Crosstalk between the mTOR and Hippo pathways

The hippo pathway: a molecular bridge between environmental cues and pace of life

The pace of life (POL) is shaped by a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors, influencing growth, maturation, and lifespan across species. The Hippo signaling pathway, a key regulator of organ size and cellular homeostasis, has emerged as a central integrator of environmental cues that modulate POL traits. In this review, we explore how the Hippo pathway links environmental factors-such as temperature fluctuations and dietary energy availability-to molecular mechanisms governing metabolic balance, hormonal signaling, and reproductive timing. Specifically, we highlight the regulatory interactions between the Hippo pathway and metabolic sensors (AMPK, mTOR, SIRT1 and DLK1-Notch), as well as hormonal signals (IGF-1, kisspeptin, leptin, cortisol, thyroid and sex steroids), which together orchestrate key life-history traits, including growth rates, lifespan and sexual maturation, with a particular emphasis on their role in reproductive timing. Furthermore, we consider its role as a potential coordinator of POL-related molecular processes, such as telomere dynamics and epigenetic mechanisms, within a broader regulatory network. By integrating insights from molecular biology and eco-evolutionary perspectives, we propose future directions to dissect the Hippo pathway's role in POL regulation across taxa. Understanding these interactions will provide new perspectives on how organisms adaptively adjust life-history strategies in response to environmental variability.

Targeting Syntaxin 1A via RNA interference inhibits feeding and midgut development in Locusta migratoria

Syntaxin 1A (Syx1A) has diverse and indispensable functions in animals. Previous studies have mainly focused on the roles of Syx1A in Drosophila, and so how Syx1A operates during the development of other insects remains poorly understood. This study investigated whether disrupting LmSyx1A using RNA interference (RNAi) affects the growth and development of Locusta migratoria. LmSyx1A was expressed in all tissues tested, with the highest expression observed in the fat body. After 5th-instar nymphs were injected with double-stranded LmSyx1A (dsLmSyx1A), none of the nymphs were able to molt normally and all eventually died. The silencing of LmSyx1A resulted in the cessation of feeding, body weight loss, and atrophy of the midgut and gastric cecum in locusts. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining showed that the columnar cells in the midgut were severely damaged, with microvilli defects visible in dsLmSyx1A-injected nymphs. Secretory vesicles were observed with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition, reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) further indicates that silencing LmSyx1A repressed the expression of genes involved in the insulin/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)-associated nutritional pathway. Taken together, these results suggest that LmSyx1A significantly affects the midgut cell layer of locust nymphs, which was partially associated with the downregulation of the insulin/mTOR-associated nutritional pathway. Thus, we argue that LmSyx1A is a suitable target for developing dsRNA-based biological pesticides for managing L. migratoria.

Lead exposure promotes NF2-wildtype meningioma cell proliferation through the Merlin-Hippo signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Lead is a persistent inorganic environmental pollutant with global implication for human health. Among the diseases associated with lead exposure, the damage to the central nervous system has received considerable attention. It has been reported that long-term lead exposure increases the risk of meningioma; however, the underlying mechanism remains poorly understood. Clinical studies have indicated that loss-of-function and mutations in the neurofibromin-2 (NF2) gene play a crucial role in promoting meningioma formation.

METHODS

The effect of Pb on meningioma were tested in-vitro and in-vivo. Two human meningioma cell lines were used in this study, including NF2-wildtype IOMM-Lee cell and NF2-null CH157-MN cell. Cell viability, cell cycle and cell size were examined after Pb exposure. The expression of Merlin, mammalian sterile 20-like kinases 1 and 2 (MST1/2) and Yes-associated protein (YAP) from these two meningioma cells were analyzed by Western blot. A xenograft mouse model was constructed by subcutaneous injection of IOMM-Lee meningioma cells.

RESULTS

This study demonstrated that treatment with lead induce dose-dependent proliferation in IOMM-Lee cell (with an EC50 value of 19.6 µM). Moreover, IOMM-Lee cell exhibited augmented cell size in conjunction with elevated levels of phosphorylated histone H3, indicative of altered cell cycle progression resulting from lead exposure. However, no significant change was observed in the CH157-MN cell. Additionally, the Merlin-Hippo signaling pathway was inactivated with decreased Merlin and phosphorylation levels of MST1/2 and YAP, leading to increased YAP nuclear translocation in IOMM-Lee cells. However, there was no change in the Merlin-Hippo signaling pathway in CH157-MN cells after lead treatment. The administration of Pb resulted in an acceleration of the subcutaneous IOMM-Lee meningioma xenograft growth in mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, the current study elucidates the potential mechanism by which lead exposure promotes the proliferation of meningioma with NF2 expression for the first time.

