mTORC1 inhibition increases neurotensin secretion and gene expression through activation of the MEK/ERK/c-Jun pathway in the human endocrine cell line BON

Neurotensin contributes to cholestatic liver disease potentially modulating matrix metalloprotease-7

The diagnosis and treatment of biliary atresia pose challenges due to the absence of reliable biomarkers and limited understanding of its etiology. The plasma and liver of patients with biliary atresia exhibit elevated levels of neurotensin. To investigate the specific role of neurotensin in the progression of biliary atresia, the patient's liver pathological section was employed. Biliary organoids, cultured biliary cells, and a mouse model were employed to elucidate both the potential diagnostic significance of neurotensin and its underlying mechanistic pathway. In patients' blood, the levels of neurotensin were positively correlated with matrix metalloprotease-7, interleukin-8, and liver function enzymes. Neurotensin and neurotensin receptors were mainly expressed in the intrahepatic biliary cells and were stimulated by bile acids. Neurotensin suppressed the growth and increased expression of matrix metalloprotease-7 in biliary organoids. Neurotensin inhibited mitochondrial respiration, oxidative phosphorylation, and attenuated the activation of calmodulin-dependent kinase kinase 2-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (CaMKK2-AMPK) signaling in cultured biliary cells. The stimulation of neurotensin in mice and cultured cholangiocytes resulted in the upregulation of matrix metalloprotease-7 expression through binding to its receptors, namely neurotensin receptors 1/3, thereby attenuating the activation of the CaMKK2-AMPK pathway. In conclusion, these findings revealed the changes of neurotensin in patients with cholestatic liver disease and its mechanism in the progression of the disease, providing a new understanding of the complex mechanism of hepatobiliary injury in children with biliary atresia.

Raptor couples mTORC1 and ERK1/2 inhibition by cardamonin with oxidative stress induction in ovarian cancer cells

Background

A balance on nutrient supply and redox homeostasis is required for cell survival, and increased antioxidant capacity of cancer cells may lead to chemotherapy failure.

Objective

To investigate the mechanism of anti-proliferation of cardamonin by inducing oxidative stress in ovarian cancer cells.

Methods

After 24 h of drug treatment, CCK8 kit and wound healing test were used to detect cell viability and migration ability, respectively, and the ROS levels were detected by flow cytometry. The differential protein expression after cardamonin administration was analyzed by proteomics, and the protein level was detected by Western blotting.

Results

Cardamonin inhibited the cell growth, which was related to ROS accumulation. Proteomic analysis suggested that MAPK pathway might be involved in cardamonin-induced oxidative stress. Western blotting showed that cardamonin decreased Raptor expression and the activity of mTORC1 and ERK1/2. Same results were observed in Raptor KO cells. Notably, in Raptor KO cells, the effect of cardamonin was weakened.

Conclusion

Raptor mediated the function of cardamonin on cellular redox homeostasis and cell proliferation through mTORC1 and ERK1/2 pathways.

New Insights in the Control of Fat Homeostasis: The Role of Neurotensin

Neurotensin (NT) is a small peptide with pleiotropic functions, exerting its primary actions by controlling food intake and energy balance. The first evidence of an involvement of NT in metabolism came from studies on the central nervous system and brain circuits, where NT acts as a neurotransmitter, producing different effects in relation to the specific region involved. Moreover, newer interesting chapters on peripheral NT and metabolism have emerged since the first studies on the NT-mediated regulation of gut lipid absorption and fat homeostasis. Intriguingly, NT enhances fat absorption from the gut lumen in the presence of food with a high fat content, and this action may explain the strong association between high circulating levels of pro-NT, the NT stable precursor, and the increased incidence of metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer observed in large population studies. This review aims to provide a synthetic overview of the main regulatory effects of NT on several biological pathways, particularly those involving energy balance, and will focus on new evidence on the role of NT in controlling fat homeostasis, thus influencing the risk of unfavorable cardio–metabolic outcomes and overall mortality in humans.

