Phosphorylation Of Protein S6 Research Articles

Abstract 3306: Inhibition of ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) phosphorylation and cell proliferation by a novel chloroquine analog in lung cancer cells

Abstract Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved self-defense mechanism that allows tumor cells to overcome stress during oncogenesis and after treatment with chemotherapy. It is the basis of clinical trials using the autophagy inhibitors chloroquine (CQ) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). While searching for novel agents targeting autophagy, we discovered a compound, named EAD1, that is structurally related to CQ but is up to 16-fold more potent an inhibitor of autophagy and of lung cancer cell proliferation than CQ. Interestingly, one of the cell lines whose proliferation was inhibited by EAD1 were H1650 NSCLC cells. This was surprising as H1650 cells have a biallelic deletion within the Atg7 locus. Atg7 is a critical component of the canonical autophagy pathway and its loss renders cells autophagy-deficient. This observation was confirmed in H460 Atg7-knockout cells. That these cells had the same sensitivity to EAD1 (and HCQ) as did cells with an intact autophagy pathway suggests that inhibition of autophagy was not the mechanism by which those drugs inhibit cell proliferation. We therefore conducted exploratory experiments to identify other possible sites of action of EAD1. The only molecular change we observed with EAD1 was the selective inhibition of ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) phosphorylation, which correlated with its inhibition of cell proliferation. rpS6 is a component of the 40S ribosome subunit, and is only one of two ribosomal proteins known to be phosphorylated in a regulated manner. The decrease in rpS6 phosphorylation also occurred in the Atg7-deficient cells, indicating it was not a consequence of autophagy inhibition. rpS6 regulates cell size, survival, and migration. Consistent with these reports, we found that EAD1 caused a significant decrease in the size of the H460 cells (when controlled for cell cycle distribution), and this decrease was not seen with HCQ. rpS6 is phosphorylated and activated by two known families of kinases, p70 S6K and p90 RSK, that are downstream targets of the mTORC1 and the RAS/MEK/ERK pathways, respectively. However, we have not seen any changes in the expression or phosphorylation of the members of these pathways, leading us to hypothesize that EAD1 is either having a direct effect on rpS6, or that it is blocking the kinase activity of an already activated p70S6K or p90RSK. Further studies are needed to determine the role of rpS6 in cancer cells, and to assess if it is a viable target for future drug development. Citation Format: Juan Sironi, Evelyn Aranda, Lars Nordstroem, Roman Perez Soler, Edward L. Schwartz. Inhibition of ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) phosphorylation and cell proliferation by a novel chloroquine analog in lung cancer cells [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 3306. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-3306

Abstract 153: Tricyclic fused pyrimidinopyrrolo-oxazines reveal conformational preferences of morpholine for PI3K hinge region binding

Abstract Class I phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3Ks) are lipid kinases, produce PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 and trigger intracellular signaling pathways that are vital to cell growth, proliferation, survival and migration. Constitutive activation of PI3K is frequently observed in many tumor types, which defines PI3K as a valuable drug target in oncology.1 Numerous PI3K inhibitors in clinical development contain a morpholine moiety that mediates hinge region binding in the ATP pocket of PI3K by a hydrogen bond with the active site valine backbone nitrogen (Val851 in PI3Kα)2. We present here novel pyrimidinopyrrolo-oxazines related to the clinically advanced, pyridinylmorpholine and triazinylmorpholine derived pan-PI3K/mTOR inhibitors BKM120 and PQR309. The novel fused tricyclic core of these compounds contains two morpholine moieties of which one is conformationally restricted by the introduction of a methylene bridge that links the pyrimidine core with one of the two morpholine moieties. This modification leads to the generation of two regioisomers, each existing as a set of enantiomers. We investigated the influence of this conformational restriction on PI3K inhibitory activity and analyzed the distinct selectivity profiles and potencies of the respective stereo- and regio-isomers. The design and preparation of specific compounds in combination with biological assays (phosphorylation of PKB and S6, binding affinity to p110α), structure-activity relationship (SAR) and molecular modelling studies allowed us to understand the binding mode of these compounds and acquire valuable information that potentially lead to the development of derivatives with a distinct selectivity profile (e.g. PI3K versus mTOR). A selection of compounds demonstrated inhibition of protein kinase B (pSer473) and ribosomal protein S6 (pSer235/236) phosphorylation with IC50 values in the nanomolar range and high inhibitory potency of all PI3K isoforms (Ki(p110α) > 40 nM). Single p.o. administration of our lead compound to SD rats resulted in good oral bioavailability as well as excellent brain penetration. Furthermore, mechanism of action-based increases in glucose levels and insulin levels have been observed. In conclusion, we present here the development, optimization, preparation and biological evaluation of a novel class of potent, orally available and brain-penetrant pan-PI3K inhibitors that represent an innovative extension to known pyrimidinomorpholine derived PI3K inhibitors. Moreover, our results add to the understanding of how introducing specific structural and conformational modifications can lead to the development of optimized, selective PI3K and mTOR inhibitors. [1] Thorpe, L. M.; Yuzugullu, H.; Zhao, J. J. Nat. Rev. Cancer 2015, 15, 7-24. [2] Andrs, M.; Korabecny, J.; Jun, D.; Hodny, Z.; Bartek, J.; Kuca, K. J. Med. Chem. 2015, 58, 41-71. Citation Format: Alexander M. Sele, Denise Rageot, Florent Beaufils, Anna Melone, Thomas Bohnacker, Eileen Jackson, Jean-Baptiste Langlois, Paul Hebeisen, Doriano Fabbro, Matthias P. Wymann. Tricyclic fused pyrimidinopyrrolo-oxazines reveal conformational preferences of morpholine for PI3K hinge region binding [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2017; 2017 Apr 1-5; Washington, DC. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2017;77(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 153. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2017-153

