Loss of monopolar spindle-binding protein 3B expression promotes colorectal cancer malignant behaviors by activation of target of rapamycin kinase/autophagy signaling

BACKGROUND Monopolar spindle-binding protein 3B(MOB3B)functions as a signal transducer and altered MOB3B expression is associated with the development of human cancers.AIM To investigate the role of MOB3B in colorectal cancer(CRC).METHODS This study collected 102 CRC tissue samples for immunohistochemical detection of MOB3B expression for association with CRC prognosis.After overexpression and knockdown of MOB3B expression were induced in CRC cell lines,changes in cell viability,migration,invasion,and gene expression were assayed.Tumor cell autophagy was detected using transmission electron microscopy,while nude mouse xenograft experiments were performed to confirm the in-vitro results.RESULTS MOB3B expression was reduced in CRC vs normal tissues and loss of MOB3B expression was associated with poor CRC prognosis.Overexpression of MOB3B protein in vitro attenuated the cell viability as well as the migration and invasion capacities of CRC cells,whereas knockdown of MOB3B expression had the opposite effects in CRC cells.At the molecular level,microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 II/I expression was elevated,whereas the expression of matrix metalloproteinase(MMP)2,MMP9,sequestosome 1,and phosphorylated mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase(mTOR)was downregulated in MOB3B-overexpressing RKO cells.In contrast,the opposite results were observed in tumor cells with MOB3B knockdown.The nude mouse data confirmed these in-vitro findings,i.e.,MOB3B expression suppressed CRC cell xenograft growth,whereas knockdown of MOB3B expression promoted the growth of CRC cell xenografts.CONCLUSION Loss of MOB3B expression promotes CRC development and malignant behaviors,suggesting a potential tumor suppressive role of MOB3B in CRC by inhibition of mTOR/autophagy signaling.

Osteopontin promotes gastric cancer progression via phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND Gastric cancer(GC)is one of the most common malignant tumors.Osteopontin(OPN)is thought to be closely related to the occurrence,metastasis and prognosis of many types of tumors.AIM To investigate the effects of OPN on the proliferation,invasion and migration of GC cells and its possible mechanism.METHODS The mRNA and protein expression of OPN in the GC cells were analyzed by realtime quantitative-reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting,and observe the effect of varying degree expression OPN on the proliferation and other behaviors of GC.Next,the effects of OPN knockdown on GC cells migration and invasion were examined.The short hairpin RNA(shRNA)and negative control shRNA targeting OPN-shRNA were transfected into the cells according to the manufacturer’s instructions.Non transfected cells were classified as control in the identical transfecting process.24 h after RNA transfection cell proliferation activity was detected by 3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5-diphenytetrazoliumromide assay,and cell invasiveness and migration were detected by Trans well assay.Meanwhile,the expression of protein kinase B(AKT),matrix metalloproteinase 2(MMP-2)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in the human GC cell lines was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting.RESULTS The results of this study revealed that OPN mRNA and protein expression levels were highly expressed in SGC-7901 cells.OPN knockdown by specific shRNA noticeably reduced the capabilities of proliferation,invasion and migration of SGC-7901 cells.Moreover,in the experiments of investigating the underlying mechanism,results showed that OPN knockdown could down-regulated the expression of MMP-2 and VEGF,it also decreased the phosphorylation of AKT.Meanwhile,the protein expression levels of MMP-2,VEGF and phosphorylated AKT was noticeable lower than that in control group in the GC cells after they were added to phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase(PI3K)inhibitor(LY294002).CONCLUSION These results suggested that OPN though PI3K/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signal pathway to upregulate MMP-2 and VEGF expression,which contribute SGC-7901 cells to proliferation,invasion and migration.Thus,our results demonstrate that OPN may serve as a novel prognostic biomarkers as well as a potential therapeutic targets for GC.

Protective effects of panax notoginseng saponin on dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in rats through phosphoinositide-3-kinase protein kinase B signaling pathway inhibition

