CDKL3 is a targetable regulator of cell cycle progression in cancers.

Cell cycle regulation is largely abnormal in cancers. Molecular understanding and therapeutic targeting of the aberrant cell cycle are essentially meaningful. Here, we identified an under-appreciated Serine/Threonine kinase, CDKL3 (Cyclin-dependent kinase like 3), crucially drives the rapid cell cycle progression and cell growth in cancers. Mechanism-wise, CDKL3 localizes in the nucleus and associates with specific cyclin to directly phosphorylate Retinoblastoma (Rb) for quiescence exit. In parallel, CDKL3 prevents the ubiquitin-proteasomal degradation of CDK4 by direct phosphorylation on T172 to sustain G1 phase advancement. The crucial function of CDKL3 in cancers was demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. We also designed, synthesized and characterized a first-in-class CDKL3-specific inhibitor, HZ1. HZ1 exhibits greater potency than CDK4/6 (Cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6) inhibitor in pan-cancer treatment by causing cell cycle arrest and overcomes the acquired resistance of the latter. In particular, CDKL3 has significant clinical relevance in colon cancer, and the effectiveness of HZ1 was demonstrated by murine and patient-derived cancer models. Collectively, this work presented an integrated paradigm of cancer cell cycle regulation and suggested CDKL3-targeting as a feasible approach in cancer treatment.

Discovering type I cis-AT polyketides through computational mass spectrometry and genome mining with Seq2PKS.

Type 1 polyketides are a major class of natural products used as antiviral, antibiotic, antifungal, antiparasitic, immunosuppressive, and antitumor drugs. Analysis of public microbial genomes leads to the discovery of over sixty thousand type 1 polyketide gene clusters. However, the molecular products of only about a hundred of these clusters are characterized, leaving most metabolites unknown. Characterizing polyketides relies on bioactivity-guided purification, which is expensive and time-consuming. To address this, we present Seq2PKS, a machine learning algorithm that predicts chemical structures derived from Type 1 polyketide synthases. Seq2PKS predicts numerous putative structures for each gene cluster to enhance accuracy. The correct structure is identified using a variable mass spectral database search. Benchmarks show that Seq2PKS outperforms existing methods. Applying Seq2PKS to Actinobacteria datasets, we discover biosynthetic gene clusters for monazomycin, oasomycin A, and 2-aminobenzamide-actiphenol.

The phosphorylation-deubiquitination positive feedback loop of the CHK2-USP7 axis stabilizes p53 under oxidative stress.

p53 regulates multiple signaling pathways and maintains cell homeostasis under conditions of DNA damage and oxidative stress. Although USP7 has been shown to promote p53 stability via deubiquitination, the USP7-p53 activation mechanism has remained unclear. Here, we propose that DNA damage induces reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and activates ATM-CHK2, and CHK2 then phosphorylates USP7 at S168 and T231. USP7 phosphorylation is essential for its deubiquitination activity toward p53. USP7 also deubiquitinates CHK2 at K119 and K131, increasing CHK2 stability and creating a positive feedback loop between CHK2 and USP7. Compared to peri-tumor tissues, thyroid cancer and colon cancer tissues show higher CHK2 and phosphorylated USP7 (S168, T231) levels, and these levels are positively correlated. Collectively, our results uncover a phosphorylation-deubiquitination positive feedback loop involving the CHK2-USP7 axis that supports the stabilization of p53 and the maintenance of cell homeostasis.

Roles of the SOM and clay minerals in alleviating the leaching of Pb, Zn, and Cd from the Pb/Zn smelter soil: Multi-surface model and DFT study.