Kinase suppressor of Ras 1 and Exo70 promote fatty acid-stimulated neurotensin secretion through ERK1/2 signaling

Neurotensin is a peptide hormone released from enteroendocrine cells in the small intestine in response to fat ingestion. Although the mechanisms regulating neurotensin secretion are still incompletely understood, our recent findings implicate a role for extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 as positive regulators of free fatty acid-stimulated neurotensin secretion. Previous studies have shown that kinase suppressor of Ras 1 acts as a molecular scaffold of the Raf/MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 kinase cascade and regulates intensity and duration of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 signaling. Here, we demonstrate that inhibition of kinase suppressor of Ras 1 attenuates neurotensin secretion and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 signaling in human endocrine cells. Conversely, we show that overexpression of kinase suppressor of Ras 1 enhances neurotensin secretion and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 signaling. We also show that inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 and exocyst complex component 70, a substrate of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 and mediator of secretory vesicle exocytosis, potently inhibits basal and docosahexaenoic acid-stimulated neurotensin secretion, whereas overexpression of exocyst complex component 70 enhances basal and docosahexaenoic acid-stimulated neurotensin secretion. Together, our findings demonstrate a role for kinase suppressor of Ras 1 as a positive regulator of neurotensin secretion from human endocrine cells and indicate that this effect is mediated by the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 signaling pathway. Moreover, we reveal a novel role for exocyst complex component 70 in regulation of neurotensin vesicle exocytosis through its interaction with the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 and 2 signaling pathway.

FFAR4 Is Involved in Regulation of Neurotensin Release From Neuroendocrine Cells and Male C57BL/6 Mice

Neurotensin (NT), a 13 amino-acid peptide, is predominantly released from enteroendocrine cells of the small bowel in response to fat ingestion. Free fatty acid receptors (FFARs) FFAR1 and FFAR4 regulate secretion of gut hormones and insulin. Here, we show that docosahexaenoic acid, a long-chain fatty acid, has the most dramatic effect on NT release. FFAR1 agonists slightly stimulate and FFAR4 agonists dramatically stimulate and amplify NT secretion. Double knockdown of FFAR1 and FFAR4 decreases NT release, whereas overexpression of FFAR4, but not FFAR1, increases NT release. Administration of cpdA, an FFAR4 agonist, but not TAK-875, a selective FFAR1 agonist, increases plasma NT levels and further increases olive oil-stimulated plasma NT levels. Inhibition of MAPK kinase (MEK)/ERK1/2 decreased fatty acid-stimulated NT release but increased AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. In contrast, inhibition of AMPK further increased NT secretion and ERK1/2 phosphorylation mediated by FFAR1 or FFAR4. Our results indicate that FFAR4 plays a more critical role than FFAR1 in mediation of fat-regulated NT release and in inhibitory crosstalk between MEK/ERK1/2 and AMPK in the control of NT release downstream of FFAR1 and FFAR4.

Differential expression and tumorigenic function of neurotensin receptor 1 in neuroendocrine tumor cells

Neurotensin (NTS), localized predominantly to the small bowel, stimulates the growth of a variety of cancers, including neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), mainly through its interaction with the high-affinity NTS receptor 1 (NTSR1). Here, we observed increased expression of NTSR1 in almost all tested clinical NET samples, but not in normal tissues. Through RT-PCR analysis, we found that the expression of NTSR1 and NTSR2 was either variable (NTSR1) or absent (NTSR2) in human NET cell lines. In contrast, NTSR3 and NTS were expressed in all NET cells. Treatment with 5-aza-2′-deoxycytidine, a demethylating agent, increased levels of NTSR1 and NTSR2 suggesting that DNA methylation contributes to NTSR1/2 expression patterns, which was confirmed by methylation analyses. In addition, we found that knockdown of NTSR1 decreased proliferation, expression levels of growth-related proteins, and anchorage-independent growth of BON human carcinoid cells. Moreover, stable silencing of NTSR1 suppressed BON cell growth, adhesion, migration and invasion. Our results show that high expression of NTSR1 is found in clinical NETs and that promoter methylation is an important mechanism controlling the differential expression of NTSR1 and silencing of NTSR2 in NET cells. Furthermore, knockdown of NTSR1 in BON cells suppressed oncogenic functions suggesting that NTSR1 contributes to NET tumorigenesis.

