TANK-binding Kinase 1 Activation Research Articles

Discovery of novel TANK-Binding Kinase 1 (TBK1) inhibitor against pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has limited treatment options, underscoring the urgent need for developing new therapies. The upregulation of TBK1 activity plays a crucial role in multiple pancreatic cancer-related signaling pathways, suggesting that inhibiting the kinase activity of TBK1 could be a promising strategy. Herein, we discovered a novel TBK1 inhibitor, LIB3S0280, using a structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) strategy. In the anti-proliferative and viability assays, LIB3S0280 showed significant inhibition against pancreatic cancer cell lines that highly express TBK1 with the GI50 values of 2.24 and 4.71 μM and IC50 values of 6.64 and 10.98 μM at 96 h. For the downstream targets, LIB3S0280 can inhibit TBK1 downstream signaling by decreasing the phosphorylation of IκBα and AKT better than a known TBK1 inhibitor, BX-795. Furthermore, PDAC cells were arrested in G2/M and underwent apoptosis or senescence with the treatment of LIB3S0280. These findings suggest that TBK1 inhibitor LIB3S0280 has great potential as a lead compound in the further development of a novel treatment for PDAC.

TBK1 is paradoxical in tumor development: a focus on the pathway mediating IFN-I expression.

TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is a member of the IKK family and plays a crucial role in the activation of non-canonical NF-κB signaling and type I interferon responses. The aberrant activation of TBK1 contributes to the proliferation and survival of various types of tumor cells, particularly in specific mutational or tumorous contexts. Inhibitors targeting TBK1 are under development and application in both in vivo and in vitro settings, yet their clinical efficacy remains limited. Numerous literatures have shown that TBK1 can exhibit both tumor promoting and tumor inhibiting effects. TBK1 acts as a pivotal node within the innate immune pathway, mediating anti-tumor immunity through the activation of innate immune responses. Facilitating interferon-I (IFN-I) production represents a critical mechanism through which TBK1 bridges these processes. IFN has been shown to exert both beneficial and detrimental effects on tumor progression. Hence, the paradoxical role of TBK1 in tumor development may necessitate acknowledgment in light of its downstream IFN-I signaling cascade. In this paper, we review the signaling pathways mediated by TBK1 in various tumor contexts and summarize the dual roles of TBK1 and the TBK1-IFN pathways in both promoting and inhibiting tumor progression. Additionally, we highlight the significance of the TBK1-IFN pathway in clinical therapy, particularly in the context of immune response. We anticipate further advancements in the development of TBK1 inhibitors as part of novel cancer treatment strategies.

RCHY1 and OPTN are required for melanophagy, selective autophagy of melanosomes

Melanosomes are specific organelles dedicated to melanin synthesis and accumulation in melanocytes. Autophagy is suggestively involved in melanosome degradation, although the potential underlying molecular mechanisms remain elusive. In selective autophagy, autophagy receptors and E3-ligases are the key factors conferring cargo selectivity. In B16F10 cells, β-mangostin efficiently induced melanosome degradation without affecting other organelles such as mitochondria, peroxisomes, and the endoplasmic reticulum. Among various autophagy receptors, optineurin (OPTN) contributes TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1)-dependently to melanosome degradation and its knockdown inhibited β-mangostin-mediated melanosome degradation. OPTN translocation to melanosomes was dependent on its ubiquitin-binding domain. Moreover, OPTN-mediated TBK1 activation and subsequent TBK1-mediated S187 OPTN phosphorylation were essential for melanosome degradation. β-mangostin increased K63-linked melanosome ubiquitination. Finally, the E3-ligase RCHY1 knockdown inhibited the melanosome ubiquitination required for OPTN- and TBK1-phosphorylation as well as melanosome degradation. This study suggests that melanophagy, melanosome-selective autophagy, contributes to melanosome degradation, and OPTN and RCHY1 are an essential autophagy receptor and a E3-ligase, respectively, conferring cargo selectivity in melanophagy.

