Antioxidants protect PINK1-dependent dopaminergic neurons in Drosophila

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the most frequent neurodegenerative movement disorder. Mutations in the PINK1 gene are linked to the autosomal recessive early onset familial form of PD. The physiological function of PINK1 and pathological abnormality of PD-associated PINK1 mutants are largely unknown. We here show that inactivation of Drosophila PINK1 (dPINK1) using RNAi results in progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons and in ommatidial degeneration of the compound eye, which is rescued by expression of human PINK1 (hPINK1). Expression of human SOD1 suppresses neurodegeneration induced by dPINK1 inactivation. Moreover, treatment of dPINK1 RNAi flies with the antioxidants SOD and vitamin E significantly inhibits ommatidial degeneration. Thus, dPINK1 plays an essential role in maintaining neuronal survival by preventing neurons from undergoing oxidative stress, thereby suggesting a potential mechanism by which a reduction in PINK1 function leads to PD-associated neurodegeneration.     

RNA binding activity of the recessive parkinsonism protein DJ-1 supports involvement in multiple cellular pathways

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a major neurodegenerative condition with several rare Mendelian forms. Oxidative stress and mitochondrial function have been implicated in the pathogenesis of PD but the molecular mechanisms involved in the degeneration of neurons remain unclear. DJ-1 mutations are one cause of recessive parkinsonism, but this gene is also reported to be involved in cancer by promoting Ras signaling and suppressing PTEN-induced apoptosis. The specific function of DJ-1 is unknown, although it is responsive to oxidative stress and may play a role in the maintenance of mitochondria. Here, we show, using four independent methods, that DJ-1 associates with RNA targets in cells and the brain, including mitochondrial genes, genes involved in glutathione metabolism, and members of the PTEN/PI3K cascade. Pathogenic recessive mutants are deficient in this activity. We show that DJ-1 is sufficient for RNA binding at nanomolar concentrations. Further, we show that DJ-1 binds RNA but dissociates after oxidative stress. These data implicate a single mechanism for the pleiotropic effects of DJ-1 in different model systems, namely that the protein binds multiple RNA targets in an oxidation-dependent manner.     

Hypersensitivity of DJ-1-deficient mice to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrindine (MPTP) and oxidative stress

Mutations of the DJ-1 (PARK7) gene are linked to familial Parkinson's disease. We used gene targeting to generate DJ-1-deficient mice that were viable, fertile, and showed no gross anatomical or neuronal abnormalities. Dopaminergic neuron numbers in the substantia nigra and fiber densities and dopamine levels in the striatum were normal. However, DJ-1-/- mice showed hypolocomotion when subjected to amphetamine challenge and increased striatal denervation and dopaminergic neuron loss induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrindine. DJ-1-/-embryonic cortical neurons showed increased sensitivity to oxidative, but not nonoxidative, insults. Restoration of DJ-1 expression to DJ-1-/- mice or cells via adenoviral vector delivery mitigated all phenotypes. WT mice that received adenoviral delivery of DJ-1 resisted 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyrindine-induced striatal damage, and neurons overexpressing DJ-1 were protected from oxidative stress in vitro. Thus, DJ-1 protects against neuronal oxidative stress, and loss of DJ-1 may lead to Parkinson's disease by conferring hypersensitivity to dopaminergic insults.     

Pathogenesis of Parkinson disease

Although the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease (PD) is still unclear, various studies have uncovered important clues to the cause of the dopaminergic cell death. Accumulating evidence has suggested that both environmental and genetic factors collaborate and cause dopaminergic cell death. Aging, exposure to pesticides, and endogenous toxic agents, such as dopamine derivatives, mighty induce oxidative stress and lead to neurodegeneration. The studies on familial PD-related genes indicate that impairment of the ubiquitin-proteasome system induces the accumulation of misfolded protein, mainly alpha-synuclein, leading to cell death. This review discusses the possible mechanisms, underlying sporadic and familial PD.     