BACKGROUND Intestinal inflammation is a common digestive tract disease, which is usually treated with hormone medicines. Hormone medicines are effective to some extent, but long-term use of them may bring about many complications.AIM To explore the protective effects of panax notoginseng saponin(PNS) against dextran sulfate sodium(DSS)-induced intestinal inflammatory injury through phosphoinositide-3-kinase protein kinase B(PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway inhibition in rats.METHODS Colitis rat models were generated via DSS induction, and rats were divided into control(no modeling), DSS, DSS + PNS 50 mg/k, and DSS + PNS 100 mg/kg groups. Then, the intestinal injury, oxidative stress parameters, inflammatory indices, tight junction proteins, apoptosis, macrophage polarization, and TLR4/AKT signaling pathway in colon tissues from rats in each of the groups were detected. The PI3 K/AKT signaling pathway in the colon tissue of rats was blocked using the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibitor, LY294002.RESULTS Compared with rats in the control group, rats in the DSS group showed significantly shortened colon lengths, and significantly increased disease activity indices, oxidative stress reactions and inflammatory indices, as well as significantly decreased expression of tight junction-associated proteins. In addition, the DSS group showed significantly increased apoptotic cell numbers,and showed significantly increased M1 macrophages in spleen and colon tissues.They also showed significantly decreased M2 macrophages in colon tissues, as well as activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway(all P < 0.05). Compared with rats in the DSS group, rats in the DSS + PNS group showed significantly lengthened colon lengths, decreased disease activity indices, and significantly alleviated oxidative stress reactions and inflammatory responses. In addition, this group showed significantly increased expression of tight junction-associated proteins, significantly decreased apoptotic cell numbers, and significantly decreased M1 macrophages in spleen and colon tissues. This group further showed significantly increased M2 macrophages in colon tissues, and significantly suppressed activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, as well as a dose dependency(all P < 0.05). When the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was inhibited, the apoptosis rate of colon tissue cells in the DSS + LY294002 group was significantly lower than that of the DSS group(P < 0.05).CONCLUSION PNS can protect rats against DSS-induced intestinal inflammatory injury by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and therefore may be potentially used in the future as a drug for colitis.

Cytotoxicity of nonylphenol on spermatogonial stem cells via phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway

BACKGROUND With continuous advancement of industrial society,environmental pollution has become more and more serious.There has been an increase in infertility caused by environmental factors.Nonylphenol(NP)is a stable degradation product widely used in daily life and production and has been proven to affect male fertility.However,the underlying mechanisms therein are unclear.Thus,it is necessary to study the effect and mechanism of NP on spermatogonial stem cells(SSCs).AIM To investigate the cytotoxic effect of NP on SSCs via the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/AKT/mTOR)pathway.METHODS SSCs were treated with NP at 0,10,20 or 30μmol.MTT assay was performed to evaluate the effect of NP on the proliferation of SSCs.Flow cytometry was conducted to measure SSC apoptosis.The expression of Bad,Bcl-2,cytochrome-c,pro-Caspase 9,SOX-2,OCT-4,Nanog,Nanos3,Stra8,Scp3,GFRα1,CD90,VASA,Nanos2,KIT,PLZF and PI3K/AKT/mTOR-related proteins was observed by western blot,and the mRNA expression of SOX-2,OCT-4 and Nanog was detected by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.RESULTS Compared with untreated cells(0μmol NP),SSCs treated with NP at all concentrations showed a decrease in cell proliferation and expression of Bcl-2,Nanog,OCT-4,SOX-2,Nanos3,Stra8,Scp3,GFRα1,CD90,VASA,Nanos2,KIT,and PLZF(P<0.05),whereas the expression of Bad,cytochrome-c,and pro-Caspase 9 increased significantly(P<0.05).We further examined the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and found that the phosphorylation of PI3K,AKT,mTORC1,and S6K was significantly decreased by NP at all concentrations compared to that in untreated SSCs(P<0.05).NP exerted the greatest effect at 30μmol among all NP concentrations.CONCLUSION NP attenuated the proliferation,differentiation and stemness maintenance of SSCs while promoting apoptosis and oxidative stress.The associated mechanism may be related to the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway.

Effects of Dietary Soy Protein Concentrate on Growth, Digestive Enzymes Activities and Target of Rapamycin Signaling Pathway Regulation in Juvenile Soft-Shelled Turtle, <i>Pelodiscus sinensis</i>

Soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis is important aquatic species in China, and searching for alternatives protein resources to fish meal (FM)-based feeds in feed has become urgent and important for its sustainability development. The present study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary soy protein concentrate (SPC) on growth, digestive enzymes and target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling pathway of juvenile P. sinensis (4.56 ± 0.09 g). SPC was applied to replace FM protein at 0%, 15%, 30% and 60% (designated as T0, T15, T30 and T60, respectively), and each diet was fed to triplicate groups. The results showed that there was no significant difference in growth performance and feed utilization except of the turtles fed with T60 diet, of which showed poorer daily weight gain and feed conversion rate. The pepsin/trypsin and Na+-K+ ATP-ase activities decreased dramatically when SPC level increased, and lipase activities in liver and intestinal tract also showed decline tendency. However, amylase activities were unaffected. No significant differences were observed in TOR, S6K1 and 4E-BP1 genes mRNA expression level of TOR signaling pathway among the treatments. However, the relative phosphorylated level of these proteins decreased significantly when SPC level increased. The present study indicated that high SPC substitution level would suppress digestive enzymes and TOR signaling pathway proteins phosphorylated level and eventually result in growth reduction of P. sinensis.