A245 CROHN’S DISEASE-ASSOCIATED BACTERIAL PATHOBIONT EVOKED EPITHELIAL MITOCHONDRIAL DAMAGE DRIVES TYPE I INTERFERON EXPRESSION

Abstract Background The Crohn’s disease-associated adherent invasive E. coli (AIEC) (strain LF82) decreases mitochondrial membrane potential and fragments the epithelial mitochondrial network. Due to the evolutionary history of mitochondria as former bacteria, they present a variety of molecular patterns known to trigger innate immune responses. Specifically, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) released following mitochondrial damage causes upregulation of type I interferons, priming inflammatory signalling. Thus, we hypothesized that AIEC-induced mitochondrial dysfunction results in mtDNA release to activate innate immune signalling that could contribute to disease pathogenesis in the gut. Aims We aimed determine if an inflammatory response occurs downstream of mitochondrial damage evoked by E. coli-LF82 infection. Methods Control T84 epithelial cells, T84s infected E. coli-LF82 (108 cfu, MOI=100, 4h) and T84s infected with the commensal E. coli-HB101 (108 cfu for an MOI=100, 4h) were collected for protein and RNA extraction. RNA was used to measure IFNα and IFNβ expression following infection, while protein was used to measure upstream mediators including phosphorylation of TANK Binding Kinase-1 (TBK1) via Western blot. Results Epithelia infected with E. coli-LF82 but not E. coli-HB101 displayed dramatic fragmentation of their mitochondria network and increased levels of phosphorylated-TBK1 compared to control T84 cells (pampersand:003C0.01). Assessment of IFNα and IFNβ mRNA revealed significant up-regulation E. coli-LF82 infected T84 cells and human colon organoids. Conclusions Our findings identify a novel role for E. coli-LF82 in activating type I interferon response and for the first time show AIEC-induced activation of TBK1 and type I interferons, which may occur through mitochondrial damage, rather than through response to bacterial molecular patterns. As a result, our findings suggest that the AIEC colonization seen in Crohn’s disease may dysregulate inflammatory signalling through mitochondrial damage. Ultimately, we believe this dysregulation of inflammatory signalling may sensitize the host to further inflammatory signalling, contributing to the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Funding Agencies CIHR

Optineurin provides a mitophagy contact site for TBK1 activation

Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is a Ser/Thr kinase that is involved in many intracellular processes, such as innate immunity, cell cycle, and apoptosis. TBK1 is also important for phosphorylating the autophagy adaptors that mediate the selective autophagic removal of damaged mitochondria. However, the mechanism by which PINK1-Parkin-mediated mitophagy activates TBK1 remains largely unknown. Here, we show that the autophagy adaptor optineurin (OPTN) provides a unique platform for TBK1 activation. Both the OPTN-ubiquitin and the OPTN-pre-autophagosomal structure (PAS) interaction axes facilitate assembly of the OPTN-TBK1 complex at a contact sites between damaged mitochondria and the autophagosome formation sites. At this assembly point, a positive feedback loop for TBK1 activation is initiated that accelerates hetero-autophosphorylation of the protein. Expression of monobodies engineered here to bind OPTN impaired OPTN accumulation at contact sites, as well as the subsequent activation of TBK1, thereby inhibiting mitochondrial degradation. Taken together, these data show that a positive and reciprocal relationship between OPTN and TBK1 initiates autophagosome biogenesis on damaged mitochondria.

Kinome-wide siRNA screen identifies a DCLK2-TBK1 oncogenic signaling axis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is a potential therapeutic target in multiple cancers, including clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). However, targeting TBK1 in clinical practice is challenging. One approach to overcome this challenge would be to identify an upstream TBK1 regulator that could be targeted therapeutically in cancer specifically. In this study, we perform a kinome-wide small interfering RNA (siRNA) screen and identify doublecortin-like kinase 2 (DCLK2) as a TBK1 regulator in ccRCC. DCLK2 binds to and directly phosphorylates TBK1 on Ser172. Depletion of DCLK2 inhibits anchorage-independent colony growth and kidney tumorigenesis in orthotopic xenograft models. Conversely, overexpression of DCLK2203, a short isoform that predominates in ccRCC, promotes ccRCC cell growth and tumorigenesis invivo. Mechanistically, DCLK2203 elicits its oncogenic signaling via TBK1 phosphorylation and activation. Taken together, these results suggest that DCLK2 is a TBK1 activator and potential therapeutic target for ccRCC.