Progressive dopaminergic cell loss with unilateral-to-bilateral progression in a genetic model of Parkinson disease

DJ-1 mutations cause autosomal recessive early-onset Parkinson disease (PD). We report a model of PD pathology: the DJ1-C57 mouse. A subset of DJ-1–nullizygous mice, when fully backcrossed to a C57BL/6J background, display dramatic early-onset unilateral loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in their substantia nigra pars compacta, progressing to bilateral degeneration of the nigrostriatal axis with aging. In addition, these mice exhibit age-dependent bilateral degeneration at the locus ceruleus nucleus and display mild motor behavior deficits at aged time points. These findings effectively recapitulate the early stages of PD. Therefore, the DJ1-C57 mouse provides a tool to study the preclinical aspects of neurodegeneration. Importantly, by exome sequencing, we identify candidate modifying genes that segregate with the phenotype, providing potentially critical clues into how certain genes may influence the penetrance of DJ-1–related degeneration in mice.     

The role of Akt in the signaling pathway of the glycoprotein Ib-IX induced platelet activation

The platelet von Willebrand factor (vWF) receptor, glycoprotein Ib-IX (GPIb-IX), mediates platelet adhesion and induces signaling leading to integrin activation. Phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) is important in GPIb-IX-mediated signaling. PI3K-dependent signaling mechanisms, however, are unclear. We show that GPIb-IX-induced platelet aggregation and stable adhesion under flow were impaired in mouse platelets deficient in PI3K effectors, Akt1 and Akt2, and in human platelets treated with an Akt inhibitor, SH-6. Akt1 and Akt2 play important roles in early GPIb-IX signaling independent of Syk, adenosine diphosphate (ADP), or thromboxane A2 (TXA2), in addition to their recognized roles in ADP- and TXA2-dependent secondary amplification pathways. Knockout of Akt1 or Akt2 diminished platelet spreading on vWF but not on immobilized fibrinogen. Thus, Akt1 and Akt2 are both required only in the GPIb-IX-mediated integrin activation (inside-out signaling). In contrast, PI3K inhibitors abolished platelet spreading on both vWF and fibrinogen, indicating a role for PI3K in integrin outside-in signaling distinct from that in GPIb-IX-mediated inside-out signaling. Furthermore, Akt1- or Akt2-deficiency diminished vWF-induced cGMP elevation, and their inhibitory effects on GPIb-IX-dependent platelet adhesion were reversed by exogenous cGMP. Thus, Akt1 and Akt2 mediate GPIb-IX signaling via the cGMP-dependent signaling pathway.     

NECA and bradykinin at reperfusion reduce infarction in rabbit hearts by signaling through PI3K, ERK, and NO

The adenosine A1/A2 adenosine agonist 5'-(N-ethylcarboxamido) adenosine (NECA) and bradykinin both limit infarction when administered at reperfusion in rabbits. This study compares the signal transduction pathways responsible for their anti-infarct effect. Receptor agonists were administered to isolated rabbit hearts starting 25 min after the onset of a 30-min period of ischemia and continued into the 2-h reperfusion period. Infarct size was measured. Both NECA and bradykinin decreased infarction from 31.5 +/- 2.4% of the risk zone in untreated hearts to 11.8 +/- 2.0% and 15.4 +/- 2.4%, respectively (P<0.05). Protection from both agents was blocked by PD98059, wortmannin, and Nomega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), thus demonstrating dependence on activation of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and stimulation of nitric oxide synthase (NOS). Both wortmannin and PD98059 prevented phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 in NECA-treated hearts, whereas only wortmannin and not PD98059 blocked Akt phosphorylation. These data suggest Akt is upstream of ERK 1/2. In addition, 8-(3-chlorostyryl) caffeine blocked NECA's protection indicating that A2 adenosine receptors trigger NECA's anti-infarct effect. Of note, both bradykinin and acetylcholine (ACh) administered before ischemia to trigger preconditioning's cardioprotection use PI3K and NOS in their signaling pathway. Curiously, however, ACh, unlike bradykinin, was not protective when administered at reperfusion. Hence, both NECA and bradykinin administered at reperfusion protect through a common signaling pathway that includes PI3K, NO, and ERK.     

