammalian target protein of rapamycin pathway.

A regimen of low-protein diet induces a reduction of pancreatic islet function that is associated with development of metabolic disorders including diabetes and obesity afterward. In the present study, the influence of leucine supplementation on metabolic parameters, insulin secretion to glucose and to amino acids, as well as the levels of proteins that participate in the phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate kinase (PI3K) pathway was investigated in malnourished rats. Four groups were fed with different diets for 12 weeks: a normal protein diet (17%) without (NP) or with leucine supplementation (NPL) or a low (6%)-protein diet without (LP) or with leucine supplementation (LPL). Leucine was given in the drinking water during the last 4 weeks. As indicated by the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test, LPL rats exhibited increased glucose tolerance as compared with NPL group. Both NPL and LPL rats had higher circulating insulin levels than controls. The LPL rats also showed increased insulin secretion by pancreatic islets in response to glucose or arginine compared with those observed in islets from LP animals. Glucose oxidation was significantly reduced in NPL, LP, and LPL isolated islets as compared with NP; but no alteration was observed for leucine and glutamate oxidation among the 4 groups. Western blotting analysis demonstrated increased PI3K and mammalian target protein of rapamycin protein contents in LPL compared with LP islets. A significant increase in insulin-induced insulin receptor substrate 1-associated PI3K activation was also observed in LPL compared with LP islets. These findings indicate that leucine supplementation can augment islet function in malnourished rats and that activation of the PI3K/mammalian target protein of rapamycin pathway may play a role in this process.

Development of a novel GLUT4 translocation assay for identifying potential novel therapeutic targets for insulin sensitization.

GLUT4 (glucose transporter 4) plays important roles in glucose homoeostasis in vivo. GLUT4 expression and function are diminished in diabetic human and animal subjects. The goal of the present study is to develop a cell-based assay for identifying negative regulators of GLUT4 translocation as potential targets for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Traditional GLUT4 translocation assays performed in differentiated myocytes or adipocytes are difficult to perform, particularly in HTS (high-throughput screening) mode. In the present study, we stably co-expressed c-Myc and eGFP [enhanced GFP (green fluorescent protein)] dual-tagged recombinant GLUT4 with recombinant IRS1 (insulin receptor substrate 1) in HEK-293 cells (human embryonic kidney cells) (HEK-293.IRS1.GLUT4 cells). Insulin treatment stimulated both glucose uptake and GLUT4 translocation in these cells. GLUT4 translocation is quantified by a TRF (time-resolved fluorescence) assay in a 96-well HTS format. TRF assays confirmed insulin-stimulated GLUT4 translocation, which can be inhibited by PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) or Akt [also called PKB (protein kinase B)] inhibitors. Treatment with palmitate increased IRS1 serine phosphorylation and reduced insulin-stimulated Akt phosphorylation and GLUT4 translocation, indicating insulin resistance. Knockdown of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10) and PTP1B (protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B) gene expression by siRNA (small interfering RNA) treatment significantly increased GLUT4 translocation only in cells treated with palmitate but not in untreated cells. Similar results were obtained on treatment with siRNA of JNK1 (c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1), S6K1 (ribosomal protein S6 kinase, 70 kDa, polypeptide 1) and PKC(theta) (protein kinase C theta). In summary, we have established and validated a novel GLUT4 translocation assay that is optimal for identifying negative regulators of GLUT4 translocation. In combination with more physiologically relevant secondary assays in myotubes and adipocytes, this assay system can be used to identify potential novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.

Fatty acid synthase inhibitors modulate energy balance via mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 signaling in the central nervous system.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence links the hypothalamic fatty acid synthase (FAS) pathway to the regulation of food intake and body weight. This includes pharmacological inhibitors that potently reduce feeding and body weight. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an intracellular fuel sensor whose activity in the hypothalamus is also linked to the regulation of energy balance. The purpose of these experiments was to determine whether hypothalamic mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling is involved in mediating the effects of FAS inhibitors. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We measured the hypothalamic phosphorylation of two downstream targets of mTORC1, S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) and S6 ribosomal protein (S6), after administration of the FAS inhibitors C75 and cerulenin in rats. We evaluated food intake in response to FAS inhibitors in rats pretreated with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin and in mice lacking functional S6K1 (S6K1(-/-)). Food intake and phosphorylation of S6K1 and S6 were also determined after C75 injection in rats maintained on a ketogenic diet. RESULTS: C75 and cerulenin increased phosphorylation of S6K1 and S6, and their anorexic action was reduced in rapamycin-treated rats and in S6K1(-/-) mice. Consistent with our previous findings, C75 was ineffective at reducing caloric intake in ketotic rats. Under ketosis, C75 was also less efficient at stimulating mTORC1 signaling. CONCLUSIONS: These findings collectively indicate an important interaction between the FAS and mTORC1 pathways in the central nervous system for regulating energy balance, possibly via modulation of neuronal glucose utilization.