1
|
Nandwa JO, Mehmood A, Mahjabeen I, Raheem KY, Hamadou M, Raimi MZ, Kayani MA. miR-4716-3p and the target AKT2 Gene/rs2304186 SNP are associated with blood cancer pathogenesis in Pakistani population. Noncoding RNA Res 2024; 9:695-703. [PMID: 38577021 PMCID: PMC10990746 DOI: 10.1016/j.ncrna.2024.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
AKT2 is crucial for cancer cells' invasion, metastasis, and survival. It is a possible downstream gene target of cancer glycolysis-related microRNAs. The study investigated the role of miRNA-4716-3p, rs2304186, and the AKT2 gene in blood cancer pathogenesis. RT-qPCR was used to analyze AKT2 gene mRNA and miRNA-4716-3p expression in 200 blood cancer samples and 200 healthy controls. Furthermore, Tetra-ARMS PCR was used to examine the rs2304186 AKT2 SNP in 300 patients and 290 control samples. miRNA-4716-3p was shown to be significantly downregulated (p = 0.0294), whereas mRNA expression of the AKT2 gene was found to be significantly upregulated (p = 0.0034) in blood cancer patients compared to healthy individuals. miRNA-4716-3p downregulation (p = 0.0466) was more pronounced, while AKT2 upregulation was non-significant (p = 0.1661) in untreated patients compared to chemotherapy-treated patients. Blood cancer risk was significantly associated with the rs2304186 GT genotype (p = 0.0432), TT genotype (p = 0.0502), and mutant allele (T) frequency (p = 0.0008). Polymorphism rs2304186 was associated with an increased risk of blood cancer in dominant (p = 0.0011), recessive (p = 0.0502), and additive (p = 0.0008) genetic models. The results suggested that the rs2304186 and the deregulated expression of miRNA-4716-3p and AKT2 gene at the mRNA level may significantly increase the incidence of blood cancer, particularly in the Pakistani population. Therefore, these may function as suitable biomarkers for blood cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Additional, larger-scale investigations may be required to affirm these results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jairus Olumasai Nandwa
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan
- Department of Public Needs Research, Integrated Cancer Research Foundation of Kenya, Kenya
- Department of Genetics, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Azhar Mehmood
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Ishrat Mahjabeen
- Department of Biosciences, COMSATS University Islamabad, Pakistan
| | | | - Mamoudou Hamadou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Maroua, Cameroon
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
2
|
Chen J, Xu X, Shao Y, Bian X, Li R, Zhang Y, Xiao Y, Lu M, Jiang Q, Zeng Y, Yan F, Ye J, Li Z. AKT2 deficiency alleviates doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury via alleviating oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 169:106539. [PMID: 38290690 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Doxorubicin (DOX), a widely used chemotherapy agent in cancer treatment, encounters limitations in clinical efficacy due to associated cardiotoxicity. This study aims to explore the role of AKT serine/threonine kinase 2 (AKT2) in mitigating DOX-induced oxidative stress within the heart through both intracellular and extracellular signaling pathways. Utilizing Akt2 knockout (KO) and Nrf2 KO murine models, alongside neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs), we systematically investigate the impact of AKT2 deficiency on DOX-induced cardiac injury. Our findings reveal that DOX administration induces significant oxidative stress, a primary contributor to cardiac injury. Importantly, Akt2 deficiency exhibits a protective effect by alleviating DOX-induced oxidative stress. Mechanistically, Akt2 deficiency facilitates nuclear translocation of NRF2, thereby suppressing intracellular oxidative stress by promoting the expression of antioxidant genes. Furthermore, We also observed that AKT2 inhibition facilitates superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) expression both inside macrophages and SOD2 secretion to the extracellular matrix, which is involved in lowering oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes upon DOX stimulation. The present study underscores the important role of AKT2 in mitigating DOX-induced oxidative stress through both intracellular and extracellular signaling pathways. Additionally, our findings propose promising therapeutic strategies for addressing DOX-induced cardiomyopathy in clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiawen Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Research Center of Biostatistics and Computational Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China; School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaozhi Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuru Shao
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xiaohong Bian
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ruiyan Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yubin Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yibei Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Meiling Lu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Qizhou Jiang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yuan Zeng
- Clinical Pharmacology and Bioanalytics, Pfizer (China) Research and Development Co., Ltd, China
| | - Fangrong Yan
- Research Center of Biostatistics and Computational Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Junmei Ye
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Zhe Li
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Cardiovascular research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Huang F, Zhao N, Cai P, Hou M, Yang S, Zheng B, Ma Q, Jiang J, Gai X, Mao Y, Wang L, Hu Z, Zha X, Liu F, Zhang H. Active AKT2 stimulation of SREBP1/SCD1-mediated lipid metabolism boosts hepatosteatosis and cancer. Transl Res 2024:S1931-5244(24)00014-8. [PMID: 38244769 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2024.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Due to soared obesity population worldwide, hepatosteatosis is becoming a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Undertaken molecular events during the progression of steatosis to liver cancer are thus under intensive investigation. In this study, we demonstrated that high-fat diet potentiated mouse liver AKT2. Hepatic AKT2 hyperactivation through gain-of-function mutation of Akt2 (Akt2E17K) caused spontaneous hepatosteatosis, injury, inflammation, fibrosis, and eventually HCC in mice. AKT2 activation also exacerbated lipopolysaccharide and D-galactosamine hydrochloride-induced injury/inflammation and N-Nitrosodiethylamine (DEN)-induced HCC. A positive correlation between AKT2 activity and SCD1 expression was observed in human HCC samples. Activated AKT2 enhanced the production of monounsaturated fatty acid which was dependent on SREBP1 upregulation of SCD1. Blockage of active SREBP1 and ablation of SCD1 reduced steatosis, inflammation, and tumor burden in DEN-treated Akt2E17K mice. Therefore, AKT2 activation is crucial for the development of steatosis-associated HCC which can be treated with blockage of AKT2-SREBP1-SCD1 signaling cascade.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fuqiang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Na Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China; Department of Blood Transfusion, Shandong Provincial Hospital affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Pei Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mengjie Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shuhui Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bohao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Ma
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jingpeng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaochen Gai
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yilei Mao
- Department of Liver Surgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lianmei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhongdong Hu
- Modern Research Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojun Zha
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Fangming Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Hongbing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Department of Physiology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhang FL, Zhu KX, Wang JY, Zhang M, Yan JM, Liu QC, Zhang XY, Guo JC, Liu X, Sun QC, Ge W, Li L, Shen W. Cross-species analysis of transcriptome emphasizes a critical role of TNF-α in mediating MAP2K7/ AKT2 signaling in zearalenone-induced apoptosis. J Hazard Mater 2023; 459:132226. [PMID: 37549580 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEN) is a widespread and transgenerational toxicant that can cause serious reproductive health risks, which poses a potential threat to global agricultural production and human health; its estrogenic activity can lead to reproductive toxicity through the induction of granulosa cell apoptosis. Herein, comparative transcriptome analysis, single-cell transcriptome analysis, and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) combined with gene knockout in vivo and RNA interference in vitro were used to comprehensively describe the damage caused by ZEN exposure on ovarian granulosa cells. Comparative transcriptome analysis and WGCNA suggested that the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase 7 (MAP2K7)/ AKT serine/threonine kinase 2 (AKT2) axis was disordered after ZEN exposure in porcine granulosa cells (pGCs) and mouse granulosa cells (mGCs). In vivo gene knockout and in vitro RNA interference verified that TNF-α-mediated MAP2K7/AKT2 was the guiding signal in ZEN-induced apoptosis in pGCs and mGCs. Moreover, single-cell transcriptome analysis showed that ZEN exposure could induce changes in the TNF signaling pathway in offspring. Overall, we concluded that the TNF-α-mediated MAP2K7/AKT2 axis was the main signaling pathway of ZEN-induced apoptosis in pGCs and mGCs. This work provides new insights into the mechanism of ZEN toxicity and provides new potential therapeutic targets for the loss of livestock and human reproductive health caused by ZEN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fa-Li Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Ke-Xin Zhu
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Jing-Ya Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Min Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271018, China
| | - Jia-Mao Yan
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Qing-Chun Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Xiao-Yuan Zhang
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Jia-Chen Guo
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Xuan Liu
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Qi-Cheng Sun
- School of Finance, Southwestern University of Finance and Economics, Chengdu 610074 China
| | - Wei Ge
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Lan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China
| | - Wei Shen
- College of Life Sciences, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao 266109, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Elangeeb ME, Elfaki I, Elkhalifa MA, Adam KM, Alameen AO, Elfadl AK, Albalawi IA, Almasoudi KS, Almotairi R, Alsaedi BSO, Alhelali MH, Mir MM, Amle D, Mir R. In Silico Investigation of AKT2 Gene and Protein Abnormalities Reveals Potential Association with Insulin Resistance and Type 2 Diabetes. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:7449-7475. [PMID: 37754255 PMCID: PMC10528407 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45090471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes (T2D) develops from insulin resistance (IR) and the dysfunction of pancreatic beta cells. The AKT2 protein is very important for the protein signaling pathway, and the non-synonymous SNP (nsSNPs) in AKT2 gene may be associated with T2D. nsSNPs can result in alterations in protein stability, enzymatic activity, or binding specificity. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of nsSNPs on the AKT2 protein structure and function that may result in the induction of IR and T2D. The study identified 20 variants that were considered to be the most deleterious based on a range of analytical tools included (SIFT, PolyPhen2, Mut-pred, SNAP2, PANTHER, PhD-SNP, SNP&Go, MUpro, Cosurf, and I-Mut). Two mutations, p.A179T and p.L183Q, were selected for further investigation based on their location within the protein as determined by PyMol. The results indicated that mutations, p.A179T and p.L183Q alter the protein stability and functional characteristics, which could potentially affect its function. In order to conduct a more in-depth analysis of these effects, a molecular dynamics simulation was performed for wildtype AKT2 and the two mutants (p.A179T and p.L183Q). The simulation evaluated various parameters, including temperature, pressure, density, RMSD, RMSF, SASA, and Region, over a period of 100 ps. According to the simulation results, the wildtype AKT2 protein demonstrated higher stability in comparison to the mutant variants. The mutations p.A179T and p.L183Q were found to cause a reduction in both protein stability and functionality. These findings underscore the significance of the effects of nsSNPs (mutations p.A179T and p.L183Q) on the structure and function of AKT2 that may lead to IR and T2D. Nevertheless, they require further verifications in future protein functional, protein-protein interaction, and large-scale case-control studies. When verified, these results will help in the identification and stratification of individuals who are at risk of IR and T2D for the purpose of prevention and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. E. Elangeeb
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Imadeldin Elfaki
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47512, Saudi Arabia;
| | - M. A. Elkhalifa
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Khalid M. Adam
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia;
| | - A. O. Alameen
- Department of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, King Faisal University, Alahssa 31982, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ahmed Kamaleldin Elfadl
- Veterinary Research Section, Ministry of Municipality, Doha P.O. Box 35081, Qatar;
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Khartoum, Khartoum 11115, Sudan
| | | | - Kholoud S. Almasoudi
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, Prince Fahad Bin Sultan Chair for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (K.S.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Reema Almotairi
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, Prince Fahad Bin Sultan Chair for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (K.S.A.); (R.A.)
| | - Basim S. O. Alsaedi
- Department of Statistics, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47512, Saudi Arabia; (B.S.O.A.); (M.H.A.)
| | - Marwan H. Alhelali
- Department of Statistics, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 47512, Saudi Arabia; (B.S.O.A.); (M.H.A.)
