AMPK-mTOR Pathway Research Articles

Hydrogen sulfide reduces serum triglyceride by activating liver autophagy via the AMPK-mTOR pathway.

Autophagy plays an important role in liver triglyceride (TG) metabolism. Inhibition of autophagy could reduce the clearance of TG in the liver. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a potent stimulator of autophagic flux. Recent studies showed H2S is protective against hypertriglyceridemia (HTG) and noalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), while the mechanism remains to be explored. Here, we tested the hypothesis that H2S reduces serum TG level and ameliorates NAFLD by stimulating liver autophagic flux by the AMPK-mTOR pathway. The level of serum H2S in patients with HTG was lower than that of control subjects. Sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS, H2S donor) markedly reduced serum TG levels of male C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), which was abolished by coadministration of chloroquine (CQ), an inhibitor of autophagic flux. In HFD mice, administration of NaSH increased the LC3BII-to-LC3BI ratio and decreased the p62 protein level. Meanwhile, NaSH increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and thus reduced the phosphorylation of mTOR in a Western blot study. In cultured LO2 cells, high-fat treatment reduced the ratio of LC3BII to LC3BI and the phosphorylation of AMPK, which were reversed by the coadministration of NaSH. Knockdown of AMPK by siRNA in LO2 cells blocked the autophagic enhancing effects of NaSH. The same qualitative effect was observed in AMPKα2(-/-) mice. These results for the first time demonstrated that H2S could reduce serum TG level and ameliorate NAFLD by activating liver autophagy via the AMPK-mTOR pathway.

8-Chloroadenosine Sensitivity in Renal Cell Carcinoma Is Associated with AMPK Activation and mTOR Pathway Inhibition.

The adenosine analog 8-chloroadenosine has been shown to deplete ATP and inhibit tumor growth in hematological malignancies as well as in lung and breast cancer cell lines. We investigated effects of 8-chloroadenosine on clear cell (cc) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cell lines. 8-chloroadenosine was effective against ccRCC cell viability in vitro, with IC50 ranging from 2 μM in the most sensitive CAKI-1 to 36 μM in the most resistant RXF-393. Proteomic analysis by reverse-phase protein array revealed that 8-chloroadenosine treatment leads to inhibition of the mTOR pathway. In time-course experiments, 8-chloroadenosine treatment rapidly activated AMPK, measured by AMPK and ACC phosphorylation, and subsequently caused dephosphorylation of p70S6K and ribosomal protein RPS6 in the sensitive cell lines. However, in the resistant cell lines, AMPK activity and the mTOR pathway were unaffected by the treatment. We also noted that the resistant cell lines had elevated basal levels of phospho RPS6 and AKT. Inhibition of PI3K pathway enhanced the efficacy of 8-chloroadenosine across all cell lines. Our observations indicate that 8-chloroadenosine activity is associated with inhibition of the mTOR pathway, and that phospho RPS6 and PI3K pathway activation status may determine resistance. Among solid tumors, RCC is one of the few susceptible to mTOR inhibition. We thus infer that 8-chloroadenosine may be effective in RCC by activating AMPK and inhibiting the mTOR pathway.

Abstract 1013: Understanding the molecular pathways underlying radio-sensitization of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by vitamin D (EB1089)

Abstract Ionization radiation (IR) is an integral component of lung cancer treatment. However, disease recurrence represents a significant barrier to effective therapy. One explanation for the difficulties associated with treatment of NSCLC could be the promotion of autophagy, a cytoprotective signaling pathway that controls the degradation and recycling of cellular components. Cytoprotective autophagy may be one of the primary causes for the development of resistance to standard therapies. In recently published studies (Sharma et al, Autophagy), we showed that the vitamin D analog, EB 1089, leads to conversion of the cytoprotective autophagy induced by radiation alone to a novel ‘cytostatic’ form of autophagy. While pharmacological and genetic inhibition of autophagy increased sensitivity to radiation, interference with autophagy reversed the radio-sensitization by EB 1089 (or Vitamin D3) in H460 and A549 NSCLC cells. These studies demonstrated a switch between the cytoprotective and cytostatic roles of autophagy in response to radiation alone and the combination of EB 1089 (or Vitamin D3) and radiation. AMPK, an energy sensor, has been shown to be involved in regulating autophagy via the AMPK-mTOR pathway. We observed an increase in phosphorylated AMPK (and ULK-1, which is downstream of AMPK) with the combination treatment of IR and EB 1089. Both pharmacological and genetic inhibition of AMPK, reverted the radio-sensitization effects of EB 1089, implicating AMPK in radio-sensitization. Studies conducted with NSCLC cell lines both wt and mutant or null in p53 indicated that functional p53 was required to radio-sensitize tumor cells with the combination treatment. p53 appears to promote AMPK upregulation via sestrin. Finally, studies to determine the potential involvement of NF-kB in radiation sensitization showed degradation of IKB-α in response to IR alone that was suppressed by EB 1089, indicating NF-kB's involvement in the initiation of cytoprotective autophagy by radiation Overall, these studies suggest that the use of vitamin D or a vitamin D analogue could increase sensitization to radiation treatment for lung cancer. Citation Format: Khushboo Sharma, Theresa Thekkudan, David Gewirtz, Hisashi Harada, Frank Torti, Suzy Torti. Understanding the molecular pathways underlying radio-sensitization of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by vitamin D (EB1089). [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 106th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2015 Apr 18-22; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2015;75(15 Suppl):Abstract nr 1013. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-1013