Hyperglycemia enhances adipogenic induction of lipid accumulation: involvement of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma signaling

The molecular events of hyperglycemia-triggered increase in adipogenic induction of lipid accumulation remain unclear. We examined the effects of hyperglycemia on adipogenic induction of lipid accumulation and its involved signaling molecules, such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), ERKs, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma). Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) isolated from FVB/N mice were capable of differentiating into adipocytes in adipogenic medium. The effects of high glucose (HG) (25.5 mm) were assessed in vitro by RT-PCR, ELISA, flow cytometry, immunostaining, and immunoblotting. The in vivo effect of hyperglycemia was further studied in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic FVB/N mice. Exposure of MSCs to HG enhanced adipogenic induction of lipid accumulation as compared with 5.5 mm glucose. HG increased PPAR gamma expression and PI3K activity and its downstream effector Akt phosphorylation during adipogenesis. Inhibition of PI3K/Akt activity with PI3K inhibitor LY294002 or by expressing the dominant negative p85 or Akt prevented the HG-enhanced PPAR gamma-dependent adipogenic induction of lipid accumulation. Moreover, HG increased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 during adipogenesis. MAPK/ERK inhibitor PD98059 inhibited the PI3K activity, Akt phosphorylation, and lipid accumulation triggered by HG. PI3K inhibitor LY294002 did not affect the HG-increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation during adipogenesis. We next observed that adipogenic induction of lipid accumulation of MSCs isolated from STZ-induced diabetic mice is enhanced. Moreover, triglyceride, PPAR gamma expression, phosphorylated Akt and ERK1/2, and marrow fat in bones of STZ-diabetic mice were also increased. These results suggest that hyperglycemia enhances the adipogenic induction of lipid accumulation through an ERK1/2-activated PI3K/Akt-regulated PPAR gamma pathway.     

PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号转导通路在肝细胞癌发生发展中的作用

PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号转导通路可以通过调控基因表达,在肝细胞癌肿瘤细胞生成、增殖、转移和凋亡等过程中发挥重要作用。简述了PI3K/Akt/mTOR信号通路的组成及功能,对PI3K/Akt/mTOR通路在肝细胞癌进程中的作用机制及相关抑制剂的研究进展进行了综述,揭示阻断PI3K/Akt/mTOR通路可以成为肝细胞癌治疗新的靶点方向。     

Mitochondrial pathology and muscle and dopaminergic neuron degeneration caused by inactivation of Drosophila Pink1 is rescued by Parkin

Mutations in Pink1, a gene encoding a Ser/Thr kinase with a mitochondrial-targeting signal, are associated with Parkinson's disease (PD), the most common movement disorder characterized by selective loss of dopaminergic neurons. The mechanism by which loss of Pink1 leads to neurodegeneration is not understood. Here we show that inhibition of Drosophila Pink1 (dPink1) function results in energy depletion, shortened lifespan, and degeneration of select indirect flight muscles and dopaminergic neurons. The muscle pathology was preceded by mitochondrial enlargement and disintegration. These phenotypes could be rescued by the wild type but not the pathogenic C-terminal deleted form of human Pink1 (hPink1). The muscle and dopaminergic phenotypes associated with dPink1 inactivation show similarity to that seen in parkin mutant flies and could be suppressed by the overexpression of Parkin but not DJ-1. Consistent with the genetic rescue results, we find that, in dPink1 RNA interference (RNAi) animals, the level of Parkin protein is significantly reduced. Together, these results implicate Pink1 and Parkin in a common pathway that regulates mitochondrial physiology and cell survival in Drosophila.     