| | - Mohammad Muzaffar Mir
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Dnyanesh Amle
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Nagpur 441108, India;
| | - Rashid Mir
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, Prince Fahad Bin Sultan Chair for Biomedical Research, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (K.S.A.); (R.A.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Liu H, Xie T, Liu Y. Ginsenoside Rg3 inhibits the malignant progression of cervical cancer cell by regulating AKT2 expression. Heliyon 2023; 9:e19045. [PMID: 37664735 PMCID: PMC10469050 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e19045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Although ginsenoside Rg3 has been shown to exert anticancer effects in various malignancies, the effects and molecular mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg3 in cervical cancer (CC) remain unclear. This study explored the effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on CC development at the cellular level. The effect of ginsenoside Rg3 on cell proliferation was measured using colony formation and Cell Counting Kit-8 assays. Migration, invasion, and in vitro angiogenesis of CC cells were detected using wound healing, transwell, and tube formation assays, respectively. In addition, we explored the target genes and molecular mechanisms of ginsenoside Rg3 in CC cells overexpressing AKT serine/threonine kinase 2 (AKT2). The results indicated that ginsenoside Rg3 suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation of CC cells in vitro. In addition, ginsenoside Rg3 treatment decreased the expression of AKT2 in CC cells. Moreover, ginsenoside Rg3 treatment partially reversed AKT2 overexpression-mediated reduction in cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and tube formation. In conclusion, the above findings suggested that ginsenoside Rg3 inhibits CC progression via regulation of AKT2 expression, which might provide a potential therapeutic target for tumor therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shangqiu First People's Hospital, Shangqiu, 476000, China
| | - Tingting Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center of Chinese PLA General hospital, Beijing, 10000, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shangqiu First People's Hospital, Shangqiu, 476000, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wu L, Xiao H, Hong Y, Xie M, Yu Y, Jiang L. CircRNA Circ_0000118 Regulates Malignancy of Cervical Cancer Cells by Regulating miR-211-5p/miR-377-3p/ AKT2 Axis. Biochem Genet 2023; 61:1625-1644. [PMID: 36719624 PMCID: PMC10371915 DOI: 10.1007/s10528-023-10332-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
CircRNAs are implicated in the development of several cancers. Nevertheless, the involvement of circ_0000118 in the development of cervical cancer (CC) remains unclear. Circ_0000118 levels in tumor tissues and cells were examined by qRT-PCR. The function of circ_0000118 in regulating the malignancy of CC cells was investigated using functional assays, including CCK-8, colony formation, transwell, and tube formation experiments. The functional interaction between circ_0000118 and microRNAs were validated by dual-luciferase activity assay and RNA precipitation experiments. In vivo mouse model was employed to assess the effect of circ_0000118 in the tumorigenesis of CC cells. Circ_0000118 was overexpressed in CC cells and tissues. Loss-of-function experiments demonstrated that circ_0000118 knockdown impaired the proliferation and tumor sphere formation, as well as the angiogenic potential of CC cells. RNA interaction experiments confirmed that circ_0000118 sponged miR-211-5p and miR-377-3p. AKT2 was found to be a target gene negatively modulated by miR-211-5p and miR-377-3p. AKT2 overexpression rescued the inhibition of circ_0000118 downregulation on CC cells. Our study suggested that circ_0000118 functions as an oncogenic factor in progression of CC by maintaining AKT2 level through targeting miR-211-5p and miR-377-3p as a ceRNA (competitive endogenous RNA), which provides novel therapeutic target in the management of CC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilan Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chunan County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Xin'an West Road, Chun'an, Hangzhou, 311700, Zhejiang, China
| | - Huiqin Xiao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chunan County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Xin'an West Road, Chun'an, Hangzhou, 311700, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaqin Hong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chunan County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Xin'an West Road, Chun'an, Hangzhou, 311700, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meihua Xie
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chunan County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Xin'an West Road, Chun'an, Hangzhou, 311700, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanxia Yu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chunan County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Xin'an West Road, Chun'an, Hangzhou, 311700, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lijuan Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chunan County Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, No.1 Xin'an West Road, Chun'an, Hangzhou, 311700, Zhejiang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Emmerich TD, Hayes JM. In Silico-Motivated Discovery of Novel Potent Glycogen Synthase-3 Inhibitors: 1-(Alkyl/arylamino)-3H-naphtho[1,2,3-de]quinoline-2,7-dione Identified as a Scaffold for Kinase Inhibitor Development. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050661. [PMID: 37242443 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) isoforms α and β have diverse roles within cell biology, and have been linked with multiple diseases that include prominent CNS conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and several psychiatric disorders. In this study, motivated by computation, we aimed to identify novel ATP-binding site inhibitors of GSK-3 with CNS-active potential. A ligand screening (docking) protocol against GSK-3β was first optimized, employing an active/decoy benchmarking set, with the final protocol selected based on statistical performance analysis. The optimized protocol involved pre-filtering of ligands using a three-point 3D-pharmacophore, followed by Glide-SP docking applying hinge region hydrogen bonding constraints. Using this approach, the Biogenic subset of the ZINC15 compound database was screened, focused on compounds with potential for CNS-activity. Twelve compounds (generation I) were selected for experimental validation using in vitro GSK-3β binding assays. Two hit compounds, 1 and 2, with 6-amino-7H-benzo[e]perimidin-7-one and 1-(phenylamino)-3H-naphtho[1,2,3-de]quinoline-2,7-dione type scaffolds were identified with IC50 values of 1.63 µM and 20.55 µM, respectively. Ten analogues of 2 (generation II) were selected for structure activity relationship (SAR) analysis and revealed four low micromolar inhibitors (<10 µM), with 19 (IC50 = 4.1 µM)~five times more potent than initial hit compound 2. Selectivity screening of low micromolar inhibitors 14 and 19 (comparing aryl- and alkyl-substituents) against 10 homologous kinases revealed unique selectivity profiles, with both compounds more potent against the GSK-3α isoform (IC50s~2 µM) and, additionally, inhibitors of PKBβ (IC50s < 25 µM). Compound 14 also inhibited ERK2 and 19, PKCγ, but generally good selectivity for GSK-3 isoforms over the other kinases was observed. The compounds had excellent predicted oral bioavailability and CNS-activity profiles, presenting promising candidates for future testing in cellular models of disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas D Emmerich
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Joseph M Hayes
- School of Pharmacy & Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston PR1 2HE, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hafizi N, Ozbakir B, Tulay P. Expression of genes in the AKT signalling pathway in human oocytes from patients with polycystic ovaries. ZYGOTE 2023;:1-3. [PMID: 36919849 DOI: 10.1017/S096719942200048X] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome is an endocrine disorder commonly found among females of reproductive age. Different factors have been correlated with this syndrome, although the aetiology of the disease is still unrecognized with both environmental and hereditary factors leading to the progression. Hormonal effects of the AKT pathway have made it an interesting study unit for PCOS cases. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression patterns of genes involved in the AKT pathway, including IRS1, IRS2, AKT1 and AKT2. In total, 13 human oocytes were collected for this study at the meiosis II stage, in which seven of them were collected from individuals with polycystic ovaries and the rest formed the control group of individuals with no signs of polycystic ovaries. RNA was extracted from oocytes and then the RNA was converted into cDNA for the real-time PCR process. Expression levels of four genes in the AKT pathway, in addition to housekeeping gene (ACTB), were evaluated. Expression levels of each gene were quantified using real-time PCR and statistical analysis was performed. The results of this study showed that there was no significant correlation between the expression of genes in oocyte samples obtained from patients with polycystic ovaries and the control group. This study is the first to evaluate the expression levels of genes involved in the AKT pathway in human oocyte samples. Therefore, it provides crucial information to form the basis of further studies.
Collapse
|
10
|
Huang B, Wu G, Peng C, Peng X, Huang M, Ding J, Zhang H, Wu X. miR-126 regulates the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of non-small lung cancer cells via AKT2/HK2 axis. IUBMB Life 2023; 75:186-195. [PMID: 34320278 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
This study tended to clarify the role of miR-126 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell biological behaviors in vitro, containing cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. miRNA expression microarray related to NSCLC was accessed from gene expression omnibus (GEO) database and subjected to differential analysis using the "limma" package. Real-time quantitative PCR was conducted to assess the expression of miR-126 in NSCLC cell lines. wIn vitro experiments including 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), wound healing assay, Transwell, and flow cytometry assay were used for evaluating the effect of miR-126 on cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis. Additionally, target mRNA for miR-126 was predicted and further validated by bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay, respectively. It suggested that miR-126 was significantly down-regulated in NSCLS based on the expression microarray, and similar expression trend was exhibited in cancer cell lines. In the meantime, overexpression of miR-126 was found to result in inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, and invasion while promotion of cell apoptosis, with reductions in protein expression of AKT2 and phosphorylated HK2 (p-HK2) as well. AKT2, identified to be a direct target of miR-126 in NSCLC as judged by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Additionally, overexpression of AKT2 was observed to have the ability of elevating p-HK2 protein expression and reversing the effect of miR-126 on NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Given the above findings, we can see that miR-126 exerts its role in NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis with the aid of AKT2/HK2 axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bin Huang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital/The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Gongzhi Wu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital/The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Chongxiong Peng
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital/The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Xuyang Peng
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital/The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Mingjiang Huang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital/The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Jianyang Ding
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital/The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Huaizhong Zhang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital/The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| | - Xuhui Wu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Lishui People's Hospital/The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mäkinen S, Datta N, Rangarajan S, Nguyen YH, Olkkonen VM, Latva-Rasku A, Nuutila P, Laakso M, Koistinen HA. Finnish-specific AKT2 gene variant leads to impaired insulin signalling in myotubes. J Mol Endocrinol 2023; 70:JME-21-0285. [PMID: 36409629 PMCID: PMC9874976 DOI: 10.1530/jme-21-0285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Finnish-specific gene variant p.P50T/AKT2 (minor allele frequency (MAF) = 1.1%) is associated with insulin resistance and increased predisposition to type 2 diabetes. Here, we have investigated in vitro the impact of the gene variant on glucose metabolism and intracellular signalling in human primary skeletal muscle cells, which were established from 14 male p.P50T/AKT2 variant carriers and 14 controls. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and glucose incorporation into glycogen were detected with 2-[1,2-3H]-deoxy-D-glucose and D-[14C]-glucose, respectively, and the rate of glycolysis was measured with a Seahorse XFe96 analyzer. Insulin signalling was investigated with Western blotting. The binding of variant and control AKT2-PH domains to phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PI(3,4,5)P3) was assayed using PIP StripsTM Membranes. Protein tyrosine kinase and serine-threonine kinase assays were performed using the PamGene® kinome profiling system. Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and glycogen synthesis in myotubes in vitro were not significantly affected by the genotype. However, the insulin-stimulated glycolytic rate was impaired in variant myotubes. Western blot analysis showed that insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of AKT-Thr308, AS160-Thr642 and GSK3β-Ser9 was reduced in variant myotubes compared to controls. The binding of variant AKT2-PH domain to PI(3,4,5)P3 was reduced as compared to the control protein. PamGene® kinome profiling revealed multiple differentially phosphorylated kinase substrates, e.g. calmodulin, between the genotypes. Further in silico upstream kinase analysis predicted a large-scale impairment in activities of kinases participating, for example, in intracellular signal transduction, protein translation and cell cycle events. In conclusion, myotubes from p.P50T/AKT2 variant carriers show multiple signalling alterations which may contribute to predisposition to insulin resistance and T2D in the carriers of this signalling variant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Selina Mäkinen
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Tukholmankatu, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Neeta Datta
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Tukholmankatu, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Savithri Rangarajan
- Pam Gene International B.V., Wolvenhoek, BJ ´s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
| | - Yen H Nguyen
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Tukholmankatu, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vesa M Olkkonen
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Tukholmankatu, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Haartmaninkatu, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Aino Latva-Rasku
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu, Turku, Finland
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu, Turku, Finland
| | - Pirjo Nuutila
- Turku PET Centre, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu, Turku, Finland
- Turku PET Centre, Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu, Turku, Finland
| | - Markku Laakso
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Internal Medicine, University of Eastern Finland and Kuopio University Hospital, Puijonlaaksontie, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Heikki A Koistinen
- Minerva Foundation Institute for Medical Research, Tukholmankatu, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Medicine, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Haartmaninkatu, Helsinki, Finland
- Correspondence should be addressed to H A Koistinen:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Cao H, Liu Z, Wang R, Zhang X, Yi W, Nie G, Yu Y, Wang G, Zhu M. [Retracted] miR‑148a suppresses human renal cell carcinoma malignancy by targeting AKT2. Oncol Rep 2022; 49:17. [PMID: 36453255 PMCID: PMC9773008 DOI: 10.3892/or.2022.8454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Following the publication of the above paper, an interested reader drew to our attention that the western blot data shown in Fig. 7, the scratch‑wound assay data in Fig. 2D and the cell invasion assay data in Fig. 2E were strikingly similar to data that had already been published in different articles by different authors from different research institutions, or which were already under consideration for publication elsewhere. Independently of the reader's enquiry, the authors contacted the Editorial Office to request that the paper be retracted on account of the fact that they were unable to reproduce the results presented in Fig. 2. Owing to the fact that the contentious data in the above article were already under consideration for publication, or had already been published, elsewhere when it was submitted to Oncology Reports, and in line with the authors' own request, the Editor has decided that this paper should be retracted from the Journal. The Editor apologizes to the readership for any inconvenience caused. [Oncology Reports 37: 147‑154, 2017; DOI: 10.3892/or.2016.5257].