NAK-associated protein 1/NAP1 activates TBK1 to ensure accurate mitosis and cytokinesis.

Subcellular location and activation of Tank Binding Kinase 1 (TBK1) govern precise progression through mitosis. Either loss of activated TBK1 or its sequestration from the centrosomes causes errors in mitosis and growth defects. Yet, what regulates its recruitment and activation on the centrosomes is unknown. We identified that NAK-associated protein 1 (NAP1) is essential for mitosis, binding to and activating TBK1, which both localize to centrosomes. Loss of NAP1 causes several mitotic and cytokinetic defects due to inactivation of TBK1. Our quantitative phosphoproteomics identified numerous TBK1 substrates that are not only confined to the centrosomes but are also associated with microtubules. Substrate motifs analysis indicates that TBK1 acts upstream of other essential cell cycle kinases like Aurora and PAK kinases. We also identified NAP1 as a TBK1 substrate phosphorylating NAP1 at S318 to promote its degradation by the ubiquitin proteasomal system. These data uncover an important distinct function for the NAP1-TBK1 complex during cell division.

OPTN-TBK1 axis and a role for PLK1 in HSV-1 infection.

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is globally prevalent, with latent infections observed in up to 80% of the population. The virus is known for subverting host defense mechanisms and infiltrating the nervous system to establish latency in peripheral ganglia. Multiple stressors can reactivate the virus, and recurrent herpes has been linked to vision loss and neurodegeneration. Identifying critical host factors that limit the spread of HSV-1 and the subsequent establishment of latent infection holds the potential to drive new intervention strategies for eradicating the virus. Numerous pieces of evidence underscore the significance of Tank-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) in restricting HSV-1. Reports have also suggested that phosphorylation of optineurin (OPTN) by TBK1 is required for triggering OPTN-mediated autophagy for HSV degradation. This report adds new insights into the roles of OPTN and TBK1 in HSV-1 infection and provides proof of a TBK1-independent HSV-1 restriction through OPTN. It confirms that TBK1 activation can be substituted by PLK1 to provide protection against HSV-1. In contrast, the activation of OPTN is likely an indispensable host defense mechanism for optimal defense against HSV-1.

PTK2B promotes TBK1 and STING oligomerization and enhances the STING-TBK1 signaling

TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is a key kinase in regulating antiviral innate immune responses. While the oligomerization of TBK1 is critical for its full activation, the molecular mechanism of how TBK1 forms oligomers remains unclear. Here, we show that protein tyrosine kinase 2 beta (PTK2B) acts as a TBK1-interacting protein and regulates TBK1 oligomerization. Functional assays reveal that PTK2B depletion reduces antiviral signaling in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, macrophages and dendritic cells, and genetic experiments show that Ptk2b-deficient mice are more susceptible to viral infection than control mice. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that PTK2B directly phosphorylates residue Tyr591 of TBK1, which increases TBK1 oligomerization and activation. In addition, we find that PTK2B also interacts with the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) and can promote its oligomerization in a kinase-independent manner. Collectively, PTK2B enhances the oligomerization of TBK1 and STING via different mechanisms, subsequently regulating STING-TBK1 activation to ensure efficient antiviral innate immune responses.