Non-apoptotic signaling through Fas activates Akt and promotes T cell differentiation through Caspase-8

Abstract The TNF receptor Fas (CD95, TNFRSF6) is known for inducing apoptosis in primary cells via binding with Fas ligand (FasL) and activation of caspase-8 through the adapter protein FADD. In addition, recent research showed that the apoptotic signaling requires palmitoylation of Fas near its transmembrane region to localize on the lipid rafts. Fas palmitoylation-defective mutant is unable to induce apoptosis in primary cells but continues to enhance T cell differentiation into effector memory cells (CD44hiCD62Llo), indicating that Fas can also trigger non-apoptotic signaling in primary T cells. Fas non-apoptotic signaling has unexpected roles in modulating T cell tumor immunotherapy and autoimmunity (Klebanoff et al. 2016; Cruz et al. 2016). We have investigated the signaling pathways underlying non-apoptotic Fas signaling in T cells. Co-stimulation with oligomerized Fas Ligand activates Akt and ribosomal S6 protein phosphorylation, and Fas induced T cell differentiation is blocked by Akt or mTOR inhibitors. Further studies showed that T cells from RIP3−/− and Caspase-8−/− double deficient mice, but not mice deficient in RIP3, were refractory to Fas-induced differentiation, indicating that Caspase 8 is essential for Fas non-apoptotic signaling. Similar results were obtained with FADD. Our findings suggest that in addition to apoptotic functions, Fas also promotes non-apoptotic signaling via Caspase-8 and induces T cell differentiation by activating the Akt pathway. These results reveal a common role for Caspase-8 in non-apoptotic and apoptotic functions of Fas, with potentially different caspase-8 substrates mediating these diverse functions of a single receptor.

Growth inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects of allergen-free Rhus verniciflua Stokes extract on A549 human lung cancer cells

Evidence suggests that Rhusverniciflua Stokes (RVS) or its extract has the potential to be used for the treatment of inflammatory and neoplastic diseases. However, direct use of RVS or its extract as a herbal medicine has been limited due to the presence of urushiol, an allergenic toxin. In the present study, we prepared an extract of the allergen‑removed RVS (aRVS) based on a traditional method and investigated its inhibitory effect on the growth of various types of human cancer cells, including lung (A549), breast (MCF-7) and prostate (DU-145) cancer cell lines. Notably, among the cell lines tested, treatment with the aRVS extract strongly inhibited proliferation of the A549 cells at a 0.5mg/ml concentration for 24h that was not cytotoxic to normal human dermal fibroblasts. Furthermore, aRVS extract treatment largely reduced the survival and induced apoptosis of the A549 cells. At the mechanistic levels, treatment with the aRVS extract led to the downregulation of Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 proteins, the activation of caspase-9/-3 proteins, an increase in cytosolic cytochromec levels, the upregulation of Bax protein, an increase in phosphorylated p53 protein but a decrease in phosphorylated S6 protein in the A549 cells. Importantly, treatment with z-VAD‑fmk, a pan-caspase inhibitor attenuated aRVS extract-induced apoptosis in the A549 cells. These results demonstrate firstly that aRVS extract has growth inhibitory and apoptosis-inducing effects on A549 human lung cancer cells through modulation of the expression levels and/or activities of caspases, Bcl-2, Mcl-1, Bax, p53 and S6.

Abstract 080: mTORC1 as a Novel Regulator of Vascular Endothelial Function in Obese Mice and Humans

Obesity-induced hypertension is associated with vascular endothelial dysfunction. Recently, our laboratory has demonstrated a critical role of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling pathway in cardiovascular regulation. Here, we tested the hypothesis that dysregulation of mTORC1 signaling is involved in the endothelial dysfunction associated with obesity in mice and humans. We found that diet-induced obese (DIO) mice that display vascular endothelial dysfunction as compared to lean controls have increased mTORC1 signaling in aortic lysates indicated by the elevated (p<0.05) phosphorylated levels of mTOR and its downstream signaling targets S6-kinase and the ribosomal S6 protein measured by Western blot. Increased vascular mTORC1 signaling in DIO mice was associated with increased aortic NOX2 mRNA expression (2.0±0.2 vs. 1.0±0.3AU in lean controls; p<0.05). Isolated abdominal subcutaneous adipose arterioles from non-diabetic obese (BMI ≥30 kg/m 2 ; n=4; age 51±6 yrs; BMI 54±3 kg/m 2 ) humans exhibited a strong trend towards increased phosphorylated S6 protein compared to normal-weight (BMI <30kg/m 2 ; n=3; age 44±15 yrs; BMI 26±1 kg/m 2 ) individuals (5.0±1.9 vs 0.8±0.4AU; p=0.12), suggesting increased vascular mTORC1 signaling in human obesity. Next, we used an adenoviral construct of a constitutively active (CA) S6-kinase (Ad-CAS6K) to enhance mTORC1 signaling. In mouse endothelial cells, Ad-CAS6K increased mRNA expression of oxidative stress (NOX1and NOX2) and inflammatory markers (IL-1β) and decreased endothelial NOS expression (p<0.05). Transfection of aortic rings with the Ad-CAS6K resulted in impairment in acetylcholine-induced relaxation (Max. relaxation: 67± 5 vs. 81 ±3%; p<0.05) without altering the relaxation evoked by sodium nitroprusside (Max. relaxation: 90±1% vs. 90±2%) recapitulating the vascular phenotype in obese mice. Taken together, our data demonstrate a novel role of the mTORC1 signaling pathway in the regulation of vascular endothelial function. Our data also implicate dysregulation of the endothelial mTORC1 signaling pathway in the endothelial dysfunction associated with obesity.