Collapse
|
13
|
Nwabueze OP, Sharma M, Balachandran A, Gaurav A, Abdul Rani AN, Małgorzata J, Beata MM, Lavilla CA, Billacura MP. Comparative Studies of Palmatine with Metformin and Glimepiride on the Modulation of Insulin Dependent Signaling Pathway In Vitro, In Vivo & Ex Vivo. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:1317. [PMID: 36355489 PMCID: PMC9695187 DOI: 10.3390/ph15111317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/30/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Insulin resistance, a symptom of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), is caused by the inactivation of the insulin signaling pathway, which includes IRS-PI3K-IRS-1-PKC-AKT2 and GLUT4. Metformin (biguanide) and glimepiride (sulfonylurea) are both drugs that are derivatives of urea, and they are widely used as first-line drugs for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Palmatine has been previously reported to possess antidiabetic and antioxidant properties. (2) The current study compared palmatine to metformin and glimepiride in a type 2 diabetes model for ADME and insulin resistance via the PI3K/Akt/GLUT4 signaling pathway: in vitro, in vivo, ex vivo, and in silico molecular docking. (3) Methods: Differentiated L6 skeletal muscle cells and soleus muscle tissue were incubated in standard tissue culture media supplemented with high insulin and high glucose as a cellular model of insulin resistance, whilst streptozotocin (STZ)-induced Sprague Dawley rats were used as the diabetic model. The cells/tissue/animals were treated with palmatine, while glimepiride and metformin were used as standard drugs. The differential gene expression of PI3K, IRS-1, PKC-α, AKT2, and GLUT4 was evaluated using qPCR. (4) Results: The results revealed that the genes IRS-PI3K-IRS-1-PKC-AKT2 were significantly down-regulated, whilst PKC-α was upregulated significantly in both insulin-resistant cells and tissue animals. Interestingly, palmatine-treated cells/tissue/animals were able to reverse these effects. (5) Conclusions: Palmatine appears to have rejuvenated the impaired insulin signaling pathway through upregulation of the gene expression of IRS-1, PI3K, AKT2, and GLUT4 and downregulation of PKC-expression, according to in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Okechukwu Patrick Nwabueze
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Mridula Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Abbirami Balachandran
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, UCSI University, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Anand Gaurav
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Anis Najwa Abdul Rani
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, UCSI University, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia
| | - Jeleń Małgorzata
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Organic Chemistry, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellonska Str. 4, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Morak-Młodawska Beata
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Organic Chemistry, Medical University of Silesia, Jagiellonska Str. 4, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Charlie A. Lavilla
- Chemistry Department, College of Science & Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City 9200, Philippines
| | - Merell P. Billacura
- Department of Chemistry, College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Mindanao State University-Main Campus, Marawi City 9700, Philippines
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu F, Gai X, Wu Y, Zhang B, Wu X, Cheng R, Tang B, Shang K, Zhao N, Deng W, Chen J, Zhang Z, Gu S, Zheng L, Zhang H. Oncogenic β-catenin stimulation of AKT2-CAD-mediated pyrimidine synthesis is targetable vulnerability in liver cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2202157119. [PMID: 36122209 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2202157119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
β-Catenin encoding gene CTNNB1 is known as the most frequently mutated proto-oncogene in liver cancer. We report that active β-catenin is essential in initiation and advancement of hepatocarcinogenesis. As a transcriptional activator of AKT2, β-catenin potentiates AKT2 phosphorylation of CAD, which in return stimulates de novo pyrimidine synthesis and liver cancer development. β-Catenin, AKT2, and pyrimidine synthesis inhibitors are promising therapeutics for the treatment of oncogenic β-catenin–associated cancer. CTNNB1, encoding β-catenin protein, is the most frequently altered proto-oncogene in hepatic neoplasms. In this study, we studied the significance and pathological mechanism of CTNNB1 gain-of-function mutations in hepatocarcinogenesis. Activated β-catenin not only triggered hepatic tumorigenesis but also exacerbated Tp53 deletion or hepatitis B virus infection–mediated liver cancer development in mouse models. Using untargeted metabolomic profiling, we identified boosted de novo pyrimidine synthesis as the major metabolic aberration in β-catenin mutant cell lines and livers. Oncogenic β-catenin transcriptionally stimulated AKT2, which then phosphorylated the rate-limiting de novo pyrimidine synthesis enzyme CAD (carbamoyl-phosphate synthetase 2, aspartate transcarbamoylase, dihydroorotase) on S1406 and S1859 to potentiate nucleotide synthesis. Moreover, inhibition of β-catenin/AKT2-stimulated pyrimidine synthesis axis preferentially repressed β-catenin mutant cell proliferation and tumor formation. Therefore, β-catenin active mutations are oncogenic in various preclinical liver cancer models. Stimulation of β-catenin/AKT2/CAD signaling cascade on pyrimidine synthesis is an essential and druggable vulnerability for β-catenin mutant liver cancer.
Collapse
|
15
|
Gong SX, Yang FS, Qiu DD. CircPTK2 accelerates tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer by upregulating AKT2 expression via miR-506-3p. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2022; 38:1060-1069. [PMID: 36156852 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With the rapid increase in its incidence in the last decade, colorectal cancer (CRC) is becoming one of the most life-threatening cancers. Circular RNA PTK2 (circPTK2) has multiple functions in oncogenesis, including in CRC. However, it remains elusive if circPTK2 also plays an important role in CRC malignancy. The levels of circPTK2, miR-506-3p, and AKT serine/threonine kinase 2 (AKT2) were measured by qPCR. The protein level of AKT2 was evaluated by western blotting assay. The proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cancer cells were evaluated by MTT, colony formation, wound-healing, and transwell assays. The interaction between circPTK2 and miR-506-3p and between miR-506-3p and AKT2 mRNA were verified by dual-luciferase reporter assay. The expressions of circPTK2 and AKT2 were elevated in CRC cells, with a concomitant reduction of miR-506-3p. The knockdown of circPTK2 suppressed the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CRC cells. CircPTK2 targeted miR-506-3p and negatively regulated its expression. Furthermore, miR-506-3p overexpression suppressed the CRC progression by downregulating the AKT2 expression. AKT2 overexpression or miR-506-3p inhibition restored the suppression of growth and invasiveness of CRC cancer cells caused by circPTK2 silencing. The circPTK2/miR-506-3p/AKT2 axis plays a novel and essential role in promoting CRC progression, providing potential targets for CRC therapeutic modality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang-Xi Gong
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, China
| | - Feng-Shuai Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, China
| | - Dong-Da Qiu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Hospital of Changsha, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang R, Dong Q, Zhao P, Eickelkamp A, Ma C, He G, Li F, Wallrad L, Becker T, Li Z, Kudla J, Tian X. The potassium channel Gh AKT2bD is regulated by CBL-CIPK calcium signaling complexes and facilitates K + allocation in cotton. FEBS Lett 2022; 596:1904-1920. [PMID: 35561107 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Efficient allocation of the essential nutrient potassium (K+ ) is a central determinant of plant ion homeostasis and involves AKT2 K+ channels. Here, we characterize four AKT2 K+ channels from cotton and report that xylem and phloem expressed GhAKT2bD facilitates K+ allocation and that AKT2-silencing impairs plant growth and development. We uncover kinase activity-dependent activation of GhAKT2bD-mediated K+ uptake by AtCBL4-GhCIPK1 calcium signaling complexes in HEK293T cells. Moreover, AtCBL4-AtCIPK6 complexes known to convey activation of AtAKT2 in Arabidopsis also activate cotton GhAKT2bD in HEK293T cells. Collectively, these findings reveal an essential role for AKT2 in the source-sink allocation of K+ in cotton and identify GhAKT2bD as subject to complex regulation by CBL-CIPK Ca2+ sensor-kinase complexes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.,Institut für Biologie und Biotechnologie der Pflanzen, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Qiuyan Dong
- Institut für Biologie und Biotechnologie der Pflanzen, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Panpan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Anna Eickelkamp
- Institut für Biologie und Biotechnologie der Pflanzen, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Chunmin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Gefeng He
- Institut für Biologie und Biotechnologie der Pflanzen, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Fangjun Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Lukas Wallrad
- Institut für Biologie und Biotechnologie der Pflanzen, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Tobias Becker
- Institut für Biologie und Biotechnologie der Pflanzen, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Zhaohu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Jörg Kudla
- Institut für Biologie und Biotechnologie der Pflanzen, Westfälische Wilhelms-Universität, Münster, Germany
| | - Xiaoli Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, College of Agronomy and Biotechnology, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Zheng X, Xiao J, Jiang Q, Zheng L, Liu C, Dong C, Zheng Y, Ni P, Zhang C, Zhang F, Zhong R, Ding H, Wang Q, Qiu Y, Gao M, Ding J, Shen N, Wei B, Wang H. AKT2 reduces IFNβ1 production to modulate antiviral responses and systemic lupus erythematosus. EMBO J 2022; 41:e108016. [PMID: 35191555 PMCID: PMC8922272 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2021108016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3)-induced type I interferon (I-IFN) production plays key roles in both antiviral and autoimmune responses. IRF3 phosphorylation, dimerization, and nuclear localization are needed for its activation and function, but the precise regulatory mechanisms remain to be explored. Here, we show that the serine/threonine kinase AKT2 interacts with IRF3 and phosphorylates it on Thr207, thereby attenuating IRF3 nuclear translocation in a 14-3-3ε-dependent manner and reducing I-IFN production. We further find that AKT2 expression is downregulated in viral-infected macrophages or in monocytes and tissue samples from systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients and mouse models. Akt2-deficient mice exhibit increased I-IFN induction and reduced mortality in response to viral infection, but aggravated severity of SLE. Overexpression of AKT2 kinase-inactive or IRF3-T207A mutants in zebrafish supports that AKT2 negatively regulates I-IFN production and antiviral response in a kinase-dependent manner. This negative role of AKT2 in IRF3-induced I-IFN production suggests that AKT2 may be therapeutically targeted to differentially regulate antiviral infection and SLE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Xiao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Jiang
- School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lingming Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Liu
- Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxiao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Peili Ni
- CAS Key Laboratory of Nutrition, Metabolism and Food Safety, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ruiyue Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Huihua Ding
- Shanghai Institute of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
| | - Qiong Wang
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Minxia Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianping Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Nan Shen
- Shanghai Institute of Rheumatology, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (SJTUSM), Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Wei
- Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell Biology, Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China.,School of Life Science, Hangzhou Institute for Advanced Study, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Azzalini E, Tierno D, Bartoletti M, Barbazza R, Giorda G, Puglisi F, Cecere SC, Losito NS, Russo D, Stanta G, Canzonieri V, Bonin S. AKT Isoforms Interplay in High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Prognosis and Characterization. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14020304. [PMID: 35053468 PMCID: PMC8773580 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14020304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary New therapeutical strategies are needed to improve survival in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) patients. AKT inhibitors are promising agents able to act in synergy with PARP inhibitors and platinum-based therapies, but the subset of patients who could benefit from this approach is still unclear. We analyzed AKT isoforms expression in a retrospective cohort and we identified four AKT expression groups related to patients’ survival, tumor morphology and the BRCA status that could help in stratifying patients for future clinical trials. Abstract High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is among the deadliest gynecological malignancies. The acquired resistance to platinum-based therapies and the intrinsic heterogeneity of the disease contribute to the low survival rate. To improve patients’ outcomes, new combinatorial approaches able to target different tumor vulnerabilities and enhance the efficacy of the current therapies are required. AKT inhibitors are promising antineoplastic agents able to act in synergy with PARP inhibitors, but the spectrum of patients who can benefit from this combination is unclear, since the role of the three different isoforms of AKT is still unknown. Here, we study the expression of AKT isoforms on a retrospective cohort of archive tissue by RT-droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) analyzing their association with the clinicopathological features of patients. Based on AKT1/AKT2 and AKT1/AKT3 ratios, we define four AKT classes which were related to patients’ survival, tumor morphology and BRCA1 expression. Moreover, our results show that high AKT3 expression levels were frequently associated with tumors having classic features, a low number of mitoses and the presence of psammoma bodies. Overall, our study obtains new insights on AKT isoforms and their associations with the clinicopathological features of HGSOC patients. These evidences could help to better define the subsets of patients who can benefit from AKT and PARP inhibitors therapy in future clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eros Azzalini
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34147 Trieste, Italy; (E.A.); (D.T.); (R.B.); (G.S.)
