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Guo F, Wen W, Mi Z, Long C, Shi Q, Yang M, Zhao J, Ma R. NRSN2 promotes the malignant behavior of HPV-transfected laryngeal carcinoma cells through AMPK/ULK1 pathway mediated autophagy activation. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2334463. [PMID: 38569536 PMCID: PMC10993921 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2334463] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurensin-2 (NRSN2) performs a pro-carcinogenic function in multiple cancers. However, the function of NRSN2 in HPV-infected laryngeal carcinoma (LC) remains unclear. HPV transfection was performed in LC cells. The mRNA and protein levels were monitored using RT-qPCR, immunoblotting, and IF. Cell viability and proliferation were found using the CCK-8 assay and Edu staining. Cell invasion, migration, and apoptosis were probed using the Transwell, wound healing, and flow cytometry, respectively. The autophagosome was observed using TEM. NRSN2 was overexpressed in HPV-transfected LC cells. Inhibition of NRSN2 restrained the autophagy and malignant behavior of HPV-transfected LC cells. Meanwhile, the inhibition of AMPK/ULK1 pathway limited the increased autophagy of HPV-transfected LC cells caused by NRSN2 overexpression. Furthermore, NRSN2 knockdown inhibits autophagy by suppressing AMPK/ULK1 pathway, thereby restraining the malignant behavior of HPV-transfected LC cells. Our research confirmed that HPV transfection increased the autophagy and malignant behavior of LC cells by regulating the NRSN2-mediated activation of the AMPK/ULK1 pathway, offering a new target for cure of LC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Guo
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
| | - Wulin Wen
- School of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
- Otolaryngology Department, The First People’s Hospital of Yinchuan, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Hospital, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
| | - Zhipeng Mi
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
| | - Chao Long
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
| | - Qiangyou Shi
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Gansu Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Lanzhou, Gansu, P.R. China
| | - Meihua Yang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
| | - Jia Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
| | - Ruixia Ma
- Otolaryngology Department, The First People’s Hospital of Yinchuan, Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Hospital, Yinchuan, Ningxia, P.R. China
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2
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Zhou H, Lin X, Feng S, Zhu S, Zhou H, Chen H, Youwu H, Wang Z, Wang R, Shao X, Wang J. Metformin mitigates adipogenesis of fibro-adipogenic progenitors after rotator cuff tears via activating mTOR/ULK1-mediated autophagy. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2024; 326:C1590-C1603. [PMID: 38586878 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00034.2024] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Muscular fatty infiltration is a common issue after rotator cuff tears (RCTs), which impair shoulder function. Females suffer a higher prevalence and a more severe degree of muscular fatty infiltration after RCT when compared with males, with the underlying mechanisms remaining unclear. Fibro-adipogenic progenitors (FAPs) are the primary source of muscular fatty infiltration following RCT. Our findings disclose that gender-specific disparities in muscular fatty infiltration are linked to mTOR/ULK1-mediated autophagy of FAPs. Decreased autophagic activity contributes to adipogenic differentiation in female FAPs after RCT. Furthermore, metformin could enhance mTOR/ULK1-mediated autophagic processes of FAPs, thereby alleviating fatty infiltration and improving shoulder functionality after RCT. Together, our study reveals that gender differences in muscular fatty infiltration arise from distinct autophagic activities. Metformin could be a promising noninvasive intervention to ameliorate muscular fatty infiltration of RCT.NEW & NOTEWORTHY The current study demonstrated that gender-specific disparities in muscular fatty infiltration are attributed to mTOR/ULK1-mediated autophagy of FAPs. Decreased autophagic activity contributes to adipogenic differentiation in female FAPs after RCT. Moreover, metformin could enhance mTOR/ULK1-mediated autophagic processes of FAPs, thereby alleviating fatty infiltration and improving shoulder functionality after RCT. Therefore, metformin could be a promising noninvasive intervention to ameliorate muscular fatty infiltration of RCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhou
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingzuan Lin
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Shujing Feng
- Department of Sports Medicine, School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyuan Zhu
- Department of Hand Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Zhou
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Huifang Chen
- Department of Sports Medicine, School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - He Youwu
- Department of Hand Plastic Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Linping District, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Zekai Wang
- Department of Life Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ru Wang
- Department of Sports Medicine, School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiexiang Shao
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Ma S, Wu Q, Wu W, Tian Y, Zhang J, Chen C, Sheng X, Zhao F, Ding L, Wang T, Zhao L, Xie Y, Wang Y, Yue X, Wu Z, Wei J, Zhang K, Liang X, Gao L, Wang H, Wang G, Li C, Ma C. Urolithin A Hijacks ERK1/2-ULK1 Cascade to Improve CD8 + T Cell Fitness for Antitumor Immunity. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2024; 11:e2310065. [PMID: 38447147 PMCID: PMC11095213 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202310065] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
According to the latest evidence, the microbial metabolite Urolithin A (UA), known for its role in promoting cellular health, modulates CD8+ T cell-mediated antitumor activity. However, the direct target protein of UA and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, this research identifies ERK1/2 as the specific target crucial for UA-mediated CD8+ T cell activation. Even at low doses, UA markedly enhances the persistence and effector functions of primary CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and human chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, UA interacts directly with ERK1/2 kinases, enhancing their activation and subsequently facilitating T cell activation by engaging ULK1. The UA-ERK1/2-ULK1 axis promotes autophagic flux in CD8+ CTLs, enhancing cellular metabolism and maintaining reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, as evidenced by increased oxygen consumption and extracellular acidification rates. UA-treated CD8+ CTLs also display elevated ATP levels and enhanced spare respiratory capacity. Overall, UA activates ERK1/2, inducing autophagy and metabolic adaptation, showcasing its potential in tumor immunotherapy and interventions for diseases involving ERKs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaiya Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Qi Wu
- GI Cancer Research InstituteTongji HospitalHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430074P. R. China
| | - Wenxian Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age‐Related Cardiac and Cerebral DiseaseDepartment of NeurologyAffiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical UniversityZhanjiangGuangdong524001P. R. China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Shandong UniversityShenzhen518057P. R. China
| | - Ye Tian
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Advanced Medical Research InstituteCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Chaojia Chen
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Xue Sheng
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Fangcheng Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Lu Ding
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Taixia Wang
- Central LaboratoryTongji University School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200072P. R. China
| | - Laixi Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Yuying Xie
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age‐Related Cardiac and Cerebral DiseaseDepartment of NeurologyAffiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical UniversityZhanjiangGuangdong524001P. R. China
| | - Yongxiang Wang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Age‐Related Cardiac and Cerebral DiseaseDepartment of NeurologyAffiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical UniversityZhanjiangGuangdong524001P. R. China
| | - Xuetian Yue
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Cell BiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Zhuanchang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Jian Wei
- Department of PhysiologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesShandong UniversityJinan250012P. R. China
| | - Kun Zhang
- Central LaboratoryTongji University School of MedicineTongji UniversityShanghai200072P. R. China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Hongyan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cell BiologyShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceChinese Academy of SciencesUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031P. R. China
| | - Guihua Wang
- GI Cancer Research InstituteTongji HospitalHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanHubei430074P. R. China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Histology and EmbryologySchool of Basic Medical SciencesCheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of MedicineShandong UniversityJinanShandong250012P. R. China
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Wu J, Li L, Liu Z, Wang H, Chen Y, Zeng L, Wang G, Liu H, Fu R. Abnormal expression of CUX1 influences autophagy activation in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:926-934. [PMID: 38315716 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiae008] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanism underlying autophagy in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) remains largely unknown. We previously sequenced the entire genome exon of the CD59- cells from 13 patients with PNH and found genes such as CUX1 encoding Cut-like homeobox 1. Peripheral blood samples from 9 patients with PNH and 7 healthy control subjects were obtained to measure CUX1 expression. The correlation between CUX1 messenger RNA expression and PNH clinical indicators was analyzed. To simulate CUX1 expression in patients with PNH, we generated a panel of PNH cell lines by knocking out PIGA in K562 cell lines and transfected lentivirus with CUX1. CCK-8 and EDU assay assessed cell proliferation. Western blotting was used to detect Beclin-1, LC3A, LC3B, ULK1, PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, mTOR, and p-mTOR protein levels. Autophagosomes were observed with transmission electron microscopy. Chloroquine was used to observe CUX1 expression in PNH after autophagy inhibition. Leukocytes from patients with PNH had lower levels of CUX1 messenger RNA expression and protein content than healthy control subjects. The lactose dehydrogenase level and the percentage of PNH clones were negatively correlated with CUX1 relative expression. We reduced CUX1 expression in a PIGA knockout K562 cell line, leading to increased cell proliferation. Levels of autophagy markers Beclin-1, LC3B, LC3A, and ULK1 increased, and autophagosomes increased. Furthermore, PI3K/AKT/mTOR protein phosphorylation levels were lower. CUX1 expression did not change and cell proliferation decreased in CUX1 knocked down PNH cells after inhibition of autophagy by chloroquine. In brief, CUX1 loss-of-function mutation resulted in stronger autophagy in PNH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junshu Wu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Failure and Malignant Hemopoietic Clone Control, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Liyan Li
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Failure and Malignant Hemopoietic Clone Control, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Zhaoyun Liu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Failure and Malignant Hemopoietic Clone Control, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Honglei Wang
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Failure and Malignant Hemopoietic Clone Control, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Yingying Chen
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Failure and Malignant Hemopoietic Clone Control, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Lijie Zeng
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Failure and Malignant Hemopoietic Clone Control, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Guanrou Wang
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Failure and Malignant Hemopoietic Clone Control, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Failure and Malignant Hemopoietic Clone Control, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Rong Fu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Failure and Malignant Hemopoietic Clone Control, 154 Anshan Street, Tianjin 300052, China
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Liu K, Huang H, Xiong M, Wang Q, Chen X, Feng Y, Ma H, Chen W, Li X, Ye X. IL-33 Accelerates Chronic Atrophic Gastritis through AMPK-ULK1 Axis Mediated Autolysosomal Degradation of GKN1. Int J Biol Sci 2024; 20:2323-2338. [PMID: 38617533 PMCID: PMC11008276 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.93573] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG) is a complex disease characterized by atrophy and inflammation in gastric mucosal tissue, especially with high expression of interleukins. However, the interaction and mechanisms between interleukins and gastric mucosal epithelial cells in CAG remain largely elusive. Here, we elucidate that IL-33 stands out as the predominant inflammatory factor in CAG, and its expression is induced by H. pylori and MNNG through the ROS-STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, our findings reveal that the IL-33/ST2 axis is intricately involved in the progression of CAG. Utilizing phosphoproteomics mass spectrometry, we demonstrate that IL-33 enhances autophagy in gastric epithelial cells through the phosphorylation of AMPK-ULK1 axis. Notably, inhibiting autophagy alleviates CAG severity, while augmentation of autophagy exacerbates the disease. Additionally, ROS scavenging emerges as a promising strategy to ameliorate CAG by reducing IL-33 expression and inhibiting autophagy. Intriguingly, IL-33 stimulation promotes GKN1 degradation through the autolysosomal pathway. Clinically, the combined measurement of IL-33 and GKN1 in serum shows potential as diagnostic markers. Our findings unveil an IL-33-AMPK-ULK1 regulatory mechanism governing GKN1 protein stability in CAG, presenting potential therapeutic targets for its treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kewei Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Hongxia Huang
- Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing 400042, China
| | - Mengyuan Xiong
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Qiaojiao Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Xiantao Chen
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
| | - Yinqiong Feng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 400000, China
| | - Hang Ma
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Wanqun Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 400000, China
| | - Xuegang Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Xiaoli Ye
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China
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Song H, Zhao Z, Ma L, Zhao W, Hu Y, Song Y. Novel exosomal circEGFR facilitates triple negative breast cancer autophagy via promoting TFEB nuclear trafficking and modulating miR-224-5p/ATG13/ULK1 feedback loop. Oncogene 2024; 43:821-836. [PMID: 38280941 PMCID: PMC10920198 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-02950-4] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells are in a more hypoxic and starved state than non-TNBC cells, which makes TNBC cells always maintain high autophagy levels. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in the progress of tumorigenesis. However, the regulation and functions of autophagy-induced circRNAs in TNBC remain unclear. In our study, autophagy-responsive circRNA candidates in TNBC cells under amino acid starved were identified by RNA sequencing. The results showed that circEGFR expression was significantly upregulated in autophagic cells. Knockdown of circEGFR inhibited autophagy in TNBC cells, and circEGFR derived from exosomes induced autophagy in recipient cells in the tumor microenvironment. In vitro and in vivo functional assays identified circEGFR as an oncogenic circRNA in TNBC. Clinically, circEGFR was significantly upregulated in TNBC and was positively associated with lymph node metastasis. CircEGFR in plasma-derived exosomes was upregulated in breast cancer patients compared with healthy people. Mechanistically, circEGFR facilitated the translocation of Annexin A2 (ANXA2) toward the plasma membrane in TNBC cells, which led to the release of Transcription Factor EB (a transcription factor of autophagy-related proteins, TFEB) from ANXA2-TFEB complex, causing nuclear translocation of TFEB, thereby promoting autophagy in TNBC cells. Meanwhile, circEGFR acted as ceRNA by directly binding to miR-224-5p and inhibited the expression of miR-224-5p, which weakened the suppressive role of miR-224-5p/ATG13/ULK1 axis on autophagy. Overall, our study demonstrates the key role of circEGFR in autophagy, malignant progression, and metastasis of TNBC. These indicate circEGFR is a potential diagnosis biomarker and therapeutic target for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huachen Song
- Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Zitong Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Liying Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Weihong Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Yi Hu
- Senior Department of Oncology, the Fifth Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
| | - Yongmei Song