Quercetin Increased Protein Utilization and Decreased Nitrogen Excretion in Broilers by Activating TOR Signaling Pathway

The study was conducted to investigate the effect and mechanism of dietary quercetin supplementation on protein utilization of Arbor Acres(AA)broilers.A total of 2401-day-old AA broilers were randomly allocated to four treatments with six replicates,comprising 10 broilers each replicate(60 broilers per treatment).Birds were fed either a corn-soybean meal basal diet without quercetin(control)or a basal diet supplemented with 0.2,0.4 or 0.6 g of quercetin per kg feed,and the trial lasted 42 days.Dietary quercetin supplementation tended to increase the apparent metabolic rate of protein(p=0.076)and the content of serum albumin(p=0.062)in AA broilers.Compared with the control,dietary quercetin supplementation increased the contents of protein in breast muscle(p<0.05)and in thigh muscle(p=0.053).In addition,quercetin up-regulated mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factor 1(IGF-1),phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K),target of rapamycin(TOR),ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1(S6K1),eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E(eIF4E),eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4G(eIF4G),eukaryotic elongation factor 2(eEF2)and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4B(eIF4B)genes and down-regulated mRNA expression of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase(eEF2K)and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein1(4E-BP1)genes in breast muscle,thigh muscle and liver of AA broilers(p<0.05).The present results suggested that dietary quercetin supplementation enhanced protein utilization in broilers by activating TOR signaling pathway.

Human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles protect against ischemic stroke by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway

Human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles exhibit analogous functions to their parental cells,and can thus be used as substitutes for stem cells in stem cell therapy,thereby mitigating the risks of stem cell therapy and advancing the frontiers of stem cell-derived treatments.This lays a foundation for the development of potentially potent new treatment modalities for ischemic stroke.However,the precise mechanisms underlying the efficacy and safety of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles remain unclear,presenting challenges for clinical translation.To promote the translation of therapy based on human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles from the bench to the bedside,we conducted a comprehensive preclinical study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in the treatment of ischemic stroke.We found that administration of human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles to an ischemic stroke rat model reduced the volume of cerebral infarction and promoted functional recovery by alleviating neuronal apoptosis.The human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles reduced neuronal apoptosis by enhancing phosphorylation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase,mammalian target of rapamycin,and protein kinase B,and these effects were reversed by treatment with a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor.These findings suggest that human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles play a neuroprotective role in ischemic stroke through activation of phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway.Finally,we showed that human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles have a good in vivo safety profile.Therefore,human neural stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles are a promising potential agent for the treatment of ischemic stroke.

Adenosine triphosphate promotes locomotor recovery after spinal cord injury by activating mammalian target of rapamycin pathway in rats

The mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） pathway plays an important role in neuronal growth, proliferation and differentiation. To better understand the role of mTOR pathway involved in the induction of spinal cord injury, rat models of spinal cord injury were established by modified Allen＇s stall method and interfered for 7 days by intraperitoneal administration of mTOR activator adenosine triphosphate and mTOR kinase inhibitor rapamycin. At 1-4 weeks after spinal cord injury induction, the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan locomotor rating scale was used to evaluate rat locomotor function, and immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of nestin （neural stem cell marker）, neuronal nuclei （neuronal marker）, neuron specific enolase, neurofilament protein 200 （axonal marker）, glial fibrillary acidic protein （astrocyte marker）, Akt, mTOR and signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）. Results showed that adenosine triphosphate-mediated Akt/mTOR/STAT3 pathway increased endogenous neural stem cells, induced neurogenesis and axonal growth, inhibited excessive astrogliosis and improved the locomotor function of rats with spinal cord injury.

Regulatory Effects of Zuogui Pill on Apoptosis of Follicles in Rats Injured by 60Co-γRays Based on PI3K/Akt/m TOR Signaling Pathway

[Objectives]To explore the protective effects of Zuogui Pill on ^(60)Co-γ-ray-induced premature aging of rats based on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)signaling pathway.[Methods]Sixty sexually mature female SD rats were irradiated with ^(60)Co-γ-ray(6.0 Gy,LD 40)for 24 h at one time.These rats were randomly divided into model group,Progynova group[0.18(g·kg)/d],Progynova[0.09(g·kg)/d]+Zuogui Pill high dose[23.625(g·kg)/d)]group,Zuogui Pill high dose[23.625(g·kg)/d)]group,Zuogui Pill medium dose[9.45(g·kg)/d)]group and Zuogui Pill low dose[4.725(g·kg)/d]group.The administration(once a day)lasted 21 d.The rat serum[follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),luteinizing hormone(LH)and estradiol(E_(2))]were detected by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The morphological changes of ovary were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.The apoptosis rate of granulosa cells was detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase(TdT)-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling(TUNEL).The protein expression of phosphorylated(p)-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR,B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2),and Bcl-2-associated X protein(Bax)in ovarian tissues were detected by Western blot.[Results]Compared with the normal group,the model group showed significant increase in the serum FSH(P<0.01),significant decrease in serum E_(2)(P<0.05),and decrease in the number of early follicles and luteum in the ovary(P<0.01).Besides,the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells increased significantly(P<0.01);the expression of p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR and Bcl-2 in ovarian tissue decreased significantly,while the expression of Bax increased significantly(P<0.01).Compared with the model group,the number of early follicles in the ovary increased and the apoptosis rate of granulosa cells decreased after intervention in each administration group.In addition,the protein expressions of p-PI3K,p-Akt,p-mTOR and Bcl-2 increased,while the expression of Bax decreased,especially in Progynova+Zuogui Pill high dose group,the differences were statistically significant(P<0.05,P<0.01).[Conclusions]Zuogui Pill may protect the radiation-injured ovary through activating the expression of PI3K/Akt/mTOR protein in ovarian tissue,increasing the amount of Bcl-2 protein and inhibiting the expression of Bax protein.