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS CRO Aviano-National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Domenico Tierno
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34147 Trieste, Italy; (E.A.); (D.T.); (R.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Michele Bartoletti
- Unit of Medical Oncology and Cancer Prevention, Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS CRO Aviano-National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (M.B.); (F.P.)
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Renzo Barbazza
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34147 Trieste, Italy; (E.A.); (D.T.); (R.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Giorgio Giorda
- Unit of Gynecologic Oncology Surgery, IRCCS CRO Aviano, National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano, Italy;
| | - Fabio Puglisi
- Unit of Medical Oncology and Cancer Prevention, Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS CRO Aviano-National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano, Italy; (M.B.); (F.P.)
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Sabrina Chiara Cecere
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS—Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (S.C.C.); (N.S.L.); (D.R.)
| | - Nunzia Simona Losito
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS—Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (S.C.C.); (N.S.L.); (D.R.)
| | - Daniela Russo
- Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS—Fondazione G. Pascale, 80131 Napoli, Italy; (S.C.C.); (N.S.L.); (D.R.)
| | - Giorgio Stanta
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34147 Trieste, Italy; (E.A.); (D.T.); (R.B.); (G.S.)
| | - Vincenzo Canzonieri
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34147 Trieste, Italy; (E.A.); (D.T.); (R.B.); (G.S.)
- Pathology Unit, IRCCS CRO Aviano-National Cancer Institute, 33081 Aviano, Italy
- Correspondence: (V.C.); (S.B.); Tel.: +39−0434−659−618 (V.C.); +39−040−399−3266 (S.B.)
| | - Serena Bonin
- Department of Medical Sciences (DSM), University of Trieste, 34147 Trieste, Italy; (E.A.); (D.T.); (R.B.); (G.S.)
- Correspondence: (V.C.); (S.B.); Tel.: +39−0434−659−618 (V.C.); +39−040−399−3266 (S.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ahmad Z, Somanath PR. AKT Isoforms in the Immune Response in Cancer. Curr Top Microbiol Immunol 2022; 436:349-366. [PMID: 36243852 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-06566-8_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
AKT is a protein kinase that exists in three isoforms: AKT1, AKT2, and AKT3. Though similar in structure, these isoforms display different effects. AKT is activated downstream of PI3K, and together, this signaling pathway helps regulate cellular processes including cell growth, proliferation, metabolism, survival, and apoptosis. Disruption in these pathways has been associated with disorders including cardiovascular diseases, developmental disorders, inflammatory responses, autoimmune diseases, neurologic disorders, type 2 diabetes, and several cancers. In cancer, deregulation in the PI3K/AKT pathway can be manifested as tumorigenesis, pathological angiogenesis, and metastasis. Increased activity has been correlated with tumor progression and resistance to cancer treatments. Recent studies have suggested that inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway plays a significant role in the development, expansion, and proliferation of cells of the immune system. Additionally, AKT has been found to play an important role in differentiating regulatory T cells, activating B cells, and augmenting tumor immunosurveillance. This emphasizes AKT as a potential target for inhibition in cancer therapy. This chapter reviews AKT structure and regulation, its different isoforms, its role in immune cells, and its modulation in oncotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zayd Ahmad
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia and Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
- Georgia Cancer Center, Vascular Biology Center and Department of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Yin J, Tong F, Ye Y, Hu T, Xu L, Zhang L, Zhu J, Pang Z. Hsa_circRNA_103124 Upregulation in Crohn's Disease Promotes Cell Proliferation and Inhibits Autophagy by Regulating the Hsa-miR-650/ AKT2 Signaling Pathway. Front Genet 2021; 12:753161. [PMID: 34804121 PMCID: PMC8602894 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2021.753161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) play important roles in the pathogenesis of Crohn's disease (CD). We discovered that hsa_circRNA_103124 was upregulated in CD patients in our previous study. Nonetheless, the function of hsa_circRNA_103124 is unclear. In this study, hsa_circRNA_103124 was predicted to interact with hsa-miR-650. Gene Ontology (GO) and pathway analyses identified AKT serine/threonine kinase 2 (AKT2) as the downstream target protein of hsa-miR-650. Activated AKT2 inhibits autophagy, but promotes cell proliferation. Recent studies suggest that the inhibition of autophagy is one of the mechanisms of CD pathogenesis. Therefore, we inferred that hsa_circRNA_103124 might regulate autophagy and proliferation by targeting AKT2 as a sponge for hsa-miR-650. Here, quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-QPCR) results revealed that upregulated hsa_circRNA_103124 expression in patients with CD was negatively correlated with hsa-miR-650 expression but positively correlated with the white blood cell count and calprotectin levels. TSC complex subunit 1 (TSC1), one of the proteins upstream of autophagy was downregulated in patients with CD. Consisting with the bioinformatics prediction, it was verified that hsa_circRNA_103124 targeted to hsa-miR650 by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and luciferase reporter assays. A hsa-miR-650 inhibitor reversed the promotion of rapamycin-induced autophagy and the inhibition of cell proliferation by the hsa_circRNA_103124 siRNA. However, hsa-miR-650 mimics reversed the inhibition of rapamycin-induced autophagy and the promotion of cell proliferation through hsa_circRNA_103124 overexpression. These results indicate that hsa_circRNA_103124 upregulation in patients with CD promotes cell proliferation and inhibits autophagy by regulating the hsa-miR-650/AKT2 signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Yin
- Department of Digestive Disease and Nutrition Research Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fuyi Tong
- The Fifth People's Hospital of Suzhou, The Affiliated Infectious Diseases Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yulan Ye
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Tong Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lijuan Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Liping Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jianyun Zhu
- Department of Digestive Disease and Nutrition Research Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhi Pang
- Department of Digestive Disease and Nutrition Research Center, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Dushar M, Nowaczyk J, Pyrżak B, Akopyan H, Śmigiel R, Walczak A, Rydzanicz M, Płoski R, Szczałuba K. Efficacy and safety of sirolimus therapy in familial hypoinsulinemic hypoglycemia caused by AKT2 mutation inherited from the mosaic father. Eur J Med Genet 2021; 64:104368. [PMID: 34673243 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmg.2021.104368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Activating mutation in the insulin signal-transducing kinase AKT2 results in severe hypoinsulinemic hypoketotic hypoglycemia and a characteristic phenotype of possible overgrowth and, sometimes, acanthosis nigricans. Herein, we describe a metabolic and hormonal profile before and during treatment with sirolimus in two brothers with AKT2 mutation inherited from the mosaic father, who showed low-level mosaicism in sperm. The boys, aged 1 and 14, who had severe non-insulin-dependent hypoketotic hypoglycemia and a typical dysmorphism, were admitted to endocrinology department for the analysis of their metabolic parameters: lipids, lactate, ammonia, glucose, insulin, c-peptide, and hormones (GH, IGF1, IGFBP3, TSH, fT4, cortisol, ACTH) before and during treatment with sirolimus. Previously, they had been treated with high-carbohydrate diet. The brothers were started on sirolimus with subsequent normalization of glycemia and reduced carbohydrate feedings overnight. The lowest fasting glucose levels improved from 20 mg/dl to 45 mg/dl in both sibs. The BMI of both brothers significantly dropped. After 6 months of sirolimus therapy we did not observe any laboratory or clinical side effects of the treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marya Dushar
- SI Institute of Hereditary Pathology NAMS of Ukraine, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Jędrzej Nowaczyk
- Department of Paediatrics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata Pyrżak
- Department of Paediatrics and Endocrinology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Hayane Akopyan
- SI Institute of Hereditary Pathology NAMS of Ukraine, Lviv, Ukraine
| | - Robert Śmigiel
- Department of Paediatrics, Division of Propaedeutic of Paediatrics and Rare Disorders, Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Anna Walczak
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Rafał Płoski
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Szczałuba
- Department of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Frye RE, Rose S, McCullough S, Bennuri SC, Porter-Gill PA, Dweep H, Gill PS. MicroRNA Expression Profiles in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Role for miR-181 in Immunomodulation. J Pers Med 2021; 11:922. [PMID: 34575699 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11090922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of molecular pathways in psychiatric disease. Here, we examine differential miRNAs expression in lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) derived from 10 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and compare them to seven typically developing unrelated age- and gender-matched controls and 10 typically developing siblings. Small RNAseq analysis identified miRNAs, and selected miRNAs were validated using quantitative real-time polymerase reaction (qRT-PCR). KEGG analysis identified target pathways, and selected predicted mRNAs were validated using qRT-PCR. RESULTS Small RNAseq analysis identified that multiple miRNAs differentiated ASD from unrelated controls and ASD from typically developing siblings, with only one, hsa-miR-451a_R-1, being in common. Verification with qRT-PCR showed that miR-320a differentiated ASD from both sibling and unrelated controls and that several members of the miR-181 family differentiated ASD from unrelated controls. Differential expression of AKT2, AKT3, TNF α and CamKinase II predicted by KEGG analysis was verified by qRT-PCR. Expression of CamKinase II βwas found to be correlated with the severity of stereotyped behavior of the ASD participants. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insight into the mechanisms regulating molecular pathways in individuals with ASD and identifies differentiated regulated genes involved in both the central nervous system and the immune system.
Collapse
|
23
|
Miao L, Wang B, Zhang J, Yin L, Pu Y. A functional SNP in miR-625-5p binding site of AKT2 3'UTR is associated with noise-induced hearing loss susceptibility in the Chinese population. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2021; 28:40782-40792. [PMID: 33768461 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13649-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The purposes of the current study were to investigate the association of a few of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the AKT2 gene and noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) susceptibility and explore the potential mechanism underlying NIHL. Three SNPs (rs2304186, rs41275750, and rs76524493) were genotyped in a Chinese population which consists of 690 NIHL patients and 650 normal hearing controls. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted to predict the potential miRNA-binding site of SNPs. Plasmid construction, cell transfection, and dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to investigate the potential molecular mechanism of SNPs involving in NIHL. The results revealed that rs2304186 GT genotype (OR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.09-1.83) and TT genotype (OR = 1.51; 95% CI = 1.08-2.10) imparted increased risk of NIHL, and the increased risk could also be found in a dominant model (OR = 1.44; 95% CI = 1.12-1.84). The stratification analysis showed that rs2304186 GT/TT conferred a higher risk for NIHL, especially in subgroups of male, age (35-45 and > 45 years), noise exposure time (> 16 years), and noise exposure level (≤ 85 and ≥ 92 dB), when GG genotype as a reference. Furthermore, the haplotype TCCTACT (rs2304186-rs41275750-rs76524493) was found to be significantly associated with a high risk of NIHL (OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.02-1.40). Functional experiments showed that rs2304186 G allele combined with hsa-miR-625-5p mimics could significantly decrease the luciferase activity compared with T allele, indicating that rs2304186 altered the binding affinity of hsa-miR-625-5p to SNP rs2304186 mutation region, thus directly targeting AKT2 gene. In conclusion, our study provides evidence for the first time that SNP rs2304186 of AKT2 3'UTR might affect NIHL susceptibility by altering the binding affinity of has-miR-625-5p to mutation region in an allele-specific manner and it may act as a potential biomarker of NIHL susceptibility.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Long Miao
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Boshen Wang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Lihong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuepu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210009, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Świderska E, Strycharz J, Wróblewski A, Czarny P, Szemraj J, Drzewoski J, Śliwińska A. Chronic and Intermittent Hyperglycemia Modulates Expression of Key Molecules of PI3K/AKT Pathway in Differentiating Human Visceral Adipocytes. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147712. [PMID: 34299331 PMCID: PMC8304829 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Due to its prominence in the regulation of metabolism and inflammation, adipose tissue is a major target to investigate alterations in insulin action. This hormone activates PI3K/AKT pathway which is essential for glucose homeostasis, cell differentiation, and proliferation in insulin-sensitive tissues, like adipose tissue. The aim of this work was to evaluate the impact of chronic and intermittent high glucose on the expression of biomolecules of insulin signaling pathway during the differentiation and maturation of human visceral preadipocytes. Methods: Human visceral preadipocytes (HPA-V) cells were treated with high glucose (30 mM)during the proliferation and/or differentiation and/or maturation stage. The level of mRNA (by Real-Time PCR) and protein (by Elisa tests) expression of IRS1, PI3K, PTEN, AKT2, and GLUT4 was examined after each culture stage. Furthermore, we investigated whether miR-29a-3p, miR-143-3p, miR-152-3p, miR-186-5p, miR-370-3p, and miR-374b-5p may affect the expression of biomolecules of the insulin signaling pathway. Results: Both chronic and intermittent hyperglycemia affects insulin signaling in visceral pre/adipocytes by upregulation of analyzed PI3K/AKT pathway molecules. Both mRNA and protein expression level is more dependent on stage-specific events than the length of the period of high glucose exposure. What is more, miRs expression changes seem to be involved in PI3K/AKT expression regulation in response to hyperglycemic stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Świderska
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.S.); (A.W.); (P.C.); (J.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-693-843-960
| | - Justyna Strycharz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.S.); (A.W.); (P.C.); (J.S.)