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Xin GJ, Liu ZX, Chen YY, Zhang HY, Guo F, Peng H, Li L, Han X, Liu JX, Fu JH. [Tetrahydropalmatine inhibiting mitophagy through ULK1/FUNDC1 pathway to alleviate hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in H9c2 cells]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 2024; 49:1286-1294. [PMID: 38621976 DOI: 10.19540/j.cnki.cjcmm.20231114.702] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
This study explored the specific mechanism by which tetrahydropalmatine(THP) inhibited mitophagy through the UNC-51-like kinase 1(ULK1)/FUN14 domain containing 1(FUNDC1) pathway to reduce hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R) injury in H9c2 cells. This study used H9c2 cells as the research object to construct a cardiomyocyte H/R injury model. First, a cell viability detection kit was used to detect cell viability, and a micro-method was used to detect lactate dehydrogenase(LDH) leakage to evaluate the protective effect of THP on H/R injury of H9c2 cells. In order to evaluate the protective effect of THP on mitochondria, the chemical fluorescence method was used to detect intracellular reactive oxygen species, intramitochondrial reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, and autophagosomes, and the luciferin method was used to detect intracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate(ATP) content. Western blot was further used to detect the ratio of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3(LC3) membrane type(LC3-Ⅱ) and slurry type(LC3-Ⅰ) and activated cleaved caspase-3 expression level. In addition, ULK1 expression level and its phosphorylation degree at Ser555 site, as well as the FUNDC1 expression level and its phosphorylation degree of Ser17 site were detected to explore its specific mechanism. The results showed that THP effectively reduced mitochondrial damage in H9c2 cells after H/R. THP protected mitochondria by reducing the level of reactive oxygen species in cells and mitochondria, increasing mitochondrial membrane potential, thereby increasing cellular ATP production, enhancing cellular activity, reducing cellular LDH leakage, and finally alleviating H/R damage in H9c2 cells. Further studies have found that THP could reduce the production of autophagosomes, reduce the LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ ratio, and lower the expression of the apoptosis-related protein, namely cleaved caspase-3, indicating that THP could reduce apoptosis by inhibiting autophagy. In-depth studies have found that THP could inhibit the activation of the ULK1/FUNDC1 pathway of mitophagy and the occurrence of mitophagy by reducing the phosphorylation degree of ULK1 at Ser555 and FUNDC1 at Ser17. The application of ULK1 agonist BL-918 reversely verified the effect of THP on reducing the phosphorylation of ULK1 and FUNDC1. In summary, THP inhibited mitophagy through the ULK1/FUNDC1 pathway to reduce H/R injury in H9c2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gao-Jie Xin
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing 100091, China National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology Beijing 100091, China
| | - Zi-Xin Liu
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing 100091, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Chen
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing 100091, China
| | - Hui-Yu Zhang
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing 100091, China
| | - Fan Guo
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing 100091, China
| | - Han Peng
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing 100091, China
| | - Lei Li
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing 100091, China National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology Beijing 100091, China
| | - Xiao Han
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing 100091, China National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology Beijing 100091, China
| | - Jian-Xun Liu
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing 100091, China National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology Beijing 100091, China
| | - Jian-Hua Fu
- Institute of Basic Medicine, Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Beijing 100091, China National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Cardiology Beijing 100091, China
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Chen D, Wu J, Qiu X, Luo S, Huang S, Wei E, Qin M, Huang J, Liu S. SPHK1 potentiates colorectal cancer progression and metastasis via regulating autophagy mediated by TRAF6-induced ULK1 ubiquitination. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:410-419. [PMID: 38135696 PMCID: PMC10940154 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00711-1] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
A sphingolipid metabolite regulator, sphingosine kinase 1 (SPHK1), plays a critical role in the development of colorectal cancer (CRC). Studies have demonstrated that invasion and metastasis of CRC are promoted by SPHK1-driven autophagy. However, the exact mechanism of SPHK1 drives autophagy to promote tumor progression remains unclear. Here, immunohistochemical detection showed the expression of SPHK1 and tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor-6 (TRAF6) in human CRC tissues was stronger than in adjacent normal tissues, they were both associated with distance metastasis. It was discovered that knockdown of SPHK1 reduced the expression of TRAF6, inhibited autophagy, and inhibited the growth and metastasis of CRC cells in vitro. Moreover, the effects of SPHK1-downregulating were reversed by overexpression of TRAF6 in CRC cells transfected by double-gene. Overexpression of SPHK1 and TRAF6 promoted the expression of autophagy protein LC3 and Vimentin, while downregulated the expression of autophagy protein P62 and E-cadherin. The expression of autophagy-related ubiquitination protein ULK1 and Ubiquitin protein were significantly upregulated in TRAF6-overexpressed CRC cells. In addition, autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3MA) significantly inhibited the metastasis-promoting effect of SPHK1 and TRAF6, suppressed the expression of LC3 and Vimentin, and promoted the expression of P62 and E-cadherin, in CRC cells. Immunofluorescence staining showed SPHK1 and TRAF6 were co-localized in HT29 CRC cell membrane and cytoplasm. Immunoprecipitation detection showed SPHK1 was efficiently combined with the endogenous TRAF6, and the interaction was also detected reciprocally. Additionally, proteasome inhibitor MG132 treatment upregulated the expression of TRAF6 and the level of Ubiquitin protein, in SPHK1-downregulating CRC cells. These results reveal that SPHK1 potentiates CRC progression and metastasis via regulating autophagy mediated by TRAF6-induced ULK1 ubiquitination. SPHK1-TRAF6-ULK1 signaling axis is critical to the progression of CRC and provides a new strategy for the therapeutic control of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Jiangni Wu
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Xinze Qiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Shibo Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Shanpei Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Erdan Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Mengbin Qin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Jiean Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China
| | - Shiquan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, P. R. China.
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9
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Yang W, Qiu C, Lv H, Zhang Z, Yao T, Huang L, Wu G, Zhang X, Chen J, He Y. Sirt3 Protects Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells From High Glucose-Induced Injury by Promoting Mitophagy Through the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 Pathway. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2024; 13:19. [PMID: 38517447 PMCID: PMC10981157 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.13.3.19] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose The regulation of mitophagy by Sirt3 has rarely been studied in ocular diseases. In the present study, we determined the effects of Sirt3 on AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway-mediated mitophagy in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in a high glucose environment. Methods The mRNA expression levels of Sirt3, AMPK, mTOR, ULK1, and LC3B in RPE cells under varying glucose conditions were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The expressions of Sirt3, mitophagy protein, and AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway-related proteins were detected by Western blotting. Lentivirus (LV) transfection mediated the stable overexpression of Sirt3 in cell lines. The experimental groups were NG (5.5 mM glucose), hypertonic, HG (30 mM glucose), HG + LV-GFP, and HG + LV-Sirt3. Western blotting was performed to detect the expressions of mitophagy proteins and AMPK/mTOR/ULK1-related proteins in a high glucose environment during the overexpression of Sirt3. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in a high glucose environment was measured by DCFH-DA staining. Mitophagy was detected by labeling mitochondria and lysosomes with MitoTracker and LysoTracker probes, respectively. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry. Results Sirt3 expression was reduced in the high glucose group, inhibiting the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 pathway, with diminished mitophagy and increased intracellular ROS production. The overexpression of Sirt3, increased expression of p-AMPK/AMPK and p-ULK1/ULK1, and decreased expression of p-mTOR/mTOR inhibited cell apoptosis and enhanced mitophagy. Conclusions Sirt3 protected RPE cells from high glucose-induced injury by activating the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway. Translational Relevance By identifying new targets of action, we aimed to establish effective therapeutic targets for diabetic retinopathy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan , China
| | - Chen Qiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan , China
| | - Hongbin Lv
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan , China
| | - Zhiru Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianyu Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Huang
- Sichuan Vocational College of Health and Rehabilitation, Zigong, Sichuan, China
| | - Guihong Wu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan , China
| | - Xueqin Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan , China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yue He
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan , China
- Stem Cell Immunity and Regeneration Key Laboratory of Luzhou, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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10
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Ali Y, Gomez-Sanchez CE, Plonczynski M, Naray-Fejes-Toth A, Fejes-Toth G, Gomez-Sanchez EP. mTOR Regulates Mineralocorticoid Receptor Transcriptional Activity by ULK1-Dependent and -Independent Mechanisms. Endocrinology 2024; 165:bqae015. [PMID: 38325289 PMCID: PMC10887451 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqae015] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
The mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) is a transcription factor for genes mediating diverse, cell-specific functions, including trophic effects as well as promoting fluid/electrolyte homeostasis. It was reported that in intercalated cells, phosphorylation of the MR at serine 843 (S843) by Unc-51-like kinase (ULK1) inhibits MR activation and that phosphorylation of ULK1 by mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) inactivates ULK1, and thereby prevents MR inactivation. We extended these findings with studies in M1 mouse cortical collecting duct cells stably expressing the rat MR and a reporter gene. Pharmacological inhibition of ULK1 dose-dependently increased ligand-induced MR transactivation, while ULK1 activation had no effect. Pharmacological inhibition of mTOR and CRISPR/gRNA gene knockdown of rapamycin-sensitive adapter protein of mTOR (Raptor) or rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (Rictor) decreased phosphorylated ULK1 and ligand-induced activation of the MR reporter gene, as well as transcription of endogenous MR-target genes. As predicted, ULK1 inhibition had no effect on aldosterone-mediated transcription in M1 cells with the mutated MR-S843A (alanine cannot be phosphorylated). In contrast, mTOR inhibition dose-dependently decreased transcription in the MR-S843A cells, though not as completely as in cells with the wild-type MR-S843. mTOR, Raptor, and Rictor coprecipitated with the MR and addition of aldosterone increased their phosphorylated, active state. These results suggest that mTOR significantly regulates MR activity in at least 2 ways: by suppressing MR inactivation by ULK1, and by a yet ill-defined mechanism that involves direct association with MR. They also provide new insights into the diverse functions of ULK1 and mTOR, 2 key enzymes that monitor the cell's energy status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Ali
- Research Service, G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Celso E Gomez-Sanchez
- Research Service, G. V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Maria Plonczynski
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | | | - Geza Fejes-Toth
- Department of Physiology, Dartmouth Medical School, Lebanon, NH 03755, USA
| | - Elise P Gomez-Sanchez
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
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11
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Wang J, Zheng F, Wang D, Yang Q. Regulation of ULK1 by WTAP/IGF2BP3 axis enhances mitophagy and progression in epithelial ovarian cancer. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:97. [PMID: 38286802 PMCID: PMC10824720 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06477-0] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
There is a pressing need for innovative therapeutic strategies for patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Previous studies have shown that UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1), a serine/threonine kinase, is crucial in regulating cellular autophagy and mitophagy across various tumor types. However, the clinical implications, biological functions, and potential mechanisms of ULK1 in EOC remain poorly understood. This study demonstrates that ULK1 expression is upregulated in EOC tissue samples and EOC cell lines, with increased ULK1 expression correlating with poor prognosis. Functionally, overexpressed ULK1 enhances the proliferation and migration abilities of EOC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ULK1 was identified as an m6A target of WTAP. WTAP-mediated m6A modification of ULK1 enhanced its mRNA stability in an IGF2BP3-dependent manner, leading to elevated ULK1 expression and enhanced mitophagy in EOC. In summary, our research reveals that the WTAP/IGF2BP3-ULK1 axis significantly influences protective mitophagy in EOC, contributing to its progression. Therefore, the regulatory mechanisms and biological function of ULK1 identify it as a potential molecular target for therapeutic intervention in EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Fei Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Dandan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China
| | - Qing Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110004, China.
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12
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Guan Y, Zhang M, Lacy C, Shah S, Epstein FH, Yan Z. Endurance Exercise Training Mitigates Diastolic Dysfunction in Diabetic Mice Independent of Phosphorylation of Ulk1 at S555. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:633. [PMID: 38203804 PMCID: PMC10779281 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25010633] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Millions of diabetic patients suffer from cardiovascular complications. One of the earliest signs of diabetic complications in the heart is diastolic dysfunction. Regular exercise is a highly effective preventive/therapeutic intervention against diastolic dysfunction in diabetes, but the underlying mechanism(s) remain poorly understood. Studies have shown that the accumulation of damaged or dysfunctional mitochondria in the myocardium is at the center of this pathology. Here, we employed a mouse model of diabetes to test the hypothesis that endurance exercise training mitigates diastolic dysfunction by promoting cardiac mitophagy (the clearance of mitochondria via autophagy) via S555 phosphorylation of Ulk1. High-fat diet (HFD) feeding and streptozotocin (STZ) injection in mice led to reduced endurance capacity, impaired diastolic function, increased myocardial oxidative stress, and compromised mitochondrial structure and function, which were all ameliorated by 6 weeks of voluntary wheel running. Using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene editing, we generated non-phosphorylatable Ulk1 (S555A) mutant mice and showed the requirement of p-Ulk1at S555 for exercise-induced mitophagy in the myocardium. However, diabetic Ulk1 (S555A) mice retained the benefits of exercise intervention. We conclude that endurance exercise training mitigates diabetes-induced diastolic dysfunction independent of Ulk1 phosphorylation at S555.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuntian Guan
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Center for Exercise Medicine Research at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (Y.G.); (C.L.)
- Center for Skeletal Muscle Research at Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Departments of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Mei Zhang
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Center for Exercise Medicine Research at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (Y.G.); (C.L.)
- Center for Skeletal Muscle Research at Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Departments of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
| | - Christie Lacy
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Center for Exercise Medicine Research at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (Y.G.); (C.L.)
| | - Soham Shah
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA (F.H.E.)
| | - Frederick H. Epstein
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA (F.H.E.)
| | - Zhen Yan
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Center for Exercise Medicine Research at Virginia Tech Carilion, Roanoke, VA 24016, USA; (Y.G.); (C.L.)
- Center for Skeletal Muscle Research at Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Departments of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Departments of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA (F.H.E.)
- Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biological Physics, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA
- Department of Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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13
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Bao Y, Wu L, Liu Y, Fan C, Zhang J, Yang J. Role of CircCHD2 in the pathogenesis of gestational diabetes mellitus by regulating autophagy via miR-33b-3p/ULK1 axis. Placenta 2024; 145:27-37. [PMID: 38039841 DOI: 10.1016/j.placenta.2023.11.013] [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] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common pregnancy complication with a high incidence in women; however, its pathophysiology remains unknown. Our previous study suggested that the circCHD2/miR-33b-3p/ULK1 axis may be involved in GDM pathogenesis. However, the mechanism through which circCHD2 regulates GDM development requires further investigation. We found that high-glucose (HG, 25 mmol/L) significantly induced the expression of circCHD2, increased autophagy and apoptosis, and decreased cell viability in human placental trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cells. In contrast, the downregulation of circCHD2 significantly attenuated the effects of HG on HTR-8/SVneo cells. MiR-33b-3p downregulated in the placenta of GDM patients was reduced by HG and detected as a target of circCHD2 using bioinformatics analysis, a dual-luciferase reporter assay, and qRT-PCR assay. Further studies showed that the inhibition of miR-33b-3p significantly blocked the effects of circCHD2 downregulation on cell viability, apoptosis, and autophagy in HG-treated HTR-8/SVneo cells. ULK1 is a target of miR-33b-3p, based on bioinformatics analysis, a dual-luciferase reporter assay, qRT-PCR assay, and Western blot analysis. Compared to miR-33b-3p, ULK1 is upregulated in the placenta of GDM patients. ULK1 overexpression notably blocked the effects of miR-33b-3p mimics on cell viability, apoptosis, and autophagy in HG-treated HTR-8/SVneo cells. These findings suggested that circCHD2 acts as an autophagy promoter via the miR-33b-3p/ULK1 axis to induce apoptosis in HTR-8/SVneo cells, suggesting that circCHD2 is a potential diagnostic and therapeutic target for GDM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yindi Bao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Lianzhi Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xiaogan Central Hospital Affiliated of Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Xiaogan, 432003, China
| | - Cuifang Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
| | - Jing Yang
- Reproductive Medical Center/Hubei Medical Clinical Research Center for Assisted Reproductive Technology and Embryonic Development, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, China.
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14
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Qiu Z, Lin S, Pan N, Lin Z, Pan Y, Liang Z. Exosomal circHIPK3 derived from umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells enhances skin fibroblast autophagy by blocking miR-20b-5p/ULK1/Atg13 axis. J Diabetes Investig 2023; 14:1344-1355. [PMID: 37688345 PMCID: PMC10688123 DOI: 10.1111/jdi.14077] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) could alleviate diabetes-induced injury. Hence, this investigation aimed to explore the role and mechanism of UCMSCs-derived exosomal circHIPK3 (exo-circHIPK3) in diabetes mellitus (DM). METHODS HFF-1 cells were cultured in high glucose (HG) medium or normal medium, and treated with UCMSCs-derived exo-circHIPK3 or miR-20b-5p mimics or Unc-51-like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) overexpression vector. The surface markers of UCMSCs were analyzed using a flow cytometer. The differentiation potential of UCMSCs was evaluated using oil red O staining, alizarin red staining and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) staining. Cell proliferation was determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The miRNA expressions were analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Protein levels were quantified by western blot. An immunofluorescence staining was used for observing LC3 expression. The interaction between miR-20b-5p and circHIPK3, and between miR-20b-5b and ULK1 were identified by a RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay and a luciferase reporter assay. RESULTS Up-regulation of circHIPK3 was found in UCMSCs-derived exosomes. Exo-circHIPK3 decreased the miR-20b-5p level while increasing the contents of ULK1 and autophagy-related gene 13 (Atg13) in HG-induced fibroblasts. In addition, exo-circHIPK3 activated HG-induced fibroblast autophagy and proliferation. Overexpressed miR-20b-5p promoted fibroblast injury by inhibiting cell autophagy via the ULK1/Atg13 axis in HG conditions of high glucose. Moreover, exo-circHIPK3 enhanced autophagy and cell viability in HG-induced fibroblasts through the miR-20b-5p/ULK1/Atg13 axis. CONCLUSION UCMSCs-derived exosomal circHIPK3 promoted cell autophagy and proliferation and accelerated the fibroblast injury repair by the miR-20b-5p/ULK1/Atg13 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi‐Yang Qiu
- Department of Burn & Skin Repair SurgeryHainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University)HaikouHainanChina
| | - Shi‐Shuai Lin
- Department of Burn & Skin Repair SurgeryHainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University)HaikouHainanChina
| | - Nan‐Fang Pan
- Department of Burn & Skin Repair SurgeryHainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University)HaikouHainanChina
| | - Zhi‐Hu Lin
- Department of Burn & Skin Repair SurgeryHainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University)HaikouHainanChina
| | - Yun‐Chuan Pan
- Department of Burn & Skin Repair SurgeryHainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University)HaikouHainanChina
| | - Zun‐Hong Liang
- Department of Burn & Skin Repair SurgeryHainan General Hospital (Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University)HaikouHainanChina
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15
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Liu H, Lv W, Ouyang L, Xu L. Ghrelin alleviates hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced H9C2 injury by activating autophagy and AMPK/ULK1 pathway. Cell Mol Biol (Noisy-le-grand) 2023; 69:139-245. [PMID: 38015515 DOI: 10.14715/cmb/2023.69.11.36] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The research aims to explore the protective effects of ghrelin and its underlying molecular mechanisms in an H9C2 hypoxia/reoxygenation model. H9C2 cells were transfected with ghrelin overexpression lentiviral vector. The hypoxia/reoxygenation H9C2 model was constructed. The expression of ghrelin was analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western Blotting. CCK8, flow cytometry and TUNEL assay were used to analyze the impact of ghrelin on the survival and apoptosis of H9C2 injured by hypoxia/reoxygenation. The levels of autophagy-related proteins in H9C2 cells were evaluated through Western blotting. ELISA was utilized to assess how ghrelin affects the inflammatory response triggered by hypoxia/reoxygenation. Western blotting was utilized to investigate the regulatory role of ghrelin on the AMPK/ULK1 pathway. Additionally, the AMPK inhibitor Compound C was introduced to delve further into the associated mechanism. Hypoxia/reoxygenation injury decreased the expression of ghrelin. Transfection of ghrelin overexpression lentiviral vector significantly increased the expression of ghrelin in H9C2 cells. Ghrelin overexpression can significantly promote cell survival, reduce apoptosis, activate AMPK, ULK1 and AMBRA1, promote autophagy, increase the expression of LC3BII/LC3BI and Beclin-1, reduce the expression of P62, and reduce inflammatory response. Ghrelin inhibited apoptosis of H9C2 caused by hypoxia/reoxygenation and reduced inflammatory response, which mechanism is related to activation of AMPK/ULK1 pathway and autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Liu
- Department of Thyroid Surgery, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan 250013, China.
| | - Wei Lv
- Department of Cardiovascular Unit2, Jinan Central Hospital, Jinan 250013, China.
| | - Li Ouyang
- Department of Surgery, Outpatient Department of 94201 PLA, Jinan 250013, China.
| | - Li Xu
- Department of Cardilogy Intensive Care, Central Hospital Affiliated to ShanDong First Medical University, Jinan 250013, China.
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16
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Liang P, Zhang J, Wu Y, Zheng S, Xu Z, Yang S, Wang J, Ma S, Xiao L, Hu T, Jiang W, Huang C, Xing Q, Kundu M, Wang B. An ULK1/2-PXN mechanotransduction pathway suppresses breast cancer cell migration. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e56850. [PMID: 37846507 PMCID: PMC10626438 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202356850] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The remodeling and stiffening of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is a well-recognized modulator of breast cancer progression. How changes in the mechanical properties of the ECM are converted into biochemical signals that direct tumor cell migration and metastasis remain poorly characterized. Here, we describe a new role for the autophagy-inducing serine/threonine kinases ULK1 and ULK2 in mechanotransduction. We show that ULK1/2 activity inhibits the assembly of actin stress fibers and focal adhesions (FAs) and as a consequence impedes cell contraction and migration, independent of its role in autophagy. Mechanistically, we identify PXN/paxillin, a key component of the mechanotransducing machinery, as a direct binding partner and substrate of ULK1/2. ULK-mediated phosphorylation of PXN at S32 and S119 weakens homotypic interactions and liquid-liquid phase separation of PXN, impairing FA assembly, which in turn alters the mechanical properties of breast cancer cells and their response to mechanical stimuli. ULK1/2 and the well-characterized PXN regulator, FAK/Src, have opposing functions on mechanotransduction and compete for phosphorylation of adjacent serine and tyrosine residues. Taken together, our study reveals ULK1/2 as important regulator of PXN-dependent mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peigang Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Jiaqi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Yuchen Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Shanyuan Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Zhaopeng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Shuo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Jinfang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Suibin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Li Xiao
- Department of OncologyZhongshan Hospital of Xiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Tianhui Hu
- Cancer Research Center, School of MedicineXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
| | - Wenxue Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio‐Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Chaoqun Huang
- Central LaboratoryThe Fifth Hospital of XiamenXiamenChina
| | - Qiong Xing
- State Key Laboratory of Biocatalysis and Enzyme Engineering, Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Green Transformation of Bio‐Resources, Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, School of Life SciencesHubei UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Mondira Kundu
- Department of Cell and Molecular BiologySt. Jude Children's Research HospitalMemphisTNUSA
| | - Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life SciencesXiamen UniversityXiamenChina
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Xiamen UniversityShenzhenChina
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17
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Zurlo M, Zuccato C, Cosenza LC, Gasparello J, Gamberini MR, Stievano A, Fortini M, Prosdocimi M, Finotti A, Gambari R. Decrease in α-Globin and Increase in the Autophagy-Activating Kinase ULK1 mRNA in Erythroid Precursors from β-Thalassemia Patients Treated with Sirolimus. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15049. [PMID: 37894732 PMCID: PMC10606773 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242015049] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The β-thalassemias are hereditary monogenic diseases characterized by a low or absent production of adult hemoglobin and excess in the content of α-globin. This excess is cytotoxic for the erythroid cells and responsible for the β-thalassemia-associated ineffective erythropoiesis. Therefore, the decrease in excess α-globin is a relevant clinical effect for these patients and can be realized through the induction of fetal hemoglobin, autophagy, or both. The in vivo effects of sirolimus (rapamycin) and analogs on the induction of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) are of key importance for therapeutic protocols in a variety of hemoglobinopathies, including β-thalassemias. In this research communication, we report data showing that a decrease in autophagy-associated p62 protein, increased expression of ULK-1, and reduction in excess α-globin are occurring in erythroid precursors (ErPCs) stimulated in vitro with low dosages of sirolimus. In addition, increased ULK-1 mRNA content and a decrease in α-globin content were found in ErPCs isolated from β-thalassemia patients recruited for the NCT03877809 clinical trial and treated with 0.5-2 mg/day sirolimus. Our data support the concept that autophagy, ULK1 expression, and α-globin chain reduction should be considered important endpoints in sirolimus-based clinical trials for β-thalassemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Zurlo
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Cristina Zuccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (J.G.)
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lucia Carmela Cosenza
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Jessica Gasparello
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (J.G.)
| | - Maria Rita Gamberini
- Thalassemia Unit, Arcispedale S. Anna, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.R.G.); (A.S.); (M.F.)
| | - Alice Stievano
- Thalassemia Unit, Arcispedale S. Anna, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.R.G.); (A.S.); (M.F.)
| | - Monica Fortini
- Thalassemia Unit, Arcispedale S. Anna, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.R.G.); (A.S.); (M.F.)
| | | | - Alessia Finotti
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (J.G.)
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Roberto Gambari
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.Z.); (C.Z.); (L.C.C.); (J.G.)