TXLNA enhances TBK1 phosphorylation by suppressing PPM1B recruitment

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in cancer incidence and mortality, and immune abnormalities have been closely linked to malignancy development. TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is a non-classical IκB kinase that regulates interferon and NF-κB signaling pathways and plays a crucial role in innate immunity. Recent studies have shown high expression levels of TBK1 and increased activity in various tumor cells, suggesting its involvement in the development and progression of multiple cancers. Targeting TBK1 for tumor therapy may be a possibility. However, little is known about the abnormal activation and dynamic regulation of TBK1 in cancer. First, we utilized the BioID biotinylation technique combined with TMT-based quantitative proteomics to analyze the TBK1 interacting proteins. Our results revealed that TXLNA interacts with TBK1 and binds to the α-helical scaffold of TBK1. The expression of TXLNA could affect the S172 phosphorylation of TBK1. PPM1B is a phosphatase that can dephosphorylate TBK1 S172, so we used the APEX2 proximity labeling technique combined with TMT-based quantitative proteomics to explore the interacting proteins of PPM1B and search for the regulatory pathway of TXLNA on TBK1 phosphorylation. We found that PPM1B interacts with TXLNA. Based on these results, we further found that TXLNA impairs the binding of PPM1B to TBK1, inhibiting the dephosphorylation of TBK1 and contributing to the abnormal enhancement of TBK1 activity in cancer cells. This study sheds light on the potential mechanism of aberrant activation and dynamic regulation of TBK1 in tumors and provides a potential target for tumor therapy.

Rnf144b alleviates the inflammatory responses and cardiac dysfunction in sepsis.

Sepsis is an inflammatory disease with high mortality and morbidity. Inflammation plays an essential role in sepsis, and suppressing inflammation has been shown to ameliorate sepsis. Rnf144b is an ubiquitin E3 ligation with anti-inflammation activities. Its precise roles in sepsis remain unknown. Here, we explored the function of Rnf144b in sepsis. We generated conditional knockout mice with Rnf144b deficiency in the myeloid cells. We monitored the Rnf144b expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donor and patients with sepsis, and in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-treated bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). The cytokine expression between wild-type BMDMs and Rnf144b-deficient BMDMs after LPS and CpG treatments was compared. The survival rate and cardiac function were monitored. The activation of TANK binding kinase 1 and nuclear factor kappa-B was examined by Western blot and real-time PCR. Up-regulated expression of Rnf144b was observed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with sepsis. LPS induced the expression of Rnf144b in BMDMs. Rnf144b-deficient BMDMs produced more inflammatory cytokines after LPS or CpG stimulation. Septic mice with Rnf144b deficiency in myeloid cells had higher mortality and exacerbated cardiac dysfunction. Rnf144b interacted with TANK binding kinase 1 and Rnf144b deficiency resulted in impaired activation of TBK1 but enhanced activation of nuclear factor kappa-B. Rnf144b prevents inflammatory responses and cardiac dysfunction in sepsis.

Inhibition of TANK-binding kinase1 attenuates the astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammatory response through YAP signaling after spinal cord injury.

TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is involved in regulating the pathological process of a variety of inflammatory diseases in the central nervous system. However, its role and underlying molecular mechanisms in spinal cord injury (SCI) remain largely unknown. We employed the TBK1 inhibitor amlexanox (ALX) to address this question. An in vivo clip-compressive SCI model and in vitro lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced astrocyte inflammation model were established to examine the effects of TBK1 inhibition on the expression of proinflammatory cytokines. In this study, we found that TBK1 and TBK1-medicated innate immune pathways, such as TBK1/IRF3 and noncanonical NF-κB signaling, were activated in astrocytes and neurons after SCI. Furthermore, inhibition of TBK1 by ALX alleviated neuroinflammation response, reduced the loss of motor neurons, and improved the functional recovery after SCI. Mechanistically, inhibition of TBK1 activity promoted the activation of the noncanonical NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibited p-IRF3 activity in LPS-induced astrocytes, and the TBK1 activity was required for astrocytic activation through yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling after SCI and in LPS-induced astrocytes inflammation model. TBK1-medicated innate immune pathway in astrocytes through YAP signaling plays an important role in the pathogenesis of SCI and inhibition of TBK1 may be a potential therapeutic drug for SCI.