| | - Adam Wróblewski
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.S.); (A.W.); (P.C.); (J.S.)
| | - Piotr Czarny
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.S.); (A.W.); (P.C.); (J.S.)
| | - Janusz Szemraj
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland; (J.S.); (A.W.); (P.C.); (J.S.)
| | - Józef Drzewoski
- Central Hospital of Medical University, 92-213 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka Śliwińska
- Department of Nucleic Acids Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Li J, Mo S, Sun Y, Huang H, Wang S. Association between AKT2 gene polymorphism and polycystic ovary syndrome: a case-control study. Gynecol Endocrinol 2021; 37:635-639. [PMID: 34044676 DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2021.1932800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was conducted to understand the association between the AKT2 (AKT serine/threonine kinase 2) gene polymorphism (rs2304186) and PCOS. METHODS In total, 1287 participants were included. Six genotype models (Dominant model: TT + TG vs. GG; Recessive model: TT vs. TG + GG; Over-dominant model: TT + GG vs. TG; Co-dominant model: TT vs. TG; Co-dominant TT vs. GG; Allele analysis: T vs. G) were applied in the analysis. According to the races and obesity, subgroup analyses were also performed. RESULTS No significant association between rs2304186 and PCOS was identified in the whole sample or the Han groups, even after multi-adjustments. Only in the Zhuang groups was it suggested that rs2304186 might promote the risk of PCOS to some extent (Unadjusted: Over-dominant TT + GG vs. TG, OR = 1.522, 95%CI = 1.076-2.152, p = .018; Age-adjusted: Over-dominant TT + GG vs. TG, OR = 1.543, 95%CI = 1.069-2.228, p = .021; Multi-adjusted: OR = 1.497, 95%CI = 1.024-2.188, p = .037). The risk effect was also detected in the non-obesity group (BMI <24.0 kg/m2) for the Co-dominant model (TT vs. TG: OR = 1.355, 95%CI = 1.001-1.835, p = .050). CONCLUSIONS In summary, we first discovered that rs2304186 might significantly elevate the PCOS risk, especially in the Chinese Zhuang population and the non-obesity group. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Li
- The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Sien Mo
- The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Sun
- The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Hua Huang
- The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| | - Shujia Wang
- The Reproductive Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Rustamadji P, Wiyarta E, Bethania KA, Kusmardi K. Potential of AKT2 expression as a predictor of lymph-node metastasis in invasive breast carcinoma of no special type. J Pathol Transl Med 2021; 55:271-278. [PMID: 34111909 PMCID: PMC8353139 DOI: 10.4132/jptm.2021.04.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (IBC-NST) is the most common type of breast cancer and mainly causes regional lymph-node metastasis (LNM). We investigated the potential for AKT2 expression as a predictive biomarker for LNM in IBC-NST. Methods Forty-eight paraffin blocks containing IBC-NST primary tumors were divided into two groups based on presence or absence of LNM. Age, tumor grade, tumor size, lymphovascular invasion (LVI), and AKT expression were assessed. AKT2 expression was assessed based on immunohistochemical staining, while other data were collected from archives. Results Multiple logistic regression results showed that AKT2 expression and LVI were significantly associated with LNM (odds ratio [OR], 5.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.42 to 19.93 and OR, 4.46; 95% CI, 1.17 to 16.97, respectively). AKT2 expression was able to discriminate against LNM (area under the receiver operating characteristic, 0.799 ± 0.063; 95% CI, 0.676 to 0.921) at an H-score cutoff of 104.62 (83.3% sensitivity, 62.5% specificity). Conclusions AKT2 expression has potential as a predictor of LNM in IBC-NST. The H-score cutoff for AKT2 expression can be used as a classification guide in future studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Primariadewi Rustamadji
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Elvan Wiyarta
- Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Kristina Anna Bethania
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Kusmardi Kusmardi
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Drug Development Research Cluster, Human Cancer Research Center, IMERI, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia, Jakarta, Indonesia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Tan C, Liu W, Zheng ZH, Wan XG. LncRNA HOTTIP inhibits cell pyroptosis by targeting miR-148a-3p/ AKT2 axis in ovarian cancer. Cell Biol Int 2021; 45:1487-1497. [PMID: 33710684 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNA HOTTIP is a crucial regulator in multiple types of cancer, including ovarian cancer (OC). However, the biological roles and underlying mechanisms of HOTTIP in OC have rarely been studied. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the functional correlation between HOTTIP and pyroptosis in OC progression. The expression of HOTTIP in OC tissues and cell lines was characterized by quantitative real-time PCR. Cell proliferation was evaluated using Cell Counting Kit-8 and clone formation assays. Western blot was performed to quantify protein levels. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to analyze the molecular interaction among HOTTIP, miR-148a-3p, and AKT2. The expression of HOTTIP was significantly upregulated in OC tissue samples and cell lines. The silencing of HOTTIP led to the inhibition of cell proliferation and NLRP1 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis. In addition, HOTTIP increased AKT2 expression by negatively regulating miR-148a-3p and then inhibited ASK1/JNK signaling. Further rescue experiments revealed that downregulation of miR-148a-3p and overexpression of AKT2 obviously diminished the effects of HOTTIP downregulation in OC cells. Thus, our study elucidated a novel pyroptosis-related mechanism by which HOTTIP participated in OC progression, which might provide a theoretical reference for clinical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cai Tan
- Department of Health, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, PR China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Reproductive Health, Jiangxi Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, PR China
| | - Zhi-Hua Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, PR China
| | - Xiao-Gang Wan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Zhu Y, Ma X, Zhang H, Wu Y, Kang M, Fang Y, Xue Y. Mechanism of circADD2 as ceRNA in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:639910. [PMID: 34055775 PMCID: PMC8155473 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.639910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignant tumor in children. Increasing evidence suggests that circular RNAs (circRNAs) play critical regulatory roles in tumor biology. However, the expression patterns and roles of circRNAs in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) remain largely unknown. Methods: circADD2 was selected by microarray assay and confirmed by qRT-PCR; in vitro effects of circADD2 were determined by CCK-8 and flow cytometry; while mice subcutaneous tumor model was designed for in vivo analysis. RNA immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase assay were applied for mechanistic study. Protein levels were examined by Western blot assay. Results: circADD2 was down-regulated in ALL tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of circADD2 inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. Briefly, circADD2 could directly sponge miR-149-5p, and the level of AKT2, a target gene of miR-149-5p, was downregulated by circADD2. Conclusion: circADD2, as a tumor suppressor in ALL, can sponge miR-149-5p, and may serve as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis or treatment of ALL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Zhu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaopeng Ma
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yijun Wu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meiyun Kang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yongjun Fang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yao Xue
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Chen M, Ji C, Yang Q, Gao S, Peng Y, Li Z, Gao X, Li Y, Jiang N, Zhang Y, Bian X, Chen C, Zhang K, Sanchis D, Yan F, Ye J. AKT2 regulates development and metabolic homeostasis via AMPK-depedent pathway in skeletal muscle. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:2381-98. [PMID: 32880392 DOI: 10.1042/CS20191320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Skeletal muscle is responsible for the majority of glucose disposal in the body. Insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle accounts for 85-90% of the impairment of total glucose disposal in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, the mechanism remains controversial. The present study aims to investigate whether AKT2 deficiency causes deficits in skeletal muscle development and metabolism, we analyzed the expression of molecules related to skeletal muscle development, glucose uptake and metabolism in mice of 3- and 8-months old. We found that AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) A (MEF2A) expression were down-regulated in AKT2 knockout (KO) mice, which can be inverted by AMPK activation. We also observed reduced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) abundance and reduced expression of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis in the skeletal muscle of AKT2 KO mice, which was prevented by AMPK activation. Moreover, AKT2 KO mice exhibited impaired AMPK signaling in response to insulin stimulation compared with WT mice. Our study establishes a new and important function of AKT2 in regulating skeletal muscle development and glucose metabolism via AMPK-dependent signaling.
Collapse
|
30
|
Wang S, Zheng B, Zhao H, Li Y, Zhang X, Wen J. Downregulation of lncRNA MIR181A2HG by high glucose impairs vascular endothelial cell proliferation and migration through the dysregulation of the miRNAs/ AKT2 axis. Int J Mol Med 2021; 47:35. [PMID: 33537821 PMCID: PMC7891834 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2021.4868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Endothelial dysfunction and diabetic vascular disease induced by chronic hyperglycemia involve complex interactions among high glucose, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs) and the Ser/Thr kinase AKT. However, the molecular mechanisms under-lying the regulatory crosstalk between these have not yet been completely elucidated. Thus, the present study aimed to explore the molecular mechanisms whereby high glucose (HG)-induced lncRNA MIR181A2HG modulates human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) proliferation and migration by regulating AKT2 expression. The persistent exposure of HUVECs to HG resulted in MIR181A2HG down-regulation and thus reduced its ability to sponge miR-6832-5p, miR-6842-5p and miR-8056, subsequently leading to an increase in miR-6832-5p, miR-6842-5p and miR-8056 levels. Mechanistically, miR-6832-5p, miR-6842-5p and miR-8056 were found to target the 3′UTR of AKT2 mRNA in HUVECs, and the increase in their levels led to a decreased expression of AKT2. Thus, this also led to the suppression of HUVEC proliferation and migration, and the formation of capillary-like structures. Moreover, the suppression of HUVEC proliferation and migration induced by MIR181A2HG downregulation was accompanied by changes in glucose metabolism. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that the downregulation of lncRNA MIR181A2HG by HG impairs HUVEC proliferation and migration by dysregulating the miRNA/AKT2 axis. The MIR181A2HG/miRNA/AKT2 regulatory axis may thus be a potential therapeutic target for HG-induced endothelial dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaohua Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education of China, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, P.R. China
| | - Bin Zheng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education of China, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, P.R. China
| | - Hongye Zhao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education of China, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, P.R. China
| | - Yongjun Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratorial Examination, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050000, P.R. Chin
| | - Xinhua Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education of China, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, P.R. China
| | - Jinkun Wen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Key Laboratory of Neural and Vascular Biology, Ministry of Education of China, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050017, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Shen Q, Zhu H, Lei Q, Chen L, Yang D, Sui W. MicroRNA‑149‑3p inhibits cell proliferation by targeting AKT2 in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:172. [PMID: 33398370 PMCID: PMC7821286 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRs) exhibit oncogenic or tumor suppressive functions that contribute to the initiation and development of various types of human cancer. miR-149-3p has been reported to serve multiple roles in the regulation of proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis. However, the effects and detailed mechanism of miR-149-3p in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remain unclear. In the present study, miR-149-3p mimic, mimic control, miR-149-3p inhibitor and inhibitor control were transiently transfected into Cal27 and SCC-9 cells. The viability, proliferation and apoptosis of OSCC cells were determined using Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation and Annexin V assays, respectively. The mRNA expression levels of miR-149-3p and AKT2 were determined by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. The protein expression levels of AKT2, cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved PARP were examined by western blot analysis. The binding of miR-149-3p to the AKT2 3′-untranslated region was evaluated by a dual luciferase reporter assay. In the present study, overexpression of miR-149-3p reduced the viability and proliferation of OSCC cells. By contrast, increased cell viability and proliferation was observed in miR-149-3p-deficient OSCC cells. Dual luciferase reporter assay indicated that miR-149-3p significantly decreased the luciferase activity of the wild-type AKT2 3′-untranslated region. Moreover, overexpression of miR-149-3p downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of AKT2, suggesting that miR-149-3p was a negative modulator of AKT2. Restoration of AKT2 efficiently reversed the miR-149-3p-mediated reduction in the proliferative capacity of OSCC cells. In addition, miR-149-3p enhanced the sensitivity of OSCC cells to the chemotherapeutic drug 5-fluorouracil. Taken together, the current findings revealed an inhibitory effect of miR-149-3p on the proliferation of OSCC cells through the post-transcriptional suppression of AKT2, and indicated a potential chemosensitizing function of miR-149-3p for the treatment of patients with OSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Shen
- Department of Stomatology Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518100, P.R. China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Stomatology Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518100, P.R. China
| | - Qiaoling Lei
- Department of Stomatology Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518100, P.R. China
| | - Luyuan Chen
- Department of Stomatology Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518100, P.R. China
| | - Dajiang Yang