- Center “Chiara Gemmo and Elio Zago” for the Research on Thalassemia, Ferrara University, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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18
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Bierlein M, Charles J, Polisuk-Balfour T, Bretscher H, Rice M, Zvonar J, Pohl D, Winslow L, Wasie B, Deurloo S, Van Wert J, Williams B, Ankney G, Harmon Z, Dann E, Azuz A, Guzman-Vargas A, Kuhns E, Neufeld TP, O'Connor MB, Amissah F, Zhu CC. Autophagy impairment and lifespan reduction caused by Atg1 RNAi or Atg18 RNAi expression in adult fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). Genetics 2023; 225:iyad154. [PMID: 37594076 DOI: 10.1093/genetics/iyad154] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy, an autophagosome and lysosome-based eukaryotic cellular degradation system, has previously been implicated in lifespan regulation in different animal models. In this report, we show that expression of the RNAi transgenes targeting the transcripts of the key autophagy genes Atg1 or Atg18 in adult fly muscle or glia does not affect the overall levels of autophagosomes in those tissues and does not change the lifespan of the tested flies but the lifespan reduction phenotype has become apparent when Atg1 RNAi or Atg18 RNAi is expressed ubiquitously in adult flies or after autophagy is eradicated through the knockdown of Atg1 or Atg18 in adult fly adipocytes. Lifespan reduction was also observed when Atg1 or Atg18 was knocked down in adult fly enteroblasts and midgut stem cells. Overexpression of wild-type Atg1 in adult fly muscle or adipocytes reduces the lifespan and causes accumulation of high levels of ubiquitinated protein aggregates in muscles. Our research data have highlighted the important functions of the key autophagy genes in adult fly adipocytes, enteroblasts, and midgut stem cells and their undetermined roles in adult fly muscle and glia for lifespan regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariah Bierlein
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Joseph Charles
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | | | - Heidi Bretscher
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Developmental Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Micaela Rice
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Jacklyn Zvonar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Drake Pohl
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Lindsey Winslow
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Brennah Wasie
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Sara Deurloo
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Jordan Van Wert
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Britney Williams
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Gabrielle Ankney
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Zachary Harmon
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Erica Dann
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Anna Azuz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Alex Guzman-Vargas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Elizabeth Kuhns
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Thomas P Neufeld
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Developmental Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Michael B O'Connor
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Developmental Biology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Felix Amissah
- School of Pharmacy, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
| | - Changqi C Zhu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Ferris State University, Big Rapids, MI 49307, USA
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19
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Safari F, Dadvar F. In vitro evaluation of autophagy and cell death induction in Panc1 pancreatic cancer by secretome of hAMSCs through downregulation of p-AKT/p-mTOR and upregulation of p-AMPK/ULK1 signal transduction pathways. Tissue Cell 2023; 84:102160. [PMID: 37482027 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102160] [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: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
One of the main causes of cancer mortality in the world is pancreatic cancer. Therapies based on stem cells are currently thought to be a hopeful option in the treatment of cancer. Herein, we intend to evaluate the antitumor effects of secretome of human amniotic mesenchymal stromal cells (hAMSCs) on autophagy and cell death induction in Panc1 pancreatic cancer cells. We adopted a co-culture system using Transwell 6-well plates and after 72 h, hAMSCs-treated Panc1 cancer cells were analyzed using quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR), flow cytometry, western blot, MTT assay, and DAPI staining. Based on our results, the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3) conversion from LC3-I to LC3-II and the upregulation of autophagy-related proteins expression including Beclin1, Atg7, and Atg12 were detected in hAMSCs-treated Panc1 cells. Furthermore, the level of phosphorylated proteins such as Unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1), AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK), AKT, and mTOR changed. Apoptotic cell death was also induced via the elevation of Bax and Caspase 3 expression and inhibition of Bcl-2. Our findings showed that secretome of hAMSCs induces autophagy and cell death in Panc1 cancer cells. However, more experiments will be needed to identify more details about the associated mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Safari
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Faezeh Dadvar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Guilan, Rasht, Iran
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20
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Keith J, Christakopoulos GE, Fernandez AG, Yao Y, Zhang J, Mayberry K, Telange R, Sweileh RBA, Dudley M, Westbrook C, Sheppard H, Weiss MJ, Lechauve C. Loss of miR-144/451 alleviates β-thalassemia by stimulating ULK1-mediated autophagy of free α-globin. Blood 2023; 142:918-932. [PMID: 37339583 PMCID: PMC10517214 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022017265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Most cells can eliminate unstable or misfolded proteins through quality control mechanisms. In the inherited red blood cell disorder β-thalassemia, mutations in the β-globin gene (HBB) lead to a reduction in the corresponding protein and the accumulation of cytotoxic free α-globin, which causes maturation arrest and apoptosis of erythroid precursors and reductions in the lifespan of circulating red blood cells. We showed previously that excess α-globin is eliminated by Unc-51-like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1)-dependent autophagy and that stimulating this pathway by systemic mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibition alleviates β-thalassemia pathologies. We show here that disrupting the bicistronic microRNA gene miR-144/451 alleviates β-thalassemia by reducing mTORC1 activity and stimulating ULK1-mediated autophagy of free α-globin through 2 mechanisms. Loss of miR-451 upregulated its target messenger RNA, Cab39, which encodes a cofactor for LKB1, a serine-threonine kinase that phosphorylates and activates the central metabolic sensor adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). The resultant enhancement of LKB1 activity stimulated AMPK and its downstream effects, including repression of mTORC1 and direct activation of ULK1. In addition, loss of miR-144/451 inhibited the expression of erythroblast transferrin receptor 1, causing intracellular iron restriction, which has been shown to inhibit mTORC1, reduce free α-globin precipitates, and improve hematological indices in β-thalassemia. The beneficial effects of miR-144/451 loss in β-thalassemia were inhibited by the disruption of Cab39 or Ulk1 genes. Together, our findings link the severity of β-thalassemia to a highly expressed erythroid microRNA locus and a fundamental, metabolically regulated protein quality control pathway that is amenable to therapeutic manipulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Keith
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | | | | | - Yu Yao
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Jingjing Zhang
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Kalin Mayberry
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Rahul Telange
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Razan B. A. Sweileh
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Michael Dudley
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Camilla Westbrook
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Heather Sheppard
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Mitchell J. Weiss
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Christophe Lechauve
- Department of Hematology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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21
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Pai YL, Lin YJ, Peng WH, Huang LT, Chou HY, Wang CH, Chien CT, Chen GC. The deubiquitinase Leon/USP5 interacts with Atg1/ULK1 and antagonizes autophagy. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:540. [PMID: 37607937 PMCID: PMC10444890 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06062-x] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has shown that the quality of proteins must be tightly monitored and controlled to maintain cellular proteostasis. Misfolded proteins and protein aggregates are targeted for degradation through the ubiquitin proteasome (UPS) and autophagy-lysosome systems. The ubiquitination and deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) have been reported to play pivotal roles in the regulation of the UPS system. However, the function of DUBs in the regulation of autophagy remain to be elucidated. In this study, we found that knockdown of Leon/USP5 caused a marked increase in the formation of autophagosomes and autophagic flux under well-fed conditions. Genetic analysis revealed that overexpression of Leon suppressed Atg1-induced cell death in Drosophila. Immunoblotting assays further showed a strong interaction between Leon/USP5 and the autophagy initiating kinase Atg1/ULK1. Depletion of Leon/USP5 led to increased levels of Atg1/ULK1. Our findings indicate that Leon/USP5 is an autophagic DUB that interacts with Atg1/ULK1, negatively regulating the autophagic process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueh-Ling Pai
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Yuchieh Jay Lin
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Hsin Peng
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Li-Ting Huang
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan
| | - He-Yen Chou
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Hsiang Wang
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Ting Chien
- Institute of Molecular Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan
| | - Guang-Chao Chen
- Institute of Biological Chemistry, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, College of Life Science, National Taiwan University, Taipei, 106, Taiwan.
- Chemical Biology and Molecular Biophysics, Taiwan International Graduate Program, Academia Sinica, Taipei, 115, Taiwan.
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22
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Zhang S, Yi S, Wang L, Li S, Wang H, Song L, Ou J, Zhang M, Wang R, Wang M, Zheng Y, Yang K, Liu T, Ho MS. Cyclin-G-associated kinase GAK/dAux regulates autophagy initiation via ULK1/Atg1 in glia. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2301002120. [PMID: 37428930 PMCID: PMC10629559 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2301002120] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a major means for the elimination of protein inclusions in neurons in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Yet, the mechanism of autophagy in the other brain cell type, glia, is less well characterized and remains largely unknown. Here, we present evidence that the PD risk factor, Cyclin-G-associated kinase (GAK)/Drosophila homolog Auxilin (dAux), is a component in glial autophagy. The lack of GAK/dAux increases the autophagosome number and size in adult fly glia and mouse microglia, and generally up-regulates levels of components in the initiation and PI3K class III complexes. GAK/dAux interacts with the master initiation regulator UNC-51like autophagy activating kinase 1/Atg1 via its uncoating domain and regulates the trafficking of Atg1 and Atg9 to autophagosomes, hence controlling the onset of glial autophagy. On the other hand, lack of GAK/dAux impairs the autophagic flux and blocks substrate degradation, suggesting that GAK/dAux might play additional roles. Importantly, dAux contributes to PD-like symptoms including dopaminergic neurodegeneration and locomotor function in flies. Our findings identify an autophagy factor in glia; considering the pivotal role of glia under pathological conditions, targeting glial autophagy is potentially a therapeutic strategy for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiping Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, China
| | - Shuanglong Yi
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Linfang Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Shuhua Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, China
| | - Honglei Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, China
| | - Li Song
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai200092, China
| | - Jiayao Ou
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai200092, China
| | - Min Zhang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, China
| | - Ruiqi Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, China
| | - Mengxiao Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, China
| | - Yuchen Zheng
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, China
| | - Kai Yang
- International Academic Center of Complex Systems, Advanced Institute of Natural Sciences, Beijing Normal University at Zhuhai, Zhuhai519087, China
| | - Tong Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200031, China
| | - Margaret S. Ho
- School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai201210, China
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23
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Jia M, Yue X, Sun W, Zhou Q, Chang C, Gong W, Feng J, Li X, Zhan R, Mo K, Zhang L, Qian Y, Sun Y, Wang A, Zou Y, Chen W, Li Y, Huang L, Yang Y, Zhao Y, Cheng X. ULK1-mediated metabolic reprogramming regulates Vps34 lipid kinase activity by its lactylation. Sci Adv 2023; 9:eadg4993. [PMID: 37267363 PMCID: PMC10413652 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adg4993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy and glycolysis are highly conserved biological processes involved in both physiological and pathological cellular programs, but the interplay between these processes is poorly understood. Here, we show that the glycolytic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) is activated upon UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) activation under nutrient deprivation. Specifically, ULK1 directly interacts with LDHA, phosphorylates serine-196 when nutrients are scarce and promotes lactate production. Lactate connects autophagy and glycolysis through Vps34 lactylation (at lysine-356 and lysine-781), which is mediated by the acyltransferase KAT5/TIP60. Vps34 lactylation enhances the association of Vps34 with Beclin1, Atg14L, and UVRAG, and then increases Vps34 lipid kinase activity. Vps34 lactylation promotes autophagic flux and endolysosomal trafficking. Vps34 lactylation in skeletal muscle during intense exercise maintains muscle cell homeostasis and correlates with cancer progress by inducing cell autophagy. Together, our findings describe autophagy regulation mechanism and then integrate cell autophagy and glycolysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengshu Jia
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Xiao Yue
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Weixia Sun
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Qianjun Zhou
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Cheng Chang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Shanghai Chest Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Weihua Gong
- Department of Surgery of Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Jian Feng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Chest Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Xie Li
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Research Unit of New Techniques for Live-cell Metabolic Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Ruonan Zhan
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Kemin Mo
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Lijuan Zhang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yajie Qian
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yuying Sun
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Aoxue Wang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Research Unit of New Techniques for Live-cell Metabolic Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yejun Zou
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Research Unit of New Techniques for Live-cell Metabolic Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Weicai Chen
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yan Li
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Li Huang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yi Yang
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhao
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
- Research Unit of New Techniques for Live-cell Metabolic Imaging, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiawei Cheng
- Optogenetics & Synthetic Biology Interdisciplinary Research Center, State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Optogenetic Techniques for Cell Metabolism, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China
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Hajdú B, Csabai L, Márton M, Holczer M, Korcsmáros T, Kapuy O. Oscillation of Autophagy Induction under Cellular Stress and What Lies behind It, a Systems Biology Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:7671. [PMID: 37108830 PMCID: PMC10143760 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24087671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the main inducers of autophagy-dependent self-cannibalism, called ULK1, is tightly regulated by the two sensor molecules of nutrient conditions and energy status, known as mTOR and AMPK kinases, respectively. Recently, we developed a freely available mathematical model to explore the oscillatory characteristic of the AMPK-mTOR-ULK1 regulatory triangle. Here, we introduce a systems biology analysis to explain in detail the dynamical features of the essential negative and double-negative feedback loops and also the periodic repeat of autophagy induction upon cellular stress. We propose an additional regulatory molecule in the autophagy control network that delays some of AMPK's effect on the system, making the model output more consistent with experimental results. Furthermore, a network analysis on AutophagyNet was carried out to identify which proteins could be the proposed regulatory components in the system. These regulatory proteins should satisfy the following rules: (1) they are induced by AMPK; (2) they promote ULK1; (3) they down-regulate mTOR upon cellular stress. We have found 16 such regulatory components that have been experimentally proven to satisfy at least two of the given rules. Identifying such critical regulators of autophagy induction could support anti-cancer- and ageing-related therapeutic efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bence Hajdú
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Luca Csabai
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UG, UK
- Department of Genetics, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Margita Márton
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marianna Holczer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tamás Korcsmáros
- Earlham Institute, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UG, UK
- Department of Genetics, Eötvös Loránd University, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Quadram Institute Bioscience, Norwich Research Park, Norwich NR4 7UQ, UK
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
| | - Orsolya Kapuy
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, 1085 Budapest, Hungary
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Fenton SE, Zannikou M, Ilut L, Fischietti M, Ji C, Oku CV, Horvath CM, Le Poole IC, Bosenberg M, Bartom ET, Kocherginsky M, Platanias LC, Saleiro D. Targeting ULK1 Decreases IFNγ-Mediated Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Mol Cancer Res 2023; 21:332-344. [PMID: 36573964 PMCID: PMC10073316 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-22-0684] [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] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 11/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have transformed the treatment of melanoma. However, the majority of patients have primary or acquired resistance to ICIs, limiting durable responses and patient survival. IFNγ signaling and the expression of IFNγ-stimulated genes correlate with either response or resistance to ICIs, in a context-dependent manner. While IFNγ-inducible immunostimulatory genes are required for response to ICIs, chronic IFNγ signaling induces the expression of immunosuppressive genes, promoting resistance to these therapies. Here, we show that high levels of Unc-51 like kinase 1 (ULK1) correlate with poor survival in patients with melanoma and overexpression of ULK1 in melanoma cells enhances IFNγ-induced expression of immunosuppressive genes, with minimal effects on the expression of immunostimulatory genes. In contrast, genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of ULK1 reduces expression of IFNγ-induced immunosuppressive genes. ULK1 binds IRF1 in the nuclear compartment of melanoma cells, controlling its binding to the programmed death-ligand 1 promoter region. In addition, pharmacologic inhibition of ULK1 in combination with anti-programmed cell death protein 1 therapy further reduces melanoma tumor growth in vivo. Our data suggest that targeting ULK1 represses IFNγ-dependent immunosuppression. These findings support the combination of ULK1 drug-targeted inhibition with ICIs for the treatment of patients with melanoma to improve response rates and patient outcomes. IMPLICATIONS This study identifies ULK1, activated downstream of IFNγ signaling, as a druggable target to overcome resistance mechanisms to ICI therapy in metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E. Fenton
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Markella Zannikou
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Liliana Ilut
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mariafausta Fischietti
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Chunni Ji
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - Chidera V. Oku
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Curt M. Horvath
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, USA
| | - I. Caroline Le Poole
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Dermatology and Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Marcus Bosenberg
- Department of Dermatology, Pathology and Immunology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Elizabeth T. Bartom
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Masha Kocherginsky
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Preventive Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Leonidas C. Platanias
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Medicine, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Diana Saleiro
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
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26
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Bi D, Zheng D, Shi M, Hu Q, Wang H, Zhi H, Lou D, Zhang A, Hu Y. Role of SESTRIN2/AMPK/ULK1 pathway activation and lysosomes dysfunction in NaAsO 2-induced liver injury under oxidative stress. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2023; 254:114751. [PMID: 36907090 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114751] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic, a serious environmental poison to human health, is widely distributed in nature. As the main organ of arsenic metabolism, liver is easily damaged. In the present study, we found that arsenic exposure can cause liver injury in vivo and in vitro, to date the underlying mechanism of which is yet unclear. Autophagy is a process that depends on lysosomes to degrade damaged proteins and organelles. Here, we reported that oxidative stress can be induced and then activated the SESTRIN2/AMPK/ULK1 pathway, damaged lysosomes, and finally induced necrosis upon arsenic exposure in rats and primary hepatocytes, which was characterized by lipidation of LC3II, the accumulation of P62 and the activation of RIPK1 and RIPK3. Similarly, lysosomes function and autophagy can be damaged under arsenic exposure, which can be alleviated after NAC treatment and aggravated by Leupeptin treatment in primary hepatocytes. Moreover, we also found that the transcription and protein expressions of necrotic-related indicators RIPK1 and RIPK3 in primary hepatocytes were decreased after P62 siRNA. Taken together, the results revealed that arsenic can induce oxidative stress, activate SESTRIN2/AMPK/ULK1 pathway to damage lysosomes and autophagy, and eventually induce necrosis to damage liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingnian Bi
- Key Laboratory of Enviromental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Dan Zheng
- Guiyang Maternity and Child Health Hospital, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Mingyang Shi
- Key Laboratory of Enviromental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Qian Hu
- Key Laboratory of Enviromental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Hongling Wang
- Key Laboratory of Enviromental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Haiyan Zhi
- Key Laboratory of Enviromental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Didong Lou
- Department of Forensic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China; Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Toxicology in Forensic Medicine, Guizhou Education Department, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Aihua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Enviromental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China
| | - Yong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Enviromental Pollution Monitoring and Disease Control, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou, PR China.
