AMPK promotes TFEB transcriptional activity through dephosphorylation at both mTORC1-dependent and -independent sites [dataset 1]
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ABSTRACT:
ORGANISM(S): Mus musculus
PROVIDER: GSE270824 | GEO | 2026/02/11
REPOSITORIES: GEO
Similar Datasets
Project description:TFEB (transcription factor EB) is a critical regulator of lysosomal biogenesis, macroautophagy/autophagy and energy homeostasis through controlling expression of genes belonging to the coordinated lysosomal expression and regulation network. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has been reported to phosphorylate TFEB at three conserved C-terminal serine residues (S466, S467, S469) and these phosphorylation events were reported to be essential for transcriptional activation of TFEB. In sharp contrast to this proposition, we demonstrate that AMPK activation leads to the dephosphorylation of the C-terminal sites. We show that a synthetic peptide encompassing the C-terminal serine residues of TFEB is a poor substrate of AMPK in vitro. Treatment of cells with an AMPK activator (MK-8722), glucose deprivation or MTOR inhibitor (torin1) robustly dephosphorylated TFEB not only at the MTORC1-targeted N-terminal serine sites, but also at the C-terminal sites. Loss of function of AMPK abrogated MK-8722- but not torin1-induced dephosphorylation and induction of the TFEB target genes.
2026-02-11 | GSE270825 | GEO
Project description:Cells respond to mitochondrial energetic stress with rapid activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which acutely inhibits anabolism and stimulates catabolism. AMPK also induces sustained transcriptional reprogramming of metabolism. The TFEB transcription factor is a major effector of AMPK signals, inducing lysosome genes following energetic stress. Yet the molecular mechanism underlying how AMPK activates TFEB remains unresolved. We demonstrate here that AMPK directly phosphorylates five conserved serine residues in FNIP1, which suppresses the function of the FLCN/FNIP1 RagC GAP complex, in turn controlling TFEB lysosomal localization. We demonstrate that FNIP1 phosphorylation is required for AMPK to induce nuclear translocation of TFEB, which is fully separable from AMPK control of canonical mTORC1 signaling. Using a non-phosphorylatable allele of FNIP1, we show that in parallel to lysosomal biogenesis, AMPK induces mitochondrial biogenesis via TFEB-dependent induction of PGC1a mRNA. This signaling from mitochondrial stress is also independent of amino-acid control of the Rags and TFEB, which still proceed normally in cells bearing the AMPK-non phosphorylatable allele of FNIP1. Taken together, mitochondrial energetic stress triggers AMPK/FNIP1-dependent TFEB nuclear translocation, inducing transcriptional waves of lysosomal and mitochondrial biogenesis.
2023-05-08 | GSE218827 | GEO
Project description:Inhibition of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is increasingly being explored for its therapeutic potential in some diseases, including certain types of cancers. However, AMPK-inhibitory tool compounds have largely been limited to compound C/dorsomorphin and SBI-0206965, both of which display numerous off-target effects and blocking AMPK-independent metabolic processes. Here we describe molecular insights and cellular actions/utility of a recently identified potent AMPK inhibitor BAY-3827. Sequence analysis of highly/lowly-inhibited kinases by BAY-3827, based on in vitro kinase selectivity profiling, predicted key conserved residues involved in the compound-inhibitory effect. A co-crystal structure of the AMPK kinase domain (KD)-BAY-3827 complex resolved at 2.5 Å in comparison with previously reported KD-inhibitor structures, revealed an overlapping binding site in the ATP-binding pocket and common αC helix-out conformations. We identified distinct features of BAY-3827-bound structure which involve a disulfide bridge between αD helix Cys106 and activation loop residue Cys174. This may help to stabilize AMPK conformation upon BAY-3827 binding, where the position of activation loop Asn162 leads the DFG motif Phe158 to adopt a conformation facing the C-terminal kinase lobe displacing His137, leading to a broken regulatory spine and an inactive kinase state. BAY-3827 at 2.5-5 μM, but not structurally resembling inactive BAY-974, fully blocked AMPK activator (MK-8722)-mediated phosphorylation of ACC1 and inhibition of lipogenesis in hepatocytes. Unbiased transcriptome analysis in MK-8722-treated wild-type and AMPK-null hepatocytes revealed that >30% of MK-8722-stimulated AMPK-dependent genes could be downregulated by 5 μM BAY-3827. Based on its greater selectivity and potency substantiated by comprehensive molecular/cellular investigations. BAY-3827 is a powerful tool to delineate AMPK functions.