Influence of Phosphatidylinositol-3-Kinase/Protein Kinase B-Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signaling Pathway on the Neuropathic Pain Complicated by Nucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors for the Treatment of HIV Infection

Background： Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors （NRTIs） are the earliest and most commonly used anti-human immunodeficiency virus drugs and play an important role in high active antiretroviral therapy. However, NRTI drug therapy can cause peripheral neuropathic pain. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanisms ofrapamycin on the pain sensitization of model mice by in vivo experiments to explore the effect of mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR） in the pathogenesis ofneuropathic pain caused by NRTIs. Methods： Male Kun Ming （KM） mice weighing 20-2 g were divided into control, 2 mg/kg rapamycin, 12 mg/kg stavudine, and CMC-Na groups. Drugs were orally administered to mice for 42 consecutive days. The von Frey filament detection and thermal pain tests were conducted on day 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 after drug administration. After the last behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry and western blotting assay were used for the measurement of mTOR and other biomarkers. Multivariate analysis of variance was used. Results： The beneficial effects ofrapamycin on neuropathic pain were attributed to a reduction in mammalian target of rapamycin sensitive complex 1 （mTORC1）-positive cells （70.80± 2.41 vs. 112.30 ± 5.66, F = 34.36, P 〈 0.01 ） and mTORC1 activity in the mouse spinal cord. Mechanistic studies revealed that Protein Kinase B （Akt）/mTOR signaling pathway blockade with rapamycin prevented the phosphorylation of mTORC1 in stavudine-intoxicated mice （0.72 ± 0.04 vs. 0.86 ± 0.03, F=4.24, P = 0.045）, as well as decreased the expression of phospho-pTOS6K （0.47 ± 0.01 vs. 0.68 ± 0.03, F=6.01, P = 0.022） and phospho-4EBP1 （0.90 ± 0.04 vs. 0.94 ± 0.06, F= 0.28, P = 0.646）. Conclusions： Taken together, these results suggest that stavudine elevates the expression and activity of mTORC1 in the spinal cord through activating the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. The data also provide evidence that rapamycin might be useful for the treatment of peripheral neuropathic pain.

TopoisomeraseⅡalpha promotes gallbladder cancer proliferation and metastasis through activating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway

Background:TopoisomeraseⅡalpha(TOP2A)has been reported to play a crucial role in the tumorigenesis of various cancer types.However,the biological role of TOP2A in gallbladder cancer(GBC)remains unknown.The current study aimed to explore the function and potential mechanism of TOP2A in GBC.Methods:Based on Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis data,we found TOP2A was significantly up-regulated in GBC tissues and resulting in shorter overall survival.Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry were conducted to detect the expression of TOP2A in 45 pairs of GBC tissues and adjacent non-tumor tissues.In vitro,cell proliferation,migration,and invasion ability were examined by cell counting kit-8 and transwell assay,respectively.Epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)related and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin(PI3K/Akt/mTOR)pathway-related markers were measured by Western blotting.Xenograft model assay was performed to evaluate the effect of TOP2A in vivo.Results:TOP2A was found up-regulated in GBC(tumor vs.normal,12.62 vs.0.34)and correlated with the late tumor node metastasis stage(P=0.0032),present of lymph node metastasis(P=0.0273),and poor prognosis in GBC patients(log-rank P=0.028).In vitro and in vivo assays showed that knockdown of TOP2A notably inhibited cell proliferation,migration,invasion,EMT process,and tumor growth in GBC.In addition,TOP2A down-regulation significantly decreased the protein levels of phosphor(p)-PI3K,p-Akt,and p-mTOR.Conclusion:Our study demonstrates that TOP2A was overexpressed in GBC and associated with poor prognosis in GBC patients.TOP2A promotes GBC cell proliferation,migration,invasion,EMT process,and tumor growth through activating PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway,and may serve as a novel prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for GBC.