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Liao H, Wang Z, Zhang X, Li X, Chen X. Intermedin induces autophagy and attenuates hypoxia-induced injury in cardiomyocytes by regulation of MALAT1/ULK1. Peptides 2023; 160:170917. [PMID: 36442698 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2022.170917] [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] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Myocardial infarction is a predominant cause of cardiovascular diseases with high incidence and death rate worldwide. Although growing evidence has suggested that IMD has significant protective influences on the cardiovascular system, the molecular regulatory mechanism of IMD in hypoxia-induced injury caused by myocardial infarction is urgent to be elucidated. In the present study, we found hypoxia led to a noteworthy enhancement in IMD expression and IMD alleviated hypoxia-induced myocardial injury of NRCMs. Furthermore, IMD was proved to inhibit hypoxia-induced injury by regulating MALAT1. Our findings suggested MALAT1 positively regulated the mRNA and protein expression level of ULK1 and hypoxia induced autophagy of NRCMs. MALAT1 stimulated autophagy to block hypoxia-induced cell injury in NRCMs via upregulation of ULK1 expression. Autophagy suppression abolished the protective capability of IMD overexpression against hypoxia-induced myocardial injury in NRCMs. In a word, our study shed light on the central mechanism of IMD in preventing hypoxia-induced injury caused by myocardial infarction. We confirmed IMD induced autophagy and attenuated hypoxia-induced injury in cardiomyocytes via MALAT1/ULK1, which may contribute to designing effective therapeutic approaches of myocardial infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hang Liao
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610015, China
| | - Ziqiong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610015, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610015, China
| | - Xinran Li
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610015, China
| | - Xiaoping Chen
- Department of Cardiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610015, China.
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Sánchez-Martín P, Kriegenburg F, Alves L, Adam J, Elsaesser J, Babic R, Mancilla H, Licheva M, Tascher G, Münch C, Eimer S, Kraft C. ULK1-mediated phosphorylation regulates the conserved role of YKT6 in autophagy. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs260546. [PMID: 36644903 PMCID: PMC10022743 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.260546] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is a catabolic process during which cytosolic material is enwrapped in a newly formed double-membrane structure called the autophagosome, and subsequently targeted for degradation in the lytic compartment of the cell. The fusion of autophagosomes with the lytic compartment is a tightly regulated step and involves membrane-bound SNARE proteins. These play a crucial role as they promote lipid mixing and fusion of the opposing membranes. Among the SNARE proteins implicated in autophagy, the essential SNARE protein YKT6 is the only SNARE protein that is evolutionarily conserved from yeast to humans. Here, we show that alterations in YKT6 function, in both mammalian cells and nematodes, produce early and late autophagy defects that result in reduced survival. Moreover, mammalian autophagosomal YKT6 is phospho-regulated by the ULK1 kinase, preventing premature bundling with the lysosomal SNARE proteins and thereby inhibiting autophagosome-lysosome fusion. Together, our findings reveal that timely regulation of the YKT6 phosphorylation status is crucial throughout autophagy progression and cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Sánchez-Martín
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ZBMZ, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Kriegenburg
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ZBMZ, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ludovico Alves
- Department of Structural Cell Biology, Institute for Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julius Adam
- Department of Structural Cell Biology, Institute for Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jana Elsaesser
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ZBMZ, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Riccardo Babic
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ZBMZ, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hector Mancilla
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ZBMZ, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Mariya Licheva
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ZBMZ, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Georg Tascher
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christian Münch
- Institute of Biochemistry II, Faculty of Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60590 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Stefan Eimer
- Department of Structural Cell Biology, Institute for Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Goethe University Frankfurt, 60438 Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Claudine Kraft
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, ZBMZ, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- CIBSS - Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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Li Y, Li S, Wu L, Wu T, Li M, Du D, Chen Y, Wang C, Li X, Zhang S, Zhao Z, Zheng L, Chen M, Li M, Li T, Shi X, Qiao Y. Sestrin 2 Deficiency Exacerbates Noise-Induced Cochlear Injury Through Inhibiting ULK1/Parkin-Mediated Mitophagy. Antioxid Redox Signal 2023; 38:115-136. [PMID: 35708118 PMCID: PMC9885551 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0283] [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] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Aims: Noise damage to auditory hair cells is associated with oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the possible effect of sestrin 2 (SESN2), an endogenous antioxidant protein, on noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and the underlying mechanisms. Results: We identified SESN2 as a protective factor against oxidative stress in NIHL through activation of Parkin-mediated mitophagy. Consistently, SESN2 expression was increased and mitophagy was induced during the early stage after a temporary threshold shift due to noise exposure or hydrogen peroxide(H2O2) stimulation; conversely, SESN2 deficiency blocked mitophagy and exacerbated acoustic trauma. Mechanistically, SESN2 interacted with Unc-51-like protein kinase 1(ULK1), promoting ULK1 protein-level stabilization by interfering with its proteasomal degradation. This stabilization is essential for mitophagy initiation, since restoring ULK1 expression in SESN2-silenced cells rescued mitophagy defects. Innovation and Conclusion: Our results provide novel insights regarding SESN2 as a therapeutic target against noise-induced cochlear injury, possibly through improved mitophagy. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 38, 115-136.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Li
- Institute of Audiology and Balance Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
- The Artificial Auditory Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Shengsheng Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, P.R. China
| | - Liyuan Wu
- Institute of Audiology and Balance Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
- The Artificial Auditory Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Wu
- Institute of Audiology and Balance Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
- The Artificial Auditory Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Mengxiao Li
- Institute of Audiology and Balance Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
- The Artificial Auditory Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Deliang Du
- Institute of Audiology and Balance Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
- The Artificial Auditory Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yalin Chen
- Institute of Audiology and Balance Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
- The Artificial Auditory Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Caiji Wang
- Institute of Audiology and Balance Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
- The Artificial Auditory Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xuanyi Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Shili Zhang
- Institute of Audiology and Balance Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
- The Artificial Auditory Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Zeqi Zhao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Liting Zheng
- Institute of Audiology and Balance Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
- The Artificial Auditory Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Mengbing Chen
- Institute of Audiology and Balance Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
- The Artificial Auditory Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Menghua Li
- Institute of Audiology and Balance Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
- The Artificial Auditory Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Ting Li
- School of Life Sciences, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xi Shi
- Institute of Audiology and Balance Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
- The Artificial Auditory Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
| | - Yuehua Qiao
- Institute of Audiology and Balance Science, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
- The Artificial Auditory Laboratory of Jiangsu Province, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, P.R. China
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30
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Zhao H, Long S, Liu S, Yuan D, Huang D, Xu J, Ma Q, Wang G, Wang J, Li S, Tian L, Li K. Atg1 phosphorylation is activated by AMPK and indispensable for autophagy induction in insects. Insect Biochem Mol Biol 2023; 152:103888. [PMID: 36493962 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibmb.2022.103888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Phosphorylation is a key post-translational modification in regulating autophagy in yeast and mammalians, yet it is not fully illustrated in invertebrates such as insects. ULK1/Atg1 is a functionally conserved serine/threonine protein kinase involved in autophagosome initiation. As a result of alternative splicing, Atg1 in the silkworm, Bombyx mori, is present as three mRNA isoforms, with BmAtg1c showing the highest expression levels. Here, we found that BmAtg1c mRNA expression, BmAtg1c protein expression and phosphorylation, and autophagy simultaneously peaked in the fat body during larval-pupal metamorphosis. Importantly, two BmAtg1c phosphorylation sites were identified at Ser269 and Ser270, which were activated by BmAMPK, the major energy-sensing kinase, upon stimulation with 20-hydroxyecdysone and starvation; additionally, these Atg1 phosphorylation sites are evolutionarily conserved in insects. The two BmAMPK-activated phosphorylation sites in BmAtg1c were found to be required for BmAMPK-induced autophagy. Moreover, the two corresponding DmAtg1 phosphorylation sites in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, are functionally conserved for autophagy induction. In conclusion, AMPK-activated Atg1 phosphorylation is indispensable for autophagy induction and evolutionarily conserved in insects, shedding light on how various groups of organisms differentially regulate ULK1/Atg1 phosphorylation for autophagy induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haigang Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China; Key Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China; School of Food Science and Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510641, China; ChemPartner PharmaTech Co., Ltd, Jiangmen, 529081, China; Quantum Hi-Tech (Guangdong) Biological Co., Ltd, Jiangmen, 529081, China
| | - Shihui Long
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Suning Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Dongwei Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China; Key Laboratory of Developmental and Evolutionary Biology, Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200032, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Danyan Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Qiuqin Ma
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Guirong Wang
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture (Shenzhen Branch), Genome Analysis Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Agricultural Genomics Institute at Shenzhen, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Shenzhen, 518120, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Entomology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Sheng Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, 514779, China
| | - Ling Tian
- Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China.
| | - Kang Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, Institute of Insect Science and Technology, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, 510631, China; Guangdong Laboratory for Lingnan Modern Agriculture/Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Agro-animal Genomics and Molecular Breeding, College of Animal Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China; Guangmeiyuan R&D Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Insect Developmental Biology and Applied Technology, South China Normal University, Meizhou, 514779, China.
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31
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Feng K, Zhang H, Jiang Z, Zhou M, Min YQ, Deng F, Li P, Wang H, Ning YJ. SFTS bunyavirus NSs protein sequestrates mTOR into inclusion bodies and deregulates mTOR-ULK1 signaling, provoking pro-viral autophagy. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28371. [PMID: 36458534 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28371] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is emerging as a critical player in host defense against diverse infections, in addition to its conserved function to maintain cellular homeostasis. Strikingly, some pathogens have evolved strategies to evade, subvert or exploit different steps of the autophagy pathway for their lifecycles. Here, we present a new viral mechanism of manipulating autophagy for its own benefit with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome bunyavirus (SFTSV, an emerging high-pathogenic virus) as a model. SFTSV infection triggers autophagy, leading to complete autophagic flux. Mechanistically, we show that the nonstructural protein of SFTSV (NSs) interacts with mTOR, the pivotal regulator of autophagy, by targeting its kinase domain and captures mTOR into viral inclusion bodies (IBs) induced by NSs itself. Furthermore, NSsimpairs mTOR-mediated phosphorylation of unc-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) at Ser757, disrupting the inhibitory effect of mTOR on ULK1 activity and thus contributing to autophagy induction. Pharmacologic treatment and Beclin-1 knockout experimental results establish that, in turn, autophagy enhances SFTSV infection and propagation. Moreover, the minigenome reporter system reveals that SFTSV ribonucleoprotein (the transcription and replication machinery) activity can be bolstered by autophagy. Additionally, we found that the NSs proteins of SFTSV-related bunyaviruses have a conserved function of targeting mTOR. Taken together, we unravel a viral strategy of inducing pro-viral autophagy by interacting with mTOR, sequestering mTOR into IBs and hence provoking the downstream ULK1 pathway, which presents a new paradigm for viral manipulation of autophagy and may help inform future development of specific antiviral therapies against SFTSV and related pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuan Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Huijiao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhenyu Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Min Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yuan-Qin Min
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Fei Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Peiqing Li
- Department of Pediatric Emergency, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hualin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
| | - Yun-Jia Ning
- State Key Laboratory of Virology and National Virus Resource Center, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Jiangxia Laboratory, Wuhan, China
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Raza S, Rajak S, Srivastava J, Tewari A, Gupta P, Chakravarti B, Ghosh S, Chaturvedi CP, Sinha RA. ULK1 inhibition attenuates telomerase activity in hepatic cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Res 2022; 1869:119355. [PMID: 36113664 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2022.119355] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy and telomere maintenance are two cellular survival processes that show a strong correlation during human ageing and cancer growth, however, their causal relationship remains unclear. In this study, using an unbiased transcriptomics approach, we uncover a novel role of autophagy genes in regulating telomere extension and maintenance pathways. Concomitantly, the pharmacological inhibition of ULK1 (Unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1) attenuated human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) gene expression and telomerase activity in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, the suppression of telomerase activity upon ULK1 inhibition was associated with telomere shortening and onset of cellular senescence in HepG2 cells. These results, thus, demonstrate a direct role of autophagy in maintaining cellular longevity via regulation of telomerase activity, which may have implications in the pathophysiology of ageing and cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Raza
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Sangam Rajak
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Jyotika Srivastava
- Stem Cell Research Facility, Department of Hematology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Archana Tewari
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Pratima Gupta
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Bandana Chakravarti
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Sujoy Ghosh
- Centre for Computational Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - Chandra P Chaturvedi
- Stem Cell Research Facility, Department of Hematology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India
| | - Rohit A Sinha
- Department of Endocrinology, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India.