Soil organic matter (SOM) and clay minerals are important sinks for reactive heavy metals (HMs) and exogenous hydrogen ions (H+). Therefore, HMs are likely to be released into soil porewater under acid rainfall conditions due to the competitive adsorption of H+. However, negligible Lead, Zinc, and Cadmium (<6 ‰) in the Pb/Zn smelter soil were leached, and the effects of SOM and clay minerals on HMs leaching were unclear. Herein, the H+ consumption and HMs redistribution on SOM and clay minerals were quantitated by the multi-surface model and density functional theory calculations to reveal the roles of SOM and clay minerals in alleviating HMs' leaching. Clay minerals consumed 43.2 %-52.0 % of the exogenous H+, serving as the dominant sink for the exogenous H+ due to its high content and hindering H+ competitive adsorption on SOM. Protonation of the functional groups constituted >90 % of the total H+ captured by clay minerals. Meanwhile, some H+ also competed with HMs for adsorption sites on clay minerals due to its 0.497-fold to 1.54-fold higher binding energies than HMs, resulting in the release of HMs. On the contrary, SOM served as an accommodator for taking over the released HMs from clay minerals. The HMs complexation on the low-affinity sites (R-L-) of SOM was responsible for the recapture of HMs. In Ca-enriched soil, the released HMs were also recaptured by SOM via ion exchange on the R-L-Ca+ and the high-affinity sites (R-H-Ca+) sites due to the 30.8 %-178 % higher binding energies of HMs on these sites than those of Ca. As a result, >63.4 % of the released HMs from clay minerals were transferred to the SOM. Thus, the synergy of SOM and clay minerals in alleviating the leaching of HMs in Pb/Zn smelter soils cannot be ignored in risk assessment and soil remediation.

Structure-Based Virtual Screening for Methyltransferase Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 nsp14 and nsp16.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic still threatens human health around the world. The methyltransferases (MTases) of SARS-CoV-2, specifically nsp14 and nsp16, play crucial roles in the methylation of the N7 and 2'-O positions of viral RNA, making them promising targets for the development of antiviral drugs. In this work, we performed structure-based virtual screening for nsp14 and nsp16 using the screening workflow (HTVS, SP, XP) of Schrödinger 2019 software, and we carried out biochemical assays and molecular dynamics simulation for the identification of potential MTase inhibitors. For nsp14, we screened 239,000 molecules, leading to the identification of three hits A1-A3 showing N7-MTase inhibition rates greater than 60% under a concentration of 50 µM. For the SAM binding and nsp10-16 interface sites of nsp16, the screening of 210,000 and 237,000 molecules, respectively, from ZINC15 led to the discovery of three hit compounds B1-B3 exhibiting more than 45% of 2'-O-MTase inhibition under 50 µM. These six compounds with moderate MTase inhibitory activities could be used as novel candidates for the further development of anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs.

Mechanism of efferocytosis in atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic inflammatory vascular disease that occurs in the intima of large and medium-sized arteries with the immune system's involvement. It is a common pathological basis for high morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases. Abnormal proliferation of apoptotic cells and necrotic cells leads to AS plaque expansion, necrotic core formation, and rupture. In the early stage of AS, macrophages exert an efferocytosis effect to engulf and degrade apoptotic, dead, damaged, or senescent cells by efferocytosis, thus enabling the regulation of the organism. In the early stage of AS, macrophages rely on this effect to slow down the process of AS. However, in the advanced stage of AS, the efferocytosis of macrophages within the plaque is impaired, which leads to the inability of macrophages to promptly remove the apoptotic cells (ACs) from the organism promptly, causing exacerbation of AS. Moreover, upregulation of CD47 expression in AS plaques also protects ACs from phagocytosis by macrophages, resulting in a large amount of residual ACs in the plaque, further expanding the necrotic core. In this review, we discussed the molecular mechanisms involved in the process of efferocytosis and how efferocytosis is impaired and regulated during AS, hoping to provide new insights for treating AS.

Pollution levels and probability risk assessment of potential toxic elements in soil of Pb-Zn smelting areas.

Soil pollution around Pb-Zn smelters has attracted widespread attention around the world. In this study, we compiled a database of eight potentially toxic elements (PTEs) Pb, Zn, Cd, As, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Mn in the soil of Pb-Zn smelting areas by screening the published research papers from 2000 to 2023. The pollution assessment and risk screening of eight PTEs were carried out by geo-accumulation index (Igeo), potential ecological risk index (PERI) and health risk assessment model, and Monte Carlo simulation employed to further evaluate the probabilistic health risks. The results suggested that the mean values of the eight PTEs all exceeded the corresponding values in the upper crust, and more than 60% of the study sites had serious Pb and Cd pollution (Igeo > 4), with Brazil, Belgium, China, France and Slovenia having higher levels of pollution than other regions. Besides, PTEs in smelting area caused serious ecological risk (PERI = 10912.12), in which Cd was the main contributor to PREI (86.02%). The average hazard index (HI) of the eight PTEs for adults and children was 7.19 and 9.73, respectively, and the average value of total carcinogenic risk (TCR) was 4.20 × 10-3 and 8.05 × 10-4, respectively. Pb and As are the main contributors to non-carcinogenic risk, while Cu and As are the main contributors to carcinogenic risk. The probability of non-carcinogenic risk in adults and children was 84.05% and 97.57%, while carcinogenic risk was 92.56% and 79.73%, respectively. In summary, there are high ecological and health risks of PTEs in the soil of Pb-Zn smelting areas, and Pb, Cd, As and Cu are the key elements that cause contamination and risk, which need to be paid attention to and controlled. This study is expected to provide guidance for soil remediation in Pb-Zn smelting areas.