2025-07-28 | GSE290022 | GEO
Project description:Chronic kidney disease (CKD) remains a tremendous and growing burden on the healthcare system and new therapies are needed to prevent or slow disease progression. Metabolic dysregulation and mitochondrial dysfunction are important features of acute and chronic tissue injury across species, and human genetics and preclinical data suggest that the master metabolic regulator 5'-adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) may be an effective therapeutic target for CKD. Merck has recently disclosed a pan-AMPK activator MK-8722 which was shown to have beneficial effects on metabolic parameters in preclinical models. In this study we investigate the effects of MK-8722 in a progressive model of diabetic nephropathy to determine whether activation of AMPK would be of therapeutic benefit. We find that MK-8722 administration in a therapeutic paradigm is profoundly reno-protective. We provide evidence that the therapeutic effects may be mediated by modulation of renal mitochondrial quality control as well as by attenuating fibrotic and lipotoxic mechanisms in kidney cells. These data further validate the concept that targeting metabolic dysregulation in CKD could be a potential therapeutic approach.
2019-07-25 | GSE134804 | GEO
Project description:Cells experience oxidative stress and widespread cellular damage during stress-induced premature senescence (SIPS). Senescent cells show an increase in lysosomal content, which may contribute to mitigating cellular damage by promoting autophagy. This study investigates the dynamics of lysosomal quality control in human dermal fibroblasts (HDF), specifically examining lysosomal signaling pathways during oxidative stress-induced SIPS. Our results reveal distinct signaling responses between the initial stress phase and the ensuing senescent phenotype. During the stress phase, treatment with tBHP, which undermines the antioxidant response, leads to elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lysosomal damage. ROS accumulation activates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and inhibits Akt, which correlates with the suppression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Inactivation of mTOR during this phase aligns with the activation of transcription factor EB (TFEB), a key regulator of autophagy and lysosomal biogenesis. TFEB knockdown under stress increased apoptosis, highlighting the protective role of TFEB in the stress response. As cells transition to senescence, TFEB activity, required for the autophagic damage repair, becomes less critical. The decrease in ROS levels leads to the normalization of AMPK and Akt signaling, accompanied by the reactivation of mTOR. This reactivation of mTOR, which is critical for establishing the senescent state, is observed alongside the inactivation of TFEB. Consequently, as damage decreases, TFEB activity decreases. Our results suggest a dynamic interplay between TFEB and mTOR, highlighting a critical role of TFEB in ensuring cellular survival during SIPS induction but becoming dispensable once senescence is established.
2025-03-02 | GSE290476 | GEO
Project description:Lysosomes are essential organelles for cellular homeostasis. Defective lysosomes are associated with many human diseases, such as lysosomal storage disorders (LSD). How the cell detects lysosomal defects and then restores lysosomal function remain incompletely understood. Here, we show that STING mediates a common neuroinflammatory gene signature in three distinct lysosomal storage disorders, Galctwi/twi, Ppt1-/-, and Cln7-/-. Transcriptomic analysis of Galctwi/twi brain tissue revealed that STING also mediates the expression of a broad panel of lysosomal genes that are part of the CLEAR (Coordinated Lysosomal Expression and Regulation) signaling pathway, which is regulated by transcriptional factor EB (TFEB). Immunohistochemical and single-nucleus RNA-seq analysis show that STING regulates lysosomal gene expression in microglia in LSD mice. Mechanistically, we show that STING activation in both human and mouse cells leads to TFEB dephosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and expression of target lysosomal genes. In addition, STING-mediated TFEB activation requires its proton channel function, the V-ATPase-ATG5-ATG8 cascade, and is independent of immune signaling. Functionally, we show that the STING-proton channel-TFEB axis plays a role in facilitating lysosomal repair. Together, our data identify STING-TFEB as a lysosomal quality control and recovery mechanism that responds to both genetic and chemically induced lysosomal dysfunction.
2025-04-23 | GSE283768 | GEO
Project description:Obesity is a major risk factor for end-stage kidney disease. We previously found that lysosomal dysfunction and impaired autophagic flux contribute to lipotoxicity in experimental and human obesity-related kidney disease. However, the transcriptional regulators involved in renal lipotoxicity is largely unknown. Here we found palmitic acid (PA) strongly promoted dephosphorylation and nuclear translocation of transcription factor EB (TFEB), which was mediated by inhibition of MTORC1 (mechanistic target of rapamycin kinase complex 1) via Rag GTPase inactivation. PA-induced TFEB nuclear translocation was, however, gradually decreased over a longer treatment. We then investigated the role of TFEB in the pathogenesis of obesity-related kidney disease. High-fat diet (HFD)-fed proximal tubular epithelial cell (PTEC)-specific Tfeb-deficient mice exhibited greater phospholipid accumulation in enlarged lysosomes, which manifested as multilamellar bodies (MLBs). Activated TFEB mediated lysosomal exocytosis of phospholipids, to help PTECs to reduce MLBs/vacuole accumulation. Furthermore, HFD-fed PTEC-specific Tfeb-deficient mice showed autophagic stagnation and exacerbated injury upon renal ischemia-reperfusion. Finally, higher BMI was associated with increased vacuolation and decreased nuclear TFEB in the proximal tubule of CKD patients and we herein proposed a new disease concept “obesity-related tubulopathy (ORT)”. In conclusion, these results indicate a critical role of TFEB-mediated lysosomal exocytosis in counteracting renal lipotoxicity.