A Therapeutic Vaccine in Combination with Cyclic GMP-AMP Cures More Differentiated Melanomas in Mice.

We have identified a combinational immunotherapy termed TheraVac vaccine (TheraVac) that can cure multiple large established mouse tumors, but it failed to cure melanoma in mice. TheraVac consists of an immunostimulating arm containing an agonist (HMGN1 [N1]) for TLR4 and an agonist (R848) for TLR7/8 that synergize to activate tumor-infiltrating dendritic cells (DCs) and promote Th1 immune responses. The second arm uses an immune checkpoint blockade, anti-PDL-1, to diminish tumor-associated immunosuppression. In this study, we investigated supplementation of TheraVac by a stimulator of IFN genes (STING) agonist, cyclic GMP-AMP (cGAMP), because together they synergize in activating DCs and produced more immunostimulating IL-12p70 and TNF-α cytokines. The synergistic activation and maturation of DCs is dependent on the activation of tank binding kinase-1 (TBK1). Treatment of three different melanin-producing mouse melanomas (B16F1, M3, and M4) with intratumoral delivery of cGAMP and TheraVac eradicated 60-80% of these melanomas. Immunoprofiling of M3 tumor treated with TheraVac plus cGAMP showed an increase in CD8+ CTLs and macrophages in the tumor. There was also a marked increase of CD4, CD8 effector and memory T cells and generation of functional tumor-specific CTLs in tumor-draining lymph nodes. The resultant tumor-free mice were selectively resistant to subsequent challenge with the same tumors, indicating long-term tumor-specific protective immunity. Overall, our findings have important implications for clinical trials with a combination of these immunotherapeutics to cure melanin-producing human melanomas, without the need for exogenous tumor Ags and no clear toxic effects in mice.

IMMU-10. EXPLORING THE IMMUNOLOGIC CONSEQUENCES OF ATRX DEFICIENCY IN GLIOMA

Abstract ATRX is a key chromatin regulator, which is mutated in large subsets of both adult and pediatric gliomas. Despite being a common mutation, little is known about the biological ramifications of ATRX deficiency. Recently, it has been demonstrated that ATRX deficiency drives increased replication stress, DNA damage, and global epigenetic dysregulation. Despite these advances, little is known about the impact of ATRX deficiency on the tumor microenvironment (TME). In order to explore the impact of ATRX deficiency on the TME we utilized the RCAS/nTVa system to generate a novel murine model of ATRX deficient glioma. Mice bearing allografts of these tumors displayed significantly increased survival relative to the ATRX intact lines. This survival benefit persisted in Nu/nu mice, which lack an adaptive immune system, but not in SCID mice, which lack both adaptive and innate immunity. Bulk RNA sequencing revealed the ATRX deficient tumors displayed increased expression of inflammatory and innate immune gene sets, and western blotting revealed increased phosphorylation of tank binding kinase 1 (TBK1), a key innate immune regulator. Multiplex cytokine analysis of conditioned media also revealed increased expression of inflammatory cytokines such as CCL2, CCL5, and CXCL10 in the supernatant of ATRX deficient cell lines. Taken together, these results indicate that ATRX deficiency can drive innate immune activation, and that this activation can increase survival in vivo. Further exploration is needed to characterize the upstream drivers of TBK1 activation and elucidate alterations to immune cell infiltration in ATRXdeficient tumors.

SRA Suppresses Antiviral Innate Immune Response in Macrophages by Limiting TBK1 K63 Ubiquitination via Deubiquitinase USP15.