An obligatory role for neurotensin in high-fat-diet-induced obesity

Obesity and its associated comorbidities (for example, diabetes mellitus and hepatic steatosis) contribute to approximately 2.5 million deaths annually and are among the most prevalent and challenging conditions confronting the medical profession. Neurotensin (NT; also known as NTS), a 13-amino-acid peptide predominantly localized in specialized enteroendocrine cells of the small intestine and released by fat ingestion, facilitates fatty acid translocation in rat intestine, and stimulates the growth of various cancers. The effects of NT are mediated through three known NT receptors (NTR1, 2 and 3; also known as NTSR1, 2, and NTSR3, respectively). Increased fasting plasma levels of pro-NT (a stable NT precursor fragment produced in equimolar amounts relative to NT) are associated with increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and mortality; however, a role for NT as a causative factor in these diseases is unknown. Here we show that NT-deficient mice demonstrate significantly reduced intestinal fat absorption and are protected from obesity, hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance associated with high fat consumption. We further demonstrate that NT attenuates the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and stimulates fatty acid absorption in mice and in cultured intestinal cells, and that this occurs through a mechanism involving NTR1 and NTR3 (also known as sortilin). Consistent with the findings in mice, expression of NT in Drosophila midgut enteroendocrine cells results in increased lipid accumulation in the midgut, fat body, and oenocytes (specialized hepatocyte-like cells) and decreased AMPK activation. Remarkably, in humans, we show that both obese and insulin-resistant subjects have elevated plasma concentrations of pro-NT, and in longitudinal studies among non-obese subjects, high levels of pro-NT denote a doubling of the risk of developing obesity later in life. Our findings directly link NT with increased fat absorption and obesity and suggest that NT may provide a prognostic marker of future obesity and a potential target for prevention and treatment.

Activation of AMPK Stimulates Neurotensin Secretion in Neuroendocrine Cells

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a critical fuel-sensing enzyme, regulates the metabolic effects of various hormones. Neurotensin (NT) is a 13-amino acid peptide predominantly localized in enteroendocrine cells of the small bowel and released by fat ingestion. Increased fasting plasma levels of pro-NT (a stable NT precursor fragment produced in equimolar amounts relative to NT) are associated with an increased risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mortality; however, the mechanisms regulating NT release are not fully defined. We previously reported that inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complex 1 (mTORC1) increases NT secretion and gene expression through activation of the MEK/ERK pathway. Here, we show that activation of AMPK increases NT secretion from endocrine cell lines (BON and QGP-1) and isolated mouse crypt cells enriched for NT-positive cells. In addition, plasma levels of NT increase in mice treated with 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside, a pharmacologic AMPK activator. Small interfering RNA-mediated knockdown of AMPKα decrease, whereas overexpression of the subunit significantly enhances, NT secretion from BON cells treated with AMPK activators or oleic acid. Similarly, small interfering RNA knockdown of the upstream AMPK kinases, liver kinase B1 and Ca(2+) calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 2, also attenuate NT release and AMPK phosphorylation. Moreover, AMPK activation increases NT secretion through inhibition of mTORC1 signaling. Together, our findings show that AMPK activation enhances NT release through inhibition of mTORC1 signaling, thus demonstrating an important cross talk regulation for NT secretion.

Therapeutic targeting of the mTOR-signalling pathway in cancer: benefits and limitations

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays an important role in the regulation of protein translation, cell growth and metabolism. The mTOR protein forms two distinct multi-subunit complexes: mTORC1 and mTORC2. The mTORC1 complex is activated by diverse stimuli, such as growth factors, nutrients, energy and stress signals; and essential signalling pathways, such as PI3K and MAPK, in order to control cell growth, proliferation and survival. mTORC1 also activates S6K1 and 4EBP1, which are involved in mRNA translation. The mTORC2 complex is resistant to rapamycin inhibitory activity and is generally insensitive to nutrient- and energy-dependent signals. It activates PKC-α and Akt and regulates the actin cytoskeleton. Deregulation of the mTOR-signalling pathway (PI3K amplification/mutation, PTEN loss of function, Akt overexpression, and S6K1, 4EBP1 and eIF4E overexpression) is common in cancer, and alterations in components of the mTOR pathway have a major role in tumour progression. Therefore, mTOR is an appealing therapeutic target in many tumours. Here we summarize the upstream regulators and downstream effectors of the mTORC1 and mTORC2 pathways, the role of mTOR in cancer, and the potential therapeutic values and issues related to the novel agents targeting the mTOR-signalling pathway.