- Department of Stomatology Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518100, P.R. China
| | - Wen Sui
- Department of Stomatology Center, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518100, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cai L, Xue Y, Ding J, Zheng B. Long Non-Coding RNA AC118344.1 Promotes Gastric Cancer Cell Proliferation, Invasion, and Metastasis via AKT2 and Its Downstream Molecules HK2 and MMP2. Cancer Manag Res 2020; 12:12613-12621. [PMID: 33324106 PMCID: PMC7733388 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s281608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly occurring cancer with poor prognosis. Reports indicate that long non-coding RNA (LncRNA) potentially regulates tumor progression. Herein, we aim to explore the effect of LncRNA AC118344.1 on the progression of gastric cancer. Methods Overexpression and knockout experiments were used to clarify the potential molecular signaling mechanisms induced by AC118344.1. CCK-8, transwell and in vivo metastasis assay were used to detect the function of AC118344.1 in AGS and SGC-7901 cells. Additionally, shRNA silencing techniques, qRT-PCR and Western blot assay were used to explore the relationship between AC118344.1, AKT2, and its downstream molecules. Results Upregulating the expression of AC118344.1 induces cell proliferation, invasion in vitro, and lung metastasis in vivo whereas downregulating the expression of AC118344.1 inhibits these effects. Besides, silencing the expression of AC118344.1 downregulated the expression of AKT2 in both the two cells. On the other hand, silencing the expression of AKT2 by shRNA was unable to downregulate the expression of AC118344.1 in both the gastric cancer cells. Also, AC118344.1 regulated AKT2 via its downstream molecules including HK2 and MMP2. Conclusion AC118344.1 promotes gastric cancer cell proliferation and invasion and lung metastasis in nude mice by upregulating the expression of AKT2 and its downstream molecules (HK2 and MMP2). Therefore, our findings provide a novel mechanism of the AC118344.1-AKT2-HK2/MMP2 axis in regulating the development of gastric cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lixia Cai
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangji Xue
- Huanglong Science and Education Center, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianzu Ding
- Huanglong Science and Education Center, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zheng
- Huanglong Science and Education Center, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Merckaert T, Zwaenepoel O, Gevaert K, Gettemans J. An AKT2-specific nanobody that targets the hydrophobic motif induces cell cycle arrest, autophagy and loss of focal adhesions in MDA-MB-231 cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 133:111055. [PMID: 33378961 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The AKT kinase family is a high-profile target for cancer therapy. Despite their high degree of homology the three AKT isoforms (AKT1, AKT2 and AKT3) are non-redundant and can even have opposing functions. Small-molecule AKT inhibitors affect all three isoforms which severely limits their usefulness as research tool or therapeutic. Using AKT2-specific nanobodies we examined the function of endogenous AKT2 in breast cancer cells. Two AKT2 nanobodies (Nb8 and Nb9) modulate AKT2 and reduce MDA-MB-231 cell viability/proliferation. Nb8 binds the AKT2 hydrophobic motif and reduces IGF-1-induced phosphorylation of this site. This nanobody also affects the phosphorylation and/or expression levels of a wide range of proteins downstream of AKT, resulting in a G0/G1 cell cycle arrest, the induction of autophagy, a reduction in focal adhesion count and loss of stress fibers. While cell cycle progression is likely to be regulated by more than one isoform, our results indicate that both the effects on autophagy and the cytoskeleton are specific to AKT2. By using an isoform-specific nanobody we were able to map a part of the AKT2 pathway. Our results confirm AKT2 and the hydrophobic motif as targets for cancer therapy. Nb8 can be used as a research tool to study AKT2 signalling events and aid in the design of an AKT2-specific inhibitor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tijs Merckaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Olivier Zwaenepoel
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Kris Gevaert
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; VIB-UGent Center for Medical Biotechnology, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Jan Gettemans
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Tech Lane Ghent Science Park 75, 9052 Ghent, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Şıklar Z, Çetin T, Çakar N, Berberoğlu M. The Effectiveness of Sirolimus Treatment in Two Rare Disorders with Nonketotic Hypoinsulinemic Hypoglycemia: The Role of mTOR Pathway. J Clin Res Pediatr Endocrinol 2020; 12:439-443. [PMID: 32157856 PMCID: PMC7711646 DOI: 10.4274/jcrpe.galenos.2020.2019.0084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonketotic-hypoinsulinemic hypoglycemia (NkHH) is a very rare problem charcterized by increase in glucose consumption without hyperinsulinism. This disorder has mainly been reported in cases with AKT2 mutation and rarely in cases with PTEN mutation. In cases with PTEN or AKT2 mutation, there is no effective therapy other than frequent feeding to counter hypoglycemia. The mammalian target of rapamicin (mTOR) inhibitor, sirolimus, has been used in hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia that was unresponsive to other medical treatment. In the insulin signaling pathway, both AKT2 and PTEN function upstream of mTOR. However, the role of Sirolimus on hypoglycemia in AKT2 and PTEN mutations is unknown. Case 1: Six month-old female with AKT2 mutation [c.49G>A (p.E17K)] and evidence of NkHH. Frequent feeding was unsuccesful in correcting hypoglycemia and her proptosis continued to worsen. Sirolimus treatment was started at three years of age. Subsequently, blood glucose (BG) levels increased to normal levels. Case 2: In a male with PTEN mutation (p.G132V (c.395G>T), persistent NkHH started at 16 years of age (fasting BG: 27 mg/dL, fasting insulin 1.5 mmol/L, while ketone negative). Sirolimus treatment was started and hypoglycemia was succesfully controlled. NkHH is a very rare and serious disorder which is challenging, both for diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, AKT2 and PTEN mutations may result in NkHH. Sirolimus treatment, through mTOR inhibition, appeared to be effectively controlling the peristent hypoglycemia and may be a life-saving therapy in this NkHH due to AKT2 and PTEN mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeynep Şıklar
- Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey,* Address for Correspondence: Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey Phone: +90 505 342 21 69 E-mail:
| | - Tugba Çetin
- Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nilgün Çakar
- Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Reumatology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Merih Berberoğlu
- Ankara University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Ankara, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
He L, Li Y, Zeng N, Stiles BL. Regulation of basal expression of hepatic PEPCK and G6Pase by AKT2. Biochem J 2020; 477:1021-31. [PMID: 32096546 DOI: 10.1042/BCJ20190570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic glucose metabolism signaling downstream of insulin can diverge to multiple pathways including AKT. Genetic studies suggest that AKT is necessary for insulin to suppress gluconeogenesis. To specifically address the role of AKT2, the dominant liver isoform of AKT in the regulation of gluconeogenesis genes, we generated hepatocytes lacking AKT2 (Akt2-/-). We found that, in the absence of insulin signal, AKT2 is required for maintaining the basal level expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxyl kinase (PEPCK) and to a lesser extent G6Pase, two key rate-limiting enzymes for gluconeogenesis that support glucose excursion due to pyruvate loading. We further showed that this function of AKT2 is mediated by the phosphorylation of cyclic AMP response element binding (CREB). Phosphorylation of CREB by AKT2 is needed for CREB to induce the expression of PEPCK and likely represents a priming event for unstimulated cells to poise to receive glucagon and other signals. The inhibition of gluconeogenesis by insulin is also dependent on the reduced FOXO1 transcriptional activity at the promoter of PEPCK. When insulin signal is absent, this activity appears to be inhibited by AKT2 in manner that is independent of its phosphorylation by AKT. Together, this action of AKT2 on FOXO1 and CREB to maintain basal gluconeogenesis activity may provide fine-tuning for insulin and glucocorticoid/glucagon to regulate gluconeogenesis in a timely manner to meet metabolic needs.
Collapse
|
36
|
Wang L, Ji XB, Wang LH, Qiu JG, Zhou FM, Liu WJ, Wan DD, Lin MCM, Liu LZ, Zhang JY, Jiang BH. Regulation of MicroRNA-497-Targeting AKT2 Influences Tumor Growth and Chemoresistance to Cisplatin in Lung Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:840. [PMID: 33015042 PMCID: PMC7505950 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background MicroRNA-497 (miR-497) has been implicated in several cancers. Increasing studies demonstrate the role of AKT2 in cancers as an oncogene which is closely associated with tumor aggressiveness by enhancing cancer cell survival, migration and invasion However, miR-497/AKT2 axis in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains unclear. Methods Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to quantify the expression of miR-497 and its target gene. The function of miR-497 in lung cancer was investigated through in vitro and in vivo assays (cell proliferation assay, cell migration assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry assay, immunoblotting and tumorigenesis assay). Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the target gene of miR-497. Results In this study, we found that miR-497 was significantly downregulated in tumor tissues and blood samples of lung cancer patients. To understand the potential mechanism of miR-497 in inhibiting tumor growth, we showed that miR-497 blocked the activation of AKT2 and regulated cell proliferation, cell migration, colony formation and increases chemosensitivity of H1299 cells to cisplatin by inhibiting AKT2. MiR-497 also inhibited tumor growth and suppressed expression of AKT2 at the protein and mRNA levels in mouse xenograft tumors. Conclusion Taken together, our findings indicated that miR-497 suppresses the tumor growth by targeting AKT2, and the miR-497/AKT2 axis is a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC intervention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Bo Ji
- BGI College & Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Li-Hong Wang
- BGI College & Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jian-Ge Qiu
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Feng-Mei Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wen-Jing Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Henan Cancer Hospital), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Di-di Wan
- BGI College & Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Marie Chai-Mi Lin
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ling-Zhi Liu
- Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Jian-Ying Zhang
- BGI College & Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Bing-Hua Jiang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Pathology, Anatomy and Cell Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Shen L, Yang L, Zhang W. Multiple basic amino acid residues contribute to phosphatidic acid-mediated inhibition of rice potassium channel Os AKT2. Plant Signal Behav 2020; 15:1789818. [PMID: 32649276 PMCID: PMC8550199 DOI: 10.1080/15592324.2020.1789818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Anionic phospholipid phosphatidic acid (PA) behaves as an important second messenger involved in many cellular processes, such as development, cytoskeletal dynamics, vesicle trafficking, and stress response. Recently, it was reported that PA can directly bind with the rice Shaker K+ channel OsAKT2 to inhibit its channel activity. Two adjacent arginine residues (R644 and R645) in ANK domain were identified as a PA-binding site essential to the PA-mediated inhibition of OsAKT2. However, there may be still other PA-binding sites unidentified in OsAKT2. Here, using a PA biosensor (PAleon), we found that the exogenous PA treatment significantly increased the PA level at the plasma membrane of Xenopus oocytes which were used to express OsAKT2 for electrophysiological assays. As reported previously, exogenous PA markedly inhibited OsAKT2 K+ currents. Replacement of two adjacent basic residues (R190 and K191) in the S4 voltage sensor by glycine completely abolished the time-dependent K+ currents of OsAKT2, but this variant was insensitive to PA treatment. In addition, we also identified other two adjacent arginines (R755 and R756) located in the cytosolic domain as a PA-binding site, which were also essential to the PA-mediated inhibition of OsAKT2. These results provide a more comprehensive understanding of the PA-K+ channel interaction mechanism. Combining the findings here with the previous study, we propose that multiple basic residues (R190/K191, R644/R645, and R755/R756) in different domains of OsAKT2 contribute to PA-mediated regulation of OsAKT2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Like Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lele Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Liu T, Zhu J, Du W, Ning W, Zhang Y, Zeng Y, Liu Z, Huang JA. AKT2 drives cancer progression and is negatively modulated by miR-124 in human lung adenocarcinoma. Respir Res 2020; 21:227. [PMID: 32873299 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-020-01491-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AKT2 is highly expressed in many human cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Accumulating evidence has also revealed that AKT2 can promote NSCLC cell proliferation and metastasis. However, the involved mechanism remains unclear. Herein, our study mainly explored the function of AKT2 during cancer progression and uncovered a new post-transcriptional mechanism of AKT2 expression in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). METHODS Quantitative real-time (qRT-PCR), western blot and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays were performed to detect the expression of AKT2 and other proteins. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), colony formation and EdU assays were performed to assess cell proliferation. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect changes in the cell cycle and apoptosis. Transwell assays were used to evaluate cell migration and invasion. Additionally, a luciferase reporter assay and western blotting were employed to assess miR-124 targeting of AKT2. Xenograft mouse model was used to observe the role of miR-124/AKT2 axis on the occurrence and development of LUAD. RESULTS We showed that AKT2 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and closely related to the poor prognosis of LUAD patients. Moreover, AKT2 affected LUAD cell proliferation, migration and invasion by regulating the cell cycle and promoting the occurrence of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). In addition, we demonstrated that miR-124 overexpression downregulated AKT2 expression by binding to the 3'-untranslated region (3'- UTR) of AKT2 and thus inhibited the occurrence and development of LUAD in vivo and in vitro. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that miR-124 overexpression can negatively regulate AKT2 and thus inhibit the progression of LUAD. Therefore, the miR-124/AKT2 axis may serve as a potential target for novel therapies for LUAD.
