scholarly journals Molecular Mechanisms Controlled by mTOR in Male Reproductive System

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (7) ◽  
pp. 1633 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bruno Moreira ◽  
Pedro Oliveira ◽  
Marco Alves
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Reproductive Potential ◽  
Energy Status ◽  
Mtor Inhibition ◽  
Cytoskeleton Organization ◽  
Downstream Effectors ◽  
Regulate Protein

In recent years, the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has emerged as a master integrator of upstream inputs, such as amino acids, growth factors and insulin availability, energy status and many others. The integration of these signals promotes a response through several downstream effectors that regulate protein synthesis, glucose metabolism and cytoskeleton organization, among others. All these biological processes are essential for male fertility, thus it is not surprising that novel molecular mechanisms controlled by mTOR in the male reproductive tract have been described. Indeed, since the first clinical evidence showed that men taking rapamycin were infertile, several studies have evidenced distinct roles for mTOR in spermatogenesis. However, there is a lack of consensus whether mTOR inhibition, which remains the experimental approach that originates the majority of available data, has a negative or positive impact on male reproductive health. Herein we discuss the latest findings concerning mTOR activity in testes, particularly its role on spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) maintenance and differentiation, as well as in the physiology of Sertoli cells (SCs), responsible for blood–testis barrier maintenance/restructuring and the nutritional support of spermatogenesis. Taken together, these recent advances highlight a crucial role for mTOR in determining the male reproductive potential.

scholarly journals The Hippo Pathway: Biology and Pathophysiology

2019 ◽  
Vol 88 (1) ◽  
pp. 577-604 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shenghong Ma ◽  
Zhipeng Meng ◽  
Rui Chen ◽  
Kun-Liang Guan
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Hippo Pathway ◽  
Size Control ◽  
Tissue Growth ◽  
Cell Contact ◽  
Energy Status ◽  
Downstream Effectors ◽  
Kinase Cascade ◽  
Fate Decision ◽  
The Hippo Pathway

The Hippo pathway was initially discovered in Drosophila melanogaster as a key regulator of tissue growth. It is an evolutionarily conserved signaling cascade regulating numerous biological processes, including cell growth and fate decision, organ size control, and regeneration. The core of the Hippo pathway in mammals consists of a kinase cascade, MST1/2 and LATS1/2, as well as downstream effectors, transcriptional coactivators YAP and TAZ. These core components of the Hippo pathway control transcriptional programs involved in cell proliferation, survival, mobility, stemness, and differentiation. The Hippo pathway is tightly regulated by both intrinsic and extrinsic signals, such as mechanical force, cell–cell contact, polarity, energy status, stress, and many diffusible hormonal factors, the majority of which act through G protein–coupled receptors. Here, we review the current understanding of molecular mechanisms by which signals regulate the Hippo pathway with an emphasis on mechanotransduction and the effects of this pathway on basic biology and human diseases.

scholarly journals Testosterone induces cardiomyocyte hypertrophy through mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 pathway

2009 ◽  
Vol 202 (2) ◽  
pp. 299-307 ◽  
Author(s):  
Francisco Altamirano ◽  
César Oyarce ◽  
Patricio Silva ◽  
Marcela Toyos ◽  
Carlos Wilson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Cardiac Cells ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy ◽  
Akt Inhibitor ◽  
Mtor Inhibition ◽  
Akt Phosphorylation ◽  
Mtorc1 Signaling

Elevated testosterone concentrations induce cardiac hypertrophy but the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Anabolic properties of testosterone involve an increase in protein synthesis. The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway is a major regulator of cell growth, but the relationship between testosterone action and mTORC1 in cardiac cells remains unknown. Here, we investigated whether the hypertrophic effects of testosterone are mediated by mTORC1 signaling in cultured cardiomyocytes. Testosterone increases the phosphorylation of mTOR and its downstream targets 40S ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1; also known as RPS6KB1) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). The S6K1 phosphorylation induced by testosterone was blocked by rapamycin and small interfering RNA to mTOR. Moreover, the hormone increased both extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation. ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 blocked the testosterone-induced S6K1 phosphorylation, whereas Akt inhibition (Akt-inhibitor-X) had no effect. Testosterone-induced ERK1/2 and S6K1 phosphorylation increases were blocked by either 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N,N-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethylester or by inhibitors of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) pathway: U-73122 and 2-aminoethyl diphenylborate. Finally, cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was evaluated by, the expression of β-myosin heavy chain, α-skeletal actin, cell size, and amino acid incorporation. Testosterone increased all four parameters and the increase being blocked by mTOR inhibition. Our findings suggest that testosterone activates the mTORC1/S6K1 axis through IP3/Ca2+ and MEK/ERK1/2 to induce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy.