The innate immune system is the first line of host defense against microbial infections. During virus infection, pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) are engaged to detect specific viral components, such as viral RNA or DNA, and regulate the innate immune response in the infected cells or immune cells. Our previous study demonstrated that scavenger receptor A (SRA), an important innate PRR, impaired the anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) response in hepatocytes. Given that SRA is primarily expressed in macrophages, here, we assessed the function of SRA expressed in macrophages in response to RNA or DNA viral infection. SRA-deficient (SRA-/-) mice showed reduced susceptibility to viral infection caused by vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) or herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1). In the virus-infected SRA-/- mice, compared with their wild-type (WT) counterparts, we observed low amounts of virus accompanied by enhanced interferon (IFN) production. Furthermore, SRA significantly inhibited the phosphorylation of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3). We provided biochemical evidence showing that SRA directly interacts with the N-terminal kinase domain (KD) of TBK1, resulting in the limitation of its K63-linked ubiquitination. Moreover, we demonstrated that SRA negatively regulates the activity of TBK1 by promoting the recruitment of ubiquitin-specific protease 15 (USP15) to deubiquitinate TBK1. In summary, we have identified the connection between SRA and the TBK1/IRF3 signaling pathway in macrophages, indicating a critical role of SRA in the regulation of host antiviral immunity. IMPORTANCE During virus infection, PRRs are engaged to detect specific viral components, such as viral RNA or DNA, and regulate the innate immune response in the infected cells or other immune cells. We reported that deficiency of SRA, an important innate PRR, promoted IRF3 activation, type I IFN production, and innate antiviral responses against RNA and DNA viruses in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, the biochemical analysis showed that SRA directly interacts with the KD domain of TBK1 and limits its K63-linked polyubiquitination, reducing TBK1 activation. Further analyses determined that SRA is a modulator for TBK1 activation via the recruitment of USP15, which delineated a previously unrecognized function for SRA in innate antiviral immunity.

Ubiquitin-specific protease 24 promotes EV71 infection by restricting K63-linked polyubiquitination of TBK1

TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) is an essential protein kinase for activation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and induction of the type I interferons (IFN-I). Although the biochemical regulation of TBK1 activation has been studied, little is known about how enterovirus 71 (EV71) employs the deubiquitinases (DUBs) to regulate TBK1 activation for viral immune evasion. Here, we found that EV71 infection upregulated the expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 24 (USP24). Further studies revealed that USP24 physically interacted with TBK1, and can reduce K63-linked polyubiquitination of TBK1. Knockdown of USP24 upregulated TBK1 K63-linked polyubiquitination, promoted the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of IRF3, and in turn improved IFN-I production during EV71 infection. As a consequence, USP24 knockdown dramatically inhibited EV71 infection. This study revealed USP24 as a novel regulator of TBK1 activation, which promotes the understanding of immune evasion mechanisms of EV71 and could provide a potential strategy for treatment of EV71 infection.

Two FTD-ALS genes converge on the endosomal pathway to induce TDP-43 pathology and degeneration.

Frontotemporal dementia and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (FTD-ALS) are associated with both a repeat expansion in the C9orf72 gene and mutations in the TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) gene. We found that TBK1 is phosphorylated in response to C9orf72 poly(Gly-Ala) [poly(GA)] aggregation and sequestered into inclusions, which leads to a loss of TBK1 activity and contributes to neurodegeneration. When we reduced TBK1 activity using a TBK1-R228H (Arg228→His) mutation in mice, poly(GA)-induced phenotypes were exacerbated. These phenotypes included an increase in TAR DNA binding protein 43 (TDP-43) pathology and the accumulation of defective endosomes in poly(GA)-positive neurons. Inhibiting the endosomal pathway induced TDP-43 aggregation, which highlights the importance of this pathway and TBK1 activity in pathogenesis. This interplay between C9orf72, TBK1, and TDP-43 connects three different facets of FTD-ALS into one coherent pathway.