The hVps34-SGK3 pathway alleviates sustained PI3K/Akt inhibition by stimulating mTORC1 and tumourgrowth.

We explore mechanisms that enable cancer cells to tolerate PI3K or Akt inhibitors. Prolonged treatment of breast cancer cells with PI3K or Akt inhibitors leads to increased expression and activation of a kinase termed SGK3 that is related to Akt. Under these conditions, SGK3 is controlled by hVps34 that generates PtdIns(3)P, which binds to the PX domain of SGK3 promoting phosphorylation and activation by its upstream PDK1 activator. Furthermore, under conditions of prolonged PI3K/Akt pathway inhibition, SGK3 substitutes for Akt by phosphorylating TSC2 to activate mTORC1. We characterise 14h, a compound that inhibits both SGK3 activity and activation in vivo, and show that a combination of Akt and SGK inhibitors induced marked regression of BT‐474 breast cancer cell‐derived tumours in a xenograft model. Finally, we present the kinome‐wide analysis of mRNA expression dynamics induced by PI3K/Akt inhibition. Our findings highlight the importance of the hVps34‐SGK3 pathway and suggest it represents a mechanism to counteract inhibition of PI3K/Akt signalling. The data support the potential of targeting both Akt and SGK as a cancer therapeutic.

Anorexic response to rapamycin does not appear to involve a central mechanism.

The authors have previously demonstrated that a low and intermittent peripheral dose of rapamycin (1mg/kg three times/week) to rats inhibited mTORC1 signalling, but avoided the hyperlipidemia and diabetes-like syndrome associated with higher doses of rapamycin. The dosing regimen reduced food intake, body weight, adiposity, serum leptin and triglycerides. mTORC1 signalling was inhibited in both liver and hypothalamus, suggesting some of the actions, in particular the decrease in food intake, may be the results of a central mechanism. To test this hypothesis, rapamycin (30μg/day for 4weeks) was infused into 23-25-month-old F344xBN rats by intracerebroventricular (icv) mini pumps. Our results demonstrated that central infusion did not alter food intake or body weight, although there was a tendency for a decrease in body weight towards the end of the study. mTORC1 signalling, evidenced by decreased phosphorylation of S6 protein at end of 4weeks, was not activated in liver, hypothalamus or hindbrain. Fat and lean mass, sum of white adipose tissues, brown adipose tissue, serum glucose, insulin and leptin levels remained unchanged. Thus, these data suggest that the anorexic and body weight responses evident with peripheral rapamycin are not the result of direct central action. The tendency for decreased body weight towards the end of study, suggests that there is either a slow transport of centrally administered rapamycin into the periphery, or that there is delayed action of rapamycin at sites in the brain.

Abstract 1336: Structure-activity relationship studies, synthesis, and biological evaluation of PQR620, a highly potent and selective mTORC1/2 inhibitor