Neurotensin, a novel target of Wnt/β-catenin pathway, promotes growth of neuroendocrine tumor cells

Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays a pivotal role in regulating cell growth and differentiation by activation of the β-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF) complex and subsequent regulation of a set of target genes that have one or more TCF-binding elements (TBEs). Hyperactivation of this pathway has been implicated in numerous malignancies including human neuroendocrine tumors (NETs). Neurotensin (NT), an intestinal hormone, induces proliferation of several gastrointestinal (GI) cancers including cancers of the pancreas and colon. Here, we analyzed the human NT promoter in silico and found at least four consensus TBEs within the proximal promoter region. Using a combination of ChIP and luciferase reporter assays, we identified one TBE (located ∼900 bp proximal from the transcription start site) that was immunoprecipitated efficiently by TCF4-targeting antibody; mutation of this site attenuated the responsiveness to β-catenin. We also confirmed that the promoter activity and the mRNA and protein expression levels of NT were increased by various Wnt pathway activators and decreased by Wnt inhibitors in NET cell lines BON and QGP-1, which express and secrete NT. Similarly, the intracellular content and secretion of NT were induced by Wnt3a in these cells. Finally, inhibition of NT signaling suppressed cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth and decreased expression levels of growth-related proteins in NET cells. Our results indicate that NT is a direct target of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and may be a mediator for NET cell growth.

IGF-1 drives chromogranin A secretion via activation of Arf1 in human neuroendocrine tumour cells

Hypersecretion is the major symptom of functional neuroendocrine tumours. The mechanisms that contribute to this excessive secretion of hormones are still elusive. A key event in secretion is the exit of secretory products from the Golgi apparatus. ADP-ribosylation factor (Arf) GTPases are known to control vesicle budding and trafficking, and have a leading function in the regulation of formation of secretory granula at the Golgi. Here, we show that Arf1 is the predominant Arf protein family member expressed in the neuroendocrine pancreatic tumour cell lines BON and QGP-1. In BON cells Arf1 colocalizes with Golgi markers as well as chromogranin A, and shows significant basal activity. The inhibition of Arf1 activity or expression significantly impaired secretion of chromogranin A. Furthermore, we show that the insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a major regulator of growth and secretion in BON cells, induces Arf1 activity. We found that activation of Arf1 upon IGF-1 receptor stimulation is mediated by MEK/ERK signalling pathway in BON and QGP-1 cells. Moreover, the activity of Arf1 in BON cells is mediated by autocrinely secreted IGF-1, and concomitantly, autocrine IGF1 secretion is maintained by Arf1 activity. In summary, our data indicate an important regulatory role for Arf1 at the Golgi in hypersecretion in neuroendocrine cancer cells.

Rheb Inhibits Protein Synthesis by Activating the PERK-eIF2α Signaling Cascade

Rheb, a ubiquitous small GTPase, is well known to bind and activate mTOR, which augments protein synthesis. Inhibition of protein synthesis is also physiologically regulated. Thus, with cell stress, the unfolded protein response system leads to phosphorylation of the initiation factor eIF2α and arrest of protein synthesis. We now demonstrate a major role for Rheb in inhibiting protein synthesis by enhancing the phosphorylation of eIF2α by protein kinase-like ER kinase (PERK). Interplay between the stimulatory and inhibitory roles of Rheb may enable cells to modulate protein synthesis in response to varying environmental stresses.

HTLV-1 HBZ positively regulates the mTOR signaling pathway via inhibition of GADD34 activity in the cytoplasm

Human T-cell leukemia virus type-1 (HTLV-1) infection causes adult T-cell leukemia (ATL). Modulation of the transcriptional control of cellular genes by HTLV-1 is thought to be associated with the development of ATL. The viral protein HTLV-1 basic leucine-zipper factor (HBZ) has been shown to dysregulate the activity of cellular transcription factors. Here, we demonstrate that HBZ is exported from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, where it activates the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway through an association with growth arrest and DNA damage gene 34 (GADD34). The N-terminal region of HBZ interacts with the C-terminal region of GADD34. HBZ contains a functional nuclear export signal (NES) sequence within its N-terminal region and it is exported from the nucleus via the CRM1-dependent pathway. Nuclear export of HBZ is essential for its interaction with GADD34 and increased phosphorylation of S6 kinase, which is an established downstream target of the mTOR pathway. Starvation-induced autophagy is significantly suppressed by the overexpression of HBZ. These findings indicate that HBZ is actively exported to the cytoplasm, where it dysregulates the function of cellular factors.

