Regulation of Ligand and Shear Stress-induced Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF1) Signaling by the Integrin Pathway

Mechanical loading of the skeleton, as achieved during daily movement and exercise, preserves bone mass and stimulates bone formation, whereas skeletal unloading from prolonged immobilization leads to bone loss. A functional interplay between the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R), a major player in skeletal development, and integrins, mechanosensors, is thought to regulate the anabolic response of osteogenic cells to mechanical load. The mechanistic basis for this cross-talk is unclear. Here we report that integrin signaling regulates activation of IGF1R and downstream targets in response to both IGF1 and a mechanical stimulus. In addition, integrins potentiate responsiveness of IGF1R to IGF1 and mechanical forces. We demonstrate that integrin-associated kinases, Rous sarcoma oncogene (SRC) and focal adhesion kinase (FAK), display distinct actions on IGF1 signaling; FAK regulates IGF1R activation and its downstream effectors, AKT and ERK, whereas SRC controls signaling downstream of IGF1R. These findings linked to our observation that IGF1 assembles the formation of a heterocomplex between IGF1R and integrin β3 subunit indicate that the regulation of IGF1 signaling by integrins proceeds by direct receptor-receptor interaction as a possible means to translate biomechanical forces into osteoanabolic signals.     

Molecular Regulation of Biosynthesis of Long Chain Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Atlantic Salmon

Marine Biotechnology - Salmon is a rich source of health-promoting omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 LC-PUFA), such as eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, 20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic...     

All-Atom Structural Models for Complexes of Insulin-Like Growth Factors IGF1 and IGF2 with Their Cognate Receptor

Type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R) is a membrane-spanning glycoprotein of the insulin receptor family that has been implicated in a variety of cancers. The key questions related to molecular mechanisms governing ligand recognition by IGF1R remain unanswered, partly due to the lack of testable structural models of apo or ligand-bound receptor complexes. Using a homology model of the IGF1R ectodomain IGF1RΔβ, we present the first experimentally consistent all-atom structural models of IGF1/IGF1RΔβ and IGF2/IGF1RΔβ complexes. Our explicit-solvent molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of apo-IGF1RΔβ shows that it displays asymmetric flexibility mechanisms that result in one of two binding pockets accessible to growth factors IGF1 and IGF2, as demonstrated via an MD-assisted Monte Carlo docking procedure. Our MD-generated ensemble of structures of apo and IGF1-bound IGF1RΔβ agrees reasonably well with published small-angle X-ray scattering data. We observe simultaneous contacts of each growth factor with sites 1 and 2 of IGF1R, suggesting cross-linking of receptor subunits. Our models provide direct evidence in favor of suggested electrostatic complementarity between the C-domain (IGF1) and the cysteine-rich domain (IGF1R). Our IGF1/IGF1RΔβ model provides structural bases for the observation that a single IGF1 molecule binds to IGF1RΔβ at low concentrations in small-angle X-ray scattering studies. We also suggest new possible structural bases for differences in the affinities of insulin, IGF1, and IGF2 for their noncognate receptors.     

Regulation of Growth and Gametangial Formation in Riccia gangetica Ahmad by Some Amino Acids

The present work deals with the effect of six amino acids: asparagine,aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glycine, serine, and tryptophan,on growth and gametangial formation in Riccia gangetica. Allthe amino acids tested enhance vegetative growth, and amongthese glutamic acid proves best. The total number of rhizoidsis reduced in response to amino acids. Aspartic acid and glutamicacid favour antheridial production. In contrast, asparagine,serine, and tryptophan enhance archegonial formation, and amongthese asparagine elicits the best response. Glycine proves bestfor antheridial production, and also increases the number ofarchegonia. Key words: Riccia gangetica, Amino acids, Growth, Gametangial formation     

Regulation of Myogenesis by Fibroblast Growth Factors Requires Beta-Gamma Subunits of Pertussis Toxin-Sensitive G Proteins