LRP6 Bidirectionally Regulates Insulin Sensitivity through Insulin Receptor and S6K Signaling in Rats with CG-IUGR

Objective Intrauterine growth restriction followed by postnatal catch-up growth(CG-IUGR)increases the risk of insulin resistance-related diseases.Low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6(LRP6)plays a substantial role in glucose metabolism.However,whether LRP6 is involved in the insulin resistance of CG-IUGR is unclear.This study aimed to explore the role of LRP6 in insulin signaling in response to CG-IUGR.Methods The CG-IUGR rat model was established via a maternal gestational nutritional restriction followed by postnatal litter size reduction.The mRNA and protein expression of the components in the insulin pathway,LRP6/β-catenin and mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR)/S6 kinase(S6K)signaling,was determined.Liver tissues were immunostained for the expression of LRP6 andβ-catenin.LRP6 was overexpressed or silenced in primary hepatocytes to explore its role in insulin signaling.Results Compared with the control rats,CG-IUGR rats showed higher homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance(HOMA-IR)index and fasting insulin level,decreased insulin signaling,reduced mTOR/S6K/insulin receptor substrate-1(IRS-1)serine307 activity,and decreased LRP6/β-catenin in the liver tissue.The knockdown of LRP6 in hepatocytes from appropriate-for-gestational-age(AGA)rats led to reductions in insulin receptor(IR)signaling and mTOR/S6K/IRS-1 serine307 activity.In contrast,LRP6 overexpression in hepatocytes of CG-IUGR rats resulted in elevated IR signaling and mTOR/S6K/IRS-1 serine307 activity.Conclusion LRP6 regulated the insulin signaling in the CG-IUGR rats via two distinct pathways,IR and mTOR-S6K signaling.LRP6 may be a potential therapeutic target for insulin resistance in CG-IUGR individuals.

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells modulate autophagy in RAW264.7 macrophages via the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway under oxygen-glucose deprivation/restoration conditions

Background: Autophagy of alveolar macrophages is a crucial process in ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced acute lung injury (ALI). Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) are multipotent cells with the potential for repairing injured sites and regulating autophagy. This study was to investigate the influence of BM-MSCs on autophagy of macrophages in the oxygen-glucose deprivation/restoration (OGD/R) microenvironment and to explore the potential mechanism.Methods: We established a co-culture system of macrophages (RAW264.7) with BM-MSCs under OGD/R conditionsin vitro. RAW264.7 cells were transfected with recombinant adenovirus (Ad-mCherry-GFP-LC3B) and autophagic status of RAW264.7 cells was observed under a fluorescence microscope. Autophagy-related proteins light chain 3 (LC3)-I, LC3-II, and p62 in RAW264.7 cells were detected by Western blotting. We used microarray expression analysis to identify the differently expressed genes between OGD/R treated macrophages and macrophages co-culture with BM-MSCs. We investigated the gene heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which is downstream of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway.Results: The ratio of LC3-II/LC3-I of OGD/R treated RAW264.7 cells was increased (1.27 ± 0.20vs. 0.44 ± 0.08,t = 6.67,P < 0.05), while the expression of p62 was decreased (0.77 ± 0.04vs. 0.95 ± 0.10,t = 2.90,P < 0.05), and PI3K (0.40 ± 0.06vs. 0.63 ± 0.10,t = 3.42,P < 0.05) and p-Akt/Akt ratio was also decreased (0.39 ± 0.02vs. 0.58 ± 0.03,t = 9.13,P < 0.05). BM-MSCs reduced the LC3-II/LC3-I ratio of OGD/R treated RAW264.7 cells (0.68 ± 0.14vs. 1.27 ± 0.20,t = 4.12,P < 0.05), up-regulated p62 expression (1.10 ± 0.20vs. 0.77 ± 0.04,t = 2.80,P < 0.05), and up-regulated PI3K (0.54 ± 0.05vs. 0.40 ± 0.06,t = 3.11,P < 0.05) and p-Akt/Akt ratios (0.52 ± 0.05vs. 0.39 ± 0.02,t = 9.13,P < 0.05). A whole-genome microarray assay screened the differentially expressed geneHO-1, which is downstream of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and the alteration ofHO-1 mRNA and protein expression was consistent with the data on PI3K/Akt pathway.Conclusions: Our results suggest the existence of the PI3K/Akt/HO-1 signaling pathway in RAW264.7 cells under OGD/R circumstancesin vitro, revealing the mechanism underlying BM-MSC-mediated regulation of autophagy and enriching the understanding of potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of ALI.

