PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路及其在卵巢癌治疗中的应用

卵巢癌是女性生殖系统常见的恶性肿瘤,发病率居于妇科恶性肿瘤第三位,死亡率居于妇科恶性肿瘤之首。目前对卵巢癌的标准治疗包括肿瘤细胞减灭术及卡铂和紫杉醇的联合化疗。PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路在卵巢癌的细胞增殖、侵袭、细胞周期进展、血管生成及耐药中发挥重要作用,是卵巢癌中最常发生改变的细胞内途径。本文对PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路及其在卵巢癌增殖和进展中的影响、PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路抑制剂在卵巢癌中的治疗应用做简要综述。     

Effects of streptozotocin-induced type 1 maternal diabetes on PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in the hippocampus of rat neonates

Diabetes in pregnancy impairs hippocampus development in offspring, leading to behavioral problems and learning deficits. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in the regulation of neuronal proliferation, survival and death. The present study was designed to examine the effects of maternal diabetes on PKB/Akt expression and phosphorylation in the developing rat hippocampus. Wistar female rats were maintained diabetic from a week before pregnancy through parturition and male offspring was killed at first postnatal day (P1). The hippocampal expression and phosphorylation level of PKB/Akt, one of the key molecules in PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, was evaluated using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot analysis. We found a significant bilateral downregulation of AKT1 gene expression in the hippocampus of pups born to diabetic mothers (p?<?0.05). Interestingly, our results revealed a marked upregulation of Akt1 gene in insulin-treated group compared with other groups (p?<?0.05). The western blot analysis also showed the reduction of phosphorylation level of all AKT isoforms in both diabetic and insulin-treated groups compared with control (p?<?0.05). Moreover, the results showed a significant increase in phosphorylation level of AKT in insulin-treated group compared with the diabetic group. These results represent that diabetes during pregnancy strongly influences the regulation of PKB/AKT in the developing rat hippocampus. Furthermore, although the control of glycemia by insulin administration is not sufficient to prevent the alterations in PKB/Akt expression, it modulates the phosphorylation process, thus ultimately resulting in a situation comparable to that found in the normal condition.     

Caveolin-1 gene silencing promotes the activation of PI3K/AKT dependent on Erα36 and the transformation of MCF10A~(CE)

ERα36,a variant of estrogen receptor-α,acts as a dominant-negative factor in both estrogen-dependent and estrogen-independent transactivation signaling pathways,and is a key factor in the promotion,progression and prognosis of breast cancers.Caveolin-1,a 22-to 24-kD integral membrane protein,may function as a tumor suppressor in inhibiting of many growth-promoting signaling pathways.It was shown that downregulation of Caveolin-1 strengthens the interaction of ERα and Caveolin-1.In conclusion,Caveolin-1 gene silencing activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in an ERα36-dependent way.Our finding may provide a promising therapeutic target of breast cancer.     

Targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway: a potential new weapon in the global fight against SARS-CoV-2?

Commentary on ''Capivasertib restricts SARS-CoV-2 cellular entry: a potential clinical application for COVID-19'' by Sun et al.     

PI3K/AKT 通路参与调控乳腺癌多药耐药和侵袭转移的研究

目的:探讨磷脂酰肌醇-3-激酶/丝苏氨酸蛋白激酶(phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/serine-threonine kinase,PI3K/AKT)信号通路与乳腺癌多药耐药和侵袭转移的相关性。方法:以乳腺癌细胞系MCF-7为母本,持续低浓度加药诱导建立阿霉素(Adriamycin,ADR)耐药系MCF-7/ADR’。细胞免疫荧光检测两细胞系中磷酸化AKT(phosphorylated AKT,P-AKT)、P-糖蛋白(P-Glycoprotein,P-gp)、基质金属蛋白酶2(matrix metalloproteinase-2,MMP-2)的表达。PI3K抑制剂LY294002作用两系前后,Western Blot检测P-AKT、MMP-2、P-gp的表达改变及qRT-PCR检测MMP-2、MDR1的表达改变。结果:P-AKT、P-gp(MDR1)、MMP-2在MCF-7中为低表达或不表达,MCF-7/ADR’中为高表达。LY294002作用两系后,P-AKT、P-gp(MDR1)、MMP-2在MCF-7/ADR’中的表达明显减低(P<0.05),MCF-7无明显改变。结论:抑制PI3K/AKT信号通路可有效降低MCF-7/ADR’耐药和侵袭转移能力,PI3K/AKT通路是调控乳腺癌多药耐药和侵袭转移的重要信号通路之一。     