Terminal differentiation of skeletal muscle cells in culture is inhibited by a number of different growth factors whose subsequent intracellular signaling events are poorly understood. In this study, we have investigated the role of heterotrimeric G proteins in mediating fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-dependent signals that regulate myogenic differentiation. Pertussis toxin, which ADP-ribosylates and inactivates susceptible G proteins, promotes terminal differentiation in the presence of FGF-2, suggesting that Gα or Gβγ subunits or both are involved in transducing the FGF-dependent signal(s) that inhibits myogenesis. We found that Gβγ subunits are likely to be involved since the expression of the C terminus of β-adrenergic receptor kinase 1, a Gβγ subunit-sequestering agent, promotes differentiation in the presence of FGF-2, and expression of the free Gβγ dimer can replace FGF-2, rescuing cells from pertussis toxin-induced differentiation. Addition of pertussis toxin also blocked FGF-2-mediated activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Ectopic expression of dominant active mutants in the Ras/MAPK pathway rescued cells from pertussis toxin-induced terminal differentiation, suggesting that the Gβγ subunits act upstream of the Ras/MAPK pathway. It is unlikely that the pertussis toxin-sensitive pathway is activated by other, as yet unidentified FGF receptors since PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor)-stimulated MM14 cells expressing a chimeric receptor containing the FGF receptor-1 intracellular domain and the PDGF receptor extracellular domain were sensitive to pertussis toxin. Our data suggest that FGF-mediated signals involved in repression of myogenic differentiation are transduced by a pertussis toxin-sensitive G-protein-coupled mechanism. This signaling pathway requires the action of Gβγ subunits and activation of MAPKs to repress skeletal muscle differentiation.     

Olfactory Imprinting of Amino Acids in Lacustrine Sockeye Salmon

Juvenile salmon have an olfactory ability to imprint their natal stream odors, but neither the odor properties of natal stream water nor the imprinting timing and duration have been clarified as yet. Here we show, using electrophysiological and behavioral experiments, that one-year-old lacustrine sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) can be imprinted around the stage of parr-smolt transformation (PST) by a single amino acid, 1 µM L-proline (Pro), or L-glutamic acid (Glu). We also show by real-time PCR that changes occur in mRNA levels of the salmon olfactory imprinting-related gene (SOIG) around PST. The electro-olfactogram (EOG) responses of test fish exposed to Pro in March (before PST) and April–June (during PST) for 2 weeks were significantly (1.7-fold) greater than those of non-exposed control fish, but not those of test fish exposed in July (after PST). When Pro and control water were added to the water inlets of a two-choice test tank during the spawning season 2 years after the test water exposure, 80% of maturing and matured test fish exposed before and during PST showed a preference for Pro, whereas those exposed after PST did not. The EOG response of test fish exposed to Pro or Glu for 1 hour, 6 hours, 1 day, 7 days, or 14 days in May revealed that only the response after 14 days of exposure was significantly (1.8-fold) greater than the control. The expression levels of SOIG mRNA increased before and during PST, and decreased after PST. We conclude that one-year-old lacustrine sockeye salmon can be imprinted by a single amino acid before and during PST, and that imprinting requires exposure for at least 14 days.     

Negative Regulation of Grb10 Interacting GYF Protein 2 on Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Receptor Signaling Pathway Caused Diabetic Mice Cognitive Impairment

Heterozygous Gigyf2 ^+/− mice exhibits histopathological evidence of neurodegeneration such as motor dysfunction. Several lines of evidence have demonstrated the important role of insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) signaling pathway in the neuropathogenic process of cognitive impairment, while decreased Grb10-Interacting GYF Protein 2 (GIGYF2) expression can alter IGF1R trafficking and its downstream signaling pathways. Growth factor receptor-bound protein 10 (Grb10), a suppressor of IGF1R pathway, has been shown to play a critical role in regulating diabetes-associated cognitive impairment. It remains unknown whether endogenous GIGYF2 expression contributes to the development of diabetes-associated cognitive impairment. Using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice model, we first demonstrated that a significantly increased level of GIGYF2 expression was correlated with a significant decrease in the expression of phosphorylated IGF1R as well as the phosphorylation of AKT and ERK1/2, two signaling pathways downstream of IGF1R, in the hippocampus of diabetic mice. On the contrary, in situ knockdown of GIGYF2 expression in hippocampus resulted in increased expression of phosphorylated IGF1R expression and correspondingly reversed the down-regulation of ERK1/2 phsophorylation but had no obvious effect on Grb10 expression. Functionally, knockdown of GIGYF2 expression markedly ameliorated diabetes-associated cognitive dysfunction as well as the ultrastructural pathology and abnormal neurobehavioral changes. These results suggest that increased expression of GIGYF2 might contribute to the development of diabetes-associated cognitive disorder via negatively regulating IGF1R signaling pathway. Therefore, down-regulation of GIGYF2 expression may provide a potential novel approach to treat diabetes-associated cognitive impairment caused by aberrant IGF1R signaling pathway.     