Oligonol suppresses lipid accumulation and improves insulin resistance in a palmitate-induced in HepG2 hepatocytes as a cellular steatosis model.

BackgroundOligonol is a low molecular weight form of polyphenol polymers derived from lychee fruits. Several studies suggest that Oligonol has an anti-obesity effect. Since obesity is tightly associated with insulin resistance, we investigated a possible remission effect of Oligonol on lipid accumulation and insulin resistance in human hepatic HepG2 cells.MethodsHepG2 cells were treated with palmitate for 24 h to induce cellular hepatic steatosis and insulin resistance. The cells were then treated with Oligonol at subtoxic concentrations and examined for lipid metabolism, cytokine production, and insulin signaling using quantitative RT-PCR and western blot analysis.ResultsOligonol treatment reversed the palmitate-induced intracellular lipid accumulation, down regulated the expression of lipogenic genes, and up-regulated genes for fatty acid degradation. Oligonol restored insulin sensitivity, as was determined by the phosphorylation states of IRS-1. Oligonol also inhibited STAT3-SOCS3 signaling and increased AMPK phosphorylation in HepG2 cells.ConclusionOligonol treatment improved palmitate-induced cellular steatosis and insulin resistance in HepG2 cells with concomitant reduction of inflammatory cytokines and decrease in STAT3-SOCS3 and AMPK-mTOR pathways. Oligonol may have beneficial effects in lipid metabolism and insulin resistance in the liver.

Astragalus polysaccharides inhibit the growth and proliferation of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell via AMPK-mTOR pathway

Objective To investigate the effect of astragalus polysaccharides (APS) on the growth and proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and its effect on adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity. Methods Hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells cultured for 12, 24, and 48 hours were treated with 200, 300, and 400 mg/L concentration of astragalus polysaccharides. The cell inhibition rate was detected with methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), and apoptosis was observed under the fluorescence microscope. Western blot method was used to measure the expression of total AMPK, phosphorylated AMPK (p-AMPK), and phosphorylate mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) protein expressions. Results Astragalus polysaccharides of each concentration significantly inhibited the proliferation of human hepatoma HepG2 cells (P<0.01), and the effect of 300 mg/L concentration astragalus polysaccharides was more significant than that of the 200 mg/L concentration (P<0.01); while inhibitory effect of 400 and 300 mg/L Astragalus polysaccharides on the proliferation of human hepatoma cell line HepG2 was not significant difference. We found that Astragalus polysaccharides of each concentration could promote the apoptosis of HepG2 cells, and the effect of 300 mg/L Astragalus polysaccharides was more significant. However, astragalus polysaccharide of 400 mg/L concentration could promote the apoptosis no more than the 300 mg/L concentration, which was observed by fluorescent microscope. Western blot results showed that astragalus polysaccharides could increase the expression of p-AMPK (P<0.05), and inhibit its downstream protein expressions of p-mTOR (P<0.05). The proliferation effect of astragalus polysaccharides was weakened after accession of AMPK antagonist compound C on hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Conclusions APS can inhibit the growth and proliferation of hepatocarcinoma cells, and its mechanism is related to the AMPK-mTOR pathway. Key words: ASTRAGALAN/PD; Liver neoplasms/DT/PP/ME; Cell proliferation/DE; Adenylate kinase/BI; Tacrolimus binding proteins/BI