Cell membrane mediated (−)-epicatechin effects on upstream endothelial cell signaling: Evidence for a surface receptor

The consumption of cacao-derived products, particularly in the form of dark chocolate is known to provide beneficial cardiovascular effects in normal individuals and in those with vascular dysfunction (reduced nitric oxide [NO] bioavailability and/or synthesis). Upstream mechanisms by which flavonoids exert these effects are poorly understood and may involve the participation of cell membrane receptors. We previously demonstrated that the flavanol (−)-epicatechin (EPI) stimulates NO production via Ca⁺²-independent eNOS activation/phosphorylation. We wished to investigate the plausible participation of a cell surface receptor using a novel cell-membrane impermeable EPI–Dextran conjugate (EPI–Dx). Under Ca²⁺-free conditions, human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC) were treated for 10 min with EPI or EPI–Dx at equimolar concentrations (100 nM). Results demonstrate that both EPI and EPI–Dx induced the phosphorylation/activation of PI3K, PDK-1, AKT and eNOS. Interestingly, EPI–Dx effects were significantly higher in magnitude than those of EPI alone. The capacity of EPI–Dx to stimulate cell responses supports the existence of an EPI cell membrane receptor mediating eNOS activation.     

顺铂热化疗对卵巢癌PI3K/AKT 及凋亡相关调控因子表达的影响

目的:顺铂热化疗对卵巢癌中PI3K/AKT与凋亡相关调控因子表达的影响。方法:收集我院收治的卵巢癌患者60例,随机分为对照组和实验组,每组各30例,对照组患者给予顺铂化疗方案,实验组患者在对照组基础上进行热疗。观察并比较两组患者治疗前后PI3K,AKT及CA125水平的变化情况以及临床疗效。结果:与治疗前相比,治疗后两组患者PI3K,AKT及CA125水平均下降,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);与对照组相比,实验组患者治疗后PI3K,AKT及CA125水平较低,差异具有统计学意义(P0.05);实验组临床总有效率(80.0%)高于对照组(70.0%),差异具有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论:与单纯应用顺铂相比,顺铂热化疗能够降低卵巢癌患者PI3K,AKT及CA125水平,提高临床疗效,对临床有指导意义。     

Inhibition of the AKT pathway in cholangiocarcinoma by MK2206 reduces cellular viability via induction of apoptosis

Introduction

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive disease with limited effective treatment options. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway represents an attractive therapeutic target due to its frequent dysregulation in CCA. MK2206, an allosteric Akt inhibitor, has been shown to reduce cellular proliferation in other cancers. We hypothesized that MK2206 mediated inhibition of Akt would impact CCA cellular viability.

Study methods

Post treatment with MK2206 (0-2 μM), cellular viability was assessed in two human CCA cell lines—CCLP-1 and SG231—using an MTT assay. Lysates from the MK2206 treated CCA cells were then examined for apoptotic marker expression levels using Western blot analysis. Additionally, the effect on cellular proliferation of MK2206 treatment on survivin depleted cells was determined.

Results

CCLP-1 and SG231 viability was significantly reduced at MK2206 concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 2 μM by approximately 44%, 53%, and 64% (CCLP-1; p = 0.01) and 32%, 32%, and 42% (SG231; p < 0.00005) respectively. Western analysis revealed a decrease in AKT^Ser473, while AKT^Thr308 expression was unchanged. In addition, cleaved PARP as well as survivin expression increased while pro-caspase 3 and 9 levels decreased with treatment. Depletion of survivin in CCLP-1 cells resulted in apoptosis as evidenced by increased cleaved PARP. In addition, survivin siRNA further enhanced the antitumor activity of MK2206.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that by blocking phosphorylation of Akt at serine473, CCA cellular growth is reduced. The growth suppression appears to be mediated via apoptosis. Importantly, combination of survivin siRNA transfection and MK2206 treatment significantly decreased cell viability.     