A polymorphism (rs2295080) in mTOR promoter region and its association with gastric cancer in a Chinese population

BACKGROUND

As an imperative part of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been demonstrated to increase in gastric cancer cells and tumors. Our research explored the relationship between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2295080 in mTOR promoter region and the risk of gastric cancer (GC).

METHODS

Seven hundred and fifty-three (753) gastric adenocarcinoma patients and 854 matched healthy subjects were recruited in the cancer association study and 60 tissues were used to test the expression of mTOR. Unconditional logistic regression was selected to evaluate the association between the rs2295080 T>G polymorphism and GC risk. We then examined the functionality of this promoter genetic variant by luciferase assay and EMSA.

RESULTS

Individuals with G allele had a 23% decreased risk of GC, comparing with those carrying T allele (adjusted OR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.65-0.92). This protective effect of G allele stood out better in male group. Meanwhile, GC patients carrying TG/GG genotype also displayed a decreased mRNA level of mTOR (P = 0.004). In luciferase assay, T allele tended to enhance the transcriptional activity of mTOR with an approximate 0.5-fold over G allele. Furthermore, EMSA tests explained that different alleles of rs2295080 displayed different affinities to some transcriptional factor.

CONCLUSION

The mTOR promoter polymorphism rs2295080 was significantly associated with GC risk. This SNP, which effectively influenced the expression of mTOR, may be a new biomarker of early diagnosis of gastric cancer and a suitable indicator of utilizing mTOR inhibitor for treatment of GC.

PI3K p110α/Akt signaling negatively regulates secretion of the intestinal peptide neurotensin through interference of granule transport

Neurotensin (NT), an intestinal peptide secreted from N cells in the small bowel, regulates a variety of physiological functions of the gastrointestinal tract, including secretion, gut motility, and intestinal growth. The class IA phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) family, which comprised of p110 catalytic (α, β and δ) and p85 regulatory subunits, has been implicated in the regulation of hormone secretion from endocrine cells. However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. In particular, the role of PI3K in intestinal peptide secretion is not known. Here, we show that PI3K catalytic subunit, p110α, negatively regulates NT secretion in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrate that inhibition of p110α, but not p110β, induces NT release in BON, a human endocrine cell line, which expresses NT mRNA and produces NT peptide in a manner analogous to N cells, and QGP-1, a pancreatic endocrine cell line that produces NT peptide. In contrast, overexpression of p110α decreases NT secretion. Consistently, p110α-inhibition increases plasma NT levels in mice. To further delineate the mechanisms contributing to this effect, we demonstrate that inhibition of p110α increases NT granule trafficking by up-regulating α-tubulin acetylation; NT secretion is prevented by overexpression of HDAC6, an α-tubulin deacetylase. Moreover, ras-related protein Rab27A (a small G protein) and kinase D-interacting substrate of 220 kDa (Kidins220), which are associated with NT granules, play a negative and positive role, respectively, in p110α-inhibition-induced NT secretion. Our findings identify the critical role and novel mechanisms for the PI3K signaling pathway in the control of intestinal hormone granule transport and release.

Nuclear factor of activated T-cell c3 inhibition of mammalian target of rapamycin signaling through induction of regulated in development and DNA damage response 1 in human intestinal cells

Our results demonstrate that nuclear factor of activated T-cell 3 (NFATc3) contributes to the regulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) repressor regulated in development and DNA damage response 1 (REDD1) and mTOR downstream-targeted c-Myc expression. Furthermore, our study demonstrates a novel role for the NFATc3/REDD1/tuberous sclerosis complex 2 axis in the regulation of goblet cell differentiation.