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Liu L, Zhang L, Li X, Xu ML, Wang WY, Gong ZX, Ai K. [Effect of moxibustion on AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway in synovium tissue of toes in rats with rheumatoid arthritis]. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu 2022; 47:1019-1024. [PMID: 36453680 DOI: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.20220340] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of moxibustion on AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/UNC-51-like kinase 1 (ULK1) signaling pathway in the synovial tissue of toes in rheumatoid arthritis rats, so as to explore the mechanism of mo-xibustion in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS A total of 45 SD rats were randomly divided into blank, model, moxibustion, methotrexate and rapamycin groups, with 9 rats in each group. RA rat model was established by injection of Freund's complete adjuvant. Moxibustion was applied to "Zusanli" (ST36) and "Guanyuan" (CV4) for 20 min, once a day for 3 weeks. Methotrexate group was given methotrexate (0.35 mg/kg) by gavage, twice a week for 3 weeks. Rapamycin group was intraperitoneally injected with rapamycin (1 mg/kg),once every other day for 3 weeks. The toe volume of the left hind limb of rats was measured by the toe volume measuring instrument. The content of AMP in toe synovium was detected by ELISA. The expression of AMPK and VPS34 protein in toe synovium was detected by Western blot.The expression of ULK1 and Atg13 mRNA in toe synovium was detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS Compared with the blank group, the volume of toe in the model group was increased (P<0.01),while the content of AMP, the expression of AMPK and VPS34 proteins, the expression of ULK1 and Atg13 mRNAs were significantly decreased(P<0.01).Compared with the model group, the volume of toe in the moxibustion,methotre-xate and rapamycin groups was decreased (P<0.05); the content of AMP, the expression of AMPK and VPS34 proteins, the expression of ULK1 and Atg13 mRNAs were significantly increased(P<0.05) in the moxibustion group; the content of AMP, the expression of VPS34 protein, the expression of Atg13 mRNA were significantly increased(P<0.05) in the methotrexate group; the expression of AMPK and VPS34 proteins, the expression of ULK1 and Atg13 mRNAs were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the rapamycin group. Compared with the moxibustion group, the expression of AMPK protein in the methotrexate group and the content of AMP in the rapamycin group were significantly decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Moxibustion can improve joint swelling in RA rats, and the mechanism may be related to promoting the activity of AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital/The First Clinical College of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208
| | - Xin Li
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnostics of Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208
| | - Mei-Li Xu
- Nursing College, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208
| | - Wen-Yi Wang
- Nursing College, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208
| | - Zhi-Xian Gong
- The First Affiliated Hospital/The First Clinical College of Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410007, China
| | - Kun Ai
- College of Acupuncture and Massage, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208
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Hajdú B, Holczer M, Horváth G, Szederkényi G, Kapuy O. Fine-Tuning of mTORC1-ULK1-PP2A Regulatory Triangle Is Crucial for Robust Autophagic Response upon Cellular Stress. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1587. [PMID: 36358936 PMCID: PMC9687272 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Autophagy-dependent cellular survival is tightly regulated by both kinases and phosphatases. While mTORC1 inhibits autophagy by phosphorylating ULK1, PP2A is able to remove this phosphate group from ULK1 and promotes the key inducer of autophagosome formation. However, ULK1 inhibits mTORC1, mTORC1 is able to down-regulate PP2A. In addition, the active ULK1 promotes PP2A via phosphorylation. We claim that these double-negative (mTORC1 -| PP2A -| mTORC1, mTORC1 -| ULK1 -| mTORC1) and positive (ULK1 -> PP2A -> ULK1) feedback loops are all necessary for the robust, irreversible decision making process between the autophagy and non-autophagy states. We approach our scientific analysis from a systems biological perspective by applying both theoretical and molecular biological techniques. For molecular biological experiments, HEK293T cell line is used, meanwhile the dynamical features of the regulatory network are described by mathematical modelling. In our study, we explore the dynamical characteristic of mTORC1-ULK1-PP2A regulatory triangle in detail supposing that the positive feedback loops are essential to manage a robust cellular answer upon various cellular stress events (such as mTORC1 inhibition, starvation, PP2A inhibition or ULK1 silencing). We confirm that active ULK1 can up-regulate PP2A when mTORC1 is inactivated. By using theoretical analysis, we explain the importance of cellular PP2A level in stress response mechanism. We proved both experimentally and theoretically that PP2A down-regulation (via addition of okadaic acid) might generate a periodic repeat of autophagy induction. Understanding how the regulation of the cell survival occurs with the precise molecular balance of ULK1-mTORC1-PP2A in autophagy, is highly relevant in several cellular stress-related diseases (such as neurodegenerative diseases or diabetes) and might help to promote advanced therapies in the near future, too.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bence Hajdú
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Marianna Holczer
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gergely Horváth
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gábor Szederkényi
- Faculty of Information Technology and Bionics, Pázmány Péter Catholic University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Orsolya Kapuy
- Department of Molecular Biology, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Semmelweis University, 1083 Budapest, Hungary
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Nah J, Shirakabe A, Mukai R, Zhai P, Sung EA, Ivessa A, Mizushima W, Nakada Y, Saito T, Hu C, Jung YK, Sadoshima J. Ulk1-dependent alternative mitophagy plays a protective role during pressure overload in the heart. Cardiovasc Res 2022; 118:2638-2651. [PMID: 35018428 PMCID: PMC10144728 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [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: 08/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Well-controlled mitochondrial homeostasis, including a mitochondria-specific form of autophagy (hereafter referred to as mitophagy), is essential for maintaining cardiac function. The molecular mechanism mediating mitophagy during pressure overload (PO) is poorly understood. We have shown previously that mitophagy in the heart is mediated primarily by Atg5/Atg7-independent mechanisms, including Unc-51-like kinase 1 (Ulk1)-dependent alternative mitophagy, during myocardial ischaemia. Here, we investigated the role of alternative mitophagy in the heart during PO-induced hypertrophy. METHODS AND RESULTS Mitophagy was observed in the heart in response to transverse aortic constriction (TAC), peaking at 3-5 days. Whereas mitophagy is transiently up-regulated by TAC through an Atg7-dependent mechanism in the heart, peaking at 1 day, it is also activated more strongly and with a delayed time course through an Ulk1-dependent mechanism. TAC induced more severe cardiac dysfunction, hypertrophy, and fibrosis in ulk1 cardiac-specific knock-out (cKO) mice than in wild-type mice. Delayed activation of mitophagy was characterized by the co-localization of Rab9 dots and mitochondria and phosphorylation of Rab9 at Ser179, major features of alternative mitophagy. Furthermore, TAC-induced decreases in the mitochondrial aspect ratio were abolished and the irregularity of mitochondrial cristae was exacerbated, suggesting that mitochondrial quality control mechanisms are impaired in ulk1 cKO mice in response to TAC. TAT-Beclin 1 activates mitophagy even in Ulk1-deficient conditions. TAT-Beclin 1 treatment rescued mitochondrial dysfunction and cardiac dysfunction in ulk1 cKO mice during PO. CONCLUSION Ulk1-mediated alternative mitophagy is a major mechanism mediating mitophagy in response to PO and plays an important role in mediating mitochondrial quality control mechanisms and protecting the heart against cardiac dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihoon Nah
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Akihiro Shirakabe
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
- Nippon Medical School, Chiba Hokusoh Hospital, Chiba, Japan
| | - Risa Mukai
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Peiyong Zhai
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Eun Ah Sung
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Andreas Ivessa
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Wataru Mizushima
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Yasuki Nakada
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Toshiro Saito
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
- Department of Surgery and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Yamaguchi, Japan
| | - Chengchen Hu
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - Yong Keun Jung
- School of Biological Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Junichi Sadoshima
- Department of Cell Biology and Molecular Medicine, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ, USA
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Lahiri V, Metur SP, Hu Z, Song X, Mari M, Hawkins WD, Bhattarai J, Delorme-Axford E, Reggiori F, Tang D, Dengjel J, Klionsky DJ. Post-transcriptional regulation of ATG1 is a critical node that modulates autophagy during distinct nutrient stresses. Autophagy 2022; 18:1694-1714. [PMID: 34836487 PMCID: PMC9298455 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2021.1997305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Macroautophagy/autophagy is a highly conserved nutrient-recycling pathway that eukaryotes utilize to combat diverse stresses including nutrient depletion. Dysregulation of autophagy disrupts cellular homeostasis leading to starvation susceptibility in yeast and disease development in humans. In yeast, the robust autophagy response to starvation is controlled by the upregulation of ATG genes, via regulatory processes involving multiple levels of gene expression. Despite the identification of several regulators through genetic studies, the predominant mechanism of regulation modulating the autophagy response to subtle differences in nutrient status remains undefined. Here, we report the unexpected finding that subtle changes in nutrient availability can cause large differences in autophagy flux, governed by hitherto unknown post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms affecting the expression of the key autophagyinducing kinase Atg1 (ULK1/ULK2 in mammals). We have identified two novel post-transcriptional regulators of ATG1 expression, the kinase Rad53 and the RNA-binding protein Ded1 (DDX3 in mammals). Furthermore, we show that DDX3 regulates ULK1 expression post-transcriptionally, establishing mechanistic conservation and highlighting the power of yeast biology in uncovering regulatory mechanisms that can inform therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikramjit Lahiri
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Shree Padma Metur
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zehan Hu
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, FribourgSwitzerland
| | - Xinxin Song
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Muriel Mari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Wayne D. Hawkins
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Janakraj Bhattarai
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | | | - Fulvio Reggiori
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, GroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Daolin Tang
- Department of Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Joern Dengjel
- Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, FribourgSwitzerland
| | - Daniel J. Klionsky
- Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
- Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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Luo Y, Da D, Weng Q, Yao S, Zhang H, Han X, Zhang Y. miR-296-5p promotes autophagy in mouse LS8 cells under excessive fluoride via AMPK/ULK1 pathways. Ecotoxicol Environ Saf 2022; 235:113362. [PMID: 35306215 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113362] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Numerous microRNAs participate in regulating the pathological process of autophagy. We have found miR-296-5p is one of the most significantly down-regulated microRNAs in a high concentration of sodium fluoride. However, it is not clear whether miR-296-5p augments autophagy in dental fluorosis. Our purpose is to explore the function of miR-296-5p in regulating autophagy of excessive fluoride development. Thus, the cell line of ameloblasts LS8 was exposed to a 1.5 mM dose of NaF and miR-296-5p-mimics, Real-time qPCR, CCK-8 assays, Fluorescence imaging and Western blot analysis were performed. Autophagy was observed. As our results indicated, miR-296-5p overexpression in mouse LS8 cells significantly accelerated autophagy. The autophagy inhibition effect of miR-296-5p underexpression was consistent with the effect of the AMPK inhibitor. And we found that the expression of LC3II was decreased via down-regulation of AMPK. The change of ULK1 by miR-296-5p may be accomplished through AMPK. Thus, miR-296-5p may improve the secretion of autophagic mediators by activating AMPK/ULK1 expression in fluorosis, suggesting that miR-296-5p, AMPK/ULK1 may be potential therapeutic targets under the higher fluoride stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinyue Luo
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Craniomaxillofacial Development and Diseases, Fudan University, China
| | - Dongxin Da
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Craniomaxillofacial Development and Diseases, Fudan University, China
| | - Qingqing Weng
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Craniomaxillofacial Development and Diseases, Fudan University, China
| | - Shuran Yao
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Craniomaxillofacial Development and Diseases, Fudan University, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Craniomaxillofacial Development and Diseases, Fudan University, China
| | - Xinxin Han
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Craniomaxillofacial Development and Diseases, Fudan University, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Preventive Dentistry, Shanghai Stomatological Hospital, Fudan University, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Craniomaxillofacial Development and Diseases, Fudan University, China.