Abstract Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a fundamental role in cell proliferation, differentiation, growth and survival.[1] As a consequence, various tumors and central nervous system (CNS) disorders share aberrant activation of the mTOR pathway. Drugs targeting the mTOR pathway represent therefore a valuable path to address multiple therapeutic areas.[1-2] Here, we report the lead optimization of PQR620, a novel potent and selective brain penetrant inhibitor of mTORC1/2. The development of selective mTOR inhibitors is particularly challenging due to extensively conserved amino acid residues in the ATP binding pocket within the PI3K and PI3K-related protein kinase family. Here, we present a detailed ligand-based structure activity relationship study allowing selective targeting of mTOR kinase activity without the interference of other PI3K family members. Systematic variation of the hinge region and affinity binding motifs led to the identification of PQR620, a morpholino-triazinyl derivative, as potent and selective mTOR inhibitor. Substitution of the morpholine binding to the hinge region and introduction of a 2-aminopyridine, substituted with a difluoromethyl group, induced a >1000-fold selectivity towards mTOR over PI3Kα in enzymatic binding assays. In A2058 melanoma cells PQR620 demonstrated inhibition of protein kinase B (pSer473) and ribosomal protein S6 (pSer235/236) phosphorylation with IC50 values of 0.2 μM and 0.1 μM, respectively. The physico-chemical properties of PQR620 result in good oral bioavailability and excellent brain penetration. PQR620 showed excellent selectivity over a wide panel of kinases, as well as excellent selectivity versus unrelated receptor enzymes and ion channels. Moreover, PQR620 demonstrated its potency to prevent cancer cell growth in an NTRC 44 cancer cell line panel, resulting in a 10log(IC50) of 2.86 (nM). Further pharmacological properties and in vivo efficacy of PQR620 are presented in detail in Ref. [3]. The preparation of PQR620 was optimized towards a robust synthetic route involving only 4 steps, allowing for a rapid access to quantities required for pre-clinical testing. In conclusion, PQR620 inhibits mTOR potently and selectively, and shows anti-tumor effects in vitro and in vivo. PQR620 is currently in pre-clinical development. [1] M. Laplante, D. Sabatini, Cell 2012, 149, 274-293. [2] Z. Z. Chong, Y. C. Shang, L. Zhang, S. Wang, K. Maiese, Oxid. Med. Cell. Longev. 2010, 3, 374–391. [3] F. Beaufils, D. Rageot, A. Melone, A. M. Sele, M. Lang, J. Mestan, R. A. Ettlin, P. Hillmann, V. Cmiljanovic, C. Walter, E. Singer, H. P. Nguyen, P. Hebeisen, D. Fabbro, M. P. Wymann, “Pharmacological characterization of the selective, orally bioavailable, potent mTORC1/2 inhibitor PQR620” presented at AACR Annual Meeting 2016, April 16-20, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. Citation Format: Florent Beaufils, Denise Rageot, Anna Melone, Marc Lang, Jürgen Mestan, Vladimir Cmiljanovic, Petra Hillmann, Paul Hebeisen, Doriano Fabbro, Matthias P. Wymann. Structure-activity relationship studies, synthesis, and biological evaluation of PQR620, a highly potent and selective mTORC1/2 inhibitor. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1336.

Abstract 29: MEK and PI3K signaling cooperate through mTORC1/2 to promote PIK3CA mutant melanoma cell proliferation

Abstract Oncogenic transformation of mutationally activated BRAF or NRAS melanocytes often requires the cooperation of genetic aberrations in the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway to promote melanomagenesis. Activating point mutations in the p110α catalytic subunit of PI3K are detected at a low frequency in both BRAF and NRAS mutant melanomas, yet the principle mechanism of this cooperation remains elusive. Thus, using BRAFV600E/PIK3CAH1047R, NRASQ61H/PIK3CAH1047R, and PIK3CAE545K mutant melanoma cells derived from metastatic melanoma patients treated with pathway-targeted inhibitors, we examined the contribution of mutational activation of PIK3CA to melanoma maintenance and signaling and the consequential response of these PIK3CA mutant cells to α-specific PI3K inhibition. Combined MEK and isoform-selective PI3K inhibition elicited more potent anti-proliferative effects and greater suppression of S-phase progression of the cell cycle compared to single-agent inhibition of either pathway. Analysis of signaling downstream of MEK or PI3K revealed that these pathways cooperated to regulate PIK3CA cell proliferation through mTORC1-mediated effects on ribosomal protein S6 and 4E-BP1 phosphorylation in an AKT-dependent manner. Despite the profound anti-proliferative and biochemical effects of α-specific or PI3Kβ-sparing class I PI3K inhibition in vitro, these agents elicited largely cytostatic effects on PIK3CA xenograft tumors. However, combined inhibition of PI3Kβ-sparing class I PI3K and MEK did significantly cooperate to reduce tumor growth compared to the corresponding monotherapies. Furthermore, this study provides a biochemical mechanism to explain how mTORC1/2 moderates the cooperation of MEK and PI3K signaling for the maintenance of PIK3CA mutant melanoma cell proliferation. Citation Format: Jillian M. Silva, Marian M. Deuker, Bruce C. Baguley, Martin McMahon. MEK and PI3K signaling cooperate through mTORC1/2 to promote PIK3CA mutant melanoma cell proliferation. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 29.

Impact of rapamycin on status epilepticus induced hippocampal pathology and weight gain

Growing evidence implicates the dentate gyrus in temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Dentate granule cells limit the amount of excitatory signaling through the hippocampus and exhibit striking neuroplastic changes that may impair this function during epileptogenesis. Furthermore, aberrant integration of newly-generated granule cells underlies the majority of dentate restructuring. Recently, attention has focused on the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway as a potential mediator of epileptogenic change. Systemic administration of the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin has promising therapeutic potential, as it has been shown to reduce seizure frequency and seizure severity in rodent models. Here, we tested whether mTOR signaling facilitates abnormal development of granule cells during epileptogenesis. We also examined dentate inflammation and mossy cell death in the dentate hilus. To determine if mTOR activation is necessary for abnormal granule cell development, transgenic mice that harbored fluorescently-labeled adult-born granule cells were treated with rapamycin following pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus. Systemic rapamycin effectively blocked phosphorylation of S6 protein (a readout of mTOR activity) and reduced granule cell mossy fiber axon sprouting. However, the accumulation of ectopic granule cells and granule cells with aberrant basal dendrites was not significantly reduced. Mossy cell death and reactive astrocytosis were also unaffected. These data suggest that anti-epileptogenic effects of mTOR inhibition may be mediated by mechanisms other than inhibition of these common dentate pathologies. Consistent with this conclusion, rapamycin prevented pathological weight gain in epileptic mice, suggesting that rapamycin might act on central circuits or even peripheral tissues controlling weight gain in epilepsy.