MT1过表达可通过抑制PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路影响SKOV3细胞的增殖与凋亡

卵巢癌是一种常见的威胁女性健康的恶性肿瘤。然而卵巢癌的发生机制尚不清楚。该研究旨在探讨褪黑激素受体MT1在人卵巢癌SKOV3细胞中的作用及其主要机制。采用MT1-pcDNA3.1质粒(MT1组)与空载体pcDNA3.1(对照组)转染SKOV3细胞,未转染SKOV3细胞作为阴性对照组。转染48 h后,新鲜培养基培养24 h或48 h,观察细胞周期、增殖、凋亡情况,上清液检测褪黑激素表达。此外,在血清缺乏培养基培养细胞并转48 h后,更换新鲜培养基并加入4μmol/L PF-04691502抑制剂孵化24 h。测定AKT蛋白水平、总mTOR蛋白水平和相应磷酸化蛋白水平。结果显示,与NC组相比,MT1组在细胞周期S期阻滞(P<0.05),伴随增殖减少和早期凋亡(P<0.05)。3组细胞上清液检测到褪黑激素分泌均随时间增加(P<0.05)。Western blot分析显示,MT1过表达抑制了PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路的激活。该研究得出,SKOV3细胞有自行分泌褪黑激素的能力。MT1过表达可与内源性褪黑激素结合,抑制PI3K/AKT/mTOR信号通路的激活,最终发挥抗癌作用。     

DMBT1 suppresses progression of gallbladder carcinoma through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway by targeting PTEN

ABSTRACT

Gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) is a highly lethal malignancy of the gastrointestinal tract. Despite extensive research, the underlying molecular mechanism of GBC remains largely unclear. Deleted in malignant brain tumors 1 (DMBT1) is low-expression during cancer progression and as a potential tumor-suppressor gene in various types of cancer. However, its role in Gallbladder cancer remains poorly understood. Here, we found that DMBT1 was significantly low-expression and deletion of copy number in GBC tissues by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Overexpression of DMBT1 impaired survival, promoted apoptosis in GBC cells in vitro, and inhibited tumor progression in vivo. Further study of underlying mechanisms demonstrated that DMBT1 combined with PTEN which could stabilize PTEN protein, resulting in inhibiting the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Our study revealed a new sight of DMBT1 as a tumor-suppressor gene on the PI3K/AKT pathway in GBC, which may be a potential therapeutic target for improving treatment.     

Feedback loops blockade potentiates apoptosis induction and antitumor activity of a novel AKT inhibitor DC120 in human liver cancer

The serine/threonine kinase AKT is generally accepted as a promising anticancer therapeutic target. However, the relief of feedback inhibition and enhancement of other survival pathways often attenuate the anticancer effects of AKT inhibitors. These compensatory mechanisms are very complicated and remain poorly understood. In the present study, we found a novel 2-pyrimidyl-5-amidothiazole compound, DC120, as an ATP competitive AKT kinase inhibitor that suppressed proliferation and induced apoptosis in liver cancer cells both in vitro and in vivo. DC120 blocked the phosphorylation of downstream molecules in the AKT signal pathway in dose- and time-dependent manners both in vitro and in vivo. However, unexpectedly, DC120 activated mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway that was suggested by increased phosphorylation of 70KD ribosomal protein S6 kinase (P70S6K) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). The activated mTORC1 signal was because of increase of intracellular Ca²⁺ via Ca²⁺/calmodulin (CaM)/ signaling to human vacuolar protein sorting 34 (hVps34) upon AKT inhibition. Meanwhile, DC120 attenuated the inhibitory effect of AKT on CRAF by decreasing phosphorylation of CRAF at Ser259 and thus activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway. The activation of the mTORC1 and MAPK pathways by DC120 was not mutually dependent, and the combination of DC120 with mTORC1 inhibitor and/or MEK inhibitor induced significant apoptosis and growth inhibition both in vitro and in vivo. Taken together, the combination of AKT, mTORC1 and/or MEK inhibitors would be a promising therapeutic strategy for liver cancer treatment.