Autophagy sustains the survival of human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells under extreme nutrient deprivation conditions

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas are an extremely aggressive and devastating type of cancer with high mortality. Given the dense stroma and poor vascularization, accessibility to nutrients is limited in the tumor microenvironment. Here, we aimed to elucidate the role of autophagy in promoting the survival of human pancreatic cancer PANC-1 cells exposed to nutrient-deprived media (NDM) lacking glucose, amino acids, and serum. NDM inhibited Akt activity and phosphorylation of p70 S6K, and induced AMPK activation and mitochondrial depolarization. NDM also time-dependently increased LC3-II accumulation, number of GFP-LC3 puncta, and colocalization between GFP-LC3 and lysosomes. These results suggested that autophagy was progressively activated through Akt- and AMPK-mTOR pathway in nutrient-deficient PANC-1 cells. Autophagy inhibitors (chloroquine and wortmannin) or silencing of Atg5 augmented PANC-1 cell death in NDM. In cells exposed to NDM, chloroquine and wortmannin induced apoptosis and Z-VAD-fmk inhibited cytotoxicity of these inhibitors. These data demonstrate that autophagy is anti-apoptotic and sustains the survival of PANC-1 cells following extreme nutrient deprivation. Autophagy modulation may be a viable therapeutic option for cancer cells located in the core of solid tumors with a nutrient-deficient microenvironment.

SC-III3, a novel scopoletin derivative, induces autophagy of human hepatoma HepG2 cells through AMPK/mTOR signaling pathway by acting on mitochondria

(E)-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-N-(7-hydroxy-6-methoxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-3-yl) acrylamide (SC-III3), a newly synthesized derivative of scopoletin, was previously shown to reduce the viability of HepG2 cells and tumor growth of HepG2 xenograft mouse model. It induces the death of HepG2 cells by a way irrelevant to apoptosis and necrosis. To shed light on the cytotoxic mechanisms of SC-III3, the present study addresses whether and how it can induce autophagic cell death. When HepG2 cells were incubated with various concentrations of SC-III3, autophagic vacuoles could be observed by transmission electron microscopy and monodansylcadaverine staining. Increased expressions of LC3-II to LC3-I and Beclin-1, required for autophagosome formation, were accompanied. These characteristics integrally indicated that SC-III3 could initiate autophagy in HepG2 cells. N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a ROS scavenger, could reverse SC-III3-caused ROS accumulation, but it did not affect SC-III3-induced autophagy, suggesting that ROS was not involved in SC-III3-mediated autophagy in HepG2 cells. SC-III3 significantly depressed mitochondrial function, as evidenced by disruption of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and loss of the mitochondrial cristae structure, as well as decrease of Cox-I, Cox-III, Cox-IV, and ATP levels. The autophagy and activation of AMPK–TSC2–mTOR–p70s6k pathways induced by SC-III3 in HepG2 cells could be efficiently blocked by pre-treatments of compound C (an inhibitor of AMPK). Moreover, addition of extracellular ATP to the cell culture media could reverse SC-III3-caused activation of AMPK–TSC2–mTOR–p70s6k pathway, autophagy and cell viability decrease in HepG2 cells. Collectively, SC-III3 leads to autophagy through inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, depleting ATP, and activating AMPK–mTOR pathway, which thus reflects the cytotoxic effect of SC-III3 in HepG2 cells.

Tu1995 The Inhibition of MDSC and M2 Macrophage by Metformin Is Mediated by AMPK-mTOR and Cholesterol Metabolism Pathway

inhibit metastasis. We first confirmed direct Akt1-FAK molecule-molecule interaction and measured its strength using an atomic force microscopic. A reflective cantilever was functionalized with either Akt1 or FAK, allowed to bind to a surface coated with the reciprocal molecule, and then the bound pair was physically pulled apart. By measuring the bend in the cantilever, via the deflection of a laser beam, we demonstrated that Akt1 and FAK bind with a force of 50-60 pN, a relatively weak interaction that should be inhibitable. Coimmunoprecipitation of Akt1 with serially truncated FAK constructs demonstrated that Akt1 binding could be achieved with a 33 amino acid segment of the FAK N-terminal region located in the F1 subdomain of its four-point-one, ezrin, radixin, moesin (FERM) domain. Interestingly, this binding region, located between amino acids 94-126, does not contain the Akt1 phosphorylation targets S517/601/695 or the FAK autophosphorylation site Y397. Reciprocal binding experiments showed co-immunoprecipitation of FAK by Akt1 to depend on the catalytic domain of Akt1. In co-immunoprecipitation assays, addition of the synthesized peptide version of the 33 amino acid FAK truncation sequence inhibited binding of Akt1 to the wild type FAK F1 subdomain. Pharmacologic applications of the 33 amino acid peptide were explored in Caco-2 cells transfected with plasmids containing a GFP-conjugated analog of the peptide. Overexpression of this peptide prevented the stimulation of cell adhesion by pressure. Further exploration of this 33 amino acid sequence suggested that Akt1 binding of the wild type FAK F1 subdomain could be modulated by altering the region of its 3-10 helix. A P117S mutation in the F1 subdomain reduced FAK binding to Akt1 whereas a L113A/P116C/P117G triple mutant increased Akt1 binding. Structures analogous to this FAK-derived peptide may prove useful to inhibit cancer metastasis.

Regulation of Toll-like receptor-mediated Sestrin2 induction by AP-1, Nrf2, and the ubiquitin-proteasome system in macrophages.

The Sestrin2 (Sesn2) is an evolutionary conserved enzyme that scavenges reactive oxygen species and regulates autophagy through the AMPK-mTOR pathway. The present study was aimed at determining whether Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling regulates Sesn2 expression and identifying the underlying molecular mechanism. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a representative TLR4 ligand, significantly increased the levels of Sesn2 protein in macrophages. LPS also increased Sesn2 mRNA levels and luciferase reporter activity; however, the mRNA levels of Sesn1 were not affected by LPS. Moreover, treatment of macrophages with other TLR ligands (eg, polyI:C or peptidoglycan) also induced Sesn2 expression. We found that LPS-mediated Sesn2 induction was transcriptionally regulated by AP-1 and Nrf2, and that overexpression of c-Jun or Nrf2 increased Sesn2 protein levels and Sesn2 promoter-driven luciferase reporter activity. Moreover, deletion of the antioxidant response element (ARE) in the Sesn2 promoter or Nrf2 knockout abolished LPS-mediated induction of Sesn2. LPS induced Sesn2 gene expression through p38 and PI3K activation. Surprisingly, treatment with the proteasome inhibitor MG132, but not the lysosomal inhibitor chloroquine, caused Sesn2 to accumulate in the cells. In the presence of MG132, we observed that Sesn2 was ubiquitinated. However, LPS treatment attenuated Sesn2 ubiquitination induced by MG132, which resulted in Sesn2 accumulation. Mice treated with D-galactosamine (Gal)/LPS exhibited enhanced Sesn2 expression in the liver. Moreover, infection with a recombinant adenovirus encoding Sens2 markedly reduced the number of Gal/LPS-induced TUNEL-positive cells. Our results suggest that TLR-mediated Sesn2 induction is dependent on AP-1, Nrf2, and the inhibition of ubiquitin-mediated degradation of Sesn2 and might protect cells against endotoxin toxicity.

Cystatin C protects neuronal cells against mutant copper-zinc superoxide dismutase-mediated toxicity.

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease characterized by the selective and progressive loss of motor neurons. Cystatin C (CysC), an endogenous cysteine protease inhibitor, is a major protein component of Bunina bodies observed in the spinal motor neurons of sporadic ALS and is decreased in the cerebrospinal fluid of ALS patients. Despite prominent deposition of CysC in ALS, the roles of CysC in the central nervous system remain unknown. Here, we identified the neuroprotective activity of CysC against ALS-linked mutant Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1)-mediated toxicity. We found that exogenously added CysC protected neuronal cells including primary cultured motor neurons. Moreover, the neuroprotective property of CysC was dependent on the coordinated activation of two distinct pathways: autophagy induction through AMPK-mTOR pathway and inhibition of cathepsin B. Furthermore, exogenously added CysC was transduced into the cells and aggregated in the cytosol under oxidative stress conditions, implying a relationship between the neuroprotective activity of CysC and Bunina body formation. These data suggest CysC is an endogenous neuroprotective agent and targeting CysC in motor neurons may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for ALS.

Abstract 3113: Phenformin has anti-tumorigenic effects in human ovarian cancer cells and in a genetically engineered mouse model of serous ovarian cancer

Abstract Objectives: Anti-diabetic biguanide drugs have been shown to have anti-tumorigenic effects by behaving as AMPK activators and mTOR inhibitors. Phenformin is a biguanide that is associated with a higher risk of lactic acidosis than is seen in metformin. In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that phenformin may be more potent for inhibiting tumor growth than metformin. We sought to examine the efficacy of phenformin in primary cultures of human ovarian cancers (OCs) as well as in a genetically engineered mouse model of serous OC. Methods: Serous OC tumors were collected from consenting patients, at the time of their surgical debulking for primary culture. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. Apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V-FITC assay using Cellometer. Effects of phenformin on phosphorylated-AMPK and -S6 expression was documented by Western immunoblotting. For the in vivo studies, we utilized the KpB++ serous OC mouse model. This is a more aggressive derivative of the K18-gT121+/-; p53fl/fl;Brca1fl/fl (KpB) genetically engineered OC mouse model. The KpB++ mice were treated with placebo or phenformin (2 mg/kg body weight in drinking water) following tumor onset for one month. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed on the ovarian tumors after treatment with placebo or phenformin, in regards to Ki-67 expression, cleaved caspase 3 (a marker of apoptosis), phosphorylated AMPK and phosphorylated S6. Individual slides were digitized using the Aperio ScanScope (Aperio Technologies, Vista, CA), and digital images were analyzed using Aperio ImageScope software. Results: Phenformin significantly inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner in 100% (7/7) of the primary cultures of ovarian tumors, within 48 to 72 hours of exposure (p=0.00001-0.015, IC50 range of 0.1-5 mM). Treatment with phenformin resulted in the induction of apoptosis in 71.4% (5/7) of the ovarian tumors. Western immunoblot analysis demonstrated that phenformin increased phosphorylation of AMPK and decreased phosphorylation of S6. Phenformin significantly inhibited tumor growth in the KpB++ mice (n=8-13 animals per group) by 68% as compared to placebo treated controls, after one month of treatment (p=0.016). As compared to the placebo treated control animals, phenformin was found to statistically decrease Ki67 staining, inhibit phosphorylated S6 expression and increase both cleaved caspase 3 and phosphorylated AMPK expression (p= 0.01-0.04). Conclusions: In primary culture of human serous OC tumors, phenformin potently inhibited cell growth and increased apoptotic cell death through AMPK activation and mTOR pathway inhibition. In vivo studies using the KpB++ mouse model found that phenformin was highly efficacious in inhibiting tumor growth. Although the risk/benefit ratio clearly favors metformin over phenformin for the treatment of diabetes, this may not hold true for the treatment of cancer. Citation Format: Amanda L. Jackson, Xiaoyun Han, Joshua E. Kilgore, Chunxiao Zhou, Liza Makowski, Victoria Bae-Jump. Phenformin has anti-tumorigenic effects in human ovarian cancer cells and in a genetically engineered mouse model of serous ovarian cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 3113. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3113

Abstract 1312: Buformin, an anti-diabetic biguanide, inhibits proliferation, invasion and adhesion, and acts synergistically with paclitaxel in endometrial cancer cell lines

Abstract Objectives: Epidemiologic and pre-clinical studies suggest that anti-diabetic biguanide drugs, such as metformin and buformin, may have anti-tumorigenic effects and behave as chemosensitizers. Thus, we evaluated the effects of buformin alone and in combination with paclitaxel on proliferation in human endometrial cancer (EC) cell lines as well as the impact of buformin on apoptosis and adhesion/invasion. Methods: The ECC-1 and Ishikawa EC cell lines were treated with varying doses of buformin alone and in combination with paclitaxel. Cell growth was determined by MTT assay. Cell cycle progression was assessed by Cellometer. Apoptosis was evaluated by Annexin V-FITC assay. Invasion was demonstrated by transwell invasion assay. Adhesion was assessed by ELISA. Effects on AMPK and S6 expression were documented by Western blotting. Results: Buformin inhibited proliferation in a dose-dependent manner in the EC cell lines (IC50 1000 μM for ECC-1, 10μM for Ishikawa, p=0.00001-0.0010). Treatment with buformin resulted in G1 arrest in the ECC-1 cell line and G2 arrest in the Ishikawa cell line. Buformin induced apoptosis in the Ishikawa cell line, but not in the ECC-1 cell line. Treatment with buformin resulted in inhibition of adhesion (p=0.42-0.0009) and invasion (p=0.00001-0.227) in both EC cell lines. Western blotting analysis demonstrated that buformin increased phosphorylation of AMPK and decreased phosphorylation of S6. Paclitaxel inhibited proliferation in a dose-dependent manner in both cell lines with IC50 values of 0.1-0.5 nM and 1-5 nM for Ishikawa and ECC-1 cells, respectively. To assess synergy of paclitaxel and buformin, the combination index (CI) was calculated by the method of Chou and Talalay. Simultaneous exposure of cells to various doses of paclitaxel in combination with buformin (0.1-1 μM) resulted in a significant synergistic anti-proliferative effect (CI &amp;lt;1, range 0.009-0.85). Conclusions: Buformin inhibited proliferation in EC cell lines, via AMPK activation and mTOR pathway inhibition. Inhibition of adhesion/invasion was also seen with buformin. Buformin acted synergistically with paclitaxel to inhibit cell proliferation. More work is needed to determine if buformin and other biguanides alone or in combination with cytotoxic agents will be beneficial in the treatment of women with EC. Citation Format: Joshua Kilgore, Amanda Jackson, Haifeng Qiu, Chunxiao Zhou, Paola Gehrig, Victoria Bae-Jump. Buformin, an anti-diabetic biguanide, inhibits proliferation, invasion and adhesion, and acts synergistically with paclitaxel in endometrial cancer cell lines. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2014 Apr 5-9; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2014;74(19 Suppl):Abstract nr 1312. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-1312

SIRT1 regulates oncogenesis via a mutant p53-dependent pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma

SIRT1 is a class III histone deacetylase that plays diverse roles in various cancers. However, the clinical significance of SIRT1 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. We analysed p53 mutations and the activation of SIRT1 in 252 hepatitis B virus-positive HCC cases. None of the patients had been subjected to pre-operative treatment. We examined 57 p53 mutations from 248 HCC tissues. Activated SIRT1 (phosphorylated form of Ser47), in the context of mutant p53, predicted a longer relapse-free survival (RFS) but not a longer overall survival (OS) (RFS: p = 0.007, OS: p = 0.280) in HCC tissues harbouring mutant p53. In multivariate analysis, activated SIRT1 remained a significant predictor of longer RFS (OR = 0.307, CI: 0.143-0.660, p=0.002). Analysis of 248 paired specimens revealed a significant correlation between activated SIRT1 (Ser47) and activated AMPK (Thr172) in HCC tissues harbouring mutant p53 (p = 0.003, n = 57). The combination of these 2 parameters was a powerful predictor for a good prognosis in these patients. In vitro, SIRT1 inactivation stimulated the growth of HCC cells, bearing mutated p53, by suppressing AMPK activity and subsequently enhancing mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) activity, resulting in induction of p70S6K1 activation in HCC cells. Metformin, an AMPK activator, more strongly suppressed cell growth in p53-mutant cell lines with inactive SIRT1 than in p53-mutant cell lines with active SIRT1. SIRT1 exerted anti-carcinogenic effects via the AMPK-mTOR pathway in HCC in the context of mutant p53. Metformin could be a therapeutic drug for HCC in patients with mutated p53, inactivated SIRT1, and AMPK expression.

Lkb1‐ a master tumor suppressor (LB108)

The small intestine is remarkable in that 109 epithelial cells are produced every twenty minutes, but cancer rarely develops. This is possible due to the serine/threonine kinase tumor suppressor Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1). Mutations in LKB1 were first linked to the disease Peutz‐Jeghers syndrome in which polyps grow and have a 93% chance of becoming cancerous. Mutations in LKB1 have been linked to several forms of cancer including small intestine, breast, lung, liver, and pancreas. LKB1 forms an active heterotrimer with pseudokinase: STRAD, and scaffolding protein: MO25. LKB1’s primary function is to regulate energy homeostasis through the phosphorylation of the t‐loop structure on adenosine monophosphate protein kinase (AMPK), which mediates the production of ATP when cells enter a state of energy stress. AMPK detects and reacts to differences in the AMP:ATP ratio. AMPK has also been shown to impact several cancer‐related processes. For example, the AMPK‐mTOR signaling pathway is important for inducing cell death within cancer cells. Possible future research includes finding methods of inducing LKB1 activity, which would stimulate the AMPK‐mTOR pathway and diminishes cancer cell proliferation. The CAPS SMART Team (Students Modeling a Research Topic) created physical models of the tumor suppressor protein LKB1 and its target AMPK using 3D printing technology.Grant Funding Source: Supported by grants from the NIH‐SEPA and NIH‐CTSA.

MDMA induces cardiac contractile dysfunction through autophagy upregulation and lysosome destabilization in rats

The underlying mechanisms of cardiotoxicity of 3,4-methylenedioxymethylamphetamine (MDMA, “ecstasy”) abuse are unclear. Autophagy exerts either adaptive or maladaptive effects on cardiac function in various pathological settings, but nothing is known on the role of autophagy in the MDMA cardiotoxicity. Here, we investigated the mechanism through which autophagy may be involved in MDMA-induced cardiac contractile dysfunction. Rats were injected intraperitoneally with MDMA (20mg/kg) or saline. Left ventricular (LV) echocardiography and LV pressure measurement demonstrated reduction of LV systolic contractility 24h after MDMA administration. Western blot analysis showed a time-dependent increase in the levels of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3-II (LC3-II) and cathepsin-D after MDMA administration. Electron microscopy showed the presence of autophagic vacuoles in cardiomyocytes. MDMA upregulated phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) at Thr172, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) at Thr2446, Raptor at Ser792, and Unc51-like kinase (ULK1) at Ser555, suggesting activation of autophagy through the AMPK-mTOR pathway. The effects of autophagic inhibitors 3-methyladenine (3-MA) and chloroquine (CQ) on LC3-II levels indicated that MDMA enhanced autophagosome formation, but attenuated autophagosome clearance. MDMA also induced release of cathepsins into cytosol, and western blotting and electron microscopy showed cardiac troponin I (cTnI) degradation and myofibril damage, respectively. 3-MA, CQ, and a lysosomal inhibitor, E64c, inhibited cTnI proteolysis and improved contractile dysfunction after MDMA administration. In conclusion, MDMA causes lysosome destabilization following activation of the autophagy-lysosomal pathway, through which released lysosomal proteases damage myofibrils and induce LV systolic dysfunction in rat heart.

GW24-e1352 Berberine mitigated cardiac hypoxiareoxygenation injury by Suppressed Autophagy and Reduced Cell Death via inhibition of the activation of AMPK-mTOR signalling pathway in rat H9c2 cells

ObjectivesThe present study was designed to investigate the effect of berberine on the autophagy level in rat H9c2 myocytes undergoing hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury and the mechanism involved in the process.MethodsH9c2...

SAT0041 Metformin downregulates TH17 differentiation and attenuates murine autoimmune arthritis

BackgroundMetformin, a pharmacological AMPK activator, is one of the most widely used drugs for diabetes. In recent years, metformin takes a growing interests for its anti-inflammatory property.ObjectivesThis study was undertaken...

Abstract 1277: Utilizing uterine cancer models to study malignant transformation driven by Lkb1 loss.

Abstract The serine-threonine kinase LKB1 is an upstream component of the AMPK-mTOR pathway and regulates cell survival and growth. Inherited germline mutations in LKB1 predispose women to endocervical malignancies whereas somatic mutations in LKB1 promote cervical cancer progression. Our lab has shown that tissue specific knockout of Lkb1 in the endometrial epithelium of mice facilitates growth of highly invasive, lethal tumors that are well differentiated and retain structural polarity. Additionally, stable shRNA mediated knockdown of LKB1 in human immortalized endocervical cells drives anchorage-independent growth. To investigate potential pathways involved in LKB1 mediated oncogenic transformation, we have employed a microarray based approach comparing hits from human immortalized endocervical cell lines and mouse tissue to identify specific genes that are differentially regulated when LKB1 function is absent. Preliminary data suggests that pro-angiogenic and inflammatory mediators are upregulated in LKB1 deficient cells. We are currently assessing the overall contribution of these factors to growth and invasiveness in our model systems and the mechanisms by which Lkb1 loss facilitates their activation. These pathways can be potential therapeutic targets in other cancers characterized by Lkb1 loss of function mutations. Citation Format: Christopher G. Peña, Yuji Nakada, Diego Castrillon. Utilizing uterine cancer models to study malignant transformation driven by Lkb1 loss. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 104th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2013 Apr 6-10; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2013;73(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 1277. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2013-1277

Sestrin2 Modulates AMPK Subunit Expression and Its Response to Ionizing Radiation in Breast Cancer Cells

BackgroundThe sestrin family of stress-responsive genes (SESN1-3) are suggested to be involved in regulation of metabolism and aging through modulation of the AMPK-mTOR pathway. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an effector of the tumour suppressor LKB1, which regulates energy homeostasis, cell polarity, and the cell cycle. SESN1/2 can interact directly with AMPK in response to stress to maintain genomic integrity and suppress tumorigenesis. Ionizing radiation (IR), a widely used cancer therapy, is known to increase sestrin expression, and acutely activate AMPK. However, the regulation of AMPK expression by sestrins in response to IR has not been studied in depth.Methods and FindingsThrough immunoprecipitation we observed that SESN2 directly interacted with the AMPKα1β1γ1 trimer and its upstream regulator LKB1 in MCF7 breast cancer cells. SESN2 overexpression was achieved using a Flag-tagged SESN2 expression vector or a stably-integrated tetracycline-inducible system, which also increased AMPKα1 and AMPKβ1 subunit phosphorylation, and co-localized with phosphorylated AMPKα-Thr127 in the cytoplasm. Furthermore, enhanced SESN2 expression increased protein levels of LKB1 and AMPKα1β1γ1, as well as mRNA levels of LKB1, AMPKα1, and AMPKβ1. Treatment of MCF7 cells with IR elevated AMPK expression and activity, but this effect was attenuated in the presence of SESN2 siRNA. In addition, elevated SESN2 inhibited IR-induced mTOR signalling and sensitized MCF7 cells to IR through an AMPK-dependent mechanism.ConclusionsOur results suggest that in breast cancer cells SESN2 is associated with AMPK, it is involved in regulation of basal and IR-induced expression and activation of this enzyme, and it mediates sensitization of cancer cells to IR.

Abstract 71: Metformin inhibits lung cancer cell growth and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo: Effect on IL6-Stat3 pathway

Abstract The usage of metformin as a first line treatment for type 2 diabetes associates with reduced cancer risk. Animal studies have shown that metformin inhibits breast cancer growth mainly via AMPK-mTOR pathway. Associated clinical trial is conducting. However, the application of metformin in other cancers and other mechanisms remain not clarified. In our previous study, we demonstrated the down-regulation of TSC1 (tuberous sclerosis 1) in lung cancer cells from malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and verified with qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. TSC1/TSC2 complex can suppress the mTOR pathway and receive input from LKB1-AMPK pathway and we found that metformin induced TSC1expression in vitro. Previous studies demonstrate that TNFα-sphingomyelinase and IL6-Stat3 contribute the formation of MPE via activating VEGF secretion. TNF-α can also induce IL6 secretion in many tumors. In our recent study, we first investigated the effect of metformin on proliferation of lung cancer cell. Lung cancer lines including PC14PE6/AS2 (AS2), A549 and CL 1-0 were treated with various dosage of metformin. After treatment for 96 hours, metformin inhibited proliferation of AS2, A549 and CL1-0 lung cancer cells dose-dependently. The IC50 of all cells are around 2.5-5 mM, measured by MTT assays. We also investigated the addictive cytotoxicity of metformin to cisplatin. Metformin co-incubation with cisplatin for 72 hr in AS2 cells displayed an increased cytotoxicity as compared to each agent alone. As for the association with angiogenesis, by analyzing the supernatant with ELISA assay, the VEGF secretion also decreased after treatment with metformin in AS2 and A549 cells. And Western blotting was conducted to access the effect on Stat3 and AMPK phosphorylation of metformin. In AS2 cell, not only the phosphorylation of AMPK increased after metformin treatment, the Stat3 phosphorylation was also suppressed. In addition, stimulation with TNF-α led to substantial secretion of IL6, which was inhibited by co-incubation with metformin. In vivo, the AS2 cells were injected i.p. into the unanesthetized nude mice and MQ-water or metformin (1mg) were injected 2 days later. Around 2 to 4 weeks, the mice developed peritoneal carcinomatosis and malignant ascites. In the metformin group, though the same number of mice developed peritoneal carcinomatosis and ascites, the amount of ascites and VEGF level are less than the control group. In conclusion, metformin inhibit lung cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. And the IL6-Stat3-VEGF pathway may also involve in the anticancer effect of metformin. 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 71.