2023-01-17 | GSE191216 | GEO
Project description:The target gene activation of TFEB and acetylation mutants differ from the newly synthesized lysosomal enzymes Lysosomes are central to the degradation and recycling of cellular components. They harbor around 70 hydrolytic enzymes and over 250 membrane proteins, and play a key role in cellular homeostasis. One of the main proteins that regulates lysosomal activity is the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) protein kinase. Additionally, the microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MiTF) family members, including TFEB, influence lysosomal and autophagy gene expression by binding to specific DNA sequences. Their functionality is modulated by phosphorylation events. In this study, we discovered acetylation of TFEB at specific lysine residues (K237, K256, and K274) which impacted its DNA binding and localization. Mutations mimicking this acetylation led to cytoplasmic retention of TFEB, independent of mTORC1. Furthermore, while TFEB mutation at these sites didn't hinder its nuclear import, it did alter its gene activation profile. Interestingly, despite these alterations in gene expression, the synthesis of lysosomal proteins within 24 hours remained inconsistent with the transcriptional activity. This suggests that TFEB acetylation acts as a dominant retention signal in the cytoplasm and introduces an additional regulatory layer to phosphorylation-dependent transcriptional activity. The study further indicates a nuanced role for TFEB in modulating lysosomal components in response to cellular conditions.
2025-12-31 | GSE243970 | GEO
Project description:Fibrosis, or the accumulation of extracellular matrix, causes loss of organ function and is a common feature of many chronic diseases. To interrogate core molecular pathways underlying fibrosis, we cross–examine human primary cells from various tissues treated with TGFβ, as well as rodent kidney and liver fibrosis models. Transcriptome analyses reveal that in addition to the known TGFβ signature, cluster of genes involved in fatty acid oxidation are significantly perturbed. Furthermore, defective mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and acylcarnitine accumulation are found in fibrotic tissues. Substantial down-regulation of the PGC1α gene is evident in both in vitro and in vivo fibrosis models, suggesting a common node of metabolic signature for all tissue fibrosis. In order to identify suppressors of fibrosis, we carry out a compound library phenotypic screen and identify AMPK and PPAR as highly enriched targets. We further show that pharmacological treatment of MK-8722 (AMPK activator) and MK-4074 (ACC inhibitor) reduce fibrosis in vivo. Altogether, our work demonstrate that metabolic defect is integral to TGFβ signaling and fibrosis, targeting which represents a promising therapeutic approach for multiple fibrotic diseases.
2020-11-24 | GSE152250 | GEO
Project description:Faithful execution of developmental programs relies on the acquisition of unique cell identities from pluripotent progenitors, a process governed by combinatorial inputs from numerous signaling cascades that ultimately dictate lineage-specific transcriptional outputs. Despite growing evidence that metabolism is integrated with many molecular networks, how pathways that control energy homeostasis may affect cell fate decisions is largely unknown. Here, we show that AMPK, a central metabolic regulator, plays critical roles in lineage specification. Although AMPK-deficient embryonic stem cells (ESCs) were normal in the pluripotent state, these cells displayed profound defects upon differentiation, failing to generate chimeric embryos and preferentially adopting an ectodermal fate at the expense of the endoderm during embryoid body (EB) formation. AMPK-/- EBs exhibited reduced levels of Tfeb, a master transcriptional regulator of lysosomes, leading to diminished endolysosomal function. Remarkably, genetic loss of Tfeb also yielded endodermal defects, while AMPK-null ESCs over-expressing this transcription factor normalized their differential potential, revealing an intimate connection between Tfeb/lysosomes and germ layer specification. The compromised endolysosomal system resulting from AMPK or Tfeb inactivation blunted Wnt signaling, while up-regulating this pathway restored expression of endodermal markers. Collectively, these results uncover the AMPK pathway as a novel regulator of cell fate determination during differentiation. 2 WT and 2 AMPK DKO ESC lines were differentiated into embryoid bodies (EBs) for various lengths of time (2, 4, 8, and 12 days) in high and low glucose conditions. Both ESC and EB samples were profiled by mRNA-seq to examine how global gene expression changes associated with ESC differentiation are affected by AMPK deletion.
2016-03-09 | E-GEOD-77705 | biostudies-arrayexpress