The nuclear factor of activated T-cell (NFAT) proteins are a family of transcription factors (NFATc1–c4) involved in the regulation of cell differentiation. We identified REDD1, a negative regulator of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) through the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC1/2 complex), as a new molecular target of NFATc3. We show that treatment with a combination of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) plus ionophore A23187 (Io), which induces NFAT activation, increased REDD1 mRNA and protein expression and inhibited mTOR signaling; pretreatment with the calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporin A (CsA), an antagonist of NFAT signaling, decreased REDD1 induction and mTOR inhibition. Knockdown of NFATc3, not NFATc1, NFATc2, or NFATc4, attenuated PMA/Io-induced REDD1 expression. Treatment with PMA/Io increased REDD1 promoter activity and increased NFATc3 binding to the REDD1 promoter. Overexpression of NFATc3 increased REDD1 mRNA and protein expression and increased PMA/Io-mediated REDD1 promoter activity. Treatment with PMA/Io increased expression of the goblet cell differentiation marker MUC2; these changes were attenuated by pretreatment with CsA or knockdown of REDD1 or NFATc3. Overexpression of NFATc3 increased, while knockdown of TSC2 decreased, MUC2 expression. We provide evidence showing NFATc3 inhibits mTOR via induction of REDD1. Our results suggest a role for the NFATc3/REDD1/TSC2 axis in the regulation of intestinal cell differentiation.

The transcription factor network associated with the amino acid response in mammalian cells

Mammals exhibit multiple adaptive mechanisms that sense and respond to fluctuations in dietary nutrients. Consumption of reduced total dietary protein or a protein diet that is deficient in 1 or more of the essential amino acids triggers wide-ranging changes in feeding behavior and gene expression. At the level of individual cells, dietary protein deficiency is manifested as amino acid (AA) deprivation, which activates the AA response (AAR). The AAR is composed of a collection of signal transduction pathways that terminate in specific transcriptional programs designed to catalyze adaptation to the nutrient stress or, ultimately, undergo apoptosis. Independently of the AAR, endoplasmic reticulum stress activates 3 signaling pathways, collectively referred to as the unfolded protein response. The transcription factor activating transcription factor 4 is one of the terminal transcriptional mediators for both the AAR and the unfolded protein response, leading to a significant degree of overlap with regard to the target genes for these stress pathways. Over the past 5 y, research has revealed that the basic leucine zipper superfamily of transcription factors plays the central role in the AAR. Formation of both homo- and heterodimers among the activating transcription factor, CCAAT enhancer-binding protein, and FOS/JUN families of basic leucine zipper proteins forms the nucleus of a highly integrated transcription factor network that determines the initiation, magnitude, and duration of the cellular response to dietary protein or AA limitation.

Auto-activation of c-JUN gene by amino acid deprivation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells reveals a novel c-JUN-mediated signaling pathway

Mammalian cells respond to protein or amino acid (AA) limitation by activating a number of signaling pathways, collectively referred to as the AA response (AAR), that modulate a range of cellular functions, including transcriptional induction of target genes. This study demonstrates that in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, expression of c-JUN, JUN-B, c-FOS, and FOS-B was induced by the AAR, whereas JUN-D, FRA-1, and FRA-2 were not. Of the four activated FOS/JUN members, c-JUN made the largest contribution to the induction of several known AAR target genes. For several human liver, prostate, and ovarian cell lines, the AAR-induced increase in c-JUN expression was greater in transformed cells compared with nontransformed counterparts, an effect independent of cell growth rate. Thus far, the best characterized AA-responsive genes are all transcriptionally activated by ATF4, but the AAR-dependent induction of c-JUN transcription was ATF4-independent. The increased expression of c-JUN was dependent on ATF2 and on activation of the MEK-ERK and JNK arms of the MAPK signaling pathways. Formation of c-JUN-ATF2-activated heterodimers was increased after AA limitation, and c-JUN or ATF2 knockdown suppressed the induction of c-JUN and other AAR target genes. AA deprivation triggers a feed-forward process that involves phosphorylation of existing c-JUN protein by JNK and subsequent auto-activation of the c-JUN gene by recruitment of c-JUN and ATF2 to two AP-1 sites within the proximal promoter. The results document the novel observation that AP-1 sequences within the c-JUN gene can function as transcriptional amino acid-response elements.