scholarly journals mTOR is a Key Protein Involved in the Metabolic Effects of Simple Sugars

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 1117 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gemma Sangüesa ◽  
Núria Roglans ◽  
Miguel Baena ◽  
Ana Velázquez ◽  
Juan Laguna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Fatty Acid Uptake ◽  
Metabolic Effects ◽  
Acid Uptake ◽  
Energy Status ◽  
Alcoholic Fatty Liver ◽  
Extracellular Signals ◽  
Excessive Consumption ◽  
Simple Sugar

One of the most important threats to global human health is the increasing incidences of metabolic pathologies (including obesity, type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease), which is paralleled by increasing consumptions of hypercaloric diets enriched in simple sugars. The challenge is to identify the metabolic pathways affected by the excessive consumption of these dietary components when they are consumed in excess, to unravel the molecular mechanisms leading to metabolic pathologies and identify novel therapeutic targets to manage them. Mechanistic (mammalian) target of rapamycin (mTOR) has emerged as one of the key molecular nodes that integrate extracellular signals, such as energy status and nutrient availability, to trigger cell responses that could lead to the above-mentioned diseases through the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism. By activating mTOR signalling, excessive consumption of simple sugars (such as fructose and glucose), could modulate hepatic gluconeogenesis, lipogenesis and fatty acid uptake and catabolism and thus lipid deposition in the liver. In the present review we will discuss some of the most recent studies showing the central role of mTOR in the metabolic effects of excessive simple sugar consumption.

MOLECULAR ASPECTS OF SARCOPENIA PATHOGENESIS IN CHRONOC KIDNEY DISEASE: INTEGRATED ROLE OF mTOR

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 9-16 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Z. Gasanov
Keyword(s):  
Kidney Disease ◽  
Muscle Mass ◽  
Protein Metabolism ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Healthy Person ◽  
Scientific Review ◽  
Cytoskeleton Organization ◽  
Molecular Aspects ◽  
End Stage

In recent decades, the main pathogenetic mechanisms for maintaining muscle mass and strength have been discovered. Most of the scientific papers on the molecular aspects of the  pathogenesis of sarcopenia were focused on the Akt-signaling  pathway. The subject of the study were people of elderly and senile  age, immobilized patients, patients with CKD 1-4 stages, animals. However, recently more attention has been paid to the role  of protein – the mammalian target of rapamycin mTOR. It seems to be a key link in the control of muscle mass and is a promising  marker in understanding the mechanisms of the pathogenesis of  sarcopenia. Its importance in protein metabolism in patients with  end stage kidney disease is not studied and requires further research. The presented scientific review contains  information on the role of mTOR and its components – mTORC1 and mTORC2 in maintaining muscle mass and strength in a healthy  person and in the formation of sarcopenia in patients with CKD. The  general aid of mTORC1 complex is regulation of protein production  which is necessary for cell growth and differentiation. mTORC2  complex functions are not enough studied. It is established that it  plays important role in such biological processes as cytoskeleton  organization, intracellular homeostasis maintaining, so it provides  cell resistance and cell survivability in negative external and internal  impulses. mTOR protein can be considered as promising molecular  marker in diagnostics of protein metabolism early disturbances in  patients with CKD and also as additory factor of sarcopenia severity assessment.

scholarly journals Prematurity blunts the feeding-induced stimulation of translation initiation signaling and protein synthesis in muscle of neonatal piglets

2019 ◽  
Vol 317 (5) ◽  
pp. E839-E851 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jane K. Naberhuis ◽  
Agus Suryawan ◽  
Hanh V. Nguyen ◽  
Adriana Hernandez-Garcia ◽  
Stephanie M. Cruz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Protein Synthesis ◽  
Weight Gain ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Translation Initiation ◽  
Body Weight Gain ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Postnatal Growth ◽  
Neonatal Piglets ◽  
Relative Body Weight ◽  
Regulate Protein