Regulation of the Hippo-YAP Pathway by G-Protein-Coupled Receptor Signaling

The Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), the largest marsupial carnivore, is endangered due to a transmissible facial cancer spread by direct transfer of living cancer cells through biting. Here we describe the sequencing, assembly, and annotation of the Tasmanian devil genome and whole-genome sequences for two geographically distant subclones of the cancer. Genomic analysis suggests that the cancer first arose from a female Tasmanian devil and that the clone has subsequently genetically diverged during its spread across Tasmania. The devil cancer genome contains more than 17,000 somatic base substitution mutations and bears the imprint of a distinct mutational process. Genotyping of somatic mutations in 104 geographically and temporally distributed Tasmanian devil tumors reveals the pattern of evolution and spread of this parasitic clonal lineage, with evidence of a selective sweep in one geographical area and persistence of parallel lineages in other populations.     

Insulin-Like Growth Factors,Insulin, and Growth Hormone Signaling in Breast Cancer: Implications for Targeted Therapy

ObjectiveIn recent decades, multiple therapeutics targeting the estrogen and human epidermal growth factor-2 (HER2) receptors have been approved for the treatment of breast cancer.MethodsThis review discusses a number of growth factor pathways that have been implicated in resistance to both anti-estrogen and HER2-targeted therapies. The association between growth factors and breast cancer is well established. Over decades, numerous laboratories have studied the link between insulin-like growth factor (IGF), insulin, and growth hormone (GH) to the development and progression of breast cancer.ResultsAlthough preclinical data demonstrates that blockade of these receptors inhibits breast cancer growth, progression, and drug resistance, therapies targeting the IGF, insulin, and GH receptors (GHRs) have not been successful in producing significant increases in progression- free, disease-free, or overall survival for patients with breast cancer. The failure to demonstrate a benefit of growth factor blockade in clinical trials can be attributed to redundancy in IGF, insulin, and GHR signaling pathways. All 3 receptors are able to activate oncogenic phosphoinositide- 3 kinase (PI3K) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways.ConclusionConsequently, multitargeted blockade of growth factor receptors and their common downstream kinases will be necessary for the successful treatment of breast cancer. (Endocr Pract. 2014;20:1214-1221)     

蛋白质修饰对Wnt信号通路的调控

Wnt信号通路与细胞的生长发育和分化等密切相关,是细胞中重要的信号转导途径,在 多种癌症中,都有该通路的异常改变.Wnt信号通路主要是通过一系列蛋白将Wnt信号传导至β连环蛋白（β-catenin,β-cat）,使后者入核并与转录因子T细胞因子/淋巴细胞增 强因子（T cell factor / lymphoid enhancer factor,TCF/LEF）结合,从而促进下游基因的转录,进而调控细胞的多种生理过程.在该通路中,涉及轴蛋白（Axin）、结肠腺瘤样息 肉病蛋白(adenomatous polyposis coli,APC)、糖原合酶激酶3β (glycogen synthase kinase-3β, GSK-3β)、β连环蛋白和酪蛋白激酶I (casein kinase I,CKI)等众多调节因子,这些因子能发生多种化学修饰,如磷酸化、泛素化（ubiquitylation）、苏素化 (small ubiquitin related moditier,SUMO)和乙酰化等,从而影响β连环蛋白、T细胞因子的稳定性、细胞定位以及活性,最终起到调节Wnt信号通路的作用.     

Regulation of Cortical Neuron Migration by the Reelin Signaling Pathway

Reeler is a mutant mouse with defects in layered structures of the central nervous system, such as the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum, and has been extensively examined for more than half a century. The full-length cDNA for the responsible gene for reeler, reelin, was serendipitously identified, revealing that Reelin encodes a large secreted protein. So far, two Reelin receptors, apolipoprotein E receptor 2 and very low-density lipoprotein receptor, and the cytoplasmic adaptor protein Disabled homolog 1 (Dab1) have been shown to be essential for Reelin signaling. Although a number of downstream cascades of Dab1 have also been reported using various experimental systems, the physiological functions of Reelin in vivo remain controversial. Here, we review recent advances in the understanding of the Reelin-Dab1 signaling pathway in the developing cerebral cortex.     

Growth of Atlantic Salmon parr in fluvial and lacustrine habits

The growth of naturally recruited Atlantic salmon Salmo salar parr in fluvial and lacustrine habitats was investigated in three northern Norwegian watercourses. Salmon parr were sampled in autumn with small mesh gillnets in lakes, and by electrofishing in streams. In three northern Norwegian watercourses, lacustrine Atlantic salmon Salmo salar parr were larger in length and weight at age than fluvial parr. Back-calculated lengths indicated that lacustrine salmon parr were recruited from the fastest growing part of the populations and they had larger growth (length) increments between age intervals than fluvial parr. There was no consistent pattern in growth comparisons between parr from the inlet and outlet streams. Temperature regime alone could not explain the growth difference observed between parr from the different habitats.     

小G蛋白Ran对胰腺癌细胞增殖和凋亡的调控

目的:探讨Ras超家族的小G蛋白Ran GTPase在胰腺癌组织及细胞中的表达情况,及其对胰腺癌细胞PANC-1增殖和凋亡的影响.方法:选取胰腺癌石蜡标本及相应正常组织标本各27例进行免疫组织化学染色.用LipofectamineTM2000转染Ran干扰RNA (small interference RNA,siRNA)进入胰腺癌细胞系PANC-1干扰其表达,之后利用Western blot观察Ran的表达情况.运用MTT及流式细胞术分别检测各实验组细胞的增殖和凋亡情况.结果:免疫组化染色显示在胰腺癌组织中Ran的表达阳性率及得分均明显高于癌旁正常组织(P＜0.05).将干扰Ran siRNA转染进入细胞系PANC-1中,利用Westemblot发现Ran的表达明显下调.并且通过MTT实验发现在胰腺癌细胞系PANC-1中下调Ran表达能明显抑制该细胞生长(P＜0.05),并使PANC-1细胞凋亡显著增多(P＜0.05).结论:小G蛋白Ran GTPase在胰腺癌组织及细胞系中高表达,且Ran可以促进胰腺癌细胞PANC-1的增殖,抑制其凋亡.     

两种具有调节血管生成作用的氨基酰-tRNA合成酶

氨基酰-tRNA合成酶是生物体内蛋白质合成过程中的一类关键酶,它催化体内tRNA的氨基酰化反应.作为一类古老的蛋白质,氨基酰-tRNA合成酶在其漫长的进化过程中,通过其他结构域的插入或融合逐渐演化出许多新的功能.最近的研究结果表明,人酪氨酰-tRNA合成酶的片段具有促进血管生成的功能,而人色氨酰-tRNA合成酶的片段则具有抑制血管生长的功能.在哺乳动物细胞中,蛋白质的生物合成途径与细胞信号转导途径紧密相连.今后,随着对氨基酰-tRNA合成酶研究的不断深入,可以通过它们与细胞因子和信号转导相连的功能治疗人类的疾病.     

几种热激蛋白在细胞凋亡信号通路中的调控作用

热激蛋白(heat shock proteins, HSPs)作为进化保守的蛋白家族 之一,普遍存在于各种生物体中,并在生物体内发挥着重要的生理功能.大 量的实验证据表明,热激蛋白与细胞凋亡密切相关,参与细胞凋亡信号通 路的多个环节. 近年来有关该领域的研究已获得了重要的突破与进展.一方 面,热激蛋白主要起着抑制细胞凋亡、促进细胞存活的作用;另一方面, 某些热激蛋白又能够作为凋亡蛋白的分子伴侣,促进细胞凋亡,比如HSP70 能够激活DNase来促使细胞凋亡,线粒体内HSP60能够促进caspase依赖的细 胞凋亡途径.本文在阐明细胞凋亡信号通路的基础上,综述了近年来几种不 同热激蛋白家族（HSP90、 HSP70 、HSP60和小分子HSPs）在细胞凋亡调控 中作用的研究进展,重点阐述了几种主要热激蛋白与细胞凋亡信号通路上 相关因子的相互作用,并绘制了热激蛋白在细胞凋亡信号通路中的调控图 ,为进一步完善细胞凋亡调控网络研究提供一定的参考.     

Ethanol Induces Apoptosis in Cerebellar Granule Neurons by Inhibiting Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1 Signaling

Abstract: The ability of ethanol to interfere with insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)-mediated cell survival was examined in primary cultured cerebellar granule neurons. Cells underwent apoptosis when switched from medium containing 25 m M K⁺ to one containing 5 m M K⁺. IGF-1 protected granule neurons from apoptosis in medium containing 5 m M K⁺. Ethanol inhibited IGF-1-mediated neuronal survival but did not inhibit IGF-1 receptor binding or the neurotrophic action of elevated K⁺, and failed to potentiate cell death in the presence of 5 m M K⁺. Inhibition of neuronal survival by ethanol was not reversed by increasing the concentration of IGF-1. Significant inhibition by ethanol (15–20%) was observed at 1 m M and was half-maximal at 45 m M . The inhibition of IGF-1 protection by ethanol corresponded to a marked reduction in the phosphorylation of insulin receptor substrate 1, the binding of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase), and a block of IGF-1-stimulated PI 3-kinase activity. The neurotrophic response of IGF-1 was also inhibited by the PI 3-kinase inhibitor LY294002, the protein kinase C inhibitor chelerythrine chloride, and the protein kinase A inhibitor KT5720, but unaffected by the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase inhibitor PD 98059. These data demonstrate that ethanol promotes cell death in cerebellar granule neurons by inhibiting the antiapoptotic action of IGF-1.