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
PURPOSE Glioma has been categorized as the most common primary malignant brain tumor. Long non-coding RNA SNHG7 (lncRNA SNHG7) has been recognized in various cancers as a possible oncogene. In this study, the effect of SNHG7 on glioma cells was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty glioma tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected. Pc-SNHG7, sh-SNHG7, miR-342-3p mimic and miR-342-3p inhibitor were transfected into the glioma cells. Cell Counting Kit-8, Transwell and scratch assay evaluated glioma cells viability, invasion and migration, respectively. TargetScan, Starbase and dual-luciferase reporter were used to predict and confirm the target genes and potential binding sites of SNHG7, miR-342-3p and AKT2. Relative miR-342-3p and AKT2 expressions were assessed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot. Pearson's analysis was adopted for correlation analysis between SNHG7, miR-342-3p and AKT2. RESULTS SNHG7 expressions in glioma tissues and cells were increased, upregulation of SNHG7 promotes cell viability, invasion and migration. SNHG7 was shown to bind with miR-342-3p, and upregulating SNHG7 reduced miR-342-3p expression. AKT2 was the target gene of miR-342-3p, and miR-342-3p expression was decreased while AKT2 expression was increased in glioma tissues. High expression of miR-342-3p inhibited cell viability, invasion and migration and reduced AKT2 expression, whereas low expression of miR-342-3p did the opposite effect. CONCLUSIONS Upregulating SNHG7 might promote glioma cells viability, migration and invasion with the regulation of decreasing miR-342-3p level and increasing AKT2 level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaopeng Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi City, China
| | - Jian Zheng
- Department of Electro Cardiogram, Shanxi Provincial Cancer Hospital, China
| | - Long Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Heping Hospital Affiliated to Changzhi Medical College, Changzhi City, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Li W, Ge J, Xie J, Yang J, Chen J, He T. LncRNA TUG1 Promotes Hepatocellular Carcinoma Migration and Invasion Via Targeting miR-137/ AKT2 Axis. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2020; 36:850-862. [PMID: 32589479 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2019.3297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The current study aimed to investigate the effects of TUG1 on the migration and invasion of hepatoma cells. Materials and Methods: The expressions of TUG1, miR-137, and AKT2 were detected in hepatoma tissues and cells by performing quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The correlations among TUG1, miR-137, and AKT2 were predicted by bioinformatics analysis and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay, and Pearson test was performed to analyze their relevance. The effects of TUG1, miR-137, and AKT2 on viability, migration, and invasion of transfected hepatoma cells were detected by CCK-8, wound scratch, and Transwell. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related protein levels were determined by western blot and qRT-PCR. Results: TUG1 was highly expressed in hepatoma tissues and cells. Silencing TUG1 expression inhibited the viability, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells. TUG1 targeted miR-137 and the two was negatively correlated, and silencing TUG1 expression inhibited the effects of low-expressed miR-137 on promoting proliferation, migration, and invasion of hepatoma cells. AKT2 was predicted to be the target gene for miR-137, and the two were negatively correlated. Moreover, inhibiting miR-137 expression promoted the expression of MMP2, MMP9, and N-cadherin and inhibited E-cadherin expression, while silencing TUG1 expression reversed the effects of low-expressed miR-137 on EMT-related protein levels. Conclusion: LncRNA TUG1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma migration and invasion through targeting miR-137/AKT2 axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Vascular Intervention, Jingmen No.2 People's Hospital, Jingmen, China
| | - Jinzhao Ge
- Department of Interventional Medicine, Zaozhuang Municipal Hospital, Zaozhuang, China
| | - Jinju Xie
- Department of Vascular Intervention, Jingmen No.2 People's Hospital, Jingmen, China
| | - Jidong Yang
- Department of Vascular Intervention, Jingmen No.2 People's Hospital, Jingmen, China
| | - Jin'e Chen
- Department of Vascular Intervention, Jingmen No.2 People's Hospital, Jingmen, China
| | - Tao He
- Department of Interventional Medicine, The Second People's Hospital of Huaihua, Huaihua, China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Shen L, Tian Q, Yang L, Zhang H, Shi Y, Shen Y, Zhou Z, Wu Q, Zhang Q, Zhang W. Phosphatidic acid directly binds with rice potassium channel Os AKT2 to inhibit its activity. Plant J 2020; 102:649-665. [PMID: 32128922 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.14731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The plant Shaker K+ channel AtAKT2 has been identified as a weakly rectifying channel that can stabilize membrane potentials to promote photoassimilate phloem loading and translocation. Thus, studies on functional characterization and regulatory mechanisms of AtAKT2-like channels in crops are highly important for improving crop production. Here, we identified the rice OsAKT2 as the ortholog of Arabidopsis AtAKT2, which is primarily expressed in the shoot phloem and localized at the plasma membrane. Using an electrophysiological assay, we found that OsAKT2 operated as a weakly rectifying K+ channel, preventing H+ /sucrose-symport-induced membrane depolarization. Three critical amino acid residues (K193, N206, and S326) are essential to the phosphorylation-mediated gating change of OsAKT2, consistent with the roles of the corresponding sites in AtAKT2. Disruption of OsAKT2 results in delayed growth of rice seedlings under short-day conditions. Interestingly, the lipid second messenger phosphatidic acid (PA) inhibits OsAKT2-mediated currents (both instantaneous and time-dependent components). Lipid dot-blot assay and liposome-protein binding analysis revealed that PA directly bound with two adjacent arginine residues in the ANK domain of OsAKT2, which is essential to PA-mediated inhibition of OsAKT2. Electrophysiological and phenotypic analyses also showed the PA-mediated inhibition of AtAKT2 and the negative correlation between intrinsic PA level and Arabidopsis growth, suggesting that PA may inhibit AKT2 function to affect plant growth and development. Our results functionally characterize the Shaker K+ channel OsAKT2 and reveal a direct link between phospholipid signaling and plant K+ channel modulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Like Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Quanxiang Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Lele Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Hongsheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yiyuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Yue Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Zhenzhen Zhou
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
- Provincial Key Laboratory of Agrobiology, Jiangsu Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Nanjing, China
| | - Qun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| | - Wenhua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics and Germplasm Enhancement, College of Life Sciences, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, 210095, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Xie M, Zhang Z, Cui Y. Long Noncoding RNA SNHG1 Contributes to the Promotion of Prostate Cancer Cells Through Regulating miR-377-3p/AKT2 Axis. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2020; 35:109-119. [PMID: 32077748 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2019.3177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Long noncoding RNAs could serve as a candidate target for prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis and treatment. The current study aimed to investigate the role and functions of SNHG1 in PCa cells. Materials and Methods: Abnormal expression of SNHG1, survival analysis, and target gene were determined or predicted by bioinformatics techniques. Gene expressions at transcriptional and translational levels were determined by Quantitative Real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Cell viability, growth, and apoptosis rate were detected by Cell Counting Kit-8, colony formation assay and flow cytometry. Results: The results showed that SNHG1 was highly expressed in PCa tissues, which was accompanied by decreased miR-377-3p expression and poor overall survival rate, and that miR-377-3p was predicted as the target of SNHG1 in PCa cells. Moreover, SNHG1 counteracted the effects of miR-377-3p on inhibiting cell growth and promoting apoptosis of PCa cells. Furthermore, miR-377-3p counteracted the effects of AKT2 on promoting cell viability, growth, and suppressing apoptosis of PCa cells. In addition, AKT2 expression was proved to be regulated by miR-377-3p. Conclusions: The SNHG1/miR-377-3p/AKT2 regulatory axis in PCa cells was disclosed. The upregulated AKT2 might be a result of dysregulated interaction balance between the expressions of miR-377-3p and SNHG1. Based on such discoveries, the intervention of SNHG1/miR-377-3p/AKT2 axis could be further explored in the treatment of PCa.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mao Xie
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao, Yantai, China
| | - Zhiyu Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao, Yantai, China
| | - Yupeng Cui
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao, Yantai, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Beard RS, Hoettels BA, Meegan JE, Wertz TS, Cha BJ, Yang X, Oxford JT, Wu MH, Yuan SY. AKT2 maintains brain endothelial claudin-5 expression and selective activation of IR/AKT2/FOXO1-signaling reverses barrier dysfunction. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2020; 40:374-391. [PMID: 30574832 PMCID: PMC7370624 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x18817512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2018] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation-induced blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction and microvascular leakage are associated with a host of neurological disorders. The tight junction protein claudin-5 (CLDN5) is a crucial protein necessary for BBB integrity and maintenance. CLDN5 is negatively regulated by the transcriptional repressor FOXO1, whose activity increases during impaired insulin/AKT signaling. Owing to an incomplete understanding of the mechanisms that regulate CLDN5 expression in BBB maintenance and dysfunction, therapeutic interventions remain underdeveloped. Here, we show a novel isoform-specific function for AKT2 in maintenance of BBB integrity. We identified that AKT2 during homeostasis specifically regulates CLDN5-dependent barrier integrity in brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMVECs) and that intervention with a selective insulin-receptor (IR) agonist, demethylasterriquinone B1 (DMAQ-B1), rescued IL-1β-induced AKT2 inactivation, FOXO1 nuclear accumulation, and loss of CLDN5-dependent barrier integrity. Moreover, DMAQ-B1 attenuated preclinical CLDN5-dependent BBB dysfunction in mice subjected to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Taken together, the data suggest a regulatory role for IR/AKT2/FOXO1-signaling in CLDN5 expression and BBB integrity during neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Richard S Beard
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and
Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences and
Biomolecular Research Center, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Brian A Hoettels
- Department of Biological Sciences and
Biomolecular Research Center, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Jamie E Meegan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and
Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Travis S Wertz
- Department of Biological Sciences and
Biomolecular Research Center, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Byeong J Cha
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and
Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Xiaoyuan Yang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and
Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Julia T Oxford
- Department of Biological Sciences and
Biomolecular Research Center, Boise State University, Boise, ID, USA
| | - Mack H Wu
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of
Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Sarah Y Yuan
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and
Physiology, Morsani College of Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
- Department of Surgery, Morsani College of
Medicine, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Li H, Guo D, Zhang Y, Yang S, Zhang R. miR-664b-5p Inhibits Hepatocellular Cancer Cell Proliferation Through Targeting Oncogene AKT2. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2020; 35:605-614. [PMID: 31967930 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2019.3043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: miR-664b-5p accelerates the development of certain cancers, but the role of miR-664b-5p in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been less reported. Therefore, the authors aimed to study the role of miR-664b-5p in HCC progression. Materials and Methods: miR-664b-5p expression in liver cancer and adjacent tissues, and in HepG2 and SUN-475 cells, was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Relationship between miR-664b-5p and AKT2 was predicted by TargetScan and confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter assay, and gene or protein expressions were determined by performing qRT-PCR and Western blotting. The viability and apoptosis, and the migration and invasion of HepG2 and SUN-475 cells were determined by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry, and transwell assay, respectively. Results: Downregulated miR-664b-5p was observed in hepatocellular cancer tissues. Functional analyses revealed that miR-664b-5p mimic suppressed viability, migration, and invasion, but promoted apoptosis in HepG2 and SUN-475 cells. AKT2 was a target of miR-664b-5p, whose mimics inhibited the expression of AKT2. However, upregulated AKT2 promoted viability, migration, and invasion, but inhibited apoptosis in HepG2 and SUN-475 cells, and such effects were reversed by miR-664b-5p mimics. Conclusions: miR-664b-5p acts as a cancer suppressor through negatively regulating AKT2 expression in HepG2 and SUN-475 cells, suggesting that miR-664b-5p could be a protective target for HCC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Li
- The First Inpatient Ward of General Surgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Dawei Guo
- The First Department of General surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuhong Zhang
- The First Inpatient Ward of General Surgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Shiming Yang