Zika virus non-structural protein 4B interacts with DHCR7 to facilitate viral infection

Zika virus (ZIKV) evolves non-structural proteins to evade immune response and ensure efficient replication in the host cells. Cholesterol metabolic enzyme 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase (DHCR7) was recently reported to impact innate immune responses in ZIKV infection. However, the vital non-structural protein and mechanisms involved in DHCR7-mediated viral evasion are not well elucidated. In this study, we demonstrated that ZIKV infection facilitated DHCR7 expression. Notably, the upregulated DHCR7 in turn facilitated ZIKV infection and blocking DHCR7 suppressed ZIKV infection. Mechanically, ZIKV non-structural protein 4B (NS4B) interacted with DHCR7 to induce DHCR7 expression. Moreover, DHCR7 inhibited TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) phosphorylation, which resulted in the reduction of interferon-beta (IFN-β) and interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs) productions. Therefore, we propose that ZIKV NS4B binds to DHCR7 to repress TBK1 and IRF3 activation, which in turn inhibits IFN-β and ISGs, and thereby facilitating ZIKV evasion. This study broadens the insights on how viral non-structural proteins antagonize innate immunity to facilitate viral infection via cholesterol metabolic enzymes and intermediates.

TBK1-medicated DRP1 phosphorylation orchestrates mitochondrial dynamics and autophagy activation in osteoarthritis.

Mitochondrial dynamics, including mitochondrial fission and fusion, are critical for maintaining mitochondrial functions. Evidence shows that TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) regulates mitochondrial fusion and fission and then mitophagy. Since a previous study demonstrates a strong correlation between mitophagy and osteoarthritis (OA), we herein investigated the potential role of TBK1 in OA process and mitochondrial functions. We demonstrated a strong correlation between TBK1 and OA, evidenced by significantly downregulated expression of TBK1 in cartilage tissue samples of OA patients and in the chondrocytes of aged mice, as well as TNF-α-stimulated phosphorylation of TBK1 in primary mouse chondrocytes. TBK1 overexpression significantly attenuated TNF-α-induced apoptosis and abnormal mitochondrial function in primary mouse chondrocytes. Furthermore, TBK1 overexpression induced remodeling ofmitochondrial morphology by directly phosphorylating dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1) at Ser637, abolishing the fission of DRP1 and preventing its fragmentation function. Moreover, TBK1 recruitment and DRP1 phosphorylation at Ser637 was necessary for engulfing damaged mitochondria by autophagosomal membranes during mitophagy. Moreover, we demonstrated that APMK/ULK1 signaling contributed to TBK1 activation. In OA mouse models established by surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus, intraarticular injection of lentivirus-TBK1 significantly ameliorated cartilage degradation via regulation of autophagy and alleviation of cell apoptosis. In conclusion, our results suggest that the TBK1/DRP1 pathway is involved in OA and pharmacological targeting of the TBK1-DRP1 cascade provides prospective therapeutic benefits for the treatment of OA.

TBK1-mTOR Signaling Attenuates Obesity-Linked Hyperglycemia and Insulin Resistance.

The innate immune kinase TBK1 (TANK-binding kinase 1) responds to microbial-derived signals to initiate responses against viral and bacterial pathogens. More recent work implicates TBK1 in metabolism and tumorigenesis. The kinase mTOR (mechanistic target of rapamycin) integrates diverse environmental cues to control fundamental cellular processes. Our prior work demonstrated in cells that TBK1 phosphorylates mTOR (on S2159) to increase mTORC1 and mTORC2 catalytic activity and signaling. Here we investigate a role for TBK1-mTOR signaling in control of glucose metabolism in vivo. We find that mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO) but not lean mice bearing a whole-body "TBK1-resistant" Mtor S2159A knock-in allele (MtorA/A) display exacerbated hyperglycemia and systemic insulin resistance with no change in energy balance. Mechanistically, Mtor S2159A knock-in in DIO mice reduces mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling in response to insulin and innate immune agonists, reduces anti-inflammatory gene expression in adipose tissue, and blunts anti-inflammatory macrophage M2 polarization, phenotypes shared by mice with tissue-specific inactivation of TBK1 or mTOR complexes. Tissues from DIO mice display elevated TBK1 activity and mTOR S2159 phosphorylation relative to lean mice. We propose a model whereby obesity-associated signals increase TBK1 activity and mTOR phosphorylation, which boost mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling in parallel to the insulin pathway, thereby attenuating insulin resistance to improve glycemic control during diet-induced obesity.