Cardioprotective stimuli mediate phosphoinositide 3-kinase and phosphoinositide dependent kinase 1 nuclear accumulation in cardiomyocytes

The phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/phosphoinositide dependent kinase 1 (PDK1) signaling pathway exerts cardioprotective effects in the myocardium through activation of key proteins including Akt. Activated Akt accumulates in nuclei of cardiomyocytes suggesting that biologically relevant targets are located in that subcellular compartment. Nuclear Akt activity could be potentiated in both intensity and duration by the presence of a nuclear-associated PI3K/PDK1 signaling cascade as has been described in other non-myocyte cell types. PI3K/PDK1 distribution was determined in vitro and in vivo by immunostaining and nuclear extraction of cultured rat neonatal cardiomyocytes or transgenic mouse hearts. Results show that PI3K and PDK1 are present at a basal level in cardiomyocytes nuclei and that cardioprotective stimulation with atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) increases their nuclear localization. In comparison, overexpression of nuclear-targeted Akt does not mediate increased translocation of either PI3K or PDK1 indicating that accumulation of Akt does not drive PI3K or PDK1 into the nuclear compartment. Furthermore, PI3K and phospho-Akt⁴⁷³ show parallel temporal accumulation in the nucleus following (MI) infarction challenge. These findings demonstrate the presence of a dynamically regulated nuclear-associated signaling cascade involving PI3K and PDK that presumably influences nuclear Akt activation.     

PI3K／Akt通路和帕金森病

帕金森病是常见的神经系统退行性疾病之一,许多研究表明帕金森病的发病与细胞凋亡有关,而多种信号传导途径参与了细胞凋亡的调控。本义主要对PI3K／Akt通路与帕金森病凋亡的关系予以综述。     

PI3K/Akt信号通路调节心脏功能的研究进展

PI3K/Akt是调节心脏功能的一条重要的信号转导通路,主要通过血管内皮生长因子介导血管生成、抑制心肌细胞凋亡、重构心室、促进细胞能量代谢等方面调节心脏功能。研究发现PI3K/Akt信号通路在内分泌疾病、肾病、肝纤维化、肿瘤及心血管疾病的发生、发展中起着重要作用。本文就PI3K/Akt信号通路调节心脏功能的分子机制作一阐述。     

Glimepiride induces proliferation and differentiation of rat osteoblasts via the PI3-kinase/Akt pathway

Glimepiride is a third-generation sulfonylurea agent and is widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition to the stimulatory effects on pancreatic insulin secretion, glimepiride has also been reported to have extrapancreatic functions including activation of PI3 kinase (PI3K) and Akt in rat adipocytes and skeletal muscle. PI3-kinase and Akt are important signaling molecules in the regulation of proliferation and differentiation in various cells. This study investigated the actions of glimepiride in rat osteoblasts and the role of PI3K/Akt pathway. Cell proliferation was determined by measuring absorbance at 550 nm. Supernatant assay was used for measuring alkaline phosphatase activity. Western blot analysis was used for determining collagen I, insulin receptor substrate-1/2, PI3K/Akt, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression. We found that glimepiride significantly enhanced proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts and led to activation of several key signaling molecules including insulin receptor substrate-1/2, PI3K/Akt, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase. Furthermore, a specific inhibitor of PI3K abolished the stimulatory effects of glimepiride on proliferation and differentiation. Taken together, these observations provide concrete evidence that glimepiride activates the PI3K/Akt pathway; and this activation is likely required for glimepiride to stimulate proliferation and differentiation of rat osteoblasts.     