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Yang YH, Tao CH, Pang F, Yang ZX, Zhu ZW, Guo X, Liao DM, Dai P, Tang CL. [Effect of electroacupuncture on hepatocyte autophagy and oxidative stress in SAMP8 mice by regulating AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway]. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu 2022; 47:7-14. [PMID: 35128864 DOI: 10.13702/j.1000-0607.201244] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on physical strength and expression levels of hepatic AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), unc-51 like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) proteins and Atg5, Atg7, Atg13, Beclin1 and ULK1 mRNAs in aging (senescence accelerated mouse/prone 8, SAMP8)mice, so as to exp lore its mechanism underlying delaying aging by activating AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathway. METHODS Twenty-four male SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into model group, rapamycin (autophagy inducer) group, EA group and EA+autophagy inhibitor (EA+inhibitor) group, with 6 mice in each group, and 6 homologous anti-rapid aging male (SAMR1) mice in the same age were used as the control group. Mice of the rapamycin group received intraperitoneal injection of rapamycin solution (2 mg·kg-1·d-1). EA (2 Hz, 1 mA) was applied to bilateral "Taichong"(LR3)and "Shenshu"(BL23) for 15 min each time. Mice of the EA+inhibitor group received intraperitoneal injection of mTOR inhibitor 3-methyladenine (1.5 mg·kg-1·d-1) before the EA intervention each time. The above-mentioned interventions were conducted 6 times a week for 2 consecutive weeks. Physical conditions of mice were assessed by exhaustive swimming tests. Histopathological changes of the liver were observed by H.E. staining. Western blot was used to detect the expression of AMPK, phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), mTOR, phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR), ULK1 and phosphorylated ULK1 (p-ULk1) in the liver tissues. The expression levels of Atg5, Atg7, Atg13, Beclin1 and ULK1 (cellular autophagy-related genes) mRNAs in the liver were detected by quantitative real-time PCR. The immunoactivity (IA) of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in the liver was detected by immunohistochemistry, and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) of the liver were measured by hydroxylamine method for assessing the level of oxidative stress. RESULTS Compared with the control group, the duration of exhaustive swimming, the expression levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, ULK1 and p-ULK1 proteins, and Atg5, Atg7, Atg13, Beclin1 and ULK1 mRNA, HO-1 IA and SOD activity were considerably down-regulated (P<0.01), while the expression levels of mTOR and p-mTOR and MDA content were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01) in the model group. In comparison with the model group, the duration of the exhausted swimming, the expression levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, ULK1 and p-ULK1 proteins, and Atg5, Atg7, Atg13, Beclin1 and ULK1 mRNAs, HO-1 IA and SOD activity were significantly up-regulated (P<0.01, P<0.05), whereas the expression levels of mTOR and p-mTOR proteins and MDA content were notably down-regulated (P<0.01, P<0.05) in the rapamycin, EA and EA+inhibitor groups. The improvement of the abovementioned indexes of EA+inhibitor group was not as good as rapamycin and EA groups (P<0.01), suggesting an elimination of the therapeutic effects after administration of 3-methyladenine. No significant differences were found between the rapamycin and EA groups in the abovementioned indexes (P>0.05) except p-mTOR and mTOR which were higher in the EA group (P<0.01). H.E. staining showed ambiguous boundary of the liver lobule, disordered arrangement of hepatocytes with a large amount of fat vacuoles at different size and deviation of nucleus, and lysis of some hepatocytes. These situations were relatively milder in the rapamycin and EA groups. CONCLUSION EA may enhance physical strength and promote cellular autophagy in the liver of aging mice by regulating AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling, thereby inhibiting excessive oxidative stress, and delaying aging process to some extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun-Hao Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Chun-He Tao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Fang Pang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhi-Xue Yang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zheng-Wei Zhu
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xiao Guo
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Dong-Mei Liao
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Pan Dai
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Cheng-Lin Tang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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Lu M, Huang XS, Meng DH, Chen Q, Li T, Wang ZB, Yang YH, Geng K. [Effect of needle knife on mTOR/Atg/ULK1/Beclin-1 axis and chondrocyte autophagy in rats with knee osteoarthritis]. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu 2022; 42:59-65. [PMID: 35025159 DOI: 10.13703/j.0255-2930.20210205-k0001] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of needle knife on chondrocyte autophagy and expressions of autophagy-related protein and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in rats with knee osteoarthritis (KOA), and to explore the possible mechanism of needle knife for KOA. METHODS A total of 42 SD rats were randomly divided into a normal group, a model group and a needle knife group, 14 rats in each group. Except for the normal group, the other two groups were injected with the mixture of papain and L-cysteine into the left hind knee joint to establish the KOA model. After modeling, the rats in the needle knife group were treated with needle knife at strip or nodule around the quadriceps femoris and medial and lateral collateral ligament on the affected side, once a week for 3 times (3 weeks). The changes of left knee circumference in each group were observed; the chondrocytes and ultrastructure of left knee joint were observed by HE staining and electron microscope; the mRNA and protein expressions of autophagy-related genes (Atg5, Atg12, Atg4a), Unc-51 like autophagy activated kinase 1 (ULK1), autophagy gene Beclin-1 and mTOR in left knee cartilage were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and Western blot. RESULTS After modeling, the left knee circumferences in the model group and the needle knife group were increased compared with those before modeling and in the normal group (P<0.05); after intervention, the left knee circumference in the needle knife group was smaller than that in the model group and after modeling (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the number of chondrocytes was decreased, and a few cells swelled, nuclei shrank, mitochondria swelled and autophagosomes decreased in the model group; compared with the model group, the number of chondrocytes was increased , and most cell structures returned to normal, and autophagosomes was increased. Compared with the normal group, the mRNA and protein expressions of Atg5, Atg12, Atg4a, Beclin-1 and ULK1 in the knee cartilage in the model group were decreased (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the expressions of the above indexes in the needle knife group were increased (P<0.05). Compared with the normal group, the mRNA and protein expressions of mTOR in the knee cartilage in the model group were increased (P<0.05); compared with the model group, the expressions of the above indexes in the needle knife group were decreased (P<0.05). CONCLUSION The needle knife intervention could improve knee cartilage injury in rats with KOA, and its mechanism may be related to reducing the expression of mTOR and up-regulating the expressions of Atg5, Atg12, Atg4a, ULK1 and Beclin-1, so as to promote chondrocyte autophagy and delay the aging and degeneration of chondrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man Lu
- Graduate School of Anhui University of CM, Hefei 230038, China
| | | | - De-Hong Meng
- Graduate School of Anhui University of CM, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Qian Chen
- Graduate School of Anhui University of CM, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Needle-Knife Rehabilitation, Third Clinical Medical College of Anhui University of CM, Hefei 230031
| | - Zong-Bao Wang
- Department of Needle-Knife Rehabilitation, Third Clinical Medical College of Anhui University of CM, Hefei 230031
| | - Yong-Hui Yang
- Department of Needle-Knife Rehabilitation, Third Clinical Medical College of Anhui University of CM, Hefei 230031
| | - Kai Geng
- Department of Needle-Knife Rehabilitation, Third Clinical Medical College of Anhui University of CM, Hefei 230031
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Wang W, Jiang J, Huang Y, Peng F, Hu T, Wu J, Pan X, Rao C. Aconitine induces autophagy via activating oxidative DNA damage-mediated AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway in H9c2 cells. J Ethnopharmacol 2022; 282:114631. [PMID: 34520828 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [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: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Aconitum species, with a medicinal history of 2000 years, was traditionally used in the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, bruises, and pains. However, many studies have reported that Aconitum species can cause arrhythmia in experimental animals, resulting in myocardial fibrosis and cardiomyocyte damage. Cardiotoxicity is the main toxic effect of aconitine, but the detailed mechanism remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the effects and underlying mechanism of autophagy in H9c2 cardiomyocytes induced by aconitine. MATERIALS AND METHODS H9c2 cells were incubated with different concentrations of aconitine for 24 h, and the intervention sections were pretreated with various inhibitors for 1 h. The effects of aconitine on the oxidative DNA damage, autophagy and viability of H9c2 cells were evaluated by flow cytometry, confocal microscopy, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. RESULTS In H9c2 cells, the cell viability declined, LDH release rate, the number of autophagosomes, protein expression levels of LC3 and Beclin-1 increased significantly after 24 h of aconitine incubation. The pretreatment of autophagy inhibitor 3-MA decreased markedly autophagosomes and protein expression levels of LC3 and Beclin-1, which suggested that aconitine could induce cell autophagy. The significant increase of ROS and 8-OHdG showed that aconitine could cause oxidative DNA damage through ROS accumulation. Meanwhile, treatment of aconitine dramatically increased AMPKThr172 and ULK1Ser317 phosphorylation, and Compound C inhibited AMPKThr172 and ULK1Ser317 phosphorylation, which proved that aconitine induced autophagy via AMPK activation mediated ULK1 phosphorylation. Antioxidant NAC significantly reduced LDH, ROS and 8-OHdG, inhibited the phosphorylation of AMPKThr172 and ULK1Ser317, and down-regulated autophagosomes and proteins expression levels of LC3 and Beclin-1. Consequently, the inhibition of oxidative DNA damage and AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway alleviated the aconitine-induced autophagic death of H9c2 cells. CONCLUSIONS These results showed that aconitine induces autophagy of H9c2 cardiomyocytes by activating AMPK/ULK1 signaling pathway mediated by oxidative DNA damage. The autophagy induced by aconitine in cardiomyocytes is dependent on the activation of the AMPK pathway, which may provide novel insights into the prevention of aconitine-related toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenlin Wang
- School of Pharmacy and School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 611137, China; R&D Center for Efficiency, Safety and Application in Chinese Materia Medica with Medical and Edible Values, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 611137, China.
| | - Jialuo Jiang
- School of Pharmacy and School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 611137, China; R&D Center for Efficiency, Safety and Application in Chinese Materia Medica with Medical and Edible Values, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 611137, China.
| | - Yan Huang
- School of Pharmacy and School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 611137, China; R&D Center for Efficiency, Safety and Application in Chinese Materia Medica with Medical and Edible Values, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 611137, China.
| | - Fu Peng
- West China School of Pharmacy, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 610041, China.
| | - Tingting Hu
- School of Pharmacy and School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 611137, China; R&D Center for Efficiency, Safety and Application in Chinese Materia Medica with Medical and Edible Values, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 611137, China.
| | - Jiayang Wu
- West China School of Pharmacy, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 610041, China.
| | - Xiaoqi Pan
- School of Pharmacy and School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 611137, China; R&D Center for Efficiency, Safety and Application in Chinese Materia Medica with Medical and Edible Values, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 611137, China.
| | - Chaolong Rao
- School of Pharmacy and School of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 611137, China; R&D Center for Efficiency, Safety and Application in Chinese Materia Medica with Medical and Edible Values, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, 611137, China.
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Yang YY, Gao ZX, Mao ZH, Liu DW, Liu ZS, Wu P. Identification of ULK1 as a novel mitophagy-related gene in diabetic nephropathy. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1079465. [PMID: 36743936 PMCID: PMC9889542 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1079465] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accumulating evidence indicates that mitophagy is crucial for the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). However, little is known about the key genes involved. The present study is to identify the potential mitophagy-related genes (MRGs) in DN. METHODS Five datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and were split into the training and validation set. Then the differentially expressed MRGs were screened and further analyzed for GO and KEGG enrichment. Next, three algorithms (SVM-RFE, LASSO and RF) were used to identify hub genes. The ROC curves were plotted based on the hub genes. We then used the CIBERSORT algorithm to assess the infiltration of 22 types of immune cells and explore the correlation between hub genes and immune cells. Finally, the Nephroseq V5 tool was used to analyze the correlation between hub genes and GFR in DN patients. RESULTS Compared with the tubulointerstitium, the expression of MRGs was more noticeably varied in the glomeruli. Twelve DE-MRGs were identified in glomerular samples, of which 11 genes were down-regulated and only MFN1 was up-regulated. GO and KEGG analysis indicated that several enrichment terms were associated with changes in autophagy. Three genes (MFN1, ULK1 and PARK2) were finally determined as potential hub genes by three algorithms. In the training set, the AUROC of MFN1, ULK1 and PARK2 were 0.839, 0.906 and 0.842. However, the results of the validation set demonstrated that MFN1 and PARK2 had no significant difference in distinguishing DN samples from healthy controls, while the AUROC of ULK1 was 0.894. Immune infiltration analysis using CIBERSORT showed that ULK1 was positively related to neutrophils, whereas negatively related to M1 and M2 macrophages. Finally, ULK1 was positively correlated with GFR in Nephroseq database. CONCLUSIONS ULK1 is a potential biomarker for DN and may influence the development of diabetic nephropathy by regulating mitophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Yuan Yang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhong-Xiuzi Gao
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zi-Hui Mao
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dong-Wei Liu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhang-Suo Liu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Peng Wu, ; Zhang-Suo Liu,
| | - Peng Wu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Institute of Nephrology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Henan Province Research Center for Kidney Disease, Zhengzhou, China
- Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment for Chronic Kidney Disease in Henan Province, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Peng Wu, ; Zhang-Suo Liu,
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Sønstevold T, Engedal N, Torgersen ML. Perturbation of Cellular Redox Homeostasis Dictates Divergent Effects of Polybutyl Cyanoacrylate (PBCA) Nanoparticles on Autophagy. Cells 2021; 10:3432. [PMID: 34943939 PMCID: PMC8699722 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123432] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nanoparticles (NPs) are used in our everyday life, including as drug delivery vehicles. However, the effects of NPs at the cellular level and their impacts on autophagy are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that the NP drug delivery vehicle poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) (PBCA) perturbs redox homeostasis in human epithelial cells, and that the degree of redox perturbation dictates divergent effects of PBCA on autophagy. Specifically, PBCA promoted functional autophagy at low concentrations, whereas it inhibited autophagy at high concentrations. Both effects were completely abolished by the antioxidant N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). High concentrations of PBCA inhibited MAP1LC3B/GABARAP lipidation and LC3 flux, and blocked bulk autophagic cargo flux induced by mTOR inhibition. These effects were mimicked by the redox regulator H2O2. In contrast, low concentrations of PBCA enhanced bulk autophagic cargo flux in a Vps34-, ULK1/2- and ATG13-dependent manner, yet interestingly, without an accompanying increase in LC3 lipidation or flux. PBCA activated MAP kinase signaling cascades in a redox-dependent manner, and interference with individual signaling components revealed that the autophagy-stimulating effect of PBCA required the action of the JNK and p38-MK2 pathways, whose activities converged on the pro-autophagic protein Beclin-1. Collectively, our results reveal that PBCA exerts a dual effect on autophagy depending on the severity of the NP insult and the resulting perturbation of redox homeostasis. Such a dual autophagy-modifying effect may be of general relevance for redox-perturbing NPs and have important implications in nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tonje Sønstevold
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, N-0379 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Nikolai Engedal
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, N-0379 Oslo, Norway;
| | - Maria Lyngaas Torgersen
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Montebello, N-0379 Oslo, Norway;
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Yao H, Yan J, Shao P, Wang Y, Liu T, Jiang J, Liu T. Co-modification with MSC membrane and PDA prevents Fe 3O 4-induced pulmonary toxicity in mice via AMPK-ULK1 axis. Toxicol Lett 2021; 351:145-154. [PMID: 34509610 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2021.09.003] [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: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Fe3O4 nanoparticles are widely used in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases due to their superparamagnetism, but their toxicity in vivo, which can result in apoptosis or autophagy, cannot be ignored. It has been reported that polydopamine (PDA) modification can reduce the toxicity of Fe3O4 and increase its biocompatibility. However, more research is warranted to further improve the modification method. We therefore developed a new method to coat Fe3O4@PDA nanoparticles with the mesenchymal stem cell membrane (MSCM) and evaluated the toxicity of the modified particles in the lungs of mice. We found that the MSCM modification significantly reduced lung injury induced by Fe3O4 particles in mice. Compared with Fe3O4@PDA nanoparticles, co-modification with MSCM and PDA significantly reduced autophagy and apoptosis in mouse lung tissue, and reduced activation of autophagy mediated by the AMPK-ULK1 pathway axis. Thus, co-modification with MSCM and PDA prevents Fe3O4-induced pulmonary toxicity in mice by inhibiting autophagy, apoptosis, and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua Yao
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jun Yan
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Pu Shao
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China; Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Department of Orthodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tianxin Liu
- School of Public Health, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jinlan Jiang
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
| | - Te Liu
- Scientific Research Center, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China.
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Zhang M, Fang L, Zhou L, Molino A, Valentino MR, Yang S, Zhang J, Li Y, Roth M. MAPK15-ULK1 signaling regulates mitophagy of airway epithelial cell in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 172:541-549. [PMID: 34224814 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [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] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/01/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Airway epithelial mitochondrial oxidative stress and damage is an important pathology in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Mitophagy involves MAPK15-ULK1 signaling, the role of which is unknown in COPD. This study investigated MAPK15-ULK1 signaling in airway epithelial cells of COPD patients and its activation by cigarette smoke extract (CSE) in isolated human airway epithelial cells. Significant increased phosphorylation of MAPK15 and ULK1 (Ser555) was detected in the airway epithelium of COPD patients. This pathology was maintained in isolated primary COPD-epithelial cells. Compared to control cells, the protein expression of Beclin1 and the ratio of LC3II to LC3I were both significantly increased in COPD-epithelial cells. In human airway epithelial cells, CSE significantly increased the phosphorylation of MAPK15, ULK1 (Ser555), the expression of Beclin1, and the LC3II/LC3I ratio in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Transfection with MAPK15 siRNA significantly inhibited the CSE-induced ULK1 (Ser555) phosphorylation in airway epithelial cells. Silencing of MAPK15 or ULK1 significantly reduced CSE-induced mitophagy and mitochondrial oxidative stress, thereby improving cell viability. In summary, cigarette smoke activated MAPK15-ULK1 signaling, thereby promoting mitophagy and mitochondrial oxidative stress in airway epithelial cells. This signaling pathway is activated in COPD-epithelial cells and therefore might present a novel therapeutic target for COPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China; Pulmonary Cell Research & Clinic of Respiratory Medicine, Dept. Biomedicine University of Basel & University Hospital of Basel, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Lei Fang
- Pulmonary Cell Research & Clinic of Respiratory Medicine, Dept. Biomedicine University of Basel & University Hospital of Basel, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Liang Zhou
- Pulmonary Cell Research & Clinic of Respiratory Medicine, Dept. Biomedicine University of Basel & University Hospital of Basel, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Molino
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, University of Naples, Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Shuanying Yang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yali Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Michael Roth
- Pulmonary Cell Research & Clinic of Respiratory Medicine, Dept. Biomedicine University of Basel & University Hospital of Basel, CH-4031, Basel, Switzerland.