Anti-Leukemic Activity of Axitinib Against Cells Harboring the BCR-ABL Point Mutation

Introduction: The BCR-ABL1 fusion gene is a causative oncogene in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and 30-50% of acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases. Although ABL tyrosine kinase inhibitors (ABL TKI) such as imatinib have improved CML treatment, such therapies cannot cure patients with Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive leukemia because of leukemia stem cells. Moreover, some patients develop BCR-ABL point mutations and become resistant to ABL TKI therapy. In particular, the ABL kinase domain mutation T315I is resistant to imatinib and second-generation ABL TKIs (e.g., nilotinib, dasatinib, and bostinib). Accordingly, this mutation is often found in patients with TKI-resistant disease. A third-generation ABL TKI, ponatinib, was recently developed. Ponatinib is a potent oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor that affects both unmutated and mutated BCR-ABL; it is effective against T315I mutant cells and has been approved for TKI-resistant or intolerant CML and Ph-positive ALL patients.Recently, the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) inhibitor axitinib was found to exhibit anti-leukemic activity against T315I-mutant disease. Axitinib is an orally active and potent TKI of VEGFRs 1, 2, and 3 and inhibits BCR-ABL1, especially the T315I variant, via a distinct binding conformation.Materials and methods: In this study, we investigated whether axitinib could suppress ponatinib-resistant compound mutant cells harboring the T315I mutation and primary samples.Results: A 72 h axitinib treatment inhibited the growth of Ba/F3 T315I cells (Figure 1A). Immunoblot analysis of axitinib-treated cells revealed dose-dependent decreases in BCR-ABL, the downstream molecule CrkL, and ribosomal S6 protein phosphorylation and increases in caspase 3 and Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) activity. Ponatinib and axitinib also induced apoptosis, significantly increased caspase activity, and reduced Akt activity. In contrast, clinically available concentrations of axitinib did not inhibit the growth of ponatinib-resistant Ba/F3 cells. Immunoblot analysis revealed that BCR-ABL, Crk-L, and S6 kinase phosphorylation were not inhibited by axitinib or ponatinib. Similarly, no increase in caspase activity or decrease in Akt activity was observed following axitinib treatment, and neither ponatinib nor axitinib affected apoptosis in these cells. We next evaluated primary T315I-mutant and ponatinib-resistant compound mutant samples. Axitinib potently inhibited the growth of T315I mutant primary cells in a dose-dependent manner. Immunoblot analysis further revealed reduced Crk-L and S6 kinase phosphorylation after axitinib or ponatinib treatment. In contrast, the growth of ponatinib-resistant primary cells was not affected by ponatinib or axitinib. Immunoblotting revealed that neither ponatinib nor axitinib affected the phosphorylation of Crk-L and S6 kinase in ponatinib-resistant cells.Conclusion: In CML, ABL TKI resistance is frequently caused by ABL kinase domain mutations. The T315I mutation is resistant to all ABL TKIs except ponatinib. Although axitinib, which is currently being investigated for efficacy in patients with Ph-positive T315I-mutant leukemia, induced apoptosis in T315I-mutant cells, it was ineffective against cells with a compound mutation including T315I. Current evidence to direct the management of ABL TKI-resistant disease, particularly those harboring T315I and compound mutations, is limited. New molecular-targeted drugs and an understanding of ABL TKI resistance mechanisms are required to apply an appropriate therapeutic approach. DisclosuresNo relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Glycine supplementation during calorie restriction accelerates fat loss and protects against further muscle loss in obese mice

Calorie restriction (CR) reduces co-morbidities associated with obesity, but also reduces lean mass thereby predisposing people to weight regain. Since we demonstrated that glycine supplementation can reduce inflammation and muscle wasting, we hypothesized that glycine supplementation during CR would preserve muscle mass in mice. High-fat fed male C57BL/6 mice underwent 20 days CR (40% reduced calories) supplemented with glycine (1g/kg/day; n=15, GLY) or l-alanine (n=15, ALA). Body composition and glucose tolerance were assessed and hindlimb skeletal muscles and epididymal fat were collected. Eight weeks of a high-fat diet (HFD) induced obesity and glucose intolerance. CR caused rapid weight loss (ALA: 20%, GLY: 21%, P<0.01), reduced whole-body fat mass (ALA: 41%, GLY: 49% P<0.01), and restored glucose tolerance to control values in ALA and GLY groups. GLY treated mice lost more whole-body fat mass (14%, p<0.05) and epididymal fat mass (26%, P<0.05), less lean mass (27%, P<0.05), and had better preserved quadriceps muscle mass (4%, P<0.01) than ALA treated mice after 20d CR. Compared to the HFD group, pro-inflammatory genes were lower (P<0.05), metabolic genes higher (P<0.05) and S6 protein phosphorylation lower after CR, but not different between ALA and GLY groups. There were significant correlations between %initial fat mass (pre CR) and the mRNA expression of genes involved in inflammation (r=0.51 to 0.68, P<0.05), protein breakdown (r=-0.66 to-0.37, P<0.05) and metabolism (r=-0.59 to-0.47, P<0.05) after CR. Taken together, these findings suggest that glycine supplementation during CR may be beneficial for preserving muscle mass and stimulating loss of adipose tissue.

