Akt In Response Research Articles

Abstract 17228: Rassf1A Inhibits Akt Activation in Cardiac Fibroblasts and Protects Against Ischemia Reperfusion Injury in the Heart

Our previous work demonstrated Rassf1A to be a critical mediator of Mst1 activation, the chief component of the mammalian Hippo pathway, in heart failure. In the setting of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, Mst1 is robustly activated and promotes injury in the heart; however, its regulation remains unclear. Using genetically modified mice in which expression of Rassf1A is altered in a cell type-specific manner, we demonstrate that systemic deletion of rassf1a -/- (KO) does not alter infarct size (36±4% vs 33±3%) or cardiac myocyte apoptosis (1.7±0.2% vs 2.1±0.4%) following I/R versus WT. Conversely, mice harboring deletion of rassf1a in cardiac myocytes ( rassf1a flox/flox αMHC-Cre, CKO) have smaller infarcts (23±2 vs 38±3%, p<0.05) and less apoptosis (0.9±0.2 vs 2.0±0.2%, p<0.05) after I/R. Importantly, attenuation of Mst1 activation in ventricular homogenates was observed in both deletion models, implicating Rassf1A as a positive regulator of Mst1 during I/R. Langendorff global I/R injury yielded similar results - no protection in KO, yet significant protection in CKO hearts versus control mice, suggesting that native cardiac cells are sufficient to mediate this response. Using isolated cardiac fibroblast cultures we determined that Rassf1A negatively regulates activation of Akt in response to oxidative stress. Further, knockdown of endogenous Rassf1A causes increased NF-κB activity, a response mediated by Akt. A candidate molecule screen found exaggerated TNF-α expression in non-myocytes of KO hearts compared to WT (4.8±0.7fold, p<0.05), whereas TNF-α expression was attenuated in CKO hearts (reduced 65±8% vs control, p<0.05). Finally, WT and KO mice were administered TNF-α neutralizing antibody or control IgG and subjected to I/R. KO hearts treated with TNF-α Ab, but not IgG, had reduced infarcts (19±4% vs 34±5%, p<0.05), but no significant reduction in infarct size was observed in WT mice given TNF-α Ab. Taken together these data suggest that TNF-α blockade prevents the deleterious consequences of Rassf1A deletion in non-myocytes while unmasking the protective effect of Rassf1A deletion in cardiac myocytes following I/R. Further, these results demonstrate the importance of non-myocytes in modulating cardiac myocyte survival and I/R injury

Overexpression of the Autoimmunity-Associated Tyrosine Phosphatase PTPN22 in CLL Cells Enhances Antiapoptotic B-Cell Receptor Signals Through Selective Activation of the AKT Pathway