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Ahwazi D, Neopane K, Markby GR, Kopietz F, Ovens AJ, Dall M, Hassing AS, Gräsle P, Alshuweishi Y, Treebak JT, Salt IP, Göransson O, Zeqiraj E, Scott JW, Sakamoto K. Investigation of the specificity and mechanism of action of the ULK1/AMPK inhibitor SBI-0206965. Biochem J 2021; 478:2977-2997. [PMID: 34259310 PMCID: PMC8370752 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20210284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [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: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
SBI-0206965, originally identified as an inhibitor of the autophagy initiator kinase ULK1, has recently been reported as a more potent and selective AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor relative to the widely used, but promiscuous inhibitor Compound C/Dorsomorphin. Here, we studied the effects of SBI-0206965 on AMPK signalling and metabolic readouts in multiple cell types, including hepatocytes, skeletal muscle cells and adipocytes. We observed SBI-0206965 dose dependently attenuated AMPK activator (991)-stimulated ACC phosphorylation and inhibition of lipogenesis in hepatocytes. SBI-0206965 (≥25 μM) modestly inhibited AMPK signalling in C2C12 myotubes, but also inhibited insulin signalling, insulin-mediated/AMPK-independent glucose uptake, and AICA-riboside uptake. We performed an extended screen of SBI-0206965 against a panel of 140 human protein kinases in vitro, which showed SBI-0206965 inhibits several kinases, including members of AMPK-related kinases (NUAK1, MARK3/4), equally or more potently than AMPK or ULK1. This screen, together with molecular modelling, revealed that most SBI-0206965-sensitive kinases contain a large gatekeeper residue with a preference for methionine at this position. We observed that mutation of the gatekeeper methionine to a smaller side chain amino acid (threonine) rendered AMPK and ULK1 resistant to SBI-0206965 inhibition. These results demonstrate that although SBI-0206965 has utility for delineating AMPK or ULK1 signalling and cellular functions, the compound potently inhibits several other kinases and critical cellular functions such as glucose and nucleoside uptake. Our study demonstrates a role for the gatekeeper residue as a determinant of the inhibitor sensitivity and inhibitor-resistant mutant forms could be exploited as potential controls to probe specific cellular effects of SBI-0206965.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danial Ahwazi
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Katyayanee Neopane
- Nestlé Institute of Health Sciences, Nestlé Research, Societé Produit de Nestlé S.A
- School of Life Sciences, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Greg R. Markby
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Franziska Kopietz
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ashley J. Ovens
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Morten Dall
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anna S. Hassing
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pamina Gräsle
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Yazeed Alshuweishi
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, U.K
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Jonas T. Treebak
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ian P. Salt
- Institute of Cardiovascular and Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, U.K
| | - Olga Göransson
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Elton Zeqiraj
- Astbury Centre for Structural Molecular Biology, School of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K
| | - John W. Scott
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia
- Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, Australian Catholic University, Melbourne, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kei Sakamoto
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Patrizz AN, Moruno-Manchon JF, O’Keefe LM, Doran SJ, Patel AR, Venna VR, Tsvetkov AS, Li J, McCullough LD. Sex-Specific Differences in Autophagic Responses to Experimental Ischemic Stroke. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071825. [PMID: 34359998 PMCID: PMC8304137 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke triggers a series of complex pathophysiological processes including autophagy. Differential activation of autophagy occurs in neurons derived from males versus females after stressors such as nutrient deprivation. Whether autophagy displays sexual dimorphism after ischemic stroke is unknown. We used a cerebral ischemia mouse model (middle cerebral artery occlusion, MCAO) to evaluate the effects of inhibiting autophagy in ischemic brain pathology. We observed that inhibiting autophagy reduced infarct volume in males and ovariectomized females. However, autophagy inhibition enhanced infarct size in females and in ovariectomized females supplemented with estrogen compared to control mice. We also observed that males had increased levels of Beclin1 and LC3 and decreased levels of pULK1 and p62 at 24 h, while females had decreased levels of Beclin1 and increased levels of ATG7. Furthermore, the levels of autophagy markers were increased under basal conditions and after oxygen and glucose deprivation in male neurons compared with female neurons in vitro. E2 supplementation significantly inhibited autophagy only in male neurons, and was beneficial for cell survival only in female neurons. This study shows that autophagy in the ischemic brain differs between the sexes, and that autophagy regulators have different effects in a sex-dependent manner in neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony N. Patrizz
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.N.P.); (J.F.M.-M.); (V.R.V.); (A.S.T.); (J.L.)
| | - Jose F. Moruno-Manchon
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.N.P.); (J.F.M.-M.); (V.R.V.); (A.S.T.); (J.L.)
| | - Lena M. O’Keefe
- Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital, 330 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA;
| | - Sarah J. Doran
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (S.J.D.); (A.R.P.)
| | - Anita R. Patel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, USA; (S.J.D.); (A.R.P.)
| | - Venugopal R. Venna
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.N.P.); (J.F.M.-M.); (V.R.V.); (A.S.T.); (J.L.)
| | - Andrey S. Tsvetkov
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.N.P.); (J.F.M.-M.); (V.R.V.); (A.S.T.); (J.L.)
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.N.P.); (J.F.M.-M.); (V.R.V.); (A.S.T.); (J.L.)
| | - Louise D. McCullough
- Department of Neurology, McGovern Medical School at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (A.N.P.); (J.F.M.-M.); (V.R.V.); (A.S.T.); (J.L.)
- Correspondence:
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Jia Y, Li HY, Wang Y, Wang J, Zhu JW, Wei YY, Lou L, Chen X, Mo SJ. Crosstalk between hypoxia-sensing ULK1/2 and YAP-driven glycolysis fuels pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma development. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:2772-2794. [PMID: 34345207 PMCID: PMC8326115 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.60018] [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] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy and glycolysis are two catabolic processes that manipulate pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) development in response to hypoxia sensing, yet the underlying mechanism of how they are interlinked remain elusive. Methods: The functional roles of Unc-51 like kinase 1 and 2 (ULK1/2) in pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) transcription and glycolysis under hypoxia were assessed by chromatin immunoprecipitation, luciferase reporter, glucose consumption and lactate production assay. Co-immunoprecipitation, cellular ubiquitination, His-pulldown, in vitro protein kinase assay, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, CRISPR technology, in silico studies were adopted to determine the molecular mechanism. Correlation analyses were performed in KPC (Pdx1-Cre; LSL-KrasG12D/+; Trp53fl/+) mice and clinical samples from PDAC patients. Therapeutic potential of ULK1/2 inhibitor and 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) or 3-bromopyruvate (3-BP) was evaluated in cell-derived xenograft (CDX) and the patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of nude mice. Results: ULK1/2, but not ULK3, augments hypoxic glycolysis in PDAC cells mediated by PKM2 independent of BCL2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3). Mechanistically, hypoxia stimulates ULK1 to translocate into nucleus, where it interacts with and phosphorylates yes-associated protein (YAP) at Ser227, resulting in YAP stabilization through blockade of ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS), which in turn facilitates PKM2 transcription, glycolysis, cell proliferation in vitro as well as PDAC growth in mice. ULK1/2 is positively correlated with YAP and PKM2 in tumor tissues from KPC mice and clinical samples from PDAC patients. Pharmacological deactivation of ULK1/2 potentiates the antineoplastic efficacy of 2-DG and 3-BP in CDX and PDX models. Conclusion: Our findings underscore the Ser227 autophosphorylation-dependent nuclear YAP stabilization as a central node that couples ULK1/2-initiated autophagy to hypoxic glycolysis during PDAC development and propose that targeting ULK1/2 combined with 2-DG or 3-BP might be a feasible therapeutic strategy against PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jia
- Cancer Research Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, Hubei, P.R.China
| | - Hui-Yan Li
- General Surgical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, P.R.China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Surgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R.China
| | - Jue Wang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yet-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, P.R.China
| | - Jing-Wen Zhu
- General Surgical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, P.R.China
| | - Yan-Yan Wei
- General Surgical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, P.R.China
| | - Lu Lou
- General Surgical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, P.R.China
| | - Xing Chen
- General Surgical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, P.R.China
| | - Shi-Jing Mo
- General Surgical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, P.R.China
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Liu N, Zhao H, Zhao YG, Hu J, Zhang H. Atlastin 2/3 regulate ER targeting of the ULK1 complex to initiate autophagy. J Cell Biol 2021; 220:e202012091. [PMID: 33988678 PMCID: PMC8129792 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202012091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Dynamic targeting of the ULK1 complex to the ER is crucial for initiating autophagosome formation and for subsequent formation of ER-isolation membrane (IM; autophagosomal precursor) contact during IM expansion. Little is known about how the ULK1 complex, which comprises FIP200, ULK1, ATG13, and ATG101 and does not exist as a constitutively coassembled complex, is recruited and stabilized on the ER. Here, we demonstrate that the ER-localized transmembrane proteins Atlastin 2 and 3 (ATL2/3) contribute to recruitment and stabilization of ULK1 and ATG101 at the FIP200-ATG13-specified autophagosome formation sites on the ER. In ATL2/3 KO cells, formation of FIP200 and ATG13 puncta is unaffected, while targeting of ULK1 and ATG101 is severely impaired. Consequently, IM initiation is compromised and slowed. ATL2/3 directly interact with ULK1 and ATG13 and facilitate the ATG13-mediated recruitment/stabilization of ULK1 and ATG101. ATL2/3 also participate in forming ER-IM tethering complexes. Our study provides insights into the dynamic assembly of the ULK1 complex on the ER for autophagosome formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Liu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Zhao
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan G. Zhao
- Department of Biology, School of Life Sciences, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Junjie Hu
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hong Zhang
- National Laboratory of Biomacromolecules, Chinese Academy of Sciences Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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49
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Karabiyik C, Vicinanza M, Son SM, Rubinsztein DC. Glucose starvation induces autophagy via ULK1-mediated activation of PIKfyve in an AMPK-dependent manner. Dev Cell 2021; 56:1961-1975.e5. [PMID: 34107300 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2021.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy is an essential catabolic process induced to provide cellular energy sources in response to nutrient limitation through the activation of kinases, like AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and ULK1. Although glucose starvation induces autophagy, the exact mechanism underlying this signaling has yet to be elucidated. Here, we reveal a role for ULK1 in non-canonical autophagy signaling using diverse cell lines. ULK1 activated by AMPK during glucose starvation phosphorylates the lipid kinase PIKfyve on S1548, thereby increasing its activity and the synthesis of the phospholipid PI(5)P without changing the levels of PI(3,5)P2. ULK1-mediated activation of PIKfyve enhances the formation of PI(5)P-containing autophagosomes upon glucose starvation, resulting in an increase in autophagy flux. Phospho-mimic PIKfyve S1548D drives autophagy upregulation and lowers autophagy substrate levels. Our study has identified how ULK1 upregulates autophagy upon glucose starvation and induces the formation of PI(5)P-containing autophagosomes by activating PIKfyve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cansu Karabiyik
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mariella Vicinanza
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - Sung Min Son
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge, UK
| | - David C Rubinsztein
- Department of Medical Genetics, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK; UK Dementia Research Institute, Cambridge, UK.
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50
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Jiménez-Mora E, Gallego B, Díaz-Gago S, Lasa M, Baquero P, Chiloeches A. V600EBRAF Inhibition Induces Cytoprotective Autophagy through AMPK in Thyroid Cancer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116033. [PMID: 34204950 PMCID: PMC8199856 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116033] [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: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The dysregulation of autophagy is important in the development of many cancers, including thyroid cancer, where V600EBRAF is a main oncogene. Here, we analyse the effect of V600EBRAF inhibition on autophagy, the mechanisms involved in this regulation and the role of autophagy in cell survival of thyroid cancer cells. We reveal that the inhibition of V600EBRAF activity with its specific inhibitor PLX4720 or the depletion of its expression by siRNA induces autophagy in thyroid tumour cells. We show that V600EBRAF downregulation increases LKB1-AMPK signalling and decreases mTOR activity through a MEK/ERK-dependent mechanism. Moreover, we demonstrate that PLX4720 activates ULK1 and increases autophagy through the activation of the AMPK-ULK1 pathway, but not by the inhibition of mTOR. In addition, we find that autophagy blockade decreases cell viability and sensitize thyroid cancer cells to V600EBRAF inhibition by PLX4720 treatment. Finally, we generate a thyroid xenograft model to demonstrate that autophagy inhibition synergistically enhances the anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic effects of V600EBRAF inhibition in vivo. Collectively, we uncover a new role of AMPK in mediating the induction of cytoprotective autophagy by V600EBRAF inhibition. In addition, these data establish a rationale for designing an integrated therapy targeting V600EBRAF and the LKB1-AMPK-ULK1-autophagy axis for the treatment of V600EBRAF-positive thyroid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Jiménez-Mora
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain; (E.J.-M.); (B.G.); (S.D.-G.); (P.B.)
| | - Beatriz Gallego
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain; (E.J.-M.); (B.G.); (S.D.-G.); (P.B.)
| | - Sergio Díaz-Gago
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain; (E.J.-M.); (B.G.); (S.D.-G.); (P.B.)
| | - Marina Lasa
- Departamento de Bioquímica-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols”, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Pablo Baquero
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain; (E.J.-M.); (B.G.); (S.D.-G.); (P.B.)
| | - Antonio Chiloeches
- Departamento de Biología de Sistemas, Unidad de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina, Campus Universitario, Universidad de Alcalá, Alcalá de Henares, 28871 Madrid, Spain; (E.J.-M.); (B.G.); (S.D.-G.); (P.B.)
- Correspondence:
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