Blockade of the acute activation of mTOR complex 1 decreases hypertrophy development in rats with severe aortic valve regurgitation.

BackgroundHypertrophy (H) is an adaptive response of the heart to a hemodynamic overload. Severe left ventricular (LV) volume overload (VO) from valve regurgitations (aortic (AR) or mitral regurgitation) leads to eccentric LVH. Increased protein turnover is a major event during development of LVH and the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key molecule for its control. The role of mTOR inhibition in the development of LVH using rapamycin for relatively short periods of time (days to a few weeks) has been studied in the past in pressure overload models but not in VO models. We investigated if mTOR pathway was activated during LVH development in a model of severe VO (AR) in rats and if a rapamycin treatment can slow heart remodeling in this situation.Methods and ResultsMale rats with severe AR were studied acutely at 2 days, at 8 weeks (compensated phase) and 6 months (late phase) after VO induction. mTOR complex (mTORC) 1 (ribosomal S6 protein phosphorylation) was activated early after AR induction but not later in the disease whereas mTORC2 activity levels (Akt phosphorylation at Ser473) remained stable. We observed that a moderate dose of rapamycin (2 mg/kg/day; orally) for 8 weeks prevented severe LVH caused by AR (−46 %: p < 0.001). Rapamycin treatment specifically inhibited LV mTORC1 without altering mTORC2 activity at 8 weeks. Rapamycin also prevented cardiac myocyte hypertrophy caused by AR.ConclusionRapamycin slows hypertrophy in LV VO by inhibiting early activation of mTORC1 without modulating mTORC2.

Abstract 2121: Microtubule-regulated mRNA translation signaling and therapeutic implications in cancer

Abstract Drugs that affect microtubule dynamics and function, both those that stabilize microtubules (e.g. taxanes) and those that depolymerize them (e.g. vincas, Eribulin) are widely used in cancer chemotherapy. However, their mechanism of action at the molecular level and the signaling pathways regulated by microtubule dynamics are not fully understood, precluding chemotherapy customization to the individuals. Previously, we have reported that microtubule dynamics control the translation of HIF-1α mRNA. We showed that treatment with microtubule-targeting drugs (MTDs) shifts HIF-1α mRNA from actively translating polysomes to non-translating ribosomes resulting in inhibition of HIF-1α transcriptional activity. Using cell lines with acquired mutations at different MTD binding sites we conclusively showed that microtubule disruption was required for the inhibition of HIF translation. However, additional mRNAs susceptible to MTD treatment or the exact signaling pathway that senses microtubule disruption and leads to inhibition of translation are not known. Polysome RNA-Seq analyses of untreated and drug treated cells has identified additional mRNAs whose polysome association is shifted towards inactive translation similar to HIF-1α mRNA. We are using bioinformatics analyses to identify a common microtubule-susceptibility motif in addition to validation experiments at the protein and pathway level. The polysome analysis showed that protein synthesis is inhibited at the stage of translation initiation. In an effort to better understand the underlying mechanism of translation inhibition of HIF-1α mRNA and additional microtubule-dependent mRNAs, we assessed 4E-BP1 protein as its phosphorylation is a key regulator of cap dependent mRNA translation. We observed that taxanes or Eribulin treatment hyper-phosphorylates 4E-BP1 without affecting ribosomal protein S6 (rpS6) phosphorylation. Using the taxane-resistant breast cancer cell line MB-231/K20T which harbors an acquired mutation at the taxane binding site of β-tubulin we showed that Taxol treatment has no effect on 4E-BP1 hyper- phosphorylation, consistent with its lack of microtubule activity. In contrast, Eribulin, which has a distinct binding site on tubulin, is able to overcome taxol-resistance by fully engaging the microtubule-4E-BP1 axis. Interestingly, in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) cells, for which treatment with microtubule inhibitors has no clinical benefit, we didn't observe 4E-BP1 hyper-phosphorylation after taxane or Eribulin treatment, even though microtubules were affected. These results suggest that the microtubule-4E-BP1 axis is compromised in RCC and that there is a link between 4E-BP1 phosphorylation and MTD efficacy. Hence, we propose that identifying the link of 4E-BP1 dependent signaling with microtubules will have important therapeutic implications in MTD chemotherapy. Citation Format: Prashant Khade, Paraskevi Giannakakou. Microtubule-regulated mRNA translation signaling and therapeutic implications in cancer. [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 2121. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2015-2121

Intermittent dosing of rapamycin maintains antiepileptogenic effects in a mouse model of tuberous sclerosis complex.