磷脂酰肌醇3激酶/蛋白激酶B/核转录因子E2相关因子2信号通路对高糖状态下人甲状腺乳头状癌K1细胞增殖的作用及机制

目的研究核转录因子E2相关因子2(Nrf2)及磷脂酰肌醇3激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(Akt)信号通路对高糖状态下人甲状腺乳头状癌K1细胞增殖的影响,并探讨糖代谢相关酶在Nrf2及PI3K/Akt影响K1细胞增殖中的作用。方法根据不同处理因素将K1细胞分为5组:正糖组(正糖5.5 mmol/L培养48 h)、高糖组(正糖5.5 mmol/L培养24 h后,换25 mmol/L高糖继续培养24 h)、Nrf2siRNA组(正糖条件下siRNA转染细胞24 h后,换高糖继续培养24 h)、NcsiRNA组(正糖条件下阴性转染细胞24 h后,换高糖继续培养24 h)、LY294002组(正糖条件下培养24 h后,加50μmol/L LY294002预孵育0.5 h再换用高糖培养24 h)。K1细胞按照上述分组处理后分别用以下方法检测相关指标:MTT法检测细胞增殖,细胞免疫荧光法检测Nrf2蛋白的分布,Western blot检测PI3K、p-PI3K、Akt、p-Akt、核Nrf2、浆Nrf2、葡萄糖-6-磷酸脱氢酶(G6PD)、丙酮酸激酶M2(PKM2)蛋白的表达水平。两组数据比较采用独立样本t检验,多组数据比较采用单因素方差分析。结果与正糖组比较,高糖组K1细胞增殖率、PI3K、p-Akt/Akt、Nrf2、G6PD、PKM2表达显著升高[分别为(87.31±3.67)%比(126.64±5.41)%、0.272±0.039比0.425±0.019、0.168±0.035比0.446±0.021、0.308±0.026比0.597±0.014、0.421±0.024比0.626±0.026、0.198±0.023比0.314±0.023,t=6.109~16.951,均P<0.05],Nrf2在细胞核分布的比例显著升高[(21.6±4.5)%比(91.2±3.5)%,χ2=98.497,P<0.01];与高糖组比较,Nrf2siRNA组K1细胞增殖率明显下降,G6PD、PKM2的蛋白表达明显下调,差异有统计学意义(t=8.936、7.056、8.843,均P<0.01),LY294002组也呈现相似的趋势(t=7.228、6.351、7.910;均P<0.01);与高糖组比较,LY294002组K1细胞PI3K、Akt蛋白水平无明显改变,而p-PI3K、p-Akt、核Nrf2、浆Nrf2蛋白水平及Nrf2核浆蛋白比值均被显著抑制(t=5.748~23.572,均P<0.01)。结论高糖可激活PI3K/Akt信号通路,上调Nrf2表达与核转位,上调磷酸戊糖和糖酵解途径相关酶PKM2、G6PD的表达,促进K1细胞增殖。     

Stimulation of mTORC2 by integrin αIIbβ3 is required for PI3Kβ-dependent activation of Akt but is dispensable for platelet spreading on fibrinogen

Abstract

Phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) is a major player in platelet activation and regulates thrombus formation and stabilization. The β isoform of PI3K is implicated in integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling, is required for the phosphorylation of Akt, and controls efficient platelet spreading upon adhesion to fibrinogen. In this study we found that during integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling PI3Kβ-dependent phosphorylation of Akt on Serine473 is mediated by the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2). The activity of mTORC2 is stimulated upon platelet adhesion to fibrinogen, as documented by increased autophosphorylation. However, mTORC2 activation downstream of integrin αIIbβ3 is PI3Kβ-independent. Inhibition of mTORC2, but not mTORC1, also prevents Akt phosphorylation of Threonine308 and affects Akt activity, resulting in the inhibition of GSK3α/β phosphorylation. Nevertheless, mTORC2 or Akt inhibition does not alter PI3Kβ-dependent platelet spreading on fibrinogen. The activation of the small GTPase Rap1b downstream of integrin αIIbβ3 is regulated by PI3Kβ but is not affected upon inhibition of either mTORC2 or Akt. Altogether, these results demonstrate for the first time the activation of mTORC2 and its involvement in Akt phosphorylation and stimulation during integrin αIIbβ3 outside-in signaling. Moreover, the results demonstrate that the mTORC2/Akt pathway is dispensable for PI3Kβ-regulated platelet spreading on fibrinogen.