Hippo effector, Yorkie, is a tumor suppressor in select Drosophila squamous epithelia

Mammalian Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) and Drosophila Yorkie (Yki) are transcription cofactors of the highly conserved Hippo signaling pathway. It has been long assumed that the YAP/TAZ/Yki signaling drives cell proliferation during organ growth. However, its instructive role in regulating developmentally programmed organ growth, if any, remains elusive. Out-of-context gain of YAP/TAZ/Yki signaling often turns oncogenic. Paradoxically, mechanically strained, and differentiated squamous epithelia display developmentally programmed constitutive nuclear YAP/TAZ/Yki signaling. The unknown, therefore, is how a growth-promoting YAP/TAZ/Yki signaling restricts proliferation in differentiated squamous epithelia. Here, we show that reminiscent of a tumor suppressor, Yki negatively regulates the cell growth-promoting PI3K/Akt/TOR signaling in the squamous epithelia of Drosophila tubular organs. Thus, downregulation of Yki signaling in the squamous epithelium of the adult male accessory gland (MAG) up-regulates PI3K/Akt/TOR signaling, inducing cell hypertrophy, exit from their cell cycle arrest, and, finally, culminating in squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Thus, blocking PI3K/Akt/TOR signaling arrests Yki loss-induced MAG-SCC. Further, MAG-SCCs, like other lethal carcinomas, secrete a cachectin, Impl2-the Drosophila homolog of mammalian IGFBP7-inducing cachexia and shortening the lifespan of adult males. Moreover, in the squamous epithelium of other tubular organs, like the dorsal trunk of larval tracheal airways or adult Malpighian tubules, downregulation of Yki signaling triggers PI3K/Akt/TOR-induced cell hypertrophy. Our results reveal that Yki signaling plays an instructive, antiproliferative role in the squamous epithelia of tubular organs.

βA3/A1-crystallin is an epigenetic regulator of histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) in the retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells

The retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells maintain retinal homeostasis, and alterations in their function contribute to non-exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD) 1,2 . Here, we explore the intricate relationship between RPE cells, epigenetic modifications, and the development of AMD. Importantly, the study reveals a substantial decrease in histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) activity and elevated histone acetylation in the RPE of human AMD donor eyes. To investigate epigenetic mechanisms in AMD development, we used a mouse model with RPE-specific Cryba1 knockout 3-5 , revealing that the loss of βA3/A1-crystallin selectively reduces HDAC3 activity, resulting in increased histone acetylation. βA3/A1-crystallin activates HDAC3 by facilitating its interaction with the casein kinase II (CK2) and phosphorylating HDAC3, as well as by regulating intracellular InsP6 (phytic acid) levels, required for activating HDAC3. These findings highlight a novel function of βA3/A1-crystallin as an epigenetic regulator of HDAC3 in the RPE cells and provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies in non-exudative AMD.

The multifaceted perspectives on the regulation of lncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma ferroptosis: from bench-to-bedside

Despite being characterized by high malignancy, high morbidity, and low survival rates, the underlying mechanism of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been fully elucidated. Ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic form of regulated cell death, possesses distinct morphological, biochemical, and genetic characteristics compared to other types of cell death. Dysregulated actions within the molecular network that regulates ferroptosis have been identified as significant contributors to the progression of HCC. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as influential contributors to diverse cellular processes, regulating gene function and expression through multiple mechanistic pathways. An increasing body of evidence indicates that deregulated lncRNAs are implicated in regulating malignant events such as cell proliferation, growth, invasion, and metabolism by influencing ferroptosis in HCC. Therefore, elucidating the inherent role of ferroptosis and the modulatory functions of lncRNAs on ferroptosis in HCC might promote the development of novel therapeutic interventions for this disease. This review provides a succinct overview of the roles of ferroptosis and ferroptosis-related lncRNAs in HCC progression and treatment, aiming to drive the development of promising therapeutic targets and biomarkers for HCC patients.

Mitf, with Yki and STRIPAK-PP2A, is a key determinant of form and fate in the progenitor epithelium of the Drosophila eye

The Microphthalmia-associated Transcription Factor (MITF) governs numerous cellular and developmental processes. In mice, it promotes specification and differentiation of the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE), and in humans, some mutations in MITF induce congenital eye malformations. Herein, we explore the function and regulation of Mitf in Drosophila eye development and uncover two roles. We find that knockdown of Mitf results in retinal displacement (RDis), a phenotype associated with abnormal eye formation. Mitf functions in the peripodial epithelium (PE), a retinal support tissue akin to the RPE, to suppress RDis, via the Hippo pathway effector Yorkie (Yki). Yki physically interacts with Mitf and can modify its transcriptional activity in vitro. Severe loss of Mitf, instead, results in the de-repression of retinogenesis in the PE, precluding its development. This activity of Mitf requires the protein phosphatase 2 A holoenzyme STRIPAK-PP2A, but not Yki; Mitf transcriptional activity is potentiated by STRIPAK-PP2A in vitro and in vivo. Knockdown of STRIPAK-PP2A results in cytoplasmic retention of Mitf in vivo and in its decreased stability in vitro, highlighting two potential mechanisms for the control of Mitf function by STRIPAK-PP2A. Thus, Mitf functions in a context-dependent manner as a key determinant of form and fate in the Drosophila eye progenitor epithelium.