Postnatal growth of lean mass is commonly blunted in preterm infants and may contribute to short- and long-term morbidities. To determine whether preterm birth alters the protein anabolic response to feeding, piglets were delivered at term or preterm, and fractional protein synthesis rates (Ks) were measured at 3 days of age while fasted or after an enteral meal. Activation of signaling pathways that regulate protein synthesis and degradation were determined. Relative body weight gain was lower in preterm than in term. Gestational age at birth (GAB) did not alter fasting plasma glucose or insulin, but when fed, plasma insulin and glucose rose more slowly, and reached peak value later, in preterm than in term. Feeding increased Ks in longissimus dorsi (LD) and gastrocnemius muscles, heart, pancreas, and kidney in both GAB groups, but the response was blunted in preterm. In diaphragm, lung, jejunum, and brain, feeding increased Ks regardless of GAB. Liver Ks was greater in preterm than term and increased with feeding regardless of GAB. In all tissues, changes in 4EBP1, S6K1, and PKB phosphorylation paralleled changes in Ks. In LD, eIF4E·eIF4G complex formation, phosphorylation of TSC2, mTOR, and rpS6, and association of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR1) complex with RagA, RagC, and Rheb were increased by feeding and blunted by prematurity. There were no differences among groups in LD protein degradation markers. Our results demonstrate that preterm birth reduces weight gain and the protein synthetic response to feeding in muscle, pancreas, and kidney, and this is associated with blunted insulin- and/or amino acid-induced translation initiation signaling.

scholarly journals Metabolomics and transcriptomics to decipher molecular mechanisms underlying ectomycorrhizal root colonization of an oak tree

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Sebastiana ◽  
A. Gargallo-Garriga ◽  
J. Sardans ◽  
M. Pérez-Trujillo ◽  
F. Monteiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Ectomycorrhizal Fungus ◽  
Cork Oak ◽  
Mycorrhizal Symbiosis ◽  
Gamma Aminobutyric Acid ◽  
Ectomycorrhizal Symbiosis ◽  
Ectomycorrhizal Roots ◽  
Oak Tree ◽  
Mycorrhizal Roots

AbstractMycorrhizas are known to have a positive impact on plant growth and ability to resist major biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the metabolic alterations underlying mycorrhizal symbiosis are still understudied. By using metabolomics and transcriptomics approaches, cork oak roots colonized by the ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus tinctorius were compared with non-colonized roots. Results show that compounds putatively corresponding to carbohydrates, organic acids, tannins, long-chain fatty acids and monoacylglycerols, were depleted in ectomycorrhizal cork oak colonized roots. Conversely, non-proteogenic amino acids, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and several putative defense-related compounds, including oxylipin-family compounds, terpenoids and B6 vitamers were induced in mycorrhizal roots. Transcriptomic analysis suggests the involvement of GABA in ectomycorrhizal symbiosis through increased synthesis and inhibition of degradation in mycorrhizal roots. Results from this global metabolomics analysis suggest decreases in root metabolites which are common components of exudates, and in compounds related to root external protective layers which could facilitate plant-fungal contact and enhance symbiosis. Root metabolic pathways involved in defense against stress were induced in ectomycorrhizal roots that could be involved in a plant mechanism to avoid uncontrolled growth of the fungal symbiont in the root apoplast. Several of the identified symbiosis-specific metabolites, such as GABA, may help to understand how ectomycorrhizal fungi such as P. tinctorius benefit their host plants.

scholarly journals Molecular mechanisms of microvascular failure in central nervous system injury—synergistic roles of NKCC1 and SUR1/TRPM4

2010 ◽  
Vol 113 (3) ◽  
pp. 622-629 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Marc Simard ◽  
Kristopher T. Kahle ◽  
Volodymyr Gerzanich
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Cerebral Edema ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Extracellular Fluid ◽  
Inflammatory Cells ◽  
Atp Depletion ◽  
Energy Status ◽  
Edema Formation ◽  
Trpm4 Channel

Microvascular failure largely underlies the damaging secondary events that accompany traumatic brain injury (TBI). Changes in capillary permeability result in the extravasation of extracellular fluid, inflammatory cells, and blood, thereby producing cerebral edema, inflammation, and progressive secondary hemorrhage (PSH). Recent work in rat models of TBI and stroke have implicated 2 ion transport proteins expressed in brain endothelial cells as critical mediators of edema formation: the constitutively expressed Na+-K+-2Cl– cotransporter, NKCC1, and the trauma/ischemia-induced SUR1-regulated NCCa-ATP (SUR1/TRPM4) channel. Whereas NKCC1 function requires adenosine 5′-triphosphate (ATP), activation of SUR1/TRPM4 occurs only after ATP depletion. This opposite dependence on intracellular ATP levels implies that one or the other mechanism will activate/deactivate as ATP concentrations rise and fall during periods of ischemia/reperfusion, resulting in continuous edema formation regardless of cellular energy status. Moreover, with critical ATP depletion, sustained opening of SUR1/TRPM4 channels results in the oncotic death of endothelial cells, leading to capillary fragmentation and PSH. Bumetanide and glibenclamide are 2 well-characterized, safe, FDA-approved drugs that inhibit NKCC1 and the SUR1/TRPM4 channel, respectively. When used alone, these drugs have provided documented beneficial effects in animal models of TBI- and ischemiaassociated cerebral edema and PSH. Given the mechanistic and temporal differences by which NKCC1 and the SUR1/TRPM4 channel contribute to the pathophysiological mechanisms of these events, combination therapy with bumetanide and glibenclamide may yield critical synergy in preventing injury-associated capillary failure.

scholarly journals Mammalian target of rapamycin signaling activation patterns in neuroendocrine tumors of the lung

2010 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 977-987 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luisella Righi ◽  
Marco Volante ◽  
Ida Rapa ◽  
Veronica Tavaglione ◽  
Frediano Inzani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuroendocrine Tumors ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Mtor Pathway ◽  
Differential Sensitivity ◽  
Initiation Factor ◽  
Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Mtor Inhibition ◽  
Signaling Activation ◽  
Activation Status

Among alternative therapeutic strategies in clinically aggressive neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the lung, promising results have been obtained in experimental clinical trials with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors, though in the absence of a proven mTOR signaling activation status. This study analyzed the expression of phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR) and its major targets, the ribosomal p70S6-kinase (S6K) and the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1) in a large series of 218 surgically resected, malignant lung NETs, including 24 metastasizing typical carcinoids, 73 atypical carcinoids, 60 large cell neuroendocrine carcinomas (LCNECs), and 61 small cell carcinomas (SCLCs). By immunohistochemistry, low-to-intermediate-grade tumors as compared with high-grade tumors showed higher levels of p-mTOR and phosphorylated S6K (p-S6K) (P<0.001), at variance with phosphorylated 4EBP1 (p-4EBP1), which was mainly expressed in LCNECs and SCLCs (P<0.001). The activated status of mTOR pathway was proved by the strong correlation of p-mTOR with p-S6K and somatostatin receptor(s). Western blot analysis of NET tumor samples confirmed such findings, and differential sensitivity to mTOR inhibition according to mTOR pathway activation characteristics was determined in two lung carcinoid cell lines in vitro. None of the investigated molecules had an impact on survival. However, in low-grade tumors, low p-mTOR expression correlated with lymph node metastases (P=0.016), recurrent disease, and survival (P=0.005). In conclusion, these data demonstrate a differential mTOR activation status in the spectrum of pulmonary NETs, possibly suggesting that mTOR pathway profiling might play a predictive role in candidate patients for mTOR-targeted therapies.

scholarly journals quick-to-court, a Drosophila Mutant With Elevated Levels of Sexual Behavior, Is Defective in a Predicted Coiled-Coil Protein

Genetics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 154 (4) ◽  
pp. 1627-1637
Author(s):  
Peter Gaines ◽  
Laurie Tompkins ◽  
Craig T Woodard ◽  
John R Carlson
Keyword(s):  
Sexual Behavior ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Reproductive Tract ◽  
Coiled Coil ◽  
Virgin Female ◽  
Male Courtship ◽  
Male Reproductive Tract ◽  
New Gene ◽  
Olfactory Organs ◽  
Drosophila Mutant

Abstract Remarkably little is known about the molecular mechanisms that drive sexual behavior. We have identified a new gene, quick-to-court (qtc), whose mutations cause males to show high levels of male-male courtship. qtc males also show a novel phenotype: when placed in the presence of a virgin female, they begin courtship abnormally quickly. qtc mutations are striking in their specificity, in that many aspects of male sexual behavior are normal. We have cloned the qtc gene and found that it encodes a predicted coiled-coil protein and is expressed in the olfactory organs, central nervous system, and male reproductive tract.

scholarly journals AMP-Activated Protein Kinase as a Key Trigger for the Disuse-Induced Skeletal Muscle Remodeling

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (11) ◽  
pp. 3558 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Vilchinskaya ◽  
Igor Krivoi ◽  
Boris Shenkman
Keyword(s):  
Skeletal Muscle ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Histone Deacetylases ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Weight Bearing ◽  
Mammalian Target Of Rapamycin ◽  
Adenosine Monophosphate ◽  
Chain Gene ◽  
Mtorc1 Signaling ◽  
The Impact

Molecular mechanisms that trigger disuse-induced postural muscle atrophy as well as myosin phenotype transformations are poorly studied. This review will summarize the impact of 5′ adenosine monophosphate -activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity on mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)-signaling, nuclear-cytoplasmic traffic of class IIa histone deacetylases (HDAC), and myosin heavy chain gene expression in mammalian postural muscles (mainly, soleus muscle) under disuse conditions, i.e., withdrawal of weight-bearing from ankle extensors. Based on the current literature and the authors’ own experimental data, the present review points out that AMPK plays a key role in the regulation of signaling pathways that determine metabolic, structural, and functional alternations in skeletal muscle fibers under disuse.

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