Abstract 619The phosphatase PTPN22 is an important negative regulator of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling. A gain of function polymorphism in this phosphatase is strongly linked with increased risk for the development of several common autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and systemic lupus erythematosus. The exact mechanism how the more active PTPN22 variant contributes to the development of these autoimmune diseases is still unclear, but it is has been postulated that increased activity of this enzyme may prevent negative selection of autoreactive T cells by blocking proapoptotic TCR signals induced by autoantigen.We now report that PTPN22 is significantly overexpressed in CLL B cells. Of the 91 investigated CLL samples, in 66 (73%) the levels of PTPN22 were at least 2 fold higher and often exceeded by 10 fold the levels in normal tonsilar B cells (CLL, mean PTPN22 levels 5.7, SD +/−4.3; normal tonsilar B cells, mean PTPN22 levels 0.9, SD +/−0.1). PTPN22 levels were somewhat higher in CD38−positive than CD38−negative cases (P=0.031), whereas no association was observed with IGHV mutation status, ZAP-70 expression and time to treatment.To determine the functional consequences of PTPN22 overexpression, we performed RNA interference experiments in primary CLL B cells with high PTPN22. We evaluated the effects of PTPN22 silencing in unstimulated CLL cells as well as CLL cells stimulated through the B cell receptor (BCR), given the important role of the BCR signaling pathway in the pathophysiology of CLL. Both soluble and immobilized anti-IgM antibodies were used for BCR stimulation, as these two BCR crosslinking agents have opposing effects on leukemic cell survival.Silencing of PTPN22 had no effect on the viability of unstimulated CLL cells (n=11, viable CLL cells: siControl 49%, siPTPN22 48%, P=n.s.), but significantly inhibited the antiapoptotic effect of immobilized anti-IgM (viable CLL cells: siControl 55%, siPTPN22 48%, P=0.001) and enhanced the proapoptotic effect of soluble anti-IgM (viable CLL cells: siControl 44%, siPTPN22 31%, P<0.001). Consistent with these data, overexpression of PTPN22 in the lymphoma B cell line B104 significantly blocked apoptosis induced by soluble anti-IgM (control 22%, PTPN22 35%) without affecting the survival of unstimulated cells (control 52%, PTPN22 51%).The previous experiments suggested that PTPN22 functions as a molecular switch that enhances antiapoptotic and inhibits proapoptotic BCR signals. To establish the molecular mechanisms underlying these different activities, we studied BCR signal transduction in primary CLL cells transfected with control or PTPN22-specific siRNA. Downregulation of PTPN22 increased anti-IgM-induced activation of several BCR signaling molecules, including LYN, SYK, ERK, JNK and the proapoptotic p38MAPK, confirming that PTPN22 is primarily a negative regulator of BCR signaling. However, activation of the antiapoptotic AKT kinase was substantially reduced by silencing of PTPN22, as evidenced by decreased phosphorylation of AKT and its direct targets GSK3b and FOXO3a. Lack of PTPN22 expression was further associated with increased activity of the phosphatase SHIP, a key negative regulator of the AKT kinase. Opposite effects on the activity of these signaling molecules were observed when PTPN22 was overexpressed in B104 cells, thus validating the data obtained by PTPN22 knockdown in primary CLL cells.In summary, this study shows that the phosphatase PTPN22, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several common autoimmune diseases, is significantly overexpressed in CLL B-cells. Overexpression of PTPN22 inhibits activation of molecules that propagate the proapoptotic BCR signal, such as p38MAPK, but at the same time enhances the antiapoptotic signal delivered through the AKT kinase. The mechanism how PTPN22 enhances activation of AKT in response to BCR engagement is by preventing Lyn-mediated activation of the negative regulator SHIP. Collectively, these data show that PTPN22 is an important regulatory molecule in CLL and a potential therapeutic target. Inhibitors of this phosphatase, which are currently being developed for the treatment of autoimmune diseases associated with the gain of function PTPN22 variant, would be expected to convert the BCR survival signal into a death signal and may thus provide means for selective targeting of the malignant clone. Disclosures:No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

PDGF enhances store-operated Ca2+ entry by upregulating STIM1/Orai1 via activation of Akt/mTOR in human pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells

Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and its receptor are known to be substantially elevated in lung tissues and pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cells (PASMC) isolated from patients and animals with pulmonary arterial hypertension. PDGF has been shown to phosphorylate and activate Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) in PASMC. In this study, we investigated the role of PDGF-mediated activation of Akt signaling in the regulation of cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration and cell proliferation. PDGF activated the Akt/mTOR pathway and, subsequently, enhanced store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE) and cell proliferation in human PASMC. Inhibition of Akt attenuated the increase in cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration due to both SOCE and PASMC proliferation. This effect correlated with a significant downregulation of stromal interacting molecule (STIM) and Orai, proposed molecular correlates for SOCE in many cell types. The data from this study present a novel pathway for the regulation of Ca(2+) signaling and PASMC proliferation involving activation of Akt in response to upregulated expression of PDGF. Targeting this pathway may lead to the development of a novel therapeutic option for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension.

2.16 Overexpression of the Autoimmunity-Associated Tyrosine Phosphatase PTPN22 in CLL Cells Enhances Antiapoptotic B-Cell Receptor Signals Through Selective Activation of the AKT Pathway

Abstract Abstract 619 The phosphatase PTPN22 is an important negative regulator of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling. A gain of function polymorphism in this phosphatase is strongly linked with increased risk for the development of several common autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and systemic lupus erythematosus. The exact mechanism how the more active PTPN22 variant contributes to the development of these autoimmune diseases is still unclear, but it is has been postulated that increased activity of this enzyme may prevent negative selection of autoreactive T cells by blocking proapoptotic TCR signals induced by autoantigen. We now report that PTPN22 is significantly overexpressed in CLL B cells. Of the 91 investigated CLL samples, in 66 (73%) the levels of PTPN22 were at least 2 fold higher and often exceeded by 10 fold the levels in normal tonsilar B cells (CLL, mean PTPN22 levels 5.7, SD +/−4.3; normal tonsilar B cells, mean PTPN22 levels 0.9, SD +/−0.1). PTPN22 levels were somewhat higher in CD38−positive than CD38−negative cases (P=0.031), whereas no association was observed with IGHV mutation status, ZAP-70 expression and time to treatment. To determine the functional consequences of PTPN22 overexpression, we performed RNA interference experiments in primary CLL B cells with high PTPN22. We evaluated the effects of PTPN22 silencing in unstimulated CLL cells as well as CLL cells stimulated through the B cell receptor (BCR), given the important role of the BCR signaling pathway in the pathophysiology of CLL. Both soluble and immobilized anti-IgM antibodies were used for BCR stimulation, as these two BCR crosslinking agents have opposing effects on leukemic cell survival. Silencing of PTPN22 had no effect on the viability of unstimulated CLL cells (n=11, viable CLL cells: siControl 49%, siPTPN22 48%, P=n.s.), but significantly inhibited the antiapoptotic effect of immobilized anti-IgM (viable CLL cells: siControl 55%, siPTPN22 48%, P=0.001) and enhanced the proapoptotic effect of soluble anti-IgM (viable CLL cells: siControl 44%, siPTPN22 31%, P The previous experiments suggested that PTPN22 functions as a molecular switch that enhances antiapoptotic and inhibits proapoptotic BCR signals. To establish the molecular mechanisms underlying these different activities, we studied BCR signal transduction in primary CLL cells transfected with control or PTPN22-specific siRNA. Downregulation of PTPN22 increased anti-IgM-induced activation of several BCR signaling molecules, including LYN, SYK, ERK, JNK and the proapoptotic p38MAPK, confirming that PTPN22 is primarily a negative regulator of BCR signaling. However, activation of the antiapoptotic AKT kinase was substantially reduced by silencing of PTPN22, as evidenced by decreased phosphorylation of AKT and its direct targets GSK3b and FOXO3a. Lack of PTPN22 expression was further associated with increased activity of the phosphatase SHIP, a key negative regulator of the AKT kinase. Opposite effects on the activity of these signaling molecules were observed when PTPN22 was overexpressed in B104 cells, thus validating the data obtained by PTPN22 knockdown in primary CLL cells. In summary, this study shows that the phosphatase PTPN22, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several common autoimmune diseases, is significantly overexpressed in CLL B-cells. Overexpression of PTPN22 inhibits activation of molecules that propagate the proapoptotic BCR signal, such as p38MAPK, but at the same time enhances the antiapoptotic signal delivered through the AKT kinase. The mechanism how PTPN22 enhances activation of AKT in response to BCR engagement is by preventing Lyn-mediated activation of the negative regulator SHIP. Collectively, these data show that PTPN22 is an important regulatory molecule in CLL and a potential therapeutic target. Inhibitors of this phosphatase, which are currently being developed for the treatment of autoimmune diseases associated with the gain of function PTPN22 variant, would be expected to convert the BCR survival signal into a death signal and may thus provide means for selective targeting of the malignant clone. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

2.17 Activation of STAT3 Increases Mitochondrial Respiration and Protects Mitochondria from Oxidative Damage in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia

viable CLL cells treated with siControl 55% vs treated with siPTPN22 48%, P 0.001) and enhanced the proapoptotic effect of soluble anti-IgM (mean viable CLL cells treated with siControl 44% vs treated with siPTPN22 31%; P 0.001). Consistent with these data, overexpression of PTPN22 in the lymphoma B-cell line B104 significantly blocked apoptosis induced by soluble anti-IgM (mean viable cells transfected with control messenger RNA [mRNA] 22% vs transfected with PTPN22 mRNA 35%) without affecting the survival of unstimulated cells (mean viable cells transfected with control mRNA 52% vs. transfected with PTPN22 mRNA 51%). The previous experiments suggested that PTPN22 functions as a molecular switch that enhances antiapoptotic and inhibits proapoptotic B-cell receptor (BCR) signals. To establish the molecular mechanisms underlying these different activities, we studied BCR signal transduction in primary CLL cells transfected with control or PTPN22-specific siRNA. Downregulation of PTPN22 increased anti-IgM-induced activation of several BCR signaling molecules, including LYN, SYK, ERK, JNK and the proapoptotic p38MAPK, confirming that PTPN22 is primarily a negative regulator of BCR signaling. However, anti-IgM–induced activation of the antiapoptotic AKT kinase was substantially reduced by silencing of PTPN22, as evidenced by decreased phosphorylation of AKT and its direct targets GSK3b and FOXO3a. Lack of PTPN22 expression was further associated with increased activity of the phosphatase SHIP, a key negative regulator of the AKT kinase. Opposite effects on the activity of these signaling molecules were observed when PTPN22 was overexpressed in B104 cells, thus validating the data obtained by PTPN22 knockdown in primary CLL cells. In summary, this study shows that the phosphatase PTPN22, which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several common autoimmune diseases, is significantly overexpressed in CLL B-cells. Overexpression of PTPN22 inhibits activation of molecules that propagate the proapoptotic BCR signal, such as p38MAPK, but at the same time amplifies the antiapoptotic signal delivered through the AKT kinase. The mechanism by which PTPN22 enhances activation of AKT in response to BCR engagement is prevention of Lyn-mediated activation of the negative regulator SHIP. Collectively, these data show that PTPN22 is an important regulatory molecule in CLL and a potential therapeutic target. Inhibitors of this phosphatase, which are currently being developed for the treatment of autoimmune diseases associated with the gain-of-function PTPN22 variant, would be expected to convert the BCR survival signal into a death signal and may thus provide means for selective targeting of the malignant clone.

Inositol Hexakisphosphate Kinases Induce Cell Death in Huntington Disease

Inositol pyrophosphate diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate is ubiquitously present in mammalian cells and contains highly energetic pyrophosphate bonds. We have previously reported that inositol hexakisphosphate kinase type 2 (InsP(6)K2), which converts inositol hexakisphosphate to inositol pyrophosphate diphosphoinositol pentakisphosphate, mediates apoptotic cell death via its translocation from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Here, we report that InsP(6)K2 is localized mainly in the cytoplasm of lymphoblast cells from patients with Huntington disease (HD), whereas this enzyme is localized in the nucleus in control lymphoblast cells. The large number of autophagosomes detected in HD lymphoblast cells is consistent with the down-regulation of Akt in response to InsP(6)K2 activation. Consistent with these observations, the overexpression of InsP(6)Ks leads to the depletion of Akt phosphorylation and the induction of cell death. These results suggest that InsP(6)K2 activation is associated with the pathogenesis of HD.

Effects induced by inhibitors of the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase/Akt and nitric oxide synthase/guanylyl cyclase pathways on the isometric contraction in rat aorta: a comparative study

This work was aimed to determine whether isometric contraction in Wistar rat aorta is related to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt-dependent activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Basically, we hypothesized that additional increases in active tone occur after the pharmacological inhibition of a transduction pathway involved in NO synthesis or action. In intact aortic rings contracted with phenylephrine or high K(+), the cumulative administration of the PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, elicited significant decreases--but not supplementary increases--in tone. In endothelium-intact tissues, on the other hand, the Akt1/2 kinase inhibitor did not alter phenylephrine- and K(+)-induced isometric contractions. The PI3K inhibitor wortmannin (1 × 10(-7) m) produced a significant supplementary contraction only in endothelium-intact aortic rings precontracted with phenylephrine. Higher concentrations of this inhibitor produced relaxations of phenylephrine and high K(+)-constricted endothelium-intact and endothelium-denuded aortic rings. LY294002 and wortmannin did not cause any potentiating effect on phenylephrine- and angiotensin II-induced concentration-dependent contractile responses in endothelium-intact tissues. In intact aortic rings contracted with phenylephrine or high K(+), the addition of the NOS inhibitor, L-NAME, or the guanylyl cyclase inhibitor, ODQ, further augmented tone in a concentration-dependent manner, and these supplementary contractions were significantly reduced by endothelium removal. Taken together, our data suggest that the PI3K/Akt pathway is not counteracting aortic isometric contractions by activation of the eNOS. It appears, on the other hand, that the smooth muscle PI3K can stimulate contraction without activation of the protein kinase Akt in response to GPCR agonists and high K(+).

Non-nuclear Estrogen Receptor Signaling in the Endothelium

In addition to the classical function of estrogen receptors (ER) as transcription factors, evidence continues to accumulate that they mediate non-nuclear processes in numerous cell types, including the endothelium, in which they activate endothelial NO synthase. Non-nuclear ER signaling entails unique post-translational modifications and protein-protein interactions of the receptor with adaptor molecules, kinases, and G proteins. Recent in vitro and in vivo studies in mice using an estrogen-dendrimer conjugate that is excluded from the nucleus indicate that non-nuclear ER activation underlies the migration and growth responses of endothelial cells to estrogen but not the growth responses of endometrial or breast cancer cells to the hormone. In this minireview, the features of ERα and protein-protein interactions that enable it to invoke extranuclear signaling in the endothelium and the consequences of that signaling are discussed.

ATM-dependent ERK signaling via AKT in response to DNA double-strand breaks

Ionizing radiation (IR) triggers many signaling pathways primarily originating from either damaged DNA or non-nuclear sources such as growth factor receptors. Thus, to study the DNA damage-induced signaling component alone by irradiation would be a challenge. To generate DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and minimize non-nuclear signaling, human cancer cells having bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) - substituted DNA were treated with the photosensitizer Hoechst 33258 followed by long wavelength UV (UV-A) treatment (BrdU photolysis). BrdU photolysis resulted in well-controlled, dose- dependent generation of DSBs equivalent to radiation doses between 0.2 - 20 Gy, as determined by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and accompanied by dose-dependent ATM (ser-1981), H2AX (ser-139), Chk2 (thr-68), and p53 (ser-15) phosphorylation. Interestingly, low levels (≤2 Gy equivalents) of BrdU photolysis stimulated ERK phosphorylation whereas higher (>2 Gy eq.) resulted in ERK dephosphorylation. ERK phosphorylation was ATM-dependent whereas dephosphorylation was ATM-independent. The ATM-dependent increase in ERK phosphorylation was also seen when DSBs were generated by transfection of cells with an EcoRI expression plasmid or by electroporation of EcoRI enzyme. Furthermore, AKT was critical for transmitting the DSB signal to ERK. Altogether, our results show that low levels of DSBs trigger ATM- and AKT-dependent ERK pro-survival signaling and increased cell proliferation whereas higher levels result in ERK dephosphorylation consistent with a dose-dependent switch from pro-survival to anti-survival signaling.

Characterization of GSK2334470, a novel and highly specific inhibitor of PDK1

PDK1 (3-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1) activates a group of protein kinases belonging to the AGC [PKA (protein kinase A)/PKG (protein kinase G)/PKC (protein kinase C)]-kinase family that play important roles in mediating diverse biological processes. Many cancer-driving mutations induce activation of PDK1 targets including Akt, S6K (p70 ribosomal S6 kinase) and SGK (serum- and glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase). In the present paper, we describe the small molecule GSK2334470, which inhibits PDK1 with an IC₅₀ of ~10 nM, but does not suppress the activity of 93 other protein kinases including 13 AGC-kinases most related to PDK1 at 500-fold higher concentrations. Addition of GSK2334470 to HEK (human embryonic kidney)-293, U87 or MEF (mouse embryonic fibroblast) cells ablated T-loop residue phosphorylation and activation of SGK isoforms and S6K1 induced by serum or IGF1 (insulin-like growth factor 1). GSK2334470 also inhibited T-loop phosphorylation and activation of Akt, but was more efficient at inhibiting Akt in response to stimuli such as serum that activated the PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase) pathway weakly. GSK2334470 inhibited activation of an Akt1 mutant lacking the PH domain (pleckstrin homology domain) more potently than full-length Akt1, suggesting that GSK2334470 is more effective at inhibiting PDK1 substrates that are activated in the cytosol rather than at the plasma membrane. Consistent with this, GSK2334470 inhibited Akt activation in knock-in embryonic stem cells expressing a mutant of PDK1 that is unable to interact with phosphoinositides more potently than in wild-type cells. GSK2334470 also suppressed T-loop phosphorylation and activation of RSK2 (p90 ribosomal S6 kinase 2), another PDK1 target activated by the ERK (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase) pathway. However, prolonged treatment of cells with inhibitor was required to observe inhibition of RSK2, indicating that PDK1 substrates possess distinct T-loop dephosphorylation kinetics. Our data define how PDK1 inhibitors affect AGC signalling pathways and suggest that GSK2334470 will be a useful tool for delineating the roles of PDK1 in biological processes.

Filamin a mediates HGF/c‐MET signaling in tumor cell migration

Deregulated hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)/c-MET axis has been correlated with poor clinical outcome and drug resistance in many human cancers. Identification of novel regulatory mechanisms influencing HGF/c-MET signaling may therefore be necessary to develop more effective cancer therapies. In our study, we show that multiple human cancer tissues and cells express filamin A (FLNA), a large cytoskeletal actin-binding protein, and expression of c-MET is significantly reduced in human tumor cells deficient for FLNA. The FLNA-deficient tumor cells exhibited poor migrative and invasive ability in response to HGF. On the other hand, the anchorage-dependent and independent tumor cell proliferation was not altered by HGF. The FLNA-deficiency specifically attenuated the activation of the c-MET downstream signaling molecule AKT in response to HGF stimulation. Furthermore, FLNA enhanced c-MET promoter activity by its binding to SMAD2. The impact of FLNA deficiency on c-MET expression and HGF-mediated cell migration in human tumor cells was confirmed in primary mouse embryonic fibroblasts deficient for Flna. These data suggest that FLNA is one of the important regulators of c-MET signaling and HGF-induced tumor cell migration.

Insulin Signaling: Inositol Phosphates Get into the Akt

An acute but transient response to insulin is essential for glucose homeostasis in mammals. Chakraborty etal. (2010) uncover a new feedback mechanism regulating insulin signaling. They show that the inositol pyrophosphate IP7, which is produced in response to insulin, inhibits the Akt kinase, a primary effector of insulin signaling.

Vitamin D3 up-regulated protein 1 deficiency accelerates liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice

Liver regeneration is a complicated process involving a variety of interacting factors. Vitamin D3 up-regulated protein 1 (VDUP1) is a potent growth suppressor that, upon over-expression, inhibits tumor cell proliferation and cell-cycle progression. Here, we investigated the function of VDUP1 in liver regeneration following hepatectomy in mice. Liver regeneration after 70% partial hepatectomy (PH) was compared in VDUP1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice, and the activities of proliferative- and cell-cycle-related signaling pathways were measured. Compared with WT mice, liver recovery was significantly accelerated in VDUP1 KO mice during the first day after PH, in association with increased DNA synthesis. Consistent with this observation, the expression levels of key cell-cycle regulatory proteins, including cyclin D, cyclin E, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), p21, and p27, were markedly altered in the livers of VDUP1 KO mice. Induction of growth factors and activation of proliferative signaling pathway components including extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), Akt, glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and p70S6 kinase (p70(S6K)), occurred much earlier and to a greater extent in VDUP1 KO mouse livers. In addition, primary hepatocytes isolated from VDUP1 KO mice displayed increased activation of ERK1/2 and Akt in response to HGF and TGF-α. Our results reveal an important role for VDUP1 in the regulation of proliferative signaling during liver regeneration. Altered activation of genes involved in ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways may explain the accelerated growth responses seen in VDUP1 KO mice.

Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM)-mediated DNA Damage Response in Oxidative Stress-induced Vascular Endothelial Cell Senescence

Oxidative stress regulates dysfunction and senescence of vascular endothelial cells. The DNA damage response and its main signaling pathway involving ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) have been implicated in playing a central role in mediating the actions of oxidative stress; however, the role of the ATM signaling pathway in vascular pathogenesis has largely remained unclear. Here, we identify ATM to regulate oxidative stress-induced endothelial cell dysfunction and premature senescence. Oxidative stress induced senescence in endothelial cells through activation/phosphorylation of ATM by way of an Akt/p53/p21-mediated pathway. These actions were abrogated in cells in which ATM was knocked down by RNA interference or inhibited by specific inhibitory compounds. Furthermore, the in vivo significance of this regulatory pathway was confirmed using ATM knock-out mice in which induction of senescent endothelial cells in the aorta in a diabetic mouse model of endothelial dysfunction and senescence was attenuated in contrast to pathological changes seen in wild-type mice. Collectively, our results show that ATM through an ATM/Akt/p53/p21-dependent signaling pathway mediates an instructive role in oxidative stress-induced endothelial dysfunction and premature senescence.

Regulation of Prostate Cancer Cell Survival by Protein Kinase C∈ Involves Bad Phosphorylation and Modulation of the TNFα/JNK Pathway

Protein kinase Cepsilon (PKCepsilon), a diacyglycerol- and phorbol ester-responsive serine-threonine kinase, has been implicated in mitogenic and survival control, and it is markedly overexpressed in human tumors, including in prostate cancer. Although prostate cancer cells undergo apoptosis in response to phorbol ester stimulation via PKCdelta-mediated release of death factors, the involvement of PKCepsilon in this response is not known. PKCepsilon depletion by RNAi or expression of a dominant negative kinase-dead PKCepsilon mutant potentiated the apoptotic response of PMA and sensitized LNCaP cells to the death receptor ligand TNFalpha. On the other hand, overexpression of PKCepsilon by adenoviral means protected LNCaP cells against apoptotic stimuli. Interestingly, PKCepsilon RNAi depletion significantly enhanced the release of TNFalpha in response to PMA and greatly potentiated JNK activation by this cytokine. Further mechanistic analysis revealed that PMA fails to promote phosphorylation of Bad in Ser(112) in PKCepsilon-depleted LNCaP cells, whereas PKCepsilon overexpression greatly enhanced Bad phosphorylation. This effect was independent of Akt, ERK, or p90Rsk, well established kinases for Ser(112) in Bad. Moreover, expression of a S112A-Bad mutant potentiated PMA-induced apoptosis. Finally, we found that upon activation PKCepsilon accumulated in mitochondrial fractions in LNCaP cells and that Bad was a substrate of PKCepsilon in vitro. Our results established that PKCepsilon modulates survival in prostate cancer cells via multiple pathways.

Isoform-specific Regulation of Akt Signaling by the Endosomal Protein WDFY2

Recent work has led to the identification of novel endocytic compartments with functional roles in both protein trafficking and growth factor signal transduction. The phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate binding, FYVE domain-containing protein WDFY2 is localized to a distinct subset of early endosomes, which are localized close to the plasma membrane. Here, we find that the serine/threonine kinase Akt interacts with these endosomes in an isoform-specific manner. Using quantitative fluorescence microscopy we demonstrate specific co-localization of WDFY2 with endogenous Akt2, but not Akt1. Moreover, depletion of WDFY2 leads to impaired phosphorylation of Akt in response to insulin due to isoform specific reduction of Akt2, but not Akt1, protein levels, and to a marked reduction in the insulin-stimulated phosphorylation of numerous Akt substrates. This is accompanied by an impairment in insulin-stimulated glucose transport and, after prolonged silencing, a reduction in the level of expression of adipogenic genes. We propose that WDFY2-enriched endosomes serve as a scaffold that enables specificity of insulin signaling through Akt2.

Abstract 4500: What distinguishes a PKC activator like phorbol ester from a PKC functional antagonist like bryostatin 1? Bryologues permit mechanistic insight

Abstract Bryostatin 1, a promising anticancer agent in clinical trials, is a potent PKC activator in vitro that paradoxically often antagonizes the effects of the typical PKC activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) in cellular systems. Understanding the underlying mechanism(s) responsible for this functional PKC antagonism should afford a new generation of drugs for PKC, a validated therapeutic target. We use the synthetic bryostatin look-alike (bryologue) Merle 23 that differs structurally from bryostatin 1 to only a modest degree as a tool to dissect mechanisms responsible for the unique effects of bryostatin 1. We have previously reported that Merle 23 is PMA like, bryostatin-1 like, intermediate or unique in its behavior depending on the system and response examined. In LNCaP prostate cancer cells Merle 23 is bryostatin 1 like in failing to inhibit cell proliferation, to induce apoptosis, or to induce secretion of TNF-alpha, responses induced by PMA. Using siRNAs and PKC inhibitors we show that PKC delta, but not PKC alpha or epsilon, was responsible for induction of apoptosis. Nuclear localized PKC delta was previously shown to be responsible for the apoptotic response, and we found that Merle 23 resembled bryostatin 1 and was unlike PMA in that failed to induce translocation of PKC delta and phospho-PKD1 to the nucleus. In contrast, Merle 23 was PMA-like in inducing nuclear translocation of PKC alpha and PKC epsilon. Bryostatin 1 is unique in down-regulating PKC alpha very efficiently in LNCaP cells and Merle 23 is unique for quick and very efficient down-regulation of PKC delta. If proteosome inhibitors were used to prevent down-regulation of PKC delta, the bryostatin 1-like effects of Merle 23 on proliferation and TNF-alpha secretion were transformed to PMA-like effects: Merle 23 inhibited LNCaP cell proliferation and induced secretion of TNF-alpha when co-applied with lactacystin or MG-132. Similarly, for tyrosine phosphorylation of PKC delta at position 311 and for cFos activation, responses where Merle 23 had effects intermediate between bryostatin 1 and PMA, Merle 23 became more PMA-like when co-applied with proteosome inhibitors. Finally, consistent with stability of PKC signaling elements varying between ligands, we found that phosphorylation of ERK, Mek1 and Mek2, and AKT in response to bryostatin 1, PMA, and Merle 23 was similar at 30 min but returned to the basal level at 150 min for bryostatin 1, but not PMA or Merle 23, as determined using capillary iso-electrofocusing immune-assay. We conclude that differential regulation of PKC isoforms by bryostatin and the bryologues is an important contributor to their differential biological activity relative to PMA. Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 101st Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 4500.

Abstract SY25-03: Targeting the RAS signal transduction network in cancer cells

Abstract Activating mutations of the RAS family of oncogenes are among the most frequent aberrations found in cancer. In addition, signals from receptor tyrosine kinases as well as mutations down-stream of RAS, such as BRAF or PIK3CA, lead to abnormal activation of the RAS signal transduction network in cancer cells. Since the RAS proteins are considered “undruggable”, a variety of agents has been developed targeting down-stream effectors of RAS that are being tested clinically. In addition, inhibitors of receptor tyrosine kinases have demonstrated clinical activity in a variety of diseases. However, the anti-tumor efficacy of these agents is strongly dependent on the molecular context in target cells. Thus, identification of cancer subtypes with particular sensitivity to perturbation of individual network components is pivotal for further development of such compounds. Furthermore, it has become clear that oncogenic molecular networks are complex in structure and dynamic behavior, thus mediating resistance to targeted therapeutics in cancer cells to treatment with such inhibitors through unpredicted mechanisms. In particular feedback and feed-forward mechanisms appear to be relevant. For example, feedback-activation of the PI3 kinase pathways upon inhibition of mTOR has been demonstrated to be clinically relevant. Therefore, capturing molecular responses to targeted agents in cancer cells comprehensively is important, in particular for the rational development of drug combinations aiming at preventing cancer cells from mounting molecular “escape” responses following inhibition of key network components. The availability of advanced genomic and proteomic technologies has facilitated capturing complex molecular responses to molecular perturbations at the systems level. We have employed such an approach to characterize network responses to molecular agents targeting RAS effector pathways. Basal-type breast cancer cells were found to be particularly susceptible to growth-inhibition by small-molecule MEK inhibitors. Furthermore, we discovered a negative feedback loop between the MEK and PI3 kinase pathways resulting in activation of AKT in response to inhibition of MEK in an EGFR-dependent fashion. While these findings were made initially in models of breast cancer, we have recently been able to demonstrate that they also apply to pancreatic cancer cell lines and xenograft tumors derived from these cell lines in nude mice. Comprehensive data on molecular responses can be utilized for the development of mathematical models describing the interaction of signal transduction network components. Such models, in particular mechanistic dynamical simulation and inferential data mining approaches, are promising tools for in silico experimentation with the goal of predicting cellular consequences of molecular perturbations. We are employing Bayesian network inference models aiming at reconstructing molecular interactions within the RAS signal transduction network. Initial simulations revealed novel, MEK-dependent, regulators of the cell cycle. Such approach could identify novel interactions of molecular networks as candidate targets for combination therapies. Citation Format: W. Michael Korn. Targeting the RAS signal transduction network in cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR 101st Annual Meeting 2010; 2010 Apr 17-21; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2010;70(8 Suppl):Abstract nr SY25-03

Mechanisms of impaired insulin signaling in calcineruin A‐alpha knockout mice

Post‐transplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a common adverse drug reaction resulting from long term use of calcineurin inhibitors (CIs). Development of calcineurin A subunit isoform specific knockout mice have played an important role in our understanding of the mechanisms of CI‐induced adverse effects including nephrotoxicity. However, the molecular mechanisms of CI‐induced PTDM are still unclear. Recently, our laboratory rescued the early lethality phenotype of calcineurin Aα−/− mice. Examination of blood glucose levels at weekly intervals until 8 weeks in these rescued mice revealed sustained hyperglycemia. This phenotype is unique to calcineurin Aα−/− mice and is not observed in calcineurin Aβ−/− mice. Insulin levels and insulin sensitivity tests indicated impaired insulin signaling as a cause for the pathogenesis of hyperglycemia. Membrane expression of the glucose transporter Glut4 was decreased in muscle tissue in calcineurin Aα−/− mice but there was no difference in total Glut4 levels. This suggests that calcineurin Aα may play a novel role in trafficking of Glut4. Next, primary myoblast cells isolated from wild‐type and calcineurin Aα−/− mice were treated with insulin to examine insulin signaling. Initial western blot analyses of cell lysates revealed significant decreases in the expression of both insulin receptor substrates IRS1 and IRS2 in calcineurin Aα−/− myoblasts. There was no difference in downstream phosphorylation of Akt in response to insulin in null cells. In contrast, insulin did not stimulate phosphorylation of ERK1 and 2 in calcineurin Aα−/− myoblasts. These results are particularly interesting in light of a recent report that CIs stimulate degradation of IRS proteins. In conclusion, the present study reveals a novel role for calcineurin Aα in insulin signaling and glucose homeostasis and may contribute to our understanding of clinical PTDM.

Compensatory activation of Akt in response to mTOR and Raf inhibitors – A rationale for dual-targeted therapy approaches in neuroendocrine tumor disease

Several studies have established a link between aberrant PI(3)K–Akt–mTOR- and Ras–Raf–MEK–Erk1/2 signaling and neuroendocrine tumor disease. In this study, we comparatively investigate the antitumor potential of novel small-molecule inhibitors targeting mTOR (RAD001), mTOR/PI(3)K (NVP-BEZ235) and Raf (Raf265) on human NET cell lines of heterogeneous origin. All inhibitors induced potent antitumor effects which involved the induction of apoptosis and G0/G1 arrest. However, the dual mTOR/PI(3)K inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 was more efficient compared to the single mTOR inhibitor RAD001. Consistently, NVP-BEZ235 prevented the negative feedback activation of Akt as observed after treatment with RAD001. Raf265 inhibited Erk1/2 phosphorylation but strongly induced Akt phosphorylation and VEGF secretion, suggesting the existence of a compensatory feedback loop on PI3K-Akt signaling. Finally, combined treatment with RAD001 or NVP-BEZ235 and Raf265 was more efficient than single treatment with either kinase inhibitor. Together, our data provide a rationale for dual targeting of PI(3)K–Akt–mTOR- and Ras–Raf–MEK–Erk1/2 signaling in NET disease.