- The First Inpatient Ward of General Surgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- The First Inpatient Ward of General Surgery, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Tu FL, Guo XQ, Wu HX, He ZY, Wang F, Sun AJ, Dai XD. Circ-0001313/miRNA-510-5p/ AKT2 axis promotes the development and progression of colon cancer. Am J Transl Res 2020; 12:281-291. [PMID: 32051753 PMCID: PMC7013220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have recently emerged as novel and potentially promising therapeutic targets in a serious of cancers. However, the expression pattern and biological function of circRNAs in colon cancer remain largely elusive. This study firstly analyzed circRNA microarray of colon cancer and selected circ-0001313 as the study object. We aim to comprehensively investigate the expression pattern and biological function of circ-0001313 in the progression of colon cancer. Relative levels of circ-0001313 and miRNA-510-5p in colon cancer tissues and cell lines were determined with qRT-PCR. The binding relationship between miRNA-510-5p to circ-0001313 and AKT2 was predicted by bioinformatics analyses and further confirmed by dual-luciferase reporter gene assay. Regulatory effects of circ-0001313/miRNA-510-5p/AKT2 axis on colon cancer cells were evaluated by EdU assay and flow cytometry. Consistent with the microarray analysis, circ-0001313 was highly expressed in colon cancer tissues and cell lines. Knockdown of circ-0001313 attenuated proliferative ability, but induced apoptosis of colon cancer cells. Furthermore, we confirmed that circ-0001313 competitively bound to miRNA-510-5p, thus upregulating its target gene AKT2. Moreover, western blot analyses revealed that circ-0001313 also affects the expression of Bcl-2 family proteins and the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. In conclusion, our study revealed that circ-0001313 regulates the pathogenesis of colon cancer by sponging miRNA-510-5p to upregulate AKT2 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang-Ling Tu
- Department of General Medicine, Chongqing Three Gorges Central HospitalChongqing, China
| | - Xi-Qing Guo
- Department of Liver Disease, Chongqing Three Gorges Central HospitalChongqing, China
| | - Hai-Xia Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Fudan University, Minhang Branch106 Ruili Road, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Zhi-Yun He
- Colorectal Surgical Department, Lanzhou University Second HospitalLanzhou, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhan, China
| | - Ai-Jun Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Huai’an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai’an Second People’s HospitalHuai’an, China
| | - Xu-Dong Dai
- Department of General Surgery, Lianshui People’s Hospital Affiliated to Kangda College of Nanjing Medical UniversityLianshui, Huai’an, China
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Roudnicky F, Lan Y, Friesen M, Dernick G, Zhang JD, Staempfli A, Bordag N, Wagner-Golbs A, Christensen K, Ebeling M, Graf M, Burcin M, Meyer CA, Cowan CA, Patsch C. Modeling the Effects of Severe Metabolic Disease by Genome Editing of hPSC-Derived Endothelial Cells Reveals an Inflammatory Phenotype. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E6201. [PMID: 31835296 PMCID: PMC6940871 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The kinase AKT2 (PKB) is an important mediator of insulin signaling, for which loss-of-function knockout (KO) mutants lead to early onset diabetes mellitus, and dominant active mutations lead to early development of obesity and endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction. To model EC dysfunction, we used edited human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) that carried either a homozygous deletion of AKT2 (AKT2 KO) or a dominant active mutation (AKT2 E17K), which, along with the parental wild type (WT), were differentiated into ECs. Profiling of EC lines indicated an increase in proinflammatory and a reduction in anti-inflammatory fatty acids, an increase in inflammatory chemokines in cell supernatants, increased expression of proinflammatory genes, and increased binding to the EC monolayer in a functional leukocyte adhesion assay for both AKT2 KO and AKT2 E17K. Collectively, these findings suggest that vascular endothelial inflammation that results from dysregulated insulin signaling (homeostasis) may contribute to coronary artery disease, and that either downregulation or upregulation of the insulin pathway may lead to inflammation of endothelial cells. This suggests that the standard of care for patients must be expanded from control of metabolic parameters to include control of inflammation, such that endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disorders can ultimately be prevented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filip Roudnicky
- Roche pRED (Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yanjun Lan
- Roche pRED (Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Max Friesen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Gregor Dernick
- Roche pRED (Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jitao David Zhang
- Roche pRED (Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Andreas Staempfli
- Roche pRED (Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Natalie Bordag
- Metanomics Health-A BASF Group Company, 10589 Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Klaus Christensen
- Roche pRED (Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Ebeling
- Roche pRED (Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Martin Graf
- Roche pRED (Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Mark Burcin
- Roche pRED (Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Claas Aiko Meyer
- Roche pRED (Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Chad A Cowan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC), Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
| | - Christoph Patsch
- Roche pRED (Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development), Roche Innovation Center Basel, F.Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., CH-4070 Basel, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Zhou X, Wang X, Zhou Y, Cheng L, Zhang Y, Zhang Y. Long Noncoding RNA NEAT1 Promotes Cell Proliferation And Invasion And Suppresses Apoptosis In Hepatocellular Carcinoma By Regulating miRNA-22-3p/ akt2 In Vitro And In Vivo. Onco Targets Ther 2019; 12:8991-9004. [PMID: 31802908 PMCID: PMC6827517 DOI: 10.2147/ott.s224521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive cancers that is associated with cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases. Although remarkable progress has been made in past decades, it is still necessary to continue exploring the pathology and development of HCC. Objective In this study, we elucidated the effect of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) NEAT1 on HCC development and underlying mechanisms. Methods Clinicopathological features of HCC patients were collected and the correlations with NEAT1 expression were assessed. To determine cell activities, CCK-8, flow cytometry, invasion assays, and TUNEL assays were performed. Real-time PCR, Western blot, and luciferase reporter assays were performed to investigate the related mechanism of HCC. Results The results revealed that NEAT1 expression was associated with tumor size and differentiation where NEAT1 was upregulated in both HCC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of NEAT1 promoted proliferation and invasion while inhibited apoptosis in HCC cells, which was opposite to the effect of NEAT1 knockdown. Also, AKT2 was increased in HCC tissues. Downregulation of AKT2 was associated with reduced cell proliferation and invasion while increased apoptosis, while overexpression of AKT2 exerted opposite roles. In addition, the expression of miRNA-22-3p displayed an inverse association with NEAT1. miRNA-22-3p mimic and inhibitor suppressed and promoted HCC development, respectively. The luciferase assay revealed that both NEAT1 and AKT2 were direct target genes of miRNA-22-3p. Furthermore, knockdown and overexpression of NEAT1 suppressed and promoted tumor growth in the HCC mouse model, which were abolished by the miRNA-22-3p inhibitor and mimic, respectively. Conclusion In conclusion, the results demonstrate that NEAT1 promotes the development of HCC, both in vitro and in vivo, through regulating miRNA-22-3p/AKT2, and provides insight into developing a new strategy for HCC treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xichang Zhou
- Department of Intervention, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, XuZhou 221009, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, XuZhou 221009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yizhou Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, XuZhou 221009, People's Republic of China
| | - Long Cheng
- Department of Intervention, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, XuZhou 221009, People's Republic of China
| | - Youwei Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, XuZhou 221009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yangmei Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Medical University, XuZhou 221009, People's Republic of China.,Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Xie X, Xiong G, Wang Q, Ge Y, Cui X. Long non-coding RNA LINC00460 promotes head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cell progression by sponging miR-612 to up-regulate AKT2. Am J Transl Res 2019; 11:6326-6340. [PMID: 31737186 PMCID: PMC6834525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
LncRNAs (long noncoding RNAs) have been shown to be potentially critical regulators in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). LncRNA LINC00460 (long intergenic non-protein coding RNA 460), an "oncogene", regulates progression of various tumors. However, the tumorigenic mechanism of LINC00460 on HNSCC is yet to be investigated. In the current study, we discovered that LINC00460 was relatively up-regulated in both HNSCC cancer tissues and cell lines, and predicted a poor prognosis in HNSCC patients. Gain- and loss-of functional studies established that over-expression of LINC00460 promoted cell proliferation, invasion and migration of HNSCC cells in vitro, while the promotion abilities were suppressed via knockdown of LINC00460. Our results identified miR-612 as a novel target of LINC00460, whose expression suggested a negative correlation with LINC00460 in HNSCC tissues and cell lines. LINC00460 increased the expression of serine/threonine kinase AKT2 via sponging miR-612. Rescue experiments indicated that LINC00460 could promote HNSCC progression partially through inhibition of miR-612. Subcutaneous xenotransplanted tumor model confirmed that interference of LINC00460 suppressed in vivo tumorigenic ability of HNSCC via down-regulation of AKT2. In conclusion, our findings clarified the biologic significance of LINC00460/miR-612/AKT2 axis in HNSCC progression and provided novel evidence that LINC00460 may be a new potential therapeutic target for HNSCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxing Xie
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Gaoyun Xiong
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qingliang Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanping Ge
- Department of Otolaryngology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang ProvinceHangzhou 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoying Cui
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhejiang Cancer HospialHangzhou 310022, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Kim KW, Kim JY, Qiao J, Clark RA, Powers CM, Correa H, Chung DH. Dual-Targeting AKT2 and ERK in cancer stem-like cells in neuroblastoma. Oncotarget. 2019;10:5645-5659. [PMID: 31608140 PMCID: PMC6771463 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma remains one of the most difficult pediatric solid tumors to treat. In particular, the refractory and relapsing neuroblastomas are highly heterogeneous with diverse molecular profiles. We previously demonstrated that AKT2 plays critical roles in the regulation of neuroblastoma tumorigenesis. Here we hypothesize that targeting AKT2 could block the signal transduction pathways enhanced in chemo- and/or radiation-resistant neuroblastoma cancer stem-like cells. We found cell proliferation and survival signaling pathways AKT2/mTOR and MAPK were enhanced in cisplatin (CDDP)- and radiation-resistant neuroblastoma cells. Blocking these two pathways with specific inhibitors, CCT128930 (AKT2 inhibitor) and PD98059 (MEK inhibitor) decreased cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and cell migration in these resistant cells. We further demonstrated that the resistant cells had a higher sphere-forming capacity with increased expression of stem cell markers CD133, SOX2, ALDH, Nestin, Oct4, and Nanog. Importantly, the tumorsphere formation, which is a surrogate assay for self-renewal, was sensitive to the inhibitors of AKT2 and MAPK. Taken together, our findings suggest that CDDP- and radiation-resistant cancer stem-like neuroblastoma cells might serve as a useful tool to improve the understanding of molecular mechanisms of therapeutic resistance. This may aid in the development of more effective novel treatment strategies and better clinical outcomes in patients with neuroblastoma.
Collapse
|
50
|
Wu JC, Chen R, Luo X, Li ZH, Luo SZ, Xu MY. MicroRNA-194 inactivates hepatic stellate cells and alleviates liver fibrosis by inhibiting AKT2. World J Gastroenterol 2019; 25:4468-4480. [PMID: 31496625 PMCID: PMC6710173 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v25.i31.4468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Revised: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a pivotal event in the onset and progression of liver fibrosis. Loss of microRNA-194 (miR-194) has been reported in activated HSCs, but the actual role of miR-194 in liver fibrosis remains uncertain.
AIM To explore the role and potential mechanism of miR-194-mediated regulation of liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo.
METHODS The expression of miR-194 was examined in human fibrotic liver tissues, activated HSCs, and a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) mouse model by qPCR. The effects of AKT2 regulation by miR-194 on the activation and proliferation of HSCs were assessed in vitro. For in vivo experiments, we reintroduced miR-194 in mice using a miR-194 agomir to investigate the functions of miR-194 in liver fibrosis.
RESULTS MiR-194 expression was notably lacking in activated HSCs from both humans and mice. Overexpression of miR-194 (OV-miR-194) inhibited α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen (Col I) expression and suppressed cell proliferation in HSCs by causing cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase. AKT2 was predicted to be a target of miR-194. Notably, the effects of miR-194 knockdown in HSCs were almost blocked by AKT2 deletion, indicating that miR-194 plays a role in HSCs via regulation of AKT2. Finally, miR-194 agomir treatment dramatically ameliorated liver fibrosis in CCl4-treated mice.
CONCLUSION We revealed that miR-194 plays a protective role by inhibiting the activation and proliferation of HSCs via AKT2 suppression. Our results further propose miR-194 as a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Cheng Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Rong Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Xin Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Zheng-Hong Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Sheng-Zheng Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Ming-Yi Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| |
Collapse
|