淫羊藿苷调控mTOR/Akt/CREB通路对高糖诱导的足细胞自噬及凋亡的影响

目的 探讨淫羊藿苷对高糖诱导的足细胞自噬、凋亡及哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)/丝氨酸苏氨酸蛋白激酶(Akt)/环磷酸腺苷反应元件结合蛋白(CREB)通路的影响。方法 将小鼠足细胞MPC5分为5组:正常对照组(5.5 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖)、高糖组(30 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖)、淫羊藿苷组(30 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖+5μmol·L^(-1)淫羊藿苷)、GDC-0349组(30 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖+50μmol·L^(-1)GDC-0349)、淫羊藿苷+GDC-0349组(30 mmol·L^(-1)葡萄糖+5μmol·L^(-1)淫羊藿苷+50μmol·L^(-1)GDC-0349)。培养48 h后,噻唑蓝法检测MPC5细胞活力;吖啶橙染色观察MPC5细胞自噬情况;流式细胞术检测MPC5细胞凋亡;蛋白印迹法检测MPC5细胞自噬[微管相关蛋白1轻链3(LC3)Ⅱ、LC3Ⅰ、自噬相关蛋白(Beclin-1)]、凋亡[Bcl-2相关X蛋白(Bax)、B淋巴细胞瘤-2(Bcl-2)]和mTOR/Akt/CREB通路相关蛋白的表达。结果 与正常对照组比较,高糖组MPC5细胞活力、Bcl-2、磷酸化mTOR(p-mTOR)/mTOR、磷酸化Akt(p-Akt)/Akt、磷酸化CREB(p-CREB)/CREB蛋白表达水平显著降低(P<0.05),自噬能力增强,自噬体表现出橙色荧光,细胞凋亡率、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ、Beclin-1、Bax蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.05)。与高糖组比较,淫羊藿苷组MPC5细胞活力、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ、Beclin-1、Bcl-2、p-mTOR/mTOR、p-Akt/Akt、p-CREB/CREB蛋白表达水平显著升高,自噬能力进一步增强,自噬体数量增多,自噬体呈现出砖红色荧光(P<0.05),细胞凋亡率、Bax蛋白表达水平显著降低(P<0.05);GDC-0349组MPC5细胞活力、LC3Ⅱ/LC3Ⅰ、Beclin-1、Bcl-2、p-mTOR/mTOR、p-Akt/Akt、p-CREB/CREB蛋白表达水平显著降低,自噬能力减弱,自噬体数量减少,自噬体表现出橙色荧光(P<0.05),细胞凋亡率、Bax蛋白表达水平显著升高(P<0.05);淫羊藿苷+GDC-0349可逆转淫羊藿苷对高糖诱导MPC5细胞的作用效果(P<0.05)。结论 淫羊藿苷通过激活mTOR/Akt/CREB通路促进高糖诱导的足细胞自噬抑制细胞凋亡。

下调HMGB2表达对肝癌LM3细胞上皮-间质转化的抑制作用及其AKT/mTOR信号通路机制

目的:探讨下调肝癌细胞中高迁移率族框蛋白2 (HMGB2)表达对肝癌细胞生物学行为及上皮-间质转化(EMT)进程的影响,并阐明其作用机制。方法:对数生长期的人肝癌LM3细胞分为阴性对照组和HMGB2 RNA干扰组(HMGB2 siRNA组),分别以Lipofectamin 2000为载体转染无关序列的RNA寡核苷酸(RNA oligo)和敲除HMGB2序列的RNA oligo。采用实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)法和Western blotting法检测2组细胞中HMGB2 mRNA和蛋白表达水平,分别采用细胞划痕实验和Transwell小室实验检测2组细胞的迁移和侵袭能力,采用Western blotting法检测2组细胞中E-钙黏蛋白(E-cadherin)、 N-钙黏蛋白(N-cadherin)、波形蛋白(Vimentin)和蛋白激酶B(AKT)/哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mTOR)通路相关蛋白表达水平。结果:与阴性对照组比较,HMGB2 siRNA组细胞中HMGB2 mRNA和蛋白表达水平均明显降低(P<0.05),HMGB2 siRNA组细胞划痕愈合率明显降低(P<0.01),侵袭细胞数明显减少(P<0.01),细胞中E-cadherin蛋白表达水平明显升高(P<0.01),N-cadherin、Vimentin、mTOR、AKT和磷酸化AKT (p-AKT)蛋白表达水平明显降低(P<0.05或P<0.01)。结论:下调HMGB2的表达可降低肝癌LM3细胞迁移和侵袭能力并抑制EMT,其作用机制可能与参与调节AKT/mTOR通路相关蛋白表达有关。