Inhibitors of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway have antiepileptogenic effects in preventing epilepsy and pathologic and molecular mechanisms of epileptogenesis in mouse models of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). However, long-term treatment with mTOR inhibitors may be required to maintain efficacy and potentially has chronic side effects, such as immunosuppression. Attempts to minimize drug exposure will facilitate translational efforts to develop mTOR inhibitors as antiepileptogenic agents for patients with TSC. In this study, we tested intermittent dosing paradigms of mTOR inhibitors for antiepileptogenic properties in a TSC mouse model. Western blot analysis of phosphorylation of S6 protein was used to assess the dose- and time-dependence of mTOR inhibition by rapamycin in control mice and conditional knockout mice with inactivation of the Tsc1 gene in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-expressing cells (Tsc1(GFAP)CKO mice). Based on the Western blot studies, different dosing paradigms of rapamycin starting at postnatal day 21 were tested for their ability to prevent epilepsy or pathologic abnormalities in Tsc1(GFAP)CKO mice: 4 days of rapamycin only (4-∞), 4 days on-24 days off (4-24), and 4 days on-10 days off (4-10). mTOR activity was inhibited by rapamycin in a dose-dependent fashion and recovered to baseline by about 10 days after the last rapamycin dose. The 4-10 and 4-24 dosing paradigms almost completely prevented epilepsy and the 4-10 paradigm inhibited glial proliferation and megalencephaly in Tsc1(GFAP)CKO mice. Intermittent dosing of rapamycin, with drug holidays of more than 3 weeks, maintains significant antiepileptogenic properties in mouse models of TSC. These findings have important translational applications in developing mTOR inhibitors as antiepileptogenic agents in TSC patients by minimizing drug exposure and potential side effects.

Decreased mTOR signaling pathway in human idiopathic autism and in rats exposed to valproic acid.

BackgroundThe molecular mechanisms underlying autistic behaviors remain to be elucidated. Mutations in genes linked to autism adversely affect molecules regulating dendritic spine formation, function and plasticity, and some increase the mammalian target of rapamycin, mTOR, a regulator of protein synthesis at spines. Here, we investigated whether the Akt/mTOR pathway is disrupted in idiopathic autism and in rats exposed to valproic acid, an animal model exhibiting autistic-like behavior.MethodsComponents of the mTOR pathway were assayed by Western blotting in postmortem fusiform gyrus samples from 11 subjects with idiopathic autism and 13 controls and in valproic acid versus saline-exposed rat neocortex. Additionally, protein levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor receptor (TrkB) isoforms and the postsynaptic organizing molecule PSD-95 were measured in autistic versus control subjects.ResultsFull-length TrkB, PI3K, Akt, phosphorylated and total mTOR, p70S6 kinase, eIF4B and PSD-95 were reduced in autistic versus control fusiform gyrus. Similarly, phosphorylated and total Akt, mTOR and 4E-BP1 and phosphorylated S6 protein were decreased in valproic acid- versus saline-exposed rats. However, no changes in 4E-BP1 or eIF4E were found in autistic brains.ConclusionsIn contrast to some monogenic disorders with high rates of autism, our data demonstrate down-regulation of the Akt/mTOR pathway, specifically via p70S6K/eIF4B, in idiopathic autism. These findings suggest that disruption of this pathway in either direction is widespread in autism and can have adverse consequences for synaptic function. The use of valproic acid, a histone deacetylase inhibitor, in rats successfully modeled these changes, implicating an epigenetic mechanism in these pathway disruptions.

Support for the hypoxia theory in the pathogenesis of infantile haemangioma

The pathogenesis of infantile haemangioma (IH) is unknown. Several mechanisms have been proposed, including hypoxia, which triggers upregulation and stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)1α. HIF1α stimulates downstream transcription of target genes that enhance angiogenesis. To identify possible involvement of hypoxia in the pathogenesis of IH, as hypoxia signalling constitutes a potential therapeutic target. IH tissue samples collected during the period 1991-2011 (preserved in paraffin wax) were immunohistochemically analysed for HIF1α and the known HIF1α targets: BCL2/adenovirus E1B kD-interacting protein family member 3 (BNIP3), carbon anhydrase (CA)-IX, glucose transporter (GLUT)-1, phosphorylated protein kinase B (pAKT), phosphorylated S6 protein (pS6) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Four observers independently assessed the findings. Of the 10 IH samples, 2 appeared to be in the growth phase. In all samples, GLUT-1, BNIP3, pAKT and VEGF were positive, CA-IX was weakly positive, and HIF1α was negative. pS6 was positive in 9/10 cases and negative in 1/10. Several factors implicated in hypoxia-induced angiogenesis may be involved in IH development. However, the small sample size and retrospective approach of the study preclude definitive conclusions. Prospective studies are needed to conclusively determine which of the factors involved in the (hypoxia) cascade are required for an IH to grow, and could thus be a possible target of drugs for IH treatment.