Insights on E1-like enzyme ATG7: functional regulation and relationships with aging-related diseases.

Autophagy is a dynamic self-renovation biological process that maintains cell homeostasis and is responsible for the quality control of proteins, organelles, and energy metabolism. The E1-like ubiquitin-activating enzyme autophagy-related gene 7 (ATG7) is a critical factor that initiates classic autophagy reactions by promoting the formation and extension of autophagosome membranes. Recent studies have identified the key functions of ATG7 in regulating the cell cycle, apoptosis, and metabolism associated with the occurrence and development of multiple diseases. This review summarizes how ATG7 is precisely programmed by genetic, transcriptional, and epigenetic modifications in cells and the relationship between ATG7 and aging-related diseases.

Dysfunction of Akt/FoxO3a/Atg7 regulatory loop magnifies obesity-regulated muscular mass decline.

BACKGROUND: Myoprotein degradation accelerates in obese individuals, resulting in a decline in muscular mass. Atg7 plays a crucial role in regulating protein stability and function through both autophagy-dependent and independent pathways. As obesity progresses, the expression of Atg7 gradually rises in muscle tissue. Nonetheless, the precise impact and mechanism of Atg7 in promoting muscle mass decline in obesity remain uncertain. The study aimed to elucidate the role and underly mechanism of Atg7 action in the context of obesity-induced muscle mass decline. METHODS: In this study, we established a murine model of high-fat diet-induced obesity (DIO) and introduced adeno-associated virus delivery of short hairpin RNA to knock down Atg7 (shAtg7) into the gastrocnemius muscle. We then examined the expressions of Atg7 and myoprotein degradation markers in the gastrocnemius tissues of obese patients and mice using immunofluorescence and western blotting techniques. To further investigate the effects of Atg7, we assessed skeletal muscle cell diameter and the myoprotein degradation pathway in C2C12 and HSkMC cells in the presence or absence of Atg7. Immunofluorescence staining for MyHC and western blotting were utilized for this purpose. To understand the transcriptional regulation of Atg7 in response to myoprotein degradation, we conducted luciferase reporter assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments to examine whether FoxO3a enhances the transcription of Atg7. Moreover, we explored the role of Akt in Atg7-mediated regulation and its relevance to obesity-induced muscle mass decline. This was accomplished by Akt knockdown, treatment with MK2206, and GST pulldown assays to assess the interaction between Atg7 and Akt. RESULTS: After 20 weeks of being on a high-fat diet, obesity was induced, leading to a significant decrease in the gastrocnemius muscle area and a decline in muscle performance. This was accompanied by a notable increase in Atg7 protein expression (p < 0.01). Similarly, in gastrocnemius tissues of obese patients when compared to nonobese individuals, there was a significant increase in both Atg7 (p < 0.01) and TRIM63 (p < 0.01) levels. When palmitic acid was administered to C2C12 cells, it resulted in increased Atg7 (p < 0.01), LC3Ⅱ/Ⅰ (p < 0.01), and p62 levels (p < 0.01). Additionally, it promoted FoxO3a-mediated transcription of Atg7. The knockdown of Atg7 in the gastrocnemius partially reversed DIO-induced muscle mass decline. Furthermore, when Atg7 was knocked down in C2C12 and HSkMC cells, it mitigated palmitic acid-induced insulin resistance, increased the p-Akt/Akt ratio (p < 0.01), and reduced TRIM63 (p < 0.01). Muscular atrophy mediated by Atg7 was reversed by genetic knockdown of Akt and treatment with the p-Akt inhibitor MK2206. Palmitic acid administration increased the binding between Atg7 and Akt (p < 0.01) while weakening the binding of PDK1 (p < 0.01) and PDK2 (p < 0.01) to Akt. GST pulldown assays demonstrated that Atg7 directly interacted with the C-terminal domain of Akt. CONCLUSION: The consumption of a high-fat diet, along with lipid-induced effects, led to the inhibition of Akt signaling, which, in turn, promoted FoxO3a-mediated transcription, increasing Atg7 levels in muscle cells. The excess Atg7 inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt, leading to a cyclic activation of FoxO3a and exacerbating the decline in muscle mass regulated by obesity. Consequently, Atg7 serves as a regulatory point in determining the decline in muscle mass induced by obesity.

A novel role for the ROS-ATM-Chk2 axis mediated metabolic and cell cycle reprogramming in the M1 macrophage polarization.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a pivotal role in macrophage-mediated acute inflammation. However, the precise molecular mechanism by which ROS regulate macrophage polarization remains unclear. Here, we show that ROS function as signaling molecules that regulate M1 macrophage polarization through ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and cell cycle checkpoint kinase 2 (Chk2), vital effector kinases in the DNA damage response (DDR) signaling pathway. We further demonstrate that Chk2 phosphorylates PKM2 at the T95 and T195 sites, promoting glycolysis and facilitating macrophage M1 polarization. In addition, Chk2 activation increases the Chk2-dependent expression of p21, inducing cell cycle arrest for subsequent macrophage M1 polarization. Finally, Chk2-deficient mice infected with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) display a significant decrease in lung inflammation and M1 macrophage counts. Taken together, these results suggest that inhibiting the ROS-Chk2 axis can prevent the excessive inflammatory activation of macrophages, and this pathway can be targeted to develop a novel therapy for inflammation-associated diseases and expand our understanding of the pathophysiological functions of DDR in innate immunity.

rDNA and mtDNA analysis for the identification of genetic characters in the hybrid grouper derived from hybridization of Cromileptes altivelis (female) × Epinephelus lanceolatus (male).

BACKGROUND: Hybridization is a useful strategy to produce offspring with more desirable phenotypic characteristics than those of parents. The hybrid grouper derived from the cross of Cromileptes altivelis (♀, 2n = 48) with Epinephelus lanceolatus (♂, 2n = 48) exhibits improved growth compared with its female parent, which makes it valuable to aquaculture. However, the genetic traits of the hybrid grouper are poorly understood. RESULTS: The observations showed that the hybrid grouper was diploid (2n = 48) and displayed intermediate morphology with the parent's measurable characteristics. The ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and mitochondria DNA (mtDNA) were characterized at molecular and phylogenetic level. High similarity and low genetic distance of 5S rDNA and mtDNA sequences between the hybrid grouper and C. altivelis showed that the hybrid grouper had a closer genetic relationship with female parents. The reconstructed phylogenetic tree based on COI gene and D-loop region of mtDNA recovered that mtDNA was maternally inherited in the hybrid grouper. Additionally, the DNA methylation level of 5S rDNA intergenic spacers (IGS) sequence was tested in here. The results showed that the DNA methylation status of the hybrid grouper was significantly lower than that of C. altivelis. CONCLUSION: Results of this study provide important data on the genetic characteristics of the hybrid derived from the cross of C. altivelis and E. lanceolatus, and contribute the knowledge of both evolution and marine fish breeding.

Reconstitution of RNA cap methylation reveals different features of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV methyltransferases.

Cap RNA methylations play important roles in the replication, evasion of host RNA sensor recognition, and pathogenesis. Coronaviruses possess both guanine N7- and 2'-O-ribose methyltransferases (N7-MTase and 2'-O-MTase) encoded by nonstructural protein (nsp) 14 and nsp16/10 complex, respectively. In this study, we reconstituted the two-step RNA methylations of N7-MTase and 2'-O-MTase of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in vitro and demonstrated its common and different features in comparison with that of SARS-CoV. We revealed that the nsp16/10 2'-O-MTase of SARS-CoV-2 has a broader substrate selectivity than the counterpart of SARS-CoV and can accommodate both unmethylated and uncapped RNA substrates in a sequence-independent manner. Most intriguingly, the substrate selectivity of nsp16/10 complex is not determined by the apoenzyme of nsp16 MTase but by its cofactor nsp10. These results provide insight into the unique features of SARS-CoV-2 MTases and may help develop strategies to precisely intervene in the methylation pathway and pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2.

Accelerated corrosion of 316L stainless steel in a simulated oral environment via extracellular electron transfer and acid metabolites of subgingival microbiota.

316L stainless steel (SS) is widely applied as microimplant anchorage (MIA) due to its excellent mechanical properties. However, the risk that the oral microorganisms can corrode 316L SS is fully neglected. Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) of 316L SS is essential to the health and safety of all patients because the accelerated corrosion caused by the oral microbiota can trigger the release of Cr and Ni ions. This study investigated the corrosion behavior and mechanism of subgingival microbiota on 316L SS by 16S rRNA and metagenome sequencing, electrochemical measurements, and surface characterization techniques. Multispecies biofilms were formed by the oral subgingival microbiota in the simulated oral anaerobic environment on 316L SS surfaces, significantly accelerating the corrosion in the form of pitting. The microbiota samples collected from the subjects differed in biofilm compositions, corrosion behaviors, and mechanisms. The oral subgingival microbiota contributed to the accelerated corrosion of 316L SS via acidic metabolites and extracellular electron transfer. Our findings provide a new insight into the underlying mechanisms of oral microbial corrosion and guide the design of oral microbial corrosion-resistant materials.

Pien Tze Huang Inhibits Proliferation of Colorectal Cancer Cells through Suppressing PNO1 Expression and Activating p53/p21 Signaling Pathway.

OBJECTIVE: To explore the regulatory effect of Pien Tze Huang (PZH) on targeting partner of NOB1 (PNO1) and it's down-stream mediators in colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. METHODS: Quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine mRNA levels of PNO1, TP53, and CDKN1A. Western blotting was performed to determine protein levels of PNO1, p53, and p21. HCT-8 cells were transduced with a lentivirus over-expressing PNO1. Colony formation assay was used to detect cell survival in PNO1 overexpression of HCT-8 cells after PZH treatment. Cell-cycle distribution, cell viability and cell apoptosis were performed to identify the effect of PNO1 overexpression on cell proliferation and apoptosis of HCT-8 cells after PZH treatment. Xenograft BALB/c nude mice bearing HCT116 cells transduced with sh-PNO1 or sh-Ctrl lentivirus were evaluated. Western blot assay was performed to detect PNO1, p53, p21 and PCNA expression in tumor sections. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labling (TUNEL) assay was used to determine the apoptotic cells in tissues. RESULTS: PZH treatment decreased cell viability, down-regulated PNO1 expression, and up-regulated p53 and p21 expressions in HCT-8 cells (P<0.05). PNO1 overexpression attenuated the effects of PZH treatment, including the expression of p53 and p21, cell growth, cell viability, cell cycle arrest and cell apoptosis in vitro (P<0.05). PNO1 knockdown eliminated the effects of PZH treatment on tumor growth, inhibiting cell proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction in vivo (P<0.05). Similarly, PNO1 knockdown attenuated the effects of PZH treatment on the down-regulation of PNO1 and up-regulation of p53 and p21 in vivo (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The mechanism by which PZH induces its CRC anti-proliferative effect is at least in part by regulating the expression of PNO1 and its downstream targets p53 and p21.

Regulated secretion of mutant p53 negatively affects T lymphocytes in the tumor microenvironment.

Several studies have demonstrated the role of the oncogenic mutant p53 in promoting tumor progression; however, there is limited information on the effects of secreted oncogenic mutant p53 on the tumor microenvironment and tumor immune escape. In this study, we found that secretion of mutant p53, determined by exosome content, is dependent on its N-terminal dileucine motif via its binding to ß-adaptin, and inhibited by the CHK2-mediated-Ser 20 phosphorylation. Moreover, we observed that the mutant p53 caused downregulation and dysfunction of CD4+ T lymphocytes in vivo and downregulated the levels and activities of rate-limiting glycolytic enzymes in vitro. Furthermore, inhibition of mutant p53 secretion by knocking down AP1B1 or mutation of dileucine motif could reverse the quantity and function of CD4+ T lymphocytes and restrain the tumor growth. Our study demonstrates that the tumor-derived exosome-mediated secretion of oncogenic mutant p53 inhibits glycolysis to alter the immune microenvironment via functional suppression of CD4+ T cells, which may be the underlying mechanism for tumor immune escape. Therefore, targeting TDE-mediated p53 secretion may serve as a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

The effects of Cu-phenanthrene co-contamination on adsorption-desorption behaviors of phenanthrene in soils.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants in the environment, which are teratogenic, carcinogenic, and mutagenic. Co-contamination of PAHs and heavy metal commonly exists in soil. In this study, 20 types of soils with different properties in China were collected and comprehensively characterized. Phenanthrene (Phe) and Cu (II) were selected as representatives of PAHs and heavy metals, respectively. The adsorption-desorption behaviors of Phe under Phe contamination and Cu (II)-Phe co-contamination in 20 types of soils were studied. The adsorption-desorption behaviors of Phe in 20 types of soils varied greatly, and adsorption of Phe in the soils followed both linear partitioning and nonlinear surface adsorption. Soil organic matter (SOM) plays an important role in the adsorption-desorption behavior of Phe. When the concentrations of Phe were >50 µg/L, soft carbon (SC) fraction of SOM not black carbon (BC) contributed more to the adsorption of Phe. Soil dissolved organic matter (DOM), especially fulvic acid and humic acid fractions, contributes to the adsorption of Phe. Under the effect of Cu (II) (60 mg/L in solution), the adsorption capacity of soil for Phe increased, which possibly resulted from lowered pH, the existence of the cation-π bonding and the "bonding bridge" effect. The systematic investigation of adsorption-desorption behaviors of Phe in soils under heavy metal-PAHs co-contamination will provide a scientific basis for the calculation of soil environmental capacity in the future.

The ratio but not individual of fragile to refractory DOM affects greenhouse gases release in different trophic level lakes.

Inland shallow lakes are recognized as an important source of greenhouse gases (GHGs), and their contribution is expected to increase due to global eutrophication. The generation and release of GHGs involved multiple variables, leading to many uncertain potential factors. This study examined the emission characteristics of GHGs at the water-air interface in 12 shallow lakes categorized into four eutrophic levels in the Yangtze River basin. The average emission rates of CH4, CO2 and N2O were 1.55, 3.43, 18.13 and 30.47 mg m-2 h-1, 4.12, 14.64, 25.11 and 69.84 mg m-2 h-1, and 0.2, 0.25, 0.43 and 0.79 mg m-2 day-1 in the oligotrophic, mesotrophic, eutrophic and hypereutrophic lakes, respectively. There were significant correlations between eutrophic levels and the emission rates of CH4 and CO2 (p < 0.05). Redundancy analysis and Mantel test were conducted to further examine the key factors influencing carbon emissions from eutrophic water. It was found that the presence of algae and nutrients in the overlying water played a crucial role in the release of GHGs, indicating the importance of ecosystem productivity in the carbon budget of the lake. In order to assess the bioavailability of organic matter, a new indicator called R(P/H) was proposed. This indicator represents the ratio of protein and humus-like components, which were obtained through EEMs-PARAFAC modeling. The relationship between R(P/H) and CH4 was found to be exponential (R2 = 0.90). Additionally, R(P/H) showed a linear relationship with CO2 and N2O (R2 = 0.68, R2 = 0.75). Therefore, it is crucial to consider R(P/H) as an important factor in accurately estimating global GHG emission fluxes in the future, especially with advancements in the database.

Atg7 senses ATP levels and regulates AKT1-PDCD4 phosphorylation-ubiquitination axis to promote survival during metabolic stress.

We report that autophagy-related gene 7 (ATG7) modulates p53 activity to regulate cell cycle and survival during metabolic stress, and that indicates Atg7 is functionally involved in cellular homeostasis in autophagy independent fashion. As a protein translation inhibitor, Programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) expression is regulated by AKT1 phosphorylation. Here, we find that Atg7 interacts with PDCD4 and AKT1 to regulate AKT1-PDCD4 phosphorylation-ubiquitination axis during metabolic stress. We demonstrate that Atg7 senses decrease of ATP levels to suppress AKT-mediated PDCD4 phosphorylation at Ser67, which inhibits PDCD4 ubiquitinating during metabolic stress. Finally, PDCD4 accumulates and functions as a protein translation inhibitor to conserve energy, thus reducing apoptosis and allowing cells to survive stress periods. These results suggest that the ATP-Atg7-PDCD4 axis acts as a metabolic adaptation pathway which dictates cells to overcome metabolic stress.