Impaired PI3K/Akt signal pathway and hepatocellular injury in high-fat fed rats

AIM:To determine whether mitochondrial dysfunction resulting from high-fat diet is related to impairment of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt,also known as PKB) pathway. METHODS:Rat models of nonalcoholic fatty liver were established by high-fat diet feeding. The expression of total and phosphorylated P13K and Akt proteins in hepatocytes was determined by Western blotting. Degree of fat accumulation in liver was measured by hepatic triglyceride. Mitochondrial number and size were determined using quantitative morphometric analysis under transmission electron microscope. The permeability of the outer mitochondrial membrane was assessed by determining the potential gradient across this membrane.RESULTS:After Wistar rats were fed with high-fat diet for 16 wk,their hepatocytes displayed an accumulation of fat (103.1 ± 12.6 vs 421.5 ± 19.7,P < 0.01),deformed mitochondria (9.0% ± 4.3% vs 83.0% ± 10.9%,P < 0.05),and a reduction in the mitochondrial membrane potential (389.385% ± 18.612% vs 249.121% ± 13.526%,P < 0.05). In addition,the expression of the phosphorylated P13K and Akt proteins in hepatocytes was reduced,as was the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2,while expression of the pro-apoptotic protein caspase-3 was increased. When animals were treated with pharmacological inhibitors of P13K or Akt,instead of high-fat diet,a similar pattern of hepatocellular fat accumulation,mitochondrial impairment,and change in the levels of PI3K,Akt,Bcl-2 was observed. CONCLUSION:High-fat diet appears to inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway,which may lead to hepa-tocellular injury through activation of the mitochondrial membrane pathway of apoptosis.

基于磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶/蛋白激酶B/雷帕霉素靶蛋白通路探讨大株红景天注射液对缺氧H9C2心肌细胞损伤的影响

目的探讨大株红景天注射液对缺氧H9C2心肌细胞的影响及保护机制。方法取H9C2心肌细胞缺氧造模,实验分为正常组、模型组、大株红景天注射液组(简称:SI组)、尼可地尔组。采用RT-qPCR检测磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(phosphoinositide 3-kinase,PI3K)、蛋白激酶B(protein kinase B,AKT)、雷帕霉素靶蛋白(mammalian target of rapamycin,mTOR)的mRNA;免疫蛋白印记法检测PI3K、AKT、mTOR、p-PI3K、p-AKT、p-mTOR的蛋白表达;流式细胞仪检测细胞凋亡水平。结果与模型组比较,SI组及尼可地尔组PI3K、AKT、mTOR的mRNA表达均显著降低(P<0.05)。与模型组比较,SI组和尼可地尔组PI3K、AKT、mTOR蛋白表达无明显差异(P>0.05)。经磷酸化处理后,与模型组比较,SI组和尼可地尔组p-PI3K、p-AKT、p-mTOR的蛋白表达显著下降(P<0.05);与尼可地尔组相比,SI组p-PI3K、p-AKT的蛋白表达下降(P<0.05),p-mTOR的蛋白含量无明显差异(P>0.05)。结论大株红景天注射液通过下调PI3K/AKT/mTOR通路,起到了抑制缺氧心肌细胞过度自噬,改善心肌细胞损伤的作用。

Hexokinase 1 and 2 mediates glucose utilization to regulate the synthesis of kappa casein via ribosome protein subunit 6 kinase 1 in bovine mammary epithelial cells

Glucose plays a vital part in milk protein synthesis through the mTOR signaling pathway in bovine mammary epithelial cells(BMEC).The objectives of this study were to determine how glucose affects hexokinase(HK)activity in BMEC and investigate the regulatory effect of HK in kappa casein(CSN3)synthesis via the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1(mTORC1)signaling pathway in BMEC.For this,HK1 and HK2 were knocked out in BMEC using the CRISPR/Cas9 system.The gene and protein expression,glucose uptake,and cell proliferation were measured.We found that glucose uptake,cell proliferation,CSN3 gene expression levels,and expression of HK1 and HK2 increased with increasing glucose concentrations.Notably,glucose uptake was significantly reduced in HK2 knockout(HK2KO)BMEC treated with 17.5 mM glucose.Moreover,under the same glucose treatment conditions,the proliferative ability and abundance of CSN3 were significantly diminished in both HK1 knockout(HK1KO)and HK2KO BMEC compared with that in wild-type BEMC.We further observed that the phosphorylation levels of ribosome protein subunit 6 kinase 1(S6K1)were reduced in HK1KO and HK2KO BMEC following treatment with 17.5 mM glucose.As expected,the levels of glucose-6-phosphate and the m RNA expression levels of glycolysis-related genes were decreased in both HK1KO and HK2KO BMEC following glucose treatment.These results indicated that the knockout of HK1 and HK2 inhibited cell proliferation and CSN3 expression in BMEC under glucose treatment,which may be associated with the inactivation of the S6K1 and inhibition of glycolysis.

Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko Inhibit Lung Cancer Growth and Metastasis by Ameliorating Hypoxic Tumor Microenvironment via PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1αSignaling Pathway

Objective:To investigate whether Buthus martensii karsch(Scorpiones),Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans L.Koch(Scolopendra)and Gekko gecko Linnaeus(Gekko)could ameliorate the hypoxic tumor microenvironment and inhibit lung cancer growth and metastasis by regulating phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin/hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α)signaling pathway.Methods:Male C57BL/6J mice were inoculated with luciferase labeled LL/2-luc-M38 cell suspension to develop lung cancer models,with rapamycin and cyclophosphamide as positive controls.Carboxy methyl cellulose solutions of Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko were administered intragastrically as 0.33,0.33,and 0.83 g/kg,respectively once daily for 21 days.Fluorescent expression were detected every 7 days after inoculation,and tumor growth curves were plotted.Immunohistochemistry was performed to determine CD31 and HIF-1αexpressions in tumor tissue and microvessel density(MVD)was analyzed.Western blot was performed to detect the expression of PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1αsignaling pathway-related proteins.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was performed to detect serum basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF),transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)in mice.Results:Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko prolonged the survival time and inhibited lung cancer metastasis and expression of HIF-1α(all P<0.01).Moreover,Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko inhibited the phosphorylation of AKT and ribosomal protein S6 kinase(p70S6K)(P<0.05 or P<0.01).In addition,they also decreased the expression of CD31,MVD,bFGF,TGF-β1 and VEGF compared with the model group(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Conclusion:Scorpiones,Scolopendra and Gekko all showed beneficial effects on lung cancer by ameliorating the hypoxic tumor microenvironment via PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1αsignaling pathway.

弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤中铁死亡相关基因的表达及其与免疫细胞和信号通路的关系

目的通过癌症基因组图谱(The Cancer Genome Atlas,TCGA)数据库分析弥漫大B细胞淋巴瘤(diffuse large B-cell lymphoma,DLBCL)中铁死亡相关基因的表达及其与程序性死亡受体配体-1(programmed death ligand-1,PD-L1)和免疫细胞的关系,为DLBCL的治疗提供新的靶标。方法通过TCGA数据库查找获得22个铁死亡相关基因。从TCGA数据库获取48例DLBCL(DLBCL组)及54例反应性淋巴结增生患者(对照组)淋巴结标本的铁死亡相关基因以及PD-L1的表达数据。使用Wilcoxon秩和检验进行组间差异性表达分析。基因表达相关性分析采用Spearman相关性分析。采用R软件包pheatmap分析DLBCL中铁死亡相关基因表达与免疫细胞的相关性。采用R软件GSVA包分析铁死亡相关基因表达与磷脂酰肌醇-3-激酶-蛋白激酶B-哺乳动物雷帕霉素靶蛋白(phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase-protein kinase B-mammalian target of rapamycin,PI3K-Akt-mTOR)信号通路的相关性。结果DLBCL中周期素依赖性激酶抑制因子1A(cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor 1A,CDKN1A)、70 kDa热休克蛋白5(heat shock 70 kDa protein 5,HSPA5)、内质膜蛋白复合体亚基2(endoplasmic membrane protein complex subunit 2,EMC2)、溶质载体家族7成员11(solute carrier family 7,member 11,SLC7A11)、金属硫蛋白1G(metallothionein 1G,MT1G)、热休克蛋白B1(heat shock protein B1,HSPB1)、谷胱甘肽过氧化酶4(glutathione peroxidase4,GPX4)、范可尼贫血互补群D2(Fanconi anemia complementary group D2,FANCD2)、柠檬酸合成酶(citrate synthase,CS)、CDGSH铁硫结构域1(CDGSH iron sulfur domain 1,CISD1)、法尼基二磷酸法尼基转移酶1(farnesyl diphosphate farnesyltransferase 1,FDFT1)、SLC1A5、转铁蛋白受体(transferrin receptor,TFRC)、核糖体蛋白L8(ribosomal protein L8,RPL8)、核受体共激活因子4(nuclear receptor coativator 4,NCOA4)、二肽基肽酶Ⅳ(dipeptidyl peptidaseⅣ,DPP4)和花生四烯酸15脂氧合酶(arachidonate-15-lipoxygenase,ALOX15)基因表达均上调(均P<0.05)。免疫细胞相关分析显示,铁死亡相关基因可激活体内巨噬细胞M1(P<0.05)。DLBCL中长链脂酰辅酶A合成酶4(acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 4,ACSL4)、CDKN1A、DPP4、EMC2、谷氨酰胺酶2(glutaminase 2,GLS2)、HSPA5、溶血卵磷脂酰基转移酶3(lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 3,LPCAT3)、MT1G、NCOA4、红细胞衍生核因子2样蛋白2(nuclear factor erythroid 2-like-2,NFE2L2)、精脒/精胺N1-乙酰基转移酶1(spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase 1,SAT1)、SLC7A11和TFRC这些铁死亡相关基因的表达均与PD-L1表达呈正相关(均r>0.4,均P<0.05)。铁死亡相关基因LPCAT3、NCOA4和TFRC的表达均与PI3K-AktmTOR通路呈正相关(均r>0.4,均P<0.05)。结论多数铁死亡相关基因在DLBCL组织中高表达,且与PD-L1、免疫浸润及PI3K-Akt-mTOR通路有关。