Varroa destructor parasitism and Deformed wing virus infection in honey bees are linked to peroxisome-induced pathways

The ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor transmits and triggers viral infections that have deleterious effects on honey bee colonies worldwide. We performed a manipulative experiment in which worker bees collected at emergence were exposed to Varroa for 72 h, and their proteomes were compared with those of untreated control bees. Label-free quantitative proteomics identified 77 differentially expressed A. mellifera proteins (DEPs). In addition, viral proteins were identified by orthogonal analysis, and most importantly, Deformed wing virus (DWV) was found at high levels/intensity in Varroa-exposed bees. Pathway enrichment analysis suggested that the main pathways affected included peroxisomal metabolism, cyto-/exoskeleton reorganization, and cuticular proteins. Detailed examination of individual DEPs revealed that additional changes in DEPs were associated with peroxisomal function. In addition, the proteome data support the importance of TGF-β signaling in Varroa-DWV interaction and the involvement of the mTORC1 and Hippo pathways. These results suggest that the effect of DWV on bees associated with Varroa feeding results in aberrant autophagy. In particular, autophagy is selectively modulated by peroxisomes, to which the observed proteome changes strongly corresponded. This study complements previous research with different study designs and suggests the importance of the peroxisome, which plays a key role in viral infections.

New Insights into YAP/TAZ-TEAD-Mediated Gene Regulation and Biological Processes in Cancer

The Hippo pathway is conserved across species. Key mammalian Hippo pathway kinases, including MST1/2 and LATS1/2, inhibit cellular growth by inactivating the TEAD coactivators, YAP, and TAZ. Extensive research has illuminated the roles of Hippo signaling in cancer, development, and regeneration. Notably, dysregulation of Hippo pathway components not only contributes to tumor growth and metastasis, but also renders tumors resistant to therapies. This review delves into recent research on YAP/TAZ-TEAD-mediated gene regulation and biological processes in cancer. We focus on several key areas: newly identified molecular patterns of YAP/TAZ activation, emerging mechanisms that contribute to metastasis and cancer therapy resistance, unexpected roles in tumor suppression, and advances in therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Moreover, we provide an updated view of YAP/TAZ's biological functions, discuss ongoing controversies, and offer perspectives on specific debated topics in this rapidly evolving field.

TOR Complex 1: Orchestrating Nutrient Signaling and Cell Cycle Progression

The highly conserved TOR signaling pathway is crucial for coordinating cellular growth with the cell cycle machinery in eukaryotes. One of the two TOR complexes in budding yeast, TORC1, integrates environmental cues and promotes cell growth. While cells grow, they need to copy their chromosomes, segregate them in mitosis, divide all their components during cytokinesis, and finally physically separate mother and daughter cells to start a new cell cycle apart from each other. To maintain cell size homeostasis and chromosome stability, it is crucial that mechanisms that control growth are connected and coordinated with the cell cycle. Successive periods of high and low TORC1 activity would participate in the adequate cell cycle progression. Here, we review the known molecular mechanisms through which TORC1 regulates the cell cycle in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae that have been extensively used as a model organism to understand the role of its mammalian ortholog, mTORC1.

The Crosstalk between Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells and Hepatocytes in Homeostasis and under Stress

Liver diseases, characterized by high morbidity and mortality, represent a substantial medical problem globally. The current therapeutic approaches are mainly aimed at reducing symptoms and slowing down the progression of the diseases. Organ transplantation remains the only effective treatment method in cases of severe liver pathology. In this regard, the development of new effective approaches aimed at stimulating liver regeneration, both by activation of the organ's own resources or by different therapeutic agents that trigger regeneration, does not cease to be relevant. To date, many systematic reviews and meta-analyses have been published confirming the effectiveness of mesenchymal stromal cell (MSC) transplantation in the treatment of liver diseases of various severities and etiologies. However, despite the successful use of MSCs in clinical practice and the promising therapeutic results in animal models of liver diseases, the mechanisms of their protective and regenerative action remain poorly understood. Specifically, data about the molecular agents produced by these cells and mediating their therapeutic action are fragmentary and often contradictory. Since MSCs or MSC-like cells are found in all tissues and organs, it is likely that many key intercellular interactions within the tissue niches are dependent on MSCs. In this context, it is essential to understand the mechanisms underlying communication between MSCs and differentiated parenchymal cells of each particular tissue. This is important both from the perspective of basic science and for the development of therapeutic approaches involving the modulation of the activity of resident MSCs. With regard to the liver, the research is concentrated on the intercommunication between MSCs and hepatocytes under normal conditions and during the development of the pathological process. The goals of this review were to identify the key factors mediating the crosstalk between MSCs and hepatocytes and determine the possible mechanisms of interaction of the two cell types under normal and stressful conditions. The analysis of the hepatocyte-MSC interaction showed that MSCs carry out chaperone-like functions, including the synthesis of the supportive extracellular matrix proteins; prevention of apoptosis, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis; support of regeneration; elimination of lipotoxicity and ER stress; promotion of antioxidant effects; and donation of mitochondria. The underlying mechanisms suggest very close interdependence, including even direct cytoplasm and organelle exchange.