Abstract 3037: Adipokines modulate human mammary stem cell self-renewal through mTOR

Abstract Rationale: Excess visceral adiposity is associated with an increased incidence of a variety of human ailments, including cancer. We tested the hypothesis that adipose-derived factors drive normal mammary stem cell self-renewal. Methods: Visceral adipose tissue explants from obese F344 rats and cultured mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes were grown with serum-free media for 48 hours. Primary human mammary epithelial cells, MCF10A, SUM149 and MCF7 cells were exposed to rhleptin (500 ng/ml), or adipocyte conditioned media and expanded in a non-adherent sphere forming assay for 10 days. Spheres were counted and size was quantified in Image J. Adipokine concentrations were assayed with the Proteome Profiler Adipokine Array. Other cultures were pre-treated with mTOR inhibitors rapamycin (100 nM) or everolimus (100 nM) for 2 hours prior to exposure to rhleptin or adipocyte conditioned media for 2 hours. S6 protein phosphorylation was quantified from Western blots. Results: Data shown in Table 1 suggest that conditioned media from adipose tissue and from 3T3-L1 adipocytes increase human mammary stem cell self-renewal by 103% and 189%, respectively, whereas rhleptin increases stem cell self-renewal by 37%. Blockade of leptin activity with neutralizing antibodies or chimeric soluble receptors reduced the adipocyte conditioned media's stimulation of mammary epithelial cell self-renewal by 10-15%. Media conditioned by the mouse 3T3-L1 adipocytes or primary rat visceral adipose explants increased pS6 protein by 170% in MCF10A cells. mTOR inhibitors reduced rhleptin and adipocyte conditioned media stimulation of self-renewal in MCF10A and normal human mammary stem cells by 78-85%. Conclusion: Adipocyte secreted factors and rhleptin promote increased mammary epithelial cell self-renewal through a process involving the activation of mTOR. Leptin contributes to a small fraction of the activity in adipocyte conditioned media, and is sufficient but not required for mammary stem cell self-renewal. Change in stem cell self-renewalrhLeptin3T3-L1 Adipocyte Conditioned MediaRat Adipose Tissue Conditioned MediaBaseline # Spheres% Change (± SEM)P Value% Change (± SEM)P Value% Change (± SEM)P ValuePrimary human organoids19737 ± 7.005104 ± 20.006190 ± 26.001MCF-10A cells28834 ± 16.043320 ± 32.002389 ± 27.002MCF-7 cells57638 ± 9.007142 ± 15.001262 ± 40.006SUM149 cells95435 ± 6.09174 ± 20.012167 ± 21.003 Citation Format: Ray Esper, Dame Michael, Zora Djuric, William Smith, Max Wicha, Dean Brenner. Adipokines modulate human mammary stem cell self-renewal through mTOR. [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 3037. doi:10.1158/1538-7445.AM2014-3037

Insulin regulates lipid and glucose metabolism similarly in two lines of rainbow trout divergently selected for muscle fat content

Two experimental rainbow trout lines were developed through divergent selection for low (Lean ‘L’ line) or high (Fat ‘F’ line) muscle fat content. Previous nutritional studies suggested that these lines differed in their regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism. Since insulin acts as an anabolic hormone by regulating lipid and glucose metabolism, we put forward the hypothesis that F line might have a stronger sensitivity to insulin than L line. In order to test this hypothesis, bovine insulin was injected into rainbow trout of the two lines fasted for 48h. As expected, insulin induced hypoglycemia and activated Akt-TOR signaling both in the liver and muscle of the two lines. We demonstrate that this was coupled with increased expression of insulin dependent glucose transporter (GLUT4) and transcription factors of fatty acid anabolism (LXR and SREBP1c) in the muscle and liver, respectively, and lower mRNA levels of fatty acid oxidation enzymes (CPT1a, CPT1b and HOAD) in the white muscle of both lines. Regarding the genotype effect, TOR signaling response to insulin was stronger in F line as reflected by the higher phosphorylation of S6 protein and elevated mRNA levels of lipogenic enzyme (FAS) in the liver of F line. This observation was concordant with the higher plasma concentrations of free fatty acids and triglycerides in F line. Moreover, mRNA levels of hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes (G6Pase2, FBPase and PEPCK) and muscle fatty acid oxidation enzymes (CPT1a, CPT1b, HOAD and ACO) were higher in the F line. However, very few insulin-genotype interactions were detected, indicating that insulin induced similar changes in lipid and glucose metabolism in both lines.

Systematic screen for mutants resistant to TORC1 inhibition in fission yeast reveals genes involved in cellular ageing and growth

SummaryTarget of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1), which controls growth in response to nutrients, promotes ageing in multiple organisms. The fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe emerges as a valuable genetic model system to study TORC1 function and cellular ageing. Here we exploited the combinatorial action of rapamycin and caffeine, which inhibit fission yeast growth in a TORC1-dependent manner. We screened a deletion library, comprising ∼84% of all non-essential fission yeast genes, for drug-resistant mutants. This screen identified 33 genes encoding functions such as transcription, kinases, mitochondrial respiration, biosynthesis, intra-cellular trafficking, and stress response. Among the corresponding mutants, 5 showed shortened and 21 showed increased maximal chronological lifespans; 15 of the latter mutants showed no further lifespan increase with rapamycin and might thus represent key targets downstream of TORC1. We pursued the long-lived sck2 mutant with additional functional analyses, revealing that the Sck2p kinase functions within the TORC1 network and is required for normal cell growth, global protein translation, and ribosomal S6 protein phosphorylation in a nutrient-dependent manner. Notably, slow cell growth was associated with all long-lived mutants